The project- blairon

Chapter 16

Lessons had just ended so Ron was heading to the library to meet Hermione. He just hoped it was about something normal for once. Like homework or Fred and George's new prank. Something other than this mess he'd got himself into. Every second there seemed to be this new thing happening, a plan that always went terribly.

Spotting Hermione sitting near the back of the room, he walked over. "So what is it you called me here for?" Ron asked. Hermione motioned for him to sit down. She began, "Well you know me and Pansy?
"Yeah," He replied.
"We're ready to tell people and all that," Hermione explained, "so-"
"So?" Ron questioned.
"Since we spend a lot of time together and everything," she explained, "Malfoy and that will be hanging out with our group." She stared at Ron for a second, trying to gauge his response.

After a moment of no one talking Hermione resumed talking: "Malfoy, Pansy and, Blaise-"
"Look, I don't know what you expect me to do." Ron started, "i just ended things with the guy and now you want me to act all friendly like nothing happened."
"I know I'm asking a lot but it's not like you have to be best friends, you don't even have to speak. Just act normally, please-" Hermione persuaded. Ron enquired, "When are you planning to do this?"
Hermione answered, "Tomorrow."
"Ugh, so soon." He sighed. "I'll try, ok. Just give me until the weekend's over to try and get a little sanity in before I have to do this."
"Sure, you're still coming to Hogsmede on Sunday though, right?" Hermione queried.
Ron responded: "Yeah- I guess I won't be with the group then. I'll figure it out."

Time skip to Sunday:

Everyone was queuing up ready to go to Hogsmede. Most students seemed excited as usual, with sounds of light talking filling the air. Ron was standing by himself a good distance away from the rest of the group; he didn't fancy running into them today.

Just as he was thinking this, Harry appeared next to him. To Ron's relief, it was only Harry that had joined him. "I'm not sure about you but I don't exactly feel like being around Malfoy all day." Harry suggested, "Wanna hang out today?"
"Yeah, sure mate." Ron agreed.

Mcgonagall dismissed everyone so they were free to explore the town. Ron asked, "Where'd you want to go first?"
"I've got to go to that place near the Shreiking Shack first, I got to do something. After that we could go to the tree broomsticks for butterbeers." Harry responded.
"I'll go with you." Ron stated, "there's no point standing here by myself."

They passed Honeyduke's, which was already overflowing with customers. Some people were stocking up for the whole year since Hogwarts didn't exactly hand out sweets- and eveyone had learned the hard way not to trust Fred and George's concoctions. (It turned out canary creams were meant quite literally).

Reaching the end of the buildings they began to trudge up the hill that lead to a decent view of the Shrieking Shack- at least close as they were allowed to go.

There was someone sitting there already. Blaise , surprisingly by himself. Ron guesses he must've had the same idea as himself about this whole scenario. Harry went to walk further forwards but Ron pulled him back. "What?" He questioned.  Ron stated, "I can't go up there."
"Why?" Harry asked, " it's only Zabini." Ron didn't respond, trying desperately to conjure up an excuse. Harry must've seen the troubled look on his face because a look of realisation struck him. "Ron, go talk to him. If you have to pretend to be friends you have to talk sometime. Maybe it would make things less awkward."  Harry lectured.
"Less awkward?" Ron questioned.
Harry stressed, "Just go."

Ron walked into Blaise's vision: "Hey."