A Hogwarts Romance: Ron Weasley (IN PROGRESS AND UNDER EDITING)

I'll Protect You

*Ron's Point Of View*

"We could do the Obliviate charm on Draco to make him forget who you are," I suggest to Bella a few days after the first incident of Draco stalking Bella and harassing her. "Simple. We do the Charm, and he forgets who you are. Maybe then he'll leave you alone."

"No. I don't think that would work," Bella sighs, looking defeated. "Sure, he'll forget me, but later when he sees me in class or in the halls or something, he might start crushing on me all over again. What good would that do? He wouldn't know my name or the slightest thing about me, but he could still manage to have a crush on me. He'd probably continue to follow me and harass me... possibly even more than he does now."

"Well, I haven't got any idea of what else we could to do," I sigh as I lean back on my bed, trying hard to come up with another idea. 

"Maybe we could just hide away forever," Bella says with a sad half-smile. "Just you and me, hiding from Draco together."

That sounds perfect to me, I think to myself silently. Just the two of us together forever. No Draco and no one to hold us back. Just me and Bella... together.

"You're the best friend I've ever had. You know that, Ron?" Bella says. She moves over on the bed and lies up against my side. I bite my lip and smile, and Bella continues talking. "You're really the best friend I could have ever asked for. You know I'm best mates with Harry and Hermione too... but you're the best."

"You think so?" I say with a grin.

"Yeah," Bella says, smiling shyly.

"Brilliant," I say. I take Bella's hands in mine and roll onto my side so that we are now nose-to-nose and face-to-face on the bed. "Because you're my favourite too."

"Really?" Bella says, blushing.

"Yes," I say seriously, nodding my head. "You've always been my favourite, Bella."

"I'm flattered," Bella giggles. "Honestly." 

Oh God, that little giggle of hers kills me. My heart seems to jump for joy at the familiar sound. I wish I could kiss her right here and right now. Maybe I should. Actually, I really should. I take a deep breath and-

"Wait," Bella says suddenly, interrupting my thoughts. Her eyes light up. "I... I've got an idea! I think I know how I can get Draco to leave me alone!"

"How?" I ask.

"You can be my bodyguard!" Bella gasps.

"Your bodyguard?" I say.

"Yes. My bodyguard," Bella confirms, nodding.

"How would that work?" I ask.

"You could follow me around to classes and stuff. You know, to protect me if anything happens. If you're at my side at all times, maybe Draco won't come at me! He'll know to stay away. He'll know you can beat him up if he gets too close. We can get Fred and George to help too, in case he isn't scared by you," Bella says. Her dark eyes flash with excitement. "Oh, this is perfect! Don't you think?"

"It's a brilliant idea!" I say. "But what if it doesn't work?"

"We won't know until we try," Bella says wisely.

"Good point," I say. "But I'm your best friend! It seems weird for you to call me a bodyguard, considering that's not exactly what I am."

"I won't call you a bodyguard, silly," Bella chuckles. "I'll just say it how it is... you're my best friend, Ron Weasley, and nothing other than that. You don't need a title like 'bodyguard' or any of that. You're just... you! You're just... my best friend."

But I want to be so much more than friends with you, I think silently. I love you. I want to marry you!

"So what do you say?" Bella asks. "Are you up for it?" She suddenly blushes and sort of backs down. "I mean, only if you want to! You don't have to. I'm sorry I said anything. If you don't want to, you don't have to do it. It was just an idea."

"Bella, I would love to," I say with a grin. "And I'll ask Fred and George, but I already know they'll be in on it. Consider us your unofficial bodyguards-that-aren't-bodyguards! We will walk you to class and stay with you whenever you're alone. No matter what, I will protect you."