Don't Act Like You Know Me

Year 3 - We Can't Let That Happen

In no time at all, it was Christmas time. Harry hadn't been able to play Quidditch since his broom had splintered into pieces. Now, Hermione sat quietly in the common room, reading. "Hermione?" a voice called.

"What?" Hermione looked up to see Ron take a seat next to her. "No," she shut her book and began to leave.

"Wait, Hermione," Ron took her hand. Hermione stopped.

"Don't touch me," she yanked her hand away.

"Just please, sit down."

"And why should I listen to you?"

"You shouldn't, but I'd like you to."

"What is it you have to say?" Hermione reluctantly sat down on the cushion farthest away from Ron. 

"I'm sorry."

"I think the time for apologies has long passed, Ronald."

"Just please listen to me, Hermione. I was angry and I said something I didn't mean."

"You're just as bad as him," Hermione muttered.

"Well I hardly think-"

"You're just as bad as him!" Ron stayed silent. "Possibly worse."

"How am I worse than Malfoy?" 

"Well, when he said what he said, he didn't stop apologizing until I forgave him. He didn't stop trying to reach out to me. He was always there. Even when I was petrified last year, he still came to see me every single day. Not to mention, he got terrible burns all over his hands and arms just to save the potion that would restore me. Would you do that?" Ron sat silently. "He never stopped convincing me that he was most regretful. He never stopped trying to convince me that he would never ever think about doing it again. He made me believe him and I do believe him. Don't forget that you and Harry were cruel to him on our very first day of Hogwarts. Maybe you should think before you speak."

"I don't really know what to say," Ron said. "I brought you some Peppermint Frogs that I got at Hogsmeade." Hermione eyed the chocolate. She snatched the light blue bag from him.

"Thanks," Hermione said. She couldn't resist those damn Peppermint Frogs

"Hermione, I'm so sorry. I was an idiot."

"Yes, you were."

"I can't promise that I'll never be an idiot ever again, but I can promise you that I will never say that to you again." Hermione stared at him. "Okay?"

"Okay," Hermione said softly. She smiled gently.

"C'mere, Hermione," Ron wrapped Hermione in a hug. Hermione sat there as Ron embraced her. The hug was silent and awkward.

"Thanks, Ron," Hermione said when he released her.

"Don't thank me," Ron stood up off of the couch. "Would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me tomorrow, Hermione?" 

"Sure," Hermione grimaced as Ron retreated back to his dorm. Hermione slumped down on the couch, not knowing what to think of herself and her standards. 

The next morning, Hermione was very excited to go to Hogsmeade with Ron. She wouldn't normally be excited since Harry couldn't go, but she felt fine since Ron and her made up. "Morning, Ron," she said as she came down the stairs.

"Hello, Hermione," Ron said.

"Whoa," Harry said from the corner. "You two are speaking?"

"Sort of," Hermione said. "Ron actually apologized to me."