Break it Up (Ron Weasley)

7. The Contest

In Potions, Slughorn waltzed to the front of the room and began explaining today's lesson.

Ron suddenly leaned in close to me. "I have an idea," he whispered.

Before he could explain further, Slughorn began listing off the directions for today's lab. "I would like you all to work with your desk partners to try and craft Liquid Luck. Whoever is the first to do so will win this little potion as their prize."

Hermione and Harry immediately jumped into action, as expected. I looked back at Ron. "Okay, what's the idea?"

"Quick," he said, glancing around. "Flirt with me."

I was caught off guard by this sudden request. I was terrible at flirting. At least, I'm pretty sure I was. It's not like I've had many opportunities to test my abilities.

"What?" I asked, still unsure of the request.

"People are still expecting something from the two of us," he said. "Flirt with me."

Hesitantly, I pulled the elastic holding my hair up in a ponytail out and shook my head as my hair fell around my face. Ron was standing over the desk, leaning on his hands placed on either side of the textbook. I leaned over behind him and put my face close to his.

"Good?" I asked, our faces now uncomfortably close for both of our likings. "Perfect," he breathed. "People are definitely noticing."

I looked around quickly to see most of the class whispering as they stared at us. This center of attention thing was something happening to me a lot lately.

Hermione in particular seemed to be focused on us, which was unusual of her to do while in class. Ron noticed this and encouraged me. "Do more."

My mind raced trying to think of something else to do. I put my hands on his shoulders and leaned down so that my lips were inches from his ear. "How's this?" I whispered.

Hermione instantly looked away at the sight of this. Her mouth curved into a frown.

This was totally working.

"Get a room," Draco hissed from behind us. The class laughed collectively.

Ron's eyes were fixed on Hermione who was purposely keeping her eyes on her textbook. Harry was glaring at us.

I gave up the act and stood next to Ron now. "Let's just work on the potion now," I encouraged, waving the book up in front of his face.

"Yeah, okay," he answered distractedly, still gazing longingly at Hermione.

"I think that was good though," I said. "Definitely got her attention." Ron nodded and shrugged.

"Okay, liquid luck," I started, grabbing the book and pulling it over in front of me.

"Did she look sad to you?" Ron asked.

"Uh, I don't know if I'd say sad..." I remarked, looking back at Hermione who was now fully focused on the making of her potion. "More like jealous. And a little shocked."

Ron grinned. "Good."

"Okay, let's get to work. Maybe if we win this thing we can use the liquid luck for our plan," I said, trying to encourage Ron to actually do some work.

His eyes lit up. "You're right!" he exclaimed, suddenly motivated. "Let's get to work!"

Ron is really smart. He's good at school when he wants to be. He immediately sprung into action and was neck and neck with Hermione when creating the potion.

"How's she doing?" he asked, not looking up from stirring a mysterious substance in his pot furiously. I glanced over to Hermione, who was doing the same. "It looks like you guys are at about the same point."

He scoffed. "Well, we need it more than she does." Suddenly, he stopped mixing. He took his hand and spoon out of the pot. "Sir," he began, looking at Slughorn. "I think I've finished."

Slughorn made his way over to our desk. Hermione continued to stir like a mad woman over next to us. If Ron hadn't gotten it right, then she would be right behind him. And Merlin knows Hermione won't get it wrong.

Slughorn leaned over and inspected the substance Ron had created. He sniffed it, taking his time while mulling it over. "Mr. Weasley..." he started, building up the suspense for all of us. "This is perfect."

Ron's concerned expression melted into a grin as the rest of the class cheered. Even Hermione, who wasn't the world's best loser, gave him a small smile as she clapped her hands in awe.

Ron was ecstatic. He held his arms open toward me and squeezed me tight.

I have to admit, I didn't think ever in my life I'd be hugging Ron Weasley. I'm sure it was just a spur of the moment kind of thing. You know, a celebratory hug. Between desk partners who just won a contest.

But the hug felt nice. Ron really was strong, like I'd observed before. And he smelled just like autumn. It was comforting there, between his arms and chest.

He let go soon after and pumped his fist in the air as the class continued cheering. He's kind of cute when he's excited.

Slughorn waltzed back over and handed Ron the vile of liquid luck. He held it between his pointer finger and thumb and turned to face me. "This... is going to be crucial." I smiled in response and wondered what Ron possibly had planned.