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In addition, Harry's relationship with Hermione looked as though it was stronger than ever—they laughed and joked together, and both appeared to be drawing closer than ever to the Veela, though Ron himself was still rather tongue-tied around the girl. This was not the way things were supposed to go.
In his mind's eye, Ron could only imagine what Harry and Hermione were getting up to when he was not around. How could Harry do this to him? He already had a beautiful Veela at his beck and call—why could Harry not leave Hermione for him?
He was not about to stand for it, and he resolved to confront Harry on the situation immediately.
His chance came on the Tuesday of that week. The training group had just been dismissed by Moody, and the other participants had already left, and though Ron would have liked to get to dinner, which he was certain had already been set out for them, he knew there was likely no better time to confront his friend.
"Harry, I'd like to talk to you for a moment," Ron said a little hesitantly. Harry was a good friend, after all, and he did not wish to anger him—their relationship had already taken a bit of a beating due to Ron's behavior over the Triwizard (Ron's fault, he was able to admit to himself), and Ron did not wish for them to become further estranged. But he could not let Harry snap up all the good witches!
"Sure, Ron," Harry replied from the bench where he was lacing his shoes. "What's up?"
"I just wanted to talk to you about Hermione."
Harry looked up at him, confused. "Hermione? What about her?"
"Well… I was kind of wondering…"
As Ron stammered, trying to find the words to ask his question, Harry's countenance became even more confused.
"What is it, Ron?"
"What is your relationship with her?" Ron finally blurted out, inwardly wincing at just how inelegant his sudden question sounded.
"My relationship?" Harry echoed uncertainly. "I'm not certain what you are referring to, Ron. I believe my relationship with Hermione is the same as it's ever been—she's my friend, and I'm grateful to her for believing in me, for always sticking up for me."
"That's not what you told her last week!" snapped Ron. "You told her that she was your best friend! Just what did you mean by that?"
Harry's look became speculative and more than a little darker. He glared at Ron, making Ron feel even more uncomfortable. But he would not give in—he had to know what Harry's intentions toward Hermione were!
"I wasn't aware that you were in the habit of eavesdropping on private conversations."
"Just answer the question, Harry!"
"Fine," said Harry, rising to his feet. "Hermione is my best friend!"
Ron's jaw dropped, and he peered at Harry in disbelief. "But Harry, I'm your best friend! We've been through everything together—best mates and all—how can you say that Hermione—a girl!—is closer than we are?"
"Does the term 'Tri-Wizard Tournament' mean anything to you, Ron?" was Harry's sarcastic reply.
Blushing crimson, Ron hung his head in shame—perhaps Harry was right. Ron had not behaved well during that whole debacle, though he had assumed that Harry had forgiven him.
"Listen, Ron," Harry continued in a more conciliatory tone, "I don't hold that against you, but since you asked, I will tell you. Hermione never doubted me, while you would not talk to me for over a month, even though I told you all along I wanted nothing to do with the tournament and didn't enter my name into it.
"To be honest with you, Ron, that's not the only time."
Startled, Ron looked up at Harry, noting the expression of seriousness on his face.
"You've been a bit of a flake at times, not only to me, but also to Hermione. I consider you a friend, Ron—a best friend even—and I know that no matter how you flake out, you'll always come to your senses sooner or later. But I must admit that waiting for you to get over it can be annoying.
"That is why Hermione is my best friend. She's never put me through that. Hell, the only time I've ever fought with her at all was when she turned my Firebolt in to McGonagall in the third year, and even then, she did it for me, because she was scared that I would get hurt."
Embarrassed, Ron considered Harry's words and decided they were completely correct. There had been times when he had been jealous of Harry or had treated him badly, and he knew that if he wanted to maintain their friendship, he would have to improve his behavior.
"I'll try to do better, Harry," he mumbled, hoping his friend would accept that.
"I know, Ron," replied Harry with a grin. "I know you try. I just hope you get over your jealousy some time. You don't seem to realize it, but it's not always fun and games being Harry Potter."
Ron was aware of this—perhaps subconsciously—but Harry seemed to get the short end of the stick more than most. Still, this was something to be considered at another time. For now, Harry still had not given him an answer for exactly how he viewed Hermione, and Ron was not about to let him go until he had some idea of what he was up against.
"But what about Hermione?" Ron pressed. "I know she's a friend, but what do you… think of her?"
A true smile came over Harry's face, and he chuckled with pure amusement. "So that's what this is all about. You think I fancy Hermione?"
"Don't you?" Ron challenged.
"Doesn't matter, now does it?" Harry asked, completely solemn. "Ron, I am bound by a marriage contract with Fleur. Hermione…"
His sudden pause when speaking of the young witch caused Ron to peer at him with heightened suspicion. It appeared very much the case that Harry did have feelings of some sort for Hermione. Ron was not happy with the confirmation.
"Even if I do have feelings for Hermione, I can hardly act on them because of my contract with Fleur, now can I? Do you think I would betray either Fleur or Hermione that way—or that Hermione would even accept such an arrangement? What are you thinking, Ron?"
It was all the confirmation Ron needed. He knew that just because Harry had a betrothal contract with Fleur, he could still woo Hermione due to his status and ability to marry more than one witch. But if Harry did not know that, then Ron would not be the one to illuminate him on the subject. He knew Harry would find out about it some time, but Ron hoped that by the time he did, Ron would already have secured Hermione's affections.
"I'm sorry, Harry—you're right," was all Ron said. "It's just… I like Hermione, you know?"
"I suspected," Harry admitted. "Have you told her?"
"I'm working on it."
"I suggest you do."
Ron peered at his friend, wondering just how sincere he was being—after all, Ron was convinced that Harry also had feelings for Hermione, whether he had admitted it to himself or not. But Harry was too noble to do what Ron had suggested, and Ron—belatedly—realized that fact. He would have to begin repairing his relationship with his friend in earnest.
"Listen, Harry, I just got a bit jealous, what with your close relationship with her. I want to get together with her, you know?"
"I do, Ron, but I suggest you speak with her about it. Don't pull me into this—I already have Fleur to worry about, and getting to know her is all I can handle right now."
"Sure, Harry," said Ron. Then he slapped his friend on the back. "Let's get to dinner—I'm starving!"
Harry grinned, and they left the room. For Ron, he was content with the outcome of the discussion. With Harry admitting himself that he had no designs on Hermione, Ron doubted there would be anyone else even in the running. Things were looking up!
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