Hp: Hermione and Darkness

"What are Fred and I, next-door neighbours?" said George indignantly as his mother pushed him aside and flung her arms around her youngest son. Even through Hermione's shock, she was so happy to see Ron finally get the recognition he deserved and craved from his mother.

"Wait until your father hears! Ron, I'm so proud of you; what wonderful news! You could end up as Head Boy just like Bill and Percy; it's the first step! Oh, what a thing to happen in the middle of all this worry; I'm just thrilled, oh, Ronnie-"

Fred and George were both making loud retching noises behind her back, but Mrs Weasley did not notice. With arms tight around Ron's neck, she was kissing him all over his face, which had turned a brighter scarlet than his badge.

"Mum ... don't ... Mum, get a grip …" he muttered, trying to push her away.

She let go of him and said breathlessly, "Well, what will it be? We gave Percy an owl, but you've already got one, of course."

"W-what do you mean?" said Ron, looking as though he dared not believe his ears.

"You've got to have a reward for this!" said Mrs Weasley fondly. "How about a nice new set of dress robes?"

"We've already bought him some," said Fred sourly, who looked as though he sincerely regretted this generosity. Hermione frowned; how did they afford dress robes? When did the twins get more money? Were they gambling again?

"Or a new cauldron, Charlie's old one's rusting through, or a new rat, you always liked Scabbers-"

"Mum," said Ron hopefully. "Can I have a new broom?"

Mrs Weasley's face fell slightly; broomsticks were expensive.

"Not a really good one!" Ron hastened to add. "Just – just a new one for a change…"

Mrs Weasley hesitated, then smiled. "Of course, you can... well, I'd better get going if I've got a broom to buy too. I'll see you all later ... little Ronnie, a prefect! And don't forget to pack your trunks ... a prefect ... oh, I'm all of a dither!"

She gave Ron yet another kiss on the cheek, sniffed loudly, and bustled from the room.

Fred and George exchanged looks.

"You don't mind if we don't kiss you, do you, Ron?" said Fred in a falsely anxious voice.

"We could curtsey if you like," said George.

"Oh, shut up," said Ron, scowling at them.

"Or what?" said Fred, an evil grin spreading across his face. "Going to put us in detention?"

"I'd love to see him try," sniggered George.

"He could if you don't watch out!" said Hermione angrily, finally snapping out of shock. Ron deserved their respect, and she was going to make sure they gave it to him, damn it.

Fred and George burst out laughing, and Ron muttered, "Drop it, Hermione."

"We're going to have to watch our step, George," said Fred, pretending to tremble, "with these two on our case."

"Yeah, it looks like our law-breaking days are finally over," said George, shaking his head.

And with another loud crack, the twins Disapparated.

"Those two!" said Hermione furiously, staring up at the ceiling, through which they could now hear Fred and George roaring with laughter in the room upstairs. "Don't pay any attention to them, Ron. They're only jealous!"

"I don't think they are," said Ron doubtfully, also looking up at the ceiling. "They've always said only prats become prefect ... still," he added on a happier note, "they've never had new brooms! I wish I could go with Mum and choose ... she'll never be able to afford a Nimbus, but there's the new Cleansweep out, that'd be great ... yeah, I think I'll go and tell her I like the Cleansweep, just so she knows …"

He dashed from the room, leaving Harry and Hermione alone.

"Harry?" said Hermione tentatively.

"Well done, Hermione," said Harry. "Brilliant. Prefect. Great."

"Thanks," said Hermione, though she knew he wasn't being genuine. He was most certainly disappointed and, truth be told, jealous of Ron. A mean thought crossed her mind: It's about time the jealousy tables were reversed for once. Hermione shook the thought away, however. No matter how true it was, it wasn't kind at all. Harry would get over it eventually, and she needed to be a good friend until he did. Suddenly, a thought occurred to her. "Erm – Harry – could I borrow Hedwig so I can tell Mum and Dad? They'll be really pleased – I mean, prefect is something they can understand."

"Yeah, no problem," said Harry. "Take her!"

Hermione coaxed Hedwig down from the rafters with a few seeds lying near her cage and let the snowy white owl hop on her arm for a ride to her room. Thankfully, She had not packed up her parchment yet and could grab a sheet from the desk. She sat down.

....

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