Chapter Four

 

My Great Merlin," Ron chanted as Hermione led the way to the hospital tent.

"Yes, now will you apologize to Harry or not?" Hermione huffed as she rapidly meandered her way through the on-coming crowd.

"Of course! He could've gotten himself killed." Muttered Ron as Hermione burst through the tent flap.

"Harry you were brilliant!" she squeaked. "You really were."

But Harry was looking over at Ron, who was staring as him as if he were an apparition. "What is he doing here?"

"Harry," Ron spoke in a most grievous tone, "whoever put your name in that goblet....they're trying to do you in!"

"Caught on, have you?" Harry vocalized coldly. "Took you long enough."

Ron opened his mouth uncertainly; Harry knew Ron was about to apologize but he fount that he didn't need to hear it.

"It's okay," he said before Ron could get the words out. "Forget it."

"No, I shouldn't have-"

"Forget it."

Ron grinned nervously at him and Harry grinned back sheepishly. Hermione burst into tears.

"There's nothing to cry about!" Harry told her.

"Boys are so stupid!" she shouted, tears splashing down her front. She, then, gave them a hug and dashed away.

"Barking mad," said Ron, shaking his head. "Harry, come on, they will be announcing your scores."

Harry ducked out of the tent, golden egg and Firebolt in hand, Ron by his side, talking fast.

Ron rapidly told Harry of how the others were able to capture their golden eggs. But Harry's tactic was the most brilliant of all. Completely taking in solace in his own ramblings, Ron made comments to each score Harry receive and yelled in fury an indignation when he got a '4' from Karkaroff. The more to talked, the longer he could prolong the inevitable discussion or awkward silence, as to Ron's stubbornness, to come. But he could care less; he had is best friend.

Harry didn't care about the lower mark he received from the Durmstrang judge. He could have received a zero across the board but listening to Ron's cursing and sticking up for him was worth one hundred points to him. Though he would never disclose that to anyone.

Harry went back to the tent after he obtained his score; he waited nervously in no less than ten minutes ago as to the instructions Charlie gave him. Ron patiently waited outside, watching the students retreat back to the castle. Ron was happy that he was back on good terms with Harry but Draco on the other hand......

Ron looked over to the tower window he had previously occupied with the aforementioned party. He knew he was in for it, as he fingered the slip of parchment in his pocket.

//Malfoy went out of his way to get me this autograph. I do appreciate it but if he thinks that everytime he gives me something I'm obligated to fuck him, he's got another thing coming. Maybe I should show him my appreciation though..// Ron thought, hoping to make up with Malfoy. He didn't know why. He could do without him but..he couldn't really remember how he got along without the daily of every other day sexual rendezvous with the sleek snake in Slytherin. Should he give him a day to calm down or talk to him today?

Harry left the tent, rejoining Ron as they started towards Gryffindor Tower, quickly brushing Rita Skeeter, a pesky reporter, off.

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