Author's Note: Hi everyone! Yeah, another story of mine, focuses on missing moments from 'Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince'. While I was watching the movie, I thought of some scenes and I thought to write them down, so... here they are! Well, these moments mostly have to do with incidents from Slughorn's party and after that; moreover, if you want me to write some more of them, you can tell me so by reviewing this story...

Anyway, I'll just let you read now... Enjoy! :)

~Of Parties, Ruined Holidays And A Certain, Bushy-haired Someone~

I was sitting in the warm comfort of the common room, even though inside I was too restless to enjoy it. The softness of the armchair was cozy and welcoming as always, giving some rest to my pained back; the legs had the problem at the moment…

Lavender shifted on my lap, coming even closer to me, leaving no space for air between us- or in my lungs, for the matter- and her lips were stuck on mine like she had cast some sort of gluing spell that never wears off. I kissed back with the ridiculous enthusiasm of the previous weeks totally gone, only feeling slightly bored. I exhaled noisily through my nose while she put her tongue between my closed lips, making our today's-snogging-feast even sloppier than before. I tried to close my eyes tighter, so my mind automatically would go elsewhere, away from her suffocating and tight embraces and from her sticky-from-lip-gloss lips; I wanted to meet someone else, at least with my immense imagination. My mind tried poorly to feel somebody else's mouth on top of my own, sweet, soft, warm lips that would sent me either to heaven or to my own death- both seemed appealing at the moment, though, just because I yearn her lips on mine. I craved release and she was the only one capable to do so…

During our meaningless snogging, my ears were well capable to hear sounds from all over the room. Of course, because it was the last night before the start of the holidays, the noise could be considered even as unbearable, but not to me, actually- I had greater things to endure at the moment, as, for example, the sighing girl on my lap. I wanted to sigh as well, but not actually due to feelings of bliss… But my thoughts of mere self-pity were abruptly gone, as I heard a so soft creaking noise stemming from somewhere behind me, from the staircase. Steps were barely audible and I couldn't quite understand why I was able to hear them now, but they seemed way too important for my existence. While my lips were working unwillingly with my girlfriend's, my ears were suddenly desperate to catch another gentle sound, but for a moment none came. For a second, my heart was ready to drown in more decadence, but then again, another, a bit harsher sound reached my ears:

"Hermione, babe, you're gorgeous!"

My eyes opened immediately and looked straight, the shock still so very tangible inside me. I realized that my pupils were moving swiftly and restlessly around, trying to find the figure who said the words, but mostly the one who received them. Of course the search didn't take long, as both of the people I wanted to see where there, in front of my restive eyes. My breath then caught, but I wasn't so sure what the reason was…

Hermione Granger was right there, only some steps away, and for some minutes my eyes were unable of looking away… how could they? Of course, the one who had spoken was utterly right… she was gorgeous… or even more than just gorgeous… Stunning… Flawless… Dreamful…

I sighed in my girlfriend's lips, yet I couldn't care less about the mere fact.

She was wearing an ivory dress that reached her knees. The sight of her creamy legs was amazing and I just desired to put my hand on her ankle and softly caress all the silken skin of her leg. Then, I looked higher and I wanted to swallow hard at the sight of her cleavage- the dress had a rather deep, yet not hideous, low cut that showed some of her also creamy…

I felt my jeans getting a bit tighter and I took my mouth away from her wet one, in a poor attempt to take a breath. Of course, Lavender thought that it was her time to start kissing my jaw and neck, but I just didn't give much thought to her ministrations; all my mind could think about was her, the little angel that was standing some meters away from me, talking to someone else. Then, quite unwillingly though, I took my eyes away from her for a moment, just to see who she was talking to… and then I felt my heart burning.

Cormac McLaggen was there, too, talking too her with a disgusting, sly smile on his too arrogant face, his arm loosely around her petite waist like he was usual to it, and then he pulled her closely to his side, giving her a kiss on her cheek. My heart started to bleed as I saw Hermione smiling gently up to him and I seriously thinking of screaming at the top of my lungs, but then I felt the wet tongue of my girlfriend licking under my jaw-line, so I stayed exactly where I was, even though I didn't give a damn about her. My eyes were glued on my former best friend for eternity, my mind rather numb from the millions of feelings that were filling me right now; I would surely burst any moment now, yet I just didn't…

Suddenly, I saw her glancing at me and I felt weird… Her eyes were shining with something I couldn't identify and her perfect face was emotionless, but I didn't dare to think about it too much- the thought of our broken friendship made me shiver, even though it was partially my fault. So, instead of that, I decided to get lost in her beautiful face: the slight make-up that made her glowing more than ever, the soft curls that looked like silk and made her look like the princess of fairies, and of course, the always-so-astonishing eyes, those pools of chocolate that made me insane and desperate for her… Oh, how much I wanted her… but I didn't have her. And I ever could…

The thoughts, along with the heartbreaking image of her in the arms of another man, of any other man besides me, were all that my tired soul needed. I felt like falling endlessly as I looked at her while making her departure, going to a party I wouldn't ever go, to a party I wasn't welcome any more… She had made her point clearer than ever, and I did just nothing but stare at the facts with wide eyes, my spirit lost somewhere unknown.

I swiftly felt some light vibrations on my neck and I probably came back to reality after what seemed to be hours- at least to me. Lavender was giggling stupidly and bit my earlobe a little. I exhaled heavily and defensively, letting my muscles to relax after me unconsciously stiffen them and my eyes close. Behind my closed eyelids, the image of Hermione was apparent and my breath was caught once again and my body was on fire… how could she do this to me just because she was dressed up a bit more… woman-like, when we were not even in speaking terms? My pulse got then brisker, the image never going away, in comparison with the real person, and my breathing got so much heavier that I couldn't stand it anymore… I grabbed my girlfriend's face in both of my hands and I kissed her with everything I had, emitting all the soft groans and sighs I yearned to give to another person.

I never thought once of Lavender Brown while I was snogging her senseless- my mind, soul and heart was full of Hermione Granger…

…

I stare with little interest at my reflection on the mirror of the bathroom; the face there seems tired and the depths of the eyes show the sadness my soul deep-down is holding. I sigh and the motion makes my pupils to rest on the reflection's lips, which are all dry and chapped because of Miss Brown's snogging feasts. A frown appears easily on my face but frankly, I feel rather glad that I am back home and away from her, even for some days- I have to think of so many things…

My mind doesn't seem to forget the night when Slughorn's party took place- I actually can't forget my bushy-haired ex-best friend, to be precise, but honestly, precision means nothing at the moment. My inner eyes are still staring at her beauty and my lungs are still somewhat unable to function properly, even with her imaginary sight… I thought once if my existence had reached the borders of obsession as regards Hermione Granger- and when actually that happened-, but even I myself wasn't very certain of the answer. Every single night, this very same girl will chase my mind during my dreams, making me feel so restless even through my rest, with those doe eyes and with that unspecified expression in them that makes me shudder even when I am wide awake. During day, my thoughts will be wrapped around her and I just try to hide it from everybody- I think I do a very efficient work, as all at the Burrow think of me as very cheerful as I always am during Christmas holidays, but well, let's face the facts: I am far more cheerless at the moment.

I, out of the blue, hear some weird noises from outside… like harsh winds are abruptly surrounding our house. Without realizing why, coldness rushes through my spine, the hair at the nape of my neck stands and I feel very uneasy for some odd reason. My almost-all-the-time-sleeping intuition is now wide awake and somewhat alarmed but I can't understand the reason why… The Burrow is safe, is home, why could I feel so uncomfortable and… well, rather afraid right now?

Another sound reaches my ears a moment later… It isn't understandable, as it's stemming from downstairs, many floors below my frozen legs. My eyebrows furrow unconsciously as my heart's beating increased for some reason; what does my body know that I can poorly comprehend?

"Mum?" I say then rather loudly and I surprised realize that my voice is a bit shaky and broken- why so? This new situation is starting to annoy me more than scare me, as I can still hear the echoes of my own word filling the room and corridor. No answer.

I'm about to go out of the bathroom and see what was going on, why no one is responding to me, but a different kind of reply made its appearance and answered to my weird instincts…

Glass shutters and dreadful sounds of destroying make my eardrums throb. My breathing swiftly becomes too quick and I look around with my widen eyes; nothing seems wrong up here, but something's entirely wrong downstairs… I can't let myself think of whatever thought was ready to pass through my numb brain and my legs remain rooted on the spot, even though my heart is screaming to me to run away.

I hear yells from outside… Someone is calling for Harry and Ginny and my heart was ready to burst from the anxiousness. On the inside I want to run and see what is happening, if Harry or Ginny, or anyone else for the matter, is alright, but my body seems like it is under some freezing spell. I feel dizzy and my knees start to shake violently- I didn't understand when I fell on the cold floor. I'm counting the seconds in my head, hoping that the dull process will bring me back to bodily consciousness, but I don't even manage to reach twenty when I hear it again: the shuttering… but this time, it is so much closer… almost next to me…

I hear an evil, high-pitched laugh that makes me feel nauseous and then glass is all over, reaching my face and skin harshly, cutting me inevitably. I cover my eyes until I am sure sharp objects aren't in the air and then I quickly stand up, my body in hyperactivity now, incapable not to react to unpromising signs. I exit the room quickly and look up and down the corridor fearfully, the emotion rushing through my veins with much force. I would be a liar if I told that I'm not afraid for myself, but the prospect of someone else being in danger is much worse… My eyes are still trying to catch a sight of anyone, but nothing comes; it's another sense of mine that brings me some sort of answer…

I smell the air and my heart stops as I identify heavy smoke along with the pure oxygen of the nature. The loud, unbearable sounds then catches my attention and I turn around, instantly running towards the staircase… what I see is heart-stopping, as well…

Flaming tongues are licking all the walls- the wood is so easily vanquished by the powerful element. Heavy, black smoke is all over and immediately in my lungs, making my throat sore and me coughing heavily, trying to take an ever more poisonous breath… The questions are slipping away from my mind's reach and my arms go around my face and head; I have to find a way to escape from my own home, even though it is a true hell now…

I start to run between the flames as my heart is running too, kicking my chest painfully. My fits of coughing are heavier, making breathing process a true torture while my eyes are too dry and stung from the venomous smoke- I just hope everyone else is alright.

I hear more shuttering and then screams and I moan painfully without realizing; my family's pain is my pain. I try to run faster, just to ensure that all are ok, that we made it, but I myself am still through something I don't know if I can make it. Fire is surrounding me more now and my pulse is shaking my entire body, as smoke even reaches the inside of my skull, making me feel so dizzy… I'm afraid of losing consciousness, because I'll never be able to see the end of it… I just want to see them all alright and if it's my fate to lose my life tonight… so be it.

I try to climb down the stairs while untamed fire tries to embrace me eternally- I run quicker, so I would avoid this dreadful kind of gentleness. The steps under my shoes are creaking more than ever, the heat unbearable even for them, but I try to push any sentiment aside; I don't want to break down at the moment, so my pace becomes even quicker if that's even feasible at the time.

Another yell caught my attention and my head shoots up instinctively, my eyes attempting to observe another alive creature in the corridor, but the only thing they can make out through all this smoke is the orange and red beasts that are devouring our home, and at the same time our whole existences…

I have to run.

I hear another, louder creak and it takes only a second to realize that this creak is only under my feet. I fall down, my face meeting the corner of a lower step and a brief moment later, hot, fluid substance starts to wash the skin of my face. I try to forget the pain now, even though it's even intolerable, but the only thing that seems crucial now is my tangled legs, as my ankles are trapped between the two steps above me. I try to push them away, but my feet are stuck there, almost powerless to even shift. My heart begins its wilder pace in my weak bones while my hands enclose my calves, seeking for freedom. The task seems unobtainable as I sense the fire approaching me quickly, on its way leaving ashes that once were a precious part of our tangible love. The heat is reaching my pale skin and although the disastrous element haven't made contact with me yet, I feel like I'm on stake, like I'm burning forever, because it's not only the body that suffers at the moment… My throat aches more and I belatedly realize that I screamed. With the desperate movement from my part, I finally feel my ankles getting free from the wood, but as a result of my force, my entire body starts to slide downwards, falling on hard wood and shuttered glass, passing through flames that seem to hunt me. My muscles are aching horribly and I must have some gashes, but I don't care. Through my immense dizziness I try to stand up and escape, even though my lungs are protesting and my heart is clenching agonizingly.

"Ron!"

I finally hear it- my name. I don't really know if I should be relieved or worried, but I just keep on my fast pace, yearning to find the end of this painful maze. I must be on the second floor now, where inflamed wood is falling from its right place, so it can make my departure more difficult than it's already been. The voice reaches then once again my ears and I scream back, so they will know that I am still alive, at least. My coughing is now more unbearable than ever and I try to take inside me all the hot smoke with gasps, yet this makes my chest feel boiling hot and hurt. My bruised ankles and legs cannot stand anymore and all the bleeding from my sores makes me feel weaker- I just want to give in now and be welcomed to this torture till my body expires… I cannot keep going anymore…

The last few steps I take are shuffled and taken with so much difficulty, so I fall once again, meeting the hard, hot wood below me once again. The moans of pain aren't even able to make their way out from my mouth, so I just shut my eyes firmly, the smoke way too stinging for my orbs to endure. The dreadful sounds of the fire demolishing our home and at the same time our souls, are making me more nauseous; I want to throw up violently and then die- I can't stand this nightmare any more, the suffering is killing me more than I comprehend…

It is only some brief moments later when I feel strong, warm arms wrapping around my broken, laying body; mere relief engulfs my restive heart and I feel my head coming closer to a chest, giving me a poor chance to calm the violent coughing fits and the gasping. The someone carries me fully in his arms as he's running out of the house, taking both of us out of the tangible torture.

"Is… is ever-everyone o-ok?" I choke out desperately, my aching never stops me from worrying about my family- I'm only praying for the best…

"Ssh, Ron, everyone's alright…" I hear the voice and I realize that the one I'm in his arms is my dad; I'm so grateful.

After some awful, so long minutes, my nostrils are hit with so much clearer air, which make me very dizzy for some reason. I'm still coughing harshly and in my throat I feel the taste of blood, but I don't care; I open my eyes weakly as I see many figures getting bigger and bigger: mum, Remus, Fred, George, Ginny, Tonks, Harry… oh, Merlin, they were all ok…

I feel some gasp and some touching me reassuringly as my feet hit the ground and the protective arm of my dad encircles my shoulders. I look with hesitation before us, to the sight we all are looking at and yet we want not to ever have faced it: our home had surrendered to the inevitable destruction while our hearts surrender to enormous sorrow. My dad's hand stiffens on my forearm and my heart clenches unbearably… We have nothing now, except from broken each other…

My sight becomes blurry and a tear manages to escape and mixed with my blood and sweat. My body and soul can't stand all this pain and suffering any longer, the end is too much too have a handle on it. So, I didn't care if I'll show weakness, if everyone else is here, is Fred and George will use this against me someday- both kinds of ache were too much to cope with…

So, I let myself fall into miserable blackness; I faint.

-Well, what do you think of it? I know that the last one may be a little AU, but I still hope you all like it...

-And, well, I just want so much some really precious REVIEWS!!! I want so much to know what you think of it, as well as if you want me to continue with this...

-So, thanks for reading this little fic... Until the next time, my pals... :) xxx