Rather Late -Hermione-

[Ron Weasley]

Ron hadn't been able to sleep at all sense he had went to sleep at around ten. His mind won't stop working. He didn't really know how that was all that possible because he usual could aways just easily turn his mind off unless he was hungry or something. But, this wasn't because he was hungry at night he could even fall asleep when he was hungry this was for one because of Voldomort and what him, Hermione and Harry would have to deal with soon he was surprised they didn't end up leaving school earlier they were still here they were actually not going to bother coming to Hogwarts this year then they had... but, this was actually only one of his worries he had another one... and to be honest that was the one that was keeping him up.

Hermione Granger was the one reason he could not get any sleep tonight. She was constantly on his mind and it was driving him insane. Everyone pretty much knew his feelings for her Harry and Ginny. Heck, even Malfoy knew the only person that didn't seem to realize Ron was in love with the girl was Hermione. But, maybe, that was a good thing he didn't really want to be rejected by her he couldn't handle it. Then again he felt as if he already had been rejected by her and it sucked!

Ron sighed a bit walking out of his dorm room in his pajamas running a hand through his hair when he realized it was midnight. He groaned a bit in frustration he was tired but it was no use to try and fall asleep he just couldn't fall asleep. He glanced around as the Common Room was empty and he sighed a bit in relief as he headed over to the Griffins Couch and sat down staring into the fireplace letting his thoughts drift back to Hermione no matter how hard he tried not to think about her it was becoming pointless to even attempt not to think of her so he gave up.

[``hermione jean granger]

Hermione tossed and turned in her bed for the millionth time before sitting up. It seemed impossible for her to get to sleep tonight. She reached over to her bedside table and grabbed her charms textbook and wand. She ducked under her sheets and whispered "Lumos." Hermione absentmindedly flipped through the pages before she realized she couldn't focus on the book. "Nox," she whispered as she emerged from underneath her covers. She put her wand and textbook back on her bedside table and slowly got out of her bed. She wasn't going to sleep so she might as well go relax in the common room.

Hermione tip-toed out her dormitory and crept down the stairs to the common room. Her light pink plaid pajama pants were a little too long, so they dragged on the stairs. Hermione stepped down the last stair and saw a familiar tuft of read hair sitting on the couch and her heart suddenly went into overdrive. It was Ron Weasley, her best friend and secret crush. She couldn't find a way to tell him because she was terrified her confession would ruin their friendship. She could lose him as a friend, and the rejection would be too much to bear.

As she started at Ron she debated whether to go back upstairs to try and sleep or stay down here and talk with Ron. Her suddenly realized that her was wearing her ratty white tee shirt with the hole under her collar bone on the right side. She felt that she couldn't face Ron this way, so she turned to the stairs. However as she went to go up the stairs the floor underneath her let out a loud creak. She froze, waiting to see if Ron heard the creaking.

[Ron Weasley]

Ron was lost in his thoughts for the longest time now. He was thinking back into his fourth year when he had realized Hermione was a girl. Well, of course he always knew she was a girl but he had only look at her as Hermione Granger that girl that was his friend but didn't get along with. Then again he still looked at her like that well not entirely he had a feeling secretly that even sense his first year at Hogwarts there was something about Hermione he liked even though he couldn't admit it to himself right away he always found himself protective over her when Malfoy was around and such. But, he honestly never thought anything of it until fourth year when she had turned down his invitation to the Yule Ball ok, it was a crappy invitation but it was still an invitation.

But, when he saw her with Krum thats when he realized she wasn't just a girl. She was Hermione Granger, a smart and beautiful girl and also his best friend. But, he never thought that being physically attractive to her would turn out to have him end up being emotionally attracted to her. It was all way to confusing to him, and as the years went on he just continued to fall for her more and more and felt jealous of pretty much any guy even once in awhile Harry when she talked to them because he knew he didn't have a chance with her. Or, at least he thought anyways she couldn't think of him that way... she won't not when she could have Krum the International Qudditch Player.

He was taken out of his thoughts when he heard a crack and he grabbed his wand out of his pajamas pocket and freaked out a bit standing up a rush of panic on her face as he stood up slowly going over to where the noise was. " Who's there!?" he asked in a loud voice trying to not let fear in his voice.

[``hermione jean granger]

Hermione waited for a signal that Ron had heard her, she was half praying he had. She hadn't been able to spend any time with him alone since they got to Hogwarts. She was always studying, and he was always hanging around with Harry. It hurt Hermione that she couldn't tell him how she felt. It was slightly ironic that Hermione had been brave in many deadly situations, but she couldn't muster up enough courage to tell Ron she loved him. The situation was ridiculous, Hermione should be able to tell Ron her feelings, but she couldn't out of fear of rejection.

It took her a long time to realize that she was in love with Ron. Hermione had felt a connection with him ever since he helped save her from the Mountain Troll in her first year. She had always preferred Ron to Harry, for a reason she couldn't explain. Hermione loved Harry like a brother, but with Ron it was much different. Looking back, Hermione should have accepted Ron's invitation to the Yule Ball in her fourth year. Maybe things would have turned out differently. Hermione was heartbroken during Ron's relationship with Lavender Brown. Seeing the two of them always snogging was a constant reminder that she couldn't have Ron. She was so happy when Ron held her hand in the hospital after he was poisoned, but she found herself heartbroken again after he didn't remember it.

Hermione whipped around after hearing Ron's voice, and saw Ron walking around with his wand out. She smilied softly, he always was a little jumpy. "Ron, it's me, Hermione. Don't talk so loud, you'll wake the whole house." Hermione put her hands in the air as a "I come in peace" gesture and slowly walked over Ron. "See? No need to hex me," she said quietly. She stood facing Ron, waiting for him to say something.

[Ron Weasley]

Ron couldn't help but to sigh a bit in relief when he heard the familiar voice of Hermione's but yet his heart dropped just a little. He was glad to see her and all but yet he wasn't. It was hard to explain but just being with her he felt lonely. It was strange but it was true because he couldn't be with her the way he wanted to be with her. He wanted to be able told her and tell her he loved her without her freaking out and her returning the feelings but he knew it would never be possible this would never happen. But, he supposed he'd rather have her in his life as a best friend then nothing at all. He knew after meeting Hermione his life would never be the same without her in it. That was the same with Harry but Harry was just his best friend this with Hermione was different she was just his best friend but granted he needed her more then Harry. He knew it was horrid to think but that was probable because Harry was just a friend and Hermione... she was the girl he was in love with and his best friend loosing her would be like loosing two in one. It would be horrid.

He stepped back from her a bit when he finally realized it really was her. His face was bright red as he gave her a glare. " What are you doing!?" he asked her shaking his head a bit it wasn't like Hermione to break any rules. Then again was this really breaking rules? They were after all still in the Common Room and such its not like they left the Common Room. But, it was still odd that she was out here this late. It wasn't really like Hermione to leave her dorm at night she was one that usual needed her sleep so she was perfectly ready for school the next day. Then he remembered it was Friday night so school won't be going on tomorrow he was mighty glad about that.

" Maybe, there is a reason to hex you..." he mumbled under his breath. However he had meant that to not be spoken out loud and he really hoped that she hadn't heard that she'd then wonder why and he'd have to make up some lame reason to why he said that. When in all honesty he only said it because he was upset with her because he felt as if she had rejected him a lot in the past month actually in his whole life even though she didn't know she had.

[``hermione jean granger]

Hermione ran her fingers through her hair uneasily. Ron was glaring at her, and she wasn't sure why. He sounded angry that Hermione was awake, and that hurt her deeply. She thought she heard that we did want to hex and Hermione was confused. Did he not want to spent time with her? That thought alone could bring her to tears. She was in love with him, and couldn't bear to tell him that. "I couldn't sleep. Uh, things on my mind. Why are you up?" She turned towards a large red armchair and sat down cross legged.

Hermione's mind flashed back to that afternoon at Diagon Alley where Ron had all but humiliated her by rejecting her. He didn't really know that he rejected her, but that didn't make it sting any less. After that afternoon she knew she couldn't tell him how she felt, because it was obvious he didn't feel the same way. He was always flirting with random girls, and Hermione wished he was flirting with her. If he got another girlfriend this year, Hermione didn't know what she would do. She would probably throw herself into her school work completely barely making any social contact outside of classes.

Ron's comment about hexing her still struck her as odd. "Are you mad at me? You said something about hexing me..." she asked, looking up at Ron. She couldn't imagine why he would be mad at her. She had scared him, but he really couldn't be that angry about it could he?

[Ron Weasley]

Ron ran a hand through his hair as he heard her say things were on her mind. Exactly the same thing as him. Well, not exactly it's just that thoughts were what was keeping them both up. He placed his wand in his pocket again before watching her go and sit down as he walked now back over to the couch and sat down looking at her out of the corner of his eye. Before telling her why he was out here. He shrugged his shoulders a bit. " Well, I just have things on my mind also..." he told her simply. " What's on your mind? You alright?" he asked her. He was still kind of in shock that she was up this late. There must of been something on her mind that was bad but he had a feeling it had to do with Voldomort that would scare anyone to not want to sleep. It sure scared him he was surprised Harry was able to sleep but then again Harry was brave and well he was probable at the point in his life where he just didn't care anymore he had to do what he had to do.

Ron's face flushed a tad red when she asked if he was mad at her. He was glad it was dark but then again it wasn't all that dark seeing as the fire was going but he was hoping it would be dark enough so she won't see how red his face as at the moment. He couldn't really be mad at her for something she didn't know why he was mad at her. It was dumb. Then again he found himself mad at her for the dumbest things but this time the reason why he was mad at her was breaking his heart. But, he could never seem to stay mad at her. It seemed as if the two would fight and then the next day they'd be fine. But, this time for the reason he was mad at her it would never be ok but he would act like everything was.

" I was messing with you Hermione..." he said with a shrug. " I thought you knew that why would I want to hex you?" he questioned her making it seem as if that was a silly question or something.

[``hermione jean granger]

"You shouldn't mess with me Ron, or I'll hex you myself," she joked. It was easy to be with Ron like this with no pressure from Harry or Ginny to confess her feelings for Ron. She felt like herself around him because she didn't need to prove anything. That was one of the reasons she was in love with him. Hermione was happy he wasn't angry with her. She hated it when they fought, even though they made up the next day. She had a feeling that if she told Ron about her feelings that would be one fight they recover from. Hermione couldn't lose Ron as a friend, so she kept silent about her feelings.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just trying to sort through some thoughts. My brain is so cluttered these days," she said shrugging. Hermione didn't want to alarm Ron that she was secretly torturing herself with the feelings she had for him. She started to play with the fraying hem of her white tee shirt. "What's on your mind that's keeping you up so late?" Hermione tried to change the subject so they wouldn't dwell on Hermione's emotional issues. The last thing she needed was for Ron to somehow realize she was in love with him. However, she doubted that would happen, he hadn't figured it out so far.

Hermione looked up at Ron and noticed his face was a little redder than usual, but that must have been a trick that the light was playing. It was pretty dark, the only light in the common room was the fire. Hermione hoped that the dark circles underneath her eyes weren't showing. She'd been having trouble sleeping since they returned to Hogwarts.

[Ron Weasley]

Ron raised his eyebrow when she exclaimed that she would hex him herself. " Really? I'd like to see you try..." he told her with a smug look on his face. Although, he knew she'd be able to beat him in a duel it's sort of been proven before in Dumbledore's Army she had taken his wand from him and beat him in there tiny duels quite a lot. She even beat him in there arguments most of the time although thats not something he'd ever admit he was to stubborn to ever admit he was wrong. He just hoped that she wont remember all the times she beat him in Dumbledores Army then he pretty much already lost this conversation. He had a feeling she would remember however Dumbledores Army was a big part of there lives and still was a big part of there lives.

She hadn't really answered the question the way he had wanted. That was just rephrasing everything she had already said on her mind being cluttered was pretty much the same as her saying things were on her mind. It didn't answer what was on her mind and he was curious yet he was certain he knew. She had to be stressing over grades and Voldomort it was probable a lot on her plate. " Hermione... your grades are probable fine... and the war were bound to be having soon you should just get that out of your mind... maybe, you should just worry about school ya know.. maybe you shouldn't be fighting in it. It should just be me and Harry... then you just will worry about school and you can get some rest..." he told her that was what he figured was on her mind and maybe, now she could get some sleep.

Unfortunately, for him he wished that was all that was on his mind school and the war. School won't worry him and secondly the war he'd be able to sleep because he didn't know when it would happen. It worried him but he'd probable not be waking up every five minutes because of it maybe, only every two hours or so. He was still trying to decide what to tell her was on his mind now before he shrugged. " My family..." he stated simply that being the only thing he could think of it was half a lie. He was worried about them and all but that hadn't been on his mind till he said it.

[``hermione jean granger]

Hermione smirked. "You'd like to see me try? Don't tempt me Weasley," she joked. Hermione knew she could beat Ron in a duel, but she didn't want to bring up the sore subject of Hermione kicking Ron's butt in duels Dumbledore's Army. Hermione was more adept at dueling than Ron, but she didn't dare bring it up. She was having fun just sitting here with him. Hermione wished that she could just hang out with Ron more often. Maybe it would make him start to like her too. Hermione looked off into the distance and starting imagining dating Ron. She imagined their first date in Hogsmeade, holding hands in the corridors, cheering for him during Quidditch matches and their first kiss.

Hermione snapped out of her dream when Ron started talking to her. He thought she was worried about grades, or Voldemort. This idea almost made Hermione laugh out loud, she wasn't worried about her grades for she was still getting straight As and she wasn't worried about Voldemort. Harry had already battled Voldemort at the Ministry, and she knew that in the end they would be victorious. What Hermione was worried that she would never be with the boy she loved. "Don't be silly Ron, I'm not worried about my grades or Voldemort. It's something more personal..." Hermione trailed off. She realized she'd said too much.

Trying to switch the subject Hermione asked about Ron's troubles. "Are you worried about Ginny again? Don't worry about her and Harry, he treats her really well." Then, Ron's words finally began to sink in. Was he serous about her not fighting with him and Harry. "What do you mean I shouldn't be fighting with you and Harry? I can fend for myself, thank you!" Hermione was a bit angry that Ron would even consider Hermione standing down. She never would let her two best friends fight without her.

[Ron Weasley]

Ron smirked at her. " But, its fun to tempt you..." he said he had to admit it was kind of fun to watch her get angry maybe, thats why he always fought with her he didn't really know. All, he knew was that he usual tended to lose any argument they had but he continued to fight with her anyways he couldn't really help himself. He raised his eyebrow at her when she called him Weasley and he burst out laughing his face bright red as he took a deep breath. Hoping nobody had woken up because he had been rather loud but most people couldn't hear things from the dorm anyways. But the whole Weasley just made him think of Malfoy... and then her punching Malfoy and then Malfoy turning into the ferret. " Are you Malfoy now Hermione?" he asked her.

When she said she wasn't worried about his grades or Voldomort he tried racking his brains to find out what could be wrong with her. But, he couldn't really think of anything and he sort of wanted to help her out with whatever was going on her mind. She needed sleep. Granted he needed sleep to but he was more worried about her and the concern on his face was apparent by now. " What's going on Hermione? Is your family alright?" he asked her scooting over on the couch to be closer to her and so he could see her better in the fires light to see if she was telling him the truth on whatever was going on in her mind. He wanted to help her.

Ron sighed a bit running a hand in his hair he could easily just go with that... that had been on his mind for awhile now Harry and Ginny but, he knew Harry would treat her right. He would never hurt Ginny... if anything Ginny would do the hurting. Even though Harry had broke her heart there for a little bit but that was because he was protecting her. " I lied..." he mumbled under his breath he could just tie in what was worrying him with why he didn't want her to go into the war. He just hoped it wont give away how he really felt about her hopefully, she'd think it was just in a friendly way and nothing more. He didn't want to be rejected by her it would kill him inside and it could ruin there friendship and he wanted Hermione in his life.

" I'm not worried about Ginny and Harry... I just find it odd that there together but, I know there good for eachother..." he paused. " I'm worried about you..." he mumbled under his breath. He had been worried about her that wasn't what was keeping him up though not tonight anyways. " I don't want you fighting because I don't want you to get hurt. I know you can fight your brilliant but, if anything happened to you... I.." he paused yet again as he coughed a bit. " Hermione, your my best friend I'd be lost without you... I don't want you fighting. I don't want you to get hurt..." he explained to her it was all the honest truth. He just left out minor details.

[``hermione jean granger]

Hermione laughed. "Yes, I am secretly Draco Malfoy disguised as Hermione Granger. I cleverly used the Polyjuice Potion, but alas. You caught me. Ron Weasley you are too smart for me!" Hermione laughed. Ron was so easy to joke with, in fact he was the funniest of the group when he wasn't being a prat. Sometimes he was so overprotective of Hermione and Ginny to the point where it annoyed her. But it was also kind of sweet, he cared about her. If only he cared about her in a different way, in the same way Hermione cared about him. However, it was apparent that Hermione as just a friend.

Hermione rubbed her eyes, she was clearly sleep deprived. She had barely slept because she was too busy worrying about Ron. "No, it's not my family. It's..it's nothing. Just girl stuff." Hermione noticed that he moved closer to her and her heart began thumping in her chest so loud she was sure that Ron would hear it. She couldn't tell him, even though she really wanted to. She couldn't lose him as a friend, no matter what. She ran her finger through her hair, trying to distract her from how close Ron was.

Hermione just stared at Ron after his speech about keeping Hermione safe. She was floored by his caring reason. "Ron, I'm...I'm flattered that you care about me that much. I feel the same way about you, I don't even want to think about losing you either. You're my best friend, but I can't sit on the sidelines wondering what's happening to you and Harry. I have to be there, and I hope you understand..." Hermione reached out and grabbed Ron's hand. She realized what she had done, and looked at her hand and then looked at Ron. She wanted to rip her hand away, but she couldn't.

[Ron Weasley]

Ron's eyes went wide when she had claimed to be Draco Malfoy. " No way!" he exclaimed his eyes still wide as if he actually believed her. However, of course he hadn't really fell for it. Granted he wasn't the smartest guy in the world but he would probable been able to know if Draco Malfoy was actually using polyjuice potion to play as Hermione Granger. He would not be able to even pass as he for a second. Then again Draco would never even take the chance of turning into Hermione she was a 'mudblood' in his eyes and him having to be a mudblood would like kill him he'd never do it. But, the shock soon left his face as he shook his head at her. " Yeah, your a bad Malfoy... He won't ever call me smart and would defiantly not confess that soon he was acting as you..." he told her in a matter-of-fact tone. " And, you thought I was dumb and actually falling for that!" he said shaking his head a bit laughing.

Ron frowned a bit when she said it wasn't her family. He didn't really know what to think but he was even more worried about her now. Not knowing what was wrong with her was bugging him to no end because he didn't know how he could help her. He sat back in the couch for a brief moment staring into the fire his mind drifting off to Krum now and he gritted his teeth a bit. It was probable him he sighed a bit turning to glance at her out of the corner of his eye now. " Err... is it Vicky?" he coughed a bit he knew she hated when he called Krum that. " Umm... Krum?" he asked her that was the last thing he'd be able to come up with he was really hoping that wasn't it but that was the only thing it could be... the last thing he could think of. He didn't know any other guys she hung out with besides Him and Harry... well, there was Cormac.

Then his mind jumped back to Harry maybe, she was in love with him and thats why she felt bad because of Ginny. But, then he thought No, because she liked the two together and if she didn't won't she be siding with Ron on these two more often not being together or something. But, he couldn't help but ask. " Or... Harry?" he asked softly trying not to frown. It was always Harry and now thats what was in his mind he was past Krum and onto Harry now. Unfortunately, he couldn't hate Harry for this. Harry was his best friend and he knew Harry didn't like the attention and all but he could help but feel hurt about this it's not like Harry would ask for Hermione to like him when he was in love with Ginny and he knew Ron was in love with Hermione. Harry was not that type of guy.

Ron swallowed hard staring down at there hands. He knew his face was instantly red again and he didn't exactly know how to react but he didn't pull away he instead kind of rubbed the back of her hand gently with his thumb staring at her for a rather long time and then getting lost in his thoughts. When he had realized how long he must of been staring he quickly pulled away looking away from her and back into the fire. He had forgotten the whole conversation and it took him awhile to remember it but when he had he spoke up and nodded and stated a simple " I know..." it was soft he couldn't argue with her about this he'd lose she was going to be to stubborn on this conversation more then usual.

[``hermione jean granger]

Hermione laughed at Ron. "Foiled again!" She laughed, it was so easy to joke around with Ron. He was funny, charming and easy to be around. She seemed to forget all of her worries when he was around. However, then as soon as she left him she would scrutinize her every move and make sure that she hadn't given herself away. It seems that tonight she was too tired to keep up all her defenses around Ron. She couldn't eat and she couldn't sleep since they returned to Hogwarts. Her sleep deprivation was making her slightly crazy.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Please don't call him Vicky, and no it isn't Viktor." For some reason Ron seemed to be extremely hung up on her very short "relationship" with Viktor. They only kissed once, but Ron always seemed very bitter about it. It made no sense because Ron absolutely idolized Viktor at the Quidditch World Cup, but as soon as Viktor took Hermione to the Yule Ball, Ron hated him. Boys were funny that way. Viktor had been nothing more than a crush really, he wasn't anyone incredibly special to Hermione. It wasn't like she was snogging him all the time like Ron was snogging Lavender. "And it isn't Cormac don't even ask."

Hermione laughed out loud when Ron suggested Harry. "Ron, it's not Harry either..." Harry was madly in love with Ginny and there was no way Hermione liked him more than a friend. Couldn't Ron see that she loved him? Was he that blind. It took Hermione a long time to notice she was still holding his hand. "You're on the right track, but I can't tell you. It's...embarassing..." Hermione looked down, she couldn't bear to look at him, she was afraid he'd see right through her. Ron rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb, and Hermione thought he liked her back. She just stared at him for a while, trying to figure him out. Did he know? She couldn't tell. Eventually he pulled his hand away and Hermione felt her stomach drop. Maybe he didn't feel the same way.

At least he understood why she had to fight with the rest of them. "Thank you for understanding Ron," she said softly. She would have won the argument, she was too stubborn to let it go.

[Ron Weasley]

Ron laughed a bit shaking his head. Deciding to just drop the whole Malfoy subject even if they were joking around Malfoy was never one he really liked to talk about. He hated that guy more then he hated anyone else on this earth. Ok, besides Voldomort and a select few Death Eaters but he was defiantly up there with people he hated and Ron didn't hate a lot of people.

Ron sighed a bit when she told him not to call him Vicky at least he had corrected himself this time. But, this was another thing he ignored he wasn't going to tell her that he won't call Krum Vicky anymore because he probable would and this was one conversation she would actually lose Ron never knew when he would let it slip out of his mouth it just happened. But, he disliked Krum quite a bit. He couldn't really say hate seeing as he used to admire the guy. Unfortunately, when he went to the Yule Ball with Hermione he started to hate him. He laughed a bit shaking his head when she told him not to ask about Cormac. " I wasn't planning on it..." he stated simply with a shrug he knew she didn't like him like that.

Ron sighed a bit in frustration when she said it wasn't Harry.He was glad it wasn't Harry. But, he had listed all the guys she talked to in his head that Hermione could have feelings for now. He know knew it was something to do with a guy but he couldn't think of who it could be now. He listed everyone! " Well, just tell me. It's me Ron..." he paused that won't make her open up anymore because he always picked on her. " Ok, well... that's not reassuring but... I won't tell anyone or make fun of you..." he told her looking straight at her. He knew he won't be making fun of her maybe, just steering her away from the other guy he always had a tendency to hate any guy that Hermione ever liked which left it to Krum and well, really thats the only guys he could think of besides Cormac who he was sure she never liked.

[``hermione jean granger]

Hermione rubbed her eyes. She needed sleep but suddenly she was wide awake. Could she do this? Could she tell Ron how she felt. Her suppressed feelings where wreaking havoc on her nerves and her sleep patterns and she couldn't keep living like this. She looked like hell, she had dark circles underneath her eyes, her hair was a mess, and she barely looked presentable during the school days. Every morning, afternoon and night, Hermione picked at her food in the dining hall. She didn't feel like herself, and maybe this was her way out. She took a deep breath, she could handle it anymore, the truth had to come out.

"Look Ron, just listen to what I have to say before you talk okay?" Hermione ran her fingers through her hair. Maybe he wouldn't freak out and disown her. Maybe, he would be okay. "I've been up every night since we got here because well, I really really like this guy. Its...it's you Ron." She looked away, she couldn't look at him. It was hard enough to tell this to him and she couldn't watch his face as she did it. "Ron, I've liked you for a long time, and I can't hide it anymore. I haven't been sleeping or eating because I feel so conflicted about it. I didn't want to tell you because I was, well I still am terrified that this will ruin our friendship. I only asked Cormac to Slughorn's party last year to make you jealous. I don't like him, and I never did."

"If you don't feel the same way, it's fine and I'll understand. Please, don't let this ruin our friendship. I couldn't deal with losing you as my best friend."Hermione turned to face Ron. Her eyes were wide with anticipation of his reaction. She couldn't believe that she had actually told him this. She prayed to God he wouldn't freak out and never talk to her again. It was finally out in the open, but Hermione didn't feel relieved. She felt terrified.

[Ron Weasley]

Ron couldn't really help himself. When she told him not to talk and wait until she was done with what she had to say. " Well, ok... bossy..." he stated simply with a smug look on his face he was only joking with her but, he had a feeling he probable shouldn't have said that because she was about to finally be open with him on whatever was going on in her mind and as she heard her speak he coughed a bit had he heard her right? His face was bright red as he only glanced at her as she spoke every one in awhile all the other times staring into the fire. Was this a joke? He shook those thoughts out of his head though Hermione would not make a joke like that. It wasn't in her nature. It still shocked him to no end though that she liked him. How was it possible that she liked him to? It just didn't make sense.

He swallowed hard listening to her speak before finally getting up the nerves to talk to her as he turned to look at her his face bright red but, he had a feeling she was more nervous about his reaction at the moment then he was to speak. She had admitted she liked him first and she didn't know if he returned the feelings. But, of course he did how couldn't he? " You... you like me?" he questioned staring at her it was all that he could get out of his mouth at the moment. He coughed a bit again rubbing the back of his neck. " I'm going to be honest with you..." he told swallowing hard. He really hoped this wasn't a joke. She won't play with his feelings like that would she?

" Cormac made me jealous." he paused. " Krum made me jealous." he paused yet again as if this was already hinting to her from everything else he was about to say. " Harry even makes me jealous once in awhile. Mainly, because you two always seem so close compared to us... I guess any guy you really talk to makes me jealous... but that's because I like you too..." he explained to her staring down at the ground not able to look at her now. " and, I only dated Lavender because Ginny made it seem as if I would never be able to get a girl to snog me... and when I found out you had kissed Krum... I was angry and well, I had to find someone..." he told her. " Plus, she liked me for me... not because I was Harry Potter's best friend... I was just Ron Weasley... and also, not just another Weasley... I was just me..." he told her. " But, truthfully Lavender was kinda crazy..." he said with a weak laugh rubbing the back of his neck.

[``hermione jean granger]

Hermione stared at Ron. Was this possible? He liked her as well? How could Hermione have missed this, she was supposed to be the brightest witch of her age. She stared at Ron in disbelief. He had to be joking. This was Ron, he was never serious about anything. But deep down Hermione felt relieved. Maybe her dream was about to come true. "I didn't mean for Krum to make you angry, I wish I had gone to the Yule Ball with you..." Hermione smiled warmly. This had to be a dream, this wasn't real. This was the exact opposite of what Hermione expected to happen. She expected Ron to let her down easy, and then ignore her for the rest of the school year.

"Ron, I've always liked you for you. I don't care that you're Harry Potter's best friend, although I'm glad that you are because without you our group definitely wouldn't be the same. Lavender was a bit crazy, and I'm glad that's over with. When you were in the hospital after you were poisoned, you called out for me and I held your hand while you got better. I was devastated when you didn't remember any of that." Hermione reached out and grabbed his hand again. This time it was deliberate, and Hermione wasn't afraid. Why hadn't she done this before? He liked her. Ron Weasley actually liked her, this was too good to be true.

"Ron, at Fred and George's shop, you said we were just friends. I only said it because Harry and Ginny were freaking me out by outing my feelings. I didn't mean it, did you?" Hermione wanted to shake all of her feelings of doubt. But she was still in shock. Was this seriously happening to her?

[Ron Weasley]

" Yeah, I wish you would of went to the Yule Ball with me too... you looked beautiful..." he told her his face going bright red. He hadn't told her that before but she had looked beautiful that night the moment he saw her his heart had dropped but he was to stubborn to admit to himself that he liked her. He felt bad though because it was kind of his own fault he had asked her in a way that made her seem like she was his last resort and that wasn't the case she was never his last resort and Harry tried to warn him that asking her like that was wrong. He just wasn't good with girls and she should of known that by now. He ruined the whole night for her at the ending to. " and, I'm sorry... for ruining the night for you. You were having fun then I went and messed it up... and I deserved a no from you anyways... you were never a last resort I just... I just didn't know how to ask you..." he explained to her honestly. He was finally at least opening up. Ron wasn't one to like to be wrong and even when he knew he was he never really admitted it just dropped the conversation. So, this was sort of a step up for him. The Yule Ball had bothered him all these years but at least she finally knew why he acted the way he had.

Ron gave a small grin when she said she liked him for him. This he could actually believe seeing as Harry was not the boy who lived to Hermione he was her best friend he knew he wasn't just the Boy who lived best friend. When she grabbed his hand he interwined there fingers grinning at her this time not making any motions to pull away and instead stared down at there hands with a smile. " Hermione..." he paused his face going red as he looked up at her. " I remembered saying your name... It was an accident... but, I didn't want to admit I knew what I had said... because, I thought it would give away my feelings about you. I was scared of rejection and to be honest I'm still afraid of rejection from you..." he explained to her. " You belong with someone smart... and I'm not smart... heck, Krum is probable better for you... no matter how much I don't want to admit it to myself..." he told her with a short sigh. But, he still hadn't let go of her hand he did however fall back into the couch staring into the fire now.

" I only said we were just friends because you said it... I didn't want to be rejected in front of everyone..." he sighed a bit still staring into the fire. " But, I kind of felt rejected already..." he said with a light laugh even though in all honesty it wasn't funny it had broken his heart.

[``hermione jean granger]

"Thanks," Hermione said, her face feeling hot. It felt amazing for Ron to tell her she looked beautiful that night because she was so worried about how she looked. The Yule Ball was just one large catastrophe that obviously left Ron really hurt. She hated that he had felt bad about the way he acted to this day. "Ron, I'm not mad about the Yule Ball. It's ancient history as far as I'm concerned. It does make me feel better that you acted that way because you liked me and not because you thought I was betraying Harry." Hermione noticed Ron was blushing, it showed that he really cared. It was also extremely cute when he blushed.

Hermione sighed when Ron went on about how she deserved someone smart. Why couldn't he see that he was the only person she wanted. He always downplayed his intelligence and magical abilities. Ron was a smart and talented wizard, and Hermione somewhat blamed herself for Ron's self esteem issues. She was always correcting Harry and Ron's work, and she was top of their class so she felt responsible for Ron feeling unintelligent. "Ronald," she said seriously. "I don't want someone smart, and I don't want Viktor. I want someone brave, and someone who is loyal. Ron, you fought bravely beside me at the ministry and you would do anything to protect the people you love. Stop beating yourself up. I deserve someone like you." She squeezed his hand, staring him right in the eyes. "I'm not going to suddenly decide I don't like you. Ron, this is real to me."

Hermione sighed again as Ron leaned back on the couch. She wanted to make sure that Ron knew how she felt, and there was only one way to show him. Hermione got out of her chair and sat next to Ron on the couch. She leaned in close to him, and lightly pressed her lips to his for a few seconds and them pulled away. She smiled and looked at him.