Say Anything

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, ha.

Summary: Ron and Hermione have faced mixed signals and confusion their entire friendship together, and when their love finally meets it won't be any better. Follow our two young protagonists on their last days of Hogwarts as they try to decipher feelings, thoughts, and maybe the realization of love.

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I should've known in the beginning that I was just wishing myself straight into pure trouble; Ron, since I'd known him, had always been the king of miss-signals, or, as I liked to nickname him, the king of confusion. He's an absolute nerve-wrecking boy-well, man-and he can't tell what I'm thinking, no matter how many times he pulls out the 'girl dictionary' that Fred and George gave him. He doesn't have the wit of any of his brothers, nor, as I'm relatively happy to say, the work ethics of Percy. He's not extremely clever like Fred and George-nor is he the craft making genius they are today. No, he isn't any of these things. He is much better.

His inexistent wit is what amuses me the most; the term, 'straight over your head' always comes to mind about here. How much he tries to be like his brothers-always trying to impress me, to out do them-but what he doesn't seem to realize is that it's what makes him different that makes me love him. I'm so glad, in fact, that he hates to work, unless it somehow involves quidditch or a scheme that, even as adults, he and Harry always lore me into, because frankly I like sitting under the sun, his arm around me, his soft whisper in my ear, 'I love you.' He works when we need it-obviously-but it doesn't take him over. He's not the cleverest person around-but it's the jabs he does occasionally make that make all the difference. Oh, of course he's clever and witty, but he knows what I like: to not always show he has intelligence, but to make sure I know it's there. That way, when I do hear something, I know its extra special, something just for me. And he loves to make me feel special.

I guess you're wondering about now, the perfect man? How could she almost screw this up? I thought I'd reached an all time low that night-the night I almost lost the love of my life. But why take my word on it? See for yourself.

Ten years in the past…

Buzz! Buzz!

I practically jumped by skin, wondering if I was just going crazy, or if there were really honey bees in my dormitory. I opened my eyes, and saw the sun streak my face like an abnormal scar, and it was then that I remembered where I was: outside Hogwarts, under a shady tree. But the last thing I remembered was being here with Ron and Harry, and we were celebrating-or the opposite-for tomorrow. For tomorrow is the day. The last day of the best days…Hogwarts is over for good…in twenty-four hours.

I sighed, and pulled my shirt close to me. Then, looking around widely, I realized that my sweater was missing. I have to look for it! But first, I took of my knee socks and shoes. I'm not sure why, but I remember thinking, might as well. This will be my last chance to ever do anything like this at Hogwarts.

As I stood up and stretched, I scorned myself. Stop this Hermione! Your last day should be enjoyable! You shouldn't go around mobbing all day!

Suddenly I saw a tall and lanky figure jump from the tree I was just laying under, and say, "Morning Hermione!"

Before I pointed out that the morning had been over for some time, I faltered backwards, holding my heart as though it might burst at any moment. "R-Ron Weasley," I sputtered, gasping for breath.

"What?" he asked, grinning widely. "So going for a freer look Hermione?"

"What-oh, yes," I answered, looking down at my bare feet. "Well, yes. But apparently you're not."

Ron grinned. "Hey, I can be plenty free-come on then, miss free, let's go take a dip in the lake."

"A-a what?" I asked. I couldn't help the nervousness in my voice. I mean-where was Harry? I shouldn't be left alone with Ron, especially when he wants to go swimming! "Umm…maybe we should just go get Harry."

Ron laughed, and confidently ran a hand through that gorgeous hair that I love so much. Inside, I sighed. Ron was so…

I actually sighed now, just taking it all in. Ron-standing there, in the sunlight, his hair catching it just right now-and then suddenly…he just took his shirt off.

I gasped; well, maybe I did, I have no idea, I was still sighing longingly when he took it off-the shirt, I mean-and I saw that, for the first time, quidditch did have a purpose. And it was apparently to make my heart beat wildly whenever a gorgeous redhead unmasked his torso to me. I just couldn't ignore the fact that Ron was so...undeniable attractive.

I watched Ron then proceed to take off his pants-but, much to my disappointment and relief-he had on blue boxers. He took off his socks, rubbed his hands together, and dived straight into the lake.

"Oh, it's cold!" he exclaimed, when he resurfaced. I stared at the pile of clothes in front of me, to the half-naked Ron wadding in the apparently freezing lake-and I tried to take it in. I finally decided this was some cruel dream.

"Well, c'mon Hermione!" Ron said, who had completely adapted to the cold water and was now doing back strokes. "I promise to close my eyes if needed and I assure you that the giant squid is almost inactive!"

"Well that's real reassuring," I said dryly. I looked around, turning many 180's, and realized that everyone must be inside, or somewhere else, because no one was even in a twenty feet radius. "Do you know where Harry is?"

"Somewhere off with my sister," Ron grumbled, "To have a 'picnic'!"

I checked her watch; it was only two o'clock. There's no excuse I can use! Dinner won't be for hours, Harry and Ginny are who knows where, and I've packed for home completely! But, I reminded myself, you wanted to 'let loose' today. So why not just do it?

I had made up my mind quickly, and just like that I pulled my skirt down to my knees, and kicked it in the pile beside Ron's. I saw his eyes show disbelief (but not a disgusted look that I secretly was afraid of receiving). I was kind of scared to look down and see what underwear I had on, so I avoided that area and decided to unbutton my white shirt instead. My thought process for those few seconds was lagging; I had no idea what I was about to do.

When I ran into the lake, the coldness of the water was such a shock to me that I yelped out in surprise. My head went under the water, and we I resurfaced I saw Ron come up with me, his hair wet and messy (and just adorable). I spitted out the water, a sour taste in my mouth.

"You okay?"

I barely nodded, and mustered a smile.

Ron laughed. "You know what I think?" And he splashed me straight in the face. Wiping my face, while laughing, I splashed him back. And pretty soon, we were splashing each other back and forth-repetitively, almost- until, we…okay, I knew this was a dream at this point. Because I don't get this kind of time with Ron. Ron and I are not skinny-dipping in the lake, I told myself. It sounded like a lie-yet it wasn't. No, it isn't-it's real. I'm really here!

And suddenly, Ron stopped splashing me. The amusement was gone from his face-and now he held a new, unfound emotion written upon his face. What is it? Now this was bugging me. What book was there to decipher the man codes and facial expressions? Now I'll have to go the library, like always, and-

And suddenly, I felt Ron's lips on mine. I don't know if I'm hallucinating or what-maybe I'm just crazy-but I wanted was to kiss Ron, which, ironically, I was doing now. So frightened, I broke my lips away, then it occurred to me that Ron was holding me; holding me. He had a hand on my back, and his other hand was behind my neck. And did I mention how close we were? I could literally feel him.

I looked at his face, and saw his must be as surprised as I was about him kissing me-or, how he used to be, anyways. Because I'd broken away, like an idiot. I stared into his eyes, trying to decide what to do next. But I knew for sure I didn't want him to let me go, and I wanted to kiss him-so, I did. It wasn't the first time today that I totally surprised my boldness, and I just went in and kissed him. He was surprised too, almost as much as I was. It was a quick kiss, and then Ron got a firm hold on my neck-and leaned in, and really kissed me. This kiss, I knew I would remember for, well, I guess forever. I could feel it down to my practically frozen toes, all the way up to my wet and tangled hair. It felt so good….that I shocked myself when I broke apart.

I removed his hands, and quickly swam to get out of the lake before I lost my courage, or perhaps before I forgot my point in leaving. At this point I'm reminded that I don't even have a point. What a great reason to ruin the best moment of your life, don't you think?

"Hermione!"

I grabbed my clothes, pulled my skirt up to my hips ( not bothering to pull up the zipper) and I put my arms through my shirt ( forgetting to button it), and when I turned, Ron was there.

Ron, confused and soaking wet.

And I was the cause of it.

"Hermione, I'm sorry if I-"

"No, Ron, that's just it!" I said, and suddenly, I felt ready to cry. And then I actually did start crying. Just great. "You shouldn't be sorry!"

I just realized that as many mixed signals he gave me, he finally gave me one stable one. That kiss, that amazing kiss. And I couldn't even face it.

"But-"

"Please-just-just leave me alone!" I couldn't believe I was screaming at him, when all he's done was give me the best kiss of my life. Well, technically the only kiss I've had in my life.

Ron grasped my elbow. "Hermione," he said, sounding very calm compared to me, "just-just tell me. Tell me what you want, and I swear-I'll-I'll do it."

As I flinched, Ron quickly dropped my elbow as though I was the plaque. I backed away from him, and fought not to cry. Seconds ago I was the happiest I'd been in my life; now I felt so shaken up. I wanted to kiss him again, but for some reason, I didn't. I wanted to tell him how much I lov-cared for him, but I didn't. I shouldn't have ran, but I did.

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A/N-Next chapter coming soon. Let me know what you think.