Chapter one.
Ron looked at the letter in his hands.
Dear Ron,
I had a great time in Bulgaria, and Victor is fine. (His name is not Vicky)
How are you? I'm coming to stay by Floo Powder on Monday and am bringing Crookshanks with me, just to warn you!
Did you like the present? I loved yours! An Advanced Guide to Arithmancy, what a perfect present! Why did you send me a present, when all I sent you was a souvenir? Also, I don't understand your note? Why did you say you had something to tell me when I saw you when you could have easily told me in a letter? I hope you're alright. Is it something about Harry? Now you've got me all worked up!
See you soon!
Love from,
Hermione.
Was the love a friendly, or did she mean what she said? Just then, Harry came in.
"Oh no, you're not looking at that letter again are you? Come off it mate, we all know she likes you, you've just gotta tell her you like her!"
"Has she ever actually said, 'I like Ron'? I think not! Harry what do I do? How am I going to tell her?"
"Just go along with the original plan and you'll be fine!"
Just then Mrs Weasley called up the stairs,
"Harry! Ron! Hermione's here!"
Ron took a deep breath, stuffed the letter under his pillow, and went downstairs with Harry.
"Harry! Ron!" Hermione said, hugging each of them in turn, "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Hermione!" said Harry.
"Yeah, second that! Hey, I'll help you take the cases up to Ginny's room!"
"Thanks Ron, that's really nice!" Hermione said, picking up her trunk and handing it to Ron, while she took her bag and Crookshanks' cage.
About an hour later, they were all sitting at the table and listening to Hermione tell them all about Bulgaria.
"Yes, it was fascinating! I learnt a lot about the local wizards of the pat, and went skiing, it was a fantastic time!" Reading the look on their faces, she continued, "I didn't see much of Viktor though, he was too busy training for Quidditch. Most of the time we spent together was just in the library, reading books and getting to know each other a bit more, but no, nothing happened. We're just friends, and not even good friends, really!" Hermione finished, smiling around at the faces. Ron felt the jealously that had been boiling in him subside as Hermione said, "just friends," and knew that she wouldn't lie, knowing he could go on with the plan.
After dinner, Harry Ron and Hermione went out for a walk. They walked along the gardens and through the back gate into the field beyond. They settled under a tree and Harry told Hermione all about his summer. Soon Harry said,
"Well, I'm tired. I think I'm gonna head back,"
"I'll come with you," Hermione and Ron said, simultaneously.
"No, let Ron tell you about his summer Hermione," Harry said, with a discreet wink at Ron.
"Alright, you go on. We'll catch up with you soon!" Hermione said, giving him a wave as he walked back down to the garden. "What did you want to tell me Ron?"
"Well, I got you another present," said Ron, bringing out a long, narrow box.
"Why?" Hermione questioned, eyeing the box, "You don't need to. It's not my birthday, or Christmas,"
"Just take it," Ron said, handing her the box and fiddling with his thumbs.
Hermione slowly opened the box and saw a gorgeous silver necklace with a pendant hanging on it. The pendant was of a Hippogriff.
"Ohh, it's lovely," she whispered, but as she pulled out the necklace, a scrap of parchment came loose. She unfolded it and read the message.
Dear Hermione,
I know I've waited to long to do this, but I wondered if you would like to go out with me. You know, I'm probably delirious, and all, but in case you'd forgotten, the Hippogriff is a reminder of the time we held hands. Well, hope you like it.
Love, Ron.
Hermione looked at Ron, pulled him close and kissed him. He slipped his arms around her waist, just as she slipped hers around his neck. They held each other for a long time and when Ron finally broke away, he said in a strangled voice,
"I guess that's a yes then?" As a reply, Hermione kissed him again.
Harry watched them from the garden and knew that his work was done. Finally, they were happy.