Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all the people, places, things, and terms associated to it belong to JK Rowling.
Hermione Granger: Unicorns
Hermione Granger looked up from her books with a sigh. As much as Ron Weasley would be flabbergasted at hearing it, Hermione did occasionally get tired of studying. Not that she would ever let Ron know. One did, after all, have an appearance to maintain.
Still, it was a perfectly lovely September day, even if it was raining, and it was the weekend. All the rest of her class was goofing off, and Hermione was a little sad that she couldn't allow herself to join in. Well, to be fair, there wasn't anyone she really wanted to goof off with anyway; Ron was at Quidditch practice. Oh, and so were Ginny and Harry.
Still what could distract her for awhile? Not books… she'd already written to her parents… to be honest, she was sick of knitting… what else was there to do?
Just then a memory surfaced… "For that, Hermione, you can have one for free." Of course, she still had that daydreaming charm that Fred and George had given her. Quidditch practice would be another hour at least. Making up her mind quickly, Hermione gathered her homework, dashed up to the dorm, grabbed the daydreaming charm and Hogwarts, A History, (it wouldn't do to actually be caught daydreaming, after all), fluffed up the pillows on her bed, and settled in for a nice lovely daydream.
Hermione groaned. She'd actually gotten excited about daydreaming and not working for a change, and where does the ridiculous daydream put her? Right in the middle of the library, for goodness sake.
Hermione headed for the shelves. She might as well do some work, since at least her real body was actually resting. Just as she took a dusty volume off the shelves, though, she sneezed, and dropped the book. It was heading straight for her vulnerable foot when-
"Got it!" came a triumphant voice by her feet. Hermione looked down, and there was Ron, sprawled by her feet, clutching the book, just inches above her foot. He looked so adorable that Hermione couldn't help but smile at him.
"My hero."
Ron stood up and dusted himself off. "I have decided," he announced, putting the book back on the shelf, "that you work entirely too much. So," he continued, turning to her and scooping her up in his arms, ignoring the surprised squeal that Hermione let out, "I am kidnapping you." Without waiting for further argument, he strided toward the exit.
Hermione settled down in Ron's arms. She was just going to enjoy the extraordinary feel of being in Ron's embrace, of feeling safe and protected. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her face into Ron's chest, feeling comforted by the soothing sound of Ron's heartbeat.
Ron carried Hermione all the way through the castle, out the front doors, and across the grounds until they were standing underneath a tree by the lake. Ron carefully set her down on a blanket and then whispered, "I have a surprise for you."
"What is it?" Hermione whispered back.
Ron settled down right beside her, gave her a wink, and then gave a soft whistle. Slowly and cautiously, a beautiful golden unicorn fawn walked around the tree and came right up to Hermione, allowing her to pet it. Just then, the mother walked over to the shoreline and took a drink of water out of the lake.
Hermione was speechless. She slowly petted the fawn, and smiled in pure bliss. "Ron," she whispered. "This is amazing."
Ron met and gazed into her eyes. "Not as amazing as you are," he replied. "I love you, Hermione."
"Really?" she gasped. "You really love me?"
"Yes, I love you," Ron said earnestly. "You are by far the most beautiful woman ever created. You are sweet and compassionate. You are brilliant and talented. You are funny, gutsy, and everything I could ever want."
Hermione was overcome with joy. Her heart filled with happiness, she whispered, "I love you too, Ron."
Slowly, they leaned toward each other, so close now that their breaths were mingling, and then they closed their eyes and were leaning just the final bit forward, for their long anticipated first kiss, when…
Hermione was back in the dormitory.
"No!" she yelled in frustration. Why did it have to end? The beautiful feeling of happiness evaporated, even though Hermione tried to hang onto it. It had only been a daydream. This was real life. In real life, Ron didn't love her. In real life, she would never hear those beautiful words, because in real life, Ron would never love a know-it-all like her.
Hermione stared uncomprehendingly at the pages of Hogwarts: A History as the laughter on the steps let her know that Lavender and Pavarti were coming.
A/N Yes, I know Ron is out of character, but in daydreams, aren't your friends out of character, too?