Hi, readers! For all you Heron shippers! Drabble. Has no real place in the timeline, but happens before Ron and Hermione start dating. Rated T. Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter
Hermione carefully led Ron through the crowded platform, holding his hand tightly. She was driving through the crowd of muggles, and then she reached the counter, dragging a flustered Ron behind her.
"Two tickets to London, please," Hermione said, as though she did this every day with expertise. Ron shook his head behind her, and proceeded to study the map he bought. Hermione handed over the muggle money and gave her thanks to the woman.
"So, what're we doing here, again, Hermione?" Ron asked, and she rolled her eyes. The woman behind the counter gave a hearty chuckle.
"Men, can't live with'em, can't live without 'em!" She laughed at her own joke. Hermione laughed along with her as if they were old friends.
"Especially this one," Hermione used her thumb to point at Ron. "Hasn't got a clue!" The woman laughed and gave Hermione a knowing look, her eyes glittering.
"Bet he's worth it, though," she winked, and Hermione wasn't quite sure if she was implying that Hermione was in love with him, that he was good-looking, or that he was great in bed. In whichever way, she smiled politely and the witch ignored Ron's burning red ears as she walked away.
Hermione and Ron got two seats on the cramped train and they were shoved uncomfortably together. Ron was still examining the map.
"We're going to visit Harry, Ron" Hermione said loudly in his ear.
"Ouch! Why's your voice so loud, Hermione?" Ron was rubbing his ear.
"Oh, sorry! I'm not used to sitting so close to you!" She lowered her voice. He sighed and went back to reading the map.
"So, Harry lives with his aunt and uncle still, right?" Hermione shook her head. "Then why are we going to London?"
"Harry doesn't live there anymore, Ron. He lives in 12 Grimmauld Place, remember? How could you forget something like that?" Hermione shook her head again.
"I dunno, got other things on my mind, I guess," They sat in silence for a few minutes, and Hermione pulled out a book. "So, that muggle really was something," Ron finally said.
"Which one? The ticket vendor? She was nice, I suppose," Hermione said.
"Even after she said I was stupid?" Ron asked, his ears turning red.
"Yes, even after she said you were stupid," Hermione went back to reading her book.
"What? She thought that we were- are… She thought we were dating, Hermione!" He huffed and Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Stupid muggle…" He added under his breath, but because she was so close, Hermione heard him. She turned bright red and turned to face him. She a threatening finger at him.
"No! Not 'stupid muggle' Ron!" She practically shouted at him, and a few people stared.
"Er, Hermione?" Ron squeaked. She was inching closer and she had this gleam in her eye like she always got when she was breaking the rules. "Er-" Hermione leaned forward and kissed him. It was pure bliss, and only a second later, she broke off. She smirked at the look on his face and went back to reading. Ron gulped. Maybe the muggle wasn't so stupid after all? Ron wondered, looking at the map again. Hermione smiled at her book. She really did love him, that's for sure.