Daisies

I lay in the tall, sweet-smelling grass underneath the tree on one side of the yard. My Arithmancy book lay forgotten, facedown, to my left. The sun shone brightly in a clear azure sky, casting a yellow-gold glow on the hills far beyond. Everything fairly sparkled underneath the sunshine: the Burrow, the tiny droplets of dew left on the grass, the cover of my book, and the tiny town of Ottery St. Catchpole in the distance.

I lazily reached over and picked a little yellow daisy, twirling it in my hand. I tucked it behind my ear on a whim, tangling it in my bushy brown hair, and plucked another one. Carefully I pulled off the petals, one by one, and flung them into the grass. Each time a petal drifted onto the ground, I made a wish. I wish school would start soon.  I wish that Harry would come around.  I wish my hair wasn't so bushy.  I wish Ron would know how much I really care about him.

Once all the petals were gone, I listlessly tossed the naked flower into the grass and closed my eyes. The sunlight streamed through the tree branches, warming my face. I could still see the brilliance of the sunlight behind my eyelids, golden.

Then something—or someone—blocked the sunlight.

I opened one eyelid. Ron Weasley was standing over me, in his garishly orange Chudley Cannons T-shirt that clashed wonderfully with his red hair. I sat up, my hair even more bushier than usual, and the quaint little flower still sticking from behind my ear.

"What're you doing here, Hermione?" Ron's voice sounded faintly accusing.

"I was reading until just a few minutes ago," I replied, pointing at my book.

"I've been looking everywhere for you!" said Ron emphatically, plopping onto the grass beside me.

"I've been here since breakfast, Ron," I said pointedly. I couldn't help but patronize him. "So why were you looking for me?"

"Well...you know...Harry's being bloody stubborn, Ginny's off doing God-knows-what, and Fred and George are working in their joke shop, so..."

"So you decided to come to me for company as a last resort," I said sarcastically. "Thanks, Ron. I'm glad that you value me as a friend."

"Awwww, Hermione," he said, giving me a puppy-dog look. "You know that I l—"

Ron broke off abruptly, his face turning adorably red. I nearly gasped at what I thought he was going to say. My own face burned with embarrassment. Did he really...?

He cleared his throat and endeavored to stop blushing. Before I could say anything, Ron spoke up again. "You know that you're my best friend, Hermione," he said softly, glancing at me sheepishly, almost apologetically.

I felt all the hope inside of me dissipate, like the air from out of a balloon. But I smiled serenely and said, "I know. I was just joking."

Ron cracked a genuine smile and flopped down onto the grass. "So...what're we going to do about Harry?" he said softly.

"He'll come around, don't worry," I said, willing myself to believe it. I reclined on the grass next to him. "We just have to give him time and space. He's gone through a lot, you know."

"Yeah," said Ron musingly. "But we were there with him...doesn't he understand that we...?"

"Ron, I don't think he believes anyone understands," I said sadly. "And I think that's true. I don't think anyone will be able to understand how Harry feels. Not even you or me. Not even Dumbledore."

Ron sat up and glanced down at his hands thoughtfully. I sat up as well, studying him. He glanced up at me, his eyes looking remorseful.

"I reckon that you and me fighting won't help the situation," he said quietly.

"I know...I think we decided this last year," I reminded him.

"Yeah, but...we can't fight about anything, not even the little things." Ron was gazing deeply into my eyes. It was beginning to frighten me, but I didn't turn away. "I'm...I'm sorry Hermione," he said suddenly.

"Sorry? Oh, Ron, it's not all your fault. It's mine too."

He smiled sadly. "Never thought I'd hear you say that, Hermione."

I blushed. He leaned over and plucked the little daisy from my ear. Ron grinned suddenly.

"Remember on the train in first year? Remember that stupid spell I did? How'd it go...?"

"I don't remember," I said, giggling. "I was really annoying, wasn't I?"

"Yeah. Telling me I've got dirt on my nose," said Ron, snickering. "Oh, yeah, I remember how it goes. 'Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid fat rat yellow.' Now where in bloody hell did I get that?"

"Don't swear, Ron," I admonished him, suppressing a giggle.

He smirked at me and twirled the daisy in his hand. Then he carefully brushed my hair away from my face with his hand and tucked the flower back behind my ear. I held my breath. Then he withdrew his hand quickly, his face reddening. I let out my breath.

"I...I guess we should go back...it's almost lunchtime," Ron stammered softly.

"Okay...hold on." I pulled the daisy from my hair and pulled the petals, making the same wish as I flung the petals into the grass.

"What're you doing?"

"I'm making a wish," I said, shutting my eyes tightly and plucking off the petals.

"Oh," said Ron, laughter working its way in his voice. "What're you wishing for?"

I plucked the last petal off the flower and tossed the stem away. I opened my eyes and smiled mysteriously at him.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

Ron gawked at me as I stood up, brushing my jeans and picking up my book.

"So...think your wish will come true?" he asked, getting to his feet.

"All in good time," I assured him as we walked back to the Burrow. He reached for my hand and I smiled inwardly to myself.  Maybe it'll come true sooner than I thought...