It was time to get up and start the day. I stood up and stretched. I went to the bathroom and took a shower. As soon as I got out I started to towel dry my hair, and then brush through it.

"Deary, why don't you put your hair in a pony tail, and clip your bangs back? I'm sure that would look lovely, and it would definitely get that red-headed boys attention."

I groaned. I wasn't in the mood to do anything to my hair, although trying out new things with my hair had been my new years resolution...

Fifteen minutes later I had managed to get all my damp hair into a ponytail, and I clipped back my side bangs.

"You look lovely." the mirror said.

"Thank you." I replied

I took a good look at myself, and realized that the ponytail look could actually work for me.

I put on a pair of jeans, a plain white t-shirt, and a denim jacket and walked down to the common room, as I waited for Ron and Harry. They always get up half an hour after I get up, so I use that time to do extra homework.

"I see nothing's changed."

I jumped up and dropped all my books. Ron had come down early and startled me.

"at least I'm making good use of my time!" I snapped.

"I was kidding Hermione."Ron said with his lopsided grin. He wasn't in the mood to fight today

"Why are you up so early?". I asked, as I picked up my books.

"Harry isn't feeling so good today, he said he had a headache and would rather stay in bed. I promised to check up on him later though."

"that's very thoughtful of you Ron."

"Thanks." he said, and then he started to blush.

I then noticed how nice he looked him in his outfit. He put on a pair of ripped jeans (probably hand me downs), and his Weasley sweater on. Mrs. Weasley sends one to Ron every year as a Christmas gift. His outfit wasnt much, but I thought he looked quite sexy.

"shall we head down to breakfast?" he asked changing the subject.

"Umm... Sure!" I replied. I was so focused on his outfit it took me a second to realize what he said.

"alright cool." he said. He walked over to me hesitantly. He carefully took my hand into his own, and intwined his fingers with mine. He smiled at me sheepishly and we walked onward.

Why are we holding hands? I like him. I know that for sure. But does he feel the same way about me? No... He can't... He always goes for the pretty girls like Lavender and Pavati, he would never go for someone like me.

When we got down to the Great Hall, we started our breakfast immediately. Ron piled pancakes, sausages, toast, eggs, and bacon all on his plate. I looked at him and rolled my eyes, guys could be such pigs. I ate my toast, and eggs, while Ron scarfed down everything on his plate. He took a sip of pumpkin juice, and looked up at me. "Hermione, would you care to go for a walk around the castle with me?"

"That'd be nice." I replied. It was the weekend do I figured I might as well enjoy it.

My cheeks were starting to turn the color of Ron's hair. The boy ive had a crush on since my third year at school was asking me to go for a walk with him? He probably doesn't like me... He's just trying to be polite. As we stood up, he carefully took my hand in his own again, and with his free hand he took the book that I had been reading, and decided to carry it. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make my heart race. We strolled onward.

We started walking through corridors, most of which were vacant. Ron stopped and turned to me.

"Hermione, I have to tell you something." Ron said trying to sound calm.

"yes?"

"well ever since-". He was cut off short.

"Hermione, Ron!". Ginny was running towards us.

"do you know where Harry is? He said that he would help me with my potions essay due Monday."

"Harry isn't feeling to good today, Ron said Harry woke up with a terrible headache, and was going to stay in bed the rest of the day."

"oh, okay.". A look of dissapointment crossed Ginny's face.

"well I'll see you guys later!". Ginny ran off to go meet up with her fellow Gryffindir friends.

"what were you saying Ron?" I asked curiously.

"oh, it was nothing important, really." he said sounding disappoinmented.

"oh okay." I said "wanna play some chess?" I asked, trying to brighten his spirits.

"chess? Really? I thought you hated chess?"

It doesn't matter as long as I get to spend time with you, I thought to myself... "I want to try playing it again, maybe I can beat you this time."

"you, beat me? At chess? That's a bloody joke.". He said smiling.

"I'll take that as a yes then?"

"I accept your challenge Hermione Granger."

I love the way he says my name. Whenever he does, it causes my heart to skip a beat. It just sounds so nice; the way it rolls off his tongue.

"I'll race you to the common room!"

"I'm gonna get there first!" Ron said chasing after me.

When we reached the common room he grabbed me by my waist and spun be around. Over the years Ron had gained much muscle. You could tell by the way his shirts were tight on him now, and his shoulders had broadened. I couldn't help but laugh, he was just so cute, the way he scooped me up. He always knew how to make me smile, that's one of the many things I love about Ron.

A few minutes later we were both concentrating hard on a game of chess. At one point I had just given and let Ron win.

"chess is rubbish." I muttered

"no it isn't, it just takes some practice, that's all.". He said with his perfect smile.