Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Harry Potter or any of the other characters in this story. I'm not J. K. Rowling.

This is my first fic. I hope you enjoy, and please review!

"Harry wondered whether they had fallen asleep holding hands…" -pg 176, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Something has really gotten into Ron lately. He's been so… thoughtful. I guess his emotional range finally grew. I mean, he's been comforting me a lot. I guess we are sort of together. Kind of. Maybe. I hope so.

Hermione's thoughts turned from the impending horcrux hunt to her best friend, Ron. They were laying next to each other in sleeping bags, Ron on the floor, and Hermione on couch cushions at Ron's insistence. No one had really made a conscience effort, but they had somehow ended up holding hands.

Hmm. I like this. I'm glad it's dark. What would Harry think? He must really miss Ginny. I feel bad about what I said to him after I caught them- well, never mind. She is my sister. You know she's old enough to make her own decisions. I have the right to be protective of her. You know he would never hurt her. I don't care. He still shouldn't have-

Ron gave an involuntary shudder. Hermione must have felt it because when he opened his eyes, she was peering down at him with a questioning look. For some reason, Ron suddenly had the urge to tell Hermione all of his fears, that he wouldn't get to see his family again, that they wouldn't survive, even the small doubt in the back of his mind that Hermione loved Harry instead.

"Do you want to tell me what's bothering you?" asked Hermione quietly.

"I-," Ron started. "No. It's okay. I'm fine."

Hermione didn't push the matter, but simply gripped his hand a little tighter.

"You know, Ron, I don't think I could get through this without you. And Harry, of course."

There it was again, that nagging doubt in the back of his mind.

Why is it that Harry always comes up in our conversations? Because he's your best friend, idiot! Well, it's always Hermione who brings him up. He's like a brother to her! You don't hear me always talking about Ginny or Fred or George or Char- Ron felt Hermione's hand relax in his and he was sure she had fallen asleep until he heard her whisper 3 simple words that left no doubt in his mind-

"But mostly you…"

And with a sigh of contentment, Hermione was asleep.