Disclaimer: "Even if I'm happy and skipping I would still hear 'Not mine, not not mine,'" when I think about who owns HP and the beautiful characters in the wizarding world.

"Hello, Ronald." Hermione said.

The young brunette placed herself lightly on the plushy, maroon couch beside Ron Weasley in the Gryffindor common room. She smiled slightly at him, and he returned the gesture. Hermione curled her legs up under her, and opened a book to bury her nose in. The two sat in a comfortable silence in the mostly deserted common room for several minutes before Hermione silently closed her book and placed it on the floor. Hermione slid slightly closer to Ron and began reading the Transfiguration essay he was working on over his shoulder.

"You move your wand in a circle three times, not two. Also, you mixed up these two steps." Hermione said, pointing to a spot on the parchment.

"What would I do without you, 'Mione?" Ron asked, looking at her in wonder.

Hermione smiled. She helped Ron for a while more on his essay, until she believed it was satisfactory. Eventually, Ron had packed up his belongings and leaned back against the couch with a sigh.

"Blimey, Hermione. I would have failed out of Hogwarts years ago if it wasn't for you. What can I do to thank you?" Ron questioned.

"Well, actually…" Hermione started.

"Yes?" Prompted Ron.

"I have actually been meaning to ask you something – a favor of sorts…"

"Anything, 'Mione. What's goin' on?"

"I… well, I know you're staying at school for break. I also am, if you were curious…"

Ron nodded as a signal for Hermione to continue with what she wanted to ask him.

"Well, you know Slughorn and how he loves holidays, right?"

Ron raised an eyebrow at this, but he nodded in agreement.

"Well since Slughorn loves parties and holidays he's having a New Year's Eve party over break. I thought that since you're going to be here, and I'm going to be here, we could maybe go together… if you want…"

"I'd love to, Hermione!" Ron exclaimed.

Ron's eyes widened, and he cleared his throat.

"I mean, yeah. That would be cool." Ron murmured.

The redheaded boy awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. Hermione blushed.

"Well, great! That would be great!" Hermione stammered.

Hermione reached down to retrieve her book off the floor, and then she stood up. Ron followed her lead and stood shortly after.

"Well, I'm going to head to bed. I'll see you tomorrow." She said.

Ron held up a hand in a silent wave good night. Hermione's face was a bright shade of red, and Ron's wasn't far behind. He watched her walk up the stairs and turn towards the girl's dormitory before a giant smile broke out on his face.

"YES!" He whooped, throwing a fist in the air before grabbing his bag and heading up to bed.