Harry had just left to go face Voldemort. Hermione worried about him. She knew it was he that needed to face him, but Hermione felt that he shouldn't go alone.

Hermione looked down at Ron. She was sitting by his side, looking sadly at him. He looks so sad and innocent. I hope he wakes up. Oh, please let him wake up.

Hermione sighed and looked at him. He wasn't moving in the slightest bit, except his chest was rising and falling, so he was breathing at least.

"Ron, can you hear me?" Hermione said gently.

Ron didn't open his eyes, but he smiled. Hermione felt that this was very funny. I wonder what he is thinking about. Well, dreaming, actually. Or maybe he's gone delusional. Either way, he looks kinda cute right now.

Hermione stopped and blinked. Woah. Just exactly when did I start thinking about Ron that way? I mean, he's my best friend.he couldn't be anything more. but.? Well, maybe it started even at the beginning of school, and I didn't even realize it. Was that why I got so worked up when he said I was 'a nightmare and didn't have any friends'? But, no! I mean, that was an awful thing to say! The fact that I had no friends did hurt.but would I have reacted the same way if Harry or Neville said it? Besides. this is Ron we are talking about here. Stubborn, ill-mannered, insensitive.

While Hermione was in her train of thoughts, Ron sighed, which nearly made Hermione jump out of her skin.

"So beautiful" he murmured in his sleep. "Her skin, lovely and flawless. Her lips, cherry red. The girl I love, but could never love me. Alas."

Hermione just blinked at him. What in heavens name is he talking about?! Who could never love him? I should probably forget that this ever happened.

"Ron?" Hermione said, shaking Ron a little.

Ron's eyes snapped open, and he looked up at Hermione. His eyes widened and his ears turned red.

"Um.hi, Hermione. Did-did Harry leave already?"

"Er.uh-yeah! Yes. We need to go contact Dumbledore" Hermione said, blushing slightly.

"Uh, right, then" Ron said, getting up and dusting himself off carefully.

"You okay?" Hermione asked, eager to know, worried about him.

"Head hurts, but I'll live. Let's go, then."

Hermione and Ron set off towards the owlery. She wasn't sure, but she thought that maybe, just maybe, Ron felt the same way about her as she did him, and she smiled for the first time that night.