The Words I Meant To Say -- A Harry Potter OneShot

I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters.

I, Ronald Weasley, am in love with Hermione Granger. There, I said it. I can say it perfectly in my head, but whenever I get the urge to tell her my mind goes blank. I, Ronald Weasley, am a stupid git.

It's just... she's so... Hermione-ish. Why can't she be like a normal girl and obsess over her hair and day dream during class? It would make a lot more sense for me to like her if she did. But I guess if she didn't have bushy hair and slight buck teeth and get top marks in everything and hate me, she wouldn't be Hermione.

Last night, during supper in the Great Hall, I was sitting across from her at the Gryffindor table. Harry was sitting next to me, staring over at Cho Chang, being obvious about, I mean, with his drooling and all. Hermione, as usual, had her nose buried in a thick book with a title I couldn't pronounce for the life of me. Neville sat next to her, trying to transfigure his spoon into a penguin. Need I say that it didn't happen?

Dumbledore, the crazy old bloke, stood up and clapped his hands together. He thinks that's going to get our attention? I thought with a smirk. The Great Hall fell silent. Oh. Well, he's just lucky, I guess. The old man cleared his throat and began to speak in his raspy, whisper-like voice. "Students, I would just like to announce a special honor that has been given to one young student sitting before you all." This got Hermione's attention. Her eyes snapped up from the yellowing pages and she watched Dumbledore like a hawk. "As you all know, in one week's time, you will be leaving Hogwarts for Christmas holiday. I want to recognize this one student's outstanding achievement this term. Miss Hermione Granger, if you could please stand up!" All eyes turned to Hermione. She blushed for a second and then stood facing Dumbledore. Big surprise there, I thought. All of Hermione's achievements are outstanding.

Dumbledore turned toward Professor McGonagle, bowed his head to her, and sat down. McGonagle stood and nodded to Hermione. "Miss Granger, you will, I daresay, be pleased to know that you marks this term have surpassed the marks of any student who has attended this school. Congratulations." McGonagle sat down and the murmur of students filled the Great Hall once more. Hermione looked positively thrilled. She took in a huge breath and smiled brightly. She sat down and Neville and Harry both began congratulating her at the same time. Now, I might not be the most intelligent bloke, but the top marks of any Hogwarts student, ever? Even I know that's amazing.

Hermione stared at me, her eyes glittering, her cheeks flushed. "Ronald, did you hear that? I can't wait to tell mum and dad!"

I just nodded, shrugged, and turned back to my food. I heard Hermione sigh heavily and I couldn't help but feel a little guilty. "Listen, Hermione..."

"Yes, Ronald?"

I stared at her, my stomach flipping over, and changed my mind immediately. "Pass the bread?" I guess the words I meant to say will be my little secret.