DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I do not own Harry or Ron...but I def wouldn't mind if I did.  ;)

~*~Rising Feelings~*~

~*~Chapter One: Start of a New Year, and New Feelings?~*~

It was 7th Year at Hogwarts for Harry, Ron and Hermione.  Things had changed for this infamous trio physically as well as emotionally.  Harry wasn't the scrawny little boy anymore.  His emerald eyes shown brighter than ever before...and they've been this way since the defeat of Voldemort in the Spring of his 6th year.  Ron had gained some muscle and had even grown his hair out to his shoulder...long enough to pull into a handsome pony-tail.  Hermione's hair had definitely tamed down, now falling in gentle curls just past her shoulders.  Her brown eyes now held a glint of gold in them and she held curves which were envied by most of the girls in her dorm.

Here at Platform 9 3/4 is where we meet our trio, ready to begin their final adventure at Hogwarts.  Harry stood with his trolley, waiting on his two best friends before he boarded the Hogwarts Express.  He was looking forward to this year more than any because he would be able to enjoy his time like a normal teenager.  His previous years at Hogwarts had been tough on Harry.  He spent his waking hours in fear for his friends and teachers; and he spent his sleeping hours in nightmares hearing and seeing victims at the hands of Voldemort.  He was glad that he would no longer have to hear the screams of his mother and father; they were at peace now.  His thoughts were interrupted by a deep, familiar voice.

"Alright there, Harry?"

"Of course, Ron.  Just thinking about all my previous years here at Hogwarts."

"You'll have to live it up this year to make up for the time you missed." Ron added with a wink.

And then another voice entered the conversation, "Just be sure not to over-do the fun and end up expelled during your final year, Harry."

The two 7th year boys turned to the owner of the voice.  Their jaws dropped and their eyes bulged at the sight of a beautiful girl with a red and gold mini-skirt and a red halter top on.  Her almond hair fell in golden curls and her brown eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Hermione?!?!" the two boys managed to squeak.

"Yes, now help me with my bags, boys.  C'mon...we don't have all day."

And with that the two boys scrambled to help load her luggage onto the train.  And then proceeded to follow her into the train to find a compartment...like two lost puppies, minus the tails.  When Hermione found an empty compartment, Ron rushed to the door to slide it open for her.  She nodded her head in thanks and stepped inside; not noticing the flash of ecstasy across his face as she slid past him---her arm brushing his chest in the process.  This 'look' did not escape Harry's vision and he smiled at the thought of his two best friends who had denied their feelings for so long.  He hoped that they would finally admit their true feelings this year...and who knows, with all this free time, he could even give them a little nudge.

As the trio settled into the compartment, all eyes rested on Hermione.  She had started reading 'Hogwarts: A History' for the thousandth time, but when she felt eyes on her, she looked up.

"What is with you two?"

Harry spoke up, "Well, you come here---looking like that---and you don't even properly greet your two best friends."

Hermione blushed at the mention of her new look.  "I'm sorry you guys...I didn't even realize.  Forgive me, Harry?"

"Of course, Hermione." and so the two friends hugged.

Then Hermione turned to Ron, "Ron, forgive me?"

And for the first time since he saw her, Ron spoke.  "Umm...o-o-of c-c-course 'Mione.  I could never be angry with you."  Then, much to the delight of Ron, Hermione hugged him.  With her arms wrapped around his neck and his around her waist, Ron and Hermione lingered in this position for a moment longer before finally letting go.  As the two friends pulled back, Hermione looked quickly to the floor and Ron blushed as dark as his hair.

The trio returned to silence; Hermione reading 'Hogwarts' and Harry and Ron talking about Quidditch and telling amusing summer tales.  But the peaceful silence was broken by the sliding open of the compartment door and two chubby heads poking through...owned by none other than Crabbe and Goyle.

"Well, well, well...check out the new look for the mudblood.  Trying to hide your dirty blood with looks...that won't get you anywhere...but we might be able to make an exception for you." Goyle sneered.

Then Crabbe decided to add his part, "Why don't you come with us and we can show you what it's like with real men...not these two gits.  I'm sure we could satisfy you." and with that he suggestively licked his lips.

Ron flew out of his seat and his fist landed straight into Crabbe's nose.  Crabbe flew out of the compartment and on top of Goyle.  "If you ever lay a hand on Hermione...I will kill you with my bare hands.  So just get out of here...now!!" Ron growled at the two.  And with that he slammed the compartment door shut. 

He staggered back, almost panting with anger...and cradling his hand which he slightly injured from punching Crabbe.  Hermione gasped seeing this and quickly pulled out her wand and rushed to Ron's side...gently pulling him to the seat.  When they both sat down, she pulled his hand into hers and with a swish and a flick and a small incantation, his hand was healed.  But Hermione did not release Ron's hand...and she gently rubbed her fingers over his previously bruised knuckles.

"Thank you Ron---for what you did," she managed to choke out.  The tears that were threatening to fall couldn't be held.

"Oh 'Mione...please don't cry.  I promise that no one will hurt you...please believe me."

And so the two friends embraced and stayed that way for the rest of the train ride---only parting to get off the train and board the carriages.

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This is my first Ron/Hermione story...hehehe...I'm so excited about it!!  Anyway, I'd like some feedback...lemme know what you think.  And remember to leave your email if you want an email update when I post the next chapter.  ~surfngurl~