Chapter 1: The Hidden Love.

Ron stared in excitement! He'd finally found her- well, he knew her, but he'd never seen her like this. Lavender. They had walked past each other in the south corridor, she smiled and Ron absolutely glowed-his face showing eagerness. Ron had certainly never felt like this before, she had mesmerized him with her grace and beauty; he truly felt something for her.

Harry and Ron were leaving their DDA class.

"Hey Ron!"
". . . Hmmm, What??" Ron seemed so out of it.
"Ron, what's up? You seem strange?" Harry sounded very concerned. Ron looked patiently at Harry.
"I've found . . ." he slightly blushed, but somehow at the same time he looked dreadfully pale.

((They'd gotten to dinner now.))

"What?" Harry was getting anxious.
"I've found . . . her." He suddenly went very red.
"Spill . . . who??" Harry asked impatiently.
"How could I not have seen it? . . . She's perfect." He looked away before Harry's eyes could catch his. "Lavender."

Harry and Ron finished dinner in silence. A thought had crossed his mind . . . "Where's Hermione??" He - of course - couldn't help but think of Hermione, for he loved her so much. All he ever wanted was to be with her. He'd known he'd love her since the very day that he first saw her. Since the moment he saw her beautiful face, her slender body he knew she was truly perfect.

The silence was killing them - they were both deep in thought - they quickly finished their custard and start towards the dorms.

Harry was wondering whether or not to ask Ron any questions, it seemed a bit risky. There seemed to be a shield or something between the two of them.

Now or never.

"Ron . . ." Harry asked apprehensively.
"Hmm . . ." he answered in a near whisper.
"When did you know??" . . . silence.

After a minute-or-so, Ron answered.

"I don't really know, I just saw something that I never have before . . . I just . . . knew. "

Harry was thinking about telling Ron that he certainly knew how he was feeling. He decided to hold his tongue. Oh, how he wished he could tell.

They got to the dorm, gave the fat lady the password and headed straight for bed.