What if the Lavender and Ron mishap never occurred and Ron and Hermione were closer than ever? Would they finally get together? Set in the 6th year with hints of Hinny, enjoy! A little fluff mixed with a hint of "angst" to build to the 3rd chapter (:

The golden sun blazed down upon the shimmering black lake, highlighting every sparkling ripple, as the Giant Squid basked in the luscious sunlight. A couple of students sat cross legged or on their backs scattered sparsely around the lake, some laying in the surrounding grass.

Hermione and Ron lay relaxing against the broad trunk of the largest tree, for Harry had left somewhere with Ginny - much to Rons' discomfort. However, he tried not to show it, knowing only too well that he rarely experienced the treat of spending time alone with Hermione.

"You know, I can still tell you're a little worried about Ginny and Harry, Ronald. Honestly there's no need. You know they're happy." Hermione smiled reassuringly, looking down at Ron as she sat up, crossing her legs and arranging her skirt accordingly. The sun cast a flickering shadow that danced across her face and the leaves rustled lazily in the almost non existent breeze. Ron reluctantly smiled back propping himself up on his elbow. It was true, of course. He couldn't help but worry. He sighed in frustration at the very thought.

"I 'spose I'm just acting like the protective brother, even if it is Harry - I know he won't mess her around or anything of the sort, but you know me Hermione..." He plucked at the blades of grass to his side absent mindedly, gazing towards the lake. Admittedly, the thing that annoyed him the most - although he would never say - was that Harry had actually had the guts to pursue his feelings. Ron miserably noted how he could never do that, would never try to ruin his friendship with Hermione. Still, he thought, he had to do something.

"Ginny can look after herself, you know that. It's about time, I say." Hermione threw Ron a playful wink who felt his ears tinge red. "It's quite simple really. They've both liked each other for ages, neither just had the courage to say anything." With this she watched Ron intently for his reaction, hoping against all hope that he would understand her true meaning behind the sentence, her heart beating fast. She did possess extremely strong feelings for Ron, after all. And she could perfectly tell he liked her back, if only they could just say something like Harry and Ginny...

"Maybe Harry was worried that Ginny still liked Michael or Dean?" Ron shrugged, trying to act as if this conversation wasn't getting to him. However, he felt an instant burning fire of rage wash over him with the memory of Krum's hands on Hermione's waist at the Yule Ball. He had used Harry as a metaphor for himself; Ron often wondered whether Hermione still liked Krum and that was why he could not admit his feelings towards her, even half the reason he couldn't admit them to himself.

"Don't be silly, it's always been Harry for her. You can tell just by the way she looks at him." Hermione paused and then, her furiously beating heart stuttered as she whispered bravely "It's like the way you look at me." Hermione was suddenly silent. Ron instantly felt the weight of her gaze as his pulse roared in his ears. Something inside of him stirred as he met her gaze; relief. Relief that, finally, she knew - and reciprocated - how he felt. His heart soared as a grin spread across her face and he couldn't help but grin too. Ron nodded shyly, not knowing what to say.

"I've always liked you a lot, Hermione... But I just didn't know how to tell you.." He trailed off awkwardly, wishing he was better at confessing his feelings. He sat up slowly, his eyes never wavering from Hermiones. The newly acknowledged feelings were rendering him incapable of coherent thought - he couldn't focus. The only thing he could focus on was Hermione and his mounting need to kiss her.

"It's ok, Ron. You don't have to say anything, actions mean far more than words, of course." Hermione's tone was as if she was explaining a piece of homework he didn't understand, yet she looked down into her lap shyly, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. Ron realised with surprise what she wanted him to do, his heart skipping a beat. Swallowing, he leaned forwards and hesitantly stroked a strand of hair away from her face. Suddenly, the sun seemed brighter, the grass greener. Ron was about to do something he had been wanting to for ages. He moved slowly so his face was an inch away from her, cupping her cheek before replying;

"As always, you know best..." He blushed slightly with anticipation before their lips touched softly. It was a gentle first kiss, a slight brush of the lips that caused butterflies in Rons stomach. They both pulled apart, heads whirring, eyes shining. However, that one simple move caused a volcano of emotions to erupt. Hermione wrapped her arms around Rons neck, unable to look away from his piercing blue eyes. Ron was mesmerised, entangling his fingers into her hair, wanting to relish the feel of those soft lips against his. Hermione was all he could think about, and in that moment, all that he wanted to think about. He bit his lip and dragged his gaze away from those brilliantly chocolate brown eyes, and they came to rest upon her lips with wonder - his eyelids fluttered closed once more as he their lips locked with a burning longing.

An urge to feel more engulfed Ron as quickly as it had come, causing him to part Hermione's lips feverishly and trace his tongue against hers, exploring her mouth. Hermione hesitated at first, and then she was responding, opening her mouth wider and kissing Ron back passionately. Her taste was intoxicating and a deep groan escaped the back of Ron's throat. He encircled his arms around Hermione's waist and pulled her gently onto his lap, all the while his tongue dancing with hers, their lips parting in sync.

Ron couldn't believe what they were doing, especially with a few people around, but in that moment, he could not care less. His strong arms pulled Hermione's body closer against his own and he leaned back against the trunk, bringing Hermione with him. The full weight of her on top of him, her enticing smell, the feel of her, was enough to drive Ron crazy; luckily, the bell signalled for the end of lunch. They immediately sprang apart, both looking slightly dishevelled. Ron had a mischievous glint in his eye as he stood up, holding his hand out for Hermione. She took it with a radiant smile, her face flushed excitedly.

"Well then..." Ron began, extremely shocked, his voice sounding slightly gruff as they walked slowly back towards the castle. "That was long over due," he chuckled as he pulled Hermione by the waist to his side, enjoying the new sensation of the feel of her against him.

"Well, we do have a lot of time to make up for, don't we?" Hermione replied innocently.

And so they did...

Hope you enjoyed it, like I say, brief little one shots - my aim is to make them sweet, enjoyable and interesting so reviews would be good - thank you!:D