"So tell me about Hogwarts." Said Ron.

Hermione thought for a moment. "In a way it's still the same old Hogwarts- same classes, same grounds, same teachers mostly... But then, it's different."

They were sitting on the window seat in Ron's room together, looking out at the Weasley's garden and the hill where they used to play quidditch during the holidays.

It was still early on Sunday morning- Ginny was downstairs with her mother, and Harry was expected to apparate in from the ministry any minute now.

"How is it different?"

"Well, you weren't there, for one thing."

He put an arm around her. "And that of course changes the entire curriculum."

Hermione rolled her eyes, but wasn't quick enough to hide her smile.

Ron kissed her forehead, and Hermione closed her eyes. They were content to just sit there together, not talking for a while but just enjoying being with one another, and having once more that close contact that they could not have all year.

"So what *is*different?" Asked Ron again after a while.

"I'm not sure exactly- it's just something about the air of the place. After going through a war and sustaining so many losses, hogwarts will never be the same again, somehow."

Ron nodded. They had corresponded of course all throughout the year, and had discussed the war and their losses in late night floo-powder conversations and long letters, but it was still difficult for Ron to talk about it lightly. Besides, it was weird to think that Hermione has been at Hogwarts for a full year without him and Harry- he couldn't imagine what that had been like. And not just any year- the last year.

"Let's talk about something slightly more cheerful now. I don't fancy being depressed now- I'm too happy right now for that. "

"Okay." Hermione slid down from the window seat and opened up her school trunk. Ron watched her pulling out book after book, wondering where this was going, when she pulled out a package in victory.

"A late birthday present. Remember I wrote to you that I wanted to give it to you in person?"

"Oh! Yes, I'd forgotten about that."

Ron stood up and followed Hermione. She handed him the package. "Open it," she instructed.

Ron tore open the wrapping paper. Two things fell out- a card and a book.

"Read the card first."

He opened it up and began to read. Hermione watched closely as his eyes raced across the carefully written lines, and held his hand as she saw his eyes fill.

He pulled her down onto the floor and kissed her. And she kissed him back, and at that moment the world was perfect. They lay there on the floor together, looking into each other's eyes. Ron propped himself up on his elbow so that he was raised above her.

"I don't think I've said it before Hermione, have I?"

"Said what Ron?"

"That I love you."

And then it was she who kissed him. It was a sweet kiss- not hard and frantic, but slow and lasting.

"You have. Once I'm our sixth year- but I doubt you meant it then. And in so many different words ever since."

He was running his fingers through her hair.

"You know I do thought, right?"

She kissed him again, and he wanted no other answer.

"And I love you too."