Soon the music ended but the couples that were dancing continued including Ron and Hermione. When they finally realized that they were the last couple left dancing they reluctantly let go of one another. As they parted they looked at each other through different eyes. This was the perfect moment that they both had always wanted. Without looking away from her Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and gently led her towards the fire place. He took a seat right in front of it and he pulled her down to sit next to him. They both looked into the fire and didn't say a word to each other. Though the silence was awkward it felt comforting in a way. They didn't need words to explain things to each other. Intuitively they understood felt or at least had a slight idea. Niether felt like they had the courage to just come out and say what they felt, but it seemed to be a mutual understanding between them.
Watching the flames dance around the logs, crackling as if playing a soft tune for them Hermione felt the need to lean against Ron's shoulder, so she did. Soon the warmth from both the fire and Ron was so over whelming that Hermione found it difficult to fight off the inevitable sleep that overtook her.
Ron continued to gaze into the fire enjoying the feeling of having her so close, being soothed by her presence and never wanting to leave her side, even for a moment. He had Hermione next to him and he was holding her hand. They felt so small within his large hands almost fragile, but Ron knew better. He knew that these hands were capable of fighting off an army if they had to, but at the same time these hands could nurse wound so gently that there was hardly any pain. She'd seen her use these hands to punch Malfoy in the face and he'd also seen knit hats and scarves slowly and carefully. He'd been so entranced by their connection that he failed to notice that the common room was empty. When reality dawned on him he realized that now would be the best time to let Hermione know how he felt for her.
"Hermione," he said still not looking at her. He didn't dare look into her eyes fearing she would hate him for the way he felt. He knew he couldn't offer her much. In fact he couldn't really offer her anything but himself and in his eyes that wasn't much either. But he had to tell her. For the sake of his own sanity he had to tell her, or it'd drive him mental with frustration.
When there was no response he looked over in her direction. He heard her soft breathing as she slept soundly on his shoulder. Ron's only response was a smile. As significant as it was for her to know, Ron couldn't make himself wake her up just for that reason.
As carefully as he could he lifted her off the rug trying not to wake her. After he had her securely in his arms he made his way up the stairs to the girls' dormitory. Once he reached the door marked 6th year he gently pushed to door open with his foot so as to not wake the other girls. At first Ron wondered which bed would be Hermione's but recognized it immediately. For one it was the only empty bed and it was the only bed with books scattered all around it. He made his way around them and quietly laid her on the bed. He unwrapped her arms from his neck and grabbed a nearby quilt to cover her.
For a while he just stood there looking at her as she slept peacefully. He started to wonder why it had taken him so long to notice how pretty she was. Pretty. No that wasn't the word. Gorgeous. Yes that's what she was. She was gorgeous.
He pushed a strand of stray hair out of her face loving the feeling of stroking her face. In that moment he wished he could always look at her this way. To just have the ability to gaze at her without having to say it was just because she had some ink on her chin. Merlin, how he'd love to be able to watch her and not have to worry about being caught. His fantasies were short lived as a few of the other girls started to move around in their beds, which was Ron's cue to leave. Before he did though there was one thing he had to do.
Ron leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek causing Hermione to stir in her sleep. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered in a gentle voice, "I love you."
Feeling proud that he was at least able to say the words with her nearby (albeit she couldn't hear him), Ron headed towards the door. Before leaving he took one last look at Hermione's sleeping form. He grinned as he watched her pull the quilt tighter into her trying to find more warmth. With that image in his mind he went off to bed, new thoughts of Hermione playing through his head.
