DISCLAIMER: Dude, i don't own HP, kay?

Hugs.

It's like what Hermione always said-sometimes; the simplest and not-so-simplest feelings, could all be expressed with a hug. [Series of hug-related oneshots RonHermione harryGinny and others DH spoilers

CHAPTER ELEVEN: The Just because Hug.

They all stood awkwardly, before saying thanks. Ron hurried off to get a plate, and found himself with a pile of food, and sitting next to Hermione. Orange and black streamers were flying everywhere, and Fred and George were creating sparks with their wands.

Ron looked round to see Harry tangled up in one of the streamers. He sniggered as Neville went to unwrap him.

Hermione followed his gaze and laughed herself. But then she suddenly became serious.

"I really do mean it, you know …" She said. Ron looked up. She was watching him. "I really am thankful. You saved me. That troll would have killed me."

"Oh, you know …" Ron said awkwardly. "I would have done it for anyone. Besides, it was partly my fault you were crying in there anyway."

"Partly?" She repeated. She gave Ron a reproachful look.

"Oh all right, it was my entire fault." Ron admitted. She smiled, shaking her head slightly, and ate a mouthful of potato. "And I'm sorry."

She looked up. "So am I. I didn't mean to be so annoying to you guys."

"Ah well, you made life interesting." Ron said. She laughed again, and Ron thought he rather liked the sound. He had never actually heard her laugh before. He told her so.

"Well, you'll be surprised. I like to laugh." She said.

"Oh really?"

It was at that point it hit him-he was actually having a civilised conversation with Hermione Granger, know-it-all extraordinaire. If someone had told him he'd be somewhat friendly with his girl two months ago, he would have said they were crazy.

"What?" Oh Merlin, he had been staring.

"Nothing." He quickly said. She smiled again.

"I'm glad you're talking to me." She said after a while. Ron looked up from his food, somewhat surprised. "Or otherwise, I'd be in the corner, reading and envying all the people who had friends."

"Yeah well, I supposed after what we went through together, we were bound to come out liking each other." Ron said. He ate some more until he realised Hermione was looking bewildered at him. He'd never actually seen her like that before.

"What?"

"You like me?" She asked.

"Sure, I mean … well, ok. You were an annoying, bossy know-it-all for the past 2 months, but we saved you from a twelve foot mountain troll. You can't just say "Oh thanks mate" and go on our merry way."

"I supposed not … so we're friends?" She asked, and held out her hand to shake.

"Never thought I'd say it, but yeah." Ron shook her hand, and was suddenly filed with an urge to hug her. Why not? So he did.

It was brief, but when he let go of her, she looked more stunned than ever.

"What was that for?" She asked.

"Oh you know … just because …"

Hermione laughed again, smiling as Harry finally made his way out of the streamer and sat down next to Ron.

"I am going to kill your brothers." He said. "They tried to strangle me with that streamer!"

Ron just laughed at his friend. Hermione next to him, laughed also. That's when it hit him-she was his friend too. He had two friends now. They weren't a two, they were a three …

He never would have guessed he'd end up married to one of his two friends ...

A/N: Yeah, today's Halloween. I was going to write a Halloween-themed story, but i hated it. So i made this chapter happen on Halloween, and celebrate the fact that exactly 16 years ago, Harry, Ron and Hermione all became best friends.

So Happy Halloween to those who celebrate. We don't really in my city. You'd probably get mugged if you went trick-or-treating.

I hope you liked, reviews appricotaed, until next time-

-Moon. : D