Harry watches Ron and Hermione's relationship develop over the years through casual conversations with Ron. Hogwarts era, books 1-7. Ron / Harry Friendship Fic, centered around Ron / Hermione ship. Review please!

Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine, but the grammar errors are.

Book 1:

The Hogwarts Express

"Completely mental."

Harry looked up at Ron from his corner of the train compartment. Hermione Granger had just left them after introducing herself, insulting Ron's magic skills, fixing Harry's glasses, and pointing out some dirt on Ron's nose.

Ron was now looking down at his rat. "It's a real spell! My brothers taught it to me and I've seen it work before."

Harry smiled. He didn't think Hermione was mental. Maybe a little… eccentric. He didn't tell Ron this, but given a choice between his cousin Dudley and the awkward, bushy-haired Know-It-All, he'd pick the latter for a friend in an instant.

"She fixed my glasses though." Harry pulled his glasses off to show Ron. "I thought she was nice."

"She was nice to you! Maybe she likes you. You are Harry Potter after all."

Harry wondered if this was true. He was famous. Maybe everyone just wanted to be his friend for that reason. Hermione Granger didn't seem to be the type to care, though.

"Is that why you want to be my friend?" Harry looked at Ron sheepishly.

"Nah I don't care that you're famous. Well it's pretty cool. But nah." Rons face was now deep into a chocolate frog, Harry believed him.

"Still, she's mental. I don't have dirt on my nose." Harry laughed to himself at Ron's mutterings. "It was probably chocolate".

"I don't think it matters what it was. Just wipe your face next time you see her." Said Harry.

"Hopefully that's never."

Harry didn't feel the same way. He hoped to see Hermione again.

Eventually the train pulled to a stop and the two boys began to gather their things. Ron reached forward for the door handle before quickly pulling his hand away to wipe his nose. Harry smiled.

Encounters with a troll

"Did you see the look on the troll's face when his bat just levitated out of his hand?" Ron was grinning at Harry from across the dorm room. "I bet Hermione doesn't think I'm lousy at magic now!"

Harry laughed. "You were brilliant. And also, Hermione never thought you were lousy at magic."

"Sure she did. She made fun of me on the train remember- and in class she said I couldn't pronounce Wingardium Leviosa right. But look what I did! She would have been a goner if it weren't for me."

Harry sensed a little bit of sadness in his voice as he said that. "Well maybe you better thank her for teaching you how to say it right."

"She better thank me for saving her life."

Harry leaned back onto his pillows and sighed. He didn't want to point out that Ron was the reason she was in the bathroom with the troll in the first place.

They sat in silence for a while, contemplating the day's events. Harry had always liked Hermione, even though he didn't show it. He wondered if they were going to be friends now. Evidently thinking similar thoughts, Ron spoke up.

"She's not so bad, you know."

Harry grinned. "I know. She just annoys you. But she also taught you that spell."

"Such a know-it-all." Ron sat up too. After a moment of contemplation, Ron said, "Do you think she'll want to be friends now?"

Harry couldn't tell if Ron wanted Harry to answer any specific way. "Maybe. Do you want to be?"

Ron leaned back down onto his bed. "I dunno. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world."

Harry nodded. "Then we should be her friend."

The silence between the two boys marked their agreement. "Good, she doesn't have anyone else. She needs us." Harry saw Ron grin as he turned onto his side.

We need her. Harry thought to himself.

The Hogwarts Express, Round 2

Harry, Ron and Hermione were on the Hogwarts Express, making their way back to London. Harry and Ron sat facing each other on next to the windows, while Hermione dozed off on the seat next to Ron, curled up into a tiny bushy-haired ball.

Ron was giddier than Harry had ever seen him. He was obviously excited to go home for the summer and to be done with school. Harry felt the opposite. He was dreading his summer with the Dursley's and would much rather stay at school all year round if he could.

"Maybe you can come to the burrow for a bit." Ron looked up excitedly.

"Yeah, Maybe." Harry didn't return the excitement- he knew his uncle would never let him out of the house.

"What do you think Mione's going to do this summer?" Ron asked Harry.

"I don't know, why don't you ask her?" Harry grinned at Ron's use of "Mione"- a nickname he adopted for her only when she wasn't listening. Hermione had made it very clear that she preferred being called by her full name. "Mione is just easier to say", Ron would protest, only to be met with a hard, piercing granger-glare.

"And wake her up? Do you think I want to die?" Ron laughed.

"Better than being expelled, right?" Ron and Harry both laughed, remembering Hermione's comments earlier in the year.

Ron looked over at Hermione with a softer expression on his face. Something about it was different than the expression he used for his other friends.

"Do you still think she's mental?" Harry asked.

"Yes." Ron turned his head back to Harry. His soft expression was replaced by his friendly grin. "But I don't mind it. Reckon it's good for me."

Harry thought back to all the times Hermione had nagged Ron and Harry to study. He was proud of his marks this year, and he knew Ron was too. They didn't have to admit it, but both boys knew Hermione was responsible for their success in school this year.

"Do you think she'll write to us?" Ron wondered aloud.

"If you ask her to she will." Harry knew Hermione would write to him. After he had shared his dread of going back to live with his Aunt and Uncle, Hermione had promised she'd send a letter every week. Harry was looking forward to those letters.

Ron contemplated it for a moment before shrugging. "Nah. I wouldn't want her to think I like her TOO much. You know? Wouldn't want her to get excited about it."

Harry turned his attention to the window. "I don't think you have to worry about that." Harry watched the rolling hills pass by through the window, feeling very thankful for his two best friends.

To be continued!

I would love thoughts on what missing Harry/Ron moments might have called for a Hermione centric conversation. I plan to continue this through all 7 books! Originally I wanted to write this for Hermione / Ginny, but I don't feel very confident in my ability to write Ginny well yet. I'll get there :).

Thank you for reading :)