By the time the train came to a halt, Aria had already rushed back to the compartment she was sharing with a couple other Slytherins, and as they made their way out, Ron still found his friends' baffled reactions to the unparalleled number of exchanges he had had with seemingly unknown students, extremely amusing. A lot of the time this was limited to a simple greeting, a pat on the back and an inside joke, but there were also other circumstances in which, mostly coquettish girls, would decide to stop him in his tracks and prattle on about futile things, all the while making not-so-subtle hints about their true intentions. Ron obviously took note of them, as blunt as they were, but preferred to ignore these innuendoes. After all, he had enough experimenting with Lavender to know this wasn't the kind of relationship he was looking for.
It was Seamus actually, who had finally made him understand the reason for him tickling their fancy to this extent, the newfound attention seeming slightly more intense than for any other quidditch player. That chilly night before Christmas break, when half of the tower disappeared to Slughorn's party, whether as guests or assistants, Seamus, Colin and several other boys both older and younger, had joined them for an entertaining game of exploding snap. When the topic had come up, Seamus, brows singed by a recent explosion, was surprisingly keen on deciphering this peculiarity.
"It's pretty obvious, isn't it?", he began confidently, as the rest of the curious boys turned their undivided attention to him. "Well, for starters, you're a quidditch player, that's a given," everyone nodded, "then, you're quite... uhm... handsome, objectively speaking," he added as the circle of smiling boys erupted in hearty laughter. "Oh, shut up! You know what I mean! It's for educational purposes! Oi! He's a head taller than you for sure, Colin," he turned to the blonde-headed boy who was particularly loud with his laughs, but turned scarlet.
"Then, you're pretty sharp, with Charms of course, but especially with board games and stuff, and if you pay close attention you'll see a bunch of girls at these tournaments...", he raised a finger suggesting he was making a good point.
Another fair-haired boy named Paul, who had been a regular at Exploding snap tournaments for years now, opened his mouth to protest, but Seamus gestured his hand to stop him before he had the chance, "There's more to it, Paul, it's just a factor that contributes to the result, okay?"
"So, where were we?", Seamus continued, searching his mind. "Ah, yes, you're clever, and then you're also witty and down-to-earth, y'know", the boys nodded again, but Ron's ears were beginning to turn a light shade of red. "And you're not absolutely loathed by the entire human race like Cormac," everyone convulsed with laughter again, and the enthusiasm took a while to die down.
Finally, after what seemed like ages of simply listening Ron spoke, "But, Seamus, these are traits I've more or less had before...", a confused expression flooded his face, and the rest agreed.
"Now, we're getting to the interesting part!" he exclaimed excitedly. "I am by no means an expert in how girls think," he clarified, "but from my determined observations I've noticed patterns here and there, so bear with me. First of all, most of the boys who girls find remotely interesting are taken, even Dean," he pointed at an empty slit between him and Colin, "and you're single, and obviously no girl is that willing to meddle in another's relationship. Why steal another's eggs if there's free ones on another farm," he winked and Ron chuckled at the absurdity of the metaphor.
"Then, no offence, but your little fiasco with Lavender was a blessing in disguise. It intrigued the girls, but most importantly it means you're experienced."
"Experienced?", Ron raised an eyebrow, "we went out for a day! I would barely call that a relationship!"
"No, you naive boy... you're experienced in the," he cleared his throat, "snogging department." At that, the circle of boys erupted in "oohs".
"Is that really important?" Ron questioned grinning but blushing at the same time.
"Ha!" Seamus let out a sarcastic single laugh, "of course it is! It's like 'boom'," he slapped his hands, "stamp of approval. You've properly snogged her right? I mean that's a stupid question, I've seen it, unfortunately the whole tower's seen it." Ron couldn't help the smug grin that crawled over his features, and brought his hand casually up to his face. Noticing his slight embarrassment, Seamus added, "and it's a good thing, sort of, like everyone knows you can... snog", he suddenly felt slightly uncomfortable himself. "And then last but not least, you haven't actually gotten with anyone again, which makes you this desirable, unattainable guy."
Ron recalled parts of this conversation every time he was practically ambushed by another girl, and smiled internally at the memory. They hadn't taken more than three steps on the Hogsmeade station when Mary Doyle, a fellow Wizards skittle enthusiast, spotted the tall redhead in the crowd and approached him. Her hand slipped swiftly onto his firm shoulder. She was the handsy type.
"Hey, Ron", she half-sighed, the corners of her mouth upturned in a seductive smile. "How were your holidays?"
This kind of behaviour often made Ron uneasy and slightly jumpy, her skillful fingers still stroking his shoulder ever so slightly. He looked to her hand then back to her, forcing a nonchalant smile. "Eh... fine."
"We're having a little get together with the girls in the study hall," she continued huskily, slowly lowering her hand along Ron's arm, "but you can come."
Hermione who had been looking livid throughout this exchange, her brows furrowed in indignation, staring piercingly at Mary who hadn't paid even the slightest attention to anyone but Ron, suddenly came to life, finally deciding that she had had enough. Practically slapping Mary's hand off him, she spoke in her usual authoritative tone, "Ron's busy".
Turning to Hermione irritated, Mary's own piercing gaze met Hermione's one, but before what seemed like the beginning of a cat fight could take place, Ron pulled gently on Hermione's arm and walked her away towards the chariots, nodding goodbye curtly. Harry followed suit.
"Not very sensible to start fights this early in the term is it?", he grinned at Hermione. She just rolled her eyes, but he could definitely see her lips curve upwards.
Harry finally caught up with them, and walking hurriedly alongside Ron he asked, "this been happening for a while?"
"More or less," Ron smiled cheekily at his best mate. He was too overwhelmed with the satisfying idea of Hermione's jealousy to elaborate any further.
"It's quite tiring," Harry continued, as they sped up. They had lost some time at the station and the majority of the thestral-pulled carriages were long gone. "How do you remember all their names?", he laughed. Ron shrugged.
As they proceeded along the muddy track, tall snow-laiden oak trees surrounding them, he noticed a familiar figure several steps ahead. "Hey Jimmy," he shouted loud enough for him to hear, and jerk his curly head around quickly.
"Ron!", he stopped moving and waited for the trio to come closer, grinning widely. As soon as Ron, who briskened his step, was just feet away, they both reached out for a homie shake, which blended into a bro hug. "Looking good!", he added.
Harry and Hermione walked up, and since Harry was team captain, they simply shook hands. They never really interacted outside the pitch before, and Ron was aware of that, so continued talking to ease the tension. "Why you falling behind?"
"Oh," he shook his head disappointedly, "forgot my wand on the train." When Ron started chuckling teasingly, he added moaning defensively "I know, I know, I'm a dumbass".
They continued walking until one single remaining carriage was in view. The other ones, crammed with students were disappearing into the thickness of the massive trees. "There, we should all fit in that one," Harry pointed in the direction of the remaining carriage, whose sole occupants were two brunette fifth-years. He advanced towards them, "d'you mind if we join you?" he asked with his usual timidly charming half-smile.
They looked particularly indifferent and gave him a half-hearted nod. As Hermione, then Harry climbed in and sat on one side opposite them, Jimmy was about to follow, when the two girls' faces lit up as Ron came into sight, his soft ginger mop shining brightly in the warm light of the floating lanterns. "Oh," one of them cried out when Jimmy was about to plop down beside them, "Ron can sit here". They scooted over hastily, causing Jimmy to settle beside Harry instead. Ron gave them a greeting nod and a polite smile, which provoked a giggle from them both.
Once the pearl-white carriage was on the move, bouncing slightly from the rocky uneven surface below, Ron felt their eyes scanning him the entire time, giggling discreetly and whispering secretively to each other. He didn't have to turn to them to know it was about him, since Hermione's crossed arms, disbelieving narrowed eyes and furrowed brows gave it away. She made an effort to look around the forest, but the monotonous view forced her gaze to fall back on Ron, who was successfully distracting himself by babbling on about the British Quidditch league with Jimmy, with Harry chiming in here and there. He caught her gaze several times, and their eyes met, but she pretended to look away blushing, before turning back to look at him.
"I think the Tornados are well on to win it this year," Jimmy went on in what seemed like an endless battle of opinions.
"Rubbish", Ron waved him off, "their seeker is a tosser, wouldn't see a snitch if it were bounced in front of him on a string, they haven't had a good one since Roderick Plumpton himself," he raised a hand to emphasise how legendary that player had been.
"I agree, but they seem to be doing a pretty good job this season," Jimmy shook his head sighing. "So who d'you think has a chance, and don't say the Cannons because-"
"Yeah, yeah, I know, they're at the bottom again," Ron frowned. "Maybe the Ballycastle Bats, they definitely have the tactics for it. They just ought to poach a better chaser and they might just-"
But he was interrupted abruptly as the baby pink pigmy puff that was riding excitedly on one of the girls' shoulders, leaped directly in front of him, heading straight out of the carriage. Before it had the chance though, he extended his long arm speedily and caught the fluffy ball just in time, handing it to the spellbound girl beside him. "Careful with them, they'll keep you on your toes if they want to."
They were still gawping at him silently, when the one further away commented wonderstruck, "Like a true keeper." He could distinctly hear Hermione exhale in exasperation, pushing her arms even further together as they remained crossed, glaring at the distracted girl.
Ron was utterly relieved to finally arrive and leave the giggling girls behind, fearing that another second in their presence would likely cause Hermione to implode. Jimmy soon disappeared into the crowd of students, and several friendly interactions with a few easy-going hufflepuffs later, they had eventually settled and commenced devouring the heavenly feast. Not without a few flirtatious glances, that made Hermione stab her fork unnecessarily hard into her juicy steak. Ginny, who had appeared later than usual, installed herself beside Harry with a tiny wave, and after a lengthy conversation with a girl from her year, turned to Ron incredulously, "It's been what, an hour since I've seen you?"
"And?", he swallowed the chunk of meat in his throat.
"And a couple of girls from my year are already boasting about how Ron Weasley himself took a dangerous leap of faith to save the precious life of her beloved pet," she finished in a squeakier innocent voice imitating them, then proceeded to hoot with laughter and Harry joined her eagerly. Soon all four of them were laughing as Ron retold a much more realistic and lacklustre version of the incident.
Time flew by again, and Ron enjoyed sitting comfortably beside Hermione in the grand excitement of the Great Hall. Being able to talk to both of his friends was a blessing, though he did hope to get Hermione on her own at some point. He had never had the chance to finally give her the Christmas gift he had slipped into the deep pocket of his robes beforehand.
"Well," Harry uttered finally after he took several large bites of his pudding, "I have to go, I still want to check on Dumbledore before curfew. You two'll be alright?", he asked more out of politeness than anything.
They both nodded quickly.
"Oh, Ron" he remembered as soon as he jumped up off the bench, "let me know if Aria has any news ok?". Ron nodded again, and Harry hurried away.
Despite still being reluctant to completely entrust all the information they had to Aria, which Ron found understandable, he did have enough confidence in her to let her tell them insider information. Almost like a spy. Ron was well aware that she was a natural at blending in with her surroundings, so this wouldn't be a hassle for her at all. And, after all, she was eager to help. Harry's curiosity was spiked when she recalled a certain discussion of polyjuice potion Draco had with his friends, something she had overheard one evening in the shadows of the Slytherin common room. So, naturally, Harry wanted to know more.
Now it was just the two of them, Ron and Hermione, sitting silently in the cacophony of the room. "So... ", Ron began, unsure of where to start, "I heard you went to the party with Cormac...". It seemed like an uncomfortable conversation topic, but Ron was keen on retaining the promise he made to himself in the new year too, no misunderstandings.
"Uhh," she turned bright crimson, "well, yes, to my great displeasure."
"Displeasure? Didn't you have to accept first?"
She sighed and placed her head in her hands solemnly. "He was so insistent and everyone was bringing someone, Harry asked Luna... " she trailed off. "It was dumb, and I still didn't know how to apologise to you properly, cause I wasn't sure how or when..." she paused, "and Melinda was gossiping with some other girls in Charms and... she said you two were going together."
"What!?", Ron exclaimed in disbelief. "That's absurd, you heard me reject her."
"Yeah but I figured maybe you changed your mind since... well".
"I was playing exploding snap that night with Seamus," he responded, still shocked.
"I know, I mean I figured you weren't coming when she arrived with someone else." Her voice sounded mortified as her reddened face was still plunged deeply into her palms. "I wanted to go with you," she mumbled finally, almost noiselessly.
"I did too," he nodded quietly, regretting the missed opportunity to dance with her just like he had planned. His pudding remained practically untouched, as he sat there, staring blankly at the sugary dessert before him, stealing wistful glances at Hermione, her deep hazel eyes shimmering in the warm candlelight of the Great Hall, her cute dimples twitching nervously.
She was long done eating, and was itching to escape the prowling gazes of random students in the Hall, the gazes that Ron had gotten used to over the past weeks, but which he was sure made Hermione, who liked her privacy, slightly uncomfortable. And then he thought, Screw it.
"Should we go somewhere else, it's a little loud here, isn't it?" He rose up, observing Hermione's confounded expression, as she watched him open-mouthed. Then her face lit up in utter delight at the suggestion.
"Definitely", she replied, pulling herself up and sticking by Ron's side as they departed.
"Where are we going?", she inquired a few minutes later, as they were strolling seemingly purposelessly down the deserted dim-lit corridors.
"I want to find a place where we wouldn't be disturbed," he uttered, and only when he looked at the mixture of confusion and flustered excitement, did he realise how that sounded. "I have something for you," he added.
This statement just further intrigued her, but before she could begin interrogating him, they arrived at their destination.
After walking cautiously up the spiralling stone steps, Ron was relieved to find the Astronomy tower empty. They gazed absent-mindedly for some time at the mind-blowing starry night sky, but neither attempted to walk out onto the balcony, considering the chilly January air.
"So what did you want to give me?", she asked, still focused on the breath-taking view.
"Oh, right," Ron drew his breath in and reached out for the flat little box tucked away in his robes. Pulling it out, he turned her gently by the elbow to face him, and her eyes fell immediately on the mysterious closed box. "Didn't get a chance to give you your Christmas gift," he gave her his signature lop-sided grin.
"But I didn't get you anything..." she began but he cut her off.
"It doesn't matter, it's just something I've wanted to give you for a while." Inhaling deeply, he slid the lid open, revealing a sparkling silver chain placed carefully inside. On it, hanging, were three silver charms shining brightly in the moonlight, and in the very middle of the chain was the heart of the bracelet, a circular fiery gemstone, smooth, transparent and shimmering in the light. For a second Ron himself was mesmerised by the sight, and when he looked up he smiled at Hermione's awestruck expression gaping at it, transfixed.
"It's...b-beautiful," she finally stammered breathlessly. "Can I?", she gestured at it.
"Of course, it's yours." Ron slipped the stunning bracelet skillfully out of the box, motioning her to extend her hand. She didn't protest.
Tenderly, he wrapped the chain around her outstretched left wrist, and clicked the clasp shut. Letting go reluctantly, he let her goggle at it wordlessly for a little longer. "You shouldn't have...it's gorgeous". Ron loved to see her speechless.
"There's more," he smiled excitedly, and ignoring her flabbergasted glance, came even closer to her, gently taking hold of her left wrist, and pointing with his other hand at the silver charms.
"I did a little work on it, you see those little charms, they're enchanted with scents,...this one's freshly mown grass,...and this one's new parchment, and...", he twisted the bracelet carefully to reach the other side, "spearmint toothpaste", he smiled contentedly. Hermione's mouth still remained silently agape, as understanding flooded her.
"My amortentia...", she almost whispered.
"Yeah, I remember you talking about it after class," he shrugged modestly. "You just rub the charm a little, and it emits the scent for a few minutes."
She attempted it straight away, going for the silver mint leaf and circuling her thumb around it gently. Then, lifting it up to her face her eyes closed and her features softened into a satisfied grin, "it's wonderful".
"But that's not all, there's more", he added again.
"More? Ron!" Her attempt at her usual exasperated tone failed miserably as her delighted anticipation prevailed.
"Here, you see the central gem?", he pointed at it but it was rather obvious. She nodded. "Press your hands together tightly." Without a second thought she did exactly that, and suddenly, an inexplicable soothing warmth spread through her palms and along her tiny fingers until the very tips.
"An extended 'Focillo' charm," he expressed proudly, "took a while to get it to really work wordlessly at that perfect temperature and to last some time too, but it worked out in the end. Thought, y'know, your hands are always freezing cold... ", he had been so absorbed by his own explanation, that he had only noticed Hermione's glossy-eyed face and her quivering smile several seconds later.
He wasn't quite sure if she was moved or distraught and was about to try calming her, when to his astonishment she lunged herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck and crashing her soft lips forcefully against his, balancing on her tiptoes to reach up towards him. Momentarily paralyzed, Ron soon regained consciousness and wrapped his arms firmly around her waist, responding to her kiss with equal fervor, practically raising her off the ground for a split second.
It was a euphoric sensation beyond anything he had ever felt. Scorching heat had flooded towards his face, as his own lips were colliding repeatedly with hers, and he could practically touch the passion and tension of mutual pining built up over the years, condensed into a moment. The icy winter air turned into searing heat, and nothing mattered, not Krum, not McLaggen, nothing could ruin this. Finally no misunderstandings, just them in their purest and most vulnerable state.
As they passed the first few desperate kisses, they found a steady rhythm fairly quickly, fitting like two puzzles against each other. Smoothly and softly he explored her velvety lips and she did the same until the kiss seamlessly morphed into a snog. His big yet delicate hands moved over her back, then one hand slipped into the maze of chocolate curls, whilst her own tiny hands first hung about his neck but quickly crawled into his silky ginger locks. Reluctantly they broke apart for air, chests heaving heavily, hearts pounding uncontrollably, bodies pressed together unwilling to pull away even an inch. They grinned dazedly at each other, like they were recently struck by a heavy bludger.
It was Ron's turn to make a move, and as soon as he thought his lungs had been refilled, he pulled her into another soft kiss, which deepened as time passed, and moments later they had regained the same fiery momentum they previously experienced, their lips igniting with passion.
They were utterly breathless and weak at the knees when they finally pulled away, and Ron scolded himself for his sudden respect for school rules, as he suggested they head back before curfew. She brings out the worst in me, he chuckled to himself.
Their hair was still slightly dishevelled as were their robes, despite their best attempts to straighten themselves out. But nothing gave them away more than the absurdly blissful grins splattered onto their red faces as they sauntered towards the Fat Lady's portrait. It was still relatively late by now so the common room was void of human presence. They both realised it was time to part as they stood in the middle of the warm silent room, looking into each other's eyes, hands still intertwined.
"Thanks for the gift," Hermione wiggled the bracelet on her wrist joyfully. Ron had completely forgotten about it with the other, more memorable, events.
"My pleasure," he smiled widely and she reciprocated. They began pulling away, until just their fingertips were touching and finally let go.
"Goodnight, Ron", she mumbled still smiling uncontrollably.
"G'night"
Thanks for reading! Might be a bit cheesy at the end, I'm not sure, but they deserve it. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'll probably do another chapter or two and then wrap it up. Let me know what you think in a review, love to read them :)