Written for Romioneweek Day 7: Free Day

Takes place 5th year around Christmastime

Rating: General Audiences

Thanks to sm_jl for the beta!

oOo

Hermione sat on the sofa at Grimmauld Place, her legs tucked under her as she read her new book that she'd received from Harry. Mrs. Weasley was spending the night with Mr. Weasley in the hospital, and had left Sirius in charge to watch over her, Ron, Harry, and Ginny. As Sirius wasn't one to enforce any rules, they'd been allowed to stay up as late as they wanted, and right now it was past midnight and she and Ron were alone in the sitting area in front of the lit fireplace.

Harry had been talking to Sirius in the kitchen for a couple of hours now, and Ginny had chatted with them for a while before going upstairs to bed. As Hermionpe read her book, Ron sat in the armchair across from hers, saying nothing as he stared into the fire.

Hermione was only paying half attention to the words on the page, the other half of her mind on the ginger boy across from her.

For Christmas, he'd gotten her a bottle of perfume.

A bottle of perfume.

That had to mean something.

Right?

Hermione couldn't imagine Harry getting her such a gift- just the idea was laughable. But Ron had. And to make things even more confusing, he still hadn't explained why he'd bought it for her. In fact, he'd said almost nothing at all and had acted like it was no big deal when she'd thanked him for his gift.

With this thought, Hermione lifted her eyes to stare at Ron, watching the way he rolled a white chess piece in his hand as he sat splayed out in the overstuffed armchair, his body relaxed, his toes noiselessly tapping on the rug. His lips were pursed as if he were in deep contemplation, and Hermione couldn't help but smile at how cute he looked.

As if he could sense her thoughts, Ron's eyes flicked to hers, and he gave her a small smile. "What?"

Hermione lowered her book. "Nothing. Just was, uhm…" she trailed off, embarrassed.

"Do I have food on my face or something?" he asked, wiping the corners of his mouth with his sleeve.

She laughed as she shook her head. "No, Ronald, there's no food on your face." She paused, grinning at him. "But there are a million freckles."

Ron's eyebrows furrowed. "What's wrong with freckles?" he asked, sounding mildly offended.

"N-nothing is wrong with freckles, Ron," she said quickly as she sat up, maintaining eye contact so he would know she was sincere. "As a matter of fact, I find your freckles lovely," she blurted out, her heartbeat picking up pace due to her unusual boldness.

"Lovely?" he asked her, his expression doubtful.

"Yes," Hermione replied, looking back down at her book while hoping Ron wouldn't see the flush that was rising from her neck.

"Oh. Well thanks, Hermione," she heard him say, and when she looked over at him again, she saw that the tips of his ears were now red, though he looked pleased.

Taking a deep breath, Hermione shut her book and leaned over to set it on the end table. "Speaking of lovely," she started in a slow voice. "I really did like the gift you gave me."

Ron sat up, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. "Really? I thought you hated it. I didn't think 'unusual' was a compliment."

She shook her head. "It is unusual. But not in a bad way."

Ron cleared his throat. "Right. Well. I'm glad you liked it."

Hermione stood up and took a few steps so that she was standing in front of the fire. She could feel Ron's eyes on her as she sat down on the rug, and when she turned, he moved his gaze from her to his hands in his lap.

"Hey!" he said after a few seconds, his head snapping up. "Could we listen to that music thingy you got from your parents again?"

Hermione laughed. "Sure."

She crawled over and grabbed her cassette player from where she'd put it earlier on the floor next to the sofa. Crawling back to the rug, she sat down and patted the space next to her with her hand.

"You have to be next to me to hear, Ron."

Ron nodded before moving down and sitting next to her, Hermione feeling giddy as the sides of their arms and legs touched. She took the headphones and turned the earpieces outwards so she and Ron could both listen.

"What's this group called again?" Ron asked.

"Spice Girls," Hermione responded, pushing the play button and watching Ron's face light up in wonder.

"Wouldn't say I'm their biggest fan," he teased. "But I suppose they're better than hearing Mum's Celestina Warbeck Christmas album on repeat."

Hermione's own breath hitched as she felt Ron's hot breath hit the side of her face. He smelled like chocolate frogs and Ron, and she swallowed as she tried to ignore the sudden overwhelming urge to lean in and kiss him. He must have noticed their closeness too, because he stopped talking, his face now nervous.

When the next song came on, she turned it up, trying to make the situation feel a little less awkward. The song was one she knew well- a song called '2 Become 1', and before she could stop herself, Hermione was softly singing along.

"Come a little bit closer, baby

Get it on, get it on

'Cause tonight is the night

When two become one

I need some love like I never needed love before

Wanna make love to ya, baby

I had a little love, now I'm back for more

Wanna make love-"

All of a sudden, it dawned on Hermione just what she had been singing about. She dropped the headpiece and turned to Ron, desperately hoping he hadn't been paying attention.

That was not the case though, because Ron was now staring at her with wide eyes and an open mouth- his face drained of color. As she continued to stare, his face turned a fierce crimson color, and his mouth snapped shut before he gulped, his eyes again avoiding hers.

She was mortified.

"I- uh-" Ron started in a nervous voice. "I'm going to go- on up ahead- up to my sleep- I mean, my bed- to sleep-" he stuttered, his face still red.

"Yes, I'm tired as well, so I'm going to head up too," she replied in a weak voice.

Ron stood up and made his way to the staircase. "G'night Hermione," he said, the words coming out in a squeak before he cleared his throat and practically ran up the stairs.

Once he was out of sight, Hermione put her face in her hands, letting out a loud groan.

She was never again going to hear that song without remembering this moment.