Hermione opened her eyes groggily the room was bright and not just because of the orange walls. Orange walls. That's right, she had slept in Ron's room with Ron. She opened her eyes and noticed the other half of the bed was empty. 'Ron's gone.' Hermione couldn't help but wish him back. 'Do I like him...' Hermione's feelings were confusing. She liked it when Ron paid attention to her or when he touched her. Yet, she didn't have feelings for him. 'So confused' she thought. Hermione knew she would get jealous if he paid attention with someone else just as she had - and was- jealous of Lori.


It was so warm in Ron's bed. Surprisingly warm, even for late July - or was it early August. Time always flew in the Burrow. Hermione sighed audibly. Life was good.


"You're awake?" It was Ron and he was close. It was if he was whispering in her ear.


Looking down she noticed arms around her waist and was suddenly conscious of the fact she was lying and something.


Ron released her. "I woke up and we were like this, I didn't want to wake you and we were kinda' tangled and the curse so I - I." Ron blushed and looked away.


Hermione nodded this was too weird. Hermione crawled across the bed then stopped. She was far enough away that the curse would have pulled Ron with her. He hadn't moved.


"Its over, I guess" Ron's voice sounded almost - sad. Shrugging it off Hermione pulled out a pair of jeans. Grabbing Ron by his sleeve she pushed him out the door. "Hey" he cried as she the door closed on his nose.


Dressed and ready, she opened the door. Ron growled and Hermione laughed. "See you at breakfast" she called running down the stairs.




"Hey Ron?" While the trio ate their lunch outside Hermione asked "why did Lori sleep in your bed when she arrived?" The question and been bugging her ever since she had found the girl. "With all the other rooms why did she pick yours?"


Apparently Ron hadn't really thought about it. He pondered for a moment. "She likes heights. Something about where she sleeps at home. Or maybe it was the rocking motion" Ron blushed. The fact that his house had to be held up with magic bothered him. "My room has a tendency to sway" Ron blushed again. "But only just a little bit." Ron looked ashamed so Hermione decided to change the subject.


"How long are your relatives going to stay?"


It had been a week since the family had arrived. And everything had begun to seem normal. Ron and Hermione had even come up with a routine. Both would wake (normally in each other's arms) at the same time and Ron would leave so Hermione could change. Then they would switch. At night Ron would change first while Hermione waited in the hall. Hermione had even begun to understand Ron's Australian Aunt, Katy. Don't ever let anyone tell you Australians speak English. (A/N Sorry! but its true)


"There here 'til School starts"


"Speaking of School" Harry interjected. "When are we going to get our supplies?"


Lori arrived with three butterbeers "tomorrow." Handing them the bottles she informed them "Uncle Ernesto and I went to Diagon alley earlier today."


Harry, Ron excepted the drinks -which were still warm- and thanked her. Hermione didn't say anything and didn't except the drink. She just glared at her quietly. Lori looked embarrassed "er" she turned on her heal and left.


"THANKS!" Ron and Harry yelled at her back. Lori turned and waved then retreated into the house. Ron looked at his friend astonished. "Hermione what's wrong with you?"

Crossing her arms and turning up her nose Hermione said "I just don't like her that's all"

Ron gave her a funny look "Your being absurd. She was just trying to be nice!"

Hermione turned her icy stare onto Ron. "I knew you would be on her side!" Hermione stormed off for the house muttering incoherent words beneath her breath.

Harry looked at Ron. "That was the most ridiculous argument I've ever witnessed."


Storming into the house Hermione noticed Lori sitting on the couch reading. Lori looked up. "You should read this book," the book flew through the hair and Hermione caught it. "You'd probably like it." Hermione noticed the unopened butterbeer.


"Sorry" Lori looked at her curious. "I- I am really sorry"


The American laughed "over emotional?" Hermione felt her blood boil. "If I had to sleep in a bed with a guy, I'd be hysterical too." Hermione felt suddenly cooler.


Nodding Hermione joined Lori on the couch. "I just feel-" Hermione laughed "I guess emotional sums it up." Hermione suddenly didn't want to discuss Ron.


A magazine was shoved under her nose. "House-Elves" she shuddered. "It just makes me so mad."


Open mouthed Hermione stared at Lori. No one had ever taken her side in this argument. Especially when Hermione herself hadn't started the discussion. The magazine said something about how the enslavement of House Elves had tripled in the last century.


"I can't stand the way some beings are treated. House Elves are people to. Just like Mermaids and Fairies. Their not just animals like dragons or Red Caps. Their beings with magic - well aside from Mermaids."


"It's dead wrong" Hermione agreed "and why do we think we have the right to deny them wands?" Lori sighed in agreement.


"It's horrible. Did you know that Fairies are stronger than wizards are? Their homes are completely hidden from all wizard magic." Hermione was completely entranced. Maybe Lori wasn't so bad. She did know facts that Hermione had not yet learned.


Halfway through a conversation about marriage between species Hermione jumped up. "I have to apologize to Ron"


"See you at dinner" Lori said as Hermione ran out the door 'It
was nice talking to you.'


Hermione stood outside Ron's door. It was open just a peek so that they could talk.

"Once more Hermione. Just say it one more time."


"Ron!" She whined exasperated


"Can't hear you 'Mione"


"This is the last time Ronald Weasly. I'm sorry. I was wrong and you were right."
Ron opened the door. "Can you repeat that last bit?"
"You were Right!" Hermione said rolling her eyes. "Now get out, I need to change!" Ron obeyed pulling the door shut behind him. Shirt and pants safely on Hermione let him back in.


"Once mo-"


"NO!" Ron sighed defeated. "Fine, ruin my fun." After a playful punch from Hermione Ron grabbed his shoulder. "Ouch" he gave her puppy eyes "that hurt" he pouted his lips "you're mean" Hermione rolled her eyes again. "Kiss it better?"


Hermione kissed his shoulder. "Is that all?"


Red hair shook "Nope" he smiled "now it hurts here." Hermione kissed his hand where he had poked. "Here" Hermione kissed his cheek. "Here" his forehead. "And here" she kissed his nose.


Hermione took a deep breath. "And..." His hand lowered nearing his lips. Hermione's heart raced faster, faster, and faster. "Oh!" He looked as if he had suddenly realized something. "Silly me. I was wrong. It was my finger that hurt!" The hand he had been pointing with was thrust in front of Hermione.


Kissing his index finger she lay on her side of the bed. For once her knowledge troubled her. She knew that if he had pointed to his lips she would have kissed him. Her stomach turned uneasily.


"G'Night 'Mione." Ron said through a yawn.


"Night Ron"