The Best Thing about Being Friends with Ron and Harry.

Chapter 6

It's been a long time since I actually thought of this story, but here I am to finish it. Sorry for such a long time but hopefully it will be it. The earlier chapters were quite amateurish now that I look at them so I beg all your apologies. Hopefully this chapter will make up for everything. This is over 3000 words to make up for the lack of updating long ago. So pls review.

Disclaimer: Nope nothing is mine

Hermione stood there, just looking at Ron. The tension in the room began to build up again, as the two of them just stared at each other. Unlike Harry and her, the thing between them was not that easy. The feelings between them, which extended past sibling love, was what stood in the way.

You couldn't just say sorry and expect everything to be forgiven. Not with Ron and Hermione. Fights between them meant so much more than the ordinary stuff. Deep within them, each other knew this had never been about Harry. It had always been about them. And as always, no one wanted to make the first step.

Ron looked Hermione, still with her arms around Harry, looking unsurely at him. The tears in her eyes had, for a minute, stopped flowing, leaving her chocolate brown eyes clear, and just staring at him. He swallowed. Why couldn't he just be like Harry and wrap his arms around her? The aforementioned person, who was now staring at him, along with the rest of the Gryffindorians, waiting for him to say something. What could he say?

All his life, Ron had always hated to apologize, but after the letter he didn't think he had anything left to feel embarrassed about. The feelings inside his heart were clear enough. He could not take another minute, not being able to be to hold her. He took a deep breath, summoning all the courage inside of him.

" I'm sorry." He tried softly, looking at her straight in the eyes. Silence met his words as Hermione just stood stiffly, not moving, just looking at him still. His heart dropped. Didn't she know how much he meant this apology?

" Hermione, I-" was as far as he got before Hermione reached out and hugged him. It wasn't a bruising hug like Harry's, but with even more feeling. And it was good enough.

The rest of Gryffindor broke into applause as Hermione finally pulled away from Ron, and smiled at him. He grinned back but before he could say anything, Ginny grabbed her and pulled her towards the couch.

" Come on! Let's go look at your presents! " Hermione looked back at Ron, a little lost, as though she had been waiting for Ron to say something. But the moment was gone and Ron's courage had already fled. Grinning back at her, trying to cover up, he pulled her other hand towards the couch.

The party had been in full flow for a quite sometime already, though the birthday girl had just really been sitting down. But her two best friends had surrounded her, so it was good enough. Ron and Harry had given her a limited edition copy of the latest Hogwarts: A History, bound in a beautiful leather casing. She had giggled and hugged both boys again tightly, not letting go of their hands. Especially Ron's. She wondered what Ron had been going to say before Ginny had interrupted. He hadn't really said much after that, just content to hold her hand and sit next to her. She couldn't look at him without blushing, remembering the letter he sent. But it wasn't the time or place to bring it up. Yet.

"Hermione?" Hermione dragged her thoughts away and looked up to see who was calling her name. Lavender and Parvati stood by the couch, looking tired and ready for bed." We're going to bed now. You'll be ok?"

Hermione smiled at her two roommates. The two girls had really proved their worth, she didn't know how she could have survived the last few days, without their help. In response to their question, she lifted her hands, still holding Ron and Harry's hands tightly. They smiled knowingly, back at her and began to walk away, when Lavender suddenly turned around and looked at Ron.

Ron suddenly stopped grinning and looked back at Lavender warily. Without any warning, Lavender stepped forward and kissed him on the cheek, leaving Ron completely speechless and quite red.

"The letter was really sweet." called out Lavender as she continued to make her way back to her room.

Ron turned even redder, as Ginny broke out into giggles and Harry smiled. Hermione lowered her head to hide her slight blush before turning to Ron. That comment by Lavender had made her remember something.

" Hey…do you mind if I talk to Harry alone for a while?" Hermione said to Ron. He blinked at first, shocked. "Err…ok. I guess I'll go to sleep then."

"Ok, good night." She replied nonchalantly. Ron stared back at her in surprise. That was it? His letter had been absolutely worthless? More than a little hurt, he stood up and dashed up the stairs to the boys dorm.

Harry gave Hermione a puzzled look." Ah…Hermione, you sure it's me you want to talk to? I mean, don't you want Ron or something?" Hermione blushed, wondering how to start this conversation.

" Err…well… you know the letter he sent me right?" she said softly. Ginny began to giggle again, understanding what this was all about.

"Why? Which part of that letter didn't you understand?" asked Ginny, trying to control her laughter as to not embarrass her already red-faced friend.

Hermione blushed more deeply, before turning to Harry." Did he …really mean what he said? Or is he just feeling guilty…"

Harry shot an amused look at Ginny, who was back to giggling. Hermione was trying her best not turn completely red as more and more people were turning around to stare at them now.

"Seriously, for the smartest girl around, you really are slow aren't you?"

Slightly stung, Hermione replied," What ar-"

"What I mean is that, you of all people know that Ron doesn't apologize. At all. So for him to come up with that letter and actually send it to you, do you have any idea how much guts it took him?" Harry interrupted, while covering Ginny's mouth trying to shut her up. "And please don't even try to tell me you don't know how he feels about you now. Unless I am mistaken, it's the exact way you feel as well." said Harry, finally managing to stop Ginny from laughing.

Ginny laughed again, seeing Hermione turn even redder, at Harry's suggestion that she fancied Ron back. " Oh come on Hermione. Everyone knows that you guys fancy each other."

" Yeah right. Why would he ever like an ugly bookworm like me?" she said, lowering her face. Did Ron like her? Did he want something more than friendship? Was she good enough for him? What did she know of being in a relationship? What if she screwed it up?

"Hermione." She looked up. Ginny had stopped laughing, and was looking at her fondly. " Do you have any idea how sad, Ron has been these last few days? I know my brother better than he knows himself." At this point Harry coughed slightly. Ginny glared at him," Ok…so he managed to fool me about the party. But I still know him! And he does like you."

" She's right Hermione. First of all you are not some ugly bookworm, and secondly, Ron is absolutely nuts about you. Take this from a guy who spends every night listening to him moan about you."

The magnitude of what Harry said, struck Hermione like a blow in her face. Struggling to keep a calm face, she asked disinterestedly," He talks…about me in his sleep?"

Harry just nodded, smiling broadly. Hermione felt like jumping up and down, screaming and giggling, she was so excited! Ron Weasely liked her back!

In response to her now brightening face, Ginny asked slyly, " So do you like him back?"

Feeling the heat in her face, she was unable to say anything. Nodding quickly, she quickly buried her face in her hands so Ginny and Harry couldn't see her red face. She could hear Ginny giggling again but couldn't bring herself to look up into their knowing smiles. Finally, something had happened her way. She wondered how she was going to bring up this issue with Ron. As it was, she couldn't stop blushing just thinking about it. Ron would probably hyperventilate if she said anything about it.

That thought brought her back to earth. Looking up with a serious face, she said to Harry," What if he is too shy or something? You know him. He'll never admit his feelings."

"Exactly," said Harry, looking her squarely in the eyes. " That's why you have to do it."

The blush returned to her face as she heard the words. How was she going to talk to Ron about this? It was impossible, Ron would probably just run away and never talk to her again!

" Hermione, we both know how much you want this. If you don't do it…" said Harry again, hoping Hermione hadn't lost her nerve.

Looking back at Harry and Ginny (still giggling), she took a deep breath. If she didn't do something for herself, she would regret it for the rest of her life." Ok." Impulsively, she hugged Harry and kissed him on the cheek, causing him to laugh.

" Hey hey…save your kisses for him." said Harry, laughing." I'll go get him."

"And I'll leave you guys alone. Heaven knows that if there's other people around, Ron would probably faint." Ginny said, rolling her eyes. Kissing Hermione on the cheek, she made her way to her room.

Hermione giggled nervously. For some reason, she felt cold all over. What on earth was she going to say?

Ron

He couldn't believe after what he had gone through with the letter, Hermione didn't even care. She had wanted to talk to Harry instead! Throwing his robe onto the floor, he pulled the curtain on his bed open, almost breaking them. Normally he would have slept in his pajamas, but tonight he was too furious to even change. What a traitor Harry was! HE knew how Ron felt about Hermione! Gnashing his teeth in the dark, he thought back to when Hermione had hugged hi today. It had felt so good, the memory of the warmth of her small body still lingering. Her hair had smelled heavenly and all he had wanted to do was bury his face in it. But she obviously didn't even care, judging by how she had brushed him off so...so easily!

Damn!! What we those two doing down there!?! Getting out of bed, he picked up his robe and put it on. Spying was the least he could for the two traitors. Quietly, slipping out the door, he looked out onto the couch, where Harry and she we-

THEY WERE HUGGING!!! AND SHE KISSED HIM ON THE CHEEK!!!! DAMN THEM!!!!!

More furious then he had ever been in his entire life, he stormed back to the dorm, kicking everything he saw in his way. Luckily the rest of the Gryffindorians were still downstairs, so no one saw him kick Harry's books all over the place.

How could this have happened?! He threw himself on his bed, willing himself not to cry. As usual, Harry had beaten him. Damn it! He could hear the traitor coming up the stairs now, whistling like everything in the world was just great. Ron exerted every piece of will power within himself not to rush out the bed and beat the crap out his 'best' friend.

" Hey Ron, you up?" Harry called, trying to see if he was still awake." Hermione wants to talk to you."

That was it. Ron practically jumped out the bed in front of Harry, causing Harry to back off slightly at the look on his face. How dare he try to flaunt it in Ron's face!?

" Why?! I am sure she's already happy with you! Why don't you just go back down and kiss her again!?! Traitor!" screamed Ron.

Harry looked back at his friend in shock." What the hell are you talking about? I didn't do anything…"

" DON'T LIE!! I SAW YOU!!"

Harry wondered if his best friend had finally lost it. Without another word, he turned on his heels and walked back down to the common room.

Ron looked at his back, trying to control himself. Ripping his robe off, he threw it on the table and jumped back on his bed, just in his boxers. How dare that arrogant prat try to lie?!

COMMON ROOM

Hermione looked up in surprise as Harry walked back down to stand in front of her. Her blood suddenly ran cold, thinking that Ron must had not want to come down. However these thoughts fled her head when Harry started to laugh. "What?"

Harry could only laugh in return, tears streaming down his face. Hermione felt herself begin to get irritated. "What is wrong with you? Where's Ron?"

Harry tried to control his laughter, " He saw us kissing just now and he thinks we're a couple." Was all he could get out before bursting out again.

Hermione stared at Harry in shock. It was only a kiss on the cheek! Surely Ron didn't think…

"I told you didn't I?" Harry said, giggling now." He's so pissed off now. You got to get up there and explain to the stupid prat or I won't be able to get any sleep."

Hermione began to blush, thinking how dumb Ron could get. Honestly her and Harry? Not a chance, especially with the giggling he was doing now. Making up her mind, she pulled the still giggling Harry towards her." This is what I am going to do."

RON

Ron tried to sleep. But he couldn't get the image of Harry and Hermione out of his head. (The fact that the kiss was on the cheek and that Ginny had been watching the entire thing had slipped his mind.) Damn the both of them. How could they do this to him?

Pulling the pillow over his head, he tried to clear his thoughts when he heard the door opening. Blimey! That was Hermione's voice! Those two had come up here to snog! With him still here!

HARRY AND HERMIONE

"Can you see him on the bed?" whispered Harry to Hermione." He's practically trembling with rage."

Hermione could see him and Harry was right. Ron looked as though he was having fits! He must really be angry. Running her plan through her head again, she pulled out her wand.

RON

He jumped out of bed, forgetting he was only dressed in his boxers, and was hit right in the stomach by a curse.

" Petrificus Totalus!" He fell straight back on the bed, unable to even move a single muscle.

RON AND HERMIONE

Ron looked at Hermione, with furious eyes. How dare she embarrass him like this?! Beside her, Harry began to laugh again.

" You brought this on yourself mate. I'll be waiting downstairs and I'll keep everyone from interrupting the two of you." He said winking at Hermione, as he left the room.

Hermione blushed at Harry's wink. She took one look at Ron and blushed even harder, realizing that the guy she'd been dreaming about, was now lying in front of her, totally helpless and only dressed in boxers.

She could see his the fury in his eyes and for a moment, lost her courage. Then swallowing hard, she took a deep breath and walked over to his bed. Ron just lay on the bed, hands stuck to his side. His dark blue boxers proved quite a distraction for Hermione as she tried her best to keep her eyes off it. Slowly she approached him, noticing that the anger in his eyes were gradually replaced with fear and shock as she got closer to his almost naked body.

At that moment, Ron wished that there was a way he could apparate out of Hogwarts. But as Hermione had reminded him several times, there was no escape. He couldn't believe that she kept coming nearer. He tried to swallow but fear and nervousness kept piling up. The minute she got on his bed, Ron almost passed out, cause she was now leaning directly over his body. She wasn't actually touching him, but he was now glad for the curse, which prevented other 'volatile' parts of his body to respond to her nearness. He watched apprehensively and helplessly, as Hermione, sat next to him and just sort of positioned her head directly over his. (NOTE: She is not on him!!! Just at the side but leaning over to put her face over his!!)

How long she remained in that position, Hermione had no idea. She was completely lost in his bright blue eyes that stared back at her. Slowly, she reached out a hand to stroke his face. For the life of her, she couldn't figure out how this irritating, stubborn, rude, immature boy had managed to win her heart. He was the most troublesome boy and Hermione Granger had never been interested in that type at all before. Until recently. She looked at Ron, remembering how he had braved his mortal fear of spiders to look for her cure. How he could always bring out a smile out of her and banish all her problems and fears. She remembered how one minute, they had simply been friends and the next…well…She hesitated to use the words yet.

She ran a hand over his soft lips, noticing the way he trembled when she did that. Well, here goes nothing, she thought.

" Ron, I have something to tell you. Please don't say anything till I finish." She said looking directly into his eyes. Taking another deep breath, she said," I like you. As in more than friends. As in I want something more than what we already have now. These last few weeks without you, has been an absolute hell and I don't think I could ever go through something like this again. I can't say when it was that I started to feel this way, but I just do. I won't force you. If you don't feel the same way, I won't bother you again."

Then leaning down, she softly kissed him on the lips once.

Tears began to roll down her eyes as she realized Ron didn't respond back. He just lay there, not even saying anything. He didn't want her. Harry and Ginny had been wrong. As her tears began to blur her vision, she quickly got off the bed and ran for the door.

Just as she got to it, she heard a loud thump. Turning around, she saw him lying on the floor, still prone. Of course! She gasped. He was still under the curse! Running back to him, she quickly performed the counter-curse and turned him over. He must have hurt himself badly when he fell from the bed.

" I am so sorry Ron! I for-" was as far as she got before, Ron Weasely grabbed her and kissed her. If she had to describe it, she would have said it was like drinking loads and loads of butterbeer, just being completely awashed in it. Slowly Ron let her go, as the both of them breathing hard, looked in to each other's eyes.

Ron couldn't believe when she said she liked him. After all this time, she actually liked him. He was ashamed that it was her that had to say it first, but it had already been said. So it didn't matter anymore. When she had kissed him, he had been completely shocked. Her lips were soft, and tasted sweeter than any of the sweets he had ever ingested in his life. He had tried to respond but still couldn't move and Hermione had almost taken it to mean he didn't care. Before she got to the door, he had used all his strength to roll himself off the bed, landing in a loud thump. He didn't care that he landed on his head. Just hearing her voice as she ran back towards him and cast the counter-spell was enough to make him forget about any pain. The minute he could move again he knew what he had to do and never hesitated.

Slowly the two of them stood up, still looking into each other's eyes. Ron's hands were still on her shoulders, when he had grabbed her at first. She looked back at him, her eyes glistening. And before either of them knew it, they were back on Ron's bed kissing like the world depended on it. This time Hermione was definitely on Ron kissing him hard, and running her hands through his hair. Ron followed her example, stroking her back and pressing her to him. Rolling over, he pulled away slightly, delighting in her confused eyes. Giving her his trademark lopsided grin, he leaned back down and gave her small kisses, on her lips moving towards her neck before burying his face, kissing and gently biting the sensitive skin on her neck. Hermione moaned, spurring Ron even further. Moving back towards her mouth, he kissed her again, this time pushing his tongue in, to be met by hers, pushing back at his.

(Unfortunately, I think this is too much already. SO I am not going to write anymore. They are only in third year so I don't want to get into any trouble with anyone.)

All this action had been slowly making Ron's 'volatile' part react and when he felt it touch Hermione in her thigh, he pushed her off immediately. Her surprise at being pushed off quickly turned to amusement as she saw what she had done to that volatile part of Ron. He tried frantically, to hide it, blushing furiously only to be stopped by Hermione.

"Relax, Ron." She giggled." Its all right."

He blushed again, trying to give her an ok grin." But I guess we better stop here." She continued, reaching out to hold Ron's hand.

Lying back down and snuggling up to him, she closed her eyes. This almost fell like a dream that she never wanted to wake up from. Next to her, Ron suddenly gave a groan." What?" she said turning to look at him.

He looked sheepishly at her and said, " I'll have to apologize to Harry tomorrow, won't I"

Hermione giggled back at him, and replied, " Of course."

AND SO THE STORY ENDS…….YES AND I FEEL THAT IT DOES END VERY WEAKLY BUT I AM EXHAUSTED…..SO PLS READ AND review…….I FINALLY MANAGED TO FICNISH A STOry…