Hermione was quietly sitting in the common room floor, books scattered around her in a semi circle, and one large book on her lap. Her brown eyes scanned each line and occasionally she'd pick up her quill and parchment and write a few sentences. It was pretty late, and thunder was booming outside. Most everyone was in bed and the fireplace flickered. The candle to Hermione's right went out long ago. The fire died down to hot coals and Hermione could feel her eyelids getting droopy. 'Just five minutes.' She told herself as she closed her eyes.

Immediately Hermione's sleep was broken. She heard footsteps behind her. She stood, frightened, and began slowly backing away. Tripping over a book behind her, she fell backwards and was suddenly caught by strong arms. She felt herself being tickled in the sides and squealed when she realized it was only Ron.

"Ron! You about scared me to death!" She exclaimed, relieved, but still short of breath. He laughed, setting her down gently.

"I was just checking on you." It was their fifth year, and going towards an end. Only one to go and they would be on holiday. Ron plopped down beside Hermione on the couch.

"What time is it?" Hermione inquired, turning back around to face Ron.

"About one." He told her. The fire went out and now the common room was completely dark. They could only see each other through occasional flashes of lightening. They didn't dare move. Ron felt Hermione's warm breath on his face. He knew she was close to him. Ron always knew he fancied Hermione. She was brilliant, but he was just too thick to see it. It was about their second year, after Hermione was petrified, when he finally encountered the feelings he was trying to cover up. Since then, though, he never could tell her how he felt. He couldn't find the words. A loud crash of thunder interrupted his thoughts. He felt Hermione tense up and move closer to him. It was obvious that she was scared. Turning to face her, he could feel they were only centimeters apart. He made himself move his head closer and touched his lips to hers.

Ron, having more experience then Hermione, deepened the kiss, and surprisingly, she didn't turn away. He put his arms around her and for a moment or two he was in heaven. Another crash of thunder sounded, and lightening followed. Jumping up, Hermione broke the kiss and found Ron's hand. Squeezing it, she quietly whispered Good night, and tiptoed back to the girls' dormitories.

Sitting in her bed, Hermione wondered why she just did what she did. It was storming and she longed for Ron to be back by her side, but something just didn't feel right. And Hermione knew what it was.

Ron still sat on the common room couch, and he felt an array of new feelings. He wasn't sure what to do now, and a thought struck him to got back to Hermione's dormitory and get her. He quickly brushed that idea aside and went back to bed.

The next morning, when Hermione awoke and got dressed, she forgot everything that happened until she saw her books scattered on the floor in the common room and saw Ron grinning at her. Biting her lip, she picked up her books and struggled to look Ron in the eye. She couldn't and she didn't quite know why. She politely said good morning to him and Ron and hurried down the stairs.

"What's wrong with Hermione?" Harry asked Ron, as they tried to catch up. Ron shrugged, and a look of hurt crossed his face. Keeping herself occupied in Ginny's conversation, Hermione avoided speaking to Ron or Harry during breakfast. They had final exams today, so they wouldn't have to talk during classes, either. Then they would all pack up and she only had the train trip to go.

As they were leaving after breakfast, Ron tugged on Hermione's arm.

"Hermione?" He asked. She could hear the hurt in his voice.

"Yes?" She said, putting on a happy face and a pleasant voice.

"You okay?" He looked at her with such care, like he really did want to know what was wrong. She smiled a real smile.

"Just nervous about exams." She told him, which was partly true. She couldn't tell him what was really wrong because she actually didn't know either. He smiled at her, relieved, and they walked together to class.