***DISCLAIMER*** I do not own Harry Potter or anything affiliated with the series, JKR and Warner Brothers do, nor am I attempting to make a profit. I do not own any Lifehouse song which may appear in this chapter; Lifehouse does, obviously!

TallemeraRane ~ Thanks! Here is the next chapter! Enjoy!

Kiwi ~ Thank you!

Aurora ~ Hey girl! *smiles* You always make me feel so incredibly special! Thank you! Remember our talk about college, I'm sure this stuff *will* happen to you because you are such an awesome person! Well, sweetie, enjoy this chapter. And don't get too worked up over finals this week! Enjoy it! And think about our party this Friday! Oh, yeah, enjoy the chapter. ; - )

Angelofboox ~ Here is the concert. : - ) Enjoy!

Strawberries and blueberries ~ thanks!

Felicia ~ *giggles* I think you'll like this!

Kang ~ You were late, but it's understandable considering. Hehe, I had so much time today because I have no exams tomorrow! YES! Well, enjoy the chapter!

Kikikiwi330 ~ Thanks! Here is an update!

Triniroo ~ Hmm, maybe a little. But I really wanted fluff! And my beta readers told me that my first draft didn't have enough.

Tears from the Moon ~ Wow, you're welcome! Thanks to you as well! And I'll send over what I have of "Jessica" shortly!

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How Many Ways

Chapter 15 ~ Hanging by a Moment

By AmericanAngel

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"Hermione, I can't get my hair to cooperate!" Ginny yelled in frustration from the bathroom. Hermione smiled; she was in her room ironing a new shirt for the concert, having already braided part of her hair in a crown and letting the rest of it hang down her back. Ginny was attempting to separate sections of her hair in little twists and then pull them together into a ponytail; however, her hair would not allow itself to stay tight enough in the rubber bands she was using for the twists.

"You could try magic!" Hermione called, smoothing out a wrinkle in her shirt.

Ginny sighed from the bathroom, "Yes, I suppose I'll have to." Hermione heard her muttering various spells and a few minutes later she came into the room, having designed eight twists of hair and pulling the rest of it back into a ponytail.

"Does it look alright?" Ginny asked shyly.

Hermione smiled, "Beautiful, Gin. What are you going to wear?"

"Well, it's a Muggle concert, right?" Ginny asked.

"Yes," Hermione nodded, "So you can't wear robes, and I wouldn't recommend bringing a wand. These concerts can get quite lively at times and you wouldn't want it falling out of your pocket, or wherever you decide to place it. Actually, on second thought, take it. It's freezing outside so you'll need a coat, but you'll be sweating once you are inside. We can shrink our coats in the bathroom and put them in our pockets. That way we can keep better track of them."

Ginny nodded, "Alright, so I'll wear a pair of Muggle blue jeans and a cute shirt?"

"Sounds good to me, pretty much what I'm wearing," Hermione replied, holding up the shirt. It was a long sleeved, yet light, cranberry colored shirt with a modest, v-shaped neckline and a ribbed surface. Hermione pulled it carefully over her head, so as not to mess up her carefully shaped braids, and it came to rest snuggly, but not tightly, over her upper body. She had already ironed a pair of blue jeans which were lying on her bed waiting to be summoned to Hermione's grasp.

"Accio jeans," Hermione said firmly and the trousers flew steadily into her open hand. She put them on and checked herself in the mirror again, making sure she looked perfect.

Ginny smiled, "You look beautiful, Hermione. Cranberry really is your color."

Hermione smiled, "Thank you. Now, let's get you ready! The boys will be here in an hour's time."

Ginny smiled and the pair flew into Ginny's room to find the perfect outfit. Forty-five minutes later they emerged from the bathroom, finally satisfied with how they looked.

Hermione wore a light crème zip-up sweater over the cranberry shirt, along with the blue jeans. She had applied red lipstick along with a sheer layer of lip gloss, creating a glossy red effect, and she had carefully applied mascara to her eyelashes, making them stand out more than usual. Her cheeks were rosier than normal, with the help of a layer of blush, and she had sprayed some vanilla scented perfume on her wrists and neck.

Ginny had finally found a light, pale green sweater to wear over a white shirt with her blue jeans. She had applied lip gloss and mascara, as well as blush and perfume. Both of the girls were radiant with excitement and anticipation of the evening.

Ron and Marc arrived right on schedule. Ginny answered their knock on the door and was greeted to Marc's shocked face and then a goofy smile.

"You look beautiful, Gin," he told her, and she blushed the dark Weasley red.

Ron was just as stunned when he saw Hermione.

"Wow," he whispered, "I didn't know that someone could look so beautiful in trousers and a sweater."

She giggled and slapped him playfully on his upper arm, "Ron! You're supposed to say that I look stunning."

"Well, excuse me, my lady," he replied with a fake mournful expression, "I will do my best to live up to your standards in the future."

She smiled, "Good," and kissed him softly on the cheek.

"Well, are you two lovebirds almost done? Or should we get you a room?" Marc called from the other side of the room. Both Ron and Hermione flushed a deep red.

"Don't think we'll need the room" Hermione said quickly, and Ron nodded.

"Yeah, we aren't, er, that intimate . . ."

Marc laughed, "Not to worry, mate, just a joke."

Ginny smiled, "You two are so cute."

Ron rolled his eyes, "I've told you not to use the word cute Ginny!" The nerve." She giggled. "Well, fine, let's go then," he finished. The others nodded and they Apparated to the flat shared by Ron and Harry.

Cassie and Harry were just putting the finishing touches on the kitchen table, which had been enlarged to accommodate the six young wizards. She was wearing blue jeans, like the rest, and a light pink sweater.

"Hermione, Ginny, it's so nice to see you again," she said as she gave them each a hug.

Hermione smiled at the normally very quiet girl, "It's nice to see you too, Cassie. Did you help Harry and Ron make dinner?"

Cassie shook her head, "No, Harry came to my flat about half an hour ago and we came back here to wait for you. Harry had a few more things to take care of in terms of dinner, and I decided to help him."

Harry, Ron, and Marc finished cooking the meal while the girls engaged in a discussion over their favourite Lifehouse songs and how excited they were to be going to the concert. A few minutes later, Marc appeared at the doorway and cleared his throat. The girls looked up as he began to speak.

"Excuse me, ladies, but I do believe that dinner is served." He gestured to the kitchen and the three stood and walked in to find Harry and Ron each by a set of chairs. Marc followed the girls and stood by the third set of chairs. Each of them pulled out the chair for their lady and made sure they were settled before sitting down themselves and beginning to eat.

Hermione was amazed at the spread of food on the table. The chaps had grilled steak and placed a bit on each plate, accompanied by mixed vegetables and rice. There was a large basket of cut bread on the table, and a bit of butter off to the side. Each person had a water glass and a wine glass, filled with a deep red wine. Hermione tasted it, but it didn't taste like any other Muggle wine she had ever had.

"Ron is this some sort of wizard wine?" she asked him.

He grinned, "Something I know that Hermione doesn't!"

She glared at him, and he laughed, "Yes, the grapes are magically grown here in Britain and there is a magical process to press them and make wine. This is one of the better varieties, in my opinion. Do you like it? It doesn't have too much alcohol, I knew you wouldn't approve . . ."

She smiled, "It's very good."

He grinned again, "Aha! I knew I'd get you to like alcohol someday."

She blushed, and they continued to eat.

"Harry, how was the first Quidditch match at Hogwarts?" Ginny asked him casually.

"Excellent," he replied, giving her a warm smile, "Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. We slaughtered them, thank Merlin. The score was ninety to forty when little Andrew went down into a steep dive and caught the Snitch. He's a second year, Muggle born, hadn't played Quidditch before this year. Brilliant flyer and a great eye!"

"Just like you," Hermione said with a wink.

Harry blushed, "Yeah, I guess so. I've taken a liking to him, not just because of Quidditch, but also because he's Muggle born."

"What's his full name?" Cassie asked.

"Andrew O'Brien. Fun little kid. I've had a great time teaching him how to be a good Seeker. Our next match is against Ravenclaw, and Cass and I are betting on who will win," Harry glared at her and everyone laughed.

"Well, Gryffindor better win or you'll have to answer to me!" Ron replied, giving Cassie a matching glare.

Cassie rolled her eyes, "Aw, come on. Ravenclaw is a great house. At least it's not Slytherin." The table agreed and continued eating, asking Hermione about her work and Ron about his current mission.

"Well, er, I can't comment," Ron replied slowly. "You see, it's extremely top secret and an ongoing process."

Harry took in a sharp air of breath and asked, "Death Eaters?"

Ron shrugged, "I can't comment."

There was an air of silence until the clock struck seven. Quickly, the six used magic to clear the table and clean the plates, before Apparating to a spot nearby the concert arena. They had forgotten their coats, but luckily the line hadn't reached outside the doors yet so they were able to wait inside. Ron took Hermione's hand and they walked together up to the door, which he opened and gestured for her to walk through. She blushed and walked in, turning around to wait for him. He grinned and took her hand after handing the door over to Harry.

The line was not too long and the six could see the doors into the arena, however, guests were not allowed inside until seven thirty. Ron wrapped his arms around Hermione's waist while they were waiting in line and she laughed.

"Ron, not yet. We aren't even inside!"

He grinned, "I'm just making up for lost time."

She laughed, "Lost time, eh? I suppose that's my fault."

He looked down into her eyes, "Your fault? Of course not. I mean, the break up was pretty much mutual and the challenge was reasonable, and . . ."

She raised her eyebrows, "The challenge *was* reasonable? Who said it was over?"

His eyes widened, "I thought, you know, since the rules didn't apply anymore that it was over?"

She shook her head, "Well, I know you like me a lot."

"A lot? I like you more than a lot!"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "Alright, more than a lot, and maybe it is love, I just don't know. It's just hard for me, you know? Because of Ian."

Ron pondered this statement, "I really hate that stupid git."

She blushed, "I'm sorry, I don't know, I'm not sure what you want me to say."

He looked into her eyes again, "No, I'm not mad. You have every right to place this challenge on me, and believe me, I will prove this to you."

She laughed, "Alright, Ron. I suppose tonight is another way you wish to prove this to me?"

He nodded, "Of course. Again, I know this alone cannot prove my love, but I have a few more things up my sleeve, depending on how long this challenge takes.

"We shall see, won't we?" Hermione replied.

"Yes," Ron agreed, "We shall. The doors are opening."

Sure enough, the doors to the arena had opened and people were showing their tickets to the ticket masters and walking in to find their seats.

"Where are we?" Cassie asked Harry after the six had passed security and reached the long rows of chairs. Harry looked at the tickets.

"Aisle T, seats 22-27. So, we're probably up here somewhere," Harry replied. The six walked up and down the aisles. They found Aisle A and walked up from there, only to find Aisle AB followed by AC and so on. Ron looked at the Aisle closer to the stage from A. It was Aisle B.

"Hey, chaps, I think we're closer to the stage," he said, pointing to the Aisle B and then C. The six walked closer to the stage and found Aisle T, six rows back. Marc saw a security guard nearby.

"Excuse me, sir," Marc told him as the man turned around.

"Yes? What's your question, mates?" he said, a little grumpily.

"Uh, well, we were wondering if this aisle is the correct one," Hermione replied.

The guard checked the tickets, "I believe so. Right in the middle of the aisle, there. Sort of in front of the stage."

The six looked at one another in wonderment, thanked the guard, and walked to their seats.

"Harry?! Did you know the seats were this good?" Ron asked him quickly.

Harry shook his head, "No, mate. But it's brilliant!"

Ron agreed, "Bloody brilliant!"

Hermione sent him a look.

Ron gulped, "Sorry, Mione. Brilliant. Just brilliant."

She grinned, "Don't worry, Ron, it's perfectly alright."

The concert began with a small British group performing a few of their songs, most of which were hyper and had an element of rock as well as an element of pop. Overall, they were enjoyed by the audience. However, it wasn't until the actual concert began that everyone got excited.

"Ladies and gentlemen, here for you in London, the American band Lifehouse!" the announcer called. Ladies and gentlemen alike rose and clapped for the band as they made their way on stage. The six were so close to the stage that they could make out the details of each person's face.

Hermione stood up on her tiptoes so that she was right next to Ron's ear, "Ron, this is so amazing. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Mione," he replied, "Can I put my arms around you now without getting beat up verbally?"

She laughed and leaned in towards his body, separating the space between them and sending shivers up his spine, "No objections here."

Smiling, he decided to tease her some more, "Oh, I see. So you're just trying to make me fall even more madly in love with you yet you won't tell me that you believe I love you?"

"Ron! We discussed this!" she said to him adamantly.

He laughed again, "I'm just teasing you, Mione. Take your time. Let's just enjoy ourselves, alright?"

She nodded, "Of course. Thank you, Ron."

"No problem."

The more Ron listened, the more he found himself enjoying the music. Of course, he was especially enjoying being there with Hermione but the music was great too.

*I'll have to get that C something from Hermione sometime* he thought to himself.

About an hour into the concert, the lead singer said, "This next song is called 'Hanging by a Moment.' I think a lot of you know it, so sing along and enjoy it. It's a simple love song, and it can be interpreted in so many different ways.

Ron pulled Hermione closer to himself, feeling the warmth radiating from her body. She leaned into his arms and let him wrap them around her waist as she laid her head on his shoulder. Chills ran through Ron's body, despite her warmth, as he held her hands.

The guitars started playing and Ron listened to the strings hitting the notes as the drums added into the background. Soon, the perfectly blended voices added to the music.

*Desperate for changing

Starving for truth

I'm closer than where I started

Chasing after you*

Ron listened to the words and was amazed at how true they were. He longed for Hermione to believe that he loved her, although she did admit that she thought he liked her as much more than a friend. It was tearing him apart inside - he had to know.

*I'm falling even more in love with you

Letting go of all I've held onto

I'm standing here until you make me move

I'm hanging by a moment here with you*

Hermione didn't want the moment to end. She stood there swaying back and forth listening to Ron's heartbeat and feeling the tenderness in his touch. She felt a tingling chill run through her body, stronger than she had ever felt it before.

*Forgetting all I'm lacking

Completely incomplete

I'll take your invitation

You take all of me*

Ron stopped thinking about how inadequate he felt, for at times he did feel like he didn't deserve Hermione. She was everything he wanted, and more. He focused just on that one moment; she had silently invited him to love and hold her even more, and he did not want to disappoint. Rather, he wanted to give her everything - all he was, and all that he had.

*I'm falling even more in love with you

Letting go of all I've held onto

I'm standing here until you make me move

I'm hanging by a moment here with you*

Hermione felt Ron hug her even closer, if possible, and she responded. She didn't want to lose the moment; she wanted to remember it forever. She closed her eyes and focused on two things only - the music, and Ronald Weasley.

*I'm living for the only thing I know

I'm running and not quite sure where to go

And I don't know what I'm diving into

Just hanging by a moment here with you*

Ron was so confused, yet sure of himself at the same time. He was sure he loved Hermione, and sure that he could convince her of that. The way she was responding to his silent pleas was proof to him that subconsciously, even if she didn't realize it, she knew he loved her and she loved him too. Unable to take it anymore, he leaned down and kissed her fully.

*There's nothing else to lose

There's nothing else to find

There's nothing in the world

That could change my mind

There is nothing else

There is nothing else*

Hermione's heart was racing. Ron was kissing her - and not just a little kiss, a full, passionate kiss. The chills ran up her spine again; she wasn't sure whether she should pull away or continue the motion. She decided on the latter. And then she realized it - she knew Ronald Weasley loved her. And she knew that she loved him too.

*Desperate for changing

Starving for truth

I'm closer than where I started

Chasing after you*

Ron looked into Hermione's eyes, not quite sure what to expect. She looked into his with her own chocolate brown eyes which seemed to radiate warmness and peace. He knew what he wanted to ask, but he didn't want to push her. He decided to wait.

*I'm falling even more in love with you

Letting go of all I've held onto

I'm standing here until you make me move

I'm hanging by a moment here with you*

The longer Ron looked at her, the more Hermione felt she was falling in love. How could she not have realized it before? It was all there - the way he looked at her, the way he smiled, the way he acted around her - every action he did for her was different than when he did the same for someone else. When he did it for her, he did it because he loved her, and his whole attitude was different. She realized how much thought he had put into this night, and their other nights from the previous two months. She realized how much she meant to him, and how much he meant to her.

*I'm living for the only thing I know

I'm running and not quite sure where to go

And I don't know what I'm diving into

Just hanging by a moment here with you*

Ron didn't know where his audacity would take him, but he decided to leave it there for the night. He didn't want to push his girlfriend, but he did know that something new had happened, something significant, even if she wouldn't tell him what it was.

*Just hanging by a moment

Hanging by a moment

Hanging by a moment

Hanging by a moment here with you*

Hermione settled into Ron's arms again and felt his heart beating in his chest, so hard that she could feel it in her back. She leaned her head on his shoulder and squeezed his hand hoping to calm his heart. They stood together savoring the moment and letting it last as long as possible, even until the concert was over.

* * *

"Hello chaps and ladies, what are you doing here at this time of night?" Madame Rosmerta asked the six as they walked, laughing but freezing, into The Three Broomsticks.

"We were wondering if we could have a round of butterbeers," Ron replied, face flushed, before collapsing in a chair by the bar.

"Of course, but where were all of you? You look like you just ran around the lake!" Madame Rosmerta replied while pouring the butterbeers for the six young friends.

Hermione answered, "We were at a Muggle concert. They can get quite rowdy at times, and we've all been walking through Hogsmeade rather quickly to stay warm."

Rosmerta smiled, "Ah, a concert. I've never been to a Muggle one, but wizard ones are almost always, if not more, exciting than the Muggle ones. Here are your butterbeers."

The six voiced their thanks and picked a table in the back corner where they could see others entering the bar and enjoy themselves.

"So," Marc began, "I saw you two having fun. Are you ready for that room yet?" He winked at Hermione and Ron, who both blushed a dark crimson.

Ginny rolled her eyes, "Well, it's about time for them to start having fun, but clean fun. I don't think it's necessary for you to tease them like that, Marc. You're like Fred and George."

Marc raised his eyebrows, "I'm not nearly as funny as that pair! They are pretty nice blokes though. Anyway, I was just congratulating you that you have no problem with physical contact anymore.

Ron blushed an even deeper red, "Er, thank you."

Harry could feel the tension between the two men, but Marc waved it off and continued cracking jokes and holding the attention of most of the group. He made a mental note to ask Ron later about what was going on between him and Hermione.

* * *

Ron looked for the time when he was finally ready for bed and saw that it was past two in the morning. Groaning, he quickly got under the covers and was about to fall asleep when he heard Harry clear his throat. Looking up, he saw him standing in the doorway and leaning against the frame.

"Can we talk, Ron?" Harry asked.

Ron groaned loudly, "It's two in the morning, Harry. Go to bed. I know I want to."

Harry wasn't moved, "Sorry, Ron, we need to talk." He came and sat on Ron's bed. Reluctantly, Ron sat up and looked at Harry.

"What? What is so important that you won't let me have my sleep?"

"Lumos," Harry said and his wand shone light on the room.

Ron shielded his eyes and said, "Harry! What did you do that for?"

"So I could see you and make sure you weren't falling asleep, that's why," Harry replied.

"I wouldn't be falling asleep if we did this in the morning," Ron grumbled.

Harry laughed, "Look, quick and simple. I just want to know a few things. We've been busy lately and haven't had much chance to just talk to each other, and . . ."

Ron cut him off, "YOU WOKE ME UP TO HAVE A BLOODY MALE BONDING SESSION???"

Harry laughed again, "No, mate, just to catch up a bit. You can sleep all you want tomorrow. It's Sunday. No work."

Ron finally grumbled an agreement, "Fine. What is it you want to talk about?"

Harry smiled, "Hermione."

Ron's ears turned pink, "What about her?"

"Well, how are things going?" Harry asked.

The blush moved from Ron's ears to his cheeks as well, "Uh, they're great. Can I go back to sleep now?"

Harry rolled his eyes, "I don't mean to sound like a girl, Ron, but give me some details!"

"HARRY! IT'S BLOODY TWO IN THE MORNING!"

"Stop avoiding it, Ron!" Harry replied laughing.

"Fine then! Alright, um, well, I kissed her for the first time without asking her permission tonight, and two weeks ago we officially abolished the no touching rule after an encounter with her former boyfriend," Ron said in defeat.

"Ian," Harry said.

Ron looked at him strangely, "Yeah, how did you know?"

Harry shrugged, "Ginny told me."

Ron nodded, "Oh, alright. So yeah, things are good. And I think she believes that I love her, but I'm not sure. Anything else?"

Harry grinned, "Nope, that's all I wanted to know. I suspected as much, but I wanted to hear it from the source. Have a great night, mate."

"G'night. End that lumos charm now!" Ron called to Harry as he walked out of the room. Harry laughed and ended the charm as Ron fell into a deep sleep.

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Reviews are appreciated!

Alright, everyone, I'm not sure when I'll update next. I'm going to have a ton of time over the next few days, especially tomorrow, so maybe I'll be able to post one or two more chapters before Order of the Phoenix!!! 3 days!!! That's it!!!

Once I have my book in my hands at midnight, though, I will not be updating or reading fan fiction until I am finished with it. Sorry, but I want to get through it first!

Again, I am leaving to go to a one month journalism program at the end of June so postings will be up sporadically at best.

Hope you all have a great week!

Also, check out my latest plot ideas in my profile and let me know what you think!

~AmericanAngel