Ron stared as Hermione fiddled around in the armchair. He was patient for awhile, but after five minutes he poked her arm.

"Come on Hermy, you can tell Uncle Ronnikons!" he said lightly, trying to joke around.

Hermione just looked blankly at him, clearly not amused. Ron tried a different approach.

"Come on 'Mione, please tell me what's wrong. I'm beginning to get worried. Plus your one of my best friends, I promise not to laugh at you or anything like that. Just please tell me" Ron said seriously, putting on a sad puppy eye look, knowing perfectly well whenever he did that Hermione melted.

This time however, Hermione refused to look at him as she sadly explained what was wrong.

"You see Ron, Victor's mom has just passed away. From what he's told me, it was from cancer. I wanted to break up with him, in fact I was going to but it turned out to be the day that she passed away. So you see, I couldn't break his heart just then-"

Ron cut in, "Why the hell not?!"

Hermione smiled slightly, seeing the jealousy in his eyes "Ronald Weasley, you know perfectly well why not. His mom just died, what was I supposed to do, say 'Hey, Vicky, sorry about the ol' mum getting the ol' chop, but I never really liked ya, in fact I like someone el-' "

Here Hermione suddenly broke off, beet red. Ron's eyes were wide with shock and his mouth was open in a little "O" of surprise.

"You like someone else, Herm? Who is it?" He managed to choke out, sounding rather eager to find out who Hermione 'had her eye on'.

"Well... Um... Ron, well its you I have a crush on." she whispered timidly.

Ron leapt up with a whoop "Victory!" he said arms raised over his head.

Hermione laughed and Ron looked at her, a sparkle in his clear blue eyes.

"So you really like me Herm? Girlfriend/boyfriend way? Whoa, I can't believe this! Hermione Granger, liking me! It's just so unbelievable! I can't believe it! Oh wait, I'm talking to myself now, WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO ON A DATE WITH ME HERM?" Ron rambled, out of breath.

Hermione looked at him, amusement shining in her eyes. " I do like you Ron and yes, 'Girlfriend/ boyfriend way. I would like to go out on a date but I'm still going on with Victor, remember? I can't break up with him until a little bit later. I just can't. I'm sorry, Ron. I understand if you don't want to go out with me again."

Ron's expression of pure joy turned into a look Hermione wished she never had to see on his handsome features. Her stomach sunk and she closed her eyes, preparing for the Ron Weasley blow-up. She was surprised though.

"I understand 'Mione. I'm not upset. I know you have to do this because that's just the kind of person you are. Always caring for someone else's feelings. I admire you for that. I will wait for however long as you need to be with him." He gave her one long kiss that Hermione didn't want to end and then headed up to bed, leaving Hermione watching, stunned.