Disclaimer: I own nothing in the Harry Potter universe.

Chapter Two: Conversations and awkward Dinners.

Hermione was sitting at the base of the tree outside of The Burrow. She was trying to focus on the pages of "The Standard Book of Spells: Grade 6" but she could not get passed the first lines. Her mind, body and soul were still tortured by the kiss that had taken place almost two weeks before.

The kiss replayed in her mind, over and over, almost driving her to the brink of insanity.

'Did it really happen?' she thought. ' Could that moment of ecstasy be the workings of my desperate imagination?'

She closed her eyes as she remembered how his lips had felt. Those mere seconds of contact were the best of her life. In those seconds she had felthope. It all had seemed possible. When they had kissed she had thought that perhaps Ron had wanted it as much as she did. She thought that the months of wishing and waiting were worth it at that sweet moment. If only it had not ended

'I could have done something to change it' thought Hermione. ' I could have said something about what had passed when he just stood and went to my trunk. I could have asked if it was O.K, if he liked me, anything!' So many things she could have said or done passed through her mind, and she mentally scolded herself for silence at that moment.

'I can't say something now. Too much time has passed. He would know I've been thinking of it day and night. That will make me seem obsessiveBut I AM obsessive!!!'

She slammed her book in frustration. She told herself that she would make something changeshe just did not know when. As she leaned her head against the trunk of the tree she saw Ginny approach her.

"Hey. Mum wants everyone to know that dinner is ready."

Hermione gave her a silent nod of thanks. Then she stood and sighed.

"Hermione" Ginny began, "Is there anything wrong? You've seemed pre-occupied."

"I'm okay Ginny. Justconfused. Just stupid stuff really." She did not think it was actually stupid stuff, but she felt it would sound stupid to others.

"I've noticed that Ron has seemed "confused" too. Anything going on? Lovers quarrel perhaps?" Ginny raised her eyebrows at Hermione at this statement.

Hermione gave a short laugh. "Gin, were anything but lovers. He would probably cringe if he heard you say that in reference to me." She frowned. It was probably true. Without noticing she added in a small voice "What would he want with me anyway?"

Ginny gasped. "So you do like him? "

Hermione blushed. I'm sure I'm not the only one in our year. Look at him"

Ginny made a face. "That is so disturbing. If I ever 'look at him' the way you seem to be doing, hex me. But anyway, Hermione, I don't think that other girls-who by the way do NOT happen to be blood related- look at him much either. And I don't think he'd want anyone else if my suspicions are correct."

"Ginny, he's the most handsome guy I've ever seen! Of course there must be others. And if people like Parvati, or Lavender want him, I don't think he'll be fighting to have me!"

Ginny looked at her with an amazed expression. Her brother the most handsome guy? She had not thought she would ever witness that statement being said. "Uh, Hermione, I don't really know what you mean. But then again, I suppose beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

With that last statement the two girls entered the kitchen.

********

Hermione and Ginny were the first of the kids to enter the kitchen. They sat down at the table that Mrs. Weasley was loading with food. Harry then entered from the living room. He had not been outside playing quidditch with Ron, Fred, and George. He had actually been much more introverted since the death of Sirius. In fact, the only person he seemed to hold an actual conversation with wasGinny. As he entered the kitchen he looked at the relatively empty table before seating himself smack next to Ginny. She blushed at this. There had been plenty of empty seats but he had chosen the one next to her. Hermione had seen them sitting on the sofa the other day when the three of them were in the living room. She had been in a chair reading, but unbeknown to them she glanced up once in a while to observe them. She saw them slowly move closer and closer to each other until finally they were practically on the same cushion. And then she had seen Harry gently lay his hand on Ginny's, and saw them lace their fingers. Hermione watched as they exchanged shy glances. She thought it was cute.

Then the other Weasleys entered from outside. She saw him. The cause of her pining. He entered, laughing at some joke Fred and George had made. She may have been living in his house for almost two weeks but she still had butterflies in her stomach when she saw him. She always asked herself, even now when it seemed almost impossible, 'will he mention it.' He seated himself in front of her as the twins took their spots. Then came Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and dinner began.

Hermione stared at her plate for almost all of dinner. She was afraid she would look up and make eye contact with Ron. She wanted ityet she did not. It would more than likely be an awkward glance. She overheard bits and pieces of the conversation around her between her own thoughts. The twins seemed to be discussing their joke shop, which Mrs. Weasley seemed to be accepting, slowly but surely. It was actually quite successful, they were even able to hire extra help.

Involuntarily, Hermione looked up from her plate. She saw Ron glancing at the direction of the conversation, entering a word or two at some places. She took in everything about his appearance. She really could not help it. Beauty did have to be admired. What she did not actually know was that she was the only person who believed Ron was as handsome as she thought. He was decent looking, but what Ginny said was true. Beauty was in the eye of the beholder.

Suddenly, as Hermione was staring he turned his glance and they made eye contact.

'Dammit he caught me again!!!' thought a nervous Hermione.

But, he did not just turn away without thinking twice. Instead he smiled. A genuine smile that to Hermione seemed to say "I'm glad you're looking at me."

'In your dreams' she said to herself.

Ron, in fact, was glad that she was looking. She did not know that she made him just as nervous as he made her. Day by day, night by night, he was building up his courage

********

Hermione lay in bed that night, her mind on Rons smile. If anything, it was a nice picture to fall asleep too. She wished she knew if the kiss had been the right thing do to; wished he would tell her "I wanted it too. I've always loved you Hermione"

'You're deranged' she told herself.

Authors Note: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far, I really appreciate it. If you would like to read more, please continue to review! Chapter three is coming soonDon't worry the main plot is coming up