Disclaimer: Once again, I own nothing, all characters are the working of the wonderful J.K Rowling.
Harry's a great guy. He's honest, reliable and sweet. But he's funny and cool enough to have those qualities without turning into a Percy-Weasley-type-character. He'd have been the perfect boyfriend. But there'd never been any zing, any real attraction in our relationship. That's why we were such great friends.
Ron, on the other hand, was so hotheaded, so tempestuous, that we had never been able to avoid butting heads. But after that wee screaming match after the Yule Ball last year, I'd picked up on something in him. Jealousy? Could he be attracted to me? More importantly, did I reciprocate it? Before Viktor asked me to the ball, I wasn't really worried about which on of the asked me, as long as one did. But they didn't. I took that as a hint that they hadn't even realised I was female yet, let alone fancied me.
After that little argument, Ron had acted normal around me. Except for when I was with Viktor, that is. But I thought that after the autograph-grabbing incident at the end of the year, he wasn't in fact jealous of Viktor, he was jealous of me for spending all that time with a famous Quidditch star.
When we neared the Leaky Cauldron, my heart lurched. It was a lovely surprise when the boys turned up at the airport, I had to admit. I didn't want to say goodbye to Ron already. On the other hand, it would give me an opportunity to spend some time alone with Harry.
When we pulled up at the curb, Ron jumped out. I followed him, and pulled him into a hug. God, where's all this feminine sentimentality coming from?
"I've missed you, Ninny," he whispered in my ear.
Aww, how sweet. What the heck is going on here? This is Ron!
"Yeah, you too" I whispered, although I was a little confused. I pulled back.
Harry had followed me out of the car, and he stepped forward to Ron. The two shook hands (how bloody male can you get?!) and said their goodbyes.
Harry and I waved madly as we pulled away in the car. When Ron was out of sight, I turned back to Harry.
"You realise we're going to see him in a week" I asked with a laugh.
"Yeah" he replied, joining me in laughter.
"So did you remember your toothbrush in your ultra-light packing?" I asked, adding an eye-roll for good measure.
Harry slapped his forehead.
"Shoot! I knew I forgot something!"
I glanced at my parents. Both being dentists, they had an unhealthy obsession with people's teeth.
Dad glanced back.
"That's alright Harry, we'll pick one up for you from work"
"It must still be at the Weasley's, I'll owl Ron later" Harry muttered, mainly to himself.
As we headed towards home, the car fell into a comfortable silence. I began thinking. Boy. In my house .In my room. Was there anything embarrassing I'd left lying around before I went to Bulgaria? Harry may have been my best friend, but there are just some things you don't want a boy to see… Oh no! Oliver poster! Just before I'd left, Oliver Wood had been promoted from Puddlemere United's reserve to main team. His picture had been all over the teen witch magazine's I'd picked up in Hogsmeade, and I'd kinda always fancied him….
Must rip that down as soon as we get home.
"What was that Herm-own-ninny?" Harry asked me, a playful glint in his eyes.