Harry sighed, took his glasses off, and rubbed his eyes. He glanced at Ron, who was running his hands through his hair, trying to keep himself awake through his History of Magic notes. Hermione was looking pale, her lips were moving slightly as she read her book.
"I don't think I can study any more Hermione. Can't we go to bed?"
"I *can't* believe you Harry. Our N.E.W.T.'s are in 4 months, and you're sick of studying already?"
"I was sick of studying *months* ago" Ron chimed in, slamming his Transfiguration book shut.
"I'm going to bed Harry, you coming?"
Harry chanced a glance at Hermione, who was straining her eyes to continue studying Arithmancy. Harry gave Ron a look, and he nodded. Harry packed away his books, and headed up the stairs. "Come on Hermione. You need some sleep. I'm getting worried about you." Hermione finally looked up from her book, noting the look of concern on his face. She sighed and started packing away her things. Ron did the same, waiting for a response.
"Hermione?"
"Hm?"
"You're worse than that year you had the time-turner." A frown appeared on his boyish face. "You aren't taking classes in secret, are you?"
Hermione smiled. She walked over to the sofa in front of the fire, and Ron followed her. She flopped down and he sat down next to her.
"Hermione?"
"I don't know what I want, Ron. I'm all confused."
She looked into the fire, and breathed deeply, like she always did when she was on the verge of telling Ron something important. He waited patiently as she struggled to find the words.
"I just, all these N.E.W.T.'s are coming up, I'm so worried about them, and I've been studying so hard-"
"Hermione," Ron cut her off, relieved, "you've been studying like mad since fourth year. You're Head Girl, you'll do brilliant. I know you will."
"It's not just that, though. Harry's been signed for a really good Quidditch team and you're going to work with your dad in the Ministry, but…" She fell silent, and he waited for the rest of the words to fall out.
"I don't *know *anything about what I want to do. My parents are dentists, they don't have any idea how hard it is. They expected me to be dentists, like them. *I* don't have a clue what I want to do once I leave Hogwarts."
Ron was tempted to laugh. She could do anything she wanted and she was worried. Just like her, really, no matter how far ahead of the game she was. He chuckled. "Hermione, you can do *anything*. You could go back into the Muggle world and be a dentist; you could be a Quidditch referee! You can do whatever you want" Hermione looked up into his eyes smiling, traces of tears barely showing. Ron grinned, and looked into her eyes.
"Seriously Hermione. I wouldn't worry if you don't know. Why don't you go talk to Professor Lupin, or Professor McGonagall?" Hermione frowned slightly, and sat up, a little more resolute.
"Ron, how is it that I'm Head Girl and I can't see the simplest answer?"
"Because you've been studying to much."
She smiled, and nodded. She leaned over and pulled him close to her. Ron smelled her hair and enjoyed her warmth. It was something, Ron thought to himself. And he enjoyed it. Ron reluctantly let go, and Hermione looked at him, grinning. "What?" Ron asked. "I'm not so much of a nightmare now, am I?" she grinned. He said with a grinned. "Now I wouldn't say that…" They made their way back over to the table, now clear of everything but their schoolbags. Hermione gave him one last hug goodnight. Ron wished her good night, and made his way up to the boys' dormitory.