Chap. 4: Dancing and Dessert:

"RON! WHAT THE-, YOU SCARED ME TO DEATH!" She was so shocked to see him and so relieved to see him at the same time that she couldn't seem to pick the proper emotion, but her sentiment quickly turned to concern as she saw his face contort in obvious pain.

"Ahhhh! Damn! Bloody---" his voice trailed off as he attempted to turn over, but the action only caused him to elicit another string of curses.

Hermione rushed over to him and knelt beside him dropping her wand. He was still twisting in pain, and although she was still confused over why he had suddenly appeared, she was more worried about his current condition. He was still struggling to get up and continued to wince in pain. His face was as red as his hair and she was afraid he was going to seriously hurt himself.

"Ron, you have got to lie still for a minute," she said in a calm voice. "Movement just makes the pain worse."

"Yah (OUCH) I noticed. Could you (Ahhrrr-bloody-hell) lay off (OUCH) the lecture Hermione," he spat through clenched teeth. "I'm in bloody pain here."

Ron struggled to get up, his embarrassment at being caught watching her mixed with the pain shooting through his upper body. He felt like he needed to jump up and explain that he was not spying on her, not really anyway, but his body was just not complying. He felt a warm palm rest gently on his forehead and he heard her speak in a low soothing voice near his ear.

"Ron, please stop thrashing about," she said in a soothing voice. "You're just going to make the spell last longer." She continued to speak soothingly and gently caress his forehead.

Ron finally complied and remained still. Although he still felt the pain, the gentle pressure from Hermione's hand and the sound of her voice so close to his ear calmed him, or at least distracted him. He stayed like that for a few more minutes, focusing on the feel of her hand gently caressing his forehead, before he finally opened his eyes and carefully turned his head. When he did, he was starring into deep brown pupils filled with concern and questions. He blinked a few times.

"I wasn't spying on you," he said in a quiet but sincere voice.

"Well, that's a relief," she replied a hint of smugness in her voice. "What exactly were you doing?" Her face was still very close to his and her hand continued to gently caress his head.

"This bloody spell won't let me sleep, so I thought I'd find a piece of left over victory cake."

Hermione felt a smile tug at her lips. Typical Ron, always thinking with his stomach.

"You should be in the hospital wing Ron. You were seriously hurt today."

"You don't say? I thought I was writhing in pain all night for kicks," he replied sarcastically. He immediately regretted this remark when her eyes narrowed slightly and the gentle soothing pressure on his head abruptly stopped as she pulled her hand back.

"Well fine then. I'll just be heading to bed now," she said. "I'll leave the fire going. I imagine laying on this cold stone floor all night you could get a bit chilly."

She didn't want to be short with him, but she didn't appreciate his sarcasm when she was clearly concerned about him and losing out on her own sleep because of him. She started to get up when she felt his hand touch her knee.

"No, Don't go. I'm sorry. I'm really sorry Hermione. I act like a git when I'm in pain."

"What's your excuse for all the other times?" Now it was Ron's turn to shoot her a look.

"Okay, okay. I'm sorry too." She knelt back down replacing her hand on his forehead. His hand was still on her knee. She breathed out a long sigh realizing it probably sounded like an annoyed sigh to Ron, but knowing it was actually one of total relief that she could see with her own eyes that he was okay.

"I think I can get up now," Ron said after a few minutes. He started to attempt to raise himself.

"No. No." She placed her hand on his chest gently. "Wait a few more minutes. With paralysis curses it's better to completely relax your muscles before you attempt movement."

"Since when are you an expert on paralysis spells?"

"Since today. I did some research in the library after your little incident with Malfoy."

"Hermione, don't tell me that you missed the whole celebration to study up on paralysis spells?"

"No. Well I was at the party for a bit, but I was worried about you and I thought to get my mind off--"

"You were worried about me?" His eyes caught hers for a minute and she suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and looked away.

"Of course I was so worried, umm, what I mean is that all of us were quite worried, Harry, Ginny, Neville, everybody on the team, Doby, and ummm, Professor McGonagall-," she was rambling but his intense stare was making her nervous. She stopped mid-ramble when she felt him squeeze her knee gently. He was looking at her with a playful smile on his face. She was suddenly aware that her hand was resting on his chest. She tried to nonchalantly remove it, but Ron rested his free hand on top of hers before she had a chance. She met his eyes questioningly.

"Thanks for worrying about me, Hermione. It means a lot to me." He said it so sincerely that she couldn't help smiling adoringly at him for a moment.

"Well, honestly Ron, no need to thank me. What are friends for anyway?"

"Exactly that I guess," he said.

Hermione couldn't take anymore. The way he was speaking and looking at her was so sweet, so sincere, and so completely sexy. The feeling of his strong chest rising and sinking with each breath beneath her palm and his warm hand resting on her own was so lovely. Here was this boy who drove her so crazy, made her worry so much, and who could make her feel so happy.

"Hermione? What's wrong?" Ron was looking at her from the ground with concerned eyes. He thought they had been sharing a nice moment, but Hermione had a far off almost dreamy look in her eyes. "Did you fall asleep?"

"Umm...no. I was just thinking that you shouldn't be lying on that cold floor any longer then necessary. Why don't I help you up now?"

"All right then," said Ron eyeing her a bit suspiciously. "That hand getting up would be helpful."

"Oh, of course," said Hermione. Ron started slowly sitting up. The movement didn't agree with his upper body and Hermione winced herself when she saw the painful expression on his face."

"Still hurts quite a bit, doesn't it?

"It's a bit better," he winced again as he attempted to rotate so he could get to a full standing position. Hermione was giving him a look like she didn't believe him in the least. "Well, okay, it still hurts, but honestly it is an improvement." He smiled weakly before trying to stand all the way up.

He teetered a bit as he was standing and Hermione, afraid he was about to fall, instinctually grabbed him around the waist to try and steady him. Unfortunately, the action caught Ron off guard and he stumbled falling forward against her, causing them to spin awkwardly around in one direction, and then back the other direction as Hermione unsuccessfully attempted to balance his weight.

"Ommmph," was the sound that escaped Hermione's lips as she hit the wall with Ron's full weight on top of her. When she opened her eyes, she was staring into Ron's eyes. Her arms were still wrapped around his waist. They both looked deep into the others eyes. They knew what was going to happen next.

They simultaneously burst out laughing.

Neither could help their uncontrollable laughter. Ron's head leaned against her shoulder as he shook with laughter, while Hermione rested her hand in his red hair, as though it was the most natural movement on earth.

Ron's laughter was definitely causing him pain, but between the sound of Hermione's laughter mixed with his own, he barely noticed it. He unconsciously ran a hand through her long soft curls continuing to laugh. Finally, their tears of laughter subsided and they managed to regain most of their senses.

"Are you okay Hermione?" Ron asked between his last remaining chuckles. She smiled up at him.

"Yes, I'm fine," she giggled. "What about you? Isn't this aggravating your condition?" Ron smiled back at her.

"Nah. Honestly, I think it's the best medicine there is. Keeps my mind off it." He looked at her and moved a curl away from her face. "We're quite a pair aren't we Hermione?"

Hermione felt here cheeks flush slightly. "I guess you could say that, but I think we'll have to work on our dancing." Another smaller fit of laughter overtook them before Ron straightened up and moved back a bit.

"You know, even though I missed the whole party, I'm having quite a lovely time with you tonight."

"Well don't sound so surprised," she replied. "I can be the life of the party you know."

Ron chuckled. "Yah, maybe if the party is in the library," he joked. Hermione shot him a look.

"You're lucky that you are in terrible pain already, or I may have been forced to hex you for that one," she said smiling devilishly at him. "Although if we did have more parties in the library I could get some work done-"

"Please tell me you're kidding."

"I am," she laughed. "But really Ron, I'm glad you're having a bit of fun. I really was sorry you missed the party, everyone was."

"Thanks Hermione." There was a moment of silence between them as they stood smiling at the other. Hermione bit her lip nervously. She knew she should let him get back to bed, but part of her didn't want their little late night encounter to end just yet. She suddenly remembered.

"Oh Ron, I almost forgot. I have a surprise for you." She dashed off towards the opposite side of the common room.

"Surprise?" He echoed as he watched her go.

"Yes. Go and sit down on the couch and I'll show you. Oh, and close your eyes." Ron was baffled but did as he was told, sitting slowly down on the couch and wincing a little.

"Do I even get a hint?"

"It's something I'm certain you've been dreaming about. Are your eyes closed?"

"Umm, yes." He shut his eyes. His curiosity was peaked.

"Open your mouth Ron."

"What?" He was baffled.

"Just open your mouth and trust me. You'll love it."

Ron swallowed nervously but did as he was told, opening his mouth a bit. Hermione sat down on the couch next to him. She looked at him with his eyes shut, studying his long red eyelashes with his mouth formed in the most adorable O-shape. She looked down at the napkin holding the piece of victory cake she had managed to save for him from the party. She had neglected to save a fork so she broke off a piece with her fingers and gently brought it to his lips.

"Mmmmm...delicious," said Ron, immediately recognizing the unmistakable taste of chocolate cake. His eyes shot open. "How did you know?"

"Oh please, like it's not common knowledge that Ron Weasley lives for sweets," she said as she carefully broke off another piece of cake with her fingers and brought it towards his lips.

Ron smiled as Hermione brought another piece of cake to his lips. He caught her wrist in his hand just as she was about to feed him the piece of cake.

"I wouldn't say it's the only thing I live for," he said as he gently closed his lips over the piece of cake she was holding, sucking on her fingertips just slightly before releasing her wrist. He had no idea what came over him and neither did Hermione if her expression was any indication. She was looking at him wide-eyed and her cheeks were quickly becoming rather rosy. They stared at each other for a bit before Hermione looked down.

"No more cake," she said quietly looking at the napkin, but Ron could have sworn there was disappointment in her voice. She stood up brushing some stay crumbs off her shirt. Her fingers were still tingling where Ron had...sucked them and she was feeling a bit overwhelmed. But in a good way. A really good way.

"Well I guess we should call it a night," Ron said taking her reaction as not good. He started to get up feeling the pain in his back again.

"N-No. I mean just a wait a minute." Hermione felt awkward but she just didn't want the night to end like this. She didn't know exactly what she was feeling, but she felt like she would regret it if she let him go now. "I mean your back still hurts right?"

"Yah, but Madame Pomfrey said the muscles would be sore for a few days."

"Well maybe I can help." She walked towards him and picked up one of the books on the floor, propped it open and began paging through it. Ron sighed. The awkwardness had passed but she was back in Hermione-knows-best mode.

"Really Hermione, it's fine. Madame Pomfrey said there wasn't any other helpful magic for this type of curse. Just have to let it run its course." Hermione ignored him and continued paging through the book for a few minutes before she looked back up at him.

"It's not a magic book, it's a muggle book," she said continuing to page through it.

Ron's eyes went wide. "Now hold on just a minute. I'm not up for any crazy muggle medical miracles. Nobody is getting near me with any scables or hyrdrogermic needles."

Hermione smiled, her face still buried in her book. "It's scalpel and hypodermic needle, and I'm not talking about anything quite that invasive."

"Good. As long as we have that clear." Ron was still suspicious. "So what exactly did you have in mind Dr. Granger?"

Hermione finally looked up from her book with that gleam in her eyes that made Ron certain he was in trouble.

"Massage."

"Massage?"

"Yes. Massage therapy. I've been reading up on it and it's a proven way to reduce muscle spasms and increase circulation. You know, quicken the healing process."

"Let me get this straight, YOU want to give ME a massage to quicken my healing process?" Ron didn't believe he was hearing correctly.

"Well, yes."

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"That's what I said."

"Right then, lets get started shall we?" Hermione clapped her hands together and rubbed her palms together. She gave Ron a look that made him feel like he suddenly understood the muggle term "witch doctor."

"Take off your robe Ron." Ron looked at her astounded, but her head was buried in her book again.

Well who am I to disobey the doctor's order. Ron glanced back up at Hermione who was chewing on her lip, concentrating on whatever passage she was reviewing.

He had a feeling this would be a very interesting night.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- A/N: I know 4 chapters and no massage yet. But I promise it is in the next and hopefully last chapter. Sorry, about the long wait. You know it takes a great mind a long time to work, and an ungreat mind like mine even longer. ( Reviews are appreciated.