Cloud nine

The last days of the summer flew by and before Ron knew it September first had arrived. The night before they'd all packed their trunks. They arrived at platform 9 and ¾ problem free which was unusual. They climbed on the train and the four of them found an empty compartment. Soon though, a lot of people started joining them. First Neville, later Seamus and Dean followed by Luna. By now it was pretty full in the compartment so when Parvati and Lavender came to pay a visit it was plain crowded. Hermione had moved really close to Ron but mainly because Neville was pushing her to from the other side. Lavender looked Ron up and down and said 'wow Ron, I really like your new clothes. You look really handsome' Ron looked around him for support as the comment had shocked him but Harry and Ginny simply laughed while Hermione looked a little bit angry. She should be pleased someone liked the outfit she picked out.

The first days back at Hogwards flew by. The lessons were keeping them busy during the day and they had mountains of homework to occupy them in the evenings. Hermione's birthday was getting closer as well. Ron had kept the present locked away in his trunk for safe keeping but he was starting to get worried she wouldn't like it. Her birthday was on a Saturday so he was pleased he could spend the whole day with her. On the morning of her birthday he went down to breakfast early. All the other boys in his dormitory were still sleeping. The Great Hall was virtually empty except for a few students. One of those students was Hermione. 'happy birthday Hermione' Ron said cheerfully. She looked up and was beaming at him. 'Thank you, Ron'

'Would you like to join me in a walk across the grounds, Miss Granger' Ron asked formally.

'I would love to, Mr. Weasley, but what about your breakfast.' Ron grabbed a bit of toast and a napkin and took Hermione by her arm. They walked to the lake where the sat down. Ron was eating his toast while looking over the lake. 'It's beautiful here in the morning' he said.

'Yeah, sometimes I come here by myself just to look over the water. Sunrises are absolutely gorgeous.'

'Next time you get up to see the sunrise wake me up and I'll join you'

'Ok'

'Would you like your present now?'

'yes please' Hermione said grinning.

Ron reached into his pocket where he had put the little box. As he handed it to her he got really scared she wouldn't like it.

'I'm sure I'll love it' she said as if she could read his mind. The took of the bow and ripped of the paper. When she opened the box her eyes got really big. 'oh Ron, it's beautiful!' she exclaimed. 'Wow, will you put it around my neck?' Ron took the necklace out the box and put it around her neck. Hermione pulled away her hair to reveal her neck, it was still pretty tanned. He locked the necklace which wasn't easy because his hands kept shaking for some reason. Hermione turned around and looked him straight in the face. She moved forward and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. 'Thank you for the best present I've ever gotten.' She said as she looked back down at necklace. They sat in silence for a few moments before Hermione said 'we better get back to the castle'. During the walk back Hermione kept grinning at him and Ron felt like he was on cloud nine.

As they walked back into the hall Ginny was the first to get up and congratulate Hermione. Many people followed. On the breakfast table there was a rather festive looking meal to celebrate her birthday. Ron who had only had a bit of toast sat down to dig in when a voice behind him said 'celebrating Granger's birthday? I don't see any reason to celebrate she's lived so long.' Ron turned around and looked straight at Malfoy. He went to get up when Hermione put her hand on his shoulder and sat next to him. 'just leave it,' she said. Malfoy walked away laughing. They were just about to start eating when the morning post arrived.