The Hug

CRACK!

Harry was at the front door of the Burrow in an instant and knocked. To his surprise, Hermione answered the door.

"Harry? Oh my gosh, It's so good to see you. How are you?" she smiled and flung her arms around him. He returned the hug.

"It's good to see you too, Hermione. I'm great. How bout you? You look great." in the last couple of years at Hogwarts (even with the bushy hair), Hermione had grown up, if ya know what I mean. But now her hair was in soft curls and she looked beautiful and sophisticated. They broke the hug and stepped inside.

"Thanks, you too. Things are going well with my training and I just got transferred back here so at least I'll be close to home. How's your training going?"

Harry put his bag down, "That's great news. I'm learning loads and they let me go on one of the missions to find a Death Eater's hideout. It's better than I ever imagined. Plus I have a surprise for everyone Saturday," Harry said as he and Hermione walked up to take his bag to Ron's room (where else?)

Hermione looked excited, "How fun. Can't wait. Why Saturday?"

"Gotta show Ginny first," He said with a smile and they entered Ron's room.

"Oh really," she gave him a suspicious look but didn't press the issue further.

After they threw his stuff on the bed they walked down to the kitchen. Hermione put on some tea and they sat down at the table.

"So, where is everybody?" Harry asked as he took a sip of tea.

"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are at Diagon Alley getting Ginny a gift for graduation, the twins are at the shop, where business is bumming, and Ron is late, of course," she said with a laugh, though she was ringing her hands.

"Are ya nervous about seeing him," asked Harry with a smirk Hermione quickly shot him a shocked look.

"Oh Harry, don't be ridiculous. Why would I be nervous to see my best friend. It's only been a year. Not like anything drastic had happened. I'm just excited; like I was to see you."

"Right," he said with disbelief. "You're afraid that, with all the fame, he found a girlfriend."

"He did.... I mean... what?" she stammered.

"Don't' worry, he didn't,"

A look of relief swept over Hermione's face, but she quickly replied, "I would be happy for him."

"Come off it, Hermione. I know you like him. I've known since fourth year."

She looked shocked again, but knew she was defeated, "You are right, I do. I missed not being with either of you but I really missed not having Ron there." A tear rolled down her face and Harry leaned over and gave her a hug. He wanted a confession but didn't expect this. (such a boy. hehe)

"I thought I could get over him, but I haven't. I have thought of him everyday since we all went our separate ways. I never told him how I felt. I mean, I know he doesn't feel the same, but I think I... I... Lo," but she was interrupted by a loud, CRACK, coming from the living room.

"Hellooo, where is everybody? I'm finally bloody home and no one's here to greet me," a voice yelled, none other than Ron's.

Hermione wiped the tear away and leaned over to Harry. "Don't say a word, he doesn't need to know a thing," she whispered

"But Hermione, he..."

"Not a word," she said sternly and got up and put their cups in the sink.

He knew he wouldn't be able to do anything for her, so he walked in to greet Ron. When Harry turned the corner, he saw that Ron had changed very little in looks; except his hair was longer and windblown. He had buffed up a bit but was still the tall and lanky guy Harry knew.

"Hey mate," Ron said as he dropped his bag and gave Harry a hug and a slap on the back. "How ya been?"

"Great, Ron. I'm leaning lots. How's Quidditch?

"Fantastic, I have been everywhere, seen everything, and..." but Ron stopped talking and looked at something behind Harry.

"Hermione?"

Ron rushed past Harry and threw his arms around his other best friend, who had just walked in from the kitchen.

"Mione, I have missed you so much. How are you?"

As Hermione returned his hug with a startled look on her face, she said, "Great, Ron. I've missed you too."

They stayed like that for a moment until Harry interrupted by clearing his throat. The two quickly came apart and both blushed, Ron's ears turning the color of his bright hair.

Hermione spoke up. "Well, why don't you guys go get settled upstairs. I'll start dinner before everyone gets back," and quickly went to the kitchen.

"Hey where is everyone anyway?" Ron asked still blushing, but trying to end the awkward event.

"I'll fill ya in, while we unpack." Harry laughed and led the way upstairs and into Ron's room