September 23…Nice bedtime
Dear Luke,
I gave her the so-called 'Flowery Disguise' the night I received it from my brothers. She was entering the common room in about 10:30pm. She looked really sleepy and tired. I stopped her halfway through the hall by the dormitories. I said with a trembling voice, "Hermione…I'm sorry, I haven't got a birthday present for you…"
She smiled and answered, "That's alright. You helped me in Dark Arts. That's okay…"
I smiled back. Oh, I felt so stupid! Good thing, no one is around. "Here," I said handing her the letter. "I hope this is not much…"
Hermione smiled again. She opened the letter and gasped. A whole bouquet of flowers sprang from the letter. She sniffed them and said, "Oh Ron! Thank you!" then, she kissed me on the cheek longer than she did with Harry. With a final smile, she went in her dormitory. I heard Lavender and Parvati squeal in excitement.
"Read it!" I heard Lavender say.
"Yeah, Hermione," Parvati followed. "C'mon! From Ronnie, is it?" Squeals of giggles were heard as Hermione read to them my message.
"I knew it!" Lavender cried. "He likes you, does he? Ei!"
"Don't be silly, girls," Hermione said in surprise. "We're friends. It's just normal to have special feelings if you are close. Like you, Lavender and Seamus and you girl, Parvati and Justin."
No more words yet giggles are exchanged. I clambered up my dormitory and tried to compose myself. I can't believe I did it! What is it that's in my letter? (You memorized it with Bill an owl away. Tell me and I'll explain.)
Dear Hermione,
Hey! I'm sorry, I haven't been able to give you something last 19th. I was in detention, remember? I hope you understand. At least, Malfoy paid off on what he did to you. He spent the night cleaning Myrtle's bathroom with no magic whatsoever.
I hope you accept this little parcel Fred and George suggested. Thank you for being my friend even though we fight ALL the time. You will forever remain special.
Belated Happy Birthday, Ron
The very next day, she was silent and blushing. It was her first practice in the field. My sister Ginny was placing as referee. Mafalda kept the scores. Our new quidditch team had a practice game with the other alumni, Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson, Oliver Wood, Alicia Spinnet and my brothers. No Seeker was on their team. I noticed that Oliver had a Firebolt. I used a Nimbus 2001. Like Wood, Harry had Firebolt.
Harry told Oliver to give us NO MERCY! So the chasers, beaters, and their keeper played like it was for the Cup. Katie was held hard by Hermione. She was good. But Hermione's better. No bludgers touched any of our team. Finally, I hit one at Fred. He nearly missed her! George jokingly scolded his twin like Mum.
"Frederick Weasley," George mused, "how many times do I have to tell you not to target Ronald's girl!" They stumbled laughing on the ground below as Harry caught the snitch. "There w…will be…n…no meals for y…you," he continued trying to calm himself off.
I was very hot and to that, very red! Hermione wasn't watching fortunately. She might've thought we were just fooling around as usual. But Harry and Oliver had mischievous faces.
Oliver came to me and said, "That's alright, my lad. The first time I felt for Mafalda…I felt the same. It's just a phase you're going through."
"Yeah, Ron," Harry said. "Look at me! Ginny and I are doing fine! I'll help you."
"For you, it's different, Harry," I said. "She goes after you. I go after Hermione. And Oliver, I guess…I'll outgrow it eventually."
"It does not come eventually," he answered. "The only way…is to let go. Let your feelings be free. Face your fears."
After the practice, what Oliver said was still in my head. I couldn't figure it out? What does he mean 'let go'? Of what? Of whom? Oh well, one question just answers the other, I guess. Tomorrow I'll go ask him about this.
Bye you,
Ron
DIARY POV
At last, my poor ole Ron had someone to enlighten him. Hermione's right about the closeness and the special feelings but the way Ron emphasized it in his letter…oh it really hits something. The romantic side of him showed. Well, it's not everyday your best friend (a boy to a girl at this matter) tells you you're special in his heart.
Ron is in his little steps on spilling the beans. I know it! Bit by bit, he's cracking. All he needs now is courage and a lot of support.