More than Friends
I was reading in the common room, as usual, when I noticed Ron standing over me. Looking up, I saw that the room had become relatively empty and Ron seemed more tongue-tied than usual.
"What is it?" I asked, even though I thought I knew.
"Remember when I said I'd noticed that you're a girl?"
"Yes," I answered, smiling up at him.
"I still think you're a girl." Ron seemed to be waiting impatiently for me to respond.
"Thank you for noticing my gender," I said.
"No, I really mean it. I – I like you, Hermione."
I stood up to face him. "Ron, you are such an idiot." I paused. "But I love you."
I leaned in for a kiss. It started with a peck, but the second time we held for longer, letting everything both of us had kept inside ourselves out. Somehow I was sure there would be many more. My daydreams were interrupted, though, by Ron needing to take a breath and talking.
"You don't seem surprised."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Ron. Why else would you be jealous of my going to the dance with Victor? I was just waiting for you to start something."
"You could have let me know you liked me and saved me a lot of trouble. I thought I might lose one of my best friends over this." Ron stood there, pretending to fume, but I could see the corners of his mouth starting to go into a smile.
"But you're so adorable when you try to start a relationship," I had to respond.
"I'm glad you think so," Ron said.
"Of course I think so." We couldn't resist stealing another kiss, then glancing around to see if anyone was watching.
It wasn't long after that all of Hogwarts knew we were an item.
