Chapter 4: Their Talk

As Ron and Hermione walked outside, Ron began to be slightly nervous.

'Man, I didn't think this was going to be this hard. We usually get along fine, when we're not fighting of course, but we are usually around Harry. I guess today will show how we really are around each other alone. I can't remember the last time I spent some time alone with Hermione alone since the first Hogsmeade trip.'

Hermione was also lost deep in thought…

'It is such a beautiful day. I am really glad that I got all of my homework done. I never really spend any time with Ron anymore. Today should be a nice change. But he sure doesn't seem like he wants to talk. Actually, he seems kind of nervous…'

"Ron, is there anything wrong?" Hermione asked as they approached the lake.

"No…of course not…"

"Oh, come on. I have known you for years. Do you honestly think I am going to believe that lie?"

Ron laughed. She had stopped walking and was now standing in front of him with her hands on her hips. She had her head slightly tilted and was staring at him intently. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen someone so beautiful, and the funny thing about her was that she didn't know just how beautiful she was. He shook his head and started walking once more.

Hermione stared after Ron, shook her head, and hurried to catch up. They began talking about school and life in general.

"So Hermione, what do you want to do when you leave school? I mean, me and Harry already have plans to become Aurors, but you never actually told us what you wanted to be."

"I….well, I honestly don't know…I guess I would like being something that would influence society. I mean, not that I couldn't do that being an Auror, but I think that once this war is over, I will have had enough trouble to last me a life time. I was thinking of something more along the lines of working in the Ministry or becoming a Healer."

Ron thought about it for a minute. "You know…I could see you being a Healer. You are great in your classes and you love to help people. Honestly, I think you would be great at it."

Hermione blushed at the compliment but decided to continue the conversation.

"Well, I know what you want to be, but what else do you want in life? Do you want to get married, have kids, you know, all that?"

Ron almost laughed. Of course he wanted kids, and he couldn't think of anyone that he would rather have them with than the young woman walking next to him. But…he wasn't going to tell her that…

"Well yeah. Of course I want to get married. I can imagine my self getting married and probably living close to all of my friends and family. And I do want kids, just not as many as my parents. I rather just have a couple and give my attention to them. Besides, I want to make sure that I can always give them what they need, and having too many kids may be a problem. What about you?"

"Me? Yes, I would also like to get married and have kids. Just like you, I don't want to have too many. I don't think I could handle that. I love your mother to death, but I don't think I could be like her even if I tried. Seven kids is a lot," she said as she laughed.

Ron laughed too as he imagined Hermione in his mother's shoes. She was right, not very many people could handle every thing his mother does.

"Yeah, you're right. I don't think I could imagine you running around in an apron, chasing little kids around the house. They would probably take over your house!"

Hermione playfully hit Ron and crossed her arms in front of her chest. She walked fast to pass him up, but he saw this coming and ran to catch up with her.

"Hey, now, I was just playing around."

"Yeah, I know."

They began to walk in silence once more until Hermione spoke up.

"Can we sit down for just a minute? I want to just sit and enjoy the day. Besides, my feet hurt."

Ron nodded and they walked over to a big tree overshadowing the lake. Ron sat down with his back against the tree and Hermione sat down next to him. She leaned back against the tree as well, and in the process, brushed Ron's shoulder with her own. They both blushed. After awhile, Ron decided that he had better say something.

"I noticed that you've been hanging out with Ginny a lot lately."

Hermione nodded her head. "Yeah, she is a great friend. I like to talk to her."

Ron slapped his hand to chest, his eyes wide as though mortified. "I can't believe you! You don't think you can talk to me and Harry? I am hurt, Hermione Granger.!"

Hermione smiled and shoved him. "Oh, you know what I mean. I love talking to you and Harry, but I am sure that you don't want to talk about all the things Ginny and I talk about."

"How do you know? I can be a pretty open person you know! Besides, how do you know that I don't want to talk to you about….well, whatever it is that you talk about….what do you talk about anyway?"

Hermione snorted. "Yes, I am so sure that you and Harry want to hear us talk about clothes and boys!"

"Since when do you talk about clothes….and wait…what boys!"

"Ron, just because I have never had a boyfriend doesn't mean that I am blind to all of the men out there. Besides, why do you care if we talk about boys? After all, I do believe you are one."

Ron crossed his hands over his chest. "That is completely different! I am not one of those guys who…" Ron began gesturing with his hands to prove his point.

"One of those guys who what, Ron?"

"You know perfectly well what I mean! You know one of those guys who just see a girl and date her because of stupid reasons and then just dumps her once he is done with her. Believe me, I have heard some of the things the guys around here do, and yeah…"

Hermione laughed. "Ron, do you honestly think that I would let someone date me unless I know that they are being sincere? I can take good care of myself. Besides, not all guys are bad. Can you honestly say that there will never be a guy who will like me for who I am, and not just because of looks? Well, that shouldn't be a problem anyway. I am not exactly the best looking girl in the school, so if someone did decide to date me, I am pretty sure I would not have to worry about them dating me because of my looks."

Ron shook his head and looked at her indignantly. "No, Hermione. Any guy in this school would lucky to have you. You are smart, nice, pretty…" Ron trailed off before he realized what he was saying. Suddenly, he went rigid, blushed, and stood up quickly.

"Um… I have to go now. Harry said he wanted to…um…tell me something, so I shouldn't keep him waiting…yeah…"

Ron ran off toward the castle and left Hermione standing there. She smiled to herself as she watched him go. 'Did he just say that I was pretty? No, surely not…but it sure did sound like it. Maybe I am just imagining things, but whatever he said, I had a great day. We need to do that more often. I like spending time with him.'

A/N: Thank you for reviewing! I had more reviews in the last chapter than I have ever had. Just so that I know that you still like the story, please continue to review. I love hearing from you. And for those of you who caught it, Hermione is a witch, not a wizard. Thank you! I will try and update soon! Hope you liked it!