A/N- I am not JKR. Lots of love to all you following the story!

The frustration Ron felt waking up the next morning was doubly painful. There was the usual reason, not helped by Hermione now sticking to his side like a plaster. And often it was her actually pressed against his side, limbs touching, hair in his field of vision driving him bonkers. Now he had to contend with the fact that he had lied to her. Lied! One thing he didn't want to do! But he had to; he hadn't imagined Tonks sticking around to hear him asking McGonagall about switching duties. It never occurred to him that she might be the loose thread to unravel his plan.

Why had she said anything to Hermione?

The thought bothered him, though not as much as it bothered him to know that Tonks was in Hogwarts at all. Both Harry and Hermione had now seen her walking the corridors, when he suspected the Aurors were supposed to stand guard at the gates. Why was she inside? He believed Hermione when she said it had nothing to do with Harry, but there were lots of other Order members he cared about that might be in trouble. It was also strange that Hermione hadn't continued to pester Tonks about this. Hermione, merlin love her, lacked the social awareness not to pester people. SPEW was the living embodiment of that. Now, this one time it might be important, she decided not to harp? What was going on?

And therein lay the largest reason for his frustration. She wasn't talking to him. Not about what was bothering her. Everything else, evidently. Homework, how Harry was keeping Ginny from her studies, the rumors she'd heard about how difficult the NEWTS were going to be next year, the rights of House Elves, the rights of merpeople, Harry's continued obsession with Malfoy, who the Prince might be-those were all topics she'd covered at length. But not a single damn peep about why she wasn't going to the library anymore nor why she'd come back from rounds crying. He suspected it all had to do with bloody Boot, but couldn't get her to confirm.

It had become harder to keep his eye on Boot during classes with Hermione's proximity, but not impossible. Boot was shooting him daggers whenever Ron dared to look in his direction. Begrudgingly Ron could understand this. If he felt half the rage Ron did whenever Hermione was with Boot, the bloke must be going through it. Didn't stop Ron from milking the situation. After all, who was he to pass on any opportunity to touch her, even if it was only to place a hand on the small of her back to guide her out of class.

It was the increased physical closeness that drew Ginny's eyes. Despite the fact that Hermione wanting to spend all her time with him meant Ginny was free to spend more with Harry, she didn't seem to feel that way. Instead Ginny shot him looks every time he so much as dared to touch Hermione's fingers as he passed her something. It was like having a guard watching his every move. And it wasn't like she had anything to worry about. He'd been entirely above board. Treated Hermione like a friend just as Ginny asked. Even though it was torturous. Even though he'd replayed the moment after she fixed his shoe on a constant loop in his mind. There was no way that had been entirely friendly, right?

He groaned into his pillow, still no closer to having an answer than he was the moment after it happened.

The others in the dorm were slowly getting up. He could hear Dean and Seamus having a conversation in low tones on the other side of the room. Harry yawned audibly from the bed next to him before yanking the curtains open and walking towards the loo. Ron figured if everybody else was up, he might as well get out of bed. He nodded to the others and prepared for the day.

By the time he'd descended the stairs, he was surprised to see Hermione sitting at a table with a stack of toast.

'You're eating up here?' he asked, surprised.

She blinked up at him, the morning sunlight catching on her face.

'I went with the fifth-year prefects,' she explained. 'Claire wanted to know what an end of the year meeting was like.'

Ron felt himself stiffen. He'd completely forgotten that they had their final Prefects meeting today. Hermione seemed to notice.

'I figured you'd forgotten, so I brought you some food. We're meeting in the Defense classroom in 15 minutes.'

'Oh,' was all Ron managed to say. Gratitude fought with annoyance inside of him. Grateful that Hermione had thought about him, but annoyed that she'd reckoned he'd forget. Even if he had.

He reached for the toast, only to discover that she'd smuggled some bacon between a few pieces. Gobsmacked, he looked at her again. She fixed him with a coy grin.

'You didn't really think I'd only bring you toast, did you?'

'You're brilliant,' he replied. Tucking in happily, all traces of his annoyance were forgotten. Her cheeks flushed and she shut the book she was reading to watch him devour the food. He was hungry. She'd been oddly subdued at dinner last night and he had watched her rather than eat his fill.

'Sorry I couldn't bring you tea or anything,' she said softly. Ron waved a hand at her as he scarfed down a second sandwich.

'S'fine,' he told her through a full mouth. An eyebrow raised at his retort, but she stayed silent, watching him.

As he swallowed his last bite, he brushed crumbs off of his jumper and looked at her. 'Ready to go?'

'Hang on,' she said, frowning once more. 'You have a bit of butter on your face.'

Charming, he thought to himself. Bringing up one hand, he tried to wipe it away from the corners of his mouth.

'Did I get it?'

Hermione shook her head. 'Not quite.'

He tried again. She shook her head once more.

After the third time, she lifted her own hand.

'Can I?' she asked softly, and Ron could tell from her tone that she was also remembering his words to her last night. He was pleased that even though he'd caused the tears, he was able to help her feel better.

He nodded and Hermione reached out her finger to dab at the corner of his mouth. The pressure was light. Her expression was intense. She withdrew it slowly.

'Did you get it?' Ron asked, sad to no longer have her touch.

'Not quite,' she breathed, bringing another digit to try again. This time the pad of her finger brushed against his lip, sending a jolt down his body that he tried to keep in check.

She bit her own lip as she passed her finger along his once more. Merlin's pants this girl was trying to do him in. It was all he could do not to kiss that damn finger before launching himself towards her mouth.

'Got it.' He could see her lips forming the words, but she was slow to take her finger away. She drew her eyes up to his. There was a question in them, one to which he wasn't sure he had the answer.

'What the hell?' Ginny's voice made Ron jump back in his seat. Hermione remained frozen where she was, finger still outstretched to where his face had been a moment ago.

'Hey Ginny,' Ron said, hoping to get ahead of whatever assumptions Ginny was making. He craned his head towards her, noticing Ginny had her arms crossed, staring at the pair.

'Toast,' Hermione offered to the youngest Weasley as an explanation, seeming to sound a little hoarse.

'What?' Ginny replied, stomping closer towards them.

'On his mouth. I got it off for him.'

Ron couldn't look anywhere near her after that remark. He willed his ears not to redden. He willed his brain not to conjure any images.

Ginny tossed him a confused glance before looking back in Hermione's direction. Her eyes caught on the remnants of Ron's breakfast left on the napkin.

'See, toast!' Some of Hermione's bossiness had returned. It didn't make him eager to turn back towards anything, that particular tone made him concentrate even harder on anything that didn't have to do with thinking about her.

'Why did you bring breakfast up?'Ginny asked.

'We have a prefect's meeting,' Hermione explained. 'Which, actually, we should head to if we don't want to be late. Coming Ron?'

Forced to look back at her, he saw Hermione's cheeks were pink. He gave a nod and tried to stand up as inconspicuously as possible.

'You're leaving?' Harry's voice now joined the mix. As he walked over to join them, Ron saw him frowning.

'Prefect meeting.' Hermione was brusque now. 'Hope your detention goes quickly.'

With that she stalked off. Harry looked surprised at Hermione's tone. Ron only had time to shrug before he ran to catch up with her. The corridors were filled with students either heading down to a leisurely breakfast or off to the library for last minute studying. He didn't say anything as he walked towards her. Wasn't entirely sure what to say if he was being honest.

By the time he matched his strides with hers, all she managed to do was peek in his direction before turning pink once more. He hated that she seemed ashamed of what she'd done. It wasn't worth the shame she was clearly feeling.

'I didn't mind it,' he said, breaking the silence. She paused. Looked up at him. He swallowed.

'Didn't mind what?'

'The-what just happened.'

Laughter sounded from down the corridor. A suit of armour coughed somewhere behind him. Hermione's eyes dropped away from him.

'Still, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that.'

'Well, I'd rather not show up to meeting with butter on my face. Don't need to give Fletcher another excuse to hate me.'

'Yes, but there are spells, or I could have used the napkin, or I-' she'd begun to sound flustered. Ron put a finger against her chin, hoping this might stop the stream.

'You don't have to apologize for that. In fact, I am giving you permission to do that whenever you'd like.'

Her eyes fluttered upwards, chocolate pupils framed by dark lashes. He tilted her chin to see more of her face.

'Really?'

'Course. Let's face it, I'm a messy eater. I'm gonna need it.'

She smiled, but it was sad. 'I wish you wouldn't do that.'

'Do what?' he asked, bewildered.

'Sell yourself short.'

Ron opened his mouth, but no reply was forthcoming. He stared at her for a beat. Then another. She stared back.

'Someday I hope you see yourself the way I do.' With that, she patted his chest and walked the last distance to the Defense room. Ron stood there, stunned.

Ernie was the one to pull him into the meeting. Somehow once he was in the room he had the wherewithal to sit beside Hermione, but couldn't tell much past that. Fletcher droned on and on about some new regulations that some of the Hufflepuffs had tried to implement, but it was all faint buzzing in his ears.

What had she meant by that? How did Hermione see him? He wasn't even sure he wanted the answer. She'd hurled a lot of verbal jabs towards him during their friendship. Nothing he didn't really think himself, but it had always hurt a little bit more to hear her say them. In part because he figured nobody wanted their insecurities thrown in their face, but mostly because she was the person he probably spent the most time with. Other than Harry, of course. But Ron understood Harry. Hermione on the other hand…

She was taking dutiful notes as Fletcher spoke. A model student. A model friend. Hermione Granger, who had hexed teachers and skipped seeing her family so that she could be with Harry. Hermione who had spent sleepless nights coaching Harry through the Triwizard Tournament and visited Ron every day when he was poisoned. Who had apologized between sobs when he woke up, never letting him get in an apology of his own. And all of this while maintaining her position at the top of the class and helping Harry and Ron also.

So what did she see in him?

'-Ronald Weasley.'

He looked up in shock at the sound of his name. Fletcher was looking at him with a downturned mouth. Everybody else was clapping politely, though he saw Ernie giving him raised eyebrows while he clapped. Hermione was beaming beside him.

'Wonderful,' Fletcher continued, though his tone was cool. 'And our two candidates for Head Girl are Hermione Granger and Pansy Parkinson.'

Ron clapped hard at the sound of Hermione's name. It was no surprise that she was in contention for the position. And honestly, Dumbledore must be losing his marbles if he didn't pick her. Hermione was smiling ear to ear as the clapping continued. Parkinson merely looked bemused from across the room. Still, it was clear that most of the prefects were in Hermione's camp.

'Yes, yes, very exciting. Now I will ask all candidates for Headship to remain behind for additional details. The rest of you may go.'

The sound of chairs being scraped back echoed through the stone chamber. Ron pushed his own chair back and made to leave. Hermione grabbed his wrist.

'Where are you going?' she hissed softly.

'Out.'

'You're a candidate!'

'For what?'

'Headship!' She couldn't keep the smile off her face as she watched him. Ron stared back. Headship? They thought he should be Head boy?

'Shouldn't be surprised that the two boys who were paired with Granger for duties made the cut.' Parkinson had a rather nasally voice, Ron realized, not for the first time. She peered over at Hermione and Ron. 'Or else it's just nepotism.'

Nepotism. Because of course having had two brothers already be Head Boy meant it wasn't as important if he was.

'Ron got here on his own merits.' Hermione's voice was much stronger. 'It's not his fault Malfoy decided he was above us all.'

'Oh sweetie. He is.' With a flick of her hair, Pansy turned to face front again. Hermione glowered at her.

'It doesn't matter,' Ron said, calmly. And it really didn't. Even if he had been nominated because of his family, the fact was that Antony, the other male candidate, would probably make a better Head Boy than him. The only reason Ron had been so involved in his duties this year was mostly to escape Lavender.

Hermione whipped around to face him. 'It most certainly does, Ron. I won't have people belittling your accomplishments.'

The last stragglers exited, slamming the door behind them.

Fletcher wasted no time.

'Alright,' he said amidst the reverberation of the door. 'From now it's fairly simple. You four will be subjected to an interview with Professor Dumbledore and the Heads of House. The questions are confidential, and are changed every year. And no, Hermione,' Fletcher rolled his eyes as she opened her mouth to speak, 'potential questions have never been leaked and cannot be found in the library.' She shut it once more. Ron smiled at the fact that people knew her so well.

'Having said that, Professor Dumbledore does like to throw in a couple of strange questions to make you feel wrong-footed,' Lucy Mahalik chimed in. 'During mine last year, he asked how I would get a rabbit across a river if I didn't have my wand.'

Ron laughed, before realizing she hadn't meant it as a joke. Pansy turned to throw him a withering look, while Antony scratched his chin across the aisle.

'So don't try to prepare too hard.'

'And don't try to suck up to other Heads,' Fletcher added. 'It won't work. In fact it may work against you. Just do your best.'

Hermione's hand rose high in the air from beside him.

'When will we know?'

'Before you leave for summer holidays,' Lucy explained. Hermione's face pinched slightly. Ron knew she was beginning to worry about having another thing on her plate during exam time.

'In case you were wondering whether it's worth trying to ace this interview,' Fletcher continued, 'Heads receive additional Prefect's Bathroom privileges as well as a private meeting room to hold weekly meetings. The location will only be revealed once you have been given the title.'

Ron perked up at both of those things. A private meeting room? A space in the castle that only he and Hermione would know about? Now that was something worth fighting for. Even if it was extremely unlikely they'd name him Head Boy.

'So ends the meeting. Thank you all for coming. We'll be in touch about interview times.' Lucy raised a hand in dismissal and the four students began to leave. Ron was still picturing the secret meeting room, and wasn't paying much attention to Hermione.

'I hope you don't take what she said to heart,' she burst out when they were halfway back to the tower.

'What?'

'Pansy. It's not nepotism. And it's not you riding my coattails either. I've seen you step up more this year.'

Ron looked at her for a moment. 'You think I'm worried about what that Slytherin said about me?'

'I think you're worried it's true.'

Ron couldn't fight her on it. But he shrugged anyway, not wanting to make a big deal about it.

'No surprise your name's in the running,' he deflected. 'Pretty sure Dumbledore had you down since before you were a student here.'

She flushed again. 'Yes, well. It's not a given. I've certainly broken a few more rules than Pansy.'

Ron laughed. 'Also pretty sure you've saved the school on multiple occasions.'

'Do you think they'll ask about that?'

'Hermione, I have no idea what they'll ask.' She sighed, sounding frustrated. Ron pressed onwards. 'But whatever they do, you'll nail it. Everyone knows you're the brightest one here.'

She blushed further, her chest turning a similar shade of pink. 'Thank you.'

'Course.'

'I wonder what extra bathroom privileges means,' she asked once she resumed their earlier pace. 'Creating the password?'

'That's the first thing you think of?' Ron asked, laughing.

'What would yours be then?' huffed Hermione.

'Fluffier towels.'

'Fluffier towels?' she repeated with a laugh. She stopped to look at him full on. 'That's yours?'

'Now hang on just a minute,' Ron told her, 'I'm betting you've never had to wash your bits with something as thin and scratchy as sandpaper. Until you do, don't knock fluffy towels.'

The record scratched a moment too late. Had he really just said that? Hermione was looking at him in a mixture of shock and delighted laughter. So he must have. Oh merlin.

Luckily he was saved from having to respond by them reaching the Fat Lady and heading in to the common room. There was a bit of usual weekend chatter, but no sign of Harry or Ginny. This seemed to distract Hermione from what he'd just said.

'Do you see them?'

Ron did a quick scan, but couldn't see either set familiar hair. 'Nope.'

Hermione tsked. 'I do hope they're studying.'

Ron felt certain they were not. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining on the grounds, with no trace left of the thunderstorm the night before. Sleeves were rolled up, and students were dangling their feet in patches of sunlight. If it was nice in here, it could only be more pleasant outside.

An idea popped into his head.

'We should study on the grounds.'

Hermione looked at him. 'What?'

'Come on, it's too nice outside to be cooped up. Let's take our books outdoors.'

She frowned, but seemed to consider his words. Ron realized he might have to sweeten the deal.

'We could visit Hagrid as well.'

'True,' she considered. 'We haven't been to see him since Aaragog died.'

Ron shuddered.

'I am not stepping anywhere near that grave.'

Hermione frowned further, hurt crossing her features. 'I would never ask you to do that.'

'Oh. Good.'

She looked outside again, seeming to study the trees of the Forbidden Forest.

'Doesn't look too windy.'

'If I let you quiz me, will you say yes?'

Immediately she brightened. 'What subject?'

'Whichever you want,' he replied without thinking. Honestly if she'd asked for all the money in his bank he'd have given it to her based on the look she'd just worn. Anything to make her happy.

'Then how could I say no to such a tempting offer?' She beamed at him, and he smiled back. 'Just let me grab some books?'

Without waiting for a response, he saw her dash up the stairs. Taking them two at a time seemed excessive, but he was pleased she was coming with him. Hopefully she'd relax a little bit more in the fresh air. Maybe it would loosen her tongue, get her to talk about everything that was bothering her. If it meant a quiz, that was worth it. He went up to grab a few of his own books as well.

She was bouncing on her toes when he came back down.

'Ready?' she asked.

'You'd think it was your idea,' he replied, though he was thrilled to see her this happy. He couldn't remember the last time she'd been.

'We should visit Hagrid first,' Hermione said as they made their way to the Entrance Hall. 'I suspect he's been rather lonely.'

'Sure,' agreed Ron. 'So long as he doesn't make us stay for lunch.'

Her laugh was twinkling and free and it dislodged some of the worry in his chest. She seemed better today. He'd take it.

Sparkling sunlight greeted them as Ron pushed open the heavy door. They both shielded their eyes at the change in brightness. Snatches of conversation weaved around them as they walked along the path to Hagrid's. Buckbeak was snoozing near the pumpkin patch as Fang watched them through the hut's small window. They could see the shaking panes as Fang barked at their approach and threw himself against it.

'Easy there fella,' Hagrid's voice called back as he opened the door to see what was causing such a commotion. 'Well I'll be. Haven't seen the pair of you in a while!'

'Hello Hagrid,' Hermione said brightly as Fang tore out of the house and sprang on top of Ron. Wet slobbery kisses rained down on him as he tried his best to dislodge the dog. They wrestled together for a moment before Ron was able to pat Fang on the head enough to calm him slightly.

'Seems he missed you,' Hermione noted.

'He's not the only one!' laughed Hagrid. 'Come in, come in. I'll brew us a pot o' tea.'

'Thank merlin it's not treacle fudge,' Ron whispered to Hermione in an undertone as they walked through the door. She blew out a laugh and shook her head at him.

'We were sorry to hear about Aaragog, Hagrid,' Hermione said as she settled herself at the kitchen table a moment later. 'I know he meant a great deal to you.'

'Speak for yourself,' Ron muttered, taking the seat next to hers and sprawling out. She swatted his arm, but didn't reprimand him further.

'He was a friend for a long time.' Hagrid trailed off, looking out the window as he waited for the kettle to boil. 'Seems strange that he's gone.'

Ron was glad that damned spider was dead and buried. They all seemed to forget that he and Harry nearly died at their only encounter with the beast.

'How's Grawp?' Ron asked, hoping to divert away from spider talk. Hermione looked at him, surprised.

'Doin' great!' Hagrid turned back, a smile crinkling his eyes. 'Got him reading some books.'

'You have?' Hermione's delight was palpable. Very little got her as excited as books did. Ron was more surprised that Grawp hadn't tried to eat them. 'Which ones?'

'Jus' some picture books to start. Hoping to move on to some chapter books this summer when I have more time to spend with him. It's a bit hard at the moment.

'I have some perfect ones at home,' she gushed. 'I'll bring them with me next year.'

It was Hagrid's turn to look delighted. 'Wouldja? That would help a lot. It's hard to find the time to get down to Diagon Alley.'

'My pleasure!' Her eyes shone with how pleased she was at this development.

The kettle whistled and Hagrid turned to begin pouring it into the teapot. Ron chanced a glance at Hermione only to see her deep in thought.

'Are you trying to decide which books to bring?' he asked her in an undertone.

'No,' she shot back immediately, though the sudden glow of her cheeks undermined her completely.

'Sure.' He felt a smirk creep across his lips.

She opened her mouth to reply but shut it as Hagrid plonked a mug down in front of her.

'So what brings the two of you around?' Hagrid asked as he set a similar mug in front of Ron.

'Ron had the brilliant idea to study outside so we could enjoy the sunshine this afternoon,' Hermione gushed. Ron felt an inordinate amount of pride to hear the words "brilliant idea" used by Hermione in conjunction with his name. 'And it's been far too long. How are you doing?'

'Oh, same ol', same ol',' Hagrid shrugged as he settled at the table with them. 'Though I think the one of the unicorns might be pregnant.'

'How can you tell?' Ron asked.

Nearly an hour later, he'd wished he hadn't. The topic of unicorn pregnancy was more complicated than he was expecting. That then led to different mating practices of magical creatures, which Hermione seemed to know a lot about. Granted, Hermione knew a lot about many different subjects, so it shouldn't have surprised him that she could hold her own in this conversation. Still, if Ron had to hear the word "copulation" one more time, he was going to chuck his mug against the wall.

He was saved from this by a knock at the door. Hagrid frowned as he rose to answer it. Fang sprang up from where he'd been drooling on Ron's knee and resumed barking.

'Hello Hagrid!' Professor Sprout's voice was bright as the sunshine streaming through the windows. 'Is now a good time to chat fertilizer?'

'Oh righ'!' Hagrid exclaimed, throwing a hand to his forehead. 'I'd forgotten. O'course!'

'Yes, we should get out of your hair,' Hermione added, waving her wand and sending the mugs to the sideboard. 'Thank you for the tea Hagrid.'

He beamed at her as she and Ron got up to leave. Ron shook his leg a little bit to regain some of the feeling in it. Professor Sprout stepped into the hut and gave them a smile as she took off her gardening gloves.

'I hear congratulations are in order, you two.' she preened.

Hagrid frowned. 'What do you mean?'

Sprout looked at him. 'They were announced as candidates for Headship this morning.'

A look of pride swept over Hagrid's features, and his eyes began to water.

'You didn't tell me that'!'

'It's hardly a guarantee,' Ron mumbled, feeling suddenly embarrassed. Hermione shot him a withering look, but didn't have a chance to respond.

'No,' Professor Sprout agreed. 'But it is worthy of celebration nonetheless. I look forward to your interviews.'

With a wink, she pushed past them and entered fully into the hut. Hagrid waved them a hearty goodbye ('Head Boy and Girl!' he cried at them) and ushered them out the door.

'What did she mean by that?' Hermione asked the second it had swung shut behind them.

'By what?' Ron asked, nonplussed.

'Looking forward to our interviews.'

Ah, of course. it all came back down to the Headship question.

Ron rolled his eyes. 'Probably that. Pansy is dull and Antony isn't much better.'

Hermione worried her bottom lip. 'Do you think she'll make it harder for us?'

'I don't know.'

'Maybe it will be about seventh year Herbology concepts. Just to ensure that we're already prepared.'

'Dunno,' Ron repeated, beginning to grow frustrated at the subject.

'Perhaps being in her class will put as at an advantage? I know Pansy dropped Herbology, so it's possible Sprout will take that into account…do you think?'

'I don't know.' Ron felt his frustration growing.

'Though Sprout might be the most impartial given that none of her students are up for positions this year.'

'Hermione,' Ron tried to stem her flow, realizing that she was veering into panic territory.

'Granted,' she continued, seeming to ignore him, 'Slughorn never invited her to any of the meetings, so perhaps that puts her at a greater disadvantage. But then Antony has been part of Charms club since first year, and-'

The last shred of patience shrivelled and died inside of him.

'For the love of merlin, I don't care,' he snapped. Hermione seemed to freeze beside him. 'I don't care who might have the advantage or what kind of questions they might ask because it doesn't bloody matter, alright? You'll be Head Girl and Antony will be Head Boy, end of story.'

His heart was racing. It felt like he'd just done a few laps on the pitch. He swallowed hard, feeling more indignation settle into his stomach.

'Ron,' Hermione started to say, but chewed her lip instead of finishing the sentence.

'Let's just find a spot to study, alright?' he asked, voice still tense. Hermione nodded. As he deflated a little, he began too feel bad about exploding at her. But it was worth having said. There was no point in getting excited for the interview, because he wasn't going to get it. Merlin only knew why they'd made him a Prefect in the first place.

She was silent as they made their way through throngs of students who seemed to have similar ideas. A group of what looked to be first years were screaming with laughter over a gobstones game. There were some giggling girls who were huddled around what looked suspiciously like a WWW product. Hermione noticed neither. Ron felt lead settle into his stomach. He shouldn't have snapped. So much for being supportive. Whatever his personal feelings were, Hermione had probably been dreaming of being named a candidate for years and he'd gone and made her feel bad about it.

'Here good?' Her words were icy compared with the sunlight streaming down. It was a beautiful spot with a lovely view of the lake, but close enough to the forest that they were far from the other students.

'Brilliant,' Ron replied quickly. 'Hermione, I'm-' He'd started to try and apologize, but she paid him no mind. Instead she reached into her bookbag and withdrew a small piece of fabric. Without opening her mouth, she waved her wand and it transformed into a plush looking blanket that settled over the grass.

'Wow,' he muttered, appreciatively. 'Good thinking.'

She ignored him once more. With more grace than Ron might ever be able to muster, she brought herself down to the ground and sat crossed legged, back towards the lake.

'Don't you wanna-' Ron started to ask, but Hermione whipped open her bag and pulled out her Arithmancy textbook. Still not saying a word, she opened it and began to read. Ron sighed beside her. Didn't take much to realize he'd gone and bollocksed their afternoon together.

He settled himself down on the blanket, careful to keep a respectful distance between them. Unlike Hermione, he faced the lake, and watched a few ducks settle on its calm surface. This engrossed him for a moment as he waited to see whether the Giant Squid would appear. Hermione furiously flipping the page brought him back to reality.

Honestly, it was rather annoying that she could be so frustrated and yet still manage to study. Ron sighed again and reached into his own bag, pulling out the first book he could see. It turned out to be Charms.

Unfortunately, Charms might just be the driest of his textbooks. It did nothing to engross him. Particularly when Hermione's agitation was manifesting in strands of hair that appeared to snap with sparks whenever the wind managed to tug them out of her plait. Or the fact that despite them lounging outside on what might be the nicest day of the year so far, she was straight-backed with her lips pursed.

'I was a git, alright,' Ron burst out after he couldn't handle the tense silence anymore. Hermione glanced up from her book and fixed him with a look. She tweaked her eyebrow slightly before returning to her page.

Damn it. He was going to have to work harder to apologize.

Thinking quickly, he reached into his bag and pulled out a piece of parchment. Finding his quill next, he dashed off a quick message and then folded the paper into the shape of an airplane. As she used her own quill to take notes, he took advantage of her distraction and used his wand to send it flying into her lap.

She looked up at him, and it was clear to see amusement mixing with continued disapproval across her face. Ron grinned at her. She didn't smile back. But she did take the opportunity to reach down and unfold the message.

He watched her read 'Sorry I'm a complete idiot. I promise to listen better next time.' When she finished, she looked back up with him, amusement now gone. A frown creased her brow.

'It's got nothing to do with listening, Ron,' she muttered as she tucked the parchment in the front of her book.

'What does it have to do with then?'

She looked up at him. 'I can't always be around to explain things to you.'

'I know that.'

'Do you?' Her eyebrow tweaked further.

Annoyance rose inside of him again. 'Yes.' He gritted out.

'Good. Then you can figure this one out on your own.' She returned to her textbook. Ron sighed again.

'And stop sighing. You're hardly a heroine in a Georgian novel.'

Very little of that sentence made any sense to him. But he shut his mouth and tried to think of what she might mean. He chewed on the inside of his cheek as he looked out over the lake. What exactly had set her off if not for him listening? Was it being attentive? He considered her, engrossed by what looked from his angle to be a complicated formula. That might be it. He cleared his throat.

'We can talk about interview questions if you want.'

She glanced up from her book, frowning again. Ron swore internally. He wasn't usually this bad at getting her on his side again.

'I can write Bill maybe? Ask if he remembers any of his?' The thought had only just occurred to him, but it seemed brilliant.

'Fletcher said the questions change every year, remember?' His shoulders sagged. He opened his mouth to say something further, but she cut him off. 'You're supposed to be studying.'

'I can't study if you're mad at me.'

This got a laugh out of her. 'That's never seemed to stop you before. I'm sure you'll be fine.'

'Come on, Hermione,' he pleaded, scooting slightly closer to her on the blanket. 'We said we'd talk things out, remember? Not keep them bottled up.'

'Ron,' she began as he watched pink patches appear in her cheeks. 'This is hardly what I meant.'

'I don't want to stop talking.'

'We are talking.'

'Not about what I did that's bothering you so much!'

'It's not that it bothers me, Ron.' She sighed, and closed her book. Ron took this as a good sign and inched closer again.

'Then what? I'm sorry I snapped. But I don't know what I've done to upset you.'

Fixing him with an intense look, he saw her begin to prick at the skin around her thumb. Something was making her anxious.

'What's so bad about being Head Boy?' she asked softly. This took Ron by surprise.

'What?' He asked, incredulous.

'Is it that you think the twins will make fun of you? Or that it will diminish your reputation as a Keeper?'

'No,' Ron managed to chuckle, before he saw her face fall.

'So then is it that you don't want to do it with me?'

'Are you mental?' Ron asked, incredulity now replaced with indignation. Hermione looked at him, eyes wide. He continued. 'Course I'd want to do it with you. That'd be the bloody best part!'

'Don't swear,' she admonished quickly, before she seemed to take it what he'd said. 'Really?'

'Course it would be.' he replied, shaking his head. 'Have I made you think I don't want to spend time with you?'

'No.' She worried her thumb a little bit more. 'Though we have been spending a lot of time together, and I know I can be a bit annoying sometimes, so naturally, you might want-'

'You aren't annoying,' Ron pointed out. She fixed him with a knowing look. 'Oh alright, you can be, but it's just because you're passionate about stuff.'

'Still, I know it's a lot to put up with.'

'No it's not,' Ron said, indignation continuing to grow. 'How many times have you saved our arses because of something you read about in a book once?'

A small smile fluttered across her lips.

'And merlin knows Harry and I wouldn't be in half the classes we are if you hadn't prodded us to study.'

'That's true,' she agreed. The smile grew.

'And I like spending time with you,' he added. 'This last week has been brilliant.'

'Really?' Her eyes were wide once more and he noticed her stop pricking her skin.

'Yeah.' He paused for a moment, trying to decide how much to share. Hopefully by being open with her, she'd be more open with him in turn. He cleared his throat again. 'I really missed having you around for those months when…' he trailed off, hoping she would fill in the blanket.

'Me too,' she agreed. She moved closer to him on the blanket. 'I miss doing rounds with you.'

Some guilt settled into his gut. Luckily she hadn't pressed him any further on the schedule change.

'Same,' he said, somewhat hoarsely. He coughed to try and dislodge it. 'So why would you think I wouldn't want to do them again with you?'

'Why are you so against being Head Boy?' she asked.

'I'm not against it. I just don't think I'll get it.'

'But why?' she cried, slapping her knee in frustration. 'You're every bit as qualified as Antony! Probably even more, since you would never leave me alone during a-' she hesitated, dropping her gaze. Ron felt the guilt vanish as annoyance rushed in its place.

'Antony's been leaving you alone during rounds?' He demanded. He made a mental note to clock the Ravenclaw the next time they were in a room together.

'It doesn't matter,' Hermione was quick to point out. 'It's only for a little bit and-'

'You shouldn't be on your own in the castle!' Ron argued back. 'It's not safe!'

'You don't think I can take care of myself?'

'I know you can take care of yourself,' Ron retorted. 'But you shouldn't have to. That's what having your partner there is for!'

'I'm fine.'

'No, you aren't,' Ron argued back before he could think better of it.

'Excuse me?' Hermione shrank back in surprise.

'Why won't you tell me what's wrong?' he demanded.

Hermione stared at him, fingers resuming their picking.

'Nothing is wrong.'

'Oh, nothing?' he shot back, 'is that why you skivved off Charms, came back crying from Rounds last night and won't go to the Library?'

'Ron,' she began, but he had already started to pick up steam. He threw the textbook off his lap and moved closer to her.

'Did you really think I wouldn't notice?' He was surprised to feel stung. 'I get that you think I have no idea about feelings and stuff, but-'

'I shouldn't have said that last year,' Hermione interjected. 'I know how much you care.'

'Damn right I do,' he agreed, shaking his head. 'So it's a little insulting that you won't tell me what's the matter!'

'It's not that simple,' she hedged before Ron felt his anger take over. He raked his fingers through his hair.

'What's so complicated about it? I know it's got something to do with Boot!'

Hermione stopped, lips parted. Ron saw a tiny flicker of fear in her eyes before it vanished. But she didn't say anything. There were some excited murmurings from near the lakeshore, and Ron glanced over to see a tentacle poking out of the water. It looked like the Giant Squid had managed to snatch a duck.

'Yes,' Hermione whispered, drawing his gaze back to her. 'He's…' she trailed off again.

The confirmation didn't feel as good as he hoped it would. Dread began to pool in his extremities. He couldn't bring himself to say anything.

'Can you promise me something?' she asked, placing her hand on his knee.

'Sure,' he agreed.

'This stays between us.'

Us. The word held such a promise within it. A hope that he nurtured deep within that one day there might be an official us. A team, a partnership, a couple. His heart skidded at the thought, though she looked terrified.

'I mean it,' she continued, 'Not even Harry.'

He felt his eyebrows lift. It was unusual for Hermione to ask him to keep something from Harry. Whatever she wanted to say, it must be important.

'Okay.'

Relief dropped some of the weight in her shoulders. She blew out her breath and closed her eyes for a moment.

Ron waited with baited breath.

'Terry's been…more forthright than I would like with his intentions.'

He took a minute to comb his way through the Hermione jargon. He didn't like what he found.

'Intentions?' he demanded. 'Is that why he partnered with me in Herbology?'

'Yes,' Hermione rushed to say. 'He's threatened by you. He's convinced there's something going on between us.'

Something primal rose in his chest. Damn straight Terry bloody Boot was threatened by him. There was not a chance in hell he'd let a prick like that anywhere near Hermione.

'I keep telling him he's mistaken, that we're friends and nothing more but he's insistent.'

The hope that had flared in his chest was extinguished with these words. Merlin, how badly he wanted to be more than friends with her. But evidently, she didn't see him the same way. Otherwise she wouldn't have phrased it the way she had, as though the very thought of them being together was wrong. A mistake.

'Right,' Ron told her, hoping she couldn't hear the sound of his heart breaking. Thank merlin he'd never been stupid enough to tell her how he felt. She probably would have laughed at him. At the idea that she would ever be with somebody like him. She'd said it herself, hadn't she? She liked brilliant Quidditch players. And that certainly wasn't him.

'He's been trying to find ways to get me alone,' Hermione continued, apparently oblivious to his strife. 'And I don't want to be with him, so I'm actively avoiding being in his presence.'

That was good at least. Even if she didn't want him, at least she didn't want a git like Terry either.

'Oh,' was all he managed to say. There was a pause. It lasted long enough for Ron to realize that he probably should have said something comforting, but was having a hard enough time keeping himself together that he couldn't think of a single thing to say. The silence stretched on for a few more moments before he managed to get himself together enough to look at her.

'Why didn't you want to tell me?' he asked.

'I didn't want you to do anything stupid because of me.'

'Stupid?' He asked. She fixed him with a look he knew all too well.

'Are you telling me you don't want to go and throttle him right now?'

Ron felt his cheeks heat up. Naturally he wanted to go and strangle Boot. Or better yet, send him out to Hogsmeade and on a one-way ticket back to London where he would never bother her again. He just wasn't a big fan of Hermione recognizing that that's how he felt. If she knew that much about him, couldn't she tell that he wanted her?

'Sure,' Ron finally managed to say through gritted teeth. 'But I don't think that will help anything.'

Hermione raised her eyebrows at this remark. Ron chuckled humourlessly. 'Yeah, see, growth. I'm capable of it.'

'I never said you weren't.' Hermione actually looked hurt by his comment. He hadn't really meant it. In fact, of everyone in his life, Hermione was the one who supported him the most. Thought he was actually worth something.

'It's why I know you'd make a brilliant Head Boy. Not because of nepotism, or because of me, but you. You're the one who actively tries to do better.'

Her eyes were shining now. She squeezed his knee, sending a jolt straight through him.

'You're the one that keeps us all together. I…' she trailed off as she blinked furiously to keep the tears at bay. Ron really was shit at not making her cry.

'Hey, it's okay. I was kidding.'

'I know, but I think you believe there's some truth to it, and there isn't! I haven't even told you what's been going on for the past few days and you've been nothing but kind and considerate towards me.'

It was easy to do when you fancied the person like mad, Ron reckoned, though he said nothing in an effort to preserve his remaining dignity. He swallowed hard instead, and Hermione continued to look at him imploringly. As though she could somehow give him self-esteem through her eyes alone. Which was ironic, given that she'd just stomped all over whatever self-worth he'd had.

'So that's why you've been sticking so close to me.' He hadn't realized he'd uttered the words aloud until he saw her expression shift.

'Not the only reason,' she rushed to say. 'But yes. I…you…' she hesitated, her cheeks flushing as he scrutinized her.

'I feel safest when I'm with you.'

An ember smouldered from the remains of his heart. Not just safe, but safest. The most. Him.

'Yeah?' he ventured, praying she couldn't hear the hope in his voice.

'Yes,' she murmured. 'I trust you, Ron.'

Just when he thought he couldn't feel any more strongly towards her, she had to go and say something like that. A lump formed in his throat, making it difficult to swallow.

'I'd never let anything hurt you.' He managed.

'I know.' She dropped her gaze and her hand. 'But you might not have much of a choice in the coming years.'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

'The War?' she pointed out, as though this should be obvious. And perhaps it should have been. But Ron's head was spinning with everything she'd told him in the last few minutes.

'Let's not think about that right now,' he murmured. To his surprise, Hermione nodded. Then to his greater surprise, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. And because he was apparently such a glutton for punishment, he used that momentum to lean them both back onto the blanket. Hermione didn't seem to object, and tucked her legs against his side as he wrapped an arm lazily around her waist. Her head rested on his chest, enough that he could smell her shampoo. The woodsy smell overtook him once more and he inhaled deeply.

'We should be studying,' Hermione muttered. Ron felt the vibrations of her voice against his shirt. He made a grunt that was neither agreement nor disagreement. She made no move to shift away from him. For this he was grateful.

It was a little unusual, he reckoned. The two of them lying together on this blanket where anybody could walk past. Ridges of her plait close to his collarbone. Feeling her lift slightly with his every inhale. Like this, it didn't feel like there was nothing going on between them. Like this, it didn't feel like a mistake.

'Hermione?' he asked after a period of silence.

'Mmm?'

'In 10 years, do you think you'll remember this fondly, or regret the fact that you missed an hour of studying?'

She lifted her head to look at him. The wind caught her plait at the moment, pulling out a few more strands. For a moment she said nothing. Continued to fix him with a look he couldn't quite decipher. He added it to his growing list of looks he couldn't place. Then she smiled. A true smile; the one that made the corners of her eyes crease and her nose scrunch up a little.

'In 10 years, I want you to remind me that you're the only one who could get me not to regret missing an hour of studying.'

Ron grinned back. 'Deal.'

The only one.

The embers glowed a little brighter as she tucked her head back down against him. For now, he'd keep her safe. But in that last sentence, Ron heard a promise. He'd still be in her life in 10 years. And in 10 years, he planned on still being the only one to not make her regret missing an hour of studying.