Later, when Mrs. Weasley called everyone to dinner, Ron sulkily walked into the kitchen. For the first time in his life Ron Weasley didn't feel hungry, but he sat down next to Harry anyway. As Fred and George talked with Harry, Ron looked across the table sadly at Hermione. She continued her conversation with Ginny, pretending not to notice him staring. Will she ever forgive me? He thought, willing himself to say it, but his tongue felt too big to fit in his mouth. He sadly looked back down at his plate.

Mrs. Weasley gave him a helping of mashed potatoes but he didn't begin to eat. "Ron, dear, are you alright?" She asked, feeling his forehead for signs of a fever.

"No, Mum. I'm fine," He answered shortly, brushing her hand away. He looked across the table at Hermione yet again and noticed her eyes flick away from his.

"He's lying, Mum. Can't you tell? Ickle Ronnie is in looove," George crooned, batting his eyelashes in Ron's direction.

"Shut up. I am not." He growled, feeling his face heat up as the twins cackled.

"Boys..." Mr. Weasley said warningly.

"Sorry." Ron mumbled. For the rest of dinner he forced himself to avert his eyes from Hermione as he silently picked at his food. Afterward, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny went into the living room.

Harry challenged Ron to a game of chess; Ron was so distressed that he only just beat Harry. "Mate, why don't you just apologize?" Harry asked, setting up for a rematch. "I've heard apologies help in these types of situations."

"I would...but she won't even look at me." He said glancing over at the corner where she and Ginny were knitting elf hats. Ron sighed as Ginny gave him a sympathetic look. "Come on. Let's play."

"Hermione, I know what my brother said was horrid. Believe me, I do. But maybe you could forgive him?" Ginny said hopefully. "I mean, honestly, look at him. He's so pathetic." She continued, watching Ron's eyes flick from the chessboard to Hermione and back again.

"I already have." Hermione said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Really? That's great! But does Ron know? "Ginny asked.

"Oh, well I guess I should tell him." She answered, she got up and crossed the room, Ginny following.

Ron felt someone behind him and turned around in his chair. "Hermione!" He said, surprised. He pounced on this opportunity. "Look, I'm really sorry about-"Ron started almost pleadingly before Hermione cut him off.

"It's okay, I forgive you. I know that it's only because you want to protect Ginny."

"Thank you for understanding, but that's really no excuse and I'm sorry." He said sincerely, brushing her arm with his fingertips.

Hermione felt a shiver go down her spine. Stop it, Hermione. Don't go falling for him again because he touched your arm. You're behaving so childishly. She silently scolded herself.

"Well, isn't this wonderful? The love birds are friends again. Told you, Gin." Harry said, nudging Ginny playfully, as she stifled a laugh. Harry noticed with satisfaction that both Ron and Hermione had turned deep shade of crimson at these words.

"So, um, who's winning?" Hermione asked. Harry frowned as Ron grinned broadly.

"Who do you think is winning?" Harry asked.

"Ha-ha. Me!" laughed Ron, still laughing.

I'm glad they're friends again. Although I wonder how long it'll take them to realize that they're meant to be more... Harry thought as Ron took his queen.

Ron felt much better now that he'd been able to apologize to Hermione and she'd accepted it. He took on all three of them at chess and beat them all in record time. And in the process he'd worked up quite an appetite. "Need fuel, I'll be right back." He said, standing up from their game of exploding snap.

He walked into the kitchen in search of food. Fred and George were there already, eating some leftover chicken and talking in low voices. "Hey, guys." Ron said, grabbing a biscuit off the table.

"Why hello there, little brother!" Fred exclaimed with open arms. The twins quickly got out of their seats and they each grabbed Ron under his arms.

"Hey! HEY! What're you- geroff me!" said an alarmed Ron.

"Easy, little brother, we just want to have a chat." George said as they pushed him into a chair.

"Well you could have just said that!" He answered darkly.

"We don't do simple." The boys explained simultaneously.

"Anyway, now that we've got you here...what's going on with you and Hermione?" Fred asked. Ron tried to escape but failed when his brothers roughly pushed him back down and sat on either side of him. "There we are. Now, do tell what is happening with the lovely Hermione." Fred said again, imitating Percy as he peered curiously at the youngest Weasley boy.

"Nothing, we got into a fight, but we're friends again now." Ron answered, struggling in vain against his brothers.

"Oh...'friends'" Fred said, raising his eyebrows knowingly. He paused. "Is that what you crazy kids call lovers these days?"

"Boy, have times changed since we were Ickle kiddies, eh Fred?" commented George.

"Hermione and me are not 'lovers'. We are friends," Ron said firmly. "Now...let me up!" He added.

"Touchy, touchy," said Fred, getting up motioning for George to do the same.

"One would think he doesn't even appreciate us." George pouted, folding his arms.

"I don't." snapped Ron, darkly, throwing them both looks that could kill.

"Fine, we know when we're not wanted. But you just wait Ickle Prefect, one of these days you're going to realize you love her and you'll be begging us for advice." George said sounding uncharacteristically wise.

"And we will be forced to decline after this rude and atrocious behavior. Humph." Fred finished, standing next to his twin and turning up his nose.

"Good day!" They said in unison and with a loud crack they apparated from the room, leaving Ron with his thoughts.

Why would they think I'm in love with Hermione? I couldn't be in love with Hermione. She's my best friend! I couldn't love her as anything other than a friend. Could I? No, Ron. Don't be stupid.

Ron walked back into the living room, lost in his thoughts.

Hmm...I wonder what happened to him, Hermione thought as Ron walked back in. He looked confused, and a little flushed. I'm sure it was nothing. Certainly nothing to do with you, Hermione.

I wonder if Fred and George said something to him...they must have, after that comment they made at dinner. He's so red! Thought Ginny as her brother sat down. Yes, it had to have been something to do with Hermione. She smiled smugly and looked over at Harry. He was smiling as though trying not to laugh.

He probably just realized Hermione is the only girl for him and now he has to figure out how to tell her, Harry laughed to himself. Well it took him long enough. Harry felt eyes on him and looked up to see Ginny watching him. She quickly turned away and Harry felt himself blush.

Do I love Hermione! Ron thought worriedly.

Nope, it definitely couldn't have been about me. Why would it be? Thought Hermione, sadly.