All right…last chapter till my operation…I'm so scared…I couldn't give blood last night because of the stupid operation (4 days! ACK!) I was so mad…I was "deterred"! O well, there's always November!

Thank you to all the people who reviewed my story and thanks to the new reviewers, Amy, Alexalily and JKRowlingCreationLuver!

Chapter 12

It Sucks

It's so Frustrating

You're not the type that I should be dating

No matter where I go

Or what I do

It sucks 'cause I wanna be with you

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As November passed over the grounds Hermione's attitude towards Ron became as cold as the weather.

Harry was just as confused as ever. He didn't believe what Hermione and Ron had told him about the box and was still assured that she was up to no good. He still wanted to see for himself. He also was extremely in the dark about their feuding…once again.

Hermione talked to Ron when she needed to, but in harsh and sometimes hurt tones, that even Ron caught on to. With only half a month before Christmas Hermione was in a rush to finish all her end of term assignments. Harry and Ron, however, were not as fast paced.

Ron and Hermione had managed to get to one of Harry's Quidditch games against Slytherins who lost by 90 points. Harry was quite happy after they had finally seen one of his games that Hermione and Ron's civil rivalry didn't even come up, nor did the box in Darling's office, which seemed to have disappeared.

'Snape's essay is disgusting!' Ron burst out so everyone who was sitting cozy in the common room turned to look at him. 'This is so stupid and long and pointless.' He seethed. Hermione looked up at him from her own parchment. She had been working on hers longer then both Ron and Harry and was close to being finished.

'Are you even trying to get anything done…Its due Friday you know. That's two days,' Hermione put up her middle and index finger so that Ron and Harry had a visual aid.

'I know…but I have so much to worry about, and Christmas is coming up and that stupid play and it's stupid lines.'

'I've managed.' Hermione said with a hint of knowing in her voice.

'But you're smarter then us' Harry and Ron said at the same time.

'Yes, but you have more relaxation time I suppose.' Hermione said after blushing crimson.

'I suggest you look at your books again; you can get a lot of help from them. I'm proofreading mine now, I may be able to help you two tomorrow.' She said, once again leaning over her unrolled parchment.

'Did you remember to tell your mother that we have practices throughout the Christmas holidays and that you will not be able to visit her…again?' She directed at Ron in the same cold, hurt tone she's been using for some time.

'Yes.' Ron said simply. Harry looked between the two and then loudly yawned.

'I actually believe it's time for bed, don't you Ron?' Harry asked, nudging his side.

'Yeah right, maybe then my paper will write itself.' Ron added with a snarl and threw his parchment on the table.

'If only that would come true, then no one would have to hear you complain.' Hermione bit back.

'What is going on between you to! I'm going to go mad! First you're ok, then you hate each other, then you're confused now you both are confused and angry and I'm sitting here in the dark.' Harry exploded at once.

'Ron is being a childish'

'About what?'

'Nothing' Ron butted in. 'Because I'm not being childish, I'm- doing what's best'

'Rubbish' Hermione stood up, collecting her things. 'Well, I hope you two will be eternally happy!' Hermione sneered and then left leaving Harry to hang his head and Ron looked as if he was going to say something but didn't.

'She's mad!'

'What did you do?' Harry mumbled.

'What did I do? She did it!' Ron said defensively.

Harry said in the same annoyed tone, 'Then what did she do?'

'Well,' he looked around to see if Hermione was around anywhere, or anyone for that matter. There were people there, but none seemed to be listening. Ron moved a little close to Harry, who looked anxious to finally hear about the madness. 'She uh- kissed me' Ron said finally in a hushed tone.

'What? Really?' Harry said loudly and then whispered with a slight smile, 'Hermione? You are being childish!' Ron's face distorted from embarrassed to angry. 'It all makes sense.' He thought back to all the fights and awkward silences between the two.

'What are you talking about? You act just like her sometimes!'

'I know you like her,' Harry smiled, 'It's been evident for some time, say the past 5 years' Ron shoved Harry in arm.

'Come on Ron, you better do something.' Harry said seriously. 'I'm your best friend, and uh, I really think you guys should get together…it wouldn't be that much different. Unless you two ever broke up-' Harry got lost on this trail of thought. 'And besides, you two already fight like an old married couple.'

'But- it's weird- to- date her.' Ron had managed to say with some difficulty.

'You're a hopeless case' Harry shook his head and then started scribbling something down on hit parchment. 'Well, the only thing I can tell you, if you're being finicky, is do something nice for her.'

'Yeah, like what? Invent never ending parchment.'

'No, I'm sure its been done. Do something where you're not insulting her intelligence. Be nice for once Ron, it wont kill you.' Harry said truthfully. He didn't mind if Ron dated Hermione, he would be quite happy. He's never liked Hermione more then platonic so jealousy wouldn't be a factor.

'Like what?' Ron asked stiffly.

'Use your imagination Ron!' Harry seemed to getting irritable with Ron's negative behavior.

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Harry and Ron had managed to finish their essays that night, or morning that is and true to her word, Hermione did edit them but one better then the other.

Ron and Hermione were still acting like acquaintances more then good friends and Harry kept pestering Ron to make it up to her. Hermione was too angry with Ron for being childish that she was completely oblivious to Harry pressuring Ron.

'I can't believe McGonagall didn't give us homework! It's not Christmas yet!' Ron said is skepticism.

'Well, Christmas is quite soon Ron! I would have thought that you, of all people, would know that'

Ron and Hermione were heading to their last play practice before Christmas and Harry was tagging along until he reached the stairs leading to the Gryffindor tower. Ron kept thinking about what 'nice' thing he could do for her. So far, he had nothing.

The practice was long and quite boring for once. Hermione, being the lead, actually didn't do much of anything today. They focused on all the fight scenes and choreography that had to be done. There was only about five more months to learn all the steps and movements.

By now, everyone knew their lines, some knew them better then others, but no one had to look at their scripts anymore. This made Darling quite happy and she gave everyone cookies, cakes and pumpkin juice as a treat. Ron was quite happy about this, and so was the majority. Hermione, however, didn't seem too thrilled about this because she barley did anything tonight. Just sat there while everyone else danced around the floor brandishing their swords at each other.

'Now, our next practice is January 4th… I hope everyone has a good Christmas and you need to be back here for the remainder of the Christmas holidays. And Remember, practice, practice, practice! I don't need you coming back not remembering your lines.' Darling was standing in the front of everyone is sparkling green robes and a very festive red scarf adorning her robes.

'So, have a great Christmas and I'll see you in the New Year.' She said and then ushered everyone out of her classroom.

'That was a useless practice' Hermione said hotly.

'No it wasn't! I got to use a sword!' Ron was quite excited; it was one thing to be told you're going to be using a sword and another to actually use it.

'I bet you're death scene will be marvelous! I can't wait to see that!' Hermione said sardonically.

'I'm sure yours will be much more dramatic.' Ron shot back bitterly.

'Me too!' Hermione jeered while saying the password to the Fat Lady, who happily let them in.

'You know, for someone who goes around saying I'm childish, I would think that you would show a better example by acting mature.' Ron said angrily behind her.

'Oh! I'm immature now? Well, for your information-' Hermione stopped herself, saying anything more would make her immature. Instead she gave Ron a nasty look and left for her dorm. There were several people in the common room, playing games and wrapping gifts, now the onlookers of Ron and Hermione's little spat.

It was past 10 pm, two days before Christmas Eve and Ron had blown any chance with Hermione, or so he thought. He cursed the fire for being so welcoming and happy and then sulked up to his dorm, curious first year eyes following him as if he would do something drastic.

Harry wasn't in bed and Ron deducted that he was at Hagrid's. They didn't have a lot of time this year to spend with him, they were all really busy, but since classes were over tomorrow, no one really had any homework (unless you were in Snapes class). He got in his pajamas and then into bed.

Lying there, he thought of the words that Harry had said 'he has to do something nice for her'. But what? If he tried to do something nice for her, it would backfire on him and she would be mad at him again.

Ron had fallen asleep with thoughts of trying to impress Hermione and ended up dreaming about the play as if he was Romeo and he was triumphant to kill Tybalt.

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Ron awoke on Christmas day with Harry shaking his shoulder.

'Get up Ron! Breakfast will start soon!' Harry was already dressed. 'Hermione is waiting for us in the common room. I think she'll forgive you if you don't make an ass of yourself.' He left the room and when Ron got out there, sure enough, he was waiting with Hermione.

'Happy Christmas Ron' Hermione said happily and handed him a present. Ron felt a twinge of quilt when he took the present, like he didn't deserve it. He did get her a gift too but he had to give it to her later. Hermione didn't even look upset or moved at all that Ron didn't return the favor, in fact Harry looked more disturbed then anyone.

'Lets go shall we?' Hermione stated and then headed towards the portrait hole. The three of them headed towards the great hall. It was quite vacant as usual; there were a lot of people who were in the play.

'Um-I'll be right back. I forgot something in the common room.' Ron said in an uneasy tone.

'Want me to go with you?' Harry offered but Ron refused. He told them that he would be right back. But it was close to fifteen minutes before he returned.

'We thought you died.' Harry motioned for Ron to sit down. He and Hermione were almost done their porridge, and Ron hadn't even started his.

'Hermione, Professor Darling wants to speak with us for a minute…she sent me to get you.' Ron said thoughtfully.

'What? Really, I wonder what it could be. I thought she said after Christmas, it had better not be something like work.' Hermione looked up at the teachers' table and sure enough she wasn't up there.

'We'll be right back Harry' Ron said and Harry nodded.

'Wait, I thought she went home.' Hermione pondered and Ron shook his head. She shrugged, waved good-bye to Harry and headed after Ron.

He led her in the opposite direction of the dark arts classroom, which made Hermione question him.

'Oh, she's not in her classroom, she's this way.'

Hermione sighed and then stopped walking. 'Ron, what are you doing?'

'Alright, it was supposed to be a secret, but,' Ron looked around and then whispered to her, 'Darling is throwing a party for you because you were the first to know your lines so perfectly and she thought that you may be able to help some of the first years with perfecting their lines.'

'She said that?' Hermione said excitedly.

'Uh-yeah, but you have to act surprised.'

'Right,' Hermione confirmed and tried to hide a smile. Finally, all her hard work paid off.

'Ok close your eyes and follow me. It's just around the corner.' Ron waited for Hermione to close her eyes and then said, 'grab my shoulder or something so you know where you're going.' Hermione did what he said, but instead of the shoulder, she grabbed his hand lightly making him blush crimson.

'Ok.' She squeaked. 'This way.' He led her down the rest of the hallway and then stopped where the roof became an arch. She released his hand and he calmly told her, 'be quite and keep your eyes closed.' Hermione nodded.

All went quite, it seemed that Ron's presence was gone and Hermione fought the urge to open her eyes, although she didn't know why.

'Ron' Hermione whispered uneasily.

'Shh.' came his voice. Hermione felt slightly perturbed now that she had been standing there for minutes. She was about to open her eyes when she heard shifting and then felt warm lips on hers.

She opened her eyes and saw Ron, who lifted his hand to her cheek. Hermione seemed to have lost all breath and her stomach did flips. It felt like she was going to die, but was already in heaven when Ron pulled back slightly.

'Well?' he said sheepishly like she had done weeks ago.

Hermione looked up and saw mistletoe hanging above them. There was no first years here, no surprise party for her, just a surprise. Hermione looked back at Ron who was still holding her face. She smiled slightly and then threw her arms around him.

'I'm--sorry' he said quietly.

Hermione didn't say anything she just stood there, holding onto Ron unbelieving that he would do anything as sensitive like this.

When she finally let go of him, he gave her a very quick smile and then pulled something from behind his back. It was a beautiful red rose in full bloom.

Hermione stood there, her mouth slightly open at its beauty.

'It will never die' he said and handed the rose to her. She took it gingerly and then looked Ron in the face, looking like she was about to cry.

'Why?' it was all she managed to say.

'Because I love you' he replied in a hushed tone.

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This was written while listening to hours on end of Breathless (The Corrs) and White Flag (Dido) two very contradicting songs…I love my brain! Uh…and for some reason, Let's get it started!

Anyway…please review and thanks for reading…wow…48 reviews…I luv u guys! Tear It's the most reviews I have ever gotten for one story!

In advance, thanks for reviewing!

Yours truly,

Sweet Roses