Disclaimer: All characters and names belong to J.K. Rowling

Prologue:

The seventh year at Hogwarts was ahead of them. The three friends had a really exciting and scary summer. Voldemort had become mortal at the time of Harry meeting with him. His powers were not completely gone but he was weakened since Dumbledore had died, taking one part of Voldemorts soul away from this life and therefore making Voldemort less of a wizard. In doing so, Dumbledore had managed to greatly weaken Voldemort and Harry was able to overcome his evil power and in fact save both Muggles and Wizard folk alike. Of course, Harry had not enjoyed the long interviewing sessions about how he was able to defeat Voldemort and continued to give much of the credit to Dumbledore. In the end, he had been happy to have this all over with and everyone was happy that Hogwarts did not have to close. There were even rumors running around saying that Harry would eventually take over and become the director of Hogwarts.

For Chap. 1 New Year, New Love

Hermione took her favorite seat by the window in the Gryffindor tower. Ron and Harry both were at Quidditch practiced and she enjoyed the quiet few hours when others were in class to get ahead in her schoolwork. She had to finish an essay for Potions but so unlike her, her quill lay, unmoving on the parchment. Her thoughts were not with her today and she kept daydreaming back to the summer when the three of them had spent at the Barrow. Hermione had first gone home to visit her parents but then had joined Ron and Harry for the last two months of summer. Unfortunately, they had only been able to enjoy 3 weeks together and then Voldemort made everything difficult. Hermione was glad that was over. She started writing her essay but her thoughts weren't flowing well so finally she decided it was no use. She did have a week to write it after all. One thought kept coming back to her. It was of the day they all had decided to go to the lake. Harry and Ginny weren't officially together although the chemistry between them was still very much alive. They continued to hold hands and such and at times Hermione felt a pang of loneliness. That day, Hermione had felt awkward in her bathing suite since at school no one ever saw anything of her since she was wearing her school uniform. That day she remembered swimming and for some reason Ron had acted really strange. She remembered that he had casually glanced at her many times that day. His eyes seemed to follow her when she was swimming and yet every time she looked over, he had turned away or was reading his book. Even more amazing was that they did not fight once that day. He had kept quietly to himself all day and when she spoke to him about even the smallest things like if he was worried about Hogwarts not opening again all Ron could do was stutter some reply before turning away and reading or walking away. It had puzzled Hermione for sometime.

The tower door opened and Harry, Ron and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team's chatting interrupted her thoughts. They were talking to each other and did not notice Hermione right away.

"No no no! I can't believe this!" Ron was angrily arguing with Harry. From what Hermione could tell it was about a new game tactic. She had never cared much for Quidditch but supported it anyways since many of her friends were in it.

" Hi guys!" Hermione piped up. "How did practice go today?"

"Oh hi Hermione!" Harry replied, ignoring Ron's antics. " didn't see you were there." The rest of the team had already separated themselves to either side of the wings to go change.

"What did you do all afternoon?"

"Oh nothing….worked on some homework and such." Hermione replied.

Harry smiled. Hermione always was so on top of her work.

"Hi, Ron. How was practice?" Hermione turned her attention to Ron.

Ron at first looked dumbstruck then mumbled, " ok….I need to go change." And with that he left the room.

Hermione looked perplexed and Harry raised an eyebrow after his friend.

"What is that all about! Why is Ron acting so strange?" Hermione questioned Harry.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. "No idea…he was all out of it today at practice too. If it hadn't been for Ginny yelling at him a few times to watch out, the Blungers would've smashed right into him. He was off in his own head."

Just like me. Hermione thought to herself. " Well, can you find out what's bothering him? He doesn't even talk to me anymore!"

"Sure. I can try. I need to go change too. See you later Hermione! We can all meet up in the common room before we head to dinner" Harry said before he too left to the Boys Wing.

"ok. See you at 7!"

Hermione gathered up her books and headed to the girls side of the Griffindor tower. Guys are so weird she thought. I really need to figure out what is going on with Ron.

Ron threw his Quidditch bag on his bed and proceeded to take his shoes and socks off. He did not know what was going on with him. Today he had nearly been hit straight on by a blunger and if it had not been for his sister he would be in the Hospital wing. He had been feeling weird for the past year but over the summer things got even stranger. He had never realized small details before but for some reason Hermione had looked absolutely stunning that day at the lake. I can't believe I am thinking this about Hermione. He thought to himself. All we ever do is fight. But if he was honest with himself he knew that deep down he had a lot of respect for her and most of the time when they fought it was because he was jealous of something. She was one of the smartest people, let alone girls he had ever known. Ron admired her and not knowing how or when he began to have a crush on her. It just happened. Ron remembered that day at the lake the most. He had stolen secret glances at Hermione. He had noticed how the sunlight had danced off her hair and how her eyes had looked greener than usual. She had worn a purple one piece bathing suite but it had clung to her in all the right places. Hermione definitely had filled out in their 6th year at Hogwarts. She wasn't too much of anything but just enough to get the imagination going. That day Ron's imagination had hit high gear and he had to turn away every time he looked at Hermione because otherwise she would've seen his reddish face. Ron thought it over some more and decided it was just a stupid crush, probably just what happens when you know a person for a long time. Nothing serious. Ron sighed and clothed himself in his school garments.

"Hey Ron!" Harry had come through the door. "Good practice today. Although, you seemed a bit off, mate."

Ron frowned. "I know, I know. I dunno what is wrong with me. Probably just the back to school gitters."

"Well, I hope they go away soon! We have our first major game against Slytherin

next Thursday!"

Ron thought for a minute. Harry had been his best friend for the past six years. He remembered their first day on the train. That seemed like decades ago now. They both had changed so much since those naive days. Ron figured that if anyone would be able to help him weed through his thoughts it would be Harry.

"Hey, buddy. Can I ask you a question?"

Harry looked up from sorting out his bag. " Sure, what's going on?"

"Um…….I dunno how to say this but.."

Harry stopped what he was doing. " What's going on Ron?" he had concern in his voice.

Ron had to smile, He and Harry were like brothers. He decided the best way to do this would be to just let it all out really fast before he got nervous again and stopped saying anything at all.

"Ok…well, I-think-I-like-hermione-and- I-don't- know-what-to-do.-what-if-she-doesn't-like-me-back?-what-do-I-do? Maybe-I-am-just-thinking-too-much?

"Woah waoh waoh!" Harry exclaimed, " Please say that again I didn't understand one word!" Harry sat down on his bed across from Ron's. "Ok now…what did you say?"

Ron sighed. " I.." Ron studied his toes.

"yea I got that much."

"think…I…..like…..Hermione." Ron paused and looked at his friend.

Harry had this silly grin on his face.

"What is so funny?" Ron asked.

"oh..nothing!" Harry's grin grew larger. "Just that…………I KNEW IT!"

" You knew what?"

"I knew it that you liked her!" Harry now proceeded to lie back on the bed laughing. "Does she know?"

"And why is that funny?" Ron demanded. He didn't see what was so funny about him telling his feelings to Harry and he was just laughing at him.

"Oh Ron! Don't you see! You have liked her for a long time. I knew it…probably everyone in school could see it except for you! It was just a matter of time until you finally realized it yourself."

Ron gave a small smile. " I guess I was never the swift one when it came to relationships."

"well, are you going to tell her?" Harry sat up on his bed with a twinkle in his eye.

"Um…haven't thought that far along…" Ron didn't like the way Harry was looking at him. He was definitely up to something.

"well, what about the 7th Year Winter Ball? You could invite her to go with you?"

Ron thought it over. He didn't enjoy dances very much. For the social reasons yes but he definitely was not the dancing type.

"eh….I dunno….I guess I will think about it when I get there."

"Oh come on! You want to. Plus, you have to ask her early otherwise someone else will ask her before you."

Yea thought Ron that would probably happen to me.

Harry glanced at his watch. "Well, I told Hermione, I mean "your lady", that we would meet her down in the common room before heading to dinner."

Ron threw a pillow at him. "She's not "my lady"."

"But she will be!" Harry grinned. " Well, lets go. Can't keep her waiting either way. You know how impatient Hermione is!"

Here just for a fun a nice quote:

"Don't let the Muggles get you down!"
Ron Weasley

"Did you really blow up your aunt, Harry?"
Ron roars with laughter.
"I didn't mean to. I just - lost control."
"It's not funny, Ron. Honestly, I'm amazed Harry wasn't expelled.
"So am I. Forget expelled, I thought I was going to be arrested. You dad doesn't know why Fudge let me off, does he?"
"Probably 'cause it's you, isn't it? Famous Harry Potter and all that. I'd hate to see what the Ministry'd do to me if I blew up an aunt. Mind you, they'd have to dig me up first, because Mum would've killed me."
Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Hermione, Harry, Ron Weasley

Ch. 2 Siblings and Friends

Hermione entered the Gryffindor tower. The rest of the Gryffindor students had already left for dinner. She looked at her watch and frowned. Late as usual. Deciding to take a seat and wait, she walked over to the big couch by the fireplace and sat, watching the flames dance and create shadows on the walls. Funny how the shadows looked like lovers dancing, circling, leaning, this way and that way. Hermione felt lonely on the big couch and wished she had someone to share the moment with.

Ron….

How weird that that was the first name that popped into her head.

"Hermione, we're ready to go!" Hermione startled out of her day dream.

"Eh…hi guys!" Hermione fumbled to get up since the cushions were old and sank really low when someone sat on them. Stupid couch!

Harry nudged Ron. Ron made a face. Harry gave him a look. Ron obliged.

"Here let me help you" Ron said, stretching out his hand and helped Hermione off the couch. Hermione smiled and gave a small nervous laugh.

As their hands touched, the electricity between them was undeniable. Both Ron and Hermione stood transfixed and were just looking at each other as if time in that moment had frozen. Everything seemed to fade away and it was just the two of them in the room. Neither said anything, for at this point both felt something too strong to express. Harry's voice then broke the spell.

"Um….guys? Dinner won't wait forever!" Harry glanced from one friend to the other.

Ron let go of Hermione's hand and mumbled a "yea.." Hermione played with her hair not knowing what to say and finally pulled herself together and said," Yea..Let's go.." She led the way out of the common room. Ron followed her out not once looking at Harry. Harry sighed. Well, at least they aren't arguing and fighting.

Everyone had already gathered in the great hall once Hermione, Ron, and Harry got there. They quickly took their seats at the Gryffindor table. Ginny gave them all a questioning look Where were you guys? Harry pointed to Hermione and Ron. Ron saw the gesture and shot lasers at Harry. He grinned and Ginny gave Harry a knowing look. Ron turned red in the face and slide down further in his seat. The toasting had ended and Hermione wanted to break the silence.

"So..Ginny How are things with you? I haven't really seen you at all since we started school."

'Yea…I know. I've been really, really busy. School and also Quidditch practice."

"Yea….well, I hope we can go to Hogsmeade at some point"

"Sure that would be wonderful!" At that moment, Ron had decided that he wanted another drumstick and casually reached over to grab one from the bowl in front of Hermione. Unfortunately, the drumsticks weren't piled evenly enough and the rest of them rolled out of the bowl and one proceeded to fall right into Hermione's lap. Hermione took the drumstick with her two fingers and place it on the table. Ron gave her the guiltiest impression gushing sorry's left and right.

"Ron, stop. It's all right. I will fix it in a second." Hermione reached for her wand. Someone stopped it. She turned around and Ginny was holding her wand.

"Um..Hermione, come with me…I want to show you something…."

" But…but.."

Ginny grabbed Hermione's arm and the two of them walked out.

"Harry rolled his eyes. Man, what a day this is turning out to be.

"Why must girls always do that?" Ron asked Harry.

Harry shrugged, " I dunno."

"Where do you suppose they are going? The bathroom? Why do girls have to go to the bathroom together? That is just weird!" Ron was now speaking between bites of drumstick.

"Probably, to talk about us. " Harry replied nonchalantly. Man, why am I the guy always in the middle of these two?

"Talk about us? What in the world would be so interesting to talk about us in the bathroom that they can't talk about it here?" Ron really did not understand girls one bit.

"Probably because we are here and they want to talk about us."

"Well, I still don't get." Harry was getting sick of talking about this. He just wanted to enjoy dinner.

"Well, what about that before? You and Hermione sure had a moment!" Harry said to Ron.

Ron hid his face. "What was all that?" Harry questioned him further.

"Eh…nothing."

"Yea right nothing!"

"What happened?" Neville had heard part of the conversation and now had leaned in closer to listen to more of it.

"Well, Ron and Hermione had a moment together!" Harry explained to Neville.

Neville nearly choked on his dinner and then managed to gasp not too quietly, " WHAT? RON AND HERMIONE KISSED?"

The room was quiet. Crickets chirped. And Ron wanted to disappear or disassparate what ever came first.

"Shhh…." Harry said to Neville as the volume in the room grew again as if nothing had happened. "Ron and Hermione didn't kiss. They just had,…..a moment..ya know?" Neville shook his head. Harry sighed. He really didn't want to explain what a "moment" was right now.

"Man…I will never be able to face Hermione again!" Ron whined into his arm, which was on the table covering his face.

"Oh stop it! Don't be so overly dramatic!" Harry told his friend. "Things like that happen…."

"Well, ……..Make me disappear, Harry. Just poof! And make me be gone!"

Harry groaned. "Oh on…if you're done we can go back to the tower."

"Oh good!….lets get outta here. I just want to hide for the rest of the night!" Harry rolled his eyes.

Ginny was pulling Hermione behind her down the hall to the bathroom where Moaning Mrytle once again was making a ruckus.

Hermione was completely puzzled. "Hey….why are we going to bathroom? There is no need! I could just use a spell to get rid of the stain and then…"

"I just want to talk to you in private!" Ginny interrupted her.

"What do you want to talk about?" Hermione asked as they entered the bathroom.

Ginny turned to face her.

"Well, what is going on between you and my brother?"

Hermione looked startled. " Me and your brother? Nothing..nothing at all!"

"Oh come on Hermione! I am not stupid! I can't believe you can't see it! You were the one giving me advice about Harry and now you don't even use your own advice!"

"Well….you and Harry are different."

Ginny placed her hands on her hips. "Oh really? Why? Cause I am Ron's sister and haven't been friends with Harry for a really long time?"

Hermione shrugged. It was easier giving love advice then actually acting on your own.

"I dunno Ginny…..We have been friends so long….."

"Hermione, Ron has liked you for a long time." Hermione's and Ginny's eyes met and womanly understanding spread between them. Ginny nodded.

Hermione was shocked. He liked me for a long time? But why hasn't he ever told me?

"Why hasn't he ever told me?" Hermione questioned her friend.

"I dunno…..it's Ron we are talking about here." The two of them laughed. "yea my brother, great guy, but when it comes to girls he still needs to learn a lot."

"Well, what do I do?"

"Do you like him?"

"I dunno…..I think I do…..yea…." Hermione whispered with a small smile and then blushed.

"Well, you are a great girl, Hermione, and Ron would be lucky to have you."

"Thanks…." Hermione blushed even darker.

"well, now that you look like a tomato.." Hermione covered a giggle. Ginny was grinning at her. " Lets go back to the Great Hall. Shall we?"

"Yea."

"And don't let Ron get to you. Sooner or later he will come out of his shell. Just give it time. I very strongly believe something will happen sooner or later."

Hermione nodded. "Yea…."

"Plus." Ginny added." Ron good use a good snoggin'!" She laughed and ran out of the bath room dodging spells from Hermione's wand.