Disclaimer: None of the people, places, or things surrounding Hogwarts and the Wizarding world are my creation; they belong to the wonderful Ms. Jo Rowling.

A/N: I AM SO SORRY ABOUT NOT UPDATING! I was in Disneyland last weekend, and then school got crazy again, and then I went to the midnight premiere of "Goblet of Fire"…and well, things got away from me. Please forgive me! I feel terrible about letting you all down…

DCoD, BrokenRain, RonMione4eva, Phillyactress, and Legolascrazy17: I would like to single out the five of you, because Phillyactress mentioned to me that you all have been the ones to review every chapter since the beginning. She said that you deserve awards, and believe me, I completely agree with her. It is one thing to publish stories and get quick little comments about them; it is another to have long, detailed responses to my writing, and that is what you have given me. I have changed and altered my story in light of suggestions that you five have given me, and trust me, that isn't a bad thing. Thank you so much for sticking with me all the way through this; and while this isn't the last chapter, it was on my mind, and I just wanted to mention it. Thank you. You all are wonderful. :-)

Blonde-Titch: Read on, for I will be covering the post-Quidditch game kiss...and I do rather fancy the Harry/Ginny I've put in on the side, as well. I figured that, well, it was there, and Ron and Hermione probably talked about it, so it deserved a place in my story. I love McGonagall, as well...she's a lot sweeter and not as harsh as she's sometimes made out to be. (If you've seen "Goblet of Fire" already, remember the quick pat on the shoulder as Harry was being led to the trophy room after having his name called?) Thank you for mentioning that you thought Ron holding Hermione's hand under the table was cute; I wasn't sure how people would react to that. Tootles, and I hope to you update soon!

suckr4romance (Christine): Thank you. I absolutely adore Ginny...I base her characterization in my stories after my best friend, Jen, who reminds me so much of Ginny. This chapter takes place right before, during, and after the kiss between Harry and Ginny. I hope you like it; seeing it through Ron and Hermione's eyes was something I've wanted to write since I first read it in HBP. And, I suppose I will start calling you Christine, lol. (Notice how I put it after your pen name at the beginning?) You are amazing, and remind me of one of my good friends, who's name also happens to be Christine. Cheers, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter!

Azu Luna: Thank you. Your comment about kisses and magic...totally what I was trying to bring out. I LOVE magic; love is magic, and I think that anything having to do with Ron and Hermione should feel the same.

BEV Granger711: I love Ginny and Hermione moments, too! It makes me angry sometimes that the books are only narrated from Harry's point of view, because so many things (like Ginny and Hermione getting to know each other have "girl talk") has got to be happening, but we never get to see it. My goal in writing fan fiction is to stay true to cannon, but just bring out the other relationships more. Besides...who doesn't love girl talk:-)

DCoD: "Of course Harry would notice." EXACTLY what I was thinking! Ron and Hermione try so hard not to be obvious, and in doing so, they make it...well, that much more obvious. I want a kiss, too! Writing kiss scenes is always hard for me, mainly because I haven't actually experienced it, so I have to mostly make it up as I go along. (Makes for a LOT of time thinking about what my perfect kiss would be like!) But then it also makes me sad; "Ron's" of the world are hard to come by...thank god I sort of found one (as oblivious as he is...)! And thank you for your well-wishes on our final soccer game. I mention it at the end Author's Note, but...we WON! Yay! Thank you so much!

RonMione4eva: Thank you! I hope that with each chapter, as I gain more experience in fan fiction writing, everything improves. And your positive comments made my day. When I read that "Ron went off to throw up" scene in HBP, I must confess that the idea that he and Hermione were meeting up never crossed my mind, I think because I was just so sad at that point that J.K. Rowling hadn't gotten them OPENLY together yet. Grrr...I'm still a bit bitter; can you tell? Haha...anyway, thank you BUNCHES for your thoughts:-D

Sunflowa: You can never get enough fluff. You are totally right, it is simply a fact. Marshmallowy goodness is never too abdundant. The only thing that sometimes bothers me is when Ron becomes too sensitive and stops stuttering or blushing...makes me gag, because that's not the real Ron. As you can probably tell, the last chapter wasn't the end; I didn't realize how final I made the last line. But no, I'm here for another two chapters, I believe. One more after this, and then an epilogue. We'll see, though...

Phillyactress: IT'S NOT THE END! I'm so sorry that I made you think that it was the end; I really didn't realize how "end-ish" the last chapter sounded. I s'pose I should have explained, so here you go: in my book, a Ron-and-Hermione love story cannot fully be over until they BOTH have confessed that they're in love with each other, and neither one is left crying/angry/upset in any way. All right? I'm so sorry. You completely deserve a Most Loyal Reviewer Award, along with the others you mentioned. If I could meet you all in person and present with you with something, I would. Your words and encouragement along the way have kept me going. Thank you so much. Enjoy this chapter.

Hermione-is-my-Goddess: You know, wishing for evil to come about for people is never good for your health. Lol. Seriously, I completely agree with you; if Rupert Grint ever gets a girlfriend (one that the public knows about, at least), you can bet that I will be extremely angry. Anyway, thanks for your comments, and look for Harry and Ginny hooking up in this chapter...hint, hint. :-D

legolascrazy17: Saving you for last, as always. It's become a tradition of mine, I think. (Did you read my thank you note at the beginning; I hope that you, along with others, reads it, because it's all true.)

I love you how "apologized" to Ch. 9, because Ch. 10 took over as your favorite. I have to confess that the 10th is my favorite as well, though this one comes in at a close second. Which is weird, considering I wrote them, and should defend every single one...but I think you get the idea! I love that you appreciated the kiss...I wasn't sure exactly how to write it. I mean, I knew going in that the way Ron probably would have done it was in an effort to shut Hermione up...so that was decided. But I wasn't sure how long to make it, or even, when it was done, if I'd made it fluffy enough.

I put that huge smile on Harry's face in there for just the reasons you mentioned. It constantly amazes me, how he's my age, and yet is going to have to put his life on the line for all these people...most of which, he doesn't know well at all. He's grown up; and I think that HBP really showed that he's become a man. (Oh, crying for the "innocent" days of Chamber of Secrets!) And don't you worry; "your Ron" will be as "bloody brilliant" of a kisser as our dear Ronald Weasely is. You just have to wait and know that he's out there. I know I tell myself this every...single...day. Especially with the way that "my Ron" carries on, in a right state of obliviousness.

I did majorily cheer on my Ron. To the point of holding posters with his name and number on them. Our team is the Peak to Peak Pumas, and for awhile, I was holding a gigantic "M." They won (as I mention at the end), but sadly, he didn't score the goal. Oh well...he did score the one that put us in the finals, so there you go. I'm also happy to report (to you, because I think of everyone, you understand the most) that I receieved a HUGE, tight hug, one that nearly crushed my rib cage (not that I cared) that lasted for nearly two full minutes. Sigh. It was beautiful... THANK YOU once again for your reviews; they make so unbelievably happy. :-)

To everyone else: thanks a million...I love you all...as much as I love chocolate...which for those who know me, is a HUGE thing to admit!

Chapter 11: One Last Thing

"We won!" Ron yelled at Hermione for the fifth time in ten minutes. "We WON! We actually won!"

Hermione smiled, nodding happily. "Yes, Ron, I was there," she said patiently. She was happy, of course, not to mention immensely proud of Ron, but she didn't need him reminding her of the victory every other moment.

Ron had the decency to look at least a little bit ashamed. "Sorry," he said, but was still grinning and clutching the silver Cup. He'd allowed the other team members to touch it, but since they'd returned to the Common Room for the celebrations, hadn't left it out of his sight. Part of him was afraid that if he set it down, it might disappear, just like the dream he half-thought this day had been.

"I really thought we had no chance," he continued, relaying Hermione with every minute detail of the game. "I mean, they had to deal with me, so—"

"Ronald, do I need to remind you who is currently holding the Quidditch championship Cup?" Hermione cut in. "Please stop putting yourself down; you played wonderfully today, better than I think you ever have."

Ron blushed. "I did?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Of course you did, you prat. Would I lie about something like that?"

He shrugged. "It's all good." He paused for a moment, and when Hermione saw his eyes light up, she sighed, knowing what was coming.

"And then without Harry, well, we all thought we were done for… Ginny did pretty well, though."

"Pretty well? I'd say spectacular would be more appropriate." Ron and Hermione turned to see Ginny standing behind them, still dressed in her playing robes and raising an eyebrow at her brother. "Considering me playing Seeker was a, should we say, last minute change."

"Oh, come off it, Gin, you were going to play well no matter what position you were in," Ron scoffed. "Now, as for me…"

Hermione had already opened her mouth to yell at Ron, but she noticed Ginny's eyes wander towards the portrait hole. She scanned the crowd, squinting through the mass of people to see who Ginny was looking at, though she had an idea. Sure enough, Harry had just walked through the entrance, looking wary and drawing attention from people around him.

She winced as the roar in the Common Room increased—if possible—and the crowd swarmed towards him, pulling him into the room. Ron jerked her aside, muttering a quick apology, and bounded over to Harry.

"We won!" he yelled, brandishing the Cup. "We won! Four hundred and fifty to a hundred and forty! We won!"

Please, Ron, tell us again. Did we win? Hermione thought wryly, though she had to admit that Ron looked positively adorable when he was this excited.

Beside her, Ginny gave an audible sigh as she stared at him. Suddenly, her stance took on a resolute state; her shoulders set and she stood up straighter.

"Ginny?" Hermione asked warily.

Ginny turned to her, and Hermione stepped back when she saw the blazing determination in Ginny's brown eyes. Without saying a word, she walked briskly away from Hermione, starting into a run as she neared Harry.

She's not going to…?

Hermione watched as Harry caught sight of Ginny running toward him. The two collided as Ginny threw her arms around him. The embrace was public enough, but Hermione's eyes widened even more when she saw Harry lean down with an equally blazing look on his face and kiss Ginny, right on the lips.

Her mouth dropped open, but only for a moment, when her face transformed into a smile of shock, certainly, but mostly joy in watching two people who deserved happiness more than anything finally receive it.

She did…and so did he. Crossing her arms over her chest, Hermione shook her head in wonder. At last.

Ron wasn't sure exactly what had just occurred. One moment he'd been showing Harry the Quidditch Cup and recounting Gryffindor's win; the next, Ginny had appeared out of nowhere and locked herself into—Ron gulped, not wanting to think about it—some sort of clinch with…Harry. And now it appeared as if they were…

His mouth flopped open and the arm holding the Cup dropped, and only subconscious will power kept it from falling to the ground. He could have least waited until they were somewhere a bit more private.

Shaking his head, Ron saw Harry looking at him. His eyes sought permission. I won't if you don't want me to, Harry's gaze said. Ron knew in that moment that Harry was the right person for Ginny; if he was willing to put aside his—his feelings for her, just to keep the peace between himself and Ron…

Ron nodded quickly. Seeing as you already snogged her, mate, he told Harry with his eyes. Across the room, Harry's face split into an even wider grin and he nodded in thanks toward Ron. He grabbed Ginny's hand and without a word to anyone in the room, the two disappeared out of the portrait hole.

Ron felt Hermione's hand on his shoulder, and he turned a bit to face her. Before she said anything, she gestured up the stairs, pulling Ron up to the boys' dormitory. She wanted them to be somewhere private if Ron blew up for any reason.

As they walked into his bedroom, Ron took a look at Hermione. She was beaming, but her eyes held caution. "That was a brilliant thing you did back there," she said softly. "Not charging at Harry like you did with Dean."

His heart filled with warmth at her tone…she sounded so…please and proud of him. "Well, I've said that I'd rather see her with Harry than any of those other gits."

"Ron, Dean and Michael Corner are not gits," she chided gently, "But I do have to agree with you. Harry's been in love with Ginny longer than he realizes…he won't hurt her."

"He'd better not!" Ron cut in, and as his eyes darted toward the doorway and stairs, Hermione hastened to stop his next actions.

"Don't follow them," she said sternly. "They need this time."

Ron grumbled, but nodded. "…In front of the whole house, though?" he whined a few moments later.

She rolled her eyes. "Ron, our emotions don't always agree with our brains. I'm sure that Harry didn't walk into the Common Room thinking, 'well now's as a good a time as any to kiss Ginny.' She was running at him…you should have seen the look on her face."

Ron's ears seemed to visibly perk up at that. "What look?" he asked quickly.

"Determined. Like she was a young woman bent on being happy, and she wasn't going to miss her chance at perhaps having happiness, however brief it may be."

Ron gulped. Here they were again. Discussing emotions, something he was terrible at. "Hermione, do we always have to talk about feelings—and stuff? You know I'm awful at this."

"I know you are, and I don't mind—all the time—but you need to understand where Harry and Ginny are coming from." She paused, considering her next words. "Besides, we can't all be walking on egg shells around you, wondering when you'll fully realize that Harry is dating your sister."

That did it.

"Wait, who said anything about dating?" Ron roared.

Hermione heaved an exasperated sigh. Why did I get the clueless one? "Well, honestly, Ron, what did you expect would happen? What is the next logical step after kissing?"

" I dunno…getting to bloody know each other, maybe?" he said.

"Ron, they've known each other since we were eleven! They are friends…friends who realized that they loved each other and want to be more… Sort of like—like us."

Hermione's voice trailed off at the end, uncertain, as she realized what she'd just said. Though they had admitted that they fancied each other, neither had said anything about love—or being in love. Hermione knew without a doubt that she loved Ron; always had, and always would…but she had never voiced her feelings. But then again, neither had Ron, though quite honestly, she wasn't surprised. Ron's nothing if not terrified of emotions, she thought.

Sure enough, Ron's already red face had deepened into a crimson-violet shade and he'd suddenly avoided making eye contact with her. She sighed. "Look, I only mean that Harry and Ginny understand that they—"

"I know what you meant," he muttered. He paused, as if carefully choosing his words. "Do they? Lo—Love each other, I mean?"

Hermione smiled gently. "Yes, I really think they do, Ron. I've been watching the way they gaze at each other when they think nobody else is looking. And it's no secret that Harry didn't like seeing Ginny with Dean anymore than you did."

Ron snorted in agreement. "Right, that. Bloody git," he said.

"Ron! Do not call Dean a git…he's your friend."

"…Sort of," Ron added, though he knew it was childish. Hermione was giving him her really infuriated look, the one he knew she reserved only for the times when he was being extremely difficult.

After a few silent moments, Ron spoke again, warily, knowing he was treading into a very serious matter. "D'you reckon that—that this is a good idea? Them? Now…when Harry's got all this…?"

Hermione had been thinking along those very same lines the moment she'd realized that Harry fancied Ginny. "I think that what they have is special…happy. And what Harry needs more than anything right now is to be happy. Even if it's just for a short while…I think that after all that's happened in the past six years, he's used to short-lived happiness."

"He shouldn't bloody have to be though!" Ron interjected angrily, thumping his fist on his bed covers.

Hermione jerked back in surprise at Ron's tone, but inside she softened, hearing the blatant concern for his friend. "I know, Ron, but this is how things are right now. And truthfully, I think that having Ginny by his side will actually help. Harry needs to have someone who loves him and—"

"I thought we did!" Ron said. His face purpled even more. "I, er, mean," he coughed embarrassedly, and Hermione had to stifle a giggle.

"We do…but not in the same way that Ginny does. Harry hasn't experienced that yet and, well, he needs to," Hermione said.

Ron nodded and heaved a long-suffering sigh. Realizing how serious and dark their conversation had become, Hermione tried to turn it back to something positive.

"At least we can all be happy for a little while, right? Harry and Ginny will finally stop moping around each other and you and I…" Again, she trailed off, not knowing how Ron would react.

He seemed to understand her discomfort and turned to her, fixing her with a reflective stare. Hermione squirmed a bit under his microscopic gaze; he seemed to be trying to memorize her every feature.

"Hermione?" he asked, a bit absently.

"Yes?"

"I'm really, really sorry about Lavender. You know that, right?"

She let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Of course I know that, Ron. You've said loads of times that you regret—well, that it wasn't your best decision. Why ask?"

Ron took a deep breath. He reached out and gently grabbed Hermione's hand, caressing the soft skin. "I'm sorry about kissing you that night on patrol…it was—was, erm, sudden."

Respond, Hermione. Her brain was slowly turning to mush, her senses on overdrive as Ron's fingers smoothed over her hand. "Um…" she said weakly. "It's—it's all right. No harm…done." There: two full sentences.

For his part, Ron had no idea what he was doing. Grabbing Hermione's hand had been instinct, and though she seemed to be enjoying it, he didn't have the slightest idea what to do next. Acting purely on feel (as well as nerve), he slowly pulled her closer, weaving his other arm around her back, effectively locking her in place.

"Ron…" she gasped quietly, and that breathy sound nearly undid him. Without giving a thought to the potential consequences of being alone with Hermione—in an empty bed chamber, no less—he jerked her completely to him, pulling her back on the bed with him.

He didn't kiss her though…sheer will power kept him from doing it. He simply hugged her tightly, loving her so much in that moment that he honestly didn't know exactly what to do about it.

Shock wave after shock wave rolled through Hermione's system as she felt Ron's arms tighten around her. They were shaking a bit, she realized, and she wondered what had just happened, to make his mood change so quickly. She sighed into him, leaning into the warmth and strength he offered.

They sat like that for nearly ten minutes, being closer to each other than they'd ever been in the past, each regretting not saying something to the other sooner.

Ron broke the silence after a short while. "You know what you said earlier, Hermione? About us having a chance at happiness?"

Hermione gulped. "Yes…"

"I—well, I reckon it's possible. If—if I don't do something stupid to screw it up." He paused heavily, as if fearing that she would break away and run. Hermione snuggled a bit closer to him, to prove that she wasn't going anywhere. "Which is entirely possible," he added. "Screwing up, I mean."

Hermione giggled softly. "Ron, of course it's possible. It's what you do, have done for the past six years. If I didn't find it in the least bit charming, I wouldn't bother."

Ron grinned down at her, relief vastly evident in his eyes. "Charming, eh?" He winked, asking her silently to go on.

"Don't push your luck, Ronald."

They settled into quiet once again, but Hermione's thoughts wouldn't rest. "Ron…" she started uncertainly, but he glanced down at her, encouraging her to go on. "We're not fighting anymore," she stated matter-of-factly.

For a moment, Ron was about to argue that point, but then realized that it was the truth. He and Hermione hadn't rowed, not seriously at least, since after his birthday. "Feels a bit off, doesn't it?" he said.

She nodded. "Almost…too off?"

He could see where this was heading. "Hermione, please don't stop thinking. Just…stop."

"I can hardly STOP thinking, Ronald," she snapped. "It's a perfectly legitimate point. We haven't fought since…since you were poisoned. Especially recently; what's happening to us?"

Can we really be more than just friends, occasional sparring partners? She asked the question with her eyes, hoping half-way that he wouldn't understand, hoping with the rest of her being that he did, and would reassure her.

"No, no, no! Bloody HELL, Hermione, would you stop doing that!" He burst out angrily, jumping up and leaving Hermione to bounce backward on the bed.

"Stop what?" she retorted, regaining a grip on the bed clothes. "Stop considering what we might be getting ourselves into?"

"No…stop asking one question out loud, but saying something totally different with your eyes! D'you think I don't notice? Just ruddy ASK the question!"

That did it. His reaction was completely out of line, she decided, standing up and coming to rest directly in front of where he'd stopped after pacing the floor irately. In a distant part of her mind, she wondered how they could go from sitting comfortably with each other, to yelling their heads off in a matter of seconds, but that was overcome by her anger at his reaction.

"All right…I will," she shot back. "What are we doing here, Ron? We can't honestly be thinking that a—a relationship between us could ever have the slightest chance at success, can we? We've never been able to go a full week without rowing…and we're considering spending more time ALONE together!" She huffed. "Nutters. It's right insane, that's what it is."

Ron stood there in shock for a few moments, before realizing she'd stopped talking. Insane? That's what Hermione thought of their relationship? She had so little faith in them—in him—that she was considering not even giving them a chance? It hurt, he realized. It hurt more than anything.

But he wasn't going to let her see that.

"Fine, then. If you think it's for the best, then maybe we shouldn't try this. I'm willing to—to give it a go…because even though it's apparently hard for you to believe, I want to be happy. And YOU make me happy."

Hermione nearly melted at those words. She'd half-stepped into his arms, when she realized he had backed away from her; anger—and, she saw with immediate remorse, a tinge of pain—was now glittering in his eyes.

"I've never seen you give up, Hermione, not once. Especially when it's something that—that I thought you…" He sighed, willing himself not to blush…or worse, cry. "Cared about."

He turned away from her, hoping to leave her with anger, rather than allowing her to see the pain in his eyes. As he reached for the door handle, the thought that they were in HIS bedroom, so she should be the one to leave, crossed his mind, and he considered turning back and demanding that she go…but he needed to just get away.

Just as he stepped out of the doorway, he stopped, figuring that as this might be his last chance, he may as well go for broke.

"One last thing, Hermione," he said, still not facing her. Seeing her face would make this too hard.

"If you needed—I don't know—proof that I was willing to try…you could have just asked…asked if—if I loved you." Hearing her catch of breath behind him nearly undid him and made him turn around, but he forced himself to stay put. "Because well…I do. Not that that matters."

With that, he crossed through the doorway, leaving her alone.

Hermione crumpled on to Ron's bed, crawling to the pillow and placing her head on it. She inhaled his scent, wondering how in the world someone as book-smart as she, could possibly be so stupid when it came to her own life. As the tears flowed, she wondered how—if it was even possible—she could fix this.

We were so close to being happy.

A/N: To those of you wished the boys' soccer team at my school good luck in their final: THANK YOU so much for the added encouragement. They WON! It was so exciting, with the one goal being scored from HALF-FIELD. It was amazing, and I actually took a conversation that "my Ron" and I had after the game, and put it in at the beginning of this chapter, changing the names to "Ron" and "Hermione." Lol…I'm so brilliant!

Not much in the way of intense plot in this chapter, I'm afraid, but I really wanted Ron and Hermione to be in some sort of a state going in to Dumbledore's funeral. They aren't fighting, mind you…just concerned about if a relationship is the right thing to do. The events in Ch. 25 of HBP can still go on—when Hermione laughs at the idea of Ron having a Pygmy Puff tattoo—there is just not a hidden relationship happen at that time. All right?

Also, for those you who have already seen "Goblet of Fire," is anyone besides me a little upset at the lack of Ron/Hermione cuteness, that was so beautifully abundant in "Prisoner of Azkaban"? I think that Mike Newell did a fantastic job over all…but I think that Ron and Hermione's fight should have played up just a bit more… All in all, however, I thought it was brilliant, even if they did cut out a lot…they had to, though, right?

OH, and who laughed at Snape rolling up his sleeves before knocking Ron and Harry's heads into the table! Best moment, right there!

Let me know your thoughts!