Hi there! Thanks for all the reviews; they're what encourage me to write more! I know it's been a while since I've updated, but I had so much to write this chapter...I still don't know why I took so long. Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters, though I do own the books!

Previously:

"Is Ickle Ronniekins going to kiss his Hermione?"

Hermione looked over Ron's shoulder.

"How long have you two been here?" she asked skeptically.

"Isn't it interesting, Fred?"

"What, George?"

"The doors in this house don't creak!"

"Is that so, George?"
"Indeed so!"

"Or maybe, these two love-birds could only hear one thing!" Fred piped.

"What's that, Fred?"

"Enough!" Ron bellowed, "We get your point!" he marched past Fred and George making sure to elbow them on the way.

Ch. 5 Realizations

As Ron strut his way angrily upstairs, Hermione remained sitting in the dusky living room. What had just happened? She couldn't believe that she had almost kissed Ron! But, of course, Fred and George—the twin demons from Hell who were bravely still standing in the room—just had to ruin the perfect moment. She eyeballed them with such anger that if looks could kill, Weasley's Wizards Wheezes would be without owners.

"Why did you two do that?" she barked furiously.

They merely shrugged (at the same time) with those stupid grins plastered on their faces.

"Think of it this way," Fred began but was cut short.

"No, I'd rather not think of it your way," and Hermione strode passed them quickly, making her way upstairs. She checked Ron and Harry's room and was surprised to find it empty. Hastily, she searched through all the room's upstairs, but Ron was nowhere to be found. She approached the library…but Ron couldn't have gone in here…could he? Hermione slowly opened the tall door, which, remarkably, did not creak. She rolled her eyes as the thought of Fred and George penetrated her mind. There, in the overall gloomy atmosphere of the library, was a very conspicuous red-haired boy…reading…a book. Hermione rubbed her eyes to make sure she wasn't seeing things.

"R-Ron?"

His head bolted upright as he stared worriedly at Hermione.

"Oh," he calmed down a bit, "it's you, Hermione. I thought it was someone else."

She smiled awkwardly.

"I didn't think anyone would find me here because…"

"It's Sirius' library?"

He gave her a questioning look that spoke for itself.

"I've been in here already, Ron," Hermione pulled up a chair next to Ron and plopped onto it.

"I think I could've guessed that wherever there's a library, there's a Hermione Granger," he grinned foolishly earning a playful punch from her.

"What are you reading?" she asked while trying to peak at the book in his hand. He noticed and laughed at her curiosity.

"It's called Animagi: A Study of the Art. I don't really know why it caught my eye, probably because it was just lying on the floor. Anyway, it's quite interesting, really," he scrutinized the faint lettering that made up the title and leafed through the yellow pages creating a wind of dust. Hermione smiled to herself; this had to be a sign. Why would both of them open up an Animagi book?

"Ron-"

"Hermione-"

"You go first, Ron."

He inhaled a great whiff of the grimy air before blowing it all back out. "I'm sorry about Fred and George," he mumbled.

"So am I," Hermione said throatily and rather…suggestively. Ron raised an inquisitive eyebrow at her before looking down to hide his pink cheeks. He cleared his dust-filled throat uncomfortably.

"Um…er…what did you have to say anyway?"

Did she hear him correctly? Did he just misinterpret that obvious hint she just gave him? Merlin, Ron really is thick!

"I…" she really was at a loss for words. "Ronald Weasley, how can you be so stupid!"

His eyes expanded for a millisecond before realization dawned on him making them narrow angrily. "What in bloody hell are you on about, Hermione?"

"You're just so…ugh!" she threw her hands into the air and shook her head furiously.

"What did I do this time? No one will ever be good enough for you, will they?" he spat back.

"I didn't say that!"

"No! But you know it's true!" At this point, they were both standing up, inches away from each other, reenacting the heated scene after the Yule Ball in fourth year.

"Ron, you have no idea what you're even saying!"

"I know that you called me stupid!"

Hermione snorted, "Well, only a stupid person would suck face with Lavender Brown!"

"Only a stupid person would snog Viktor Krum!"

"Well I guess I'm not stupid then!" Ron's jaw dropped nearly ten feet.

"What do you mean?" he asked, worry saturating his words.

"I mean what I said, Ron," she began softly, "I didn't snog Viktor. I was waiting for…But really, I don't even understand why I didn't just kiss Viktor!" her voice grew angry again.

"WHAT!" Ron's voice shook with rage, "FINE! Be my guest! See if I care!"

"UGH! Even after you say things like that, I can't believe I still love you!" Immediately afterwards, Hermione's very petite hand clasped over her mouth. Oh God, I did not just say that. No wait, I did! Oh Merlin! Too shocked to move, Hermione remained right in front of Ron looking into his insanely wide, blue eyes.

"Y-you…" Ron spoke quietly, "you…what did you say?"

Oh sure, ask me what I just said—even though I'm too stunned to talk—I don't care.

Hermione slowly lowered her hand, still wide-eyed, and a surge of color rushed into her cheeks.

"I didn't…" her voice squeaked as she tried to regain it, but it was too late; tears leaked from her eyes, "I didn't kiss Viktor, Ron."

He looked at her sympathetically and sighed, "Hermione," enveloping her into his arms, he continued, "I hate it when you cry, especially when I make you cry, which I tend to do a lot…please don't," he spoke kindly as he cradled her.

"All those things I said while we were arguing," she whispered into his chest, "I didn't mean any of them, Ron."

"Me too," he said while absently stroking her hair.

"Except…I did mean the last thing…"

Ron froze when hearing those words. He swallowed hard on the enormous lump in his throat. It seemed to be growing…rapidly, "Hermione," he croaked, "you're right. I have been stupid. It was never Lavender, not even for a split second… It was always… you, Hermione," he looked down to see her wiping her eyes and continued, "I love you, Hermione." Ron waited for a reaction; Hermione nervously bit her bottom lip, too bewildered to even mouth what she wanted to say. Seeing as how Hermione wasn't going to speak anytime soon, he leaned down and whispered against her mouth,

"Hermione, I don't think Fred and George or my mum or any other family member of mine will barge in this time. I say we embrace this moment, yes?" She let out a tiny laugh and then swung her arms around his neck. From his incredible height, Ron eased his head down capturing Hermione's lips in a sweet and tender kiss. As it prolonged into a deeper one, Ron and Hermione only had one thing on their minds, finally…

Eventually, they broke apart, learning that they hadn't been breathing for a while. Breathing is so overrated, anyway. Overwhelmed, Hermione gripped Ron's shoulder to take a good look at him. He was still a bit flushed from the fight and the…kiss, and yet he had the goofiest smile glued to his face.

"I always knew our first kiss would be in a library," Hermione said before letting out a giggle.

"Really?" Ron grinned, "I was picturing more of a…Quidditch Pitch. But a dusty and warm library in Grimmauld Place works for me too. I'm with you; that's all I need." he winked at Hermione before pulling her in for another kiss.

The silence in the kitchen stung Harry's ears. Fred and George had left, leaving Harry in a very awkward position. Across the table sat a rather timid-looking Ginny who was picking at her nails. He contemplated on how he should approach the situation. Leave? Talk? Continue to stare? Thankfully, he was saved by the entrance of his best friends who seemed to be…holding hands? He smiled briefly before making-eye contact with Ginny. Her expression was unreadable.

"How did the game end?" Ron asked, breaking the stare-off between Harry and Ginny.

"Oh," Harry squirmed in his seat to face Ron and Hermione (who were still holding hands), "Fred and…Ginny…won." His tongued shriveled as he said Ginny's name aloud; it was the first time he said it since that day in St. Mungo's. He had cried her name vociferously as she dragged his hysterical self out of the hospital ward. It wasn't the most romantic moment, but at least she had forgiven him, or maybe she felt sorry for him. He hoped it was the former.

"Then Fred and George went into the living room," Ginny finished with another unreadable voice. Both Hermione and Ron reddened when hearing her, and Harry had a good idea why.

"I see you two patched things up but not before you had another row." He smirked at them knowingly.

"What makes you think that?" Hermione said in a know-it-all sort of way.

"We heard you," it was Ginny's turn to sneer, "of course, we couldn't make out the exact words…" she covered her mouth to suppress a giggle.

"And then," Harry continued, "the yelling stopped, so we reckoned you two resolved your differences. Besides, the holding hands thing is a clear clue." Ginny let out a tiny laugh and Harry beamed. He was actually quite happy his best friends had finally gotten together.

"What about you two?" Hermione straightforwardly and a bit angrily pointed out. "It seems Ron and I had interrupted both of you gawking at each other." Ginny's laughter ceased instantly as Harry stiffened in his seat.

The awkwardness in the room was thicker than molasses.

"Um, Hermione, I think I hear my mum calling us," Ron muttered.

"No, Ron, I don't hear her,"

"Just…come on!" Ron shot one last glance at Harry, mouthing 'I'm sorry.'

The air was tense again.

"Harry?" Ginny spoke solemnly.

"Y-yes?"

"Why do I get this feeling that you, Ron, and Hermione are…up to something?"

Harry's face clouded over as a fierce battle broke out in his head. Tell her, you git! No, don't tell her! He looked up at Ginny to see the most genuine expression lying on her face. Her eyebrows were faintly furrowed and her eyes bore so much inquiry. How was he supposed to not tell her! This was going to be complicated.

"We…we're not up to anything, Gin."

Her chair screeched across the floor as she rose up promptly, "Harry James Potter, do not tell me you aren't doing anything when I know you're doing something!"

"Gin—"

"No! You're going to say another lie! Damn it, Harry, why don't you ever talk about things with me! Just because we're broken up doesn't mean I don't have a right to know! Not only am I your ex-girlfriend, but I'm also Ron's sister!"

"Ginny," he started angrily while standing up, "I'm doing this to—"

"No! Don't you dare say you're doing this to protect me! I'm not a baby, Harry! I can take care of myself," she sniffed making Harry's stern gaze soften. "Harry, I want to know what you're doing. All of you—including my parents—have shut me out! I'm not daft; I know there's something going on. If you could just tell me…" she looked to the ground and rubbed her eyes. "I-I want to-to help you, Harry."

Harry slowly tilted her head up with his hands and looked straight into her eyes. They spoke for her; she really cared. He sighed and tried to muster some courage to tell her.

"Alright, Gin, I'll tell you," he grazed her wet cheek with his thumb, making her smile gratefully.

Ron heaved a deep sigh as he fell onto the nearest bed in his room. Fatigue overtook every part of his body. Packing was not easy, and he just wanted to sleep! But that little voice inside of him echoed, it's for Hermione, you selfish prat! He placed his weary head in his hands just to rest his eyes…

"Ron!" He sprung his head up and strained to see to see a very flustered Hermione standing before him, hands on her hips.

"Er-my-nee?" he croaked trying ever-so-hard to wake up. But before he could stand up he heard a laugh and felt a soft kiss on his cheek. Okay, he was definitely awake now! "Sorry, Hermione, I sort of nodded off…"

She smiled and ran her hand through his hair, "You look adorable when you sleep, and it's alright, Ron. I've put you through loads today, anyway. While you were resting, I did a bit more research on Gryffindor and Ravenclaw…"

"…And?"

"And, I think when we go to Godric's Hollow we might find a few more clues; remember, Dumbledore said one of the Horcruxes was something Gryffindor…or Ravenclaw, and…what, Ron?"

Ron studied every feature on Hermione's face; they all pointed to worry. She was beyond doubt bothered by something, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. "Hermione, what's wrong?"

"I was going to ask you the same thing. Why are you looking at me like that?" she crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"You're anxious about something, Hermione; I know it."

"What? No I'm not anxious about anything," Hermione lied through her teeth. "Why don't you trust me?"

"If you're scared for Harry and me-"

"Ron…"

"I'm serious, Hermione. If you're worried about Harry or me, just know that we've been doing this type of thing for years now," he said reassuringly.

"I…I know that, Ron." She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed heavily, "I'm actually worried about my...p-parents…" she looked up to capture an understanding gaze from Ron. "I keep…I keep having these drea--no, nightmares that something bad is going to happen to them. I just wish I could've said a proper goodbye…"

"Would you like to?"

"What?"

"Hermione," he rubbed his hand up and down her arm, trying in every possible way to comfort her, "I'm sure Harry wouldn't mind if we made one pit stop. Besides, all of us can Apparate now." He smiled haphazardly earning a sweet kiss on the lips.

"We'll have to ask him," Hermione whispered with her forehead still resting against Ron's.

SLAM!

Both Ron and Hermione jumped in shock and jolted their heads toward the door. It opened slowly as a sulking, raven-haired boy trudged in. He glanced at Ron and Hermione and shook his head slowly, reading their minds.

"She understands that she can't come, but she's still upset. I suppose you heard the door slam?" Ron and Hermione nodded. "Yep," he looked back at the door, "that was her."

"Well at least you talked to her, Harry." Hermione said encouragingly. Harry simply shrugged.

Hermione watched her best friend mope as he sat on his bed, staring furiously at the floor. She shut her eyes trying to rid this complication out of her life, but it continued to sear through her mind as images of her parents being held as hostages permeated every bit of it. Without thinking she held her hand out, which was immediately grabbed by Ron. He squeezed it a few times pacifying Hermione greatly. She thought back to what she had originally wanted to speak to Harry about, but as of this moment it seemed quite unnecessary. Well, to her, anyway. Ron, on the other hand, had tapped Hermione gently on the shoulder suggesting she talk to Harry right away. Gathering all the courage she could possibly hoard, she opened her dry mouth to speak. No words came out, save for a slight gasp for air.

"H-Harry?" her voice was raspy and nervous. She caught his eyes, which, though very weary, showed he was listening. Hermione timidly continued, "W-well, see…I've been—" she looked at Ron as if asking for help, "—having these…" but before she could continue, two POPs cut her short. Hermione felt Ron's hand grow tense…the twins were back.

"Dearest Hermione," Fred began pleasantly, "you are wanted downstairs…"
"…and right away," George finished.

"D-do you know why?" Hermione gripped Ron's hand hesitantly.

Fred and George exchanged insecure glances, which showed no sign of humor, and then disapparated. Seeing this, Hermione felt herself grow weak.

As quickly as they could, the trio apparated to the kitchen, unaware of what to expect. Evidently, upon seeing two unanticipatedpeople, Hermione practically fainted.

"Mum? Dad?" she squeaked, instantaneously grabbing Ron's wrist. Hermione wondered how she ever managed to make it through her years at Hogwarts without holding Ron Weasley's hand.

A minute of absolute silence passed before Mrs. Granger scooped her daughter in her arms sobbing uncontrollably, "Oh, my Hermione!" Suddenly a thought struck Hermione…her nightmares were wrong. Her parents were fine! Relieved, though a bit overwhelmed, she finally returned her mother's strong embrace with all the love she possessed.

"Hermione," Tonks started, interrupting the moment between mother and daughter, "your parents were in danger at your house. We had no choice but to bring them here…" Hermione nodded understandingly before hugging her father.

"Let me tell you, Hermione, your mother and I didn't just give in right away," her father said with a chuckle.

"But now, we can be together as a family this summer!" piped her mother making Hermione freeze in her dad's embrace.

She scanned the room, receiving worried glances from everyone except her parents. As if reading her mind, they nodded, indirectly insisting that she tell her parents straight away.

"Actually, mum, tonight Harry, Ron, and I are…leaving…to finish Dumbledore's mission." Hermione shut her eyes afterwards, avoiding any of the several looks that her parents gave off. A soft, 'oh' escaped her mother's mouth making tears immerse from her closed lids.

"J-just you three? No one else?" Hermione's mum quivered in fear.

"Actually, Mrs. Granger, the Order of Phoenix will keep a close watch on them," Tonks assured rather quickly.

"Mum, we're doing this for Dumbledore and…" she paused briefly, "… for Harry and his safety." Her mother and father nodded blankly making Hermione's stomach twist into a dozen knots.

The clock downstairs chimed an exceptionally loud and eerie sound, announcing it was midnight, and breaking the strong silence in Harry and Ron's room. Harry performed the shrinking spell on his trunk to make it easily accessible at any time. He reached into his pocket and firmly grasped the locket he had found that night with Dumbledore. This was it; this was the beginning of a new life. He looked across the room to see Ron staring aimlessly at the floor. Would they be able to laugh about the stupidest of things anymore? No, Harry reasoned, this new life did not call for laughter.

"Harry," Ron said apathetically while keeping his eyes on the ground.

"Yeah, mate?" Harry replied making Ron look up with a concerned expression,

"I know you still care for my sister." Harry didn't say a word allowing Ron to continue, "I think it would be better if you told her your feelings. We really don't ruddy know what to…expect on this mission." Harry pondered Ron's words for a bit, maybe I should tell her…or maybe not. With that, he merely shrugged at Ron and headed for the door.

He entered the living room—dreading each and every step—to see Ron already there with Hermione and her parents by his side. Harry rolled his eyes as he had completely disregarded his ability to Apparate. He exchanged determined glances with Ron and Hermione, but as he walked towards them, something came over him. Looking all around the room, Harry did not see Ginny; he gave a "one-minute" signal with his finger at Hermione and Ron, and with a quick CRACK, he apparated himself outside Ginny's door and rapped against it with his knuckles.

"C-come in," he heard Ginny say in the weakest voice.

Harry stormed in, plunked himself on the bed next to Ginny, and kissed her…hard. They broke apart, Ginny appearing utterly confused. She opened her mouth to talk, but Harry placed his finger on top.

"Ginny, I can't leave knowing that I didn't tell you…I…l-love you…because I do, and I'm the world's biggest prat for leaving you then and now. But I have to go, and I want to leave understanding that you and I are…good. Are we good?"

Tears welled up in Ginny's eyes scaring Harry for a bit, but then she smiled and nodded zealously.

"We are good, Harry." She kissed him once more before adding, "take care of yourself…and Hermione…and Ron."

Harry grinned foolishly, "I will, Gin." He got up to leave but continued to stare at her goofily; she grabbed his arm and whispered,

"Good luck…and…I love you too, Harry."

After a few more farewells and many tears from Mrs. Granger and Mrs. Weasley, Harry, Ron, and Hermione apparated to Godric's Hollow starting a brand new journey. The trio stood in a line in front of the Potter's house, which did not appear to have previously been a murder scene. Harry gulped loudly compelling Hermione (who was in the middle) to grab the hands of the two most important people in her life. They continued gaping at the house, each too anxious to make the first step.

I was going to include them actually entering the house this chapter, but I figured I'd save it for the next chapter :-). Please tell me what you think. I love input!

fernie