A/N: I'm back. Again, subtle romance: not my greatest thing. 14 reviews? Holy Cow! Thanks to all who reviewed! That's what keeps me going! (blows kisses)

Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter, why would I be writing this?

So sick of it
KiahWMConnie
Chapter 4

"Hermione!" Emily called from the desk, "You were almost late today. What's the deal? Are you sick or something?"

Hermione smiled at the kind, blonde nurse, "It's a really long story, Emily, but trust me, I'm fine now."

Emily had worked with Hermione ever since she'd started training to be a nurse at St. Mungo's. Many people, including Emily, had told Hermione she had the brains and skills to be an Auror. Hermione just couldn't see herself doing that, after all the mess she'd gotten into during the second war. True, Harry and Ron chose that path, but she wanted to help people get better.

When she was a little girl, before she found out she was a witch, she'd always tell her mother she wanted to be a nurse so she could help people. It was no different now. Still, she missed being able to talk with Harry and Ron. Ever since the second war, they began to drift apart.

However, Ron was now living in her apartment. It almost scared Hermione to think about how this would affect both of their lives.

They often spoke about how friends would be there for eachother. Hermione couldn't have been happier to have such a great friend, however, it was almost as if she wanted something more...Why was she feeling this way? The only other time she remembered this feeling was when Ron began his rather public relationship with Lavender Brown. She couldn't figure out why she was so disgruntled then. Actually, one possibility crossed her mind...but she quickly shook all of the thoughts out of her head and returned to work.

Meanwhile, on the other side of London, Ron, for once in his life, completely caught up on his work. He streched his back and leaned back in his chair. He closed his eyes and put his hands behind his head. It was strange: Ron thought he'd be apprehensive about going home each night to an apartment shared with Hermione. However, he felt...comfortable. Actually, he felt more comfortable about going there than he would be about going back to the Burrow. Ron decided he really was ready to move out permanently.

He opened his deep blue eyes and stared thoughtfully at the ceiling. Was all of this really happening?

The events of last night went through his head. It all seemed like a dream. He wondered how his family was doing now. They probably didn't even care that much, he thought bitterly to himself. They were probably fine at this very moment, forgetting all about him. That was, except for maybe Fred. The guy probably had a bruise on his jaw, Ron had hit him so hard. He did feel a little guilty about hitting his own brother, but in a way, he had it coming to him.

Harry, on the other hand. had no where near finished everything on his desk. Training to be an Auror was much more boring than he had thought it would be. Not long after, he heard a soft rapping at his door.

"It's open," he said casually, but he didn't expect what came through the door would be so shocking.

"Harry?" a soft voice said, "Is that you?"

"H-Hermione?" Harry stuttered, "Is that you?"

Hermione practically lept to Harry and wrapped her arms around him in a friendly hug. She quickly let go and told him, "Harry! I missed you so much! You won't believe what all has happened over the past few days!"

"Nice to see you too, Hermione," Harry replied, "I haven't seen you in several months. And yes, I do believe what's happened. Ron told me all about it this morning..."

"Oh, he did?"

"Yes, it's a really nice thing you're doing for him to let him stay with you."

"Yeah, well..." Hermione blushed a little, "Oh! I forgot to ask Ron last night, did you give him my present I sent you to give him?"

"Yes, I remembered," he explained, "Um, he's just down the hall if you need to speak to him."

"Thanks, Harry!" she rushed out, "Nice seeing you again!"

Just as she reached his door, it swung open and the tall redhead began to emerge. He stopped when he spotted Hermione.

"Hermione!" he said, surprised, "What are you doing here? Are you off already?"

"Yes, today was rather slow," she replied, "What about you?"

"I was just finishing up," he said, "I'm actually done with everything for today, so I was getting ready to leave."

They both stood there awkwardly for a moment.

"How does the new shirt feel?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"Um, actually," he tugged at his collar, "It was fine this morning, but now it feels too small. I always seem to have this problem."

"Come on, Ron," she began to walk away, "We're going shopping, today."

"Shopping? For what?"

"Honestly, Ron," Hermione shook her head and laughed, "Have you been living under a rock?"

"No! I just...well..." Ron was quite uncomfortable in the clothing store.

"So, how many do you want to try on at once? We'd better pick at least three or four at first," Hermione decided as she was skimming through the shirts on the rack.

Ron stared dumbly at her, "You can try on clothes in a store?"

"Yes, Ron," Hermione suppressed a laugh, "Have you never done that before?"

"Well...no. All I've ever gotten were hand-me-downs. I've never really had much of anything that was new."

"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized, "But now, we're finally going to get you what you deserve: something new."

"But, Hermione!" he protested, "I already told you! I don't have any money so-"

"I'll let you borrow some until your next paycheck," she said calmly, "And don't worry much about it. These clothes are very inexpensive, anyways."

"You know how I hate to borrow money," Ron protested one more time.

"I know, Ron. And that's exactly why I trust lending you money. Now, what size shirt do you think you wear?"

Ron stared dumbly at her again, "Clothes come in different sizes?"

Hermione sighed. This was going to be harder than she thought. Before long, Ron was inside a changing room for the first time.

"Are you done yet?" Hermione called from the outside, "How hard can it be to put on a pair of jeans and a simple shirt?"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" she heard Ron's voice. He stepped out in dark blue jeans and a plain, long-sleeved, blue shirt.

Hermione stood up and walked closer as Ron figited with the sleeves. She put a hand on her chin thoughtfully and leaned forward with a small "Hmm."

"What?" Ron asked awkwardly.

"This shirt fits you well," she stated, "Does it feel okay?"

"Um, yeah," he raised his shoulders slightly, "It's real comfortable. I think it fits okay."

Hermione smiled, "This shirt matches your eyes. It's definitely a good color on you."

Ron blushed as Hermione rushed him back inside to try on another outfit.

"You let me stay for no rent, you cook me breakfast, and now this. Do you realize how incredibly nice you're being?" Ron asked while they walked into Hermione's apartment.

"Yes, Ron, and for the millionth time, I don't mind. Being nice is a nurse's and a friend's job."

"Okay," he sighed, "I'm just making sure everything's still okay," he went into his room and began hanging his new clothes up. Hermione was right about the price. They were almost a steal. He had gotten five shirts, four pairs of pants, and even a few pairs of socks and underwear for only a few Sickles.

"By the way," Ron called from his room, "Not all nurses are nice! Remember the one from school? Madam...something?" he mentally cursed his forgetful brain.

"Yes," Hermione called back from the living room with a slight giggle, "That's certaintly true. She was almost as strict as Professor McGonnagal," as she finished her observation, she noticed something in the window.

There was an owl patiently waiting with a piece of parchment. Hermione quietly opened the window and the bird flew in. She took the parchment from its leg and opened it. She got a shock when she read it.

Hermione,

I know I haven't spoken to you in a while, but I need to talk to you very soon, very badly. It concerns Ron. I'm very worried about him and I was wondering if you knew anything. Will you meet me outside of St. Mungo's on Friday? It would mean alot to me.

The letter stopped there. There wasn't even a signature. Hermione had no idea who sent the letter, only that they knew both her and Ron.

"Who's that from?" Ron said, suddenly appearing in the living room.

Hermione jolted from her thoughts. She didn't dare tell Ron what the letter was about.

"It's...um...it's from work," she quickly lied, "Just a few announcements is all."

Ron seemed to be satisfied with the answer as he shrugged and went back to his room.

Hermione released the breath she didn't realize she was holding. The owl pecked at her hand until she gave it a Knut and it went on its way. Closing the window, she thought about the letter that was now in her pocket.

Who had written her? They wanted to meet on Friday. Today was Tuesday. Whoever it was, Hermione would be very cautious about what she would say to them, if she said anything at all. Ron was her friend, and she wouldn't dare betray him by giving out information behind his back to someone untrustworthy.

A/N: Another cliffy. Oooo. Yes I'm evul. Just who could this mystery, letter-writing person be? I'd be glad to hear any guesses. They keep life interesting. Hope no one's angry that I made Hermione a nurse instead of an Auror. A nurse just seemed to fit her personality more. Don't ask me why.

The scene where Ron is ignorant about shopping isn't completely original. I remember seeing a comic somewhere online where a boy said alot of the same things, but for the life of me I can't remember where I saw it. headwall If anyone figures it out, tell me and I'll immediately credit.

Also remember there's ficart at my deviantART! There should be a link in my profile.