Internally, I'm screaming.

"You fucking idiot, kiss me!"

Unfortunately, Ron pulls away just as I'm getting comfortable. Oh, god, what is wrong with him! He has a girl, affable and willing, right in front of him. I guess not every romantic venture can be like the romance novels I've started to pick up in my spare time. I suppose I'll just have to teach him, not that that's going to be easy because lord knows I am only going from what I've read.

My blood is running, and I am ready to be passionately kissed, dam it! I glare at him as soon as I open my eyes, but just as I am ready to grab him by the shirtfront and do it all over again, his eyebrows scrunch and he deliberately (I think… well… it's highly likely) takes my hand and my heart with it.

"Does this mean we can be 'a thing' now?"

"Well, of course," I reply. What else did he think this was leading to?

"I've always wanted to be 'a thing,' you know."

"Ronald, I had no idea."

"It is rather embarrassing, I feel a bit girly, of course."

"Of course."

I smile. He is too good, awkward, and utterly boyish all at the same time. That may be the reason why we are so good together. We are so similar in so many ways. I suppose all the bickering was just foreplay. This is what makes a good relationship, in my opinion. If you are going to be sharing, hopefully, intimate evenings and secrets with someone, it might as well be your best friend, right?

…………………………….

She is bloody AMA-zing! I was so worried this was a one-time gig! Thank Merlin! I can't even wait to tell Harry!

Oh, no. I had forgotten about him.

"Hermione?"

"What?" she looks preoccupied.

"Are we going to tell Harry?"

"Oh, no."

"My thoughts exactly."

"If we tell him, he won't be angry, will he?"

"I don't know. I don't think so."

"This puts a damper on things," she frowns beautifully.

"I don't think we should tell him," I say finally.

"Why not? We might as well. He already knows… ahem… that I have a crush on you."

"You have a crush on me?"

"Yeah, sort of."

"Well, that's sweet Hermione. How does Harry know?"

"Never mind that, why shouldn't we tell him?"

"Well, considering how depressed he's been lately about Ginny, it doesn't seem right to, you know, be a 'thing' in front of him. It'd be like bragging, wouldn't it? No, all together, I think it'd be better if we kept on the down-low, if you know what I mean."

"No, what do you mean, Ronald?"

"Race me to the North Tower and I'll show you."

I sprint off in that general direction, praying that she follows. With a good-head start, I look back and see her grinning as she flies to catch up. As we reach the secret entrance to Hogwarts, I stop and turn, catching her soaring body in my arms, hugging her as close as I can possibly get her. At this moment, I am tremendously happy.