30 chapters? It's crazy! I hope you enjoy the unusual fluffy bits here, but please don't hate me for the end! It'll all come together soon enough.
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"Come on mate, if we don't leave now, we're gonna be late." Harry told his friend from the door.
Ron couldn't help himself, he did another once over in the mirror.
The Chosen One groaned, "You look fine, let's go!"
And he did look fine, better than fine actually. The dress robes he had on were new. They were tailored perfectly to him and were a lovely navy blue that brought out his eyes.
However, being Ron Weasley, his insecurities still were shining through. He really hoped he had cleaned up well enough.
"Alright, I'm coming." He sighed, quickly smoothing his hair one more time before bolting to the door, making sure to grab the flowers on his way out.
By the time he actually made it, Harry was halfway down the steps, he had to jog to catch up.
"Oi, slow down, will ya?" Ron teased.
"I just don't want to be late, I have to walk to Ravenclaw tower to get Luna." He commented, "Anyway, you should be worrying more than I should." He said airily.
"Me?" Ron squeaked nervously. What had he done now?
Matching socks? Check.
Shirt tucked in? Check.
Teeth brushed? Check.
Flowers? Check.
Sensing his friend's anxiety, Harry jumped in, "Well, you know how she is. Punctual and all. I reckon you'll get a harder time than I would with Luna."
Ron's eyes flicked to the clock above the stairs, noting he was running on schedule, "lay off Harry." He said, half joking.
When they reached the bottom, Ron suddenly didn't know what to do. "Do we sit?" he asked his friend stupidly.
Harry chuckled at his nerves, he knew what this meant to Ron, "I don't see why not." He shrugged.
Breathing a sigh of relief, the pair of them flopped back onto the couch in silence. Harry drummed his fingers against his thighs, whilst Ron nervously fiddled with a button on his robes.
It wasn't until about ten minutes later something drew the pair from their stupor.
Heels clicking against the stone steps.
At the sound, they jumped up, Ron first. Harry followed too, but stepped back, knowing this was his best mate's moment to shine.
Weasley noticed, only increasing his already erratic nerves.
Don't bugger this up. Don't bugger this up. Don't-
As the figure reached the bottom, he could only manage one coherent word.
"Merlin."
"Hi." Hermione said shyly, hand's smoothing over the skirt of her dress.
Ron was still too enchanted by her to speak.
She was absolutely stunning.
Seeing her come down the girls dormitory steps rivaled when she entered the Great Hall fourth year.
She wore a long gown that was funny enough, the same blue as his dress robes. The top was tighter, the entire thing adorned with little navy flowers sewn into it. The flowers cascade down into a belt of sorts, then trickled off into the tulle skirt that just floated above the floor.
Her hair had obviously been given a light amount of sleakesys, just enough to tame the frizz. It seemed to be in a bun of sorts, but only halfway, a good front of the pieces falling around her face. Some tucked behind her ear.
Her eyelashes looked longer and darker. Her pink lips glistsend under the flickering fire. Her cheeks were tinged pink, but it wasn't from blush. He swore he could smell the perfume he gifted her last Christmas.
And her eyes. Well, if this was the last look he ever saw. He'd die a happy man.
"Hi." Ron manages breathlessly.
At the tone of his voice, the brunette smiles, insticilvey pulling her bottom lip between her teeth, smearing the small amount of lip gloss she put on.
"You look," he couldn't find the words, there didn't seem to be a singular one that could describe it, "beautiful." Angelic. Irresistible. Breathtaking. Lovely. Bewitching. Heavenly. Gorgeous…
Her cheeks darkened, "you look quite nice yourself." Hermione responded sheepishly.
"These are for you." He fumbles with the small bouquet a little before handing them over to her.
She smiled gratefully as she took a small sniff, before looking at him again, "they're lovely." Hermione told him truthfully, "I'll be sure to display them properly on my table upstairs." With that, she flicked her wand, sending the bouquet exactly to that spot.
"Brilliant." He breathed at her wand work, a grin plastered on his face in admiration.
Harry, watching the scene from a small distance, knew this could go on all night. This awkward dance of pauses and daring compliments. But he didn't have all night, he had to get to Ravenclaw tower.
Clearing his throat, the pair jumped, "you look lovely Hermione, but could we please be on our way? I have to get Luna."
A little embarrassed she didn't notice him before, the brunette offered a flustered nod. Harry didn't spare a moment rushing over to the portrait hole.
Just as Hermione went to take the final stair down, she stumbled a bit. Almost instantly, Ron caught her arm.
"Oh, you'll have to excuse me, I'm not used to these shoes." She told him sheepishly as his eyes flicked to the small heels on her feet.
Thinking quickly, he offered his arm to her, "I'll help you." Ron told her.
Both pleased and surprised, she wrapped her arm around his extended one.
"Thank you." The witch said as they traveled across the common room.
"Of course Mione." The red-haired boy answered without a second thought, "I won't let you fall."
After that, they lapsed into a comfortable silence as they followed Harry through the corridors. Not that Ron could speak anyway, he was way too buzzed off the feeling of her being so close.
It wasn't until after Luna's barmy greeting about how the moon was in perfect alignment for tonight did they break the streak.
"Thank you again for coming with me." Hermione said in a low voice, Ron thinks so Harry and Luna wouldn't hear.
It makes him feel warm knowing the words are just for him.
He dares to give her a small squeeze, "Hey, there's where else I'd rather be tonight than here." With you, he adds silently.
"Me too. I can't imagine coming here with anyone else if I'm being honest." She admits shyly, eyes trained on the decorations above.
"Really?" He asks, surprised, looking down at her.
Finally, her brilliant brown eyes meet his. She simply nods in confirmation.
"Wicked." He breathes.
She giggles.
It's the best fucking sound he's evr had the pleasure of hearing.
"I will admit, I'm a bit surprised you agreed. I know Slughorn isn't your favorite." Hermione tells with a small smile.
"Well, I didn't come for Slughorn." Ron states confidently, "besides, if I wanted to get to know the bloke I reckon I'd get a detention or something." He adds teasingly.
She laughs again.
His chest squeezes at the sound.
"Come on!" Harry calls from the doorway.
Ron didn't even realize they had stopped until now.
"Git." he mumbles.
Gently, he places his much larger hand on the small of Hermione's back to lead her into the source of the music and chatter floating through the corridor.
Her eyes snap to his at the action, but he just gives her a lopsided grin, which she returns with her own dazzling smile.
Carefully, he nudges her on and they're soon meant by all sorts of things. Floating trays of foods and beverages. Drapes cascading the room. Lanterns lighting the scene. A mass of even more Christmas decorations. An even larger mass of people, students and staff alike.
"Ah Miss Granger!" Slughorn immediately noticed the new presence in the room.
"Good evening professor." Hermione said, voice heightening a little over the music.
"Ah, Rupert, have some mead my boy!" Ron heard's Slughorn say, though his voice sounded far off. Surely that wasn't what he said.
Shaking away whatever the hell that was, he tuned back in.
"So happy to have you! Whose this young man?" He asked, eyeing Ron funnily, seeming to have noticed his dazed look.
He suppressed a groan. He's had Sluggy for potions all year and there's not exactly a mass of red headed sixth year Gryfindors. You'd think he'd take a little notice.
"This is Ron Weasley," she starters prodult before pausing for a moment, "he's my date."
Never, in his entire life does he think's heard more brilliant words leave someone's mouth.
He can't help but smile so wide you'd think the Cannons won the World Cup.
"Yes sir, that's me," he holds out his hand as the old professor shakes it. Soon, he averts his gaze to the girl next to him, eyes twinkling as he does, "I'm Hermione's date."
Ignorant to the moment, Slughorn releases his hand and smiles, "Lovely! There are some people I'd love for you to meet Miss Granger, I think-" his eyes find the door, "Oh! Excuse me, will you? We can catch up later." He's gone before she can answer.
After Slughorn leaves, he still can't help but stare at her with pure amazement and adortion.
She flushes under his gaze before speaking, "I'm sure you're dying for something to eat, come on." Hermione grabs his hand and leads him to a table.
He never wants to let go.
They soon find themselves at a table with Harry, Luna, and Ginny. Neville comes around and serves food and Ron even takes notice of his manners, as means to impress Hermione.
Having polished off his plate and noticing everyone else has too, the friends fall into comfortable chatter.
However, they're soon interrupted when a fifth year Hufflepuff, who also seems to have gone alone, asks Ginny to dance. It's only after she agrees did Ron notice the couples swaying in the center of the room.
Come on you tosser, just ask her. Ask her dammit! He mentally scolds as he watches Hermione pick at the table cloth.
Just as he opens his mouth to ask, a wispy voice cuts him off, "Oh Harry, I love this song, would you care to dance?" Luna asks softly.
Harry, whose mind seems to have been elsewhere all night, agrees as he extends a hand to the blonde. Despite the notion, Ron still notices his green eyes scanning the room for someone else. Malfoy no doubt.
Speaking of Malfoy, I wonder if Fred and George ever did owl back about-
"I'm happy Harry brought Luna. Much better than someone like Romilda Vane." Hermione noted from next to him.
Romilda Vane? Why did that sound so familiar? Sure, she and Dean went to the Yule Ball, but there was something else he couldn't quiet place.
Ignoring his thoughts he shakes his head, "yeah." he agrees, still working up the courage to ask her to dance.
At his words, she offers a small smile, seemingly sensing his nerves.
At the gesture, he melts. It feels like ages since he's given her that look. He hasn't seen it since before Lavender.
Wait! Lavender? No. He's here with Hermione. He hasn't spoken to Lavender about more than homework, right?
Thinking his flustered nature is causing all these barmy thoughts, Ron jumps to his feet and extends a hand, taking them both by surprise.
"Would you like to dance?" He asked shakily, any confidence soon leaving.
Her brown eyes softened, "I'd love to." Her much smaller hand slipped into his large one as they walked to the dance floor.
Tentatively, he pulls her to him, reveling in her body's warmth. He cups her waist with one large hand, letting his long fingers skim the small of her back as he places his other one in hers. She responds adequately, placing one hand on his shoulder and responding in kind by grabbing his larger hand back.
Ron isn't sure if it's him or her who initiated it, not that he cares, but suddenly they're closer. Her body is flush against his as she places her head on his chest and he drops his own on top of hers. Resting his chin against the smooth brown curls.
They sway like this for a while. Neither one said anything. Just enjoying being so close.
"Come find me." He hears Hermione whimper, breaking the silence.
Instinctively, he jumps back a little, "what did you say?" Those words, they were so familiar.
Hurt washed over her features, "I said, I'm having a nice time, but if-" she began sadly.
"No!" He assured, confidently pulling her back into their former position. "I'm sorry, I thought you- I heard-" He sighed, "I'm having a really nice time too."
At the proclamation she visibly eased in his arms, tension leaving her body as she burrowed closer. Instinctively he wrapped his arm tighter around her, peering mometraily over her head.
For a second he thought he saw a witch donned in black robes with wild curly hair grinning right at them, unmistakably Bellatrix ruddy Lestrange. But when he blinked, she was gone.
Merlin, what the hell was in that Butterbeer?
"Oh look Harry, mistletoe." Luna's voice broke his thoughts.
Quickly, his eyes found hers, needing to see the uncomfortable interaction that would ensure between his best mate and the Ravenclaw. However, upon further observation, the sprig wasn't above them. Not at all.
It was above him and Hermione.
"My father says if you ignore the tradition of mistletoe then your crop of dirigible plums will be spoiled by spring." The blonde told the pair.
"We can't have that." Harry commented with a shit eating grin.
"No I suppose we can't…" He was shocked when he realized it was Hermione who had agreed.
Apparently his look of surprise was evident on his face as she soon looked away, "but we don't have to, it's just some silly tradition. It's not like-" she began to justify, embarrassed.
"Hermione, there is nothing I'd like more than anything to fulfill this tradition with you." He promised softly.
She blinked, "Really?"
He nodded, "like you said, we can't be ruining the plums before winter."
"No I suppose-"
Whatever she was about to say was cut off as a pair of smooth lips found themselves over hers. Though taken off guard, she soon eases into it, responding with just enough passion.
"Mm." He moans softly against her.
At this she pulls away for air, pupils blown, lips swollen.
When he opens his eyes to take her in, he soon realizes they're no longer at Slughorn's Christmas Party.
Instead, his hand is clamped over her mouth as she trembles in fear under the old oak tree at the Burrow.
Living this night many times, he refuses to let it take over, not again. Not this time.
Blinking again, he's grateful to have some sort of control as he finds himself back where he needs to be. Her in her navy blue dress. Him in his robes. Under the mistletoe.
Perfect.
Knowing he couldn't have much longer, he practically whimpers her name before diving in for another kiss, "Mione." He grumbles.
When she catches her breath a second time he can't help but speak again, "It's just you and me."
No Bellatrix. No Greyback. No Death Eaters.
"You and me." She confirms breathless, before leaning in for the third time.
He can only utter one thing before his world goes dark again, "Ermyknee."
…
"He'll be alright?" Harry asked for the umpteenth time since being allowed in, making Madame Pomfrey sigh in annoyance.
"He'll be fine. He needs his rest." She fussed over his blankets before turning to face the dark haired boy, "did he hit his knee when he fell?"
Potter thought about it, Ron fell on his bum.
"No, why?" He said after a moment.
"He keeps groaning about his knee." She shrugs, "I"ll mix a pain potion just in case. I'll be right back." Madame Pomfrey says before rushing away.
As she goes, Harry takes a moment to observe Ron. He looks so serene, so calm. It's the first time in months.
His face is usually screwed up as he yells in agony for them to take him instead of her. Night after night Ron begs to be killed so they won't touch her.
The weight of the fact he easily could've lost him becomes overbearing, too much. That along with losing Hermione, Harry thinks he'd just crumble.
He feels a tear on his cheek before he knows it, as he moves his hand to wipe it away.
He quickly removes it from his face when he hears a groan from the bed next to him.
"Mm," Ron grumbles, head swaying a bit.
"Mione." It's barely audible, but Harry knows what he's saying.
"Ermyknee." He groans again sleepily.
He can't help the small smile that grazes his lips at Ron's words, it must be a pleasant dream.
And for whatever reason, at this very moment, Harry knows Ron really does love Hermione.
However, he can't revel in it for long, because soon enough, Neville comes barreling into the Hospital Wing, parchment clutched in his hand.
The door benags loudly againstg the wall, causing Ron to stir slightly.
"Neville! Keep it-" He doesn't finish, Neville cuts him off.
"They're dead."
Do you guys hate me yet? I'm so sorry! I hope that Ron's dream has managed to tie a few of you over with some fluff from these two! Hopefully it'll make you less upset about the cliffhanger…
Until then, here's a preview for next time (4,000+ words!):
"I wanna know how. And I wanna know who." He said with a fire in his eyes.
The other boy could sense as much and made a move to ease him. The last thing anyone needed was a raging Harry and a raging Ron. "There's something else." Neville whispered.
At his words, Harry instantly softened, sensing the seriousness in his tone.
He braced himself for what was to come next.
"It wasn't really Hediwg that woke me up." At this Harry's eyes squinted in confusion as Neville sighed, "Fred and Geroge's owl, it was the one pecking at the window."
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