A/N: Hey guys! The reviews you all left me for chapter eight were amazing! I am so glad that you liked that chapter (it is definitely one of my favorites!). You all put a huge smile on my face with the nice things that you had to say (BTW, you can read my response to them at the end of this chapter). I hope that you all could feel the emotion of this chapter, because I was feeling very emotion driven when I was writing it. (If you've ever read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, you know JUST what I am talking about!) So anyways, I tried really hard to convey their feelings and thanks for letting me know that I did a good job!
When Harry Potter awoke from his deep slumber early that morning, he felt that something was amiss. Harry, never one these days to get a full night's sleep, was always the first boy to stagger out of bed in his dormitory room. He sat up clumsily in his soft bed and looked around at the other inhabitants that had the luxury of sleeping as long as they were permitted to. He felt that the room was entirely too quiet. It was so quiet, in fact, that Harry got an eerie feeling in the pit of his stomach.
"Why is it so still in here?" Harry whispered to himself. He felt that if he were to be compelled to shout, the noise would echo across the somber dormitory. Then he realized that the typical rhythmic snores of Ron were absent from the lull room. Harry groggily turned his head towards Ron's bed and saw the mass of bed hangings crumpled up on the bed's surface.
Harry was now in a slight panic. Ron was a very sound sleeper. Perhaps the bed hangings had fallen on him in the night and he did not awake. Perhaps that was why he was not snoring, because he was having a difficult time breathing...or not breathing at all. With Ron's luck, Harry honestly didn't weigh that possibility out.
With a new wave of trepidation, Harry jumped onto the cold floor and galumphed over to Ron's silent bed.
"Ron," Harry whispered. When he received nothing in reply, the slight panic escalated. He laggardly reached out his hand to shake him. Centimeters before Harry's hand reached the bed's hangings he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Massive amounts of relief washed over Harry when he felt no amount of mass under them; Ron was not in bed.
Where the hell is he? Harry wondered. It was very unlike Ron to be awake before anyone else in the dormitory. Actually, Ron was most always the last one to stagger sleepily out of bed. He would have just enough time in the morning to get dressed and take care of the hygiene issues, and then swore all the way down to breakfast about how "damn tired" he was.
Harry wasn't sure where to start, but he decided that the common room would be a good place to begin on in his quest to find Ron. Even though Ron had not suffocated under the bed hangings, Harry was still trifled over his whereabouts. Ron had just experienced a trying, emotion filled night, and Harry wasn't sure what sort of actions Ron might take, given the state he had been in the previous evening.
As Harry made his way down to the common room, he realized that Ron had proven his speculations wrong…he was asleep, and Harry's jaw dropped when he saw the whole picture before him. Ron's back was planted along the arm of the couch with his head resting snugly upon its back. The fact that Ron was asleep in this position was not what caused Harry to almost tumble, face first, down the last remaining steps. What astonished Harry, beyond all belief, was that Ron was not alone. Hermione Granger was snuggled right up next to him. Her head was resting tenderly in the crook of his neck, with her soft eyelashes grazing his exposed neck. One of Ron's hands was resting gently on the small of her back, and the other was intertwined with one of her hands. They were both breathing very deeply- a sure sign that they were both asleep. Harry wasn't sure about Hermione's sleeping habits, but he had certainly learned a thing or two about Ron's, sharing a room with him for the past six years. Since there were no loud, vibrating snores reverberating through the room, Harry reckoned that Ron had not been asleep for too terribly long.
Harry was just about to awake them when Hermione let out a peaceful sigh and threw her free arm over Ron's chest. Harry then saw a small smile stretch across her fair face, making her look utterly content in his arms. As much as this rummy behavior made Harry uncomfortable, he couldn't help but smile at the serenity that his two best friends seemed to have found in one another. He continued to gaze upon their sleeping forms for a while longer, not wishing to let go of one of the most peaceful sights that he had ever beheld. Then, he was suddenly overcome with a slight tinge of guilt. Harry felt as though he were eavesdropping on a moment that he was not intended to witness.
He aversely turned to head back up the stairs to get ready for another day of lessons, but a thought made him resolve otherwise; he decided that Ron and Hermione needed to be woken. Harry was sure that if they did not want him to witness their present position, there was no way that they would wish for anyone else in the tower to see them like this, either.
"Err…hey," Harry whispered. Hermione stirred, but Ron remained asleep; he was a hard one to wake.
"You guys," Harry said a little louder, this time reaching out and gently shoving Ron's shoulder. At this second attempt, Hermione's eyes fluttered open. She was very befuddled as she looked at Harry. She seemed to be uncertain of where she was or why Harry was looking over her, about five inches away from her face.
"Harry?" she questioned, through her squinted eyes. "What's the matter?" As she started to push herself up with her right elbow, the dawn of realization plastered itself all over her previously confused face. She cringed and then closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she slowly turned around, eyes lying upon Ron's sleeping figure. She tried to jump up all too quickly and tripped, falling right on top of Ron's chest. Harry's mild attempt to wake Ron had failed, but the full force of Hermione's weight landing right on top of him did the trick perfectly.
Hermione planted her feet firmly on the ground, this time succeeding in standing.
"Harry! Err…We were just…ah…err…We were just…" Hermione trailed off, her face turning crimson. She looked futilely around the empty room, in a plea for help, but avoiding Harry and Ron's eyes at all possible cost.
"Sleeping," Ron finished for her, in more of a grunt than a statement, as he rubbed his newly sore chest. Then he slowly pushed himself up into sitting position and looked at Harry. His eyes slowly fell upon Hermione's anxious stature. Harry knew that Ron was now awake enough to comprehend that Hermione and himself had fallen asleep together in each others arms. If the possibility were remotely possible, Ron's face turned a deeper shade of red than Hermione's.
Harry smiled mischievously and quirked an eyebrow at them. "Looks like you two made up," he said matter-of-factly. Then he leaned his head to Ron's direction and said, "sleep well, did you, Ron?"
"Well…err…yes, Harry we did, in a manner of speaking," Hermione said nervously, her eyes darting quickly to Ron. Then she reverted them back to her preferred gaze at the moment, which was an odd shaped ink stain on the rug.
"Bloody hell," Ron muttered and ran his fingers through his already disheveled hair. He then glanced at Hermione and to his astonishment her eyes had fallen once again to him. This time she did not look away. Not breaking the contact that he possessed over Hermione, he answered, "Yeah, we did."
Now it was Harry's turn to develop a deep filtered red face.
"Oh," he said, quite startled by this unusual form of bluntness. "That's cracking, Ron."
The three of them continued to look at each other in constrained silence for longer than was desired. Finally, Hermione spoke up and said, "Well…err…I believe I will queue up for the lavatory. Need to get ready for lessons, you know!" As she turned to go, Harry couldn't see Hermione's face, but he could have sworn that she purposefully brushed her hand along Ron's shoulder. When she did this, again, Harry couldn't be sure, but he thought there was a smile curling on the edge of Ron's mouth.
After Hermione had disappeared upstairs, Harry gave Ron a penetrating look. "Don't even say it Harry," Ron said curtly, but had a smile on his face, nonetheless.
"Say what?" Harry asked a little too innocently.
"Get off it Harry."
Harry continued to gaze at Ron, willing himself to speak what was on his mind the second he saw them wrapped in each other's embrace. He knew the thought that had ruefully invaded his mind couldn't possibly be further away from the truth. However, his mind would not rest until Ron confirmed his thought wrong- or worse, right.
"So…err," Harry said with the jesting tone completely absent from his voice, "What did go on down here?"
Ron shrugged his shoulders and said, "Nothing, mate."
"So, ah, nothing went on down here last night?" Harry asked very slowly.
Ron's face managed to surpass it's deep shade of red and turned puce when he finally grasped the concept of what Harry was trying to imply, "BLOODY, SODDING, EFFING, HELL HARRY!" Ron blared. "What to you take me for? What do you take HER for? We wouldn't…blimey!"
Harry gawped at Ron in utter disbelief. "Ron," Harry retorted exasperatedly, "I didn't mean that, you duffer. I simply meant…" Harry left the sentence hanging in the air. Once again, he had to remind himself that Ron Weasley did not take anything with a grain of a salt. He either blew everything out of proportion, or didn't comprehend in the slightest, the meaning that was trying to be conveyed. Somehow, with his pervious outburst he had phenomenally succeeded in both of feats.
"I simply meant," he tried again, "did you tell Hermione how you feel about her?" he finished.
Ron squinted his eyes at Harry and said, "Oh. Erm…no. He then let out a considerable sigh of relief and slumped back on the sofa. "I was beginning to think you were ruddy mad! I thought you meant-"
"I know what you thought I meant," Harry interrupted. "Honestly Ron!" Harry was then quiet, but nevertheless, giving Ron a look with his eyes that clearly said 'WHAT HAPPENED!'
"I apologized to her and...err...she accepted my apology."
"That's all? That's all you had to do? Apologize, and she accepted?" Harry asked shortly.
"Err...yeah, that about says it," Ron scoffed. He really didn't want to elaborate on what words were exchanged between Hermione and himself. To be honest, he really couldn't recollect much of their verbal exchange. For some unseen reason, unbeknownst to Ron, he had managed to say the right words to allow himself to permission back into Hermione's good graces. That was all that mattered.
"Blimey Ron! There must be something special about you that only Hermione can see. Had you called any other girl in the school that, you'd be hexed nine ways to Sunday."
"Thanks a lot, mate," Ron answered irritably. Although he didn't much savor Harry's words, he knew he was right. There was something special about Hermione, and Ron only hoped this realization did not come too late.
True to habit, Ron and Harry were waiting for Hermione to amble down the stairs so they could make their way to breakfast together. If truth be told, Ron was more than willing to go on without her. It wasn't that he didn't want to be around her- quite the contrary, just being in the presence of Hermione Granger seemed to add warmth to his soul. He smiled as he remembered how smooth she felt in his arms as they drifted off to sleep together.
"You're nervous to see her, aren't you?" Harry inquired from his position by the large mahogany desk in the corner of the common room.
"No," Ron lied, shortly.
He was, in fact, very anxious to see her. Ron was finally coming to terms that he absolutely adored everything about Hermione. He relished how she tapped her quill on her unfinished parchment when she was in deep concentration. He loved the way her hair became uncontrollably frizzy in the damp weather. He even liked her consistent pestering when it came to his studies. But the one reverence that he absolutely savored about Hermione was the way her fragile form felt, snuggled next to him. The connection that they had shared that night in the common room was one thing that he knew to be right. Here, in a world that had been torn apart by the evil and corruption of You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters, Ron, for the first time since he could remember, felt content with the world. His gratuity was spurred from Hermione's willingness to let him comfort and sooth her in a moment where that was all that was required. His only dread was that Hermione would consider her actions a mistake. Ron was fearful she would explain to him that she allowed herself to become more vulnerable than she wished and that it was not going to happen again.
Ron's thoughts were broken when he felt a gentle brush of soft finger tips upon his forearm. Hermione was standing next to him, her deep pools of brown devouring him. "Are you not hungry this morning? That would be a first," she said with a sweet smile spreading across her pink lips.
"Huh? Oh, when did you come down?"
"Honestly, you can't be that tired. Come on," she said as she gingerly took his right index finger in a loose grip between her own index finger and thumb, holding it for a moment, then letting it fall back to his side, "before you have to go to Potions on an empty stomach."
Ron grimaced at the thought and followed Harry and Hermione out of the portrait hole, rubbing his index finger all the way through. Just as they entered the stone corridor, Harry stopped abruptly.
"Blast it! I forgot my bleeding Potions book." He then glanced nervously at Ron and said, "You two go on ahead. I'll see you in the Great Hall." After his words of exclamation were said, he kipped back to the Fat Lady.
After Harry had disappeared to the other side of the portrait hole, Ron turned his head slightly in the direction of Hermione. He was astonished to see that Hermione was looking at him with a smile ebbing its way across her face.
"You know he really didn't have to go get his Potion's book, don't you?" she asked.
"Yeah, I know. I saw him slip it in his rucksack while we were waiting on you," Ron replied with a faint laugh.
Ron wasn't sure what possessed him to do it, but he took Hermione's hand in his own as they made their way down to breakfast together, as they were always meant to be.
A/N: Hey, me again! I just wanted to let you guys know that there are only two more chapters after this one that I have pre-written. I am however, busy working on chapter twelve right now. Usually, it takes me five days to a week to finish a chapter, so the updates won't be too spread out. I just wanted to prepare you and let you know that I won't be updating everyday now. On a side note: Reviews will motivate author to write!
warrior of tortall
2005-05-13
ch 8, signed
aw. well they still need 2 progress a bit further... it gr8! please write more!
Response: Yes they do! I quite agree with you! Don't worry I am writing more right now (well, after I finish up with these reviews, that is:D)
GypsytheCentuar
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
totally rad. im serious. i particularly enjoy all your jkr-esque descriptions. i always like when fanfiction captures the tone of the original books.
Response: Wow! If I could crawl thought the computer screen and give you a huge hug, I would do it! I hardly EVER get any kind of compliment like that (Actually, I have only received one other like that before and I started writing this story in February)! Thank you so much for the amazing review!
Old Sweet Pea
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
Wow, let me just say that your ff kicks major booty. Man this chapter almost made me cry. it was really good, and I enjoyed it very much. I can't wait for more! Please tell me there will be more!
Response: Thank you so much! It almost made you cry...is that a good thing? I hope so! Oh, and there will defiantly be more, no worries there!
RainDateChick
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
DUDE! I am most definitely awaiting chapter nine! please update soon! pretty please with a cherry on top! i really like this fic!
XOXOwinnie
Response: Oh, good! Glad to hear that. I am so glad that you like this fic...sure makes my day!
Renee25
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
Nice, little FLUFF chapter! I love it!
Response: Thank you so much!
swimminggodess21
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
This story is so great.
It's really different from all the others I've read.
Update soon!
I can't wait until Harry nad Ginny find them in the morning.
Response: Thank you soooooo much! Yes, someone is in for a surprise!
Emma-Lynn
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
Very sweet. Am I looking forward to chapter 9? What kind of question it THAT? Of COURSE I'm excitedly waiting for chapter nine! What a silly question! Honestly! lol. This chapter was absolutly adorable and i so can't wait for chapter 9! Update a.s.a.p- but you're good at that!
Emma-Lynn
Response: Thank you so much! Sorry, I know, silly question. I guess I don't have enough confidence in my writing, but reviews like yours helps to boost it! Thank you so much for the review!
Miss Court-A-Doo
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
Aw, such a swet reunion. Loves Ron/Mione sweetness! More, more more!
Response: Thank you so much! More, more, more is coming, coming, coming:D
Lilly-Eleanor
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
HOW CUTE! Graet chapter. They finally found each other! And I already thought Hermione would run away when Ron entered the room.
What do you think about Hary beeing secretly in love with Ginny and finding out about this Ginny-Draco-thing? Just an idea of mine but you said you already have plans for harry. However, go on and update soon!
Response: Thank you so much! Yes, they did find each other, but getting them to admit to each other how they feel...well, that's another issue on its own! Hmmm...yes, I do have plans for Harry and your idea parallels mine, yet it doesn't. I like your idea though! (you'll just have to read to see if your idea is anything like mine :D) Thank you so much for the review!
iluvtheo.c
2005-05-12
ch 8, signed
yet another brilliant chapter. Loving this story so much right now...please update soon!
love
Rachel
x
Response: Hey, thank you so very much! I am updating right now...
Ronandchicken
2005-05-11
ch 8, signed
I always theorized Hogwarts was in Scotland, too.
Well, this chapter blew me away. Within the first four paragraphs. And it just kept improving! I hardly had the attention to notice any typographical errors--just one misplaces quotation mark.
"I already have," she said with a smile." She paused for a moment before adding, "I think I should also ask your forgiveness for-
"No," Ron interrupted.
But that's it.
And yes. I am eagerly awaiting Chapter 9!
Response: Oh, good. I'm glad that there are other people who believe it to be in Scotland too! I am so glad that you liked this chapter. It is by far one of my favorites and I was feeling very descriptive when I wrote it! About the misplaced quotation mark, well...I did that on purpose. I posted this story (and I don't remember on which website, I just remembered that I took it off there...long story) and the mods told me that a quotation mark on the end of a sentence that has been cut off or interrupted is not necessary. However, I PERSONALLY feel like it goes there myself, but I quit putting them there. I dunno, maybe I'll start again. As always, thank you so much for the helpful review!
courtney of sparta
2005-05-11
ch 7, signed
I am extremely impressed with this story. It's really phenomenal. I love stories that are emotional like this, and it's about time Ron and Hermione grew up and had this kind of emotional epiphany. Please update with great speed...like you should post all the chapters you have at once! Once again, really brilliant.
Response: WOW! What an amazing review! Yeah, I kinda wish that Ron and Hermione would be more emotional in the books, but I have to keep reminding myself that they are written for children. So, I guess it's fun to write them the way I WISH they were. Thank you so much for the amazing review!
Celi
2005-05-11
ch 8, signed
This chapter was so sweet, it ended just perfect, and made me smile huge...smile
No, maybe I wouldn't have told Hermione...but I wanted her to, because I wanted to know...big smile
Happy to hear that this wasn't the end, want many more chapters...smile
Hope you'll update soon!
Response: Thank you so much! I am glad that you liked it so much! You compliments boosted my confidence. Don't worry, not in this chapter or the next chapter, but in chapter eleven, you'll know. (at least, I'm SURE you will) AND, Ginny isn't even in that chapter! Thank you so much for the amazing review!