DISCLAIMER: I don't any of these characters - JK Rolwing and the Movie & Book people do.

CHAPTER ONE: The End Of An Era?

"You two go on up and get your things" said Mrs Weasley who was ready to take them home after Dumbledore's funeral. Knowing that this may be their final time at Hogwarts she gently added "Take all the time you need dears, I'll wait here for Harry".

After discussing the plan for the next few days, perhaps the next few years, Harry had left Ron and Hermione and walked around the lake, deep in contemplation. Ginny, not wanting to show how upset she was over Harry's decision had long disappeared to the common room.

Ron and Hermione slowly made their way across the grounds up to the castle. They were walking close to each other, their arms brushing together as they walked. Ron took Hermione's hand and intertwined his fingers through hers, being the most natural thing he could think of to do. Hermione squeezed his hand as they entered the entrance hall and made their way to the Gryffindor Common Room.

The Fat Lady just nodded and opened the portrait hole, too consumed in her own grief to ask for the password. They looked at each other and nodded, each heading to their dorms. It didn't take long for Hermione to pack and she was down in the common room waiting for Ron before long.

Ron came down and saw here sitting in the armchair by the fire, the place that had been the trios since first year and Ron couldn't stop himself thinking about all the time they had spent there, all the fights they had had about SPEW, Krum, Harry, Homework… mainly homework he thought to himself and smiled. Looking at Hermione he felt a stirring in his stomach and went and sat next to the girl he had secretly loved since third year.

"You ready Mione?" "As ready as I'll ever be". She made to stand up but Ron grabbed her and said "wait…", "What is it Ron?" "I… um… I mean after everything that's happened, and with what might happen…" "I know…" "I mean I just wanted you to know that I never fancied Lavender." "What?" Asked Hermione, slightly puzzled. "I never fancied Lavender, I only went out with her because I was angry about you snogging Krum, I wanted to get back at you and make you jealous." "It worked" Hermione replied softly. "I'm sorry," he said as he got her stuff ready to leave "and just so you know, the whole time I was wishing I was with you instead of her." She smiled and hugged him suddenly, tightly, not wanting to ever let go. "Are you to ready yet? Mum's waiting" Ginny said, leaving as suddenly as she arrived, too distant to observe what was perhaps the start of her brother and her friends long awaited romance.

A/N This is my first attempt at fanfic so would really appreciate some feedback! Read & Review!