December of 1996

"Ron just tell her."

"Tell her what" he asked blankly staring out of the window. It was sixth year and he was sitting on his bed, in his dormitory, with Harry standing over him, having just come in to find him. Harry scowled; but said nothing and sat down on his own bed, mimicking Ron's actions, he knew he would talk eventually, he just had to wait. Ron had so many thoughts running through his head; he didn't know which to listen to. He was still angry, a part of him still wanted to rip something apart as he simmered from the argument he and Hermione had just had. He couldn't even remember what it was about, but as usual; he was stubborn and just convinced himself it was her fault. He was also angry because he couldn't place a certain feeling he had when he was around her, although he had his suspicions and it scared him.

"Harry" he muttered still looking out of the window.

"Yeah"

"How did you know you liked Ginny"?

Harry blinked not expecting that question. For one, even though Ron supported the relationship between Ginny and himself he always maintained he didn't want details, for another Harry had convinced himself he would be doing a lot of telling Ron about his own feelings yet he seemed to be coming around by himself.

"I've always liked her…just like you have always liked Hermione" Ron opened his mouth to argue.

"No listen to me Ron. You are both doing my head in! Over five years I've put up with it! You both obviously like each other and neither of you are doing anything about it. You both have meaningless flings" he jumped to his feet pacing and counting on his fingers, "Krum, Anthony, Padma, Hannah… more girls than I care to count actually" Ron blushed slightly as Harry looked at him. "Everyone can see you are made for each other, you to know it as well… you just don't want to admit it".

"She doesn't feel the same… she'd say no" he muttered looking at the floor.

"Number one no she wouldn't; she likes you to. And, isn't it worth the risk? I was terrified Ginny would say no as well, but it was the best thing I ever did… you will spend the rest of your life regretting it if you don't… and isn't anything better than doing what your doing now. At least you would know."

"My head tells me it's stupid though. We do nothing but argue" he said getting to his feet.

"Me and Ginny argue as well" Harry shot back. "It's stupid normally, but it adds chemistry, helps the sparks fly… and well the making up after…"

"What did I say about no details" interrupted Ron although he was grinning.

"Ok, ok" said Harry, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Seriously Ron go and talk to her… or I wont be held responsible when I loc the two of you up in a broom closet". Ron grinned at his best friend and slapped him on the back.

"Thanks mate… since when did you become the girl expert?"

Harry shrugged. "Must be in the genes" he grinned.

Ron headed towards the door, slowly dragging his feet, his heart racing at fifty miles an hour…this was scarier than the other girls… this was Hermione… he didn't know why it was so much harder. Shouldn't it be easy with them being so close?

"Ron" said Harry catching him up at the door

"Yeah"

"Just thought I'll give you a warning" he said lightly. "When I started dating Ginny, you told me you were pleased but if I ever hurt her you would kill me" Ron nodded, remembering the conversation well, it had happened in the summer, about a week before his dad's birthday, Harry had said he had started having feeling for Ginny and he wanted to ask her out but wanted to make sure he was alright with it. It just told Ron all he needed to know. "Well I want to warn the same thing. Hermione is a sister to me, you're my brother, you know that, but if you hurt her I'll have to return the favour". He grinned at his best friend.

Ron nodded, and let Harry take over on the stairs down to the common room. As they entered he felt numerous girls' eyes on them. They both had become very popular on return to Hogwarts having become very good looking and their reputation for qudditch and their slightly known escapades making them starred at and giggled at, all over the school by girls. Both even had a fan club, which Remus found hilarious telling them that James and Sirius had been in the same position. Harry just rolled his eyes and Ron's ears turned red as they past a group of giggling fourth years. Harry made his way over to a glaring Ginny who was sitting with Hermione by the fire place and kissed her head chuckling slightly. Ginny was quite possessive, but Harry didn't seem to mind. Hermione always seemed agitated by his fan club, and he never knew why, but now, after talking to Harry he felt hope. Harry had been training hard all summer, Ginny was the only one he had confided in. he worked out and practiced spells all summer, returning with a muscular six foot body and more handsome face, but with the same messy hair and eyes that she loved. Ron had grown to his inherited Weasley height, tall and lanky, but had board shoulders. He and Harry were ogled at and stalked by girls of all ages from all houses, and Ginny wanted to curse every one of them, only Harry restrained her. Ginny stood and look over at the group of girls, her cheeks flaming on her ivory skin.

"Ginny breathe" said Ron managing a chuckle, despite his mood. Hermione was sitting in the opposite arm chair, determined not to look at him. Ginny pulled out her wand and aimed in at Kerry Jenkins, one of the fourth year's part of the group; but she was a bit more full on at trying to get Harry to notice her, and had pinched his bum as he walked past. Ron was quite impressed; Kerry was hot, no other way to describe her, but Harry was completely not bothered.

"Ginny" he warned and lowered her arm.

"Harry do you think I am going to take that… from that little slag!" she yelled, and the whole common room went silent as they watched the scene play out. Harry shrugged his shoulder, to use to the attention by now to care. He pulled Ginny closer to him and lifted her chin with his fore-finger, bringing down his lips to hers and gently kissing her. Ginny wound her arms around his neck, forcing her fingers up into his hair. Harry sank into a chair, pulling Ginny with him, onto his lap as their kiss intensified. Ron looked away, unable to see his baby sister as any more than that. They broke apart, and he nuzzled her neck.

"There you have marked your territory now" he joked.

Ginny slapped him playfully, but sank comfortably into his lap, looking smugly over at the group of girls who all wore expression as if they had just been slapped. Ginny sat up slightly and gave a little wave before snuggling closer towards him.

"There's my girl" said Harry kissing her head. "It wouldn't do now if you were in detention tomorrow, what would I do without you" he's eyes twinkled. "Besides you know you're the only one for me" Ron had heard Harry say that line practically every day to his sister, but she never got tired of hearing it. She leaned up to capture her lips with his once again. Ron looked at them, happy and content, knowing that's all he wanted. Getting up the nerve and before he changed his mind he quickly said.

"Hermione can I talk to you?"

She looked up frowning slightly.

"Outside?" he asked standing up.

She sighed. "Its past curfew Ron"

"Please, it's important… if anyone comes past blame me". Hermione sighed but stood up and lead the way out of the portrait hole. The portrait swung closed behind them.

"What are you to doing?" asked the fat lady curiously. Ron already feeling nervous knew it didn't want an audience; even it was just a picture and took Hermione's hand leading her down the corridor a little way.

"Where are we going" she whispered. She didn't sound annoyed just stunned. Ron was feeling that way himself, his hand seemed to be tingling with her touch. He stopped and released her hand reluctantly, however this seemed to annoy her. She tapped her foot impatiently on the hard stone.

"Hermione I … ermmmm… I"

"Spit it out Ron"

"I think… I think I love you" he finally spluttered out, his ears felt hot.

The silence whistled down the corridor, and Hermione for once seemed at a loss for anything to say. Her eyes started to glisten, he felt stricken.

"Hermione I didn't want to make you upset… please stop crying"

"Ron you dolt!" she said laughing and crying at the same time. "I'm crying because you have finally realised what I have known for three years" it was Ron's turn for his eyes to water, he quickly brushed the tears away and pulled Hermione into his chest.

"So where do we go from here" he whispered into her hair.

"Well that depends" she replied looking up into his eyes.

"On what" he asked.

"On when you get up the nerve to ask me out" she said sounding slightly put out.

"Hermione" he said still holding her and looking straight into her eyes. "Will you go out with me?"

Hermione smiled. That beautiful smile that captivated Ron. She stood on top toe and kissed him, driving passion into his soul. And Ron felt exactly what Harry said… the sparks fly.

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March 2000

Ron's eyes fluttered open and he groaned closing them again. His head felt like something heavy had landed on him, and his back felt twisted and out of shape. He was lying on the littered floor of his flat which he shared with Harry, his head literally pounded and his mouth felt rough and dry as sandpaper. They had lived there since they had gone into auror training.

"Good morning" he heard a cheery voice from above.

Harry had entered the room in his boxers showing his toned muscles which Ron, no matter how hard he tried just couldn't achieve. He looked on jealously as he pulled himself into a chair.

"How bad was I?" he asked dreading the answer.

"Seen you much worse" he replied after an afterthought passing Ron a black coffee.

"I did try to stop you, I need everyone on full alert today" Ron groaned, how could he have forgotten about the raid! "But I realised that your ermm dilemma was more important" he teased grinning.

"I still can't believe you're in charge of me" whispered Ron his head was banging painfully, and he knew what a state he must look.

"Don't change the subject" said Harry still grinning.

"What subject" he asked faking innocence.

"The reason you got drunk at a family party, a baby shower come to that" Harry snorted, trying to hold in his laughter shaking his head.

"I was just helping George celebrate his news" he muttered his ears turning red.

"A new baby has been announced at least once a year for a while now and you haven't got drunk over one yet… I think your mum was a little bit shocked to tell the truth… me and the twins the crying with laughter… you're usually not so… stupid. Fred thinks its Hermione sucking out what little intelligence you do have" said Harry chuckling at the memory. Ron opened his mouth to protest. "His words not mine" Harry defended.

"What did I do" groaned Ron. Harry paused and then seemed to decide it was kinder to tell him.

"Well first of all you blatantly tried to seduce Hermione in front of everyone so she went home… a tad annoyed" began Harry "So you may want to apologise first thing tonight". Ron groaned, is face in his hands, Hermione was barely comfortable with public kissing.

"Then you picked up Pearl and attempt to dance with her" Ron groaned again. Ginny would not take kindly to the teasing of her cat, Harry had bought it her for her birthday before they had started going out.

"So the Ginny tried to curse you"

"What do you mean tried?" he asked hopefully.

"I tried to stop her, I ermm distracted her" Ron was about to retort then realised it was for him. "And the curse went in the wrong direction… I believe your words were "pretty colours" before you jumped in front of it". Ron gulped.

"What did it do" he whispered.

"You may want to look in the mirror" Harry said. Ron's face was a mask of boils. "Most of it has subsided. But Ginny refused to remove it. Your mum got all the children inside "Disgusted" by your behaviour... Your dad was excited because he wanted to try out his new muggle hangover stuff on you". He groaned again this really seemed like an omen for the day. "Don't worry though, Ginny isn't your biggest fan at the moment but she left this". Harry tossed him a vile of purple potion that he probably recognised to well. "Me, Fred and George stayed with you while everyone was in the house. You entertained us well though I must say. You were chasing the gnomes for hours trying to get them to take you to their holes where you could apparently be free" said Harry laughing.

"I'll probably get a howler at some point from mum" he said uncorking the vile and forcing the burning liquid down his throat.

"Yeah, she'll probably send it in a bit you know, catch your headache at its peak before Ginny's remedy takes affect". He joked. Ron didn't laugh. Harry was actually probably right.

"Right" sad Harry becoming business like. "It was over tonight wasn't it?"

Ron looked at the floor "What if she says no?"

"She's going to say yes" Harry replied firmly.

"But what if she…"

"Ron" he interrupted sighing. "You said this over four years ago and she agreed to go out with you didn't she? You two are made for each other… just ask her".

"Easy for you to say" Ron groaned. "I don't see you asking Ginny any time soon."

"As best man it is my duty to reassure you" he joked. "Ron, me and Gin… well its complicated. We have talked about marriage and endlessly about the future and what we want. We both want marriage and children… but you know about the prophecy… I just know if I could do it to her."

"Now your being stupid. Ginny loves you"

"Me and Gin are happy at the moment. We both have our careers, you know I want that promotion, and Ginny hasn't fully qualified as a healer yet. And we are renovating Godric's Hollow. When the time is right I will propose… if the time is right for you… do it now".

Ron knew Harry was right. But wanted to keep off the subject, his stomach felt like it was doing cartwheels.

"I still don't know why you are bothering with that place" he said shaking his head.

"That place is the Potter family mansion; it needs a little work…"

"Oh yes a little work" said Ron sarcastically. His head was already beginning to clear.

"But once it is done it is going to be brilliant" he said smiling as though Ron hadn't interrupted. Ron knew there was no point in getting through to him. He was already attached to the place.

"Right" Harry said seriously. "Ill put you on the back lines today… I think you are slightly distracted. Go and get ready"

"See that's why I liked the idea of working for you, best friend and everything, thought you'd give me an easy life but no you're a slave driver" he bantered as he left the room.

Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't do favouritism" he grinned. "But seriously Ron I need you on the front, your really good. One of the best we took on this year."

"Buttering me up will get you everywhere" Harry heard as the water started to run. "You know you would have been the top if the ministry had put you through the whole of the training" Harry had only done the training for one year instead of three.

"Well apparently I was wasted on the programme" he said.

Ron tried to say something through brushing his teeth as Harry went to make sure he could get rid of Ginny's well aimed curse.

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The attack had gone well on the hide away that Harry had been researching for months. They managed to arrest to arrest fourteen death eaters; five had died, but the group had come away with only two with minor injuries. Harry was disappointed by the deaths, he always tried to bring them in, and he believed Moody was right; he didn't want to stoop down to the level of a death eater. The dementors had indeed left Azkaban at the beginning of the war, but the ministry placed aurors there on shifts and rotas, and there hadn't been an escape yet. Moody had also come out of retirement for the war and had made head of the department. When they had got back he was practically flying around the room, and was impressed with Harry, determined to get him his promotion.

Harry and Ron arrived at their flat and collapsed into the couch; Harry closed his eyes, as he felt blood trickle into his left eye, Ron handed him a damp cloth from a bowl of water and Harry bathed his wound, as Ron flexed a sprained wrist, and put ice over his forehead.

"Well I think we should be pleased with that" said Ron happily, "We finally got Macnair after he escaped"

"Yeah it went well" Harry smiled

"More than well mate… did you see Moody practically licking your boots! I will definitely be on time for the next meeting to see him telling the other group leaders how to train their men to match you" he chortled as Harry turned red.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready?" asked Harry.

Ron sat bolt right up and darted for the bathroom. Harry chuckled and stood checking his cut in the mirror. He walked to the fire and threw in a pinch of floor powder and stuck his head in.

"Flat thirty five autumn dales apartments" he said. He felt the uncomfortable feeling of his head travelling without his body and opened his eyes to see the living room of Hermione and Ginny's flat. Ginny's head appeared anxiously and Harry's face broke out into a smile.

"Oh Harry your ok! How's Ron? Oh that cut looks nasty!"

"Gin relax! We are both fine. I've had worse than this and you've seen worse than this. Is Hermione there?"

"Getting ready for tonight. I hope he realises he has a lot to make up for"

"Don't worry he will" he said smirking

"What do you know Mr Potter?"

"Nothing"

"Please I know you better than you know yourself. Nothing means something! Tell me!"

"Well… what do you think is going to happen"?

"Well I'd rather not think about my brother in that position if you don't mind Harry" she said grinning.

He rolled his eyes. "I don't only think of that you know"

She rolled her eyes at this "Whatever"

"No seriously. Think diamond!"

Ginny squealed "At bloody last!"

"Tell me about it. He is so nervous though. I nearly banned him from coming on the raid today"

Hermione's voice called Ginny.

"I've got to go babe. You know I want to come over tonight"

"Don't worry I understand you've got to work. Come round here after work, I'm sure our love birds' would appreciate being left to it"

She giggled and blew him a kiss.

As he pulled back into the lounge Ron walked in wearing a dark grey muggle suit. He was deathly pale, and was fumbling with his tie. Harry took pity on him, and did it for him, then clapped him on the back.

"Ron relax" he sighed. He went to the kitchen and poured a shot of fire whiskey and gave it to him, which he quickly took back.

"Right you got the ring?" he asked. Ron patted his inside pocket, unable to talk.

"I feel like your anxious mother sending her only son off on his first date! Come on Ron get a grip" he scolded, trying to shake him out of it.

"Your right" he muttered taking back another shot. Harry handed him a bunch of red roses he had picked up for him. "Thanks" he mumbled. Then he disapperated to outside the block of flats where he met his sister on her way to work.

"Hello my darling brother" Ron was relieved. No angry voice, not hexes, but after his behaviour the previous night that meant only one thing.

"Harry told you didn't he"

"Only like half an hour ago" she said her eyes sparkling.

Ron sighed in relief. There was no chance of Hermione knowing then.

"Good luck" she winked laying her hand on his arm. "Don't worry either… and no muttering on your date" she added as she carried on her way.

Ron took a deep breathe and entered the flat.

"Hermione" he called "I'm here. Ginny let me in"

"I'll be right there!" he heard her shout back.

Ron sat on a chair, tapping his foot nervously. When he felt her presence behind him. He stood and turned to see her and felt himself gape, even after all this time she still had this affect on him. Ever since sixth year she had found a magical spell which she performed everyday to make her hair silky smooth. Tonight she had curled it into loose ringlets ands pinned it back from her face. Her dress was a deep purple, ankle length dress, backless and clung to her curves.

"You look gorgeous" he told her bending down to kiss her. All his fear melting away. "Am I forgiven?" he asked handing her the flowers. Hermione at five foot seven and tall herself always felt safe next to him. He took them smiling.

"Well I suppose, considering you haven't done anything remotely like that before… and as long as you make up to me tonight" she added.

"That can be arranged" he flirted. She quickly put the roses in water and they both disapperated to the alley next to the restaurant. They entered and sat down, both relaxed and content.

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By the time the coffee had arrived, Ron knew his time was running out, but every time he tired to do it, he felt himself freeze up. At around 10.30 Hermione went to the bathroom and Ron quickly found a pay phone. Harry had wanted one in the flat, he was use to muggle technology he loved e television and games console, and Ron was suddenly grateful for the lessons in the equipment.

"Hello"

"Harry it's me"

"Ron what the hell are you doing ringing me? Shouldn't you be round Hermione's getting it on by now?"

"Harry this is serious I couldn't do it"

"You couldn't "it" or couldn't ask her?"

"Harry!"

"Ok calm down! Do you know why?"

"I just kept freezing"

"Ok calm down I have an idea why… right ok this is what you need to do. That restaurant is round the corner from London Eye"

"Is that that big muggle wheel thing?"

"Yeah ok take her on that. They do fireworks and stuff at night, Ginny loved it… trust me ok take her on it then come back here. Me and Ginny will go to theirs"

"Ok… I trust you"

"So you should"

"Cheers mate"

"Not a problem"

He hung up and quickly made his way back to the table where Hermione was back and nibbling an after dinner mint.

"Ready to go he asked?"

"Home?" she asked

"Not quite I have another surprise" Hermione looked surprised but smiled.

Ron bought the tickets and they were soon in the glass dome. Ron felt strange. He just couldn't trust muggle things.

"Ron this is so sweet I know it's not your thing so thank you" she whispered as he held her tightly as the fireworks sizzled in the inky black sky.

When they got off, Ron was feeling even worse, he still hadn't done it. What else had Harry said? Right take her back to theirs.

"Want to come back to mine"

"Isn't Harry there"?

"Nope his at yours tonight" he said with a grin

"Oh well in that case" she giggled and they disapperated.

Because of the security measures on the flat they had to apparate just outside it. As they opened the door they both gasped. Hermione's tear filled eyes turned to look at Ron who tried to look as though he had seen the beautiful sight before. Hundreds of candles floated and surrounded the room, all lit and giving a golden glow. There was an ice bucket containing a bottle of champagne on the coffee table and a gentle tune playing in the background.

"Ron…I"

Tears started to fall and Ron wiped them away with his finger, knowing that it was time. He led her to the couch and poured her a glass of champagne. Hermione took a sip and looked loving at him. He crossed the room and looked into his room, to see it spotlessly clean and a layout of more candles and the bed covered in red rose petals, with a bowl of strawberries and a bowl of melted chocolate on the side. He crossed to the bathroom where a trail of white rose petals were leading to see a bubbly bath filled, and more candles around the edge, and me champagne.

"I owe you one mate" he mumbled he slight shock. For once not thinking about what Harry may have done with his sister.

"What?" asked Hermione.

"Nothing" he quickly returned and sat next to her absorbing her beauty. He swooped in and brushed his lips against hers. He knew the time had come. It felt right. He felt the velvet box in his pocket and pulled it out. And surprised himself by not feeling nervous. This felt right.

"Hermione" he said getting onto the floor on one knee. He opened the box to reveal a perfect diamond on either side standing proudly was a deep blue sapphire. "You know I can't express myself very well… but I know I can't live my life without you… Hermione Jane Granger… will you marry me?"

"YES!" she yelled flinging her arms around his neck. He took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger, Hermione took one look at it and her eyes began to fill up again.

"You are the sweetest man Ronald Weasley! How could I say no?"

She kissed him tenderly… their love seemed to send sparks flying among the candles and Ron knew they would never stop.