"So Hermione what's up with Pig this morning?"

"It got you out of bed didn't it?"

"I guess your right but why did you want to see me and was it really necessary to send Pig?"

" Well one reason was to give you your Christmas present, two was to ask you a question, and thirdly to see you." She blushed slightly as she finished speaking.

"Okay…" Ron stumbled. "So shoot what's on your mind?" Slowly Ron moved to the couch and sat there looking at her. Even when she's a mess she is the most beautiful person I have ever seen.

"Well first off here is your Christmas present." She handed him a book. Slowly he read the title, 101 things Canon fans don't know but should.

"Thank you," Ron said sincerely, as he thumbed through the pages. He couldn't wait to read this book.

"Secondly Ron, why do you want to go to this ball with me? You haven't even touched me since that night we snogged each other."

Ron turned a brilliant red as soon as the words escaped her lips, had she just asked what he thought she ahad. "Well about that Hermione…"

He was interrupted when Hermione pressed on "Ron I know that, we... well that wasn't suppose to happen but it did and I'm asking because I need to know why you want to go to the ball with me."

"Fine Hermione" Ron was yelling he had lost all patience he had which was a common thing when it came to Hermione. But then again it was a short drive for him, she was just always driving him nuts. "I asked you because I like you and every time I see you with another bloke I get green with envy. Satisfied?" With that he stomped back up to his dormitory were he knew he was only safe until she was ready to talk, or until she realized what he had said. In not the same words or so many he had said, "I love you." But it was now up to her to interpret his words however she wanted.

He sat down on his bed looking from the book Hermione had given him to the rest of the presents were they lay still untouched. Slowly he opened the books cover thumbing the hard cover. Sighing deeply debating with himself wiether of not Hermione had infact interpreted his meaning, just then he realized there was a note tucked on the inside cover. He unfolded the page not knowing or even thinking what it could be.

Ron,

I feel I need to explain a few things before I go any further I know I am to strong willed sometimes. That has a tendency of not only getting me into trouble but others also. I speak my mind, which is not always a good thing. You know how I can get; you've had to deal with it for seven years now. It has been the reason for most of our rows. Those rows brought so much sadness and depression and anger between us. Speaking my mind is one of my worst weaknesses but it has a tendency of hurting others as well. Many times its you.

I feel last night was one of these moments; I spoke for both of us when it really wasn't my place to do so. I am deeply sorry if I got you into something that you didn't want to be involved in. Please forgive me.

Now about the book, during our last Hogsmead trip I saw this and it suddenly shouted your name. You know "Ron needs me buy me I'm perfect for him. Ron is who needs me." (I hate when they enchanted the signs to know your thoughts before you do. Don't you?) Anyways I hope you enjoy it and that you find in useful and fun.

Fact number 54 is pretty cool. I mean did you honestly know that the Canons original team couldn't win a single game until their keeper got a bludger to the face that knocked him out for two hours. When he became conscious he was unstoppable. Pretty cool huh?

Well anyways I hope that you enjoy it and I am very excited about the Christmas ball tonight so I will see you then.

Love,

Hermione

Ron read the words over and over again. Every time finding something new, a new meaning, a new word but each time hoping beyond hope that those last words meant the same. "Love Hermione" well how could he not love her but was it possible that she felt the same.

Just then a gentle knock came at the door. As he opened it he saw a shy looking Hermione "look Ron I'm sorry, I am exasperating I know I just wanted to know. Like I said I speak my mind and I really am sorry."

She was unable to finish when Ron leaned forward and kissed her. It was soft, gentle and quick but full of meaning nonetheless. She loved him and he loved her. Tonight was going to be wonderful because they would be together with no hidden secrets. With that Hermione turned and left leaving Ron totally staggered. Why does she do that to me? Every time.

It was hours later that Ron was finally getting ready for the ball, slowly he slipped into his new dress clothes that Fred and George had so generously given him. Ron still didn't understand the nature of the gift but they had insisted on him having them none the less. All day he had been thinking about that kiss. What had they both meant by it? He knew what he had meant but what about her? For she had in fact kissed him back.

As much as he knew he shouldn't he couldn't help but compare it to Lavender. Hermione won that contest by a long shot. Lavender just snogged for the heck of it Hermione was full of fire and passion. Why had he ever been so daft as to think that he could get Hermione through jealousy? That was the only reason he had gone with Lavender, he had thought that Hermione would come running to him after awhile. Boy was he wrong. Okay so he was also trying to pay her back for the whole Mr. Krummy pants ordiel.

Just then he looked in the mirror. Bloody hell I look good. If I look this good I can't imagine what she looks like She is getting ready for ME! Ron jumped with excitement,he looked at the clock, and he had three minutes. Three minutes no he wanted to be early he wanted to she her come down the stairs leading to the girls' dormitory for Ginny and Hermione were getting ready together. Was that a girl thing? Ron took one last look and ran down the stairs, in hope that he wasn't to late.

Much to Ron's delight when he got there she wasn't down yet. Yes! He started to pace what was he going to do, or say when he saw her. Just then he saw a lavender hemline descending the stairs could it be, yes it could. No it was Ron's kid sister Ginny. Wow she looked good, for his kid sister of course. Had it really only been last year that Ginny had truly been happy with the one person she truly loved, Harry? She smiled at Ron "she's on her way down." Ron knew all to well how Ginny yearned for Harry once again.

"Thanks sis, you look good." Suddenly a look appeared on Ginny's face a look that only appeared when she was thinking of Harry.

"Not to shabby yourself. Knock her dead." Winking Ginny left Ron wondering what he had gotten himself into. With that Ron's insides suddenly turned to knots what would he say? How would she look? Suddenly a dark red hemline started descending the stairs. Could this be her? Hermione appeared before him wearing a spaggetti strap wine red dress that only inhanced her figure.

"You look so…" for some reason he couldn't say beautiful no matter how hard he tried, "like a berry" he finally finished. Hermione sneered at Ron. Yet Ron had no idea why, was it something he said? Had he said it wrong, he had only said one thing so far and it was already wrong? Tonight was going to be a disaster. Maybe he should end it now before he got in over his head. No he would never forgive himself.

Slowly they descended the stairs together arm in arm, Ron grinning from ear to ear and matching his hair in shades of red. Suddenly he realized that they were almost to the great hall, why did Hermione have to look so beautiful. And that dress wow what a view. At that thought Ron wanted to kick himself in the head he was being such a prat. Yes he should look at Hermione but not at her chest! But if she hadn't wanted him to look wouldn't she have worn different dress robes? I can't let her catch me looking he secretly ordered himself.

The great hall was enchanted to snow and there were icicles hanging down the walls Ron new that Hermione thought it looked beautiful. "Its beautiful isn't it?"

"Yeah" was all Hermione said.

Ron was glad for an excuse to be himself food always did that to him no matter what it was. To tell you the truth all Ron tasted tonight was saw dust, why was Hermione's presence so different tonight? Was it because she looked so different or was it because they were in fact on thier first offiale date? It seemed like every time they ate together lately he couldn't taste anything other then saw dust, ever since they had snogged. Why had snogging her changed everything? Dinner ended and the music started Ron wanted everything to ask her to dance but how could he with her looking that way. Ron tried several times but all he got out was "wi..."

He just couldn't get the words out of his mouth. Slowly couples moved onto the floor swaying with the music. Hermione gazed dreamely at the dancing couples wishing she was among them. Ron felt a sudden swift kick in the pants fallowed by a hushed whisper saying only "ask her to dance mate."

All at once Ron knew that Harry once again was meddling with Ron's love life and for once he was thankful for it. But was there another reason for his presence here tonight? Ron pushed the thought out before he could dwell on it for to long and crossed the table to where Hermione sat and said, "Would you like to dance?" Hermione's smile was enough of a yes for Ron. Hand in hand they slowly moved onto the dance floor. As they started to sway with the music Ron was surprised that time seemed to go by so quickly. Song after song they swayed. She smells so good. Wow she looks so beautiful and she is in my arms tonight. Tonight she is mine. Ron pulled Hermione in closer hoping beyond hope that she would sense his need to feel her with him. Thankfully she glided towards him with out any of her questioning looks and they molded into one anothers arms. Occasionally he would catch himself looking straight down, each time he would yell at himself for looking at her chest again!

The spell was broken instantly between them when Ginny came running over demanding that she needed to talk to Hermione now in the bathroom. What is it with girls and talking in the bathroom or even going to the bathroom in groups? Could they not do their business on their own? Whatever the case it took Hermione from him, which saddened him slightly.

Not really knowing why Ron felt a sense of disappointment as she left, he watched her walk away he looked at her perfect body and wished he had the nerve to simply tell her that he loved her. He would, tonight if the mood returned to the way it was. Ron walked over to the refreshment table and got some punch hoping that it as of yet had not been spiked. It did taste a little funny but refreshing none the less. "Pst Ron, I think Ginny knows I'm here."

Ron simply whispered back "of course she does she still loves you mate. She always knows when your around."

Authors note- How do you like it so far? Please read and review. For those that want the adventure to start patience it will begin soon.