AN: Surprise! Happy Saturday. Work is getting absolutely mental, so I've decided that updating this story will be easier on the weekends. I'll aim for Saturdays, but it may be Sundays. And instead of making you wait a week and a bit for the next update, I wanted to let you all have it early. I hope you enjoy this chapter, it's time to learn a little more about Ron and Hugo's backstory. Big thanks, as always, goes to my betas xxx

Ron and Hermione meet with George.

The high Ron experiences after his evening with Hermione carries him through the doldrums of the week. For a while, he has been content to live his day-to-day routine: wake up, sort Hugo out and get him to school, go to work, go home, watch TV until he falls asleep. Even before the kid came into his life, Ron had been happy to stick with the status quo. He has never entertained dating or joining any sort of club.

And everything since Hugo has been for him.

But for the first time in a long time, Ron feels bored with the prospect of doing the same thing day in and day out. It's as if meeting a new person and learning about their perspective on life has shone a torch on everything he has yet to achieve.

After all, thirty-five is not all that old.

He knows he has it good, even with everything that's happened within the last two years, and his life is comfortable. He has a lovely home, a good job, and a supportive family who would do anything to help him look after Hugo.

However, after getting to know Hermione a little more, his interest is piqued. Ron is starting to wonder what has been missing from his life.

Still, there has been a shining light to pull him through the monotony of his nine to five life. Ever since she left the house, well after midnight on Saturday night, they have taken up a steady stream of text messages.

It's almost constant, starting with a good morning check-in from whoever is awake first (usually Hermione, the self-confessed early bird) and continues until the last thing at night, finishing with Ron wishing her a good night's sleep. Sure, some of the messages are about their plans for the summer fete; inspiration comes in the strangest of places, after all. But a lot of their texts are just pure nonsense. They chat all day about how work is going, their plans for the evening, or the latest box set one of them has finished bingeing. Ron shares photos of Hugo, and Hermione recounts the funny things the kids often tell her.

It's like Ron is addicted to talking to her, and he's acting like a teenager again. Every time his phone pings, he drops whatever he is doing and snatches it up. A huge smile crosses his face as he reads her latest message, devouring it with hungry eyes before his thumbs patter back over the keyboard. He doesn't even think about what he's sending in reply because Ron knows she doesn't judge what he says.

Friday comes, and the messages haven't eased up. It's another glorious day outside, but instead of being able to go and enjoy the unusually warm British summer, Ron has been cooped up inside the Watering Hole all day. George is keen to get the new menus finalised and sent to print before the weekend.

Ron has tried hard all day to keep his concentration on his brother, but as they get to the last addition to the cocktail menu layout, his attention drifts to the clock on the posterior wall of the office.

"What's going on with you?" George asks as Ron ventures off into a daydream once again.

"Oh, nothing." He snaps his eyes back to his brother. "What did you say about the Magical Galaxy Cocktail? We should make that a feature, the purples and blues of the drink will stand out against the other colours on the background."

"That doesn't matter. Why are you watching the clock?"

"Well, we've got that meeting at four."

George kicks back in his seat, his face lighting up. "Ah yeah, with Miss Granger."

Ron resists the urge to roll his eyes. The fact he met with Hermione on a Saturday to do work has been a running joke in the family group chat all week. Apparently, Ron needs something to motivate him to work hard, which is utter bullshit in his opinion. Still, he rides the wave of abuse, knowing that eventually, someone else will do something more controversial, and Ron will cease to be the topic du jour.

He's about to open his mouth to give his brother a witty retort, but they're interrupted when a waiter barges into the office.

"Colin," George acknowledges him with a nod. "Haven't learnt to knock yet then?"

"S-s-sorry, sir," the poor kid stutters. "There's someone here to see Ron."

Ron is on his feet straight away, without even asking Colin who the visitor is. A glance at the clock confirms that it's five to four, and he knows that Hermione cannot be late. Ignoring George's cackle, and, after brushing biscuit crumbs from his jeans, Ron takes a deep breath then walks out of the office, trying to maintain what he hopes is a normal pace. He doesn't want Hermione to notice how keen he is to see her again.

His new friend is standing at the bar, looking a little out of place in a floral sundress and sensible sandals. She is carrying a large tote bag, and she has folded her denim jacket neatly over the top of it. Disappointingly, Hermione has pulled her hair off her face, although he knows now that she does this so it doesn't get in the way when she's working with the children.

"Hermione!"

He closes the gap between them in two long strides, but as soon as he gets to her, he's not sure if he should hold his hand out for her to shake or hug her. So Ron panics and does nothing.

Fortunately, she doesn't seem to notice his awkward approach, and a huge smile erupts on her face.

"Ron, hi! How have you been?"

"Since the last message you sent me?" Ron laughs. "Fine. The day has dragged a little, but I'm sure it'll get better."

"Ah, that's a shame. We had a fantastic afternoon at the school. The weather has been so great, we read A Kid in My Class out on the playing fields, and then the children acted out all the different characters. It was so funny."

The enthusiasm with which she discusses her students captivates Ron. All the adults he knows can only tolerate kids, even their own, for small amounts of time, and that hasn't gotten any easier as they've grown. Hermione is a new teacher, however, so maybe she has a higher tolerance for them. Perhaps the kids have yet to break her spirit.

"Yeah, you win. I'd ask for a job swap, but I reckon I'd give up after an hour. Still, it sounds a hundred times better than my day. Are you ready for this meeting with George?"

When George agreed to meet with them, Ron and Hermione decided it would be good to pitch their idea together in the hope that their combined enthusiasm will win him over. Not that it will be hard to get him on their side; he loves kids, and he's usually always happy to help out.

Hermione nods. "Yeah, it's been frustrating having to wait all week to speak to him. It means we'll only have two weeks to put everything in motion. And if he doesn't say yes, then I don't think we have another idea."

"Sure we do, we can do a bric-à-brac." Ron smirks and starts to lead her back to the office. "I think we'll be fine, though. We have a solid plan, and George is in a great mood because it's Friday. Let's get this over with so you can get on with your evening, yeah?"

He holds the door open and gestures for Hermione to enter first.

⁂

George spots them right away. "Ah, you must be Miss Granger." He pushes himself away from his desk and stands up, walking across the office to shake her hand. "Come in and make yourself comfortable."

In the corner of the room sits a small meeting table. As soon as Ron has taken his seat, he pours everyone a drink from the jug of water he left in the middle of the table. It's all a little too formal, and it's making him nervous, despite the assurances he gave Hermione earlier. He has to concentrate hard on not letting his glass slip from his sweaty hands.

"So tell me all about this idea the two of you have concocted," George continues, splaying his hands across the table.

As they planned, Hermione takes the lead in delivering the pitch to George.

"In two weeks, Ottery Junior School is holding a summer fete to raise money to refurbish the playground."

"Bloody hell," George interrupts. "Is that still standing? You used to get splinters and all sorts from that thing!"

Hermione shoots him a look but carries on with her well-rehearsed speech.

"Well, exactly. And McGonagall partnered up everyone on the PTA and will award a prize to the couple who brings in the most money. She hasn't said what it is yet, though."

"This all sounds interesting, but where do I come in?"

"Well, historically, food hasn't been served at the fetes, which we believe is a massive oversight. So we, that is, Ron and I, thought it would be good for Weasley Watering Hole to have a stall. You'd be the only ones serving food. We could set up a "make your own" and see what kind of concoctions the kids come up with."

"Yeah, like sandwiches and ice-creams, that sort of thing. Easy to make stuff, and nothing that will get you in trouble if a child pukes," Ron interjects, unable to stem his enthusiasm anymore. "We just need the equipment. We've got all the portable kits already."

"And you need my wholesale account for ingredients. I think you're missing an important part. How will my hosting a stall make you money?"

"Well." Hermione shuffles her papers then takes a sip of water, feeling flustered at the question. "W-We thought you could take half of the profit?"

George lets out a low whistle, then pushes his hand through his hair, reclining in his seat as he considers the offer.

"O-of course," she continues, "it wouldn't just benefit the children. We can make sure that there are plenty of banners up and put leaflets out on the stall. And Ron and I will do all the hard work. It'll be a great opportunity for advertising for you. Not that you need it, of course. The restaurant is always busy, and it's hard to get a table."

Hermione's babbling indicates that her nerves are getting the best of her. Ron can't handle seeing her all flustered, so he reaches across the table and places a hand on her lower arm. She throws him a grateful smile, which he returns with ease. Of course, George doesn't miss this action. For a moment, his eyes light up, but he soon replaces it with his business face again.

"I think this is a brilliant idea. Messy, but it'll be great fun. I am willing to donate everything you need for the day for free, and I won't take any profit."

"Seriously?" Ron and Hermione spring forward in their seats at the same time. Their eyes meet as they talk in unison, and it's clear she is trying just as hard as he is to suppress the laughter.

"Yep! That school is a great place, and as some of my nieces and nephews still attend, I think it's only fair that I make a decent contribution. You can even put me down for a shift. I'm sure Angelina will be dragging me to the fete, anyway."

"This is just…" Hermione's eyes fill up, and she has to take a moment to compose herself. "Thank you, George. It means a lot to us."

"I'll leave Ron to sort everything out. Just keep me updated."

"Yeah, sure, mate. Thank you so much." Ron is so stunned; he struggles to get the words out of his mouth.

George is already getting up from the table. He wanders back to his desk and turns his PC off before collecting his things. "I'm heading out, have a nice evening!"

As soon as he's left the office, Ron and Hermione scramble to their feet and fling their arms around each other. It's the first time they've ever embraced, yet it feels natural, like they've always been doing it, despite the fact they've only actually spent a few hours together.

Finally realising what they've done, the pair spring apart, both sets of cheeks burning bright red. Ron shoves his hands into his pockets, smiling down at his trainers. "Well done, Hermione. You did well just then."

"You too. We worked hard all week, and it paid off."

He lifts his head, flashing her his smile. He doesn't hear praise very often, but he likes it. "I just wish we could celebrate tonight…"

"Do you already have plans?" Hermione's face falls in disappointment. "I...I cleared my diary, just in case."

They hadn't discussed doing anything after the meeting, but maybe it was a given. The look on her face churns through his stomach. There's nothing more he wants right now than to spend the evening celebrating their success with her.

"Yeah." He sighs and moves away from her to tidy up his desk and turn his PC off for the night. "One of our waiters called in sick earlier, so I offered to work the shift. I need the extra cash, and luckily, Bill was able to have Hugo."

Hermione shrugs. "That's okay. We didn't make plans, and I have a ton of work to do, anyway. I didn't have the time to squish it into my nine-to-three workday."

He risks a look at Hermione at her reference to their little joke from the other day. She has a massive smile on her face, but Ron can tell by the way it doesn't reach her eyes that it's taking far too much effort to maintain. His eyes fall to the massive bag she drags around everywhere with her.

"Is that your marking in there?" He gestures to it, and she nods. "Well, you're welcome to stay here and work? I can't promise that it'll be much fun for you, but I might stop and chat if it gets quiet. I may even feed you if you're nice to me."

The smile on Hermione's face grows more genuine. "Sure, as long as you don't mind? I can pay for the food."

"Rubbish. What's the point in being friends with the person who is the brother of the guys who runs this place if you can't get a free meal every now and then?"

Hermione's forehead creases in a frown as she argues back, "But you paid for the Chinese last weekend!"

"Then you can buy us the next meal." Ron grabs his rucksack from the side and searches through it, eventually locating his uniform. "Go and get yourself settled at the bar. I just need to get changed, and then I'll join you. I know you'd love to see me naked, but we've only just met." He flashes her a cheeky grin.

"Okay, I guess." Hermione's eyes linger on Ron for a moment longer. She's chewing on her lower lip in the most delightful way. Her cheeks turn pink as the smile comes back to her face. A jolt of pleasure tugs at Ron's heart as the realisation hits him that maybe he wasn't so over the top in thinking that there might be something growing between them. Something a little more than just friendship. "I'll see you out at the bar then?"

She steps towards him, seems to consider her actions and shakes her head before leaving the room. As she goes, Ron can't help but let his gaze drop to her backside, and for the first time, he doesn't feel guilty about it.

⁂

As is standard on a Friday night, the restaurant is busy from the minute Ron starts his shift. But he doesn't mind. The hustle of the evening rush is made a lot easier knowing Hermione is there, perched on a stool at the end of the bar and that he can spend every minute he's not waiting tables chatting to her. It makes the time go a lot quicker.

By nine, the crowds have dispersed, and the restaurant becomes a ghost town. Ron is about to take advantage of the quiet to chat again with Hermione, but Cedric, the shift manager, stops him.

"You can finish your shift early if you want, Ron," the youth says with confidence, forgetting that Ron kind of half-owns the restaurant he's currently waiting tables in.

"Can I?" Ron raises his eyebrows.

"Y-yeah. Mr Weasley says after nine, we only need five for clean-up. And since you've got your friend with you, I thought you'd appreciate getting a few hours back."

Ron smiles. "Thank you, Cedric."

After signing out from the shift, he makes his way back to Hermione, dropping his dirty tea towel next to her empty plate.

"So, that's how a Friday night goes at the Weasley Watering Hole. What do you think?"

"It was good. Everyone was so friendly here. I had a nice time."

Ron laughs as he presses his back against the bar so that he can see Hermione better. He has rolled his sleeves up to his elbows, and, because it got so hot serving customers, he also unfastened the top two buttons of his black shirt in an attempt to help him cool down. Ron is well aware that he looks like a hot, sweaty mess, especially as a toddler decided to empty a whole bowl of cold custard over him at one point, so he can't believe the question that falls out of his mouth next.

"I feel guilty for making you wait around all night for me. How can I make it up to you?"

Hermione smiles before tidying her things into her bag. "It wasn't a chore. I've had a brilliant evening."

"Me and you need to have a conversation about what's brilliant and what isn't. Watching me work all evening is not fun."

"Yeah?" Belongings all packed, Hermione fiddles with the hem of her skirt. "So how about we go and do something fun, then?"

When she lifts her head, she flashes Ron another saucy look. The woman is driving him mental, but it fully cements his suspicions that their week of texting and banter means something more to her, too.

He forces out a laugh to hide how flustered he is.

"Well, it's probably too late to hit up a pub, but how about coming back to mine for a film and a drink?" Hermione cocks an eyebrow at him, and he raises his hands in surrender. "No dodgy intentions. It's just after talking about the Cornetto Trilogy movies the other day, I finally dug out the box set so that we could make a start on them."

The insinuation is clear. The trilogy is three movies long, and then there are the hundreds of other films Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have worked on together. The long list will give the two of them plenty of opportunities to get together, and Ron plans to take full advantage of that.

"What about Hugo?"

"He's too young to watch those films. Plus, he has a shit sense of humour," Ron quips, grinning as Hermione erupts into a fit of giggles. "Nah, it's not fair to make the kid stay up and wait for my shifts to finish, so he'll stay the night at Bill's. I won't see him until the morning now." He pouts at Hermione. "You wouldn't want to send me home to an empty house, would you?"

She lets out a mock sigh. "I don't know. It is late, and I have a ton of stuff to do at home. But I guess if it's just one movie, and I can steal a lift to yours?"

"Don't you drive?"

"I never learnt!"

"Wow. Well then, Miss Granger. Not only can I give you a lift to my house, but I may even take you home after the film."

Hermione gasps. "You're such a gentleman, Mr Weasley."

Ron is elated, and that giddy feeling comes back again. He's usually a bumbling mess when it comes to talking to women, but for some reason, it's easy with Hermione.

"Alright, let me grab my things and then we'll head out."

⁂

The village of Ottery St Catchpole is tiny, and Ron could probably walk from one end to the other in half an hour. His mum often tells him off for driving, but it's just more convenient this way. Hugo drags his feet, which means it takes them double or triple the time to do anything. Plus, they're both inherently lazy, so Ron uses the car as a default.

It doesn't take long for them to get back to the cottage. Ron lets them in and dumps his bag at the doorway before staring down at Hermione.

"Uhm, do you mind if I grab a quick shower?"

"Not at all. I'll sort out the wine."

Hermione kicks her sandals off and wanders through to the kitchen. Ron chuckles at how easily she's already made herself at home. He waits until she disappears then rushes to the bathroom to freshen up.

He showers with great motivation, keen to return to Hermione. Ten minutes later, he's already back downstairs, wearing a clean t-shirt and a pair of grey sweats. He considered putting on jeans since Hermione is still in a dress, but he'd rather be comfortable if he's only lounging around the house for the rest of the night.

When he enters the living space, Ron is surprised to see that the sofa is empty. Hermione is browsing the selection of photos above the fireplace, a small smile on her face and a glass of wine in her hand. There's a full glass waiting on the coffee table for him, so he snatches it up then sinks into the couch.

"What are you looking at?"

She must not have noticed his arrival because when he speaks, Hermione jumps a mile. Turning quickly, she flashes Ron a smile. "I know you've told me about how big your family is, but I didn't believe you until I saw it in the picture."

Hermione looks back at the photos, tapping the one with everyone in it. His Aunt Muriel took it around four years ago, and it includes all of his siblings, their significant others and their children. It was a lot of hard work getting everyone to look at the camera and smile simultaneously, but it was worth it in the end.

As she continues to examine the photo, Hermione frowns. "Can I ask something?"

"You just did," Ron teases.

Turning her head again, he can see the full extent of her expression. She looks troubled, as if something is burning the tip of her tongue. Yet, she doesn't spit the question out. It's infuriating for him. He prefers to wear his heart on his sleeve, and he struggles when others are less open with their feelings.

After a moment, Hermione sighs and shrugs. "Do you know what? It doesn't matter."

"You sure?" He keeps his eyes on her as she crosses the space and curls up on the opposite end of the sofa.

"Yes. It's fine. I put Shaun of the Dead in the DVD player already."

"Brilliant."

Ron takes a long drink from his glass then presses play. Jaunty music fills the room as the zombie-like characters go about their daily business with comical movements. It's one of his favourite films for a reason. Ron has watched it so many times; he can probably quote it line for line. But tonight, he's struggling to concentrate.

Instead, his attention drifts to the photo Hermione was so interested in. What was it about the picture that was so puzzling for her? In the middle of the photograph stands his mum and dad with their arms around each other. On one side of the couple is Ginny, Harry and their family, George with Angelina and their kids, and Charlie with his pet dog. Next to his dad stands Ron, with his girlfriend at the time, Percy and his brood, Bill, Fleur and their two children and then finally…

Fred.

The realisation hits him like a ton of bricks. On Fred's hip is a much younger child. But it's obvious that it's Hugo. Throughout their chats, Ron has made it clear that he only has five siblings; four brothers and a sister. And given that Hugo lives with him, Hermione has probably connected the dots and assumed that he is Ron's son.

The way he sees it, Ron has two options. He could ignore the elephant in the room and continue to watch the film. He and Hermione will have a lovely evening together, and then Ron will drive her home, and that will be that.

Or, he could take a risk. He has held his cards tight to his chest for a long time, and it's tiring. Hermione is the first person outside of his family that he has dared to get to know. There's a good chance that she could run a mile, but he doesn't think she will.

Having put up with his inane chatter for a week, Hermione seems keen for more. And maybe it's time for their conversations to get a little better. He's desperate to know more about her, and hopefully, she feels the same way.

Letting the movie play on for a bit longer, he weighs up all the pros and cons in his mind, debating back and forth about what he should do. Finally making his decision, he lets out a deep sigh then presses pause on the film. Ron returns his empty wine glass to the coffee table before pivoting his whole body to face her.

"I think you should ask me about whatever was on your mind."

He tries to keep his face neutral, even though his heart is pounding an irregular rhythm against his ribcage. But Hermione stays quiet, still chewing her lip in that annoying way.

"Hermione, please?"

Finally, her shoulders drop in resignation. Curiosity has gotten the better of her, as Ron knew it would.

"In the picture, you're standing with a blonde woman, but no Hugo. He is on the hip of another man, who looks like George, but it isn't George because I saw the pictures of his wife in your office earlier. It looks like there are six Weasley siblings and you, and it's pretty clear you're all related because you all have the same hair colour. Just like your mum and dad."

"Yeah, we do." Ron tries to smile, but it falls off his face with another sigh. "You've probably worked it out already, but Hugo isn't mine. At least, not by birth. I am his legal guardian, though. It's not like I stole him from my brother."

Hermione nods in understanding. "The other man in the picture, the one that looks like George. Is that Hugo's dad?"

"Yeah, that's Fred, George's twin brother. He's not with us anymore."

"What happened?"

The look on her face reassures Ron that it's okay for him to speak honestly with her and that she'll listen without judgement. Still, it takes him a moment before he finds the right words.

"He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time." Ron shrugs, casting his eyes to his lap. "He was locking up the restaurant after a busy night. He bought it with George when they were young, and they'd been running it for so long. Anyway, some thug stabbed Fred for fifty quid. They reckon the guy who did it thought Fred might be cashing up, but the twins never carried business money on them. They use a secure service because it's too risky, even in a village like ours.

"Turns out they were right."

A soft touch traces over the back of his left hand, and Ron is surprised when Hermione leans forward and tangles her fingers with his. He risks lifting his head, preparing himself for the heavy pit deep in his stomach he usually experiences when someone is pitying him, but there's no trace of that in her face. Instead, it's full of understanding and compassion.

Her eyes are wide, but her gaze is soft.

"What about Hugo's Mum?"

"Katie?" Ron grimaces. "She died in childbirth. Poor kid hasn't had a great start in life, has he?"

"No. But I think Hugo is doing okay now." Her thumb rubs circles against the back of his hand. "How did you end up being his guardian, though?"

He pushes his spare hand through his hair then lets it drop to his side. Unable to sit completely still, Ron pulls at a loose thread on his jogging bottoms.

"I was in a stable relationship with the girl in the picture and had a great job with the police force. Everyone else already had their plates full, apart from Charlie, who lived abroad. So after speaking to my girlfriend, we decided that we'd adopt Hugo. My siblings made it look so easy." He chuckles, the noise strained and uncomfortable sounding. "But a six-year-old who has lost both his parents comes with quite a few problems. Bedwetting, terrible nightmares, sleepwalking. It put too much of a strain on my relationship, and she ended up leaving us."

He takes a deep, shuddering breath. Tears burn behind Ron's eyes, although he's not ashamed of them. He's proud of how far Hugo has come since then.

"You don't have to go on if you don't want to," Hermione whispers. Without letting go of his hand, she shuffles even closer so that their knees are touching.

"No, it's fine." He clears his throat and tries his hardest not to focus on the pressure she's creating against his legs. "It's been Hugo and me for eighteen months now. I try not to make a big deal out of it all because I don't want anyone to treat him differently. Only McGonagall knows at the school, but that's because she's always been close to the family. She's taught all seven of us, the poor woman! I'm sure other people in the village have worked out what's going on, but I just don't want everyone knowing my business."

"That's a pretty impressive story, Ron. You gave up your life for Hugo, and you can tell he adores you. And now a lot of things are clicking into place."

"Like what?"

Hermione lets out a soft laugh. "Like the fact he never refers to you as Dad, it's always Ron."

"Yeah, I'll never be his Dad, and I don't want him to think I'm trying to be, either. I'm still Uncle Ron for him, but I don't mind him using Ron. It's just a name. It was more important that he never forgets Fred or Katie. The whole family works hard to make sure he remembers them, and I try my best to make sure he gets plenty of time with Katie's side of the family too." He wipes his eyes with his spare hand. "Here, let me show you something."

Keeping a firm grip on her hand, Ron stands up then pulls Hermione to her feet. After giving her a small smile, he leads her upstairs to Hugo's room without letting go of her, allowing the weight of her touch to comfort him.

As soon as he opens the door, a bright blast of colour assaults them. Everything in the room is orange, including the bedspread and the curtains. The walls are plastered from ceiling to floor with various posters and drawings, some faded by the sun over the years. But opposite Hugo's bed is a space dedicated to Fred and Katie. Over the past few years, Hugo has collected every picture that he can find of his parents and pasted them to the wall. Interspersed with the photos are drawings of Hugo and his family.

Ron feels the loss of Hermione's hand as she lets go of him to step further into the room. He's seen it all a hundred times; he often finds himself in here when he misses his brother the most, so he's happy to let her explore by herself. Instead, he leans against the doorframe, keeping a close eye on her so he can gauge her reaction.

"He's probably got some pictures of you up there somewhere. Since you started to teach him, you're all he talks about. I promise it's not creepy, though. He's only eight, after all."

Hermione turns on the spot, flashing him a huge grin. "Hugo is one of my favourite Weasleys, and I love him even more after what you've just told me."

"One of your favourites?" Ron kinks an eyebrow at her. "Who else is on your list, then?"

"Does Lily count?" She smirks in return.

"Oh, yeah, of course, she does." Despite everything he's told her tonight, it's her confession that upsets him the most. His shoulders slump, although he tries his best not to let his face show how disappointed he is.

Her soft smile continues as she wanders back to him, resting a hand on his arm, mirroring his move from earlier at the meeting.

"I like Lily, but she's a Potter, after all." She lets out a soft sigh and squeezes his arm. "I just wanted to say thank you for talking to me about everything tonight and for showing me Hugo's room, too. I promise that what you've told me tonight stays with me. I won't say anything to anyone, and I definitely won't let it slip to Hugo that I know."

"I mean, that's good, but he knows he's not mine." Ron laughs.

Hermione giggles. "Stop making jokes when I'm trying to be serious."

"I know, I'm sorry." He tries to straighten his face, but it's no good. Just being around Hermione makes Ron feel great, even if maybe she doesn't feel the same. There's a surge of electricity between their bodies, especially where they're touching, and it's too hard to ignore.

"Tell me who your favourite Weasley is," he dares her.

She's trying so hard not to laugh again, but the corners of her mouth twitch as her cheeks turn pink. "No."

"Hermione, tell me. I told you something big; now it's your turn to do the same."

"No, I shall not."

Hermione looks like she might move away from him again, so he takes hold of both her hands to keep her in her spot. He doesn't want to play or tease anymore. He can't breathe without drawing in the scent of roses and vanilla, something he's quickly associating with her perfume and any last ounce of control he has is slipping away from him.

With his heart rushing into his ears, he cranes his head down towards hers and pulls her closer. He's only just realising how much taller than her he is, but instead of putting him off, it just makes him more determined to close the gap. They'll work it out, eventually.

He waits for the fight, for Hermione to push him off and scold him for his actions, but it never comes. Instead, she stretches up on tiptoes in an attempt to get even closer.

Their slow dance around each other continues until their mouths are almost touching. Hermione's warm breath burns his cheeks, and Ron can practically taste her. He wets his lips, deciding to throw caution to the wind and get on with the task at hand, but just as he finally moves in for a kiss, she speaks.

"It's you. You're my favourite Weasley."