August 24th continued

After a few minutes of standing in the rain, watching Ron disappear rapidly into the distance, Hermione re-entered the kitchen of 'The Burrows' drenched from head to foot. She wanted to cry but couldn't, she didn't want to show weakness in front of the six people looking expectantly at her.

'Well?' said Harry.

'Has he told you?' piped up Ginny.

Hermione looked suitably surprised, 'you all knew?'

'Of course we did, dear,' Mrs Weasley said comfortingly.

'So?' Harry pressed on.

Hermione almost burst into tears at that moment; the thought of what had just happened hit her hard. Up until that moment her brain hadn't registered how close to admitting his feelings for her he had actually been. 'No, almost but no. Could I have a minute please?'

Harry came round to give her a strong hug, 'of course,' he whispered, 'take as much time as you want.' With that he ushered the twins and Ginny out of the kitchen towards the living room whilst Mr Weasley followed suit.

Hermione reminisced the events; his hand on the back of her neck, his breath on her cheek. They had been so close yet so far apart, Hermione cursed that this was the time that Ron had decided to listen to his conscience. She admitted that she had been vulnerable at the time but it was because of him, emotion flooded through her and she was unable to stop the tears now breaking through again.

Mrs Weasley took her in her arms as tears began to fall from Hermione's eyes, then to Hermione's surprise she whispered to her, 'he's in his cove at the end of the field. Go after him, it's not too late.'

Holding her at arms length, Mrs Weasley looked at Hermione intently, 'what are you waiting for?' she asked.

Hermione smiled weakly at Mrs Weasley and dried her eyes, 'Thank you,' she replied before bolting out of the door and across the field.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

Ron was sitting in silence in the cove, he felt safe and secure there. A quiet place to sit and think about what he had done. He was sitting on the hard ground with his legs draw up to his chest and was resting his chin on his knees. He closed his eyes and contemplated what had happened.

He had almost kissed Hermione, jeopardised their friendship, given away his feelings. He didn't like that he had stopped but he'd felt afraid of taking that leap into the unknown.

But Hermione had said that she'd fallen for him; that was what had surprised him most. Not his actions or feelings but that she had told him that she was in love with him!

But what should he do now? Things couldn't go back to the way they were, if he'd kissed her then they would be at some fixed point but he hadn't. They were somewhere between friends and more than friends. If only there was an occasion for a second chance.

'There couldn't have been a worse time for you to find your conscience,' came a shout from in front of him.

He opened his eyes and lifted his head in amazement; Hermione was striding across the field towards him with a look of fury in her eyes.

'You expect to be able to act like that around me then walk off without an explanation?'

' Hermione, I…' Ron found it difficult to find a useful reply as he watched Hermione coming closer, not looking happy at all.

'I told you I loved you and you disappear! How do you think that makes me feel?'

Ron got to his feet quickly and began to walk towards her, 'you were confused, you didn't know what you were saying.'

'Oh, I knew exactly what I was saying! I don't know what the hell you were playing at though,' she had slowed down slightly but still came closer, 'you're temperamental about Victor, you were when you thought there was something between me and Harry…'

'Because I was uncomfortable…' replied Ron.

'Why, Ron? Just tell me why I should put up with this any longer?'

'I'm your best friend, it's my job to look after you!'

'No, no it isn't Ron! You're supposed to be happy for me and support my decisions. Try again!'

'Because I love you!' Ron shouted back, surprising himself but not Hermione.

Both taking their final steps towards each other before they collided, Hermione said simply, 'then prove it.'

Again, Ron placed his hand around the back of her neck and drew her forwards to close the gap between them, but this time he kissed her squarely on the mouth. Hermione placed one arm around his waist and ran the fingers of her other hand through his rain soaked hair.

As the kiss deepened, Ron entwined the fingers of his hand on her neck in her beautiful brown hair and placed a hand on her back, not wanting to ever let go. The rain kept coming thick and fast but neither noticed.

Ron's secret place now had a reason to be his favourite.