For Longer Than Forever: Ch. 3: The Truth Revealed

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry PotterĀ® or any of the entities involved.

Ginny told her the next morning that the things they did screamed man and wife. Ron called her pet names unconsciously (Mione, Jane). Hermione had made him a sweater and a quilt, without magic. At the time, Hermione had downplayed this gift as "He complained it was cold in his dorm." So had Harry, but you didn't see her making him a quilt.

Ginny speculated that they were so caught up with talking to or being with each other, that they didn't notice these gestures. Hermione then noticed that Ron was coming into the room, and she was silently watching him. Ginny rolled her eyes and went to sit with Harry, Luna, and Neville.

"Good morning, sunshine," Ron said to Hermione, giving her a kiss.

"It is a good morning. You know why?"

"Why?"

"It's Hogmeade weekend," she told him.

"Oh really? Where are we going?"

"Who said I was going with you? I might have a prior engagement."

"Who would you have plans with?"

"Ginny... I want to meet you at 5 at the Three Broomsticks, though."

"You're picking my prat sister over me? Maybe I don't want to meet you at 5," He said playfully.

"Okay, find another girlfriend," She joked. "I hear Romilda Vane's looking."

"That half-a-brain? You know I prefer someone more sophisticated."

"What about Luna Lovegood? She's more sophisticated. She is a Ravenclaw, you know."

"Hermione, you know there's no one I would ever prefer over you. No one could ever be better. You're everything I could ever want or need. Smart, beautiful, funny, talented, beautiful, loving, understanding...did I mention pretty bloody beautiful? Bloody hell, Hermione, you're practically a goddess."

"Let me guess... The goddess of beauty? Would that be Venus or Aphrodite?"

He paused for a moment, then said, "I think that Venus would be more appropriate."

"Why's that?"

"If there's one thing I learned from Trelawney- besides that Harry's going to die- it's that Venus is the brightest planet. Just like you. Bright, beautiful, and loving. Venus."

"Are you just trying to sound smart and suave at the same time?"

"Yes. Am I fighting a losing battle?"

"Pretty much," she managed to choke out, laughing. She gave him a kiss. "You don't have to sound smart for me. I know you're smart. Does this mean you'll meet me at 5?"

"Of course," he gave her his famous lopsided grin, and a kiss that sent electric shocks from her head to her toes.

"Ok. I'll meet you then."

"Alright...love you..." His eyes widened as he realized what had just come out of his mouth.