Everybody always knew that the love was there; it was just those two, the oblivious pair, that failed to see it.
From quite early on, many noticed the arguing between Hermione and Ron; they thought of it as nothing but a silly childhood crush. But as time went on, the stress increased, as did the sexual tension.
"Just because it's taken you three years to notice, Ron, doesn't mean no one else has spotted I'm a girl!"
They were clearly in denial; everybody knew it. They argued like a married couple. Even Harry knew it, and Harry was not the best in the romantic department.
Everybody expected them to start dating at some point; however, their stabilized (somewhat) friendship and stubborn attitudes made that a distant dream. When they didn't come back to Hogwarts in their seventh year, people weren't sure whether to take that as a good sign ("They eloped!") or a bad sign. ("Maybe they got into a really big fight?)
Ron and Hermione had loved each other from the beginning; it just took them a while to realize it themselves. So when they finally sent out the wedding invitations a couple years later, nobody was surprised.
A/N: Denial is the best, isn't it?
Done for:
Alphabet Soup Drabble Collection Competition-H for Higgs Boson
OTP Boot Camp-Prompt #43-Patience
Latin Challenge-Exspecto; to wait for