Weeks passed by and Harry was busy at work. He made his business to perfect everything he learned, as he felt he never appreciated his education enough. Hermione however, still rode Ron for avoiding school work at all costs. Ginny seemed to take after Ron in that she also didn't see the value in schooling. While Hermione and Harry raised their hands like wildfire in the classroom, Ron needed a swift kick to keep him awake.

"I figure, I helped save the wizarding world, I'll get a job" Muttered Ron groggily.

Although Hermione did get on his case, she secretly liked that he was her foil. It made their relationship so much more interesting. They could quarrel and fight, but still end the night with a peck on the lips. Once and a while, they snuck a forbidden walk across the grounds at night, holding hands and talking. But they needed to cover a great amount of material in half the time so togetherness was limited.

Harry and Ginny decided to not force time together. It was harrys idea, and Ginny decided not to press the matter. His feelings were clear, but the passion behind them was still a mystery. Ginny quietly envied the relationship her brother and Hermione had. But they had all the time in the world…although Harry was leaving a half a year before her. In truth, when voldemort was destroyed and things settled down, Ginny's thoughts were solely on the boy who lived. During the struggles before the final battle, she viewed their relationship as a doomed one. She vowed to herself that if he did die, she would not take on someone else. Those were the gloomy thoughts she had during her last year. And once that possibility vanished she fabricated a new future. A future that included a never ending session of radiating love. She thought he would confess his love in elaborate phrases. But through his unsaid words Ginny fell deeper in love. Through the years she saw the real Harry unlock different venues of his heart. And although it was hard to not grab him by the shoulders and kiss him, she persevered. The bond they had was special and unbreakable. A time would one day occur where their love surfaced fully.

Harry was the only boy who had ever looked at her as something more than a pretty thing. He engaged her mind every day. In a way, he matured her. Her love went from infatuation, to respectful admiration, then to pure undeniable love. Whenever she worried that he would find something better in the working world, she remembered he'd been there for a long time. Since that mark was placed on his forehead. Ginny considered herself lucky that someone like him had eyes for her.

Before they knew it, their final exams were upon them. Ginny stayed up late helping them prepare. Hermione was surprisingly cool, but Ron adapted her nervous behaviors.

"well now you see the importance of being prepared, Ronald" snapped Hermione one night.

"Oh don't be so sour Hermione, Christ." Snarled Ron.

Hermione rolled her eyes and dug into her book.

"where's Harry?" wondored Ginny out loud.

"Oh he's helping Neville with his deafening spell" answered Ron mildly.

"and let me tell you, he needs it" grimaced Hermione.

Ron grunted at her.

Hermione threw her book down. "NOW, what is it?"

"oh nothing, just that you have had the worst friggin attitude these past few days. And I don't deserve it." Ron Replied, matter-of-factly.

"that's not how I see it Ronald" said Hermione, flipping her hair calmly. "I just think you're very nervous over the upcoming exams and being, well, over sensitive."

Ron's face contorted in defense. He slammed his books shut and retreated to the boys dormitory.

"oh boys.." muttered Hermione. "he's your brother, can you handle him?"

"not in the slightest. Not that I'd care to try" Said Ginny, taking a breathe. "hermione…erm Harry hasn't mentioned anything about us has he?"

Hermione paused a looked up. "Us?"

"So that's a no" sighed Ginny.

After a moment, Hermione let out a big "OH!". Ginny rolled her eyes.

"you mean you and harry-us" Hermione said Matter-of-factly.

"hate to break it to you, dear, but hanging around with my brother has slowed you" smirked Ginny.

Hermione shrugged. "it seems to better understand Ron I have to dumb myself down"

Ron face appeared on the balcony. His face was of disbelief as he retreated back into the boys dormitory.

"oh bugger" alarmed Hermione. "for once I regret not being able to enter the boys rooms"

Ginny raised her eyebrows. "So you get your fill of doing unmentionable things with my brother…where?"

"get your pretty red head out of the gutter, things aren't like that with Ron" blushed Hermione.

An embarrassed moment of silence passed.

"so back to harry then?" asked Hermione brightly.

"yes then." Ginny replied, turning her body towards her friend.

"First, let me say, Harry's very private about girls. I remember just how terrible he was when Cho was in his life. Wouldn't take a bit of advice, to say the least. He refused to converse about it. But things with you are quite different of course. Ginny, Harry's ever so sure about the two of you. He see's no need to go to deeply into the pettiness of new relationships. I don't think he's aware that you do yearn for his affection, and it certainly isn't that he's not willing to give it. According to Ron" Hermione's voice cracked at his name. "Harry is on his guard. Although he fronts how sure he is, he isn't. He's afraid if he commits himself into words and moves of a relationship, he'll screw it up."

"I'm not gonna lie 'mione. I don't understand" Ginny said, hands thrown down.

"Neither do i. But it's quite clear that you must talk to him about it. I bet he wants that too" insisted Hermione, glancing at the balcony.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Hermione, you've got a free pass out of here, break a damn rule."

Hermione frowned, but hurried up the steps.