Here is Chapter 4. I want to thank hockey1 and anna0728 for encouraging reviews!

Disclaimer : HP and everything related still belongs to JKR.

Chapter 4

Just as she entered Ron and Harry quickly whisked her away from the chatter into a corner.

Before she could protest Ron started talking

"Where were you? I need to tell you guys something, me and harry were looking all over for you"

"first of all it is Harry and I" Corrected Hermione ignoring the oddly synchronized roll of eyes from her two best friend. "second you did a lousy job at looking for me cause I was in the garden talking to Ginny"

Ron pretended he did not hear her and continued, "I think am going to propose Alyssa"

Harry and Hermione were both stunned. But it was Harry who broke the silence "you think? Aren't you supposed to be sure about these things? Not that I am complaining, but mate you got to figure if you want to or don't want to!"

"Harry is right. And don't you think it is a little early? I mean you guys have been dating only for 8 months" said Hermione.

"I know it is a little early but she is perfect. And I wanted to do it now so that we can have the wedding before the next game season starts. And I am sure I want to do it, I bought the ring." replied Ron while his ears turned trademark Red.

Harry and Hermione knew that Ron wanted to do it. Harry gave him a hug and a pat on the back, while Hermione gave him a tearful hug "Oh Ron! I am so happy for you!"

Harry and Ron looked at each other both thinking the same things "Women! One Moment she is wondering if it was too soon and other she was crying out of happiness!"

"So when are you planning to do it?" Harry asked

"I was earlier thinking on new year. But now I can't wait I will probably do it tomorrow especially since Ginny knows" On seeing confused expression on their faces he continued "she saw the ring, earlier in the evening when she came to call me, and I want to propose before Alyssa has any idea, I don't think I will be able to do it if she knew" he finished.

Hermione noticed he rubbed the back of neck sheepishly, she understood how nervous he was, after all it was a big step. She fell back into her own thoughts, so Ron would get married; she knew Alyssa would accept, Hermione had seen her love for Ron. What would it mean to three of them? She also knew Harry and Ginny would follow soon, but how soon. Will their friendship be affected by the these events.

Harry noticed Hermione lost in her thought, just then Ron left to find Ginny to beg her not to share the information with anyone. Harry took the opportunity to break Mione's train of thoughts

"You are okay right? I mean Ron and Alyssa" he said looking at her concerned.

"Huh? Yeah….Yeah I am okay why wouldn't I be?" just then she caught the actual meaning of his words

"Oh Harry! I am not upset about Ron and Alyssa, God I am so happy for him. Our ickle ronnikins is so grown up" she said, earning a laugh from Harry.

"though I don't know what it means for us. I mean I have known Ginny almost for as long as I have known you guys and I saw you too happening. But now you are away most of the time and now Ron is settling down, I am just worried he won't have time for me, for us." She sighed.

Harry knew what she meant, even though all of them had made other friends after moving in different careers but it was still three of them. They made sure to visit, write as often as they could, tried to spend all their free time with each other. He also knew that Hermione felt most unsecured because she was alone. She had her fair share of admirers but she wanted someone more, somebody who was at par with her intelligence. Who could understand her love for knowledge.

"Mione, we will always be together, three of us, we have gone through so much together that we will never be complete without each other. You know even now when I want to know something I always think of you, it is same with Ron, And we know it is same with you, I am sure when you need something you think of us." Harry smiled as he finished.

He then gave her a hug, which convinced her that nothing would change…Ever!

"Oi what are you hugging about, and why without me?" Ron reappeared looking scandalized.

"well….. me and Hermione…Hermione and I (he corrected at her glare) were just discussing how much we miss each other"

"so shouldn't I be included considering you guys must miss me as well" Ron said approaching Harry and Hermione with open hands.

"Well actually Ron Harry and I miss each other more that we miss you" teased Hermione.

Looking at his hurt express she just laughed telling him she was just kidding and including him in a group hug.

It was the high point of the Christmas for all three of them before their rejoined the festivities.

Chapter four ends! Hope you enjoyed reading this story. Please Review!