Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

I think this is really getting cheesier each chapter! Thanks for reading, everyone! Oh, and by the way, I won't be updating a lot, school just started for me and we already have tons of homework -- just be expecting at least one chapter a week because I have to turn in a book report tomorrow, and it's just started yesterday! ):

"Just a few more minutes!" Mr. Weasley shouted, looking back and grinning at everyone.

The Weasleys, Hermione, and Harry were sitting out in the backyard of the burrow. They had had dinner outside under a canopy and everyone was too excited to wait inside for the fireworks.

"Can you believe it's already 1999?" Hermione asked, looking up at the stars.

"Nope," Ron said, sitting back down next to her. He looked at Hermione and grinned. "that makes it exactly eight years since we've met."

"Oh, Ron," Hermione said, going a bit pink and cuddling closer to him. Harry, who was seated on Ron's left, looked away pointedly, wrinkling his nose in mock disgust.

"Oh, shut up, Harry," Ron said, glaring at him and returning back to Hermione.

"Ron, I'm scared."

Ron looked down to see if Hermione was joking, but her eyes were full of fear.

"Of what?" Ron asked. He took her hand bravely and gave it a little squeeze.

"What if... what if I lose you?" Hermione asked, tears forming in her eyes.

"Voldemort's not here anymore, 'Mione," Ron said, a small grin playing at the corners of his mouth. "how can you lose me?"

"Oh, you know what I mean."

"'Mione," Ron muttered, looking gently at her and wiping the smile off of his face. He knew Hermione would think he was joking if he smiled, even if he just loved how beautiful she was.

"What if I'm left alone?" Hermione asked, tears now leaking out of her eyes.

Ron couldn't bear it, and reached over to her face and wiped the tears off her face. He almost gasped at how soft her skin was, but decided to keep it to himself.

"You won't be. I promise."

Hermione shook her head and laid it on Ron's shoulder as they looked up at the sky.

"Don't worry, 'Mione. I'll always be here."

"It's almost here, everyone!" Mrs. Weasley said, turning around and smiling warmly at all of them. "Just two more minutes!"

"Oh, mum, we know what time it is," George said, shaking his head on Ginny's right. He closed his eyes and put his hands behind his head as he laid down on the grass.

"Alright, but don't come crying to me when you miss the fireworks," Mrs. Weasley snapped, glaring at him.

"I'm only joking, mum, I didn't know what time it was," George said, grinning.

"Oh, shut up!" Ginny said.

George glared at her as Ron and Hermione looked up at the sky.

Ron checked his watch. "Half a minute left."

Hermione closed her eyes and gave Ron's hand a small squeeze, waiting for him to exclaim.

"We really should start counting down now," Harry said, nodding importantly.

"Okay then," Mr. Weasley said. "ten!"

"Nine," Ginny said, grinning at Harry. He grinned back and said, "eight."

"Seven!" Mrs. Weasley said happily.

"Six," George muttered, nestling his head on the ground as if he were bored.

"Five," Harry said.

"Four!"

"Three!"

Hermione looked up at Ron as Mrs. Weasley said "two!"

"Happy New Year's, 'Mione," Ron said, smiling softly at her.

A bunch of fireworks erupted from Ottery St. Catchpole, leaving the pack breathless.

"Oh, they're beautiful!" Hermione said, standing up and dragging Ron with her.

"Yeah, she is," Ron muttered, a gentle look still in his eye.

"Oh, happy new year's, Ronald," Hermione said, giving him a little kiss on the cheek and throwing her arms around his neck.