A/N: You all are amazing readers - thank you so much for the amazing feedback! Please keep letting me know what you think as we go, and don't forget to drop a favorite/follow if you like what you read.

Extra thanks to adenei for continuing to put up with these increasingly long chapters.

I'm so glad everyone enjoyed their conversation last time. The wheels of romance are turning, but we still have a ways to go. Let's get a bit closer, though :)

Chapter 10: "Didn't look like nothing…"

As soon as Hermione heard the click of the front door closing behind Ron, footsteps thundered toward her room. Parvati didn't bother knocking and burst in, her eyes wide open and her nostrils flared.

"Tell me everything!" she demanded, sitting carefully on the end of Hermione's bed.

Hermione rolled her eyes at her roommate, but a small grin snuck onto her face without her consent. "There's really nothing to tell. I ran out of options for a ride home and happened to be texting him about his exam. It was a long shot, honestly, but otherwise, I would've had to wait all day at the hospital for my parents to finish at work and come get me. Fortunately, he was around."

"I'm so sorry I just barged in like that. I feel like I was…interrupting something," Parvati replied with a mischievous expression.

She's incorrigible…

"You were interrupting nothing, I promise."

"Didn't look like nothing…"

"Well it was," Hermione said firmly, glaring directly into her roommate's eyes. "It was very kind of him to help on short notice, but that was it."

Parvati tucked her legs under her on the bed, shifting to a more comfortable position. "You invited him in, though. That's not nothing. You never let anyone in your room."

"I didn't invite him in, he insisted."

"Very chivalrous."

"Look," Hermione implored, trying to keep her exasperation out of her tone, "I had surgery yesterday. I'm slow on my feet. He offered to carry my bag and help me get inside because he could tell how uncomfortable I was."

"So paint me a picture, here," Parvati said, leaning closer to Hermione's end of the bed. "You're walking up the stairs of our apartment, hands clasped around his rippling bicep–"

"Oh God…"

"–feeling his piercing blue eyes smoldering all over you–"

"You have to stop."

"–your nose filled with wafts of…what's his scent, anyway?"

It surprised Hermione how quickly the answer came out as she recalled the memory. "Tea tree oil. So what?"

"Aha!" Parvati answered as her hand shot victoriously into the air. "So you are paying attention. Excellent choice, by the way. Classic, subtle, manly."

"Parvati," Hermione said, keeping her voice as matter-of-fact as possible. "We weren't strolling through the French countryside. We weren't counting fireflies at dusk. We weren't riding bareback down a white, sandy beach. He just helped me walk from his car to our apartment. It was not sexy or romantic or anything remotely close to those things. It was just the safest thing to do."

"Which, when you think about it, is actually even sweeter. He wasn't even trying, and yet he still proved himself to be quite the gentleman."

"Perhaps he was, but someone can be kind to another person without things turning into a romance novel."

Parvati held up her hands as if defending herself. "I know, I know, but can I tell you something? There was a change in his body language as soon as I popped my head in. His entire demeanor changed. You must've noticed."

A tightness flooded Hermione's chest that had nothing to do with her recent procedure. Of course she'd noticed. Not that she'd ever admit anything to Parvati.

"Not really. I'm sure he was just being polite because he hadn't met you."

Her roommate made it clear that she was unconvinced. "Maybe. I don't know, I can't help but think that if I hadn't shown up…"

"Speaking of which, why are you here? I thought you were home this weekend?"

The quick change of subject prompted a groan from Pavati, who had likely seen through her attempt to steer the discussion away from Ron Weasley.

"As I said, my mom and dad saw that I was a little distracted once I got your texts. They're remarkably attuned to those kinds of things. It's almost annoying. Anyway, they thought it would be nice if I came back to campus to help you out," Parvati stated as she pushed herself off of the bed.

"You didn't have to do that! I'm fine, I promise."

With a shrug, Parvati scoffed. "It's no big deal. I like visiting my parents, but it's not like spending the weekend in the suburbs is particularly exciting. Besides, I'll be going home again in a couple weeks for my brother's birthday, so I'll see them soon."

"I suppose," Hermione tentatively agreed, still feeling guilty. "Still, you're not responsible for me. I'm probably just going to be laying around for the rest of the weekend. I'll be even more boring than usual."

"Girl, stop! I'm here, and I'm staying here, and you're going to let me know if you need anything!"

A smile towards her roommate indicated Hermione's reluctant acquiescence. "Well, I really appreciate it, thank you."

"Of course! Plus, they still sent me home with tons of food because they think you're super frail or something, so if you want anything, just let me know. Are you sure I can't get you anything now?"

Hermione shook her head and pulled her blankets up over her. "No, I'm fine, thank you. I think I'm going to just take a rest. My pain medication is kicking in, so I'll probably be able to sleep for the first time in almost two days."

"Fair enough." Parvati patted the door frame as she exited the room. "Let me know if I can help when you wake up, though."

"I will. Thanks, Parvati."

The muscles of Hermione's chest and back were still sore when she woke up the next day. Pain radiated from her incisions, and her whole body felt as if she'd put it through an intense workout the day before. She slowly dragged herself out of bed, shuffling across the floor in small, measured steps on her way to the bathroom.

After a long nap the previous afternoon, her parents had visited in the evening before going back to their house. They were planning to return in a couple hours to bring her some groceries and help around the house. Hermione was glad for their assistance, but part of her just wanted to recover alone. Her parents were lovely, and she knew they meant well, but she was twenty-one years old and fully capable of managing herself.

Once she'd brushed her teeth and washed her face, she headed to her room to get some reading done before her family returned for the afternoon. Her breath caught in her throat, though, when she looked down at her phone. She already had a text message from Ron, prompting a little smile to play across her face, a smile that she quickly forced away.

Good thing Parvati wasn't here to see that.

Hey, how r u feelin? Anything u need?

The message was short, but it warmed up her entire body. Excitement felt as though it was physically bubbling up inside of her, and she actually let out a quiet giggle. A giggle! The last time she'd giggled, she was probably seven years old!

Trying to pull herself together, she thought carefully before responding.

I'm feeling better this morning. Thank you again so much for everything yesterday, it was quite helpful. My parents came by last night and will be back today, so I'm all set. But I appreciate the offer!

She tossed her phone on her side table and lay back down, pulling a book from the stack next to her. The phone buzzed just a moment later, though, and she immediately set the book down again.

Ok but the offers still on the table. Feel better

It took her longer than she'd like to admit to realize that she'd been rereading the same nine-word message for almost a minute. Once she did, she shook her head to snap herself out of her trance before returning to her reading.

A few hours later, her parents arrived with another armload of groceries. Between everything that Parvati had brought home and everything that Hermione's family had dropped off, they were running out of room in the refrigerator. Not that Hermione was complaining. Their cupboards were often bare simply due to a lack of time to shop, so the overabundance was quite the luxury.

After her father made them all a fantastic lunch of homemade soup and sandwiches, they decided to head out on a short walk. Hermione knew that being up and around after a procedure was crucial to her recovery, and she wanted to get started as soon as possible. Her roommate had to meet up with some classmates to work on a project, but Hermione and her parents slipped on their shoes and stepped out into the neighborhood.

It was a beautiful early spring day. The sun was shining, a gentle breeze blew through the branches of the trees lining the street, and it was just cool enough to need a light jacket. To Hermione, it was the best kind of weather; not too hot, not too cold, perfect for walking.

At first, she was moving slowly, her parents on either side of her just in case. After a few minutes, though, her muscles started to loosen up, and she was almost able to walk at her normal speed. Her parents commented on how quickly she was recovering, but she brushed them off. They were always impressed with things that honestly weren't that impressive.

A few minutes later, they'd reached the main part of campus. Despite the central location, there were very few students around, probably because half of them were still asleep at one o'clock on a Sunday afternoon. As they crossed the quad, though, Hermione caught sight of a familiar thatch of red hair moving toward them.

It was Ron, flanked by two other young men she didn't recognize. There was still a bit of a chill in the air, but they were all dressed in t-shirts and shorts and carrying gym bags. She nearly stumbled, but kept her footing, averting her eyes for the time being while she formulated a plan.

What should I do? Should I say something? Of course I should say something, we're about to walk straight into each other. But I shouldn't say too much. Besides, he looks like he's busy. So maybe I shouldn't say anything. I wouldn't want to make him late. No, that's stupid, he's right there! Should I introduce my parents? Ugh, introducing my parents to a guy? I didn't think it would be under these circumstances. Not that…not that I'm introducing him that way. God, what is the matter with me? Just be normal!

As soon as she looked back up at him, his eyes were squinting in her direction.

"Hermione?" he asked, jogging ahead of his friends to meet up with her.

Her lips spread into a wide grin as she allowed herself to demonstrate recognition on her face. "Hey, Ron."

"You're up and around, that's great!" he said, coming to a stop in front of her as the other two caught up with him.

"Yeah, just trying to ramp up my activity again. These are my parents, by the way. Mom, Dad, this is Ron, I've been helping him with biology. Ron was a lifesaver yesterday, he was the one who gave me a ride home from the hospital."

"Ahh, that Ron!" Mr. Granger said, extending his hand. "Richard Granger, pleased to meet you."

"Oh, you too," Ron said, looking a bit more pale than he had a moment ago.

Hermione's mother stepped forward and wrapped him up in a hug, prompting an embarrassed groan from her daughter. "Thank you so much, Ron. I'm Jean Granger. Hermione's father and I were stuck in the office all day yesterday. It means a lot knowing that she has such good friends on campus."

Ron fumbled for words as her mother released him, but still smiled back at her. "Oh, umm, yeah, no problem. Happy…happy to help, yeah."

One of his friends elbowed Ron in the side, and he cleared his throat. "Oh yeah, uhh, these are my roommates, Harry and Seamus."

Both of them murmured unintelligible greetings and resumed shuffling their feet, both looking strangely amused.

"So what are you up to?" Ron asked, turning his attention back to Hermione.

"Mostly taking it easy today, but I wanted to go for a walk. It might sound counterintuitive, but it really helps with the healing process."

"Oh, well, good idea, then," he responded with a small chuckle. The tips of his ears were a bit pink, although as she'd noticed, it was a little chilly outside.

"Yeah, I think so. It's nice to be out on such a beautiful day. Where are you off to?"

"Oh," he said, indicating back toward his roommates. "Our Monday practice got moved to this afternoon, so we're on our way to the Rec Building."

"Aha, I see."

Her mind was drawing a blank. What else should she say? Something, for sure. Something more intelligent than mumbling small talk back and forth. When they studied together, sometimes they had a hard time staying on track because neither of them would stop talking. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't think of a reasonable continuation to the conversation.

"Well, we should probably get over there," Ron said, hoisting his bag back over his shoulder. "Coach doesn't tolerate lateness any more than you do, so…"

"I'm not that bad!" she cried, swatting him on the shoulder.

He stepped back and held up his hands in surrender, a wide, lopsided smile on his face. "Okay, okay, maybe not."

Another awkward silence permeated the quad, which was otherwise empty.

Why is this so difficult right now?

"Alright, well we won't hold you up," Hermione finally said. "Have a good practice."

"Yeah, we will. It was good to see you…a–and nice to meet both of you as well," Ron added with a wave toward her parents.

"Lovely to meet you, Ron," Mrs. Granger gushed. "And thank you again!"

"You got it. And Hermione, I meant what I said. If you need anything at all…"

"Thanks, Ron. I'll see you Wednesday."

"Alright, see ya."

As he walked away with his two roommates, Hermione's stomach was twisting and clenching over and over again. It didn't improve when she overheard their stifled laughter behind her.

"Smooth moves, Romeo," Seamus snickered, just loud enough for her to hear.

The splat of a fist colliding with skin rang out, and Seamus' laughter only grew louder. But that couldn't mean what she thought, could it? Had he told his roommates that he had feelings–

No. Don't do that. Don't get your hopes up. Getting your hopes up never works out well. You're his tutor. Besides, he helped you out and you probably just feel…closer to him at the moment because of that. Not because there's any evidence of reciprocation.

But.

Maybe?

Her mother turned toward her, and much to her embarrassment, she couldn't wipe the stupid smile off her face in time. Where had that even come from? What was wrong with her?

"So…Ron…" Mrs. Granger hinted, leaving no doubt as to her suspicions.

She mumbled a frustrated sound, her frame sulking as she continued down the sidewalk. "Mom, stop…"

"There's no need to embarrass her, Jean," Mr. Granger said. "That said, he seems like a very nice young man, dear."

"He is, but–"

"A very nice young man, indeed," Mrs. Granger interrupted. "Any college student willing to give up half of their Saturday afternoon to help a friend sounds like someone you'd like to keep around."

Hermione released an exasperated sigh. "I know, he's a great guy, but–"

"He seemed a bit enamored with you, if I may say so," Mr. Granger interjected with a sly grin. "I was young once, too, you know. I recognize the look."

"Dad, that's gross, and also–"

Mrs. Granger patted her daughter on the arm as if to stop her mid-sentence. "I think you're right, Richard. After all, did you see the way he–"

"Enough!" Hermione yelled, finally unable to stand her parents' interference any longer. "Would you two stop…stop planning a wedding in your heads or whatever it is you're doing? I help Ron with biology. We're just friends. That's it. End of story. Now can we please stop discussing it?"

Both of her parents looked remorseful and glanced away, pretending to appreciate the architecture of the buildings surrounding the quad.

"Sorry, dear. You're right, that wasn't fair of us," Mrs. Granger said.

Her father nodded and shoved his hands deep into his pockets. "That's right, Jean, it's not our place. I'm sorry, Hermione."

"Thank you," she stated, hoping that she wasn't blushing too strongly.

In truth, the fact that her parents took that from Ron's reaction was oddly exhilarating, but she refused to buy into the idea that he'd been acting that abnormally. After all, he usually acted like that around her, at least recently. But that was just…Ron. He was goofy and funny and charming all the time. It wasn't any different than usual, and it didn't represent any kind of feelings on his part.

Listen to me! This is ridiculous! I'm becoming everything I detest. I'm a strong, independent, career-focused woman, and I will not be sidetracked by a handsome redhead just because he was nice to me.

They walked for just over half an hour, and Hermione felt like she could've kept going. Her energy was returning quickly, and her pacemaker seemed to respond well to the activity. The rest of the afternoon was spent reading, resting, and preparing a delicious dinner of salmon, brown rice, and haricot verts. Mr. and Mrs. Granger seemed pleased with their daughter's progress and left to return home after helping her wash the dishes.

Mercifully, there hadn't been any further mention of Ron Weasley, which was not to say that Hermione stopped thinking about him. She found that his face invaded her thoughts quite regularly whether she wanted it to or not. It wasn't unwelcome, per se, but it was surprising how often he popped up in her mind.

Perhaps it was because she'd been thinking about him so much that she decided to pull out his exam and finally get to grading. Neville had offered to grade the exams from her section, but she wouldn't hear of it, instead simply asking if he wouldn't mind dropping them off at her apartment. Professor Sprout had of course granted her an extension, but Hermione was determined to finish her portion of the exams within the next day or two.

She prepared her red marker but was thrilled when she never needed to use it. He'd gotten every single question correct, and her cheeks hurt more and more as the smile on her face grew with each perfect page. Once she looked through the entire thing, she turned it over, wrote a big "100" in red letters across the top, and circled it three times.

Her pen had barely clattered to the desk when she picked up her phone and quickly found their text chain.

So I was finally able to grade your exam this evening…

It probably would've been kinder to simply tell him, but he liked to tease her sometimes, so she figured she was free to dish it back.

Oh really will i b happy?

Instead of a reply, she simply snapped a photo of the exam, centering the big "100" in the middle of the frame, and sent it back to him. Her eyes were glued to her phone, waiting for three little dots to appear next to his name. They showed up just a second later.

No way r u serious?!

Of course! You were clearly well prepared, I'm so proud of you!

All bc of u! Ur the best!

She knew he didn't mean it the way she wanted him to mean it, but she still couldn't help beaming at her phone. He'd raised his class grade all the way to a B-plus after the last two exams, a substantial improvement from where he started. Sure, she might've played a small role, but he was the one who put in the work, and she was so happy that he got to see it pay off.

Nonsense, this is a direct result of your hard work and perseverance. You deserve the grade you received - enjoy it!

U need some of the credit 2 u know. I mean it. Thk u so much.

I was happy to help. Congratulations!

After waiting a minute or two, it didn't look like he was going to write back again. A small pang of disappointment coursed through her, but nonetheless, she tossed her phone on her bedspread and picked up her book again. She only got through two pages when she felt a vibrating sensation by her leg.

How much longer r ur parents around?

The book was happily discarded as Hermione turned her attention back to her phone. His question, she realized, had nothing to do with schoolwork or studying or biology at all. He'd never texted her about anything besides school before. Her hands shook as she tightly grasped her phone for a moment before writing back.

They're coming back to check on me tomorrow, but then they both need to be back in the office full-time on Tuesday.

Ok if i check on u on then? ill bring snacks :D

The heat returned to her face and she bit her lower lip, thankful that she was alone. For someone that she'd written off as essentially a dumb jock a few months ago, she was shocked by how caring and considerate he'd been over the last couple of days. Never in her life had she been so glad that she hadn't stuck with a first impression.

Sure, but the only thing I want you to bring is your books. We might as well be productive, don't you think? The final is only a few short weeks away!

Is that all u think abt? ;)

Studying is important! I don't want you to fall behind!

U have a reason 2 take it easy so take advantage! i know u kinda want to...

Well, if he can be a little bit flirty…

Do you really think I'd do that? Maybe you don't know me as well as you think you do…

Oh i know u plenty. Vanilla candle lit rite? Tea to drink? N how many books r u surrounded by rt now?

A smile spread across her face as she glanced around at her surroundings. Books were stacked all around her bed, at least a dozen in total. Before she responded to him, she picked up her insulated mug and took a sip of Earl Grey, its bergamot aromas replacing those of the vanilla sugar cookie candle burning on top of her dresser.

Bravo, you're quite observant. What about you? Shorts and a t-shirt even though it's only forty degrees outside? Snacks on the floor next to you? Your water bottle with the Angell U football helmet on your desk (only it's not filled with water)?

were not talkin about me… :)

Oh, okay. Struck a nerve, have I? You're not the only one who pays attention.

n ur already caught up w ur work rnt u?

Maybe I am, what of it?

course u r. Just b careful. ur supposed 2 b resting. dont push it

If the comment had come from her parents, she would've found it annoying. But when Ron suggested that she take her recovery seriously, it was thoroughly endearing. It didn't bother her that she was grinning like a fool as her fingers flew over the smooth surface of the phone's screen.

My work is mostly reading, nothing strenuous. I'm fine, I promise. And YOU'RE distracting from my original point, which is that we might as well do some studying if you're going to stop by.

fine fine im not gonna argue w the bionic r u available?

Good thinking. You have no idea what I'm capable of now ;) Let's say five o'clock?

Sounds good ill be there

With your books?

Maybe

She covered her mouth to stifle her laugh, wanting to keep it to herself and out of earshot of Parvati. If her roommate knew that she was sending teasing texts back and forth with Ron, she would never hear the end of it.

Ronald!

okokokok yes w books. Sleep well

Thanks, you too, I'll see you then.

Placing her phone on the table next to her, she collapsed backward onto a stack of pillows.

So much for getting any more work done tonight.

Her mind was a constant blur of thoughts, questions, scenarios, and possibilities. He was definitely flirting with her, and he showed that he cared about her and her recovery. Even though Hermione was grateful for her parent's help and was looking forward to seeing them the next day, a large part of her just wanted to fast forward to Tuesday evening as quickly as possible. She knew she wouldn't be able to truly focus on anything until then.