A/N: Thanks so much for checking out the first chapter! If you like what you read, please favorite and follow so you don't miss a chapter going forward!

On to the next - enjoy their first real conversation in over a year!

Why does my leg keep twitching?

The clock on the wall read 2:58, meaning there were only two minutes until the end of the school day. After a relaxed lunchtime with Hannah, an enjoyable forty-five minutes of chorus, a dreadfully boring PE class involving a lackadaisical game of volleyball, and a mind-numbingly frustrating Chemistry class with everyone's least favorite teacher, Hermione found herself watching the seconds tick by as her Social Studies teacher droned on about the importance of the War of 1812. Normally, she found history quite interesting and was quick to note the relevance to modern life, but today she couldn't think of anything besides Ron Weasley.

What had prompted his change of heart? Why now? And what would it mean for their friendship going forward? Dozens of questions had been swirling around her brain all afternoon, and her normally impeccable concentration was being tested. She knew why, of course. Try as she might to shake the feeling, the possibility of her and Ron becoming romantically involved had existed practically forever…in her mind, at least. Over the years, there had been times when she was convinced he felt the same way and other times when she was sure her affection would always go unrequited. The whiplash was excruciating, and as she faced the prospect of spending significantly more time with him, she imagined that the pendulum would swing hard back in the direction of her developing feelings again.

God, I can be so predictable at times!

Mercifully, the bell rang at exactly three o'clock, allowing all of her pent-up energy to rush out of her body. Hermione quickly gathered her books, waved a quick goodbye to Hannah, and hustled toward the front entrance. After a quick stop at her locker, she picked her way through the noisy crowd to the front doors of the school. True to his word, Ron was leaning against the expansive front window when she arrived, his coat hanging loosely off his lanky frame.

"You're very punctual today," she said as he pushed off and matched her pace.

"Well, you've never been one to appreciate tardiness."

That stupid, beautiful smile would be the end of her, and she looked away, hoping she wasn't blushing too obviously. "I guess that's true."

"Thanks again for the lift. I don't mind taking the bus, but sometimes it's nice to get home a little quicker. And with better company."

Hermione shook her head and flipped her hand in his direction. "Don't mention it. I'm always happy to give you a ride, you know that. You couldn't be any more directly on my way home if you tried."

They walked together without speaking the rest of the way to her car, the bracing wind snapping across their faces such that even hiding their cheeks inside their jackets didn't seem to make a difference. But at least it gave her something to do. How was it possible that she had nothing to talk about with her friend of nearly a decade? Weird silences had never been their thing; usually, their other friends had to beg them to shut up or they ended up dominating every conversation. The change was unsettling.

Why exactly was I excited about this? It feels like we're…acquaintances or something.

One glance in his direction, though, immediately reminded her. His bright blue eyes caught her dark brown ones just for a second across the roof of her car, and she felt a tingle shoot down her spine. They both grinned as they opened their doors.

"So..." He stalled as he sank into the passenger seat. "How are your classes going?"

Hermione buckled her seatbelt and double-checked her mirrors. "Good, yeah, really good. Chemistry isn't really my favorite, but that's okay."

"Oh yeah, do you have Snape? He's a real asshole. I had him for Chem last year. Not AP Chem, of course, but still…not a great guy."

"No, he's not, but you still shouldn't call him an…you know."

"Asshole?" he clarified, his lip curling up on one side. "Why not? It's just an accurate description. He likes making students' lives miserable."

"Well, I don't know if I'd go that far, but I also can't say I'm enjoying the class. And I usually like the sciences, so…"

"Yeah, I remember you were all gung ho about AP Bio last year, too."

"Yeah, that was fun."

Talking about classes. That's the sign of true friendship. Why is this so much harder than it used to be? It's still just Ron!

"It's weird, you know," she continued, hoping to encourage him to come out of his shell a bit, "not having any classes together anymore. I remember we had at least one or two together every year until high school."

"Don't look at me," he said with a sly grin. "You had to go all genius mode on everyone and leave me in the dust. Can't expect us mere mortals to keep up…"

What? It's not like I did well in class just to spite him!

She cleared her throat and turned toward him, her eyebrows knitted together in frustration. "Excuse me! So now it's my fault?!"

"Looks like it…"

A deep breath filled her lungs as she prepared to argue her point. "First of all, I know you're just as smart as I am, you just don't always like doing the work. But on top of that, it's not my fault–"

"Oh, come on, Hermione." He burst out laughing, giving her a pat on the shoulder. "You know me well enough to know when I'm joking. I'm joking! I love that you're smart, you know that."

"Ahh. Right. Sorry…"

Temper fading, she forced a chuckle as she hoped her face wasn't turning bright scarlet. It had definitely been a bad idea to agree to spend time one-on-one. Something inside of her was so on edge that she couldn't even appreciate his typical sense of humor. Of course he had just been kidding. He'd always joked around, it was kind of his thing.

And yet, to a degree, she'd forgotten.

I thought I knew him that well…

Her eyes flitted over in his direction as she pulled up to a stop sign, and she noticed that he was twirling his thumbs around each other as he watched the landscape pass out his window.

Oh great, he only does that when he's feeling super awkward. Maybe there's a reason we weren't spending as much time together recently. Maybe we just don't have anything in common any longer. Or maybe he's just reverting back to his true self…one of the guys or something…

Third Grade

November 17th

Dear Diary,

So much for being Ron's friend! That boy is such a stupid jerk!

(I know I'm not supposed to call anybody that, but Mom and Dad don't read this, so I don't think I'll get in trouble. And also it's true. He IS a stupid jerk.)

I was playing on the playground with Susan today when he and Harry Potter and Seamus Finnegan walked by. Seamus made a joke about my hair, which didn't even make me mad. I like my hair, and I don't care what other people think.

But then! Then! Ron! That sneaky snake! He told Seamus that all girls care about is their hair and they don't care about football and so that's why he was only friends with boys. He said it loud enough so that I would hear it. He knew I heard it and he still said it!

And that wasn't even the worst part! Then I was walking home and Ron caught up to me while I was walking. He was just talking to me like he wasn't mean earlier that same day! He asked me about the homework for Mr. Zitelli's class. I didn't say anything to him. I just ignored him because my mom said it's a good idea to ignore people if they were mean to you.

Then he said he was just kidding and I said it didn't matter. He looked sad but that wasn't my fault. He should've not said he didn't want to be my friend.

He told me he would come back and say sorry again later but he still hasn't. I don't even know if I would forgive him. There are other kids who want to be my friend so why wouldn't I just be friends with them instead of Ron?

UGH SO MAD!

Love, Hermione Granger, Age 9

"You know, I actually came to a few football games this year to see you and Harry play," she offered. "You guys were really good! At least I think you were; I barely understood what was going on…"

"Yeah, I know, I saw you in the stands."

"Oh yeah?"

Ron nodded. "Yeah. Thanks, by the way. For coming. I'm fully aware that football was never your thing. I hope it wasn't too boring."

"I mean, I doubt I'll start watching every weekend, but I liked watching you and Harry play."

"Fair enough, I'll take it," he answered with a grin.

"The season's over, right?"

"What's that? Oh yeah, yeah, we lost in the quarterfinals of the playoffs."

"Oh, I'm sorry. That must've been disappointing."

He gave a shrug and shoved a stick of gum into his mouth. "Ehh, it was what it was. Honestly, we weren't even sure if we'd be able to make the playoffs at the beginning of the season based on how bad we were last year. So, all in all, a step forward, I guess."

"Oh, well that's good," Hermione answered, racking her brain to try to think of literally anything else she knew about football. "And you played…defense?"

"Thought you said you were there…"

"You know I was there! I've just never understood sports very well!"

"I know, I know," he replied with a laugh. "I'm just messing with you. Yes, I play cornerback. We're the ones who try to stop the receivers from catching the ball after the quarterback throws it."

"Ahh, I see. That's why you were always running next to someone from the other team."

"Exactly."

"Right. Well…did you have fun?"

His brow furrowed as he glanced over at her. "Fun?"

"Yes, fun. You know, the thing sports are supposed to be?"

"I mean–" he started, cutting himself off. "It was fine. It was hard work, most of which I liked, some of which sucked. But it was worth it, I think."

"That's great, then!"

The conversation died down as they approached a stop light, only the click-clack of her turn signal breaking through the silence. It hurt Hermione to think that perhaps things were just going to be different in the future, that polite small talk would be the best they could do. Better than nothing, perhaps, but not exactly what she had hoped for. She knew it was foolish to wish for something beyond friendship; that ship had sailed years ago. But something better than the snoozefest of a relationship they'd had the last few years.

"So, look," Ron finally said, turning toward her in his seat. "I feel bad…this is a little weird, right?"

Yes, absolutely.

"No, what do you mean? I don't think it's…no, honestly."

"Hermione. Come on. We've just established that you're much smarter than me. I'm sure you see it too. Maybe if we can admit it, we can do something about it."

With a great sigh, she tilted her head in contemplation. "Things aren't like they used to be, are they?"

"Exactly, and…look, I'll just come out and say it. It's not just today. It feels like we've been a little off for the past year or two. And after the events of last winter, I didn't want to assume…anything with regards to where we stood."

It was obvious what he was talking about. The musical. Almost one year ago to the day, Ron had auditioned for Fiddler on the Roof, been awarded one of the best parts, got started with Hermione and all their theater friends, and promptly quit after the first rehearsal. Hermione had been furious with him at the time. Out loud, she told him she was upset that he had abandoned the show and the other actors. Privately and to herself, she knew she was mostly upset that he had abandoned her.

"I made you a promise, and then I broke that promise," he continued, his rapid speech a sure sign of his anxiety about bringing up the delicate subject. "And if we're going to be working on the same show together again, which I'm definitely interested in, I wanted to try to, you know, clear the air here. I'm sorry I did that to you, and I promise I won't do it again."

His words were like a salve on her wounded heart. They were just that, of course; words. Words were meaningless without actions to back them up. But it was a start, and it was enough to give her a small sliver of hope.

"I already told you," she insisted, partially finalizing her own conviction. "Water under the bridge."

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure. I'm just excited that you're back! You're a really talented actor!"

Ron's neck muscles noticeably relaxed, and he slouched further down into his seat. "Me too. It'll be nice to be back on the stage. And, you know, to see you more often."

"You see me pretty much every day," Hermione replied, ignoring her heart as it skipped a beat inside her chest.

"Maybe in passing at school, the odd ride to or from school, exchanging pleasantries around the neighborhood. But really, when was the last time we truly spent time together, just the two of us?"

"You're right, it's been a while."

"And it's my fault, I know," he quickly added. "I'm sorry I let it get to that point. Honestly. I'm sorry I wasn't…really present. It should have never–"

"Oh my God, I promise you it's fine! You have to stop apologizing!" she interrupted with a grin. "You're making it worse, you weirdo! Just be you! I like hanging out with you, so be you."

A chuckle escaped his lips, and he nodded. "Right. Sorry. Err, no, fuck. Not sorry. Yeah…you know what I mean."

"I sure do, Ginger Creepazoid."

"Oh do you, Queen Frizz?"

"I believe I already said I did, Jolly Red Giant."

"Well then I yield, Baroness Bucktooth."

As she pulled off of the main road, Hermione couldn't hold back a giggle herself. Even though things had started out a bit rocky, it amazed her how easy it was for them to fall back into their old selves around each other, the versions of their personalities she sometimes longed for during the periods when they weren't as close. She never felt as comfortable with anyone else as she did with Ron.

"I forgot about Baroness Bucktooth. Can't believe I let you get away with that one."

"Yeah, well…we were just kids."

"I guess so."

Although she knew better than to take her eyes off the road while driving, Hermione couldn't help but sneak a quick glimpse of him. His eyes were bright and crinkling slightly in the corners, and they provided all the evidence she needed of his happiness at that moment. For a few seconds, she allowed herself to become giddy with the thought of all the fun they would have over the next two and a half months. The goofing around while learning blocking and stage direction, the late nights in the theater when it felt like they were the only ones in the entire school, the satisfaction of working toward a common goal. Those were the feelings she lived for, and knowing that she could share them with him again filled her with enthusiasm.

"This is still your house, right?" she teased as she pulled into his driveway.

The deadpan expression on his face gave him away. "Ha ha, you're such a comedian."

"I try. Anyway, if you like, I could give you a ride home after auditions."

"Yeah, that would be great, thanks. I'll see you there, okay?"

"Sure, have a great night."

Instead of reciprocating, though, he was still, his eyes fixed on a distant point out the front windshield. The afternoon sun filtered through the bare branches of the large oak tree in the Weasley's front yard, casting a dappled pattern on his contemplative face.

Why isn't he moving?

"Hey, Hermione?" he said, eventually shifting his attention back to her.

"Yeah?"

"Look. You've been my best friend from the moment I moved to Gryffinsville nine years ago. I'll always regret the time we lost over the past twelve months, but I'd really like to try to make it up to you. Because…truth be told, I miss you. I miss hanging out with you, I miss the inside jokes, I miss…you know, I guess I just miss the way I can be my complete self around you."

Okay, okay, stay calm. He doesn't mean it like that. Yup, not the way I'd maybe like him to mean it. Not the way that would cause me to lose sleep at night thinking about him.

Dammit, nope, nevermind, definitely can't stay calm! Freaking out inside!

On the outside, though, Hermione managed to keep her composure.

"Of course, I know exactly what you mean. I'm the same way, believe it or not."

"And I want that back. Part of the reason I'm so committed to this show is because I'm committed to getting back to…us. Our friendship. I don't want to just float through the last year and a half of high school, go our separate ways for college, and then…I don't know," he said, looking down and fidgeting with the zipper on his coat. "I don't know. Does that make any sense?"

It more than made sense, it made her want to hop out of the car and jump for joy. Hermione loved the friends she'd made in high school, Hannah most of all. But her friendship with Ron was always going to be different. Its roots were deeper than any other relationship in her life save her immediate family. Life hadn't been the same without him, and the possibility of rekindling it made her happier than she'd been in a long time.

"Yes, it does. I really want that too, Ron."

"Great," he said, "I'm glad."

For a moment, it looked like he was leaning forward to offer her a clumsy hug across the center console, but instead he reached for his backpack and opened the passenger door. "See you at school tomorrow?"

"Yup, absolutely."

With one more nod of his head, he spun around and jogged into the garage before disappearing into his house.

Hermione took a few seconds to gather her thoughts before putting the car into reverse and backing out of the driveway. A weight had been lifted from her, and she could feel the muscles loosening in her chest. For the first time in a couple years, she felt like her life had the possibility of being whole again. To have Ron back in her life just as her favorite time of year approached was thrilling, and for reasons completely unrelated to academics, she couldn't wait for the next day of school.

He's back! I can't believe it, but he's finally back!