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Chapter Text

Hermione was making her way back to the common room after just two hours at Professor Slughorn’s Christmas party.

Her date, Cormac McLaggen, was a pig. He could not keep his hands to himself and repeatedly attempted to feed her drinks. He ignored her attempts at a civilized conversation. He made inappropriate comments and had a wandering eye. It made Hermione squirm in her dress.

A midi dress with a ruffle skirt, short sleeves, and deep v neck in a marvelous shade of maroon. She had selected her dress when she was under the impression she was attending Slughorn’s party with someone else.

She daydreamed about what a certain redhead would say and do when he saw her desende from the girl’s dormitory. She imagined who she would lock hands with as they walked into the party together. They would sneak some drinks and spend the whole night people watching the other guests. And maybe even find themselves under mistletoe… and he’d walk her back to the common room and kiss her goodnight.

But she did not want her date to get anywhere near her mouth. She resorted to asking Cornac out of desperation. Harry had obtained a date and she couldn’t not go alone. She didn’t know if she could bear anymore embarrassment. And since her first choice decided to start dating her dorm mate early in the term, she was left with no choice.

Yes, taking Cormac was petty. She knew it would hurt Ron, especially her “good quidditch players” comment. But desperate times call for desperate measures. She just wanted him to feel how she felt the last couple of weeks. The look on Ron’s face when she and Cormac exchanged pleasantries in the common room earlier that night told her she’d succeeded.

The moment of satisfaction was brief and bittersweet and Hermione realized her karma instantly clocked her for what she did. She took the first chance she got lost in the crowd and slipped out of the party and made a run for it. Once she made it halfway to the common room, she relaxed.

The castle was beautiful tonight. Quiet. Warm. Despite everything this year Hogwarts will always be home.

She was almost home free, but her feet were killing her. Running heels was definitely a mistake. Once she’s at the portrait hole she takes the opportunity to unclasp the straps and take her heels off then she gives the Fat Lady the password.

She just hopes the common room is empty and she can go to bed in peace. A part of her dreads coming back so soon. What if Ron and Lavender are in the middle of another snog fest as she walks in or worse they’re doing more than snogging?

Ugh. She thinks. Don’t look around, climb through the portrait hole and b line for the staircase and go to bed.

She tiptoes through the portrait hole as quietly as possible. The common room is quiet and still. It’s decorated for the holidays. Red and green ribbon and holiday tapestries drape the walls. The tree covered with red and gold ornaments and lit candles stands on the opposite wall.

Everyone must be asleep for tomorrow’s travels. Hermione is relieved, no snogging and groping on the couch tonight. She relaxes a bit, when she hears a voice coming from the armchair near I fireplace.

“You’re back early.”

Chapter Text

Ron was sitting in the arm chair that faces the fireplace in the common room. He’s been there for a long time. He had been on foul mood all afternoon but his evening had been soured when he realized he couldn’t talk his girlfriend into a quick snog session in their favorite staircase.

She had wanted to stay in the common room and get a look at everyone’s outfits who were attending Slughorn’s Christmas party. He stayed put, and got to watch as Hermione descended the stairs and into Cormac Mclaggen’s slim arms.

I can not believe she’s taking him. He thought as stared at the couple. He knew he was staring. He knew Lavender knew he was staring and she knew why.

As Hermione and McLaggen left together and Ron’s head followed, Lavender went off. She smacked his arm, hard.

“Oí! That hurt!” He said as rubbed his forearm.

“What was that?” Lavender demanded.

“What was what?” Ron asked.

“Don’t play stupid! They way you were looking at her!” Lavender said in an accusing tone.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ron lied. He tried to play it off like he had every other time Lavender caught him staring at his ex best friend.

“What am I talking about? Do you think I’m stupid?” Lavender continued. “I see how you look at her. You look like a kicked puppy.”

“Lav, you’re being ridiculous,” Ron says in a hushed voice, “and people are staring-“

“I don’t care. Everyone sees how obsessed you are with her. How do you think that reflects on me? It looks like I can’t keep my own boyfriend interested… I am your girlfriend.. I deserve more respect” Lavender said as she got up off the floor and over him.

“Lav, Hermione and I don't even talk-“ Ron says in an attempt to pacify her.

“Exactly. Yet you’re still obsessed! Parvati talked about how much you ask about her. You don’t even ask me questions!” She responds.

This part was true Ron had made no real attempt to get to know his girlfriend any better. But up into now he’d assumed she was fine with the fact that their relationship had been more physical.

“I-“ Ron didn’t know what to say. How did Lavender know so many of his secrets? Maybe she did know him better than she thought.

“You know what? I’m done. I’m not coming second to Hermione Granger! We’re over Ronald Weasley!” Lavender says with a stomp with her standing.

And as she was leaving she turned back towards me and said “and don’t think I’ll take back after she rejects you!”

And with that she disappears into the staircase to the girls dormitory.

Ron is left alone dumbfounded and reeling from the events that just occurred. He was embarrassed, confused, a bit relieved and not at all saddened.

The few remaining students in the common room were being polite and pretended like they didn’t witness one of the loudest breakups in Gryffindor's history.

He remained in his seat, alone with thoughts. And they slowly got more depressing. Did Lavender really think Hermione would reject him? Sure he’s not a really good quidditch player but he knew he was getting better.

The night progressed and he was sulking and not because his girlfriend for a few weeks just broke up with him rather publicly. He supposed since their hookup was public then it made sense the end was as well.

No, the reason is still sitting in his chair was because of Hermione. In that dress. On a date with Cormac McLaggen. At Slughorn’s Christmas party. A party he was beginning to wonder if he’d been originally been invited to. He’d been replaying their conversation that day in herbology class.

Hermione did mention it to him… what did she say?

“I was going to ask you to come”

Did that count? No... Maybe? She was just thinking of asking, she never actually did. Or was that her asking? Merlin, why are girls so confusing?

She hasn’t asked him, not officially. It’s not like he let her ask him.
Ever since finding out she snogged bloody Krum, he’s been furious with her. He ignored her for almost a week, when he wasn’t ignoring her he was cruel.

He felt bad sometimes about it, but she should have told him. She should have been honest with him instead of flirting with him all summer like they had something. For every first he had with her, she already had her first with him. So he figured he could go have some of his firsts on his own.

As angry as he was he started to daydream what it would have been like to be Hermione’s date tonight. Would they have gone as friends or something more? Would he have found the courage to kiss her goodnight? Would he have felt emboldened by the spirits and confessed his feelings?

He also thought about how her date with McLaggen was going. Did she fancy that git? Were they having a grand ole time? Was she laughing at his unfunny jokes? Was he charming her? Was he touching her in ways he only dreamed about?

Fuck, Ron thought as he reajusted in his sit. He could feel his face getting hot and breath become uneven. He knew he needed to calm down, he knew he should go upstairs and go to bed. But he couldn’t. He needed to see her again. Before they left for break in the morning. He needed a chance to talk to her. He needed to see her face.

The more time that passed the more anxious he got. What time is it? How long is the party supposed to go for? Fuck, what if they’re snogging right now? What if they’re snogging and he’s just sitting here like an idiot?

Ron’s mind is spiraling so much that he almost doesn’t hear the portrait door swing open. Ron holds still in anticipation, please let it be her. Please let her be alone.

Chapter Text

“You’re back early,” Ron said. It sounded more like a question rather than a statement.

Hermione made a quick pan around the room. No girlfriend in sight. She must have gotten tired and gone to bed.

So why is he here? Was he waiting for me?

Ron sat up in his chair and looked behind her, perhaps waiting for her date to follow behind.
I hope not. She thought as she glanced behind her as well.

Hermione doesn’t answer. She was tired. Her feet hurt and she just wanted sleep. She fully intended to ignore him. She continued on her path to the staircase to her dormitory.

“Oí! I’m talking to you! You can’t just pretend I don’t exist!” Ron said. He got up from the chair and walked halfway across the room.

Hermione kept walking.

“Hermione! Wait- you have to talk to me sometime!” Ron said. He took more steps forward.

“Actually I don’t! I don’t have to do anything I don’t want to!” Hermione said as she stoped and turned back to face him.

“Oh! Right, and going on a date with McLaggen is what you wanted to do?” Ron said in an annoyed voice.

“No! It’s not what I wanted to do, it’s what I had to do! I didn’t get to go with who I wanted, so I had to figure it out!” Hermione retorted.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ron asked, with a confused look on his face.

“It doesn’t matter anymore,” Hermione said in a quieter voice. “Why do you care anyway?”

“I don’t know what your problem is! First you send those birds on me and then you ignore me all term-“

“My problem? My problem? I didn’t have a problem until you decided to blow me off for Lavender Brown!”

“What are you talking about? What does Lavender have to do with anything?” Ron asked.

“It has everything to do with it! I asked you to tonight’s party! And the next thing I knew you iced me out and started dating my roommate!”

“That wasn’t a date! You didn’t say-“

“It was implied! You didn’t give me the opportunity to formally invite you!”

“You should have been more clear!”

“And why were you treating me so terribly? Right before the first quidditch game of the year!”

“Wait, did you invite McLaggen just to piss me off?”

“And don’t change the subject!”

“Answer my question! Did you invite McLaggen just to spike me?”

“Why do you care if I go out with Cormac?”

“I just do.”

“Yes! Okay? I invited him because I knew you hated him!”

“I can’t believe you would stoop so low, Hermione honestly.”

“Ronald! Don’t change the subject. Answer me right now why did you blow me off?”

“I- I wasn’t blowing you off, I was just mad…”

“Mad about what?”

“Something Ginny said. When Harry and I found her and Dean snogging in a corridor”

“And what did Ginny say?”

“I was getting on her for all the public snogging-

Hermione burst out a laugh.

Ron rolls his eyes. “I was getting on her for all the public snogging and in our fight she said I was only mad because I never snogged anyone.”

“Okay… and what does that have to do with-“

“And she mentioned that you and Krum had snogged and that really bummed me out”

“What?”

“So I don’t want to hear it. I know okay? I know all about you and Vicky-“

“Wait, you're telling me that you started dating Lavender because you were mad I kissed someone two years ago?” Hermione said. “ I cannot believe- oh my - I don’t even know what to say to that…”

“I know that it was more than that-“ Ron responded.

“It was nothing! It lasted… it didn’t mean… That is the most childish and immature and stupid-“ Hermione said. She put her hands up in disbelief.

“Alright … stop it. Okay! Yeah, I started dating Lavender because I was upset.. but she was nice to me and she liked me.. “

“I like you”

“You do?”

“Well I did. It comes and goes these days.” Hermione said, “Wait… was?”

“Yeah we sorta broke up.. “ Ron said. Hermione was too stunned to speak.

“Well, more like she dumped me”

Hermione stepped closer, “Oh, I’m sorry.”

Hermione stepped closer to Ron and tried to comfort him by touching his arm but changed her mind.

“Don’t be, I'm not. I sorta stopped enjoying that relationship a while ago. It’s all worked out for the best”. Ron was not about to tell Hermione the real reason. How he couldn’t stop staring at her, and how Lavender called him out.

“Well we’ve been stupid haven’t we?”

“Yeah we’re pretty thick headed” Ron said.

They stepped closer, until they were face to face. Inches apart, they could look into each other's eyes. The light for the fireplace slowly died. Candles around the room quickly became their only source of light. It was still lit enough to look at Ron’s face. He’s beautiful face. Hermione felt like she could swim and drown in his beautiful blue eyes.

“I care about you, Hermione.” Ron said. He looked at her with a softness. His eyes darted around her face like he wanted to memorize it.

“I care you you too, Ron”

“No … I care about you differently… “ Ron reached down and grabbed her hand, desperate to make her understand.

“I know what you mean,” Hermione said. She held his hand too and leaned into him.
“I feel it too.”

Ron leaned in and hovered his lips over hers… “I really want to kiss you”

Hermione closed the space between them.
Their lips press against each other’s. Hermione loses herself for a moment. All her feelings since last year explode inside of her. The kiss deepened and Ron took Hermione's frame into his arms and rested his hands on her hips. Hermione placed her hands on his shoulders and held on for dear life. And they stand there for what feels like forever. Hermione pulled away first.

“This is too complicated” she said.

“No it’s not, we can just..” Ron replied and kissed her again.

Ron's hands began to explore her body as they are just full blown snogging in the common room. Before fully giving in to her temptation Hermione pulled away again, “I want to, I really do” she says with her mouth pressed against his. “I think I had too much to drink at the party”

“Are you drunk?”

“No”

“So what is it?”

“You just broke up with your girlfriend… and we have a lot of issues”

Ron closed his eyes. This isn’t what he wants to hear.

“I think we should take some time. Learn to be friends again before we try to…”

“Right” Ron pulled away completely. He rubbed his neck. He put distance between them and turned away from her. “Sorry I feel like an idiot ...we shouldn’t have-“

“Ron, wait- please” Hermione said. She followed him and grabbed at his shirt sleeve.

Ron turned around and Hermione kissed him again. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him in tight. He returned the kiss and hug.

“I’m not rejecting you.” She said.

Ron looked down, unsure of the situation.

“Ron, look at me. I fancy you a lot. So much that I don’t want to ruin it.”

“We’re not gonna ruin it-“

“Not if we take our time. Please.” Hermione kissed him again. “Please.”

Ron sighed, he couldn’t say no.

“What does it mean?”

“It means we will be friends again.”

“I don’t want to be friends”

“It means we’ll learn to trust each other again and communicate” Hermione clarified.

“For how long?”

“I don’t know”

“Hermione-“

“We need to go home for the holiday. And when we get back we can talk about it”

“Right after?”

“Yea, I just need some time to clear my head, and get over my still hurt feelings”.

“We‘ll write to each other?”

“Yes”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

They shared another kiss. “I need sleep, we have an early morning tomorrow”

“I know, I don’t want to let you go”

“You like sleep too”

“Yeah…”

“You might miss breakfast”

“Right” Ron said as he finally let go.

“Goodnight, I’ll see after break”

“Goodnight, I’ll see you after break”

Chapter Text

Ron didn’t waste time. Once he got home, he started to make his way to his attic bedroom.

Ron didn’t make it to the first landing before his twin brothers, Fred and George, appeared in front of him. They blocked his path.

“Oi! Ronnie, where are we in a rush to?”
said Fred looking at him with slight annoyance.

“Yeah, you nearly knocked us over the edge” George exaggerated with a fake distressed look on his face. “We could have died, you would’ve been sent to Azkaban for double brother murder”

“Oh shut up, you’re both fine.” Ron said annoyed. ”Now move”

Ron tried to walk past them but they wouldn’t budge him.

“Hold on we’re only joking! You’re always so serious little brother.” said Fred “What’s this we hear from Ginny, you have a girlfriend?”

“It’s none of your business!” replied Ron, even more annoyed now and his face began to get hot.

“Oh, calm down, don't get your knickers in a twist!” said George

“Yeah, we just wanted confirmation”
Said Fred, “Look at that George, our Ronnie is all grown up!”

“I never thought this day would come,” said Fred. “I just hope you know how to treat a girl right. I mean you do know what you're doing, right?”

Ron did not want to have this conversation right. His face was getting hotter. “I don’t have time for this, just move!” Ron said. His voice sounded a bit desperate.

“Also what’s up with Hermione? Why isn’t she here? Did you muck up with her again?” asked George.

“She’s not the one you're dating, is she? Because Ginny wouldn’t give us her name!” said Fred.

Ron’s face felt like is was on fire. “Shut up!” He finally muscled his way past them.

“I just don’t understand why you two kids can’t work it out!” George shouted after him. 

Ron stomped his way upstairs and opened the creaky door to his small bedroom.

It wasn’t stuffy or dusty, his mother must have come in and prepared the room. He made a mental note to talk to his mother about boundaries and coming into his room while he’s at school.

Ron sits at his desk on the opposite wall across his bed. He puts a quill to paper.

Dear Hermione,

We’ve made the journey to burrow safely. I hope you made it home safe.

You’re right, Harry has completely gone mental. He talked my ear off the whole train ride home. I’d tell you more but Harry will probably want to tell you himself. Besides you wouldn’t believe me if I did say. Honestly his theories have gone off the deep end.

My parents send their regards and happiest Christmas. Though I think dad is upset he can’t question you more about whatever muggle thing he’s obsessed with this week. Which by the way is a thing called “pagers” apparently they beep and send cryptic messages long distances. To me they just seemed like rubbish.

Ginny also appears to be in a bad mood. I think she may have gotten into another row with Dean. It’s unclear if they’re still together. I’m sure you have more details on that front.

Fred and George are annoying as ever. I haven't been home for two minutes and they’re already testing my patience. I can’t wait until I’m 17 and can use magic at home. I’m sick of feeling so helpless. I want to join the order and fight the good fight. And get to tell Fred and George to piss off without getting expelled.

I’d also like to say that I’m sorry about the message Lavender left on the window. I didn’t know she was going to do that, honest. I don’t know why she came by. Now I have the dreadful thought she might want to get back together. Which is not happening. She and I haven’t spoken since we broke up and Harry insisted we’d be alone on the train. I was actually hoping we would get to sit together but you came by after she did and... well I just missed you.

How are you? How was the journey home?
And how are your parents?
Hope you’re having a great holiday.

Ron didn’t know how to sign off the letter. Sincerely? Best? Love? No love is too strong. He’d always signed it “your friend” but he certainly is not just “friend”. Future boyfriend yes, friend no. Ron thought for a moment… no point in trying to hide how you feel, just show her how much you care without scaring her. 

Yours, Ron

Perfect. Ron folded and sealed the letter. He went back downstairs and into the living room. Found Pig in the heaps of luggage. Took his owl’s cage to an open window. He opened the latch to Pig’s cage and attached his letter to his leg and sent him on his way.

“Ron! Dinner!” Ron heard his mother shout from the kitchen. Good. He was beginning to feel peckish.

…

Later that night, in the semi privacy of his room. Ron allowed himself to fantasize about Hermione and seeing her again. He recalled their kiss over and over. He’d always dreamed of it but reality was 100 times better. He fell asleep that night picturing her lips.

Chapter Text

Hermione had wished her parents goodnight, and retreated into her bedroom. Hermione felt the day weigh on her. Traveling south from Hogwarts and then the drive home only to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening catching up with her parents. She only wished she had time to unpack. Her room is simple but currently a mess. A double bed with a red duvet. Built in bookcases that are full to the brim. A desk facing the window. Hermione was lucky to fit a chair in there as well. The walls still painted a faded pink from her childhood. After she rummaged through her trunk, she got ready for bed and was about to crawl into her comfortable duvet when she noticed Pig at her window.

“How long have you been there?” Hermione said as she rushed to open the window.

Hermione pet Pig and she unraveled the letter from his leg.

“You must be so tired. Come here.”

Hermione placed Pig in her guest owl cage. After a couple of months of exchanging letters with Ron and Harry she figured she should have somewhere their owls could rest and drink water while they wait for her response. She left the cage door open as well as her window in case Pig wanted to wait outside.

Hermione took Ron’s letter to her desk and opened it.

…

Hermione read and reread the letter.

She missed him so much.

Yours, Ron

That’s how he signed it. It’s new. He never signed off his letters that way before.

Yours. Yours. Yours.

A single word left her breathless.

Hermione pulled out a sheet of paper from her desk drawer and picked up her quill.

Dear Ron,

I made it home safe. My parents picked me up at kings crossing and we drove him. I’m good. My parents are good. They’re very excited that I'm home. They have a lot planned. There’s shopping, the theater and a couple of dinners with family and friends. I love Hogwarts but a part of me is happy to be home in my own bedroom with my own things. My mum made my favorite dinner tonight a complete Sunday roast.

What on earth is Harry going on about now? I didn’t see much of him at Professor Slughorn’s Christmas party. He seemed distracted that evening when I spoke to him. I have no idea what about since I made my exit soon after we talked. I’m sure I’ll hear about it when we get back to school. I worry about him. Does he sleep? Does his still go to quidditch practice? I see him at meals and classes but that’s about it.

Send your parents my love. I’m sorry to miss Christmas at the burrow this year. I love my parents but it is just the three of us. Our house is just a little too quiet on Christmas Day. I would love to discuss pagers with your dad next time I see him. Both my parents have one and sometimes the beeping scares me.

Oh speaking of muggle gadgets your dad would be obsessed with! My parents just installed a “dishwasher” in the kitchen. It’s a machine that does the dishes for you, so you don’t have to wash up by hand!

Yes, Ginny was venting to Luna and I on the train. Her and Dean got into a big row just before we left. It was nothing serious, Ginny just feels like Dean never listens to her. Apparently “he worries too much about her”. I’m also unsure if they are still together. I will be writing to her for clarification.

I hope Fred and George behave and you don’t lose your temper. They just like to rile you up.

I missed you too. I knew Harry wanted to talk to you alone and I just couldn’t trust myself not to throw myself on you. I think Harry would know something was up if he watched me straddle you.

I’m glad to hear that it’s definitely over between you and Lavender. I don’t want to talk about her anymore right now. (Or ever again).

All I can think about is you.

I miss you so much. I’ve been talking about you all day. No matter what I’m doing I can still remember how your breathe felt on me. I can’t stop thinking about you. Your face, yours hands, your lips. When I look at you, nothing else matters. The whole world fades and it’s just us. I could get lost in you forever. I am having a better holiday since I got your letter.

Yours, Hermione.

PS.
The order would be lucky to have you.

Satisfied with her letter, Hermione walks over to Pig in her visitor cage and straps her letter to his leg. 

“Okay, whenever your ready take this back to Ron.”

Pig flaps his wings and takes off out her window.

…
Hermione several underestimated how much more Ron Weasley could occupy her mind.
She couldn’t sleep, her kiss with Ron kept flashing in her mind.
For once Hermione allowed herself her desires.

Chapter Text

Ron wakes up on Christmas morning to gifts at the foot of his bed.

"Harry wake up! It's morning!"

Harry yawns, “Happy Christmas”

"Happy Christmas, Harry. Hurry up, breakfast will be ready soon."

Ron and Harry began to tear into their gifts. A knitted hat and scarf from his mother. A new old winter coat from his father. At least it fits. Some shop treats from Fred and George.

Ron reached for the next present wrapped in a sage green paper and a red velvet bow. He read Hermione's name on the package.. He got excited and nervous.

Ron torn back the paper as gently as he could and revealed a jersey. A Chudley Cannons jersey. A Gordon Horton jersey…Merlin's beard Hermione got me a CHUDLEY CANN- wait. It's signed by Gordon Horton! Right there on the 9, clear as day! GORDON HORTON'S SIGNATURE!

Ron scrambled to find a note. How did Hermione do this?? He finds a small piece of parchment.

Dear Ron,

I heard you're the keeper for Gryffindor. Hermione tells me you've got lots of potential, and hell of a talent for the sport. She also tells me you get in your head a lot. I just wanted to let you know that it happens to us the best. Even I get nervous before an important match. But our team relies on us and we got to rise to the occasion. Believe in yourself and work hard and who knows maybe you can try out for the team someday and I can finally retire. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the jersey!

Best of luck, Gordon Horton

Ron couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe that his quidditch idol had written him a note and signed a jersey. He couldn't believe Hermione did this. According to Gordon's note he and Hermione spoke.

They met and spoke about him and quidditch. Hermione hates quidditch.

Meaning she went out of her way to do this for him.

Ron' pure joy was replaced with pure panic. Hermione got him a Christmas gift... but he did not get her a Christmas gift... this isn't fair. They weren't on speaking terms until very recently. He didn't know when it would end. Now Hermione has given him the best present he's ever received in his life and he has nothing to give in return.

Well at least nothing good. He wanted to give her something good. She deserves nice things. He wished he could afford to buy her something special like diamonds.

Ron began to feel like a loser.. he couldn't get the girl he fancies anything nice for Christmas. Hermione deserves better.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked. He had opened all of his presents. He was getting dressed for breakfast.

"Nothing. Hermione got me a present and I feel bad that I didn't get her anything."

"WOW, I didn't expect her to get you anything considering how angry she is with you."

Harry didn't know a thing. His best friend doesn't know about he snogged his other best friend before break and how desperate he is to do it again.

"Right, I just wasn't expecting it. I wish I'd thought to get her something just in case."

"Well, I'm sure she'll understand. She's extending the olive branch and all. Just send her a thank you card or something and get her something soon and give it her in person"

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.

Thanks"

"Sure thing, I'm sick of you two fighting anyway. I'm going downstairs, you coming with?"

"Yeah just a bit, I need to get dressed."

"Okay, see you down there." Ron waited until Harry was gone.

He got out of bed to write Hermione another letter. He begins by thanking her for the jersey and how he loved it... but he can't get over how wrong it feels to not give her anything in return .... Ron sighs and looks around his room ... he small bed with brown and orange sheets. His walls covered in posters.. his wardrobe that doesn't fit his clothes anymore... his clothes...

Ron got an idea. He opened his truck and dug around until he found it. Where is it? Where is it? Yes! His maroon jumper. The one with the large golden R in the front. It was his favorite. He knew Hermione liked it... she wore it before.

She always seemed sad when she gave it back. To be honest he always liked how she looked in it. He wanted her to have it. So she'd always have a part of him with her. Is that too boyfriend/ girlfriend? Whatever. Ron knew the "just friends" thing was not gonna work. He wanted more. So much more. He wanted Hermione to be his and wear his jumper.

Ron started a new letter.

Dear Hermione,

Merry Christmas! I miss you, and I wish I could spend the holiday with you like last year. No one knows we've made up so having to be neutral about your absence has been hard. Thank you so much for the jersey. I love it. I can't believe you got Gordon Horton's signature on his jersey. You have to tell me how you did it! When did you met him? What was he like? I know it's not much but I wanted you to have something special. I hope you like it and wear it. I hope you have a wonderful day with your family and I can't wait to see you again.

Yours, Ron

Ron sealed the letter and wrapped the jumper in spare brown paper he had in his room. He attached the letter to package and approached Headwig. She was much bigger than Pig and could deliver the package.

Ron opened her cage and the window.

"Could you take this Hermione, please? It needs to get to her by the end of today." Hedwig hooted and took the paper into her talons and took flight.

Chapter Text

Hermione was eating her first meal back in Hogwarts in the new term. Hermione loved being home but she was so happy to back. She was eating shepherds pie when she noticed Ron staring at her. They had spoken alone yet. They didn’t see much of each other on the train. On the way back from London the news of Ron and Lavender’s break up got out. It was all anyone wanted to talk about.

Hermione was being pulled away the whole time and Ron wasn’t at the compartment with Harry when she stopped by. Hermione ended up sitting next to Ginny in the great hall later that night. Ron and Harry sat only a few people down from them. After welcome back speeches and choir performances dinner began.

Hermione could feel Ron’s eyes in her. She felt hot, and a bit nervous. Ron was looking at her the same way Viktor did. The difference was she felt the same way this time. She was absolutely smitten. They exchanged letters all break. She couldn’t believe he gifted her his maroon sweater. The one she’d be obsessed with for years. The one she’d wear when she said she was cold and he offered it to her. She had even slept in it and was currently in her trunk upstairs.

Hermione glanced over at him and their eyes made contact. It felt like her body was on fire. The things she wanted to do… she looked away.

She was trying to listen to what Ginny was saying to her but it sounded muddy and far away. Hermione looked again. Ron raised his brow like he was asking. Hermione nodded her head yes. “Find me” she mouthed to him.

Ron smiled and finally looked away. Hermione didn’t know what was going to happen but Merlin was she excited.

After dinner Hermione returned to her dormitory to quickly unpack and freshen up. She changed into a different pair of mom jeans and a faded red top. She tossed her hair and applied the smallest amount of perfume. She wanted to look nice but not draw attention to herself. She didn’t want anyone to know she was meeting up with recently single Ron Weasley. Hermione quickly scanned the common room. It was crowned with students loudly chatting and catching up after break.

Hermione’s eyes finally land on Ron. He’s chatting with Neville at a table nearby. She had to be casual. Hermione slowly made her way through the crowd to the portrait hole. As she approached the table Ron finally looked up and noticed her. Their eyes meant and it left like time had stopped. They were the only two people in the room. They didn't break eye contact until Neville said something to Ron that she couldn’t hear.

Hermione exited the common room and walked to the right of the entrance. She hoped that Ron was following her. She hoped she wasn’t making a fool of herself. She didn’t look back. She didn’t know what she would say yet. She wanted to be alone with Ron for just a moment. She walked a bit further down corridors and a small flight of stairs.

There was a tapestry in this corridor that had a hole in the wall with a tiny window facing the west side of the grounds. The gap was small but large enough for two people. She only knew about it because she caught a pair fifth years going at it last term. Hermione pulled back the tapestry and slipped inside. Before the tapestry can close behind her Ron is there. They both squeezed into the tight space. Face to face.

“Oh” Hermione said.

“Hi, I thought you would’ve picked a roomier spot”

“It was the first place I could think of. I didn’t think a classroom would be wise”

“Right. You always know best.” Hermione realized how close they were. It was dark but her eyes were adjusting. She could she his eyes and lips now. “I- I think we should talk”

“Yeah, me too”

“I wanted to say thank you for my Christmas present. I wasn’t expecting it.”

“Well, thank you for my amazing gift. I wore it all break, got to brag to everyone at the house about it”

“I’m glad you like it, I got it for you a while just was waiting for Christmas. And I really loved my gift. I’ve always loved that jumper and… I like wearing it too”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Hermione couldn’t help herself. She closed the gap between them and kissed Ron deeply on the lips. She grabbed on to his shoulders and his arms found their way around her waist. She pressed her whole body into his. She wanted to feel as close as she could get. Ron Weasley was intoxicating; he overwhelmed her senses. His hands were roaming freely across her back and pulled her closer. She had to break away.

“Wait..” she whispered breathlessly.

“Wait?” Ron laughed, “You snogged me! I’m just -“ he kissed her again, “reciprocating” he leaned in to kissed her again.

“I know, I just want to talk first. About us” Hermione pulled away and out of his arms.

“You are very confusing.”

“I know that this has been not ideal-“

“What’s your problem? I fancy you and you fancy me. But somehow we shouldn’t be together?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Complicated? You know what’s complicated? Us not talking for months over hurt feelings and miscommunication. Then we finally talked and then we snog for the first time. Then afterwards you tell me we can’t be together but we can still be friends. Then spend the entire break writing to each other and then when we come back to school you tell me to come find you and then lead me to a literal hole in the wall to just snog me again just to tell me “it’s complicated””

“Ron, it’s not about .. I’m messing this up”

“What is is about then? Are you embarrassed of me? Don’t want to be seen in public with a Weasley? Am I not good enough?”

“How could you say that to me?”

“That has to be the reason you won’t date me. I’m not boyfriend material, just some bloke you snog and dry hump behind a tapestry”

“You are so much more than that. You mean everything to me. I can not believe that you could ever say that.”

“What am I supposed to think, Hermione?”

“It’s not you. It’s Harry.”

“Harry? You fancy Harry?”

“What! No! I mean Harry needs us right now. The world is becoming a darker place by the day, and if we’ve going to be order members and fight you know who then we can’t get…”

”What? We can’t get what?”

”Domestic”

“Domestic?”

“Yeah”

“Well when would we be able to get “domestic”?”

“I dunno know? How ever long this war could last..”

“That could be years.”

“I know”

“I can’t. I.. I can't turn my feelings off. Not when I know you feel the same way.”

“I just don’t know what the future holds and I can’t bear the thought of losing you.”

“You’re not going to.” “You I can’t promise that”

“I’ve waited so long.. . I don’t want to wait any longer.”

“I’m worried that our feeling for each other could be used against us”

“Hermione. I know you're scared. I’m scared too. You make me so  happy. I want you. You’re all I want.”

“You’re all I want, Ron.”

“I need you Hermione.” Ron stepped forward and gently pushed her against the wall. Hemrione placed her hands around his neck.

“I can’t do it without you.” Ron said.

“What about Harry?” Hermione asked  

“Harry doesn’t have to know anything. No one does.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’ll be our secret.”

“I dont want you to do anything you don’t want to do.”

“I want you, Hermione.” Ron kissed her. “Just you” another kiss “only you” another kiss.

Hermione kisses him back.

“Tell me to stop.” Ron said in between kisses.

“Tell me to stop and I will”

Ron pressed her against the wall with his body.

“Don’t stop” Hermione said gasping.

“I don’t want you to stop”

They were snogging again. Ron pulled away this time.

“Hermione, I want you. I’ll do whatever it takes to have you”

“Ron, if we’re gonna do this… we can’t let it get in the way of the important stuff that happens.”

“It won’t.”

“I want to be happy. And you you make me happy.”

“You make me happy.”

“Also I’d like to safely sleep in my dorm so the longer this stays a secret the less likely I am to be hexed in my sleep.”

“Yeah, we should completely avoid that as much as possible.”

“So we’re in  agreement. This stays between us for now”

“Yes”

“Can we snog so more now?”

“Yes”