Fic Request Fulfilled for daysandweeks
Title: The Waiting Game
Author: lunalovepotter
Beta: the_vixxmeister
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 2783
Summary: Hermione is hoping for Ron to ask her out for Valentine’s Day, and is beginning to despair that he will ever do it.
Warnings: Fluff! And a nice long kiss.
Disclaimer: Characters are the property of J.K. Rowling, et. al. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's Notes: Thanks to the_vixxmeister for being my beta. *HUGS* And Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!
Hermione tapped her foot impatiently and sighed. She peered across the deserted common room toward the portrait hole to see if there was any sign of Ginny. She’d promised to meet Hermione at two o’clock so they could study together, but it was two-fifteen now. At this point, they’d be lucky if there were any good spots left by the lake. Weather like this just didn’t happen often enough, and it seemed that every last student at Hogwarts was taking advantage of it on this Spring afternoon. Plus there was that massive 10-page essay for Potions still left to tackle, and a stack of reading a foot high for Ancient Runes. At this rate she would be up all night and would be completely out of sorts all day tomorrow.
Then the portrait swung open and the bright-eyed, fiery-haired Ginny Weasley climbed through the portrait hole. She looked dishevelled; her shirt was coming untucked from the hem of her pleated skirt, her tie was crooked, and her hair was falling out of the barrett. Her cheeks were flushed, as if she’d just come in from playing Quidditch.
“Hey, Hermione,” she said with an easy smile as she crossed the room, bookbag bumping rhythmically against her thigh. “Sorry I’m late. Michael and I were in the library, and we, erm, we kind of lost track of time…” Ginny tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and cocked her head suggestively.
“Come on, you were with Michael again? You really need to pay more attention to your studies, you’re a fourth year now. Before long you’ll need to star thinking about a career.”
“I’m doing just fine in my classes, thanks very much, and there’s plenty of time to choose a career,” Ginny quipped. “Who stuck a broomstick up your arse? You’ve been in such a foul mood the last couple of days. Whenever I mention Michael you give me this snotty attitude.”
“Nothing’s wrong. Let’s go,” Hermione huffed.
They had barely stepped outside the portrait hole when Ginny stopped and positioned herself in front of Hermione to block her path. “Oh, I know what it is,” she said, rather smugly. “Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.”
“So what?” Hermione tossed off casually, although the flush in her cheeks clearly gave her away.
“You’re hoping my thick-headed brother will ask you to Hogsmeade.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Hermione said, and stepped around Ginny. “I wasn’t planning on going anyway. I’ve got far too much work.”
Ginny followed her, and they proceeded through the castle toward the entrance. “Why don’t you ask him yourself?”
“What, ask Ron on a date?”
“Yeah. What’s wrong with that? Lots of girls do it now.”
Hermione felt flustered. “Well nothing, just…never mind, Ginny. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” She began to walk faster.
“Come on, Hermione. What are you waiting for?”
What was she waiting for, indeed. There were plenty of perfectly respectable boys around; why was she limiting herself to Ron? She’d all but written across her forehead in black ink that she fancied him, but still he made no move to reciprocate. There wasn’t another girl - she knew this because he spent about as much time with her and with Harry as he normally did, and never mentioned being with anyone else. Of course, he had been rather tight-lipped around her lately but that didn’t necessarily mean anything. Unless it did…?
Hermione’s heart leapt into her throat as she and Ginny stepped outside into the sunshine, and immediately made for the lake. The majority of students had congregated there, and were sitting in bunches chatting, studying, or dipping their feet in the lake. A few boys had started up a game of catch; although on closer inspection it seemed to Hermione they were playing some improvised form of Quidditch without broomsticks which made absolutely no sense to her whatsoever. Although she hardly understood the point of Quidditch to begin with.
They found a spot half in the sun and half in the shade, dropped their bookbags and settled down in the grass. Ginny immediately pried off her shoes, and began digging in her bag for something, while Hermione found herself scanning the area in search of a flash of bright red hair. There were boys scattered all over the place; she caught a glimpse of Harry, impossible to miss with his shock of messy black hair; he was lingering around with Neville, Seamus, and Dean not too far from Cho and her gaggle of friends. But Ron wasn’t with them. She hadn’t seen him all day, other than in passing at breakfast in the Great Hall. She’d been on her way out as he and Harry were coming in.
“Damn,” she muttered under her breath, then quickly glanced in Ginny’s direction hoping she hadn’t heard. Ginny hadn’t; she was now lying on her stomach facing the lake, reading a chapter from her Potions book. Her lips moved quietly as she read, and she was swinging her legs lazily back and forth in the air while twisting a lock of hair around her finger. How easy it was for Ginny, Hermione thought; so confident and self-assured around boys. She just didn’t give a rat’s tail what they thought. Or if she did, she never showed it.
So to keep her mind off things, Hermione took out her own Potions book, parchment and quills and set to work on her essay on the magical capabilities of the Quintioch Stone. But she wasn’t focused on it for very long, because about twenty minutes later Harry joined them, looking rather chuffed. He dropped his bookbag on the grass and sat down, loosening his tie.
Ginny glanced up from her book. “Hey, Harry,” she said, vaguely; although Hermione noticed her eyes lingered on Harry a few seconds longer before she returned to her book.
“Hey Ginny,” he replied with a grin.
“What are you so happy about, then?” Hermione asked.
“I’ve asked Cho to Hogsmeade with me for Valentine’s Day, and she said ‘yes’.” Harry’s cheeks flushed, and his chest seemed to swell, like a proud rooster. “It took a bit of time to get her away from her friends, but I did it.”
Ginny emitted a light sigh. “Oh, that’s great,” she said without looking up.
“Yes, good for you,” Hermione added encouragingly. “Where’s Ron?”
“ ‘Dunno, haven’t seen him since breakfast. Said he had some things to do. Why?”
“Nothing. Just curious, that’s all. Have you finished your Potions essay?”
Harry looked uncomfortable, and began picking at blades of grass. “Erm, no. Haven’t started. I reckon I’ll be pulling an all-nighter.”
Hermione tsked disapprovingly. “Well, don’t forget to meet me at the Three Broomsticks tomorrow, at two o’clock. You can bring Cho if you like.”
“Hermione listen, about that…can’t we do it another time?”
“No! Harry, this is important. Promise you’ll be there, all right?”
“Yeah, yeah. All right then,” Harry acquiesced although he looked none too pleased about it.
Then Hermione saw the flash of red hair she’d been looking for not too long ago, and Ron sidled up to them. “Hello Ron,” she said lightly, managing a smile.
Ron’s eyes barely skimmed over her. “Hey,” he said vaguely, then looked at Ginny. “Hey Ginny. Harry, c’mere a second, I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure, yeah, I need to talk to you about something too.” Harry scrambled to pick up his books, said a quick goodbye to Hermione and Ginny, and took off with Ron. As they walked away, Hermione distinctly heard the words ‘Cho’, and ‘Hogsmeade’. Ron clapped Harry on the back and congratulated him, and they proceeded across the lawn and into the castle together.
“Bloody hell! What’s wrong with him?” Hermione fumed once they were out of earshot. Her face was hot, and her hands clenched into fists. She had the almost irresistible urge to throw something.
“What?” Ginny looked up. “What’s wrong with who? Harry?”
“No, Ron, of course! Did you see the way he almost completely ignored me when I said hello to him?”
Ginny shut the Potions book and sat up, straightening the hem of her skirt around her legs. “Hermione, if you want to ask him to Hogsmeade, just do it,” she said calmly.
“I never said I wanted to--”
“You didn’t have to. Now, come on. Just ask him, already.”
“Oh forget it. I’m going inside, it’s too distracting out here,” Hermione said hurriedly, and before Ginny could say anything she’d picked up her bookbag and stormed off toward the castle. Tears of frustration stung her eyes. What on earth was was he waiting for, how much more obvious did she have to be? Ruddy git!
When she reached the castle steps, suddenly Ernie Macmillan stepped into view. He wore a sincere smile on his face and a hopeful look in his eyes, but Hermione hardly noticed. She started to step around him but he moved half a step to the side to obstruct her path. “Hey, Hermione,” he said, shifting from one foot to the other.
“Hello Ernie,” she said sullenly. “Excuse me, but I’ve got a lot of work to do--”
“Erm, wait. I was wondering - are you free tomorrow, for Valentine’s Day, I mean?”
“Actually I was planning…” Hermione had the polite but firm refusal on the tip of her tongue, but she paused. What was she waiting for? Ernie was a decent boy, not entirely unattractive - a little dull and pompous, but still there was no need to dismiss him right off. “Well, I haven’t decided what I’m doing just yet,” she finished.
“Because I was thinking, maybe you would like to go to Hogsmeade.”
Hermione put on her best smile. “Sure, that would be very nice, Ernie. How about we meet in front of the castle at eleven?”
“Yeah, okay, sure.”
“All right then, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Hermione stepped aside and continued on into the castle, feeling satisfied with herself. There! That would show Ron. Of course it meant she’d have to extricate herself from Ernie in time to get to the Three Broomsticks; either that, or she’d have to take him along. But she’d worry about that later. Right now she had homework to do.
She considered going to the library, but decided instead to go back to the common room so she could spread her things out on one of the study tables and not have to worry about the librarian, Madame Pince, hovering about. Fortunately when she arrived, the common room was still deserted and quiet, with most of the students still outside enjoying the weather. Dinner wouldn’t be for another two hours, so that would give her ample time to make progress on the essay. Then she might even finish at a reasonable time, which would allow her to get a head start on her reading for Ancient Runes and perhaps even squeeze in a bit of light studying for the History of Magic quiz. It wasn’t until next Wednesday, but it certainly couldn’t hurt to prepare. If she played her cards right she could be in bed by midnight.
She’d been working diligently for almost an hour and was well into the fourth page of her essay when she heard the distinct sound of the portrait hole opening, followed by someone walking in. She didn’t look up, hoping that whoever it was would simply pass through and go upstairs.
“Hey, Hermione,” Ron said, clearing his throat.
Hermione fought the urge to look up. Her fingers tightened around the base of her quill. “What is it, Ron?”
“I - um, got a minute?”
“Can it wait? I’m in the middle of this.” Hermione looked up. Ron was hovering at the other side of the table. He couldn’t seem to decide if he wanted to lean on the table or not, so he was constantly putting his hand there and then taking it off. As per usual, he looked rumpled; his robes were open, and his shirt untucked.
Despite herself, Hermione had to admit he looked cute. She set down the quill. “All right then, what is it?” she sighed.
“You know what, just forget it,” Ron frowned, then turned on his heel and headed for the stairs.
“What? Ron come on….”
“Don’t do me any favors.” Ron turned around, fists clenched. “Obviously whatever you’re doing is much more important than anything I could possibly have to say.”
“Well look who’s talking, Mr. ‘I-can’t-be-bothered-to-say-hello!’ ” Hermione pushed back her seat and stood up.
“What in bloody hell is that supposed to mean?”
“I was sitting right in front of you, and you barely looked at me when I said hello to you, that’s what!”
“Come off it, Hermione. Since when do you care if I say hello to you or not?”
“It’s just…well, it’s just rude, that’s all!” Hermione felt tears sting her eyes. Gods, he was so exasperating, why couldn’t he just see how much she liked him? To hide her tears she averted her eyes and began to gather up her books. “Excuse me, but I’m going upstairs. It’s a bit too noisy down here.”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but if you must know I was in a hurry. I needed to ask Harry’s advice about something.”
“All right, so what?” Hermione still refused to look up. Her hands were trembling.
“I wanted to ask him if he thought it would be a good idea…” Ron trailed off.
“A good idea for what, Ron?” Hermione stuffed her books in her bookbag and straightened her shoulders. To her surprise, Ron had moved a bit closer and his cheeks were flushed.
“…if I asked you to go to Hogsmeade. You know, for Valentine’s Day.”
“Oh, really?” she said, feigning nonchalance. Meanwhile her heart was beating a mile a minute. She slipped the strap of her bookbag over her shoulder and stepped away from the table. She wanted so much to say ‘yes’ right then and there, but stopped herself. So she was just going to wait around like a lapdog until Ron wanted her, and then drop whatever she was doing to be with him? Absolutely not. She would take her own advice to Ginny, and be her own person.
“Well that’s very nice, Ron. But I’m sorry, I’ve already got a date.”
Ron let out a little scoff. “Really, now?” he said, clearly not believing her. “Who?”
“Ernie Macmillan.”
“Ernie?” Ron made a face. “That pompous git.”
“Shut up, Ron. Just because you waited too long doesn’t mean you have to insult other boys who have the foresight to ask me out first!” Hermione bolted past him toward the stairs.
“Other boys? Oh, like you’ve got so many other offers, Hermione. If Ernie’s the best you can do, then-”
“Then what, Ron?” Hermione rounded on him, yelling so loud her throat hurt. The tears were falling freely now, and she didn’t care. “Then what?!”
Ron grabbed her around the waist, and picked her up causing the bookbag to slip off her shoulder and land on the floor with a heavy thud. “Then this!” he said, just before his mouth covered hers, and his tongue slipped into her throat.
The kiss was long and clumsy, with neither of them quite sure where to put their hands, and when they pulled apart a few moments later both of them were breathless, and somewhat confused. Ron immediately put her down as if he didn’t know how she’d gotten into his arms, and took a step back. Hermione looked around, at everything except Ron; then she quickly knelt down and picked up her fallen bookbag. Her mouth and throat were suddenly very dry, and she almost couldn’t swallow.
“Okay, so um, I guess I’ll see you at dinner,” Ron said, breaking the awkward silence.
“Yeah, sure, I’ll see you,” Hermione said, with a small smile. She started to step backward onto the stairs; misjudged the bottom step and stumbled slightly, but managed to steady herself. Behind them, some of the other students were starting to trickle in through the portrait hole.
“And - d’you want to go to Hogsmeade?”
“Well, I already said I’d go with Ernie. So I should honor that. But I’ll see you at the Three Broomsticks, at two?”
Ron looked disappointed, but nodded. “Yeah, sure. I guess. Next time, then?”
She smiled. “Sure, next time.”
Ron turned on his heel and started up the stairs for the boys’ dormitory. Hermione stood there, oblivious to the flow of students passing by her, and watched until she couldn’t see him anymore. Then she herself turned around and went upstairs with a big smile on her face.
------------------------
ORIGINAL REQUEST
Briefly describe what you'd like to receive: Hermione's hoping that Ron's going to ask her out this Valentine's Day and he's avoiding her.
Preferred Rating: PG to R...but if it's R, keep it soft. =D
Specifics you want (optional, maximum of three): An argument, a kiss, and something awkwardly cute.
Deal Breakers (what don't you want?): No explicit sex, por favor.
Thanks for participating in the exchange! Happy Valentine's Day! ♥
Author: lunalovepotter
Beta: the_vixxmeister
Rating: PG-13
Word count: 2783
Summary: Hermione is hoping for Ron to ask her out for Valentine’s Day, and is beginning to despair that he will ever do it.
Warnings: Fluff! And a nice long kiss.
Disclaimer: Characters are the property of J.K. Rowling, et. al. No copyright infringement intended.
Author's Notes: Thanks to the_vixxmeister for being my beta. *HUGS* And Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!
Hermione tapped her foot impatiently and sighed. She peered across the deserted common room toward the portrait hole to see if there was any sign of Ginny. She’d promised to meet Hermione at two o’clock so they could study together, but it was two-fifteen now. At this point, they’d be lucky if there were any good spots left by the lake. Weather like this just didn’t happen often enough, and it seemed that every last student at Hogwarts was taking advantage of it on this Spring afternoon. Plus there was that massive 10-page essay for Potions still left to tackle, and a stack of reading a foot high for Ancient Runes. At this rate she would be up all night and would be completely out of sorts all day tomorrow.
Then the portrait swung open and the bright-eyed, fiery-haired Ginny Weasley climbed through the portrait hole. She looked dishevelled; her shirt was coming untucked from the hem of her pleated skirt, her tie was crooked, and her hair was falling out of the barrett. Her cheeks were flushed, as if she’d just come in from playing Quidditch.
“Hey, Hermione,” she said with an easy smile as she crossed the room, bookbag bumping rhythmically against her thigh. “Sorry I’m late. Michael and I were in the library, and we, erm, we kind of lost track of time…” Ginny tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and cocked her head suggestively.
“Come on, you were with Michael again? You really need to pay more attention to your studies, you’re a fourth year now. Before long you’ll need to star thinking about a career.”
“I’m doing just fine in my classes, thanks very much, and there’s plenty of time to choose a career,” Ginny quipped. “Who stuck a broomstick up your arse? You’ve been in such a foul mood the last couple of days. Whenever I mention Michael you give me this snotty attitude.”
“Nothing’s wrong. Let’s go,” Hermione huffed.
They had barely stepped outside the portrait hole when Ginny stopped and positioned herself in front of Hermione to block her path. “Oh, I know what it is,” she said, rather smugly. “Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.”
“So what?” Hermione tossed off casually, although the flush in her cheeks clearly gave her away.
“You’re hoping my thick-headed brother will ask you to Hogsmeade.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Hermione said, and stepped around Ginny. “I wasn’t planning on going anyway. I’ve got far too much work.”
Ginny followed her, and they proceeded through the castle toward the entrance. “Why don’t you ask him yourself?”
“What, ask Ron on a date?”
“Yeah. What’s wrong with that? Lots of girls do it now.”
Hermione felt flustered. “Well nothing, just…never mind, Ginny. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” She began to walk faster.
“Come on, Hermione. What are you waiting for?”
What was she waiting for, indeed. There were plenty of perfectly respectable boys around; why was she limiting herself to Ron? She’d all but written across her forehead in black ink that she fancied him, but still he made no move to reciprocate. There wasn’t another girl - she knew this because he spent about as much time with her and with Harry as he normally did, and never mentioned being with anyone else. Of course, he had been rather tight-lipped around her lately but that didn’t necessarily mean anything. Unless it did…?
Hermione’s heart leapt into her throat as she and Ginny stepped outside into the sunshine, and immediately made for the lake. The majority of students had congregated there, and were sitting in bunches chatting, studying, or dipping their feet in the lake. A few boys had started up a game of catch; although on closer inspection it seemed to Hermione they were playing some improvised form of Quidditch without broomsticks which made absolutely no sense to her whatsoever. Although she hardly understood the point of Quidditch to begin with.
They found a spot half in the sun and half in the shade, dropped their bookbags and settled down in the grass. Ginny immediately pried off her shoes, and began digging in her bag for something, while Hermione found herself scanning the area in search of a flash of bright red hair. There were boys scattered all over the place; she caught a glimpse of Harry, impossible to miss with his shock of messy black hair; he was lingering around with Neville, Seamus, and Dean not too far from Cho and her gaggle of friends. But Ron wasn’t with them. She hadn’t seen him all day, other than in passing at breakfast in the Great Hall. She’d been on her way out as he and Harry were coming in.
“Damn,” she muttered under her breath, then quickly glanced in Ginny’s direction hoping she hadn’t heard. Ginny hadn’t; she was now lying on her stomach facing the lake, reading a chapter from her Potions book. Her lips moved quietly as she read, and she was swinging her legs lazily back and forth in the air while twisting a lock of hair around her finger. How easy it was for Ginny, Hermione thought; so confident and self-assured around boys. She just didn’t give a rat’s tail what they thought. Or if she did, she never showed it.
So to keep her mind off things, Hermione took out her own Potions book, parchment and quills and set to work on her essay on the magical capabilities of the Quintioch Stone. But she wasn’t focused on it for very long, because about twenty minutes later Harry joined them, looking rather chuffed. He dropped his bookbag on the grass and sat down, loosening his tie.
Ginny glanced up from her book. “Hey, Harry,” she said, vaguely; although Hermione noticed her eyes lingered on Harry a few seconds longer before she returned to her book.
“Hey Ginny,” he replied with a grin.
“What are you so happy about, then?” Hermione asked.
“I’ve asked Cho to Hogsmeade with me for Valentine’s Day, and she said ‘yes’.” Harry’s cheeks flushed, and his chest seemed to swell, like a proud rooster. “It took a bit of time to get her away from her friends, but I did it.”
Ginny emitted a light sigh. “Oh, that’s great,” she said without looking up.
“Yes, good for you,” Hermione added encouragingly. “Where’s Ron?”
“ ‘Dunno, haven’t seen him since breakfast. Said he had some things to do. Why?”
“Nothing. Just curious, that’s all. Have you finished your Potions essay?”
Harry looked uncomfortable, and began picking at blades of grass. “Erm, no. Haven’t started. I reckon I’ll be pulling an all-nighter.”
Hermione tsked disapprovingly. “Well, don’t forget to meet me at the Three Broomsticks tomorrow, at two o’clock. You can bring Cho if you like.”
“Hermione listen, about that…can’t we do it another time?”
“No! Harry, this is important. Promise you’ll be there, all right?”
“Yeah, yeah. All right then,” Harry acquiesced although he looked none too pleased about it.
Then Hermione saw the flash of red hair she’d been looking for not too long ago, and Ron sidled up to them. “Hello Ron,” she said lightly, managing a smile.
Ron’s eyes barely skimmed over her. “Hey,” he said vaguely, then looked at Ginny. “Hey Ginny. Harry, c’mere a second, I need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure, yeah, I need to talk to you about something too.” Harry scrambled to pick up his books, said a quick goodbye to Hermione and Ginny, and took off with Ron. As they walked away, Hermione distinctly heard the words ‘Cho’, and ‘Hogsmeade’. Ron clapped Harry on the back and congratulated him, and they proceeded across the lawn and into the castle together.
“Bloody hell! What’s wrong with him?” Hermione fumed once they were out of earshot. Her face was hot, and her hands clenched into fists. She had the almost irresistible urge to throw something.
“What?” Ginny looked up. “What’s wrong with who? Harry?”
“No, Ron, of course! Did you see the way he almost completely ignored me when I said hello to him?”
Ginny shut the Potions book and sat up, straightening the hem of her skirt around her legs. “Hermione, if you want to ask him to Hogsmeade, just do it,” she said calmly.
“I never said I wanted to--”
“You didn’t have to. Now, come on. Just ask him, already.”
“Oh forget it. I’m going inside, it’s too distracting out here,” Hermione said hurriedly, and before Ginny could say anything she’d picked up her bookbag and stormed off toward the castle. Tears of frustration stung her eyes. What on earth was was he waiting for, how much more obvious did she have to be? Ruddy git!
When she reached the castle steps, suddenly Ernie Macmillan stepped into view. He wore a sincere smile on his face and a hopeful look in his eyes, but Hermione hardly noticed. She started to step around him but he moved half a step to the side to obstruct her path. “Hey, Hermione,” he said, shifting from one foot to the other.
“Hello Ernie,” she said sullenly. “Excuse me, but I’ve got a lot of work to do--”
“Erm, wait. I was wondering - are you free tomorrow, for Valentine’s Day, I mean?”
“Actually I was planning…” Hermione had the polite but firm refusal on the tip of her tongue, but she paused. What was she waiting for? Ernie was a decent boy, not entirely unattractive - a little dull and pompous, but still there was no need to dismiss him right off. “Well, I haven’t decided what I’m doing just yet,” she finished.
“Because I was thinking, maybe you would like to go to Hogsmeade.”
Hermione put on her best smile. “Sure, that would be very nice, Ernie. How about we meet in front of the castle at eleven?”
“Yeah, okay, sure.”
“All right then, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Hermione stepped aside and continued on into the castle, feeling satisfied with herself. There! That would show Ron. Of course it meant she’d have to extricate herself from Ernie in time to get to the Three Broomsticks; either that, or she’d have to take him along. But she’d worry about that later. Right now she had homework to do.
She considered going to the library, but decided instead to go back to the common room so she could spread her things out on one of the study tables and not have to worry about the librarian, Madame Pince, hovering about. Fortunately when she arrived, the common room was still deserted and quiet, with most of the students still outside enjoying the weather. Dinner wouldn’t be for another two hours, so that would give her ample time to make progress on the essay. Then she might even finish at a reasonable time, which would allow her to get a head start on her reading for Ancient Runes and perhaps even squeeze in a bit of light studying for the History of Magic quiz. It wasn’t until next Wednesday, but it certainly couldn’t hurt to prepare. If she played her cards right she could be in bed by midnight.
She’d been working diligently for almost an hour and was well into the fourth page of her essay when she heard the distinct sound of the portrait hole opening, followed by someone walking in. She didn’t look up, hoping that whoever it was would simply pass through and go upstairs.
“Hey, Hermione,” Ron said, clearing his throat.
Hermione fought the urge to look up. Her fingers tightened around the base of her quill. “What is it, Ron?”
“I - um, got a minute?”
“Can it wait? I’m in the middle of this.” Hermione looked up. Ron was hovering at the other side of the table. He couldn’t seem to decide if he wanted to lean on the table or not, so he was constantly putting his hand there and then taking it off. As per usual, he looked rumpled; his robes were open, and his shirt untucked.
Despite herself, Hermione had to admit he looked cute. She set down the quill. “All right then, what is it?” she sighed.
“You know what, just forget it,” Ron frowned, then turned on his heel and headed for the stairs.
“What? Ron come on….”
“Don’t do me any favors.” Ron turned around, fists clenched. “Obviously whatever you’re doing is much more important than anything I could possibly have to say.”
“Well look who’s talking, Mr. ‘I-can’t-be-bothered-to-say-hello!’ ” Hermione pushed back her seat and stood up.
“What in bloody hell is that supposed to mean?”
“I was sitting right in front of you, and you barely looked at me when I said hello to you, that’s what!”
“Come off it, Hermione. Since when do you care if I say hello to you or not?”
“It’s just…well, it’s just rude, that’s all!” Hermione felt tears sting her eyes. Gods, he was so exasperating, why couldn’t he just see how much she liked him? To hide her tears she averted her eyes and began to gather up her books. “Excuse me, but I’m going upstairs. It’s a bit too noisy down here.”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but if you must know I was in a hurry. I needed to ask Harry’s advice about something.”
“All right, so what?” Hermione still refused to look up. Her hands were trembling.
“I wanted to ask him if he thought it would be a good idea…” Ron trailed off.
“A good idea for what, Ron?” Hermione stuffed her books in her bookbag and straightened her shoulders. To her surprise, Ron had moved a bit closer and his cheeks were flushed.
“…if I asked you to go to Hogsmeade. You know, for Valentine’s Day.”
“Oh, really?” she said, feigning nonchalance. Meanwhile her heart was beating a mile a minute. She slipped the strap of her bookbag over her shoulder and stepped away from the table. She wanted so much to say ‘yes’ right then and there, but stopped herself. So she was just going to wait around like a lapdog until Ron wanted her, and then drop whatever she was doing to be with him? Absolutely not. She would take her own advice to Ginny, and be her own person.
“Well that’s very nice, Ron. But I’m sorry, I’ve already got a date.”
Ron let out a little scoff. “Really, now?” he said, clearly not believing her. “Who?”
“Ernie Macmillan.”
“Ernie?” Ron made a face. “That pompous git.”
“Shut up, Ron. Just because you waited too long doesn’t mean you have to insult other boys who have the foresight to ask me out first!” Hermione bolted past him toward the stairs.
“Other boys? Oh, like you’ve got so many other offers, Hermione. If Ernie’s the best you can do, then-”
“Then what, Ron?” Hermione rounded on him, yelling so loud her throat hurt. The tears were falling freely now, and she didn’t care. “Then what?!”
Ron grabbed her around the waist, and picked her up causing the bookbag to slip off her shoulder and land on the floor with a heavy thud. “Then this!” he said, just before his mouth covered hers, and his tongue slipped into her throat.
The kiss was long and clumsy, with neither of them quite sure where to put their hands, and when they pulled apart a few moments later both of them were breathless, and somewhat confused. Ron immediately put her down as if he didn’t know how she’d gotten into his arms, and took a step back. Hermione looked around, at everything except Ron; then she quickly knelt down and picked up her fallen bookbag. Her mouth and throat were suddenly very dry, and she almost couldn’t swallow.
“Okay, so um, I guess I’ll see you at dinner,” Ron said, breaking the awkward silence.
“Yeah, sure, I’ll see you,” Hermione said, with a small smile. She started to step backward onto the stairs; misjudged the bottom step and stumbled slightly, but managed to steady herself. Behind them, some of the other students were starting to trickle in through the portrait hole.
“And - d’you want to go to Hogsmeade?”
“Well, I already said I’d go with Ernie. So I should honor that. But I’ll see you at the Three Broomsticks, at two?”
Ron looked disappointed, but nodded. “Yeah, sure. I guess. Next time, then?”
She smiled. “Sure, next time.”
Ron turned on his heel and started up the stairs for the boys’ dormitory. Hermione stood there, oblivious to the flow of students passing by her, and watched until she couldn’t see him anymore. Then she herself turned around and went upstairs with a big smile on her face.
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ORIGINAL REQUEST
Briefly describe what you'd like to receive: Hermione's hoping that Ron's going to ask her out this Valentine's Day and he's avoiding her.
Preferred Rating: PG to R...but if it's R, keep it soft. =D
Specifics you want (optional, maximum of three): An argument, a kiss, and something awkwardly cute.
Deal Breakers (what don't you want?): No explicit sex, por favor.
Thanks for participating in the exchange! Happy Valentine's Day! ♥