Unexpected Love

Ron pushed open the great oak doors without making a sound, scooted out into the cool night, and headed out to the lake. You can't feel this way about her, he thought. She's Hermione....your friend. But Ron knew that he liked her, and he could do nothing to control his deep feelings for her.

Hermione waded in the cool water of the lake, enjoying the coolness of the water on her skin, but stopped suddenly when she saw the doors of Hogwarts open about a foot, then close silently. She waited a minute, standing completely still, listening for any sounds. She couldn't see anyone, but she had a feeling that someone was there. Get a grip on yourself, she thought. The only person I know that can makes themself invisible is Harry, and he wouldn't be out here. Hermione decided nonetheless that the safest thing to do was get her clothes back on and get back into the school. She swam smoothly and quietly back to the shore of the lake, then hoisted herself out.

Ron's heart was beating fast, his breathing shallow. What in the bloody hell is a naked woman doing in the lake? he thought. He took a few steps closer to the lake. The woman was drying off with a blue towel, then proceeding to put her clothes back on. Wow. This is the best walk I've ever taken, he thought as he took another step closer, but then slowly stopped when he was sure that this woman was able to hear his hurried breaths and beating heart. The lady picked up her towel, and turned around after putting her clothes back on. Not just any clothing, but Hogwarts robes. Oh my goodness, thought Ron. It's a Hogwarts student. The mysterious student started walking towards the castle, and at the same time, directly towards Ron. Her eyes darted up, and seemed to lock with Ron's eyes. His face turned red hot and his stomach jumped up into his chest when he realized that the mysterious woman was not mysterious after all, but was a close friend. It was Hermione.

Hermione's thoughts drifted from schoolwork to friends as she walked towards the castle doors. As she rushed past him, Ron quickly side-stepped to avoid her running directly into him. Hermione couldn't help thinking about Ron. Why was he acting so strangely around me? she thought. He couldn't possibly have a crush on me. No, nobody likes me that way. Besides, Ron's a friend, and being anything more would ruin that. But still...it would be sort of nice to have someone around to hold. Ron stared at her as she opened the door to the castle, looked around, and quickly stepped inside. He couldn't help but stare in disbelief at his incredible luck. The one girl he cared so deeply for, he just happened to see wet and naked. This has to be a sign, he thought. I should really tell Hermione how I feel for her. What's the worst that could happen? She'll say no, and everything will be normal again.

Ron made it back into his dormitory without a single encounter with anyone. He put his pajamas on and climbed into his four-poster, but did not sleep immediately. Instead, he thought about what he and Hermione would be like as a couple until he drifted off into a happy sleep.

Hermione also made it back into her dormitory without meeting a teacher, or anyone else for that matter. She dressed into her pajamas and climbed up into bed, throwing off the hot covers and sleeping with only a sheet. As she closed her eyes, she thought about the events of the day, especially about Ron. Do I like him? she thought many times. I think he fancies me. Well... I might just fancy him too. And with that thought, her eyes drooped shut, and she slept peacefully until the next morning.

Ron awoke, laying on his back, to bright sunshine flowing through the window onto his bed. He lay there, still feeling happy, until he remembered what had happened last night. At the time, all had seemed perfect. Now, he was dreading telling Hermione what he felt about her. But he knew he had to do it today, or else he would continually worry about what she felt about him. Ron slowly got up out of his bed, and proceeded to get out of his pajamas and head down to breakfast. He already overslept slightly, as he inferred by Harry and the rest of his roommates already being gone. His first class of the day was Transfiguration, and he didn't want to upset Mrs. McGonagall by showing up late.

Hermione had awaken that morning refreshed and ready for class. She put on her robes, smoothed them with her hands, and grabbed her school bag before heading out to breakfast. As she walked quickly towards the great hall, she couldn't seem to shake the thought of Ron being more than just a friend. She imaged him walking right beside her to breakfast, possibly holding hands. No way, thought Hermione. It could never happen. Just a silly daydream brought on by this heat, she said to herself as she arrived at the great hall.

Harry and Hermione had already been at the Gryffindor table for a good fifteen minutes before Ron arrived and squeezed in between them, muttering something inaudible as he stumbled and blushed.

"Ron, what's wrong with you?" asked Hermione.

"Oh, I'm alright. Just a little hot I guess," replied Ron. Great job, he thought to himself. Hermione is definitely going to find out that I like her before you even get a chance to tell her. Ron picked up a piece of toast and spread strawberry jam over it carefully with knife. He was about to set the jar down, when Hermione grabbed it from him.

"Here, I'll take that,"she said. Ron's heart jumped as Hermione's hand brushed his. It surprised him so much that he knocked his plate right off the table, shattering it, and bringing quick stares from those around him.

"Nice going' Ronald," called Fred from a few seats away.

"I wouldn't let him near a wand if I were you," chimed George.

Ron was mumbling under his breath as he picked up the pieces of his plate.

"Ron, let me get that," said Hermione. "Reparo," she said, pointing her wand at the broken pieces. It instantly formed back together. She picked it up and set it down in front of Ron on the table. Ron simply stared at it, feeling how stupid he was for not thinking of repairing it with a spell. You'll never be good enough for her, he thought glumly.

"I'll see you guys later," Ron said as he picked up his books and wand.

"Where are you going?" asked Harry.

"I'll be in the common room. I'll see you guys in transfiguration." Ron picked up his books and left the great hall.

"What was that about?" asked Hermione to Harry. "It's not like nobody drops things occasionally."

"Well..." said Harry. "I think there's more to it than that. I think you should talk to him."

"Alright. I'll see you in Transfiguration." said Hermione as she picked up her bag and walked out the doors. Hermione walked quickly to catch up to Ron. She finally spotted him waiting outside the portrait to the common room, having trouble remembering the password.

"Um...daisies?" he said to the Fat Lady.

"Incorrect," she replied.

"Oh, just let me in. You know who I am."

"No password, no entrance." she replied firmly.

Hermione strode up to the Fat Lady and said, "Red roses." The portrait swung open, and she gestured for Ron to go in, who was looking more uncomfortable by the minute. He scrambled in, and Hermione followed after him. She found him sitting down on a burgundy couch, looking flushed. Hermione sat down gingerly next to him. "Ron, what's the matter with you? You keep acting strangely around me." Ron slowly turned his head to look at Hermione, who had a sincere look of caring on her face.

"I...well I....erm..." stuttered Ron.

"What is it?" said Hermione. Ron heaved a big sigh, and looked down at his lap.

"Ikindalikeyou," he said.

"What?" said Hermione, leaning in closer.

"I...like you." said Ron, looking eagerly at her. Hermione was incredulous, but still managed to have a small smile on her face.

"Well, Ron. I'm...flattered" she said. Knowing that Ron liked her made her like him even more. "I...well, I...I think I like you too." And with that, she turned towards him and placed her hand on his. He looked up, their eyes locking, their faces slowly getting closer. Ron could see every one of her eyelashes framing her gleaming, eager eyes. Hermione closed her eyes as his warm lips gently brushed hers. They were so engrossed in the moment, they didn't even notice Harry climbing into the portrait hole, a look of deep hurt on his face.