Friends...I Guess

* ~HERMIONE'S POINT OF VIEW~ *

I sighed with frustration and heaved my body against my trunk once more, but it was no use. The stupid thing refused to budge. I stared at it hopelessly for a moment, then stood on my tiptoes and craned my neck to look for someone to help. I absolutely hate being the "damsel in distress" but at this point, I would end up being here until our seventh year if I relied on myself alone.

Looking around Platform 9 3/4, I realized that not many people, beside myself, had bothered to come early. I could see a few pale and frightened looking first years, and a couple seventh years who wanted to hurry up and get started on their last year of school as soon as possible, but other than that, there were no signs of Hagrid (who I was hoping for), Neville, Ginny, or especially my two best friends: Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.

I could feel myself smiling at the thought of them. It had been the longest summer of my life, what with my parents wanting to travel through the Bahamas with just me. "As a family," they had said. Ugh. I was so jealous when I kept getting owls from Ron and Harry telling me what a great time they were having at the Burrow. I tried to have fun, and I did manage to take advantage of the beautiful weather, but, honestly, a girl isn't much without her best friends. I hated to admit it, but books can only do so much to occupy one's time (Ron finds out I thought that, so help me god). Not to mention that week near the beginning of the holiday when I went to visit Viktor. And, bloody hell, did that turn out to be a disaster. Not only did he seem to think we were much more than "just friends", but the press had an absolute field day when he first tried to kiss me (which he succeeded for about a millisecond before I overcame my shock). I left for home right away, but pictures of the two of us were all over the Bulgarian papers. Luckily, they didn't make it to the Daily Prophet since I had "innocently forgotten" (that was Harry's idea) to tell Ron about it.

Ron. Once again, my thoughts drifted towards Ron and how...well...weird he had acted towards me last year during the Yule Ball. It was the strangest thing. I knew he would be mad since Viktor was the "enemy". I mean, that's why I didn't tell Ron I was going with him in the first place! But it almost seemed...I don't know...more than that.

I shook my head slightly as if to try and forget about it. I inattentively smoothed down my new white summer dress, which was under my robes, yet still visible through the front. I smiled slightly remembering when I had first purchased it, much to my mother's arguments. She had said it was too short and the halter top half of it showed too much skin. True, the dress did come up about four inches above my knees, and the strings around my neck holding it up revealed quite a bit of the skin on my back, but...well...when the boys in the store stopped shopping to stare when I came out of the dressing room, that was enough to convince me to bring out the wallet. I loved having THAT kind of attention since I didn't usually get it anywhere else. Including Hogwarts. Everyone there barely saw me as a girl, but mostly as a bookworm. Especially Ron.

UGH! There he was again. Always there.

Suddenly, from behind me, I heard a huge burst of noise that seemed to come out of nowhere. A mixture of voices that were separate, yet all at once: "Ginny, watch it!" "Move it, Ron!" "George, shut up!" "Harry, dear!" "Fred, listen to me!"

The familiar names made me smile, but before I could turn around, a hand clamped down over my eyes.

"Guess who?"

I knew the hand and the scent. It was Ron. But his voice sounded very different. Deeper maybe? I laughed, trying to disguise my hesitance for mock surprise, and I reached up and pried his hand away with my own. "Ron, you arse, you think I wouldn't know? Come on, it's only been a few months." I quickly turned around, excited to see he and Harry after so long.

I could literally feel my jaw drop. Yep, it was Ron. Or...was it? This Ron still had the same red hair, same boyish freckles, and same light-hearted grin, but he was different all the same. His 6'0" frame towered over my 5'6" height, forcing me to raise my eyes in order to see his. But, unfortunately, my eyes were currently disobeying me and straying towards his broadened shoulders and not-so-lanky arms. His torso was also clearly defined by the snug-fitting navy blue T-shirt he was wearing, so I was able to see his sculpted chest and lean stomach. 'How in the world did he do this in just three months?' I thought, half-mindedly, my eyes still roaming freely, not even thinking twice about it.

"What, did I spill something on myself?" Ron asked, jolting me out of my daze. I could feel myself flush. For a minute there, I would've thought...never mind. I hurriedly pushed the thought aside and smiled brightly at him, while his eyes searched his own clothing.

"No, no, I'm just so happy to see you! I missed you guys like crazy this summer!" I stood on my tiptoes and flung my arms around his neck, closing my eyes tightly. He smelled wonderful and I felt myself relax. His arms went around my back, and I suddenly had the dizzying sensation of being lifted off the ground.

"I missed you, too, Hermione." I heard him whisper shyly into my ear. He set me gently back to the ground, and I pulled back and looked up at him with confusion written all over my face while he gazed at me with a similar expression. Our faces were barely inches apart, and the wind kept blowing his hair across my forehead.

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed as he appeared in front of me and swept me into a quick hug. "How ya been?"

"Bored out of my mind, thanks." I laughed. Why was Ron looking at me like that? I tried to consume my thoughts with Harry and how much I had missed him too. Yes, I had missed BOTH of them. Just as equally. "What about you?"

Harry then jumped into a generally one-sided conversation about what he and Ron had been up to, while the two of them easily picked up my trunk and headed toward the Hogwarts Express. I absent-mindedly gathered up my spare bags, along with Crookshanks' cage, and began to follow them, trying to listen.

Pretty soon, though, I had zoned out on him completely.

That had been the most bizarre welcoming on Ron's part. What happened to the boy who became embarrassed with the thought of going to a dance with me, much less actually hugging me...like that? I found myself staring at the back of his head as he laughed along with Harry.

Wait a minute, what am I doing? I shook my head slightly. Again. Ron's my friend...my best friend...and that's all there is to it.

* ~RON'S POINT OF VIEW~ *

"This is pointless," I muttered quietly to the train compartment. I was desperately trying to rid my thoughts of Hermione by reading "Quidditch Through The Times", but this was the fifth time that I'd read the first few paragraphs, and I still didn't remember any of it. However, it didn't help having her so close. I glanced down at my lap where her feet were propped up, and my eyes wandered up her long, tanned legs, all the way up to her peacefully sleeping face. Her robes were slightly askew, revealing her Gryffindor uniform skirt (which she had changed into the moment we got on the train, much to my dismay. That white dress...hell, that was to die for), which was why her legs were so visible. I grinned as I noticed how her left arm was curled around a book, while her right hand dangled off the side of the booth, grazing the ground. I quickly glanced towards Harry, not wanting him to see me gawking at one of our best friends, and I was relieved to see he was still deep in conversation with Neville and Seamus about this year's Quidditch season.

Reassured by this, I gazed out the window, left with my thoughts.

Hermione. For about the hundredth time since we'd met down on the platform a few hours ago, I marveled at how amazing she looked. Again, my gaze slid back to her face.

She looked the same, and yet she...didn't. I could have guessed that she'd spent the entire summer at a beach, even if she hadn't told me. Her skin (all of it that I could see anyway) was a golden brown, and the sun had obviously kissed her chestnut hair once too many times, for golden blonde streaks sparkled if the sun hit it right.

I watched her sigh softly in her sleep, and my gaze fell on her lips. As if right on cue, she licked them, playfully biting on her bottom lip. At that moment, I seriously felt like I was going to start drooling. Okay, sure, I've had the tiniest, most insignificant crush on Hermione the past few months (okay, a lot of months), but that was almost purely based on personality. Almost. But now...well, now there was more.

I knew I should stop my eyes from wandering again, but I couldn't. They were uncontrollable. Down her neck...her slightly unbuttoned shirt...bingo. I could feel my face go hot with embarrassment, but I had to face the facts sooner or later. Hermione had truly filled out. I watched helplessly as her chest rose and fell with every breath.

Oh my god. I glanced away quickly. What the hell was I thinking? Hermione is my best friend. We've been there for each other practically forever. I began reading my book again, not caring that I couldn't put two words together. I took a deep breath and told myself again: Hermione's my friend...my best friend...and that's all there is to it.

* ~HERMIONE'S POINT OF VIEW~ *

I leaned forward slightly in my chair, completely engrossed in the chapter of Death Stoppers in my Potions book for the coming term. It was a famous potion for the dark arts...nobody used it since it was against the Ministry's laws, except for Death Eaters, of course. It was disgusting what it could do to you if it went wrong...

In the Gryffindor house, I was practically famous for tuning everything and everyone out when I read. It was a trait most people didn't have, and when someone did, the others would be constantly annoyed at the fact that they couldn't get your attention. Harry was one of these people. He would sigh, annoyed, and stalk over to a different end of the Common Room. Ron, however, was never annoyed in the slightest. He always had a wonderful a time trying to knock me out of my trance, and it was amusing to see the look of pure disdain on his face when it didn't work. Tonight was no exception.

We were in the Common Room the night after the welcoming feast, and I was stuffed. Most everyone had gone to bed early, wanting to be rested for the start of the term tomorrow. However, a few of us had lingered in the Common Room, talking quietly to their friends about their summer vacations, or just lounging about. I hated to see that I was the only one getting a head start on schoolwork. Why wasn't everyone so responsible? I quickly pushed the thought aside and concentrated on the next paragraph.

It wasn't long, though, until I felt a quill prodding my leg. I knew it was Ron; he was the only one close enough (sitting on the couch next to the chair I was in), so I didn't bother to look. I simply shifted my leg and continued reading: the Death Stoppers were used in place of the Sorcerer's Stone when someone couldn't get a hold of it. Just reading of the Sorcerer's Stone sent chills up my spine as I remembered what had happened to us in our first year...

There it was again. Someone...well, Ron...was running the feathery end of the quill up and down my arm. Goosebumps were rising slightly at the tickling sensation and I tried my hardest to suppress the grin itching my mouth. It didn't work. I broke out into a smile and started laughing.

"Okay, fine," I said, turning to Ron with a bit of annoyance. "You win. What do you want? I'm really trying to study here!"

"Come on, 'Mione," he said, settling further into the couch. He leaned his head against the back of the cushion and gazed over at me with a smirk across his face. "We haven't even been to class yet. No homework. What could you possibly be studying?" His eyes narrowed slightly. "Don't tell me you're reading up on the N.E.W.T's already. That's a bloody two years away!"

I rolled my eyes at him, trying to tune out the thought of how cute he was with his hair rumpled and wearing a too small white T-shirt "First of all, no, I'm not studying for those. Second of all, it wouldn't matter if I was, and third of all, watch your language!"

"Enlighten me, then," he said, ignoring my last argument. He raised one eyebrow challengingly; something I recognized from all of the fights we'd subjected each other to over the years. "What are you studying for this time?"

"For your information, I'm studying for the test to become a prefect for next year. I have to pass a test and an interview. Are you happy now?" I turned back to my book, curling a leg underneath me, slightly embarrassed. He wouldn't let me forget this one.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ron's stance changing from defiant to... affectionate? He chuckled softly. "Why bother? I know you. You've memorized practically everything in the entire Hogwarts library, and you're sweet as hell. Of course you'll get the job!" A light pink glow inched itself into his cheeks, and he glanced downwards, obviously embarrassed at the slip of his compliment.

I blinked at him, surprised. Compliments were rarely said between us in day-to-day life, much less than in an argument. I wasn't really sure how to respond, just like he wasn't sure what to say next. An awkward silence filled the emptying Common Room. I decided to chance a glance over at him and I saw him fidgeting with his robes, his face still slightly flushed. "Thanks, Ron." I said, a small smile tugging at my lips. "That means a lot to me...to hear that from you, I mean." I didn't know why I said that. It seemed that all too soon, our conversation was getting a little...personal. "Um...it's getting late. I should...you know...go to bed." Wow, very intellectual, Herm! I could've kicked myself. What's the point though? This is Ron, here.

I got up and quickly headed towards the girls dormitories, until I felt a hand catch my wrist.

"Hey, Hermione?" Ron asked, making me turn towards him. "G'night." He smiled, and I thought my heart would literally melt.

Yeesh, maybe the house elves had the fires too hot these days!

* ~RON'S POINT OF VIEW~ *

The first few days of classes flew by since, for one, we weren't getting much work done; just going over the rules and such, and second, Hermione was being extra nice to me.

It was kind of unnerving. Since our little...discussion after the welcoming feast, we both felt a little awkward around each other. I told myself it wasn't anything major though. After all, we're just friends.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Friday!" Harry flopped himself down on an armchair in the empty Common Room and I rolled my eyes at him. Although I couldn't say I wasn't thrilled that the weekend was finally here, but...I was nervous. We had just come in from our last class of the day, and the setting sun glowed through the large window separating the girls and boys dormitory staircases, brightening the view of the Forbidden Forest, Hagrid's hut, and the Quidditch Pitch way in the distance. The sight of the large hoops and tall stands of bleachers made my stomach churn. This weekend. This weekend was it. This weekend I was...

"Nervous for the Quidditch tryouts?" Harry quipped as he appeared next to me. He smirked at me slightly, and all I could do was nod. Harry slapped me on the back in a friendly...and painful...way. "Don't worry, Ron! We've been practicing all summer. You're going to be great, and you know it." He turned and headed towards the chessboard obviously assuming I would follow him.

For once, chess was the last thing on my mind. "Harry," I started. I had to have some kind of conviction. Some kind of assurance. "What if I fall off my broom? What if my hands sweat and I can't catch anything? I mean, it's kind of important to be able to catch if you want to be Keeper..." I began pacing, twisting my hands painfully.

"Ron, give it a rest. You know you'll be having too much fun to even worry about sweating while you're up there." Harry seemed to give up on the chess idea and headed toward the dormitory staircase. "Besides, if you're that nervous, there must be some kind of sweat reduction spell. Ask Hermione about it."

"Ask me what?" a voice asked from the girls' staircase.

I whipped around. Had Hermione heard everything? Ugh! I hadn't planned to tell her about my trying out for the team. She would just get me more worked up by constantly asking if I was nervous. I knew her well enough to know that much. Besides...what if I disappointed her?

That last thought, as well as seeing Hermione's outline framed against the dazzling sunlight, made my heart stop. Since when did I care if I disappointed her? And as for the more pressing question, when did she start to look so extraordinarily...beautiful? She stood in front of me with her hands on her slender hips, her legs slightly spread in a determined stance, and her hair...her gorgeous hair...flowed around her shoulders in soft curls framing her angelic looking face. Her lips were glossy and parted questioningly, and it took every ounce of my strength to not throw myself at her.

I was having these thoughts so often recently that it didn't even seem strange anymore.

"Well?" Hermione arched an eyebrow at me, and I realized how long I had just been staring at her. For some reason, though, my mouth felt like it was filled with cotton balls, and words failed me.

Harry cleared his throat from the staircase, and we both turned to look at him. He had a puzzled and knowing grin playing across his face while he looked at Hermione, then at me, then back again. He took a breath, as if to say something, but he must have caught my deadly stare because he stopped smiling and turned toward Hermione nervously. "It's nothing, Herm. I was just joking around." He glanced at me, then turned and bounded up the stairs.

I sighed, relieved, and Hermione turned back to me, confused.

"What are you not telling me?" she asked quietly, a bit of hurt visible through her long lashes.

I sighed inwardly. I couldn't tell her. I just couldn't. What if she laughed at me? Okay, stupid argument. Hermione would never laugh at anyone she cared about. Cared about... I grinned at the thought. Did she really care about me? Like that? I know I...

"Ron?" Hermione waved a hand in front of my face, obviously forgetting her previous question. When I blinked and glanced over at her, she laughed quietly. "Jeez, Ron, what's up with you? You seem so spacey lately..." She stepped closer and gazed up into my eyes worriedly. "You're alright, aren't you?"

I had to touch her. I couldn't be this close to her and not touch her in some way. I didn't know why, but I felt that if she left right now, and I hadn't made physical contact with her, I would die. My body obliged without thinking twice. "I'm fine, 'Mione." I smiled, and softly rubbed my hands up and down her arms.

She blinked and glanced up at me with pleasant surprise. Her eyes glazed over for a moment, and I could tell that her mind was reeling. Great, did I just step out of the lines of friendship? Honestly, I didn't know what I was doing anymore...

She blinked herself out of her trance and slid her arms around my neck. "Good," she whispered. "I wouldn't want to worry about you."

I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around the small of her back. A stray curl licked the side of my face, and the scent of her shampoo and perfume combined made me shiver. Suddenly, I had the unsettling sensation of having no control over my actions. I took a deep breath, and I knew I was about to say something I was going to regret.

The door of the Common Room swung open abruptly, and Hermione and I sprang apart.

"Hey guys!" Ginny bounded into the room, completely oblivious to the awkwardness filling the space around us. "Did you hear?" She noticed our blank expressions and sighed exasperatedly. "Honestly! There's to be a Hogsmeade trip tomorrow! We get to leave early, but come back in the early evening. Apparently, we have to be here for some reason..." Quidditch tryouts were in the evening. Thank god she didn't know about it or she wouldn't spilled it to Hermione.

"Did I hear Hogsmeade?" Harry asked, coming down from the dormitories.

Ginny blushed slightly at the sight of him, but nodded obediently. "Yep yep! Tomorrow morning until early evening."

"Sweet. I haven't been there for ages. Anyway, it's time for dinner. Let's go." Harry and Ginny hurried around the Common Room gathering their things while Hermione and I stood there, frozen to our spots, smiling secret smiles.