I've decided I'm going to wrap this story up after a few posts, so enjoy it while you can! If you want to read some more of my stories, read Thorns of a Rose, link in my sig.

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Hermione avoided Joey at Hogsmeade. Instead, she paraded the streets with Ron, buying jokes from Zonkos and sweets from Honeydukes. After their bags were stuffed with purchases, they headed to the Three Broomsticks for hot butterbeer.

"So why aren't you on your date with Joey? Did he cancel or something?" Ron asked, sipping his butterbeer.

Hermione picked at a crumpet. "I'd rather not talk about it Ron. Our relationship is pretty much over," she admitted.

Ron looked interested. "Really?" he sipped his butterbeer. He took a deep breath. "Hermione..."

"HEY GUYS!"

Ron and Hermione greeted Ginny and Harry with warm welcomes. Ginny was carrying a small bag. Their cheeks were red from the cold. Harry went to buy him and Ginny butterbeers, leaving Ginny to whisper to Hermione about her date with Harry.

"Oh, Hermione," breathed Ginny. "It was amazing! He took me to Zonkos, we didn't buy anything, but he tried on these glasses that made you look like a cat, it was so funny! And then we went to Honeydukes and he bought me all these candies! And then we went to the..." Ginny exploded in giggles. "...he took me to the wizarding jewelry store."

The two girls exploded in squeals. Ginny showed Hermione the ring on her pointer finger. It had a emerald in the middle, with two small diamonds nestled beside it. It looked a lot like Hermione's old ring.

"So where's Joey?" Ginny asked as Harry returned with butterbeer.

"Let's just say that we aren't really seeing each other any more..."

Ginny dropped her butterbeer with a thunk. Hermione sipped hers.

The four of them brought up light conversation until half past one. Harry and Ginny decided to roam the streets for awhile, so they bid good-bye to Ron and Hermione and left the shop.

Hermione picked at a scone. "So, what were you saying before we were inturrupted?" she asked.

Ron took a deep breath. "Hermione... there was a reason why I was being so overprotective when you were dating Joey..."

Hermione nodded.

"It's just.." Ron's ears had turned red. "I... I... I think I like you Hermione. Like more than a friend."

Hermione looked surprised. Ron had feelings for her? She didn't really have any for him, but still. He was pretty cute, and he looked so embarressed. She decided that there was no harm in liking him, and there was no point in breaking his heart. "Ron," she said quietly. "I think I like you too. More than a friend, like I mean."

Ron managed to reveal a sheepish smile. Hermione grinned and stood up. "We should really get going..."

"Yeah," Ron said. The pair left the shop. Outside, the crisp fall breeze ruffled through the trees. Hermione felt Ron's hand grasp her shoulder cap. She smiled as she took his other hand. Then, before she knew it, she felt Ron's lips on hers...

...and it was probably the best feeling in the entire world.

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R/R!