I've Known You This Long

A little girl no more than five years old ran across the sandy ground and dove into the pond. She had always been able to do odd things, and today was no exception. As she swam, she felt as light as a feather floating on the surface of the air. Suddenly, she felt a tug at her ankle. She looked down, and there, under the water, was a boy about her age. She swam away in fright, wondering who this boy was. He surfaced and looked at her curiously.

"Who are you?" he inquired.

"Why on earth would I tell you that?" the little girl asked.

"So that I could tell you who I am."

"Why don't you tell me anyway?"

"Because I asked first," he said in a very smug fashion. "So you should tell me first."

"No."

"Are you a witch? I saw the way you were swimming, and the only girls I have ever seen swim like that are magical."

"What are you talking about, you silly boy? Even I know that witches and wizards and fairies and things do not exist! Do not be so foolish!"

"I am not being foolish!" he snapped indigently. "But I suppose I was wrong about you, you silly little girl. Why do I even bother with girls like you… they just never understand! Now, if you would please tell me your name, I will be delighted to tell you mine."

"Oh, fine. My name is Hermione Jane Granger." (A/N: ok, that was sort of obvious wasn't it?)

"Well, my name is Ronald Weasley, but DON'T call me that. Call me Ron."

The boy and girl played in the water for hours, swimming lightly above and below the surface of the pond. "Well, I've got to get home…My mum will be furious if I miss dinner," the little boy said to the girl he had only met that morning. "I really hope I'll see you again sometime…"

"As do I, Ron," she replied softly.

Hermione looked out over the pond and took the hand of the boy sitting on the bench next to her. "Ron," she whispered. "Do you remember being here?"

"Yes, and I am glad we met then…it seems I did see you again. I can not believe that those memories have lasted all these years: through the first year, six years after this, second year, third year, fourth year, fifth year, sixth year, seventh year, the battle, and everything that went on between and during them……………………………………... I've known you this long."

"I've known you this long…" she repeated. And their lips met, softly brushing against one another's before settling in to the real kiss.