~The Burrow~

The air carried the scent of summer and Hermione took it in with a deep breath. Wiggling her toes amidst the blades of grass she pulled her knees to her body. The quiet was calming. A last moment before the bustle of was winding down;Change was coming. Both Hermione and the summer wind knew it.

"Hermione!"

She heard Ron's voice roll across the distance. The wind made it sound so far when he was merely a few feet away.

"Over here." she responded with a beckoning wave of her hand.

"What are you doing all the way over here?" he asked while flopping down next to her. Ron's red hair had recently been cut and yet it somehow still resembled an untamed fire pit. Hermione smiled at the thought of her fingers running through it.

"Contemplating the next year. It's getting so close to the end of our time at Hogwarts." Hermione pulled up a few wisps of grass and let them fly in the wind, "I have this unsettling feeling that this year is going to be … different."

"Naa…" He brushed off her worries with a playful nudge, "This year you're due to be head girl and I'll be the master of the Quidditch pitch."

"Ron..." she gave him a skewed glance,"Master is a goal that I think…."

Ron gave her that look that stopped her words immediately. It was like a puppy dog. A big red adorable freckled puppy dog.

"A.a...goal that I think is totally achievable." Hermione finished with a strained smile. "Hum..while on the topic of goals...I've got something I want to tell you.." Hermione took a breath while preparing to exhale her feelings.

Ron grinned, "I knew this was coming."

"You did?" her heart skipped a beat, "I mean I knew it's no secret but…"

"Of course. I've seen the looks. I just wanted to wait till you were ready to tell me." Ron put his hand over hers, "These things are delicate."

"And your..feelings on it?" Hermione's words were a mere whisper out of her mouth. She was distracted by his hand and his calm response.

"Well," Ron ran a hand through his hair, "I don't think Ginny's going to like it."

"She'll get over it." Hermione said with a more dismissive tone that she had intended. "She's your sister and my best friend. Ultimately she'll want whatever makes us happy."

"Yeah but when it comes to Harry..."

"Harry?" Hermione's head whipped around to look at him, "Ron what are you talking about you?"

A stumped look came over his face, " You liking...Harry."the words came out slowly.

"I..." she added, "What!"

"It's okay. I know you're worried about the trio but I don't see your relationship causing any issues." Ron took his hand off hers after giving it a gentle squeeze.

She was speechless. He really thought she liked Harry. How did he ever come to that conclusion!?

"Ron! Hermione! Tea's on!" Mrs. Weasley's voice called out from the Burrow.

Hermione stood wordlessly. All she had to do was finish the conversation. She could have corrected him and put his name in instead of Harry's. Why hadn't she. Instead they walked back with Ron rambling on about his new Quidditch gear.

"You alright dear?" Mrs Weasley asked as they approached, "You look upset."

"Oh no! Just overwhelmed by the options for Quidditch boots and gloves. I'm going to go wash up." Hermione offered a smile before running into the house.

"Poor girl.." Mrs Weasley said quietly as she watched her retreat, "Ronald. Don't think I can't hear you opening the cupboard. Fingers out of the biscuits!"