Missing scene from DH, where Ron has a "fit of gallantry" and insists Hermione sleep on the couch cushions. Enjoy :)

The trio all went out into the living room of Grimmauld Place. They all knew sleep would do them good, though they weren't sure how much of it they would get tonight.

"All right," said Harry. "So we've got blankets here…what are we sleeping on?"

"Well," said Hermione. "I can take a blanket, the floor shouldn't be too uncomfortable-"

"We can use the sofa cushions," said Ron.

"Good idea! So who's sleeping where?"

"I say Hermione sleep on the sofa where it's comfortable," said Ron.

Hermione smiled. "Thank you Ron, but I couldn't accept-"

"Oh yes you could," said Ron stubbornly.

"I could just sleep on a blanket," said Harry.

But for all the notice they took, he might as well have not said anything at all.

"You'll be more comfortable on the cushions," said Ron. "You need to sleep well. I won't be able to sleep if you aren't comfortable first."

"It's not about being comfortable," said Hermione, though she looked more and more mollified as their argument progressed. "It really doesn't matter…"

"Well that settles it then!" said Ron cheerfully. "Harry and I will use the blankets and Hermione can sleep on the sofa. There, problem solved!"

Hermione couldn't keep a smile off of her face. Harry looked slightly annoyed and amused at the same time. Despite this, he made no comment.

Ron spread one of the blankets very gently over Hermione and made sure she was completely covered and comfortable; he pulled corners of it over her that were slipping off and then he knelt down and brushed a strand of hair out of her face, his fingers brushing her cheek. Her eyes twinkled.

Harry had rolled over and gone to sleep. Ron was not quite so successful despite what he'd told Hermione not five minutes ago.

Ron heard Hermione sigh and he turned toward her.

"You sleeping there is for your own good, you know."

Hermione looked down at him and her smile said more than she ever could have.

"I wonder where all this is going to lead us, Ron?"

"To a Horcrux, hopefully," said Ron.

"That's not what I meant," said Hermione.

Ron suddenly looked rather bashful.

"I-not-yes, well that's-need to discuss-"

Hermione giggled quietly.

"Relax, I'm only joking."

"Oh…" Ron's face fell slightly. "Were you?"

Hermione smiled gently. "Not entirely."

She sighed again and Ron gazed up at her.

"I'm worried, Ron. I really don't know what we're supposed to suspect now, given all that's happened…"

"I suppose we'll just have to prepare for the worst," said Ron. "And hope for the best."

Hermione beamed. "At least I have you to always lift my spirits."

She reached her hand down to Ron's, who took her hand gently in his and stroked it with his thumb.

"What I meant earlier was…where will you and I be when this is all over?"

It took a moment until Ron answered.

"Together."

Hermione's eyes glowed and she squeezed his hand. For a moment or two they simply gazed into each other's eyes very lovingly. It was this way until Hermione turned over. Ron, feeling slightly put out, began to let go of her hand.

But she clasped it tightly.

"No," she whispered. "Don't let go. Please."

Ron sighed peacefully, his heart warm with love. "I won't."

Soon, Hermione's slow, deep breathing joined Harry's, meaning that she was asleep. Ron pressed his lips gently to her hand, hoping he didn't wake her up, and then turned over a little himself, still holding her hand. It was her hand fitting so perfectly in his and the beautiful sound of her sleeping that allowed Ron to fall asleep.

And in her sleep, Hermione smiled.