This is a sequel to the three part drabble series: 'Happenstance'. It is recommended that you read that one first.

The whistle blew, signaling to the crowd milling about Platform 9 3/4 that the Hogwarts Express was ready to be boarded. Near the end of the platform two couples were exchanging goodbyes.

Ron pulled his sister into a hug then backed away, ruffling her hair. "Behave," he warned her.

"Yes Mum," Ginny replied, playfully smacking him. "Don't let George boss you around too badly."

"Keep yourself out of trouble during training," Hermione urged Harry. "You don't have us to watch your back."

"I will," Harry promised, kissing her cheek.

Then the couples drifted apart to say their own private farewells.

"Here," Ron mumbled, pressing a book into her hand. "Sorry about not wrapping it."

Hermione read the cover, a bit confused. "Poetry?"

Ron shrugged. "I...erm... marked the pages of some of my favorites."

"Favorites?" Hermione asked, lifting her eyebrows in surprise. "You read this?"

Blushing, he nodded.

She turned the well worn book in her hands. "How long have you had it?"

Too long.

"A while now," he admitted. "We'll find a place on your first Hogsmeade trip and I'll read some to you."

She smiled, drawing him into an embrace. "I love you."

Ron smiled. "I know."

The train's whistle blew again, warning of it's imminent departure. Ron ducked his head and kissed Hermione, tightening his hold on her. She smiled against his lips. "I don't want you to go," he whispered.

"Neither do I," Hermione confessed. "Maybe I should wait another year..."

Ron pulled back. "No, you have to go now."

"Come on, Head Girl," Ginny called as she strode passed them. "Ron stop groping her, the train's going to leave!"

They reluctantly parted and he joined Harry at the edge of the platform as the girls climbed aboard.

Hogsmeade and poetry couldn't come soon enough.