"I can't believe the nerve of him!"

My voiced echoed through the hall, that and my heels did little to fill the large space of moving stairways.

Tonight was supposed to be perfect; all of my little girl dreams come true. Sure Viktor wasn't exactly a prince but sometimes you have to give a little when it's reality knocking at your door.

"Really, a spy?" I muttered, "I swear, maybe I should spy just to spite him."

"—mione!"

"Oh that daft git!" I turned and there he was three floors below and racing up the stairs. I glared at him, hoping he would trip and bounce that thick skull of his on a step; maybe it would knock some sense into him.

Instead he reached the top and had to wait for the staircase to connect; he turned and stared right at me. A flush raced up my neck, filling my cheeks with an intolerable fire.

I saw his mouth open and spun back around, I wasn't in the mood to fight with him.

My stairs finally connected and I rushed down the long hall, he wouldn't dare try to come into the girls dorm; it was just a matter of beating him to the common room.

"Fairy Dust!" I snapped at the Fat Lady.

"Hehehe, well who might yoube?" She slurred in reply. "Don't think yur one of mine."

"Uh, you're drunk again aren't you?" I asked crossing my arms. "I should report you to Professor McGonagall."

The Fat Lady leaned over and looked me up and down through her hazy eyes. "Well, well if it isn't Ms. Granger…didn't recognize you…being all dressed up, and pretty."

I rolled my eyes, "Please just let me in, it's been a long night I would like to go to bed."

She hiccupped loudly and sat back, eyeing me again, "Since you said please."

The door swung open with a soft whoosh, "Thank you." I called as I stepped through. Another fifteen meters and this whole night will be over.

"Hermione!"

Every hair on my body stood on end and my stomach dropped. Damned his long legs!

"What do you want Ronald?" I asked icily, my back still turned to him.

"I-I-can you please at least turn around?"

Closing my eyes I shoved every emotion that was raging through me into the back of my mind. Deep breath. "Fine, what do you need?" I asked, opening my eyes and turning.

He was crouched over, drawing heaving breaths but still staring at me. "I-I wanted to-." He held up his hand, took a few more breaths then stood. "I wanted to talk to you."

"Really? And here I thought you were chasing me for advice on robe designers." I replied coolly, hands firmly on my hips.

Ron glared, "That's not fair Hermione."

"Maybe not but neither was what you said either." I said, feeling a little bad.

"I was only looking out for Harry!" He exclaimed. "You're fraternity with the enemy!"

It took all my willpower not to grin. "I think you mean fraternize, and beside that we just danced."

Ron rolled his eyes, "That's what you think, you talked to him too and who knows what he got out of you while you were staring at him."

"I was not staring at him! It's called paying attention to someone when they are talking to you, you should try it sometime." I said hotly.

"Merlin's Beard Hermione! Why can't I ever just talk to you." He rubbed a hand over his face. Because you git-because you might as well pull on my hair.

I watched him take a deep breath and stand up straight. "Hermione you know I don't talk like you and Harry-my mouth moves faster than my brain."

"Ha! For once I agree with you." I said and immediately regretted it, his face flushed and I could see the spike of hurt in his eyes.

Sighing he continued, "I-I probably deserve that."

"Ron I'm-"

"Let me finish, please Hermione." He said quietly.

I bit my lip and nodded. I didn't picture it going like this.

"I know I was cruel to you tonight, I didn't mean to be but I was and you didn't deserve it. You always get crap from people for just being yourself and that's not fair either…even more so when I do it. I guess what I'm trying to say is-I'm sorry Hermione."

I didn't realize my jaw had dropped until I tried to speak and choked on a dry tongue. He apologized!

"I know you're probably still angry with me, I get it. I'm just going to head to bed and leave you alone." He said, softly.

"Ron-" He stopped and looked up through his mess of hair. "I just want to go to bed; I don't feel like fighting more right now."

I nodded, my vision a little blurry from the tears that were trying to force their way out. He slid past me, robes brushing the floor with a soft whisper; I heard his door open and shut with a click. Well Hermione, who's the git now?

I turned and my foot hit the first step when I heard a voice, "Hermione, are you ok?" Harry asked tentatively

Seriously, what is it with people and sneaking up behind me?

"Yeah…I'm ok. When you see Ron could you tell him…tell him I said thank you."

Even though I wasn't looking at him I knew that confused look he had plastered on his face. "Uh, yeah, sure." He replied.

"Thanks Harry, good night."

"Night."

I sped up the stairs and quiet, but quickly slid into my own room. Kicking off my shoes; I knew the other girls were still at the Ball, I crawled into bed dress and all and stared up at the canopy. There might be hope for you yet Ron, thank you.