Author's note: In the second chapter, I said Hermione would be gone a month, it's actually a month and a half. I guess I did my math wrong at how long Hogwarts goes til!

Hermione,

It's been thirty days since I've seen you, and I almost can't take it. I know we only have half a month left, but I miss you. I wish the first time I got to see you again didn't have to be as you're making your Valadictiorian speech at graduation.

Love,

Ron

Dear Ron,

You don't have to wait much longer, because this Saturday is a trip to Hogsmeade! I suppose it's an end-of-exam treat, as I finish my N.E.W.T.s Friday (and I really should spare a minute writing to you when I could be studying!). Anyway, I think you should come down to Hogsmeade and give me a visit!

Love,

Hermione

P.S. Oh, and maybe mention it to Harry, as it might be nice for him to see Ginny.

After reading the letter through several times, Ron practically did a dance before parading into George's office at Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes to tell him the good news.

George, who had been ever so downcast since Fred's death and was barely stringing words together, even managed to say, "A date? Really, Ronald, isn't thing you're first in...your life? And you're what? Eighteen, now?" Ron saw George crack his first legitimate smile in over a month, and felt a surge of compassion for his brother, causing him to run over and hug him.

"Alright, alright, we don't need to get emotional, now. Save the hugs for Hermione." George said weakly, but hugged back all the same.

Ron parted, but then turned a bright scarlet. "Wait...George, you're right! This will be my first date, ever! How will I know what to do?"

George groaned. "I suppose you'd like me to help you, won't you?"

"That'd be nice." Ron said.

George sighed. "What are big brothers for?"

"Ginny," Hermione said, trying to hide the smile forming on her lips. "Ginny." She repeated, clutching the letter.

"Yes?" Ginny said vaguely, paging through the latest Witch Weekly magazine in Hermione's dormitory.

"Ron and I have at date this Saturday." She said seriously, trying to contain her excitement, but when Ginny squealed, she thought it necessary to join in.

"Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness, the date that's long overdue, the date thats seven years late!" Ginny gabbered, and Hermione laughed. "How are you going to do your hair? What are you going to wear? Where are you going?" Ginny began bombarding Hermione with questions that she didn't know the answer to.

"Ginny..." Hermione began slowly. "I've never been on a real date."

"Yes you...oh, no, wow, you haven't." Ginny said, surprised. "Vicktor was your date but it wasn't a 'date', and Cormac was your date but that definitely wasn't a 'date'."

"Don't remind me about that one." Hermione groaned, and Ginny laughed. "But, Ginny," Hermione said quietly, "I won't know what to do."

"I suppose you'd like me to help you, won't you?" Ginny said, a proud smile forming on the corners of her mouth.

"It'd be greatly appreciated." Hermione pleaded.

"Of course I will, Hermione." Ginny laughed. "What are best friends for?"