The conversation that follows in this chapter was hard to write. But it was definately something that needed to be done. Harry for instance after kissing Ginny in the canon novels just leave hand in hand out the portrait door, and we're left in our imagination to fill it with something. So while a lot of this chapter is dialogue, I think it allows us to look deeper into the relationship between Harry and Hermione. At the same time, there's a balancing act with Harry. He's not suave, he's not smooth with girls. He's not going to do some huge romantic thing for Hermione, or say amazing things about her. He would keep it simple. Maybe later he would develop into the kind of guy that is able to spout of amazing things, but for now I've kept him rather narrow, if that makes sense.

At the same time, Hermione has dealt with her own issues of confidence. Too ugly, too bookish. Somewhat cliche, but her childhood means that this also needs to be addressed in this conversation. So while it's common in a lot of FF's for Hermione to question herself, it's also I feel a necessary requirement.

For Ron-fans, well you guys will get some much needed development finally.

In other news, it's been over a year since I started this fic. We're almost at the 500 reviewers milestone which is ridiculous. Thank you all for the support you have given LUCT, and here's to another great year! I have some awesome things planned.

Also, a belated Merry Christmas to all of you.

Edit 1: Whoa! Massive plot error. Fixed a portion of Ginny/Hermione's conversation. Thanks for picking it up friends.

O.o.O.o.O

Two steps of footsteps echoed throughout the hallway. The castle was brightly lit at this time, as it was still early. For these two students, the bright lighting reflected their moons. Harry had a ridiculously stupid smile on his face, and when he glanced at his companion, she wore the same happy smile. Hand in hand they quietly walked, the elation of their earlier confessions still bright and fresh in their mind. Nothing could ruin the moment, except for one individual who doesn't know what to do next. As they neared the Fat Lady, the male of the group began to slow down, confusion written on his face.

"Uhh, Hermione?" asked Harry, pausing in his movement.

Harry looks at Hermione in her brown eyes, her eyes alight with joy from how the night had gone. Harry prayed he never forgot the sight of Hermione right here and now.

"Yes Harry?" she replies inquisitively, raising a delicate eyebrow.

Harry shuffles slightly, but doesn't release his grip on her hand. He glances down at their entwined hands, smiling at the sight.

"We're uhhh, you know. Like, uh, boyfriend and girlfriend?" asked Harry meekly.

Hermione paused, as she scrunched her nose in thought. "Well, you asked me on a date. But we haven't really gone on a date yet have we."

Harry shook his head. "Yeah, we haven't really set anything in stone I guess. But I guess, are you my girlfriend?"

Hermione smiled at the word. "If I'm not already, I guess I would love to be your girlfriend. Are you my boyfriend then?"

"Yeah," smiled Harry. "I guess I am your boyfriend."

Hermione beamed brightly. "Then it's all settled."

"Well not exactly" spoke Harry, grinning at Hermione's huff of annoyance and nudging her gently as she rolled her eyes. "How do we like...you know, act around each other?"

"Well, I guess we act exactly the same," said Hermione, shrugging. "I mean, we always do everything together, and well, we've always been a tad sappy even as best friends. Let's just start out slow, act normally around each other, just that...we fancy each other."

At the end of her sentence, Harry grinned as he saw Hermione's cheeks brighten with a flush. Harry just grinned at how adorable she looked.

"Okay then" nodded Harry. "So we just, I guess act the same. Shall we?"

He held out a hand in the direction of the Fat Lady. They took several steps, before this time Hermione paused.

"What do we tell everyone?" she asked, looking concerned as she nibbled on her bottom lip with her teeth. "Do we keep 'this' between us? And what about Ron?"

Harry frowned. He hated the public spotlight, but everyone would see them at Hogsmeade together without Ron and would instantly come to the same conclusion. By the end of that afternoon, all of Hogwarts would know that they were dating. Harry looked at Hermione, and sensed fear from her emotions.

"Hermione?" asked Harry, confusion etched on his face.

"What if people say I'm not good enough for you?" asked Hermione, feeling self-conscious about herself. "They'll say how did that beaver Granger get Harry Potter. They'll say things such as she's too ugly, not pretty enough, or she's so bossy, or she's such a bookworm, or that-"

"Hermione," Harry said, cutting her off from her monologue. "I fancy you."

At those words, Harry saw Hermione's face do a complete 180, from dismay back to happiness. "And just because other students think you're bossy, or you're not pretty enough means nothing to me." said Harry earnestly. "I'm not very good at this, but just know that I like you for who you are. And..."

Harry trailed off, blushing. "I think you're very pretty."

Hermione felt re-assured. She moved forward and wrapped her arms around Harry, squeezing him tightly.

"Thanks Harry. Let's go inside."

Harry smiled and together they headed to the Gryffindor common room. After saying the password to the fat lady, Hermione entered through the portrait, followed by Harry into the Gryffindor common room. It was a blender of chaos, confusion and a huge ruckus was going on at the other end of the room. Fred and George were laughing hysterically at a giant yellow canary, which was blinking in confusion, while exchanging a high five. Others around were in full pearls of laughter, Ginny looked like she was about to faint with how red her face was as she rolled on the floor. She felt Harry stiffen next to her, and she turned to see Harry burst out in laughter, unable to contain himself. A laugh rose up in Hermione's throat as it bubbled to the surface. Neville came in through the door, and in a moment was grasping against the wall laughing his head off. The giant canary seemed to realise it's predicament, and with a loud screech disappeared up the stairs to the male dormitory.

Soon the whole place began to settle, as Harry wiped tears from his eyes. He saw Hermione in a similar predicament, desperately wiping at her cheeks to remove the tears of laughter.

"Forge! Gred! Was that Ron?" asked Harry, to which Fred gave a knowing wink and George had a cheeky grin.

"Our experiment was a great success!" declared Fred.

George nodded, before pausing. 'Although Forge, I must confess that I have absolutely no idea until the effects wear off."

Harry began to sober, the initial hilarity wearing off. He looked at Hermione, who seemed to read his train of thought and nodded in agreement. Even though Ron had been a git to Hermione, it had also come from a sense of jealousy and inadequacy of himself. Pranks like this had been rough on his self-confidence.

"I think it's best if you guys don't experiment on Ron anymore" said Harry.

Fred looked at Harry, confusion on his face. "Why not Harrykins? It's just a bit of fun."

Harry shook his head. "You guys know that Ron struggles with who he is, and feels inferior compared to everyone else in the family. Doing something like that here, it'll hurt him badly. Especially in public with everyone laughing at him" said Harry.

Hermione backed him up. "Although it was funny, I think it is best if you apologise and don't do stuff like that again," she spoke. "Prank other people, but not Ron. At least not right now."

Fred and George seemed to understand their point of view and sobered. Both looked slightly guilty and they exchanged an unreadable glance.

"Cmon Fred," said George, leading the way to the staircases.

Hermione turned to Harry, smiling at him. "I'm very proud of you."

Harry looked at Hermione's gleaming eyes and shrugged. "I just thought that with everything, Ron is a good guy. Yes, he's screwed up in the past and he has huge issues with jealousy and self-esteem but..."

Hermione just hummed in agreement, shuffling slightly. She felt a hint of awkwardness creep into their conversation, rather than the comforting silence they were able to stand with each other.

"I need to uh, do my potions report," said Hermione, feeling slightly awkward.

Harry nodded quickly and glanced up the stairs for an escape of the situation. "I'll go cheer up Ron, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

They both stared at each other for a few seconds, before awkwardly nodding and moving away from each other. They looked back at each other, nervous smiles on their faces. Harry then quickly darted forward, pecking Hermione on the cheek and disappearing. Hermione huffed as she headed up the dormitory, gathering her books and writing material before seating herself at the 'Golden Trio' table that was currently not being used. As she placed everything down, Ginny planted herself next to Hermione, a gleam in her eyes and a silly grin on her face.

"Okay, what happened? Why are you both acting so weird towards each other?" she asked rapidly, mouth moving and contorting quickly. Then she leaned forward, eyes bright with excitement. "Did he ask you out? Is that why you guys are acting weird? I haven't seen you be awkward with him since that hug when I was in first year!"

Hermione blinked at Ginny, trying to process the red-headed girl's words. Then she shook her head with a smile, leave it for Ginny to immediately spot something different with their relationship. The red-haired girl was far more observant than met the eye.

"Okay, can you stay calm?" asked Hermione.

Ginny nodded eagerly, acting much like a child waiting for a candy shop to open. Hermione stared at Ginny carefully.

"Okay, yes. Harry asked me ou-" began Hermione.

She was immediately interrupted by a large squeal from Ginny. Hermione jumped in fright, while everyone around them immediately stared at the pair of them. Ginny's face turned red as she tried to look inconspicuous. Hermione rolled her eyes at the antics of the younger girl.

"Sorry" pleaded Ginny.

"I said to keep calm Ginny!" exclaimed Hermione, before a stupid grin plastered on her face. "It's too public here, let's go to my dorm."

"Yes, come on!" said Ginny, as Hermione scooped up her writing materials.

She wasn't going to get anything done with an excited and eager Ginny who would want all the details. They plonked on Hermione's bed, while she waved her wand around, casting privacy spells. No one else was up here, as it was still early in the night. Ginny sat down ungracefully, crossing her legs and facing Hermione eagerly. Her face was almost like a puppy, eagerly awaiting details. Hermione took more time, as she sat down comfortably, shuffling slightly on the bed. Ginny waited impatiently and the glare she gave Hermione let the girl know that she was aware of Hermione's stalling tactics. Hermione couldn't stop the smile that plastered on her face when she spoke the next few words.

"We're going to next Hogsmeade trip together."

Ginny clapped her hands together excitedly. "Oh! I'm so happy for the both of you" she gushed.

Hermione could only laugh at her friend's enthusiasm. Ginny summed it up for her in one word.

"Finally!," exclaimed Ginny, smiling happily for her friend. "Now, it's up to you to snog him for a second time. But how did he ask you out?"

Hermione looked sheepish. "He kind of just asked me out on the spot. I thought for a moment that he was just suggesting we go to Hogmeade with Ron, like normal. I kind of mis-interpreted him, he then kind of just blurted it out. I really like you! Will you go on a date with me!"

Ginny laughed as she saw Hermione look rather dazed, reflecting on that moment that had made her squeal like a ridiculous girl internally.

Ginny sighed, swooning as she flopped backwards onto Hermione's bed, staring at the ceiling. "So romantic!" she said. "Not fair."

Hermione grinned at the sulking girl. "From what I've heard, there's a possibility of a ball. So...perhaps you'll get your romance."

Ginny raised her eyebrows as she sat up, eyes hopeful. "A ball? Sounds nice! So that's why they made us buy dress robes this year," she said, putting two and two together.

"Yup!" said Hermione brightly. "I hope Harry asks me to the ball."

"Of course he will" laughed Ginny. "I wonder who would ask me..."

"Longbottom" said Hermione instantly.

Ginny blushed and Hermione started laughing. That was all the reaction she needed to shift attention away from herself.

O.o.O.o.O

Harry sat by a glum looking yellow canary. He had waited for the Weasley twins to say their dues before entering the room.

"You doing okay there?" asked Harry.

The canary shrugged slightly, and Harry shook his head with amusement. If Aunt Petunia could see him now, talking to a giant yellow canary.

"Well, the twins product worked I guess," he said, wincing as the canary gave him a glare.

"Listen Ron. I can see why you are upset, but you've got to grow up. You're too caught up living in the shadow of your brothers. Or even me and Hermione," said Harry, raising a hand to the canary to stop it from squawking. "No, listen Ron. Really, listen. You're not Bill, nor are you Fred and George, or Charlie. But you're Ron. You're not me who slew some dark Lord as a baby. You aren't Hermione, smartest witch in a generation. But you are Ron. And one day, you'll discover who Ron actually is, and that you underestimate yourself at every turn, which turns into jealousy, anger and bitterness."

Harry stood up, moving to the exit of the door. He glanced back at his friend.

"And there are people who can see the man you can become, if you only tried harder and grew up, and got over your jealousy and bitterness."

With that, Harry left. The canary stared at the back of his friend and glanced back down on the ground. No one but the canary could see as he transformed back into his human form, and clenched his hands tightly in determination.

O.o.O.o.O

The next morning arose, as Hermione sat in the common room waiting for Harry, customary book in her hand. Harry appeared, and they shared a soft smile with each other. The awkwardness underlined their actions, but Harry quickly squashed them by sitting next to Hermione, nudging her gently with his arm. Hermione seemed to settle as well, and she nudged him back.

"Hey Hermione, sleep well?"

Hermione looked a bit pensive as she nodded. "Ginny knows about us."

Harry's eyebrows rose in surprise, before a grin appeared on his face. "One day and you're already bragging about snagging Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived?" he teased.

He laughed as Hermione smacked him playfully on the shoulder with her book. "Don't get smart with me Potter."

Harry's reply halted when Ron came down the stairs, shuffling in front of them.

"Hermione," he said, biting his lip slightly. "I'm ready to make amends for my actions."

Ron's disposition brightened when Hermione nodded firmly, while Harry was giving him a look of pride.

"After breakfast then," said Harry, looking at Hermione who hummed in agreement.

"Breakfast then," said Ron, full of determination.

O.o.O.o.O

"Merlin save me" muttered Ron, as he stood up from the library table, heading towards the Potions books.

"Think of it this way," Harry spoke with a grin. "Only 29 more days Ron!"

Ron shot Harry a look and disappeared into the aisle. Harry decided to take up his newly found favourite hobby, Hermione watching. He placed a hand onto his cheek to prop it up as he stared at his girlfriend. He glanced down at the parchment he was writing, and ignored it. There were clearly more important things to Harry at this moment.

She looked lovely this morning, the bright flush and joy from last night still clearly evident in her features and shone through her brown eyes. He observed as she happily scribbled on a piece of parchment, hair flung over one shoulder haphazardly in a ponytail. As he had observed during summer, her hair wasn't as bushy as normal, slowly starting to grow into waves. He watched as her eyebrows would furrow, or her nose would wrinkle as she thought about what to write next, no doubt her mind whirling. Harry found himself staring at her lips, reminiscing about how soft they were from that magical night last year. Immediately he wanted to see if they were as sweet and soft as he remembered. Shifting his position to get closer, Harry didn't realise that he was leaning forward in his chair, gravitating towards her. He was like an insect drawn to a flame, unable to resist.

Hermione glanced up from her work, almost jumping slightly at the intense dark look in Harry's emerald eyes. Her eyes widened as she saw him began to lean across the table towards her.

"H-harry?" she squeaked softly, absolutely enthralled in his gaze.

She felt Harry's hand cup behind her neck, his right arm still supporting his weight on the table as he brought her head closer to his, his head tilting slightly. She saw his emerald eyes flash with desire and her heart almost flew out of her chest in anticipation, before he pressed his lips against hers gently. Immediately, blood rushed to her head as the world disappeared, and it was only Harry's lips on hers. She felt him coax her lips gently, and then she found her hands creeping up his chest to his cheeks, as her lips moved back in answer. Her eyes fluttered shut as she heard her throat let out a soft moan of contentment. She felt Harry' s hand shift upwards from her neck, shifting into her hair and her lackey that held her hair in a ponytail fluttered to the ground uselessly, her hair falling down to her shoulders. She ignored it, the only thing that mattered was Harry right now.

She was as delicious as he remembered. Soft, yearning lips that moulded to his as he opened his mouth, pressing deeper into the kiss. Harry was lost in Hermione. And then the moment ended.

"Hermione, I found your...OH!"

Harry and Hermione immediately pulled back to their seats, breathing heavily. Harry glanced at Hermione, who was bright red, eyes wide in surprise and shock. Her ponytail had loosened and her hair cascaded down her neck. Her lips looked slightly swollen, and for a moment reason disappeared from Harry as he was tempted to kiss her again. He shook away the thoughts, gulping as he looked up to Ron, who was staring at the both of them with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Uhhh," began Harry, wincing internally at his brain.

"How long?" asked Ron softly.

Hermione ran a hand through her hair as she glanced at Harry nervously. "Um, just yesterday we decided to give this a try" she said, motioning between them with a hand.

Ron placed the books down on the desk and nodded. Harry watched him carefully, obvious that something was bothering Ron, Ron's jaw clenched tightly and hands curled into fists.

"I'm uh, really happy for you both" said Ron weakly. "No, no really."

Hermione's eyes brightened. "Thank you Ron! I'm so glad you're happy for us. I was...afraid that you wouldn't take it well."

Ron let out a weak fake chuckle. "Nah, I'm okay. Really. I'll uh, let you guys...be alone yeah?"

"Ron," said Harry, his throat working again. "Listen..."

Ron shook his head at Harry, smiling weakly. "No really Harry," he said, looking at him. "I'm happy for you guys. I'll see you at lunch."

With that Ron walked away from the pair of them, Hermione and Harry exchanging worried glances.

"Do you think he's okay?" asked Hermione, concern written on her face.

Harry swallowed a lump in his throat as he stared at the back of his friend's retreating back. "I hope so..."

Hermione moved to stand up. "We need to follow him, there's something wrong," she declared.

Her eyes stared in surprise as Harry shook his head at her. "No Hermione, we need to stay."

Harry's face looked resigned.

"Why? Shouldn't we follow him?"

Harry sighed softly. "I think...Ron likes you."

Hermione flopped back into the chair ungracefully. "W-What?" her voice quivered in surprise.

Harry ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't realise it either, but it makes sense. The only other reason I think he would react like that is if he was afraid of becoming alone, the two of us wrapped up in each other."

Hermione shook her head fiercely. "We wouldn't leave him behind like that. Just because we're dating doesn't mean that we can't hang out."

"I know Hermione" said Harry. "But that's why I think it's because he likes you. He needs to come to grips with this on his own. Give him some time and space, let him come to us."

Hermione glanced down at the table. "Sorry Harry, this is just...hard for me to take in. It's...it's always been you Harry," she said, staring at Harry earnestly. It sounds bad, but I never thought of Ron like that. Maybe in different circumstances, in another time maybe. But..."

Harry shifted forward, initiating contact and placing his left hand over her right hand, squeezing gently. Their first kiss as a couple was slightly sobered for the moment, as both reflected on Ron. Harry felt a hint of fear trickle through him as he thought of what it would mean to lose Hermione.

"Just because Ron likes me means nothing Harry," spoke Hermione, looking at Harry.

Harry looked up in confusion.

"I lo-...I like you Harry, Ron's feelings are unreciprocated."

Harry gave Hermione a weak smile as he understood what she was getting at. That she was still his.

"I deserve this," stated Hermione, looking at Harry. "We deserve this. We deserve to be happy."

Harry nodded and squeezed Hermione's hand. "We do," he said, staring at her and echoing her thoughts. "And nothing will break us apart."

O.o.O.o.O

Ron's heart thundered in his chest as he marched down the hallway. Every muscle within him was coiled tightly like a spring. The hallways and corridors were thankfully empty as he ploughed through Hogwarts at a reckless speed, ignoring a cry of "Mr Weasley!" from McGonagall. He finally made it out of Hogwarts, heading straight for the lake. As he reached the lake, he finally let the tears go, flowing down his cheeks as he stifled his cries of mourning. His heart mourned at the rejection of Hermione, the one he loved. He had no right to her after the things he had said, his jealousy and stupidity had driven her away from him and into Harry's arms. Still, it was Harry's words that made him stop in his all-to-predictable rant. He didn't deserve such good friends if he blew up over his jealousy of Hermione choosing Harry over him. He had seen the fear clearly in Hermione's eyes of her being scared if he didn't approve of them. Who was he to get in their way of happiness?

Internally, Ron berated himself. What could he offer Hermione? He was just the youngest male in a huge family of redheads, all of them geniuses in their own way. He had no money, no fame or anything of that sort to offer Hermione. Just his stupid, hungry red-headed self. Ron swallowed his bitterness as he felt his tears begin to overwhelm him, and his legs gave out.

He collapsed onto the ground, resting his face on his arms as he felt the tears continue to flow. Soft footsteps next to him alerted the presence of someone else, and Ron quickly wiped at his tears to hide them, so no one would see him crying. Someone like Malfoy would take great delight in taunting him if he found him crying. He turned his head, ready to snap when he blinked in surprise. A small ethereal blonde stood there looking at him sadly.

Without a word, she pulled out a well worn, and obviously well loved handkerchief, and crouched in front of him, ignoring the dirt as it stained her skirt. With well practiced wipes, she wiped the trails of tears from Ron's eyes, from eye to chin, first the left and then the right. He stared at her, a childhood friend of Ginny's and a close neighbour. The moment was tender, Luna's eyes never judging as she softly wiped at his face.

"Luna..." he began, voice tight with emotion as she lowered her hand.

She gave him a soft smile, tilting her head slightly. "Don't worry Ronald," she spoke, her voice coming through. "A broken heart can always heal, especially those of a good person. And you are far greater than you realise. You just need to open your eyes."

And as soon as she had arrived, she had squeezed his hand softly and headed back towards the castle. Ron watched her go the entire way, before turning back to the lake.

O.o.O.o.O