Behind the faces

Cheapter 3

Saturday came sooner than I thought and so I went with Ginny, Harry and Ron to Hogsmeade to visit Fred and George in their newly opened shop.

Ginny and Harry were chatting away happily and it was really starting to get on my nerves that they always left me and Ron alone.

I tugged at my jacket sleeve because I didn't know where else to put my hands. Ron had his buried deep in his jacket pocket. In general, he made a very casual impression.

I sighed. Why couldn't I just walk beside him so calmly. Because you're in love with him, my inner voice replied.

Was I really? Was I really in love with Ron?

I looked at him unobtrusively from the side. The Quidditch training was good for him. He has become much more muscular. In general, he has changed a lot. For example, he doesn't have the little chubby cheeks like he used to. No. Now you could see his cheekbones, which made him look directly more masculine.

Yes Ronald Weasley had become a man.

If I hadn't kissed him back in the Chamber of Secrets, I probably would never have thought of him that way. But the fact was that I had kissed him.

"Well Potter, are we having a family reunion today, or is it the engagement of the Weasel and Granger?" Malfoy was suddenly standing in front of us, grinning mischievously at us.

"Get lost Malfoy." replied Harry merely, trying to get past him, but Malfoy stood in his way.

"What's your hurry Potter. Afraid I might ruin the harmony between you again?"

Harry groaned and continued to try and get past Malfoy but Malfoy merely laughed. He too had grown wider, meanwhile Harry still remained gangly.

"Now get out of here Malfoy." Ron had stood by Harry and crossed his arms.

"Who are you trying to protect here. Little Granger or your puny friend Potter." Malfoy gave me a look and I quickly looked to the ground. Couldn't he even leave Ron and me alone.

"I want to make a bet with you weasel," Malfoy interjected when Ron didn't answer him. "If Slytherin wins the next game I get a wish with you, if Gryffindor wins you get a wish with me."

"I don't go along with that sort of thing Malfoy."

"Come on. What have you got to lose?" asked Malfoy, giving me a penetrating look that Ron couldn't help but notice.

"See you Granger." said Malfoy, stroking my arm briefly as he walked. A shiver ran down my spine, but before I knew it, Ron had jumped on him and thrown him to the ground.

"Don't touch her!" Ron's face was contorted anger and he pushed Malfoy to the ground by his body weight.

But Malfoy just laughed. "Please, as if I wanted something from a mudblood." but by then Ron's fist landed in Malfoy's face.

I cried out and tried to pull Ron off Malfoy.

Blood dripped from Malfoy's nose and as he sat up he glared angrily at Ron. "My father will hear about this. There will be repercussions for you!" he growled and stomped off.

"Oh God I think you broke his nose." I said in horror, continuing to clutch Ron.

"I hope so. That asshole deserved it." growled Ron, staring after Malfoy who was holding his nose, cursing.

"Hermione. No one gets to call you a mudblood. You hear me." There was still something angry in Ron's voice, but his eyes radiated something loving.

I smiled at him and only now realised how close we were. My hand was still on his arm, but I didn't want to pull it away. A tingling sensation ran through my fingers and spread through my whole body.

I wanted to close my eyes and keep this moment forever. Absorb it like a sponge absorbs water.

Still we stared at each other. His gaze slid to my lips and my heart hammered wildly in my chest. Was he about to kiss me?

Something inside me screamed to throw myself on top of him and press my lips to his. But I wanted it to be him kissing me. I wanted confirmation that he felt the same way I did.

Please Ron kiss me. Please show me that you felt like me back in the Chamber of Secrets. Please.

My heart races, but I dare not take my eyes off him. For I fear that if I did, this moment would be lost.

Ron leaned forward a little and I closed my eyes. Ready to kiss him a second time. Ready to give myself to him fully.

I could feel his face coming closer to mine. A tingle ran through my stomach. Were these the infamous butterflies?

Only a few centimetres away, I could feel it. Everything tightened inside me. Almost longingly, I finally waited for Ron to press his lips to mine.

"Where are Harry and Ginny?" he asked suddenly.

"What?" I opened my eyes in horror.