Ron and Hermione : Bickering since 1991

Chapter 19 : Christmas

[Hermione]

One thing left. N.E.WT.s.

Just this one thing and it will all be over. I have been so stressed wih these newt exams. I don't pay attention to anything else. I have been meeting Ron less than usual because of these. I really can't wait to get over with it. I mean, I thought I could do this, staying away from Ron, from Harry, alone in Hogwarts. Studying the whole night. Without sleeping for a single minute.

Turns out it is not as easy as I thought it would be.

I did not go back home for the christmas break. At first Ginny decided to stay too, to give me some company, but I convinced her to go. Ginny tried to convince me to go too.

Don't think I am being cruel. I got my fair share of punishments. I got three letters from Mrs. Weasley, five letters from Ron and two letters from Harry and one letter from my parents, telling me to comeback home.

I know I am being unnecessarily rude  but I am feeling guilty too. It's just that if I went back to the Burrow, I might not be able to muster the courage to comeback. It is just too painful for me.

So, here I am, sitting alone on a christmas day, with my presents unwrapped in my room. Me, down here in the common room, alone. Yes, alone. Nobody else stayed behind except maybe a third year boy, who I have no idea where is. And I am sitting here, doing my homework and studying, munching on pumpkin pasties. I miss everyone so much.

And there is a certain someone who I am missing more than anyone. Really I am missing him so much I wish he was here.

I am sitting here, studying, eating, missing. Missing some more. Studying. That's when I feel hands covering my eyes. Someone whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

"Merry Christmas, Granger."

I removed his hands from my eyes and turnes around to see him standing there with a smirk on his face.

Ron.

My heart leapt with joy.

"You literally scared me to death."

"Aww, no I miss you?"

I pulled him into a kiss. It started out gently but got more heated towards the end. We pulled back, both breathing heavily, out of air. I rested my forehead against his, my eyes close and smiled.

"I can't believe you are doing homework on Christmas."

I pulled my head back to look at him. Sure enough he was smirking at me.

"What elese was I supposed to do?" I said, sitting down. "Sit around and mope for you?"

"I can't believe you. Weren't you just doing that?" He asked, sitting beside me.

I tried to keep my face staight, but ended up smiling. He smiled back. I rested my head against his chest and he wrapped his arm around me and stroked my hair.

"How is everyone?"

"All are fine. George is better than the last time I met him. Indeed he is missing Fred, we all are, but he is better. Harry is missing you."

"Say sorry from my side. I will meet him soon."

"Sure."

"Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"How did you come inside the common room?"

"I might have had to do some convincing, but Mcgongall alowed it."

I looked up see him and he was grinning cheekily.

"Well, thanks for the surprise."

"Oh believe me, the pleasure is all mine."

After making out some more we were eating treacle tart.

"Everyone is missing you," Ron said suddenly.

"I am sorry Ron. But there is nothing I could have done. I am sorry, I really am."

"Its okay, I understand. I know why you didn't go back." Ron said, kissing my forehead.