'Yes, it was beautiful Mum' said Hermione getting up to help her Mum clear the plates.
'Let me help with that' Harry said jumping up to help both the Granger women.
'No honestly its fine' said Hermione's Mum smiling at Harry.
'It's the least me and Ron can do after that wonderful meal' replied Harry elbowing Ron and causing him to jump in his seat.
Mrs.Granger looked between the two boys, then she turned to look at Hermione. 'Well� It is Hermione's night to do the dishes' she said still looking at Hermione 'so your welcome to help her� if you want of course.' Mrs.Granger looked between all three of them.
'I'd be happy to' said Harry taking the pile of plates and bowls Mrs.Granger was holding and walking them through to the kitchen. Before Ron could sneak away Hermione stacked a pile of plates into his arms.
'Oh, that's better' she said flashing Ron a devious smile 'Thanks for helping' and with that she followed Harry's lead and joined him at the kitchen sink. It wasn't long before all three of them were elbow deep in bubbly water. Hermione stuck her hand into the suds at the same moment Ron reached in to grab a plate, their hands brushed for only an instant but Ron jumped back in surprise and Hermione whipped her hand out of the water and stood very still. Harry oblivious to Ron and Hermione's embarrassment returned from putting away plates.
'So�' he said sounding unnaturally casual, 'Hows Ginny?' Ron suddenly snapped out of his state of shock.
'You'd know better than me' he snapped 'you two were owling each other so much this summer I'm surprised you haven't announced your engagement yet.'
Harry stared at Ron, a look of annoyance upon his face Ron was looking down at the floor, clearly he had not meant to be so callous but Hermione wasn't looking at Ron instead she was looking at Harry their was something else underneath the anger and if she wasn't mistaken it was� embarrassment? Hermione shook her head it was late she was imagining it, or was she? Ron was still staring at the floor and Harry had returned to putting plates away. Hermione nudged Ron and giving him a meaningful look cocked her head in Harry's direction. Ron nodded to show he understood.
'I'll sort it out' he said quietly 'go to bed I'm sure you'll need the energy for tomorrow it sounds like it's going to be a very busy day.' Hermione muttered a quick goodnight and slipped out the kitchen door behind her she could here Ron apologising she paused at the door to her room and smiled. Apart from those last five minutes the evening had been very nice indeed.