AU: It's New Year's Eve in Beacon Hills but the biggest party of the year is not, for once, being hosted by Lydia Martin. She's here though, sat alone, without a date, and Stiles' mind begins to wander into a faraway land of glorious possibilities and haunting 'what if's.

Hermione has been acting weird ever since Ron returned from his auror mission, and Ron's determined to find out why.

Hermione is trying to study but Ron won't let her concentrate. He wants to play chess, of all things, and he's not going to stop bothering her until she gives in. Why is he so eager to play chess anyway?

Ron leaves Hermione for a month long Auror mission. How will the couple deal with separation? Angst/Fluff entails, enjoy!