A/N: This is my first ever fanfiction so constructive criticism would be preferred to out right abuse. This is Romione and will follow their relationship after the valentines ball too, with lots of fluff.
I've upped the rating from a T to an M purely because of the odd piece of mild language and some of Hermione and Ron's encounters which are also mild. It really is a T in my opinion but I didn't wish to offend anyone so I'm playing it safe.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
:X:
It was the evening of the valentines ball at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry and everyone was more exited than ever. The great hall looked stunning with heart shaped candles floating high up, illuminating the space below.
The tables were round compared to the usual long straight ones and had white cloths with a very faint, pale pink rose pattern on each one.
There was also a lovely ornate runner adorning the middle of each table that had a matching pale pink rose design along it's length. Similarly each chair had a pink voile sash tied in a bow at the back and at the centre of each table was a heart shaped candle, just like the ones above. The room looked different yet amazing and many gasps were heard as the students and their partners filed in.
Harry was sitting in the corner talking animatedly with Ginny and he was wearing navy blue dress robes while she wore a classic high neck, floor length dress in a lovely deep purple.
Ron was making his way over to them but was stopped in his tracks (as were most of the other men in the room) when he spotted a girl standing at the entrance to the great hall. She was wearing a beautiful cerise coloured, bardot neckline dress that crossed over the bust in a mock wrap style and hugged her waist before falling gracefully to pool at her feet, caressing her minimalist curves in all the right places. Her hair was down in loose curls that fell long and radiant around her shoulders and without realising it Ron had slowly walked over towards her till he was standing a couple of meters away, mouth open in shock.
He stood fixated as his eyes rounded on a new vision of loveliness. There, bathed in the glow of the wall lanterns that hung either side of the huge archway doors was Hermione. Her hair, the epitome of undone sophistication and her skin that seemed to almost radiate perfection caused Ron to swallow hard and run a hand through his hair, exhaling heavily.
Hermione wound a tendril of her curly hair around her index finger absentmindedly and bit her lip nervously, momentarily oblivious to Ron's intense gaze as she took in the spectacle of the room. After a moment she moved, taking a few steps forward before stopping abruptly as she noticed Ron looking directly at her.
His deep set eyes, a plethora of mesmerizing blue shades swirling around each other in a bid for prominence pierced into hers like a hawk and Hermione found herself unable to move, her heart hammering in her chest like that of the majestic birds prey, waiting in nervous patience until it is finally devoured.
A blush crept up her neck to her cheeks as they stared intently at one another and it was as though everything and everyone around them no longer existed. They were the only two people on earth and the great hall was the garden of eden.
He was drinking in every last inch, all he could see was her. How captivating she was, how the candles cast a glow over her as though she were shining. How the fit of her dress clung in all the right places and the curls of her hair fell soft and sexy around her face. She was spellbinding and all he could think was that he had never seen anything more lovely in his entire life. Hermione smiled shyly, slowly making her way across the room with her eyes still fixed on Ron's.
Hermione finally came to a halt a few feet away from where Ron was standing and she took a moment to simply appreciate what was in front of her. He was truly delectable in his new emerald green robes that fit his Quidditch built frame perfectly and with the colour making his fiery red hair and perfectly positioned freckles seem a thousand times more beautiful and bewitching, she wondered how her heart was actually still beating.
"Blimey... H-Hermione... you look... uhhh... Blimey."
He stammered, lost for words as he rubbed the back of his neck. A shiver touched her spine at his stuttering and she smiled shyly, gently biting her bottom lip. There was no doubt that Hermione felt something for Ron that ran much deeper than friendship.
She regarded his response and opinion much more than that of others and just looking at him now, all nervous and beautiful was enough to send her mind completely askew. all she seemed to be able to say was a feeble ''thankyou'', worried that anything else would sound stupid. Damn her over analysing brain!
Just as she was trying to find something non stupid to say Professor Dumbledore announced that dinner was ready and everyone made their way over and sat down to eat. Hermione barely noticed the glances she was being shot at her from all over the hall.
Some from jealous females who wondered why they couldn't look as naturally beautiful as the girl they now hardly recognised, but mostly from the dates of said females who were mesmerised by the way Hermione's dress was practically painted on and the glow that seemed to follow her wherever she went.
Alot of them were devising plans in their heads of ways to get Hermione alone and exclusively in their company but little did they know that said girl only had eyes for one and he was walking happily, if not a little nervously by her side.
After it was confirmed that everyone was seated and Dumbledore had given his usual rousing speech, food and drink began to appear on the tables and they all dug in. Ron as usual spooned masses of food onto his plate which Hermione watched and rolled her eyes at.
He looked up at her and attempted to ask what she was staring at but failed as he had a mouthful of food that he nearly spat out. She shook her head with a giggle and took a bite herself, redirecting her eyes to her plate. Ron seemed to catch on to her amused expression and smiled sheepishly as he remembered all the times she had tried to correct his table manners and failed.
Whilst everyone ate and drank the conversation was bustling, mainly falling on peoples clothes, dates and the upcoming holidays. Although some talk involved incredulous murmurings from people who had finally figured out who the mysterious beauty was as she sat chatting happily with her fellow Gryffindor's. Whenever the opportunity arose Ron would steal a glance at Hermione and vice versa but as soon as the other caught their gaze they would quickly look away, trying to seem nonchalant.
Once everyone had finished their Meals the music began and alot of the students headed out to the dance floor and started moving to the beat. Harry stood up and held his hand out to Ginny gesturing towards the dance floor. She took it, smiling and they sloped off singing along as they went.
Hermione and Ron sat together in uncomfortable silence for what seemed like an eternity, both trying to think of something to talk about. Except of course the obvious thing which is that they're madly in love with each other. After another awkward five or so minutes Hermione stood up to leave but Ron, noticing her every movement grabbed her wrist to stop her.
She felt her heart start to pound in her chest as Ron stood up too and moved slightly round the table to stand in front of her. He cast a shy, lopsided smile towards her and she forget to breathe for a moment before he spoke.
"Would you like to dance?"
He asked and slid his hand down her wrist to capture her hand in his. Her breath caught at the feel of Ron's hand holding hers and she had to mentally shake herself before saying;
''Yes... I'd love to.''
They nervously walked out to the dance floor, both wondering if this was a good idea. The music was loud and roaring as they joined the crowd and at first they were dancing with quite a bit of space between them, but the distance separating them slowly got smaller as the crowd got bigger and at one point they were pushed right up against each other.
They both quickly moved back, blushing quite profusely but got back into the rhythm of the song fairly quickly. They danced the next few songs with much more ease and Hermione laughed heartily as Ron spun her around by the hand. With every song they danced, they let go of their inhibitions a little more and simply enjoyed the memories they were making together but as a slower song came on they both stopped.
Ron looked at Hermione with an awkward kind of smile. Even though he was more than happy to slow dance with the girl of his dreams he wasn't sure if Hermione would with him, so he asked shakily;
"Do you want to carry on dancing?"
The song was one of Hermione's favourites and she longed to feel Ron's arms around her so she took a deep breath, trying to free all the apprehension from her body and nodded. At her agreement Ron slowly moved closer so that there was just a few inches between them. They both tensed at the closeness, barely able to breathe or even think straight and as Ron placed his left hand on Hermione's waist her breath seemed to leave her altogether.
She slid her corresponding hand up his arm to rest on his bicep, causing goosebumps to run over his entire body. Gently, she then slid the fingers of her other hand along his and over his palm till she was holding his hand properly. The slow, sensual way in which their fingers caressed each others caused both of their breaths to catch and when Ron enclosed his fingers around hers, electricity seemed to spark through both of their bodies.
They listened as the smooth voice of Shane Finlan flowed from the speakers and smiled shyly at each other. The lyrics seemed so apt that they both couldn't help but wonder if someone had requested the song on their behalf, knowing that they would end up like this.
''We started as friends,
But something happened inside me,
Now I'm reading into everything,
But there's no sign you hear the lightning baby,
You don't ever notice me turning on my charm,
Or wonder why I'm always where you are."
Ron could feel the heat of his body merging with hers and his heart started to beat wildly. He was trying not to look directly at her, hoping that she hadn't noticed the blush colouring his cheeks but as he bravely decided to move his gaze down, he saw that she was looking right at him, making the hairs at the back of his neck stand on end.
As Ron stared into Hermione's eyes he was surprised to find that she didn't look away and that gave him the shot of confidence he needed to slide his hand further around her. He gently pushed at the small of her back and bought her even closer so that her body was pressed right up against his. Ron tensed again, thinking she would rebuff his actions but he soon relaxed when he felt Hermione lay her head on his chest and return his embrace by loosing his hand and snaking both of her arms tightly around his waist.
Ron smiled happily at having his love so close and held her firmly against his chest with his arms gently soothing her shoulders.
''I've made it obvious,
Done everything but sing it,
(I've crushed on you so long but on and on you get me wrong)
I'm not so good with words,
And since you never notice,
The way that we belong,
I'll say it in a love song."
Without realising it, Ron's left hand had slowly trailed it's way up from Hermione's lower back to the middle, slowly rubbing comforting circles into the area whilst his other was still happily caressing her shoulders. Hermione felt like all her nerve endings were on fire at his hands gentle ministrations and she pulled her head up from his chest, wanting to see his face. Ron looked down at Hermione as her head popped up and smiled, only to then realise what his hands were doing and stilled them almost immediately.
He thought, nervously that that was the reason Hermione had turned her attention towards his face, because she was going to berate him for his intimate actions but the scolding never came as she simply smiled up at him happily. If Ron didn't know any better though, he'd swear that Hermione's expression of serene contentment turned to one of disappointment as his hands stopped their seemingly natural exploration of her back, but Ron being Ron and not really understanding anything about women, couldn't be sure.
As he gazed into Hermione's hazel eyes, the spark that he saw there was unmistakable and he somehow knew they were feeling the same thing. Slowly he lifted his hand up, gently caressing her cheek for a moment before speaking;
"You know... I didn't get a chance to tell you earlier because you kind of took my breath away but... You look beautiful."
He spoke mellifluously with a doting smile.
"Thankyou"
She replied, a blush staining her cheeks.
"You look beautiful too."
She added shyly, turning her attention towards his chest instead of up to his face. Ron had to chuckle at her reticence, the girl who took no crap from nobody was suddenly shy and a very cute shade of red.
"What?"
"Sorry I'm not laughing at you, it's just... No one ever called me beautiful before."
The never ending blush still present on his ears as he replied.
"Well you are you know... Beautiful I mean."
She fumbled over her words and looked down again, feeling a little embarrassed.
"Hermione look at me."
As he lifted her chin with his hand to look into her love filled, hopeful eyes.
"I also never told you this either because you always seem to take my breath away but... I am totally and completely in love with you."
Ron let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and smiled happily. At last, he had finally said those words that he had been dying to say for so long. His relief was to be short lived however as Hermione pulled away from him and covered her face with her hands.
He suddenly felt terribly nervous that she had done so out of upset and was trying to find a way to let him down easy, but as she looked up and sent him the biggest, goofiest, wateriest smile he had ever seen it suddenly dawned on him that her earlier moment was because she felt the same overwhelming feeling that he did and he began to smile madly in return.
He moved forward closing the gap that Hermione had set between them and bought his hands up, cupping her face and caressing his thumbs slowly over her cheeks, then gently running them up the sides of her nose and under her eyes, wiping away the tears that had spilled over.
Leaning in, he tenderly kissed her forehead before continuing all around her face and ears and down her neck whilst his hands slowly slinked down her arms and then round her back. His actions caused her to sigh happily and move as close as possible in his embrace.
As his mouth stumbled upon a particularly sensitive spot just under her ear, she gasped audibly and gave a small giggle at the ticklish sensation. Ron pulled away from her neck with his usual lopsided grin firmly in place, secretly filing that information away for later, loving the fact that he had found one of Hermione's sweet spots.
He whispered the back of his fingers over her cheek before doing what he had wanted to do for a very long time and planted his lips on hers, leaving one chaste yet lingering kiss there. When he pulled back a moment later she still had her eyes closed and a dazed expression adorned her face. Ron smiled lovingly at that and as she opened her eyes, still with his arms around her back she replied belatedly;
"I love you too."
If at all possible Ron's smile grew even bigger and he pulled her into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms further around her back. She snuggled into him, leaning her head against his chest once more and let out a peaceful sigh as they began slowly moving again.
"You are my very first thought in the morning,
And my last at nightfall,
You are the love that came without warning,
I need you, I want you to know."
They both smiled in agreement with the lyrics and tightened their grip as they swayed together, eyes closed and completely lost in each other. All too soon the song ended but neither of them seemed to notice and carried on holding one another, never wanting the moment to end. As a faster paced song came on they begrudgingly pulled apart but didn't stay that way for long as Ron took both of Hermione's hands in his and stepped closer so that they were once again in each others space.
Ron let go of one of her hands and moved it up to her face tracing the line of her lower lip with his thumb. She smiled up at him and he mirrored her expression before he leaned in to kiss her once more. It started out slow and longing at first, just like it had earlier but soon became deep and passionate, with Ron coaxing her mouth open with his sensual movements. Pretty soon their tongues were battling and caressing and Hermione had rested herself against him, the tingling of her spine making her heart beat faster and the heat in her body rise.
They barely noticed the others around them and continued kissing fervently but were suddenly drawn apart and nearly pushed over as another couple, dancing wildly accidentally bumped into them.
''Oh, sorry guys we didn't see you there.''
The boy said exhaustedly as they quickly made their way back into the crowd.
Ron and Hermione caught each others gaze and both started to laugh, removing any previous embarrassment and as their laughter faded Ron reached out to Hermione and bought her back into the circle of his arm's for another loving hug. As he placed a kiss to her forehead they each spotted Harry and Ginny sitting at their table and shot them happy smiles as they gave an enthusiastic thumbs up.
After a moment Hermione pulled her head up from his chest and saw that Ron's eyes looked a little dazed and he had a silly grin on his face. She slid her right hand from it's place on his shoulder and gently moved a stray piece of his hair away that had fallen into his eyes. She then slowly ghosted her index finger down the side of his face to his cheek where it lingered, then carefully caressing it with the back of her hand before returning it to it's original place.
As this was happening Ron felt like his heart might explode out of his chest. The feel of her feather light touch upon his cheek was oxygen stealing and the look in her eyes, like he was perfection personified was almost too much. As she rested her cheek against his shoulder, he gently slid his left arm further up her back till his strong hand was resting happily splayed across the bottom of her shoulders, holding her tight against his broad chest. They stood for a few minutes before drawing back and intertwining their fingers.
''So...''
Hermione trailed off looking down at their clasped hands.
''Yeah.''
Ron breathed out happily. They longed to be alone together and it was too loud to hear one another speak. Fresh air and privacy beckoned and he began walking backwards, gently tugging on her hand to move with him and led her off the dance floor.
"Do you fancy a walk?"
Ron asked.
"Yes please... It's way too crowded in here."
She was relieved that he was thinking the same thing and as they walked out towards the lake, Ron hooked his index finger round Hermione's and let their hands swing together between them.
"So... This is it. We're boyfriend and girlfriend."
He said kind of dreamily with a drunk smile.
"Yes, I guess so."
She replied almost in disbelief. A goosepimply sensation ran over her entire body and she lifted his hand and turned it placing a gentle kiss on his palm, then let them drop back down. As they walked Hermione mentally pondered when she had begun to see Ron differently. The truth was... she didn't really know. She figured she had known it all along just never really realised It was love at first.
I suppose whatever they both felt was kind of masked as dislike or even hate, what with all the drama and the arguments. But Hermione had always known that Ron was special, there was something different about him. He was much deeper than people realised, a person with lots of layers that you had to peel back slowly.
She had come to see that all his faults, however trying were merely a part of what made him... Ron and that they were not so much faults, as quirks. Maddening, rage inducing, lovely quirks. It excited her to think that she was one of the few (if not the only) person he fully trusted, one of the few he allowed in, to see him in all his state. Into the childish, stubborn and sometimes annoying part of himself but also the passionate, thoughtful and gentle sweet nature that lay underneath. The two lovers walked in contented silence, each lost in ardent contemplation at the events of the evening so far and just like the glow from the rising morning sun, the hand that held theirs was full of warmth and promise.
Hermione soaked up the familiar surroundings with pleasure, delighted to be walking down the path that they had so often trod before, but never with so much happiness. Frequently since that awkward first meeting all those years ago, they had divulged many of their hopes and dreams in this very spot. She wondered then, how she could have been so blind as to not have noticed that the love she so wanted, had been right in front of face. Neither of them could stop glancing at each other or grinning, the though of being together was still so unreal.
Their walking slowly came to a halt as they had reached the old majestic oak tree that they had been heading for. With it's moss covered stump and long gangly branches, it reminded Hermione of one of the trees found in the dark forest of the Snow White fairytale.
"Have you ever climbed a tree?"
She asked seriously.
"Yeah I used to climb all the ones in my garden, I even had my own tree house once."
"Really! I did too, my dad built mine when I was five and it was so great. It was kind of like my little hideaway. I used to go up there to practice magic or even just to think, it was my favourite place in the whole world."
She reminisced sounding a bit hyper but soon faded to a longing, almost sad tone.
"Alright who are you and what have you done with Hermione."
She stopped and questioned his jibe.
"Well it's just... I can't really imagine the Hermione I know climbing trees like a... Fun person."
He replied laughed.
"Are you saying I'm not fun."
She asked slightly offended.
"Would I?"
He countered looking faux innocent.
"Yes Ronald Weasley you would."
She poked his side playfully and huffed slightly.
"I'm joking love, it sounds awesome. I'd love to see it someday."
He tried to reassure her by squeezing her hand.
"It is... Truly awesome. I wish we were in it now. You can see across the whole town from there. It's like your up in the clouds. Merlin knows how my dad built it so high, unless it just seemed high because I was so small... I'm not sure. Well anyway we have a perfectly good tree here don't we? So lets go."
She said pulling on his hand but as he was much stronger from all the Quidditch practice he managed to stay rooted to the spot, even as she attempt to drag him and this made her turn around abruptly and send him a questioning gaze.
"Hermione, It's not that I'm not willing to climb a tree with you... Cus I am. It's just that I'm wearing the fanciest clothes I've ever had. If I do anything to these robes my mum will quite literally kill me."
He was suddenly picturing what his mother would do to him if he was to ruin them in any way and he shifted uncomfortably at the thought. Hermione walked back till she was pressed right up against him and she placed her hands flat on his broad chest, running her fingers over the exquisite emerald velvet absentmindedly and smiled.
"Your robes are quite beautiful. I love this colour as well, it really brings out your hair."
"Yeah cus that's all I need, for my hair to stand out more."
He chuckled at her musings and bought his hands up, gently massaging her upper back and shoulders. Hermione laughed as well before stating a little indignantly;
"But I love that the green brings out your hair."
"You do?"
He asked almost disbelievingly. She shrugged and stated simply;
"Red's my favourite colour."
Ron instantly beamed at her and leaned down, capturing her lips in another of those avid kisses that she was slowly becoming addicted to.
"I love you."
He whispered as he pulled away and she reciprocated with the same. They stood smiling dreamily at each other for several moments, only broken by Ron speaking again.
"You know, I keep thinking about all the time I spent telling myself that you were just my friend but I knew it wasn't true cause I always felt differently about you. Like when I looked at you or talked to you, something inside changed. Like I felt nervous and excited at the same time. It's the same now... Like I know my hearts beating but I can't really feel it. Like it isn't there anymore. Because it doesn't belong to me anymore, it belongs to you and it's that same mixed up feeling. I just can't stop thinking about all the time I wasted hurting your feelings over and over when that was the last thing I really wanted and it feels... horrible."
He spoke sincerely, moving to lean against the tree, loosing her hand and folding his arms across his chest with a regretful look on his face. She stared at him for a moment, taking in his strong features as he looked to the ground then slowly stepped closer to him, placing her hands on his biceps and rubbing them up and down soothingly and said;
"I lost count how many times I tried to tell you what I was really feeling. I think it was just easier to be bossy and annoying."
She was right up close to him now as she coaxed him to unfolded his arms. He did so with a smile and wrapped them tightly around her.
"Me too, accept instead of bossy and annoying I was stubborn and childish."
He replied back making them both laugh.
"Merlin (he sighed out) we wasted so much time. How could I have been such a moron."
"Your not an moron Ron... Although when we first met I did think you were a bit of a Muppet but certainly not an moron."
"Gee, thanks Hermione. Nice to know what you really think of me."
He huffed slightly looking offended.
"Oh Ron don't pout, that's not what I think now. It was just my first impression that's all."
She tried to console him a little by kissing his neck and Ron smiled at the gesture, forgiving her instantly.
"Well if that was just a first impression, then what do you think of me?"
He wondered curiously.
"Well like I said I did think you were sort of a Muppet but when I got to know you I thought that you were brave, loyal, kind... even if you did call me a nightmare (Ron looked sorry at this comment) Funny and..."
She was cut off as Ron spoke over her, encouraging her on.
"And now?"
"And now (she laced her arms round his neck, smiling) I know that your brave, loyal, kind and funny but that your also smart, handsome, loving and incredibly decent."
She said contentedly before pecking his lips a couple of times.
"Don't forget clumsy idiot."
He added.
"Ronald Weasley don't you even! You are not clumsy and certainly not a idiot. You are the sweetest, most amazing person I'll ever meet."
"What... More amazing than the great Harry potter."
He was looking away and Hermione turned his head to look at her.
"Yes Ron, a thousand times more. Listen (she paused a moment) Harry will always be my friend and of course I love him too but you and I share something that neither of us will ever share with harry. We have a bond like... (she paused to find the right words) Like strings that are attached to one another's heart's and no matter how far apart we are or whatever happens they will always be there pulling us back to each other. I'll always be there for you no matter what and all those things I said about you are true. I need you to believe them because I do wholeheartedly, they're what made me love you in the first place and what I'll always love about y..."
He kissed her then not allowing her to finish what she was saying and she instantly kissed back. When they pulled apart she was a little breathless as she asked;
"What was that for?"
"Cause I love you more than anything in the whole wizarding world."
He grinned, kissing her again. Soon their mouths were pushing and fighting and their hands were moving. After a few moments they pulled apart and rested their foreheads together, both gasping a little.
"I love you Hermione."
He said with another peck of her lips. She looked deep into his eyes and almost got lost in the complete adoration she saw there before replying;
"I love you more."
Even though they had been best friends for years they continued talking as though they had never met before. Ron and Hermione chatted about anything and everything and before they knew it an hour had past. They had eventually moved and sat down, leaning against the trunk of the tree in each others arm's.
"The suns starting to set love, we should go and watch it on the hill."
He said smiling indulgently.
"Owhhh but it's so comfy here, why do we have to move?"
She whined.
"Hermione it's just as comfy over there and plus when the sun hits the water... It's just amazing, you have to see it."
He said as he got up slowly, reacquainting his legs with walking and watched as Hermione huffed then promptly did the same. She paused momentarily as her legs too had seized slightly and smiled to see Ron holding out his arm's to her. She accepted his offer gladly and a pair of strong hands grasped hers, pulling her up gently. Their eyes were transfixed the whole time and their bodies soon moulded to each others shape as she came up to her normal height. He enveloped her in a strong hold for a few seconds before leaving a short kiss on her lips. She moved her hand up, brushing a few strands of Ron's fiery hair out of his eyes whilst he caressed her arms.
Ron caught her hand and pressed it to the left side of his chest, above his heart and she became transfixed at the feel of it beating hard and fast into her palm. It caused hers to do the same and bought happy tears to her eyes. When he put his arm's round her again and smiled down, her breath caught at the look of pure infatuation on his face.
"It's always been you too."
She replied and stood on tip toes to kiss him. He reciprocated quite eagerly and pulled her tighter into him.
Hermione wanted to protest when he drew back a few moments later but she reasoned with herself that she'd be happy just to look at him, so made no fuss. He took her hand and they walked to the edge of the lake and up onto the mound where they sat facing the sunrise. Ron sat down behind Hermione with both arm's behind him propping him up at an angle while she leaned back against him, feeling a flip in her Stomach at the feel of his strong chest supporting her. They were so close that Hermione could feel Ron's heart beat through her back and it made her feel warm and safe.
After a few minutes of companionable silence Hermione decided that she couldn't sit facing away from him any longer so she slowly moved out of his embrace and made to turn around and face him. He frowned at first but then realising what she was doing, smiled and put his hands out to help her down. Ron put his legs together so that she could sit on them and slid his arm's around her back, pulling her in close to him. She smiled at him and he smiled back before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.
Their mouth's parted after a minute or so and she snuggled back into him, sighing happily. This night had been too delightful to be real. They had talked for hours, all their problems and differences finally out in the open. As they spoke, all their past heartaches seemed to just melt away, as though no of it had ever existed and whilst making their way back to the Gryffindor common room, they walked in conversable silence, one glancing at the other every now and then with unfading, soppy smiles.
When they had finally reached their planned destination they realised that alot of the other students were already in bed so they quietly made their way up the winding staircase to get some much needed sleep. Ron was holding Hermione's hand firmly and leading the way up to their dorm rooms and as they reached the girls door he stopped and turned to face her.
"So this is goodnight then."
He said with a slightly saddened smile at the thought of their imminent parting, while still holding her hand and rubbing his free one up and down her forearm gently.
"Yes, It's a shame isn't it? That we have to part now after such a lovely evening."
Ron half smiled again and replied;
"It's not just a shame Hermione, it's bloody cruel is what it is! I never had such a great evening in my whole life."
Hermione giggled at his terminology and took the hand that was still caressing her forearm and bought it to her lips, kissing his knuckles softly
"It was something wasn't it?"
She questioned with a happy smile.
"Definitely."
He replied with a playful grin as he caressed her cheek before running the hand into her hair. He moved forward slowly, sending her backwards till she was up against the wall and leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers and they both smiled, closing their eyes.
Hermione opened hers a moment later to find him staring down at her with adoring eyes. She mirrored his expression and pushed off the wall slightly to capture his lips in a deep, heartfelt kiss. He responded without hesitation and let go of the wall, snaking his arms around her back while hers had moved to rest on his chest. The embrace did not last long but it left both of them a little dazed with big endearing smiles. With her hands still rested on his chest he moved one of his from her back and gently pushed some hair back behind her ear.
"Sweet dreams love."
He said as he leaned in, placing a chaste kiss to her neck before embracing her tightly in his arms.
"Sweet dreams Ron."
She mumbled back into his shoulder before they kissed one final time then let go of each other but kept hand contact till Ron was too far out of reach to do so. Hermione watched his back as he walked down the corridor, the antique wall lanterns casting a subtle glow over his tall form and shivered as a breeze of cold air came from the open landing window.
She stood almost entranced as he opened the boy's dormitory door and just as he was about to step in, paused flashing her that adorable lopsided grin and her stomach turned over excitedly. She smiled back shyly and gave a small wave, watching until his tall frame had disappeared through the door.
Hermione stood a moment, smiling and thinking how she had never felt quite so giddy before but eventually she moved and gently opened the door, quietly clicking it shut behind her. Then she turned and leaned her back against it, sighing dreamily with a lazy smile adorning her face, completely unaware that her now boyfriend was doing exactly the same thing in the other room.
Ron was on cloud nine as he pushed away from the door and walked over to his bed. He threw himself backwards onto it and folded his arm's behind his head, completely uncaring of the delicate fabric of his dress robes as he let a thousand watt smile of complete pleasure take over his face.
He couldn't believe what had just happened. With a few honest words and a whole bunch of mushy stuff both Ron and Hermione had crossed that carefully drawn out line that stood between them and now stood together. They had each let there guard down and shown just how affectionate and vulnerable they could be. It was something he'd only ever dreamed about but now after so many years his dream had finally come true.
He never imagined that simply declaring his love out loud would feel so momentous.
The second he said it, it was like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders and to hear her say she loved him back felt so incredible. He couldn't stop thinking about her and felt light headed with an overwhelming urge to be with her again. To look at her, talk to her, kiss her... Anything, even for a minute. With four short words "I love you too" Hermione had given herself to Ron completely and he now knew that there was no better feeling in the whole wide world and he never wanted it to go away.