Ron and Hermione watched as Harry left Dumbledore's office in silence. After a few quiet minutes, they left the office as well.
"I agree with Harry," said Ron, "I've had enough trouble for one lifetime." He awkwardly held out his hand and Hermione took it and proceeded to lean herself against him. They walked around the castle until they reached the Gryffindor common room with the portrait of the Fat Lady sealed tight, the Fat Lady herself still awake.
"Your friend went up to his dorm. I wouldn't wake him up."
Without asking for a password, the portrait swung open and they walked into the common room and without hesitation sat down on a couch in front of the fireplace, a few embers still glowing.
After a few minutes, Hermione looked up at Ron; her head still rested on his shoulder, and said "I love you… I've always loved you." Ron looked down at her and said "I have, too," and gently kissed her on the forehead. Hermione closed her eyes and started shifting uncomfortably. Ron put one arm around her shoulder and another under her knees and lifted her up.
"Let's get you somewhere more comfortable. You deserve some sleep." He started towards the girl's dormitory and started to walk up the stairs, but the second his foot hit the first step he fell as they turned into a slide. The two of them lay down on the floor, looking at each other and Hermione started to laugh sleepily.
"You forgot that boy's aren't allowed in the girl's dormitory," Hermione said. She fumbled around for her wand on the ground and said the counter curse. Rot got to his feet and lifted her up again, gingerly put on foot on the first stair to check, then continued climbing.
They entered the dormitory and Ron gently laid her down on one of the four-poster beds. He brushed the hair in front of her face behind his ear. They smiled at each other, and then started laughing.
"I can't believe that Voldemort was just killed and all I can think about is you," said Ron, kneeling beside her bed and holding her hands.
"You said his name," said Hermione with a smile, "and I can't stop thinking about you, either."
She leaned her head forward and kissed him. She let go of his hands and moved over to the far side of the bed, then patted the part of the bed she had just left softly. Ron climbed onto the bed next to her and started stroking her hair.
"Tomorrow, everything will be great. I don't know what will happen, but as long as I'm with you I know I'll be okay," said Hermione.
Ron was suddenly reminded of what had happened in the last year, especially last night. He just hugged her and said,
"I hope you're right."
They let go and Hermione smiled as she closed her eyes and drifted to sleep. Ron continued to stroke her hair until he fell asleep as well.