To Kingdom Come

by veritaserumkills

He was Ron and she was Hermione. And they had survived. What else could possibly bother to exist outside of them? Rated M. The 19 year gap between the last chapter and the epilogue.

2. Some Things Never Change

A/N: This is the longest thing I've written ever. Wow. Well...I hope it's worth it. (This is the part where those of you familiar with TLAT laugh at me those of you used to my usual chapters scowl.) I'm trying my best to get us out of the post-War years as quickly as possible.

I also want to thank you all for your responses to the story so far. I'm really excited about the story itself and I think, from the response to the first chapter, that a lot of you are, too! I want to thank every single one of you who reviewed or alerted the story. It means a lot to me to know that you guys appreciate it. I hope I can live up to your expectations.

Anwyway...Enjoy!

---

Chapter Two: Some Things Never Change

Ron woke up at three in the morning.

He was confused for a few moments. He wasn't at Shell Cottage, or Hogwarts, or in that godforsaken tent. How had he gotten back to his room? And what was on top of him?

He flexed the fingers on his right hand and stopped as he realized that they were surrounded by something-hair. Thick, curly, dark hair. And then it all came rushing back to him. He smiled to himself and shifted gently to the right so that Hermione slid halfway onto the bed. She groaned and threw one of her legs over him. He paused to make sure she hadn't woken, listening until he could here her breathing deeply, in an almost hypnotic manner. When the sweet melody reached his ears, he adjusted, tangling the opposite hand in her hair and wrapping his right arm around her waist protectively.

Thoughts failed him as he watched her sleep. Hermione Granger was in his bed, nestling against him like he was her personal, life sized teddy bear. Not that he minded. If someone was going to be doing that job, he wanted it to be him. The only trouble he could foresee was the lack of sleep. It would be impossible to sleep beside Hermione without marveling at her beauty and wondering at the fact that she wanted to be with him, of all people. Who could possibly sleep with such distractions?

"What're you doing?"

Ron pulled his eyes away from where his fingers were tied in Hermione's hair and looked at her face. He had adjusted to the dark now and could see her eyes, barely open and heavy with exhaustion, the deep shade of brown he adored just peaking through.

"I was watching you sleep," he responded, his voice less groggily than hers.

Hermione snorted. "That's weird, Ron. You don't tell girls things like that." But her smile betrayed her. Ron smiled back. "What time is it?"

"Dunno…bit after three, I suppose," he answered, barely suppressing a yawn at the end. "It's late. 'S all I know."

Hermione chuckled and draped her left arm over Ron's middle. She tucked her head against his shoulder and kissed his neck gently. "You're comfortable." Ron snickered. "You are. We have to cuddle more."

"Hermione Granger is a cuddler?"

"Shut up." She was suddenly hovering over him, kissing him as her hands rested on his shoulders. It was gentle, and yet Ron felt as if he'd been knocked off his feet, completely lost in Hermione and the way her silky skin of her palm slid against his rough, whiskery face. "I like other things, too." Before Ron could respond, she dropped back to her old position, but on his other side. "But mostly I like cuddling."

"Tease."

"Mhm. Ron?"

"Yeah?"

"I like watching you sleep, too," Hermione admitted through a yawn. "It's not really that weird."

Ron laughed. "It's not weird if you do it, is that how it is?"

But Hermione had already fallen asleep and indulged him in his new hobby.

---

Hermione woke at precisely ten the next day. Between the sun and the orange walls, it looked as if Ron's room was on fire. She smiled to herself as she remembered the events that had led her to be there, in Ron's arms. Her hand was resting just below his belly button. She rubbed across the exposed skin and he let out a soft moan. Hermione snatched her hand away quickly and looked up at his face. His eyes were still closed and, a few seconds later, his pattern of deep breathing returned, as if it had not been interrupted at all.

She remained still, watching his face as he slept. Why had she pulled her hand away? Wasn't she allowed to touch him? She was his girlfriend now, after all. She had an excuse.

Hermione rested her hand back on the stretch of exposed skin and, watching Ron's face carefully, moved her palm further up, taking the fabric of his tattered t-shirt with it. Halfway up his torso, she stopped and moved her hand back to the start of its journey. Ron moaned but still did not wake. Although Hermione reveled in his reaction, unconscious though it was, and the fact that she could have this affect on him. Not that she would have needed any sort of reaction to continue. No, his skin felt so good under her palm that she might have kept going even if he'd woken up and protested against it. She needed more…

Hermione sat up and looked down at Ron before looking to her hands. They were no use from this angle. She did the only logical thing she knew to do and swung her right leg up and over so that she was straddling his lap. Her right hand fell back to the spot it had been teasing and her left mirrored it, both repeating her previous actions several times. Ron moaned and a slight smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. Hermione froze suddenly. What if he were to wake? What would he say to her sitting on top of him? She was testing an incredibly tricky boundary and she wasn't sure she wanted to know what would happen if she went too far past the line.

But she couldn't help herself. She had wondered for years what it would be like to touch Ron Weasley without consequence or odd looks or making a complete fool of herself. She had fantasized about watching him from this particular angle as far back as she could remember. And now here she was, getting all of that. Was she moving too quickly?

You're his girlfriend now, she reminded herself. You're allowed to do as you please. Her mind flashed briefly to Lavender. Ron had certainly not taken it slow or turned her away. The thought made Hermione's stomach ache as she remembered not only the unpleasantness of their sixth year, but the last time she had seen Lavender Brown…she brushed the thoughts away quickly and glanced at Ron's lips. They were parted ever so slightly and looked especially tantalizing. Just as Hermione thought she could take no more, Ron's tongue appeared, quickly swiping over his bottom lip before he smacked it together with the top one.

Without giving herself time to chicken out, Hermione leaned down and kissed him, keeping her hands in place for balance. Nothing happened at first, except that Hermione caught the distinct taste of Ron. She pulled back for a breath and heard Ron inhale sharply just before she returned her lips to his. This time, he responded, taking her bottom lip between his. He reached his hands into her especially wild morning hair and nipped her lip gently. Hermione gasped and one of her hands slipped, making her lose balance. Her forehead collided with Ron's and she cried out in pain before rolling off of him, clutching her wounded skull.

"Oh, Merlin, are you okay?" Ron asked as he propped himself up on one elbow while rubbing his forehead. Hermione continued to cover her face and shook her head. "Let me see-" Hermione swatted his hand away. "Oh, c'mon, my skull's not that thick," he said with a chuckle.

Embarrassed, Hermione shook her head again, still covering her face. "Just leave me here to die of mortification."

"It's not that bad," Ron laughed. He flipped onto his stomach, resting one leg between Hermione's, and pried her hands away from her face. He dropped one to rub the spot on her forehead. "Well, it's not any redder than the rest of your face."

"Oh, shut up," Hermione groaned. "Your head's a bit pink, though. Did I hurt you?"

"Nah," Ron scoffed. "You know, up until you slipped, I'd say I could get used to that every morning."

Hermione grinned. "Really?" Ron nodded. "It's a good thing I'm partial to you, then."

"That's a very, very good thing," Ron agreed before capturing her lips in another kiss, picking up where they'd left off. Hermione reached around and grabbed a fistful of Ron's shirt, egging him on. He promptly slid his tongue into her mouth, flicking at hers until it joined his in an aggressive battle for control. Hermione slid her legs to the sides so that Ron could fit between them. "Are you alright now?" he whispered against her lips.

"Am I bruising?"

Ron looked up. "Nope. Maybe I should kiss it just incase, to make sure it feels better." He kissed her forehead and continued down her temple, until he reached her cheek. He kissed his way across her nose to the other side and then down along her jaw. Hermione tightened her grip on the fabric of Ron's shirt and he moved back to her lips. Before she could register what she was doing, she found her hips pressing up against Ron's in a fit of desire. Ron pulled away and groaned, resting his head on her shoulder.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just…just give me a second."

"Did I do something wrong?" She felt Ron shake his head slowly as he groaned again. "No, tell me. If I did, I need to know."

He lifted himself up to gaze into her eyes. "You didn't do anything wrong. I just…" He took a deep breath and exhaled rapidly. "I don't want to move too fast. I want to go at your pace."

Hermione smiled mischievously. "But this is my pace."

"Oh my god," Ron choked. "No, don't…say things like…I mean, it's your pace now, but if we keep it up, it'll be far past your pace pretty soon and I don't…" He paused and watched as Hermione looked up at him curiously. Her hair was even bushier than usual, the result of both her desperate need for a haircut and having slept on it. It spread around behind her like a mane and Ron's heart melted as he toyed with one of the curls and she smiled. "I don't want you to regret anything. And I don't want to ruin what we've got by rushing it."

Hermione sighed and wrapped her arms around Ron's neck. "When did you get to be so mature?"

"It was bound to rub off on me at some point, as much as I hang around you."

Hermione giggled and sighed again, this time contentedly. "Just promise you'll be a bit childish from time to time, when it's appropriate."

"Of course. Where else would I get all my charm from?"

"Precisely my point," Hermione whispered with a smile before she pulled his head down to hers.

---

The Weasleys and Harry were gathered round the kitchen table for breakfast a few minutes before ten. It was a late start by Mrs. Weasley's standards, but no one questioned her as she sniffed and wiped at her eyes over the stove. Ginny offered to help with the pancakes and Harry took a seat beside Mr. Weasley, who was looking over the Daily Prophet. He offered the front page to Harry when he finished, but there was nothing more than a few arrests of rogue Death Eaters and obituaries. He was happy to see that there were no new names-at least none that he recognized.

"I'm surprised the smell hasn't woken Ron," Percy remarked at five past ten. Harry handed him the front page and avoided his eyes. There wasn't a doubt in his mind that Ron was wide awake. He glanced to his left and exchanged an awkward look with Mr. Weasley-one which told him that he was just as aware of the situation as Harry was. Neither said a word.

"Hm, that is strange," Mrs. Weasley observed. "Of course, it's been a rough couple of days. It won't hurt to let him have a lie in." She surveyed the table. "Hermione must be having one, too."

Bill and Charlie looked up from their sections of the paper with bemused expressions.

"Hermione was already up when we-when I got up."

Mrs. Weasley's spatula hit the frying pan with a clatter. "We?"

"Well, I meant when Harry and I came down for breakfast," she said quickly. Harry hid behind his newest section of paper. "Oh, come on, Mum," Ginny pleaded a moment later. "We didn't do anything. Hermione was there!"

"And that's all that stopped you, is it?"

"No! I only meant that-"

"I know it's been a tough week, but I still expect the best behavior out of you, Ginevra."

Ginny sighed. "I just didn't want to be alone. We fell asleep early and didn't wake up. That's it. And we were good enough to get up on time and help with breakfast, but of course, if your Golden Boy and Hermione are having a lie in-"

At this unfortunate arrangement of words, Mrs. Weasley dropped her spatula on the floor.

"I thought you said-"

"Morning," Ron yawned as he appeared at the bottom of the stairs. He plopped down on Mr. Weasley's left and asked for the sports section. "Been ages since I looked over the paper," Ron said brightly. "Odd, isn't it?"

Mrs. Weasley gaped at him. Harry could see the wheels turning in her head. "Ron, have you seen Hermione?"

Ginny seemed to realize what was happening as Mrs. Weasley asked. She looked quickly at Harry, who shook his head subtly.

"I think I heard the shower running when I came down," Ron answered casually. Harry could see the tips of his ears burning redder which each passing moment and was grateful that Mrs. Weasley couldn't see them.

Mrs. Weasley retrieved her spatula and cleaned it before she returned to the eggs. Hermione did not appear until the breakfast was being put on the table.

"I'm sorry I took up the bathroom this morning," she said breathlessly while running her hands through her wet strands of hair. "I'm afraid I've let this mess on my head get out of control."

Mrs. Weasley looked relieved and gave a nervous chuckle. "I'd be happy to trim it for you this afternoon, if you'd like."

"Oh, that'd be lovely, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you." Hermione took the seat next to Harry. Ron scowled as Ginny sat on his left. "How did you sleep, Harry?"

"Not as well as you did, apparently," Harry mumbled. It was Hermione's turn to scowl. "Pass the eggs, would you?"

"So," Bill said loudly a few minutes later. "What all did you get up to these past few months?"

Harry looked up, confused. He, Ron, and Hermione had explained the heavier details of their journey when they had still been at Hogwarts days ago. They had told them about Gringotts and Godric's Hallow. Hermione had explained the horcruxes and they had taken turns crediting each other with destroying them. What else was there to tell?

But then he noticed Bill looking pointedly between Hermione and Ron. He laughed loudly.

"We told you everything, Bill," Ron said while looking at Harry as if he had sprouted an extra head. Of course, this wasn't true. Harry had graciously smoothed over the part where Ron had deserted them, later telling him it wasn't important. But Bill already knew about this. He had let Ron stay in his home when he'd had nowhere else to go. "What're you fishing for?" he asked when he saw a streak of mischief cross Bill's face.

"I think you know exactly what he's talking about," Charlie said with a wink before nodding at Hermione.

"Oh, god," Hermione groaned, burying her face in her hands. Their implications suddenly hit Ron and he felt his face grow warm.

"What are you two on about?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she sent a fresh plate of pancakes down the table.

"Well?" Ginny grinned up at Ron. "Is that how it is now?"

"Is that how what is?" Mrs. Weasley asked again.

"We're not going to say it out loud, Mum," Charlie laughed. "If we're wrong, that'd just be embarrassing for everybody."

Ron chanced a glance at Hermione. She peaked at him over her hands and nodded. Ron sighed dramatically. "Yes. Hermione and I are…together…if that's what you're asking."

"Sure took you long enough," George said as he walked slowly into the kitchen and took a seat next to Mrs. Weasley. She simply shook her head.

"I don't understand."

"What's there to understand?" Ron asked, confused.

Mrs. Weasley smiled slightly. "I just…well, I thought you were already together. Weren't you? At Bill and Fleur's wedding?"

"What? No," Ron yelped. "We've only just figured it all out."

Mrs. Weasley's mouth formed an 'o' and she looked down at her plate, attempting to suppress a smile. "Well, I'm very happy for the both of you."

"When did it happen?" Ginny asked.

"More importantly," Charlie cut in, "how?"

"Who made the first move?" Bill asked. George rolled his eyes at them as Mrs. Weasley piled food onto his plate.

Ron swallowed a large bite of bacon. "Why the sudden interest in my romantic life?"

"Because you've actually got one now," George quipped, earning a sharp tap from his mother. "That and they've all placed bets. Oh, I'm joking," he piped up quickly when Hermione gasped.

"Speak for yourself," Bill mumbled.

Ron shook his head and took a bite of scrambled eggs. "It was me," Hermione said quietly. Ginny nearly spit out the food she was chewing. Bill cheered triumphantly.

"Damn. I was rooting for you, Ron," Charlie said loudly. "I thought you might man up."

Ron scowled at Charlie before mouthing 'traitor' at Hermione. She only smiled sweetly and returned to her pancakes.

"Well, Hermione, at least you won't have to worry about impressing the in-laws," Ginny said cheerfully. "Seems we've all been rooting for you anyway. And you're better than Lavender by a long shot."

A sinking feeling settled in Hermione's stomach. "How is Lavender? Has anyone heard anything?"

"She's alright." It was the first time Mr. Weasley had spoken since Harry had come down for breakfast. "She was going to St. Mungo's when I went to Hogsmeade the other day. They're watching her for symptoms typical of bite victims, but she probably won't end up much worse off than Bill is. She's just scratched up a bit."

Hermione couldn't help but feel relieved, despite the silence that fell across the table. She looked up at Ron and he smiled at her reassuringly. Harry coughed loudly, giving them both meaningful looks. "See what I have to deal with now?" he said to Ginny, who shook her head solemnly.

"I'm afraid I've got you beat, Harry," Mr. Weasley chuckled quietly. Ron choked on his eggs and Hermione's face turned bright red.

Harry snickered. "So I've heard."

---

The next few days passed without disruption. Charlie went back to Egypt three days after Fred's burial. Bill and Fleur slept at Shell Cottage, but Fleur returned nearly every day, even after Bill had gone back to work. Mr. Weasley and Percy went back to work at the Ministry on Monday. They didn't return until ten o'clock that night.

"It's a wreck," Percy informed them. "Chaos in every department. They're pulling people from all over the place to track people down."

"And it seems we've missed the worst of it," Mr. Weasley told them. He sat back in his favorite arm chair and closed his eyes. "It's going to be a hectic couple of months."

"What all have you got to do, Dad?" Ginny asked, looking up from the game of chess she was playing with Harry.

Mr. Weasley's sigh nearly sounded like a growl. "Well, there's still a couple of Death Eaters running about. Of course, the Aurors, have got most of that under control, but we've all got to be on the look out. There are people in nearly all the holding cells and hundreds of trials being scheduled. There are objects and places to be tested and scouted out. And, of course, there's Hogwarts. We've got to get it opened up in a few months."

Hermione looked up from her book when Mr. Weasley mentioned this and absentmindedly stroked Ron's hair as he snored softly from her lap. He had fallen asleep at least an hour before while watching Harry and Ginny's game, but Hermione didn't have the heart to wake him. Besides, she felt at peace having him there, especially in such a calm state. But now that was easing away at the mention of the fall term.

"What are they going to do about it?" Hermione asked as nonchalantly as she could manage. The twinkle in Mr. Weasley's eyes told her he saw through her.

"It'll be opening, one way or another," Mr. Weasley said. "But so many records have been lost and there's been so much damage to the building. They're putting people on reconstruction and the Muggles relations office is trying to put the lists of magical children back together."

This did not please Harry in the slightest. "You mean there are kids who might not get their letters?"

Percy shook his head. "Not if they can recover all of their records. They seem to be doing a decent job of it so far, but McGonagall's the only one who's got a real idea of how many there are, and she's loaded down with repairing the building. They'll need new teachers as some will refuse to come back, undoubtedly. And there will be some parents who won't let their children out of their sight now. Especially if it's to go to a boarding school where-" He stopped and the Weasleys shifted awkwardly.

"Will you be going back, Hermione?" Mr. Weasley asked, breaking the silence. Hermione froze and glanced up at him from her book.

"I haven't really thought about it," she said quietly. This was a lie, quite possibly the biggest lie she had ever told. Ever since they had agreed to go off with Harry last year-not that she regretted that decision in even the slightest of ways-she had spent much of her free time, as little of it as she'd had, thinking about Hogwarts. She was supposed to have graduated and taken her N.E.W.T.s. She would be looking for a job now if it weren't for the bloody war. How was she supposed to do anything if she didn't go back for her final year? Would McGonagall even let her?

"Of course she's going back."

Hermione's glance shot down to Ron, who was blinking away the traces of sleep as he spoke to his father. He yawned loudly and sat up, stretching his arms over his head and cracking his neck. Even as she was surrounded by Ron's family, she couldn't help but admire the way his muscles moved beneath his shirt. Harry cleared his throat loudly and her mind checked back into reality.

"What do you mean, of course I'm going back?" she asked incredulously.

Ron shrugged. "I just think it's obvious. You, of all people, won't turn down a year of learning."

"What about you, Ron?" Mr. Weasley asked. "Will we be sending you off for another year abroad?" He chuckled at his own joke, but Ron scowled.

"I don't know," Ron mumbled. "I mean, if Hermione goes…yeah, probably. What else would I do, anyway?"

"Fair point," Mr. Weasley observed. "Well, I'm sure McGonagall would be more than happy to take you on. She'll no doubt be serving as Headmistress until they can find a suitable candidate for the position."

Ron and Harry exchanged confused looks. "Why wouldn't Professor McGonagall carry it out?" Harry asked.

"She's getting on in her years," Percy said sadly. "Let's face it. She's got time left, yes, but they'll want someone young and fit starting out. The longer they last, the better. Plus, there's no way she could handle that on top of teaching. And I doubt she'll give up teaching for the Head position."

"I wonder who they'd consider," Harry said thoughtfully. "Maybe an older student? I can't imagine any of the teachers they've got left taking on the job."

"It'll be a hard position to fill," Mr. Weasley yawned. "Well, I've had the most hectic day. I think I'll head up to bed. Don't stay up too late," he advised the rest of them.

"I should probably go, too," Percy said after Mr. Weasley had disappeared from sight. "I'll check on George before I go."

Only Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were left downstairs. Ginny had soon checkmated Harry, who swore under his breath at the loss. Ron stood up and stretched again. "You coming?" he asked Hermione. She grinned and nodded. Ron pulled her to her feet and kissed her slowly.

"Disgusting," Ginny scoffed as she climbed onto Harry's lap. Ron made an inappropriate hand gesture and deepened the kiss.

"Is this going to be a normal thing now?" Harry asked. "Don't get me wrong. I'm glad you're finally together, but we all know that you're finally together. No need to show off."

"So this is why you've been bumming in my room, huh?" Ginny asked Harry. "Not that I mind, of course," she added coyly. Ron made a gagging noise and grabbed Hermione by the hand.

"Alright, fine, we're leaving."

"Good night, Harry…Ginny…" Hermione called over her shoulder as Ron ushered her to the stairs. They reached Ron's room in record time. As Hermione changed into a pair of freshly laundered pajamas, Ron stared out the window at the back of his room. His shoulders sagged. "Ron? Aren't you going to change?"

Ron sniffed and moved back to the bed. He shook his head as he unfastened his jeans. "I'll just sleep like this," he grumbled. "It's fine," he said before Hermione could even attempt to talk him out of it.

"Ron?" He lied back in bed and pulled the quilt up to his chin. Hermione scrambled to be underneath it with him. Her heart broke at the site of tears flowing freely down his cheeks. "Ron, what is it? What's wrong?"

He refused to answer for several minutes. The silence dragged on until Hermione finally pulled him into her arms. She stroked his back comfortingly and sighed in relief when she felt his muscles relaxing under her touch.

"I just miss him," Ron whispered. "And he's never going to come back."

"I know. I'm so sorry, Ron." Hermione held back her own tears for Fred. She would not break when Ron was in such a vulnerable state. He needed her, and she was going to be there for him.

Ron laughed to himself. "He could be a real git, you know? But he was my brother. And he was a fantastic brother."

"He was," Hermione agreed. "He loved you, Ron."

"I know. I loved him, too."

Ron's tears slowly subsided until they stopped coming altogether. Hermione kissed his hair over and over, hoping to draw out some of his pain that way. It seemed to work.

"He'd be so proud of you."

Ron snorted. "I doubt it."

"Why do you say that?"

Ron shrugged. "I didn't do anything impressive. Hell, I left you and Harry out on your own. What's so impressive about that?"

Hermione sighed. And there it was, the shoe she had been expecting to drop. "But you came back. He would be proud of you for that. I was."

Ron looked up at her. "Really?"

Hermione nodded. "And I shouldn't have given you such a hard time for leaving."

"But, I-"

"Let me finish," Hermione snapped. "This is important. I need to say it. Not that you leaving wasn't wrong and awful, but…you came back. And I understand why you'd left. And I knew that you'd wanted to come back, but it was incredibly difficult for you to find us, and…I get that. I gave you such a hard time because I was so angry with myself."

Ron frowned. "But you didn't do anything wrong."

Hermione shook her head. "I was mad at myself for letting you off so easy. I forgave you the second you came back. And I hated that. I hated that I was so willing to wipe your slate clean and take you back. I hated that I could let you hurt me and drop it so quickly because…because I care about you so damn much."

Ron was silent for a long time. "I don't like hurting you."

"I know."

"I hate myself for what I did."

"Please, don't. You saved Harry's life. You destroyed the locket." Ron flinched at the mention of it. "You never fully explained that one, by the way." Ron shuddered and buried his head in her hair, pulling her closer to him than she thought it was possible to be. "We'll get back to that later. Look, the point is that you've more than made up for it, Ron. I'm not angry with you. Harry's not angry with you. You were there when we needed you most. That's all that matters. Don't be angry with yourself anymore. Fred would tell you the same. And he would be proud of all you've done to make up for it."

Ron nodded. "I guess you're right." A few stray tears trickled down his face. "Well. We should sleep, yeah?"

"Mhmm. We'll need our energy tomorrow. There's so much to do for Thursday."

"Yeah." Ron kissed Hermione quickly. "Thanks, Hermione."

"For what?"

"For making me feel like the greatest bloke on the planet," he grinned. "I don't deserve it. Or you. But I guess I got lucky."

"Nah," Hermione giggled. "If anyone's lucky, it's me."

"If you say so," Ron chuckled with a roll of his eyes.

---

A sharp pain in Ron's thigh woke him up in the middle of the night. He winced and rubbed at the offended area. As soon as he moved his hand, it struck again. His eyes snapped open as he rubbed it again. When it struck a third time, he managed to catch the sock covered source of the pain in his hand.

"Hermione, what the hell," Ron grumbled as she struggled to release her foot from his grasp. He blinked a few times and realized that her entire body was flailing about the bed. "Hermione?"

Hermione let out a small moan and cried out in pain. Ron released her foot as he sat up and gripped her shoulders. Her eyes were clenched shut. "No," she hissed. "No…don't…please, don't…don't hurt me…I didn't mean to…"

"Hermione, wake up," Ron said urgently. "Hermione." She finally woke up, gasping for air and looking around the room in horror. "It's okay," Ron said. "You're at the Burrow. You're in my room. You're fine. No one's going to hurt you."

Hermione's eyes sought out Ron's. As soon as she found them, she started crying. She sat up and launched herself into his arms. Ron held her to him tightly, kissing and stroking her hair while she cried and caught her breath. "I was so scared."

"I know. But you're safe now."

"It was Greyback. He was awful, Ron, even more awful than in real life and-"

"He's dead," Ron said with satisfaction. "He's never going to come anywhere near you again. No one is. I'll make sure of that. I'll keep you safe."

"I know you will," Hermione mumbled against his chest. "You always do."

The burning rage in Ron's chest at the mere mention of Greyback began to churn, bubbling into warm content at Hermione's words. "That bastard," Ron growled as he unleashed the last of his wrath. "He's gone. He's never going to do anything to you again."

Hermione was silent for a few minutes. "Ron? Can I…can I tell you about it?"

"Of course."

"But I don't want to upset you."

Ron pulled Hermione's face into his hands and kissed the tip of her nose. "Your pain is my pain, love." Hermione broke down into a fresh wave of tears, touched by his words. "You can tell me anything you'd like."

Hermione took a deep breath. "I dreamed that…that you and Harry didn't come after me…in Malfoy Manor." She nearly regretted telling him when she saw the broken look in his eyes. "You didn't make it. And they gave me to Greyback. He was going to-going to-"

"But he didn't," Ron said quickly. "He didn't. We got to you, remember? We took you out of there and back to Shell Cottage and everything was fine. You're fine now. Greyback didn't get you and he never fucking will." It came out in a low growl. Hermione hadn't expected for Ron to react so angrily. For a moment, she was afraid that she had upset him far too much. But then he showered her face in kisses and wiped the tears from her cheeks and she scolded herself for thinking such a thing.

The pair somehow found their way to a heated kiss. Ron rested his forehead against Hermione's when they broke apart and wiped away the rest of her tears. "Feel better?" Hermione nodded.

"Loads, thanks to you." She kissed him again. "Ron, I-"

"Hm? What is it?" Ron asked when Hermione didn't finish. She had been dying to say it the past few days. Every time she saw Ron, her gut twisted in a funny way and her mind turned to mush. The words were always on the tip of her tongue, ready to slip out at a moment's notice, proper timing be damned. Whenever a good opportunity, such as this, happened upon her, however, she froze. It was only three words. Eight letters. One sentence. Two nouns and one verb. So why wouldn't they fall out of her?

Do it, her brain screamed. Just say it. Tell him before it's too late!

"I-thank you," her mouth improvised while her brain kicked itself. "For letting me tell you what I need to get out. For being here." Hermione looked down at the place where her fingers were fidgeting with the sheets. "You're so very important to me, you know."

That'll do, Granger.

Ron smiled. "That's what I'm here for. And you're important to me, too."

Don't swoon…don't do it…not yet…

Hermione looked up to find that Ron's eyes were wet.

Okay, swoon.

Ron laid Hermione back on the bed and readjusted the blankets she had kicked into a mess. When he finally moved next to her, he wrapped himself completely around her. "Now if anyone should try to harm you in the middle of the night, they'll have to get past me," Ron said. "And, as my brothers can tell you, that's not an easy feat."

Hermione chuckled and stroked Ron's cheek with the back of her hand. "When did you grow up?"

Ron shrugged. "I dunno, but I hope it's not too late to go back." He yawned. "Being an adult is no fun at all."

"It gets easier."

"You would know, of course."

"Oh?"

"You've been an adult since at least fifth year."

"Not true in the slightest."

"Really?"

"If only you'd seen my behavior sixth year. I was hardly an adult. Lavender and Parvati can tell you that."

Ron kissed Hermione's shoulder. "What did you do?"

Hermione sighed. "I was a jealous mess. And I took it out on them."

Ron snorted. "Then neither of us are adults, are we? I still get jealous when you're talking to Harry."

"Ron, that's ridiculous."

"I can think of at least five things I could do to make your time more productive."

"I doubt it."

"Firstly, I could interrupt him for a good snog."

"Ron-"

"Not only would the snog be worth it, but his reaction would be priceless."

"I hardly think."

"Second, I could bring you up here and snog you."

"A bit redundant, don't you think?"

"Not at all. Third, I could-"

"Good night, Ron."

"Oh, but this is a good-"

"Good night."

"I could take you out on my broom. We could fly around the Quidditch pitch. And then afterwards, we could have a nice snog on the field."

"You're incorrigible."

"Fourth-"

---

Thursday arrived quickly. It had taken a lot of work to put together, but Ron was glad for it. George seemed to throw himself into the project and the rest of his family had done the same. It was a good distraction and he was glad to know that George's mind was preoccupied by something other than grief. He and Ginny had started making food the night before with all of their mother's recipes and transfiguration spells laid out before them. Mr. Weasley and Percy spread word around the Ministry which, naturally, carried out to the rest of the wizarding world. The entire Order-what was left of them, anyway-was said to be coming.

The Daily Prophet arrived early Thursday morning with more reason to celebrate. The Wizengamot had elected Kingsley Shacklebolt to be the new Minster of Magic. The news thrilled Harry, who felt optimistic about the direction of the Minsitry now that the war was coming to an end. He and Hermione talked about it all morning while they set up decorations in the tent that had been used at the wedding the previous summer. Hermione strung paper lanterns in an array of colors around the entire space. Harry painted a congratulatory banner for Kingsley on the grass.

"I'm sure he'll still be here tonight," Harry said. "I think he's the best man for the job."

"He certainly seems to be," Hermione said as she finished placing a purple lantern in the final corner of the tent. "I only hope he's not terribly busy tonight." When she turned to look back at Harry, he was frowning.

"I don't think he will be, but...look, Hermione, I talked to Ron the other day." Hermione crossed her arms defensively. "He said you didn't seem to want us coming along to get your parents. And I know it's going to be emotional and probably really difficult, but don't think for a second that we're not up for it."

Hermione sighed and sat beside Harry on the ground. "It's just that you two have been through so much as it is. You should relax, Harry. And Ron should spend time with his family. You've been on the run for nearly a year. I think you two deserve a break."

Harry clucked his tongue and shook his head. "I'm sorry, was that not you we spent Merlin knows how many months with in that damn tent? You've been through a lot, too, Hermione. And you shouldn't have to go through any of it alone."

"Harry-"

"We're sticking with you," Harry said. "No matter what happens. We're going to Australia with you, unless you've got a really good reason we shouldn't. And, trust me, I don't think you could come up with any single thing, real or otherwise, that either of us would deem a good enough reason."

Tears spilled over Hermione's eyes as she tackled Harry with a hug. "You're wonderful, Harry. I don't know what I'd do without you two," she sobbed into his shirt as he patted her on the back awkwardly.

"What else are friends for?" Harry said simply. "I'm pretty sure we both owe you our lives several times over."

"Oi, Potter, watch those hands!"

Hermione looked up from Harry's shoulder and smiled as Ron approached them. She wiped her tears away quickly, but it was too late. "What's wrong? Did Harry upset you?"

"No, no, everything's fine," Hermione sniffed. "Really, Harry was being helpful." Ron looked between them curiously. "We were talking about Australia."

"Oh," Ron slowly. "Yeah, Hermione, Harry and I discussed it. We're coming with you."

"I know," Hermione smiled. "I'm glad."

"No snogging until I'm gone," Harry sang as he filled in one of the letters with bright red paint. Ron snuck a kiss while his back was turned. "And none of that while we're halfway across the globe."

"Geez, Harry, what do you want from us?" Ron asked.

Harry shook his head as he painted the 't' dark blue. "I refuse to be made the third wheel."

"We won't let that happen, Harry," Hermione said gently. "We like our quality Harry time, you know."

"We do?"

"Don't be rude, Ronald."

"I wasn't being rude."

"Acting like you don't enjoy Harry's company? That's rude, Ron!"

Harry laughed. "Same old Ron and Hermione."

Ron shrugged. "What, were you expecting us to grow tentacles or something?"

Hermione threw her arms around the both of them and pulled them into a group hug. "Same old Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Some things never change."

"And some things do," Ron said pointedly before he kissed her.

"My gag reflex is in the first category, guys."

"Shut up, Harry."

"Ron!"

---

By eight in the evening, the party was in full swing. Hermione had run across a few of her old classmates and several people she recognized from the Order. Parvati Patil had arrived with news that Lavender was leaving St. Mungo's after the next full moon. There seemed to be no permanent damage other than a nasty scar across the right side of her face.

"But there are all sorts of surgeries she's looking into," Parvati babbled on. "Plenty of cover ups she can use. To be honest, I don't see why she can't live a normal life when she gets out of there."

"That's wonderful," Hermione said, genuinely pleased to hear the good news. "I was so worried for her. Greyback was so vicious, and the way things looked, I wasn't sure-"

"Butterbeer? Oh, hey, Parvati."

Hermione gratefully accepted the bottle from Ron and kissed him on the cheek. He offered his own bottle to Parvati, but she declined.

"I think I'll head over there next, actually," she said, glancing back at the refreshments. "So." She turned her attention back to the couple in front of her. "When did this happen?"

"When did what happen?" Ron asked before taking a swig of butterbeer. Hermione rolled her eyes.

"About two weeks ago." Parvati looked impressed. Hermione could see her doing the math and watched as her eyes widened when she placed the date. "Oh. Oh. So that would be right around…did it have anything to do with…two weeks?"

Hermione nodded and grabbed Ron's free hand. "I guess you need tragedy to see what really matters to you sometimes."

"Oh, are we talking about the couple thing?"

Hermione and Parvati shared a look. "Thanks for joining us, Ron."

Parvati chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, some things don't change. Well, good for you two! Good for my change purse, actually. Have you seen Seamus?"

"Over by the drinks," Ron said before Hermione could react. "It was good to see you, Parvati."

"Yeah, you, too! Keep in touch, yeah?"

"Ron, what was she talking about?"

"No idea."

"Do you think they were betting on us?"

"Probably."

"Oh, Merlin! That's so-"

"Luna!" Ron called when he spotted the familiar blonde and trademark earrings. He waved her over and she skipped up to them happily.

"Ginny told me you two are together now," Luna said lightly as she hugged Hermione. "Of course, I didn't believe her at first, because I used to hear rumors like that all the time. But then Harry confirmed it. He seemed really excited about it, actually," she added as she hugged Ron. "Oh, I'm so happy for you both. I've been expecting this since I met you, you know."

"Erm," Ron said, looking anxiously at Hermione. "Well, glad we didn't…disappoint. Oh, Hermione, Kingsley's over there with Harry."

"Oh, perfect," Hermione squealed. She took a quick gulp of butterbeer and handed the half empty bottle to Ron. "I'll be back. It was good to see you, Luna."

Ron and Luna kept nice conversation once Hermione left. Ron had always had a soft spot for Luna. She thought he was hilarious (even when he didn't mean to be) and had a way about her that he could only describe as refreshing. She had just begun to explain why some sort of species he couldn't pronounce was going extinct when something hard and heavy knocked into his side.

"You and Granger, eh?" Seamus Finnigan asked giddily. "I always knew it. So, tell me, how is she between the sheets?"

"Seamus," Ron said, giving Luna an apologetic look, "you know I'm not going to tell you that."

"No, Ron, you have to," Seamus pleaded. "I've got this theory that-"

"Whatever theory you have about my girlfriend, I'm sure I don't want to hear it," Ron said with a grimace-party because he was afraid of what Seamus was thinking, and partly because he was suppressing a smile at the thought that he had just called Hermione Granger his girlfriend and gotten away with it. "How are you, Seamus?"

"Pretty good, considering. They tore my arm up a bit." He held out his left arm and waved it, though it looked unscathed. "Fixed it up in a jiffy at St. Mungo's."

Ron admired the Healers' work for a few minutes longer before he finally said, "Look, Seamus, it's been great talking to you, but I should find Hermione."

"Say no more," Seamus said, raising his previously injured hand to stop him. "If I had a fine piece like that, I'd want her by my side every second of the day."

"Erm, right," Ron huffed. "I'll see you around."

Hermione did her best to tear through the crowd politely. She swiftly acknowledged the people she knew and wasn't bothered to stop and talk with anyone who called out to her, other than to say hello and wish them well. She was on a mission to find Harry and Kingsley, who had conveniently disappeared into an entirely different crowd than the one they had been in when Ron had pointed them out.

She finally found them just outside the tent. "Oh, perfect," Harry beamed. "Kingsley, Hermione's been dying to talk to you."

"How are you, Kingsley?" Hermione asked sweetly. She offered him her hand, but he hugged her instead.

"I'm doing well," Kingsley boomed. "And it's good to see that you kids are, too. You've been through a lot these past few years. Where's Ron gotten to?"

"Sidetracked by Luna Lovegood," Hermione said quickly. "Look, Kingsley, I hate to bother you, but Professor McGonagall told me-"

"That'd I'd be able to help you find your parents," Kingsley finished. Hermione paused for a moment and then nodded. "Minerva spoke to me about it yesterday when she stopped by the office. Of course, I'd be glad to help you, but I have to warn you that it could be several months before we get any sort of team together that would be suitable for what you need to do."

"M-months?" Hermione squeaked.

Kingsley nodded sadly. "I'm afraid so. Of course, if there's a way to do it sooner, I'd be more than happy to put it together for you. But-" He paused and looked around before beginning in a hushed tone. "There are…other ways, other than what I would advise normally."

"I don't know," Hermione said warily. "I'm not sure I want to do anything shady."

Kingsley shook his head. "It's not so much shady as it is a little more dangerous. All you have to do is get clearance for a few portkeys. You have their information?"

"Mostly," Hermione said eagerly. "I'm sure they weren't selling the house. They must have all sorts of documents there. And if not, I know their identities. It would only be too easy to search for them in phonebooks or records."

"That's a good amount to go on," Kingsley said proudly. "It just may take you awhile if you do it that way. Not that it can't be done."

"You could try looking up dentist offices," Harry interjected. "They're still doing dentistry, right? You could hop from office to office asking for them."

"Oh, that's a great idea, Harry," Hermione squealed. "You say I'd need portkeys?"

"And I would be more than happy to provide them for you," Kingsley said. "Just let me know when you want to leave and where you want to go. You'll be on your own, though. I can't spare any Aurors at the moment. Of course, if we keep your trip under the radar, I think we'll have avoided the worst of the problems with this particular method."

"Oh, Kingsley, that would be just wonderful," Hermione cried. "Thank you so much! You have no idea how much-" She broke off, refusing to let herself cry. Kingsley patted her shoulder gently.

"It would be my pleasure, Miss Granger, after all you've done. This is the least I can do. Ah, I see a particularly important official making a bit of a spectacle. Perhaps I should intervene. If you two will excuse me…but get in touch soon!"

Ron appeared just as Kingsley left. "What did I miss?"

"Kingsley's going to help us get to Australia," Harry said. "Sooner rather than later."

Ron grinned. "That's great! Are we going to have a band of Aurors looking out for us?"

Hermione explained the situation to Ron. "But if we can figure out the best place to start, we just need a portkey. And Kingsley said he would have them set up for us. As in multiple if we needed them. We could be off to find my parents in a week," she squeaked in excitement. Ron smiled, but he did not look thrilled. "What is it? Am I overlooking something? Are you having second thoughts about going?"

Ron shook his head. "Not at all. But you're forgetting the biggest obstacle of all."

Hermione furrowed her brow at him in confusion. "What? What is it I'm forgetting?"

---

Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in the kitchen at one in the morning, yawning and leaning against each other. It had taken over an hour to take down the decorations and wrap up leftovers. Fleur had only finished washing dishes ten minutes ago. Everyone else had either left or gone to bed, with the exception of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

"Well," Harry said sleepily, "I had an interesting conversation with Kingsley earlier."

"Oh, really?" Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "He offered me a spot in the Auror department." Hermione and Ron gaped at him, suddenly more awake. "All of us, actually. He said anyone involved in the Battle had a spot if they wanted it. He could use more hands now."

"Wicked," Ron laughed. "That'd be brilliant." He had dreamed of being an Auror for years, and here it was, falling into his lap. It was exactly the kind of break he needed. They could work for the Ministry and before long he'd be buying his own place. He imagined a little flat in London with fat, old armchairs and walls covered in bookshelves full of Hermione's collection. The thought put him at peace.

"What d'ya think, Hermione?" Harry asked. She was frowning.

"Oh, I don't know. I mean, it's a lovely idea. It's nice to know we have a guaranteed job."

Ron sighed. "But?"

"Well, I don't want to fight for the rest of my life." Harry and Ron exchanged glances. "I've been doing it since I was eleven essentially. I want a boring desk job. I want to pursue S.P.E.W. I want…not that. Of course, it makes sense for you two," she added quickly. "You're good at that sort of thing and you'd put one hundred and ten percent into it. I know you'd just love it. But…that's now what I want."

Harry nodded. "I figured you'd say something like that."

Hermione smiled sadly. "I think Hogwarts is really the best option for me at the moment." She looked up at Ron. "What about you?"

As Ron was going to answer, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley finally arrived inside, making the trio jump. Ron rubbed his eyes roughly and Hermione yawned.

"What are you three doing up?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "It's nearly one thirty in the morning."

"Mum, we need to talk to you," Ron said as he stifled a yawn. "It's kinda important."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley exchanged looks before they sat opposite their son and his friends. "What is it?" Mr. Weasley asked nervously.

Hermione looked between Harry and Ron nervously. "Well…see, my parents…you know that I put them in Australia." Mr. and Mrs. Weasley nodded. "Well, I need to get them back now. And I talked to Kingsley tonight, because Professor McGonagall said that would be the best thing to do, and he said he could help us."

Mrs. Weasley smiled brightly. "That's wonderful! Is he getting a group together for you? Is it going to be like a search party? Oh, that'll be interesting to organize."

Ron placed his hand on Hermione's knee and squeezed, trying to transfer some confidence into her. "Mum, he said that could take months."

Mrs. Weasley frowned. "Oh, that's awful."

"It is," Harry said. "But…Kingsley suggested something else."

"Oh, boy," Mr. Weasley muttered nervously.

Ron ignored him and pressed on. "He said that we could go ahead if we wanted. He would give us clearance and everything, on portkeys and resources. Anything we need. But it'd be up to us."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley remained silent. "So," Mr. Weasley began finally, "you're saying you three want to go off to Australia for Merlin knows how long in search of Hermione's parents?"

"Yes," Harry and Ron said.

"Without any sort of security or supervision?"

"Basically," Harry mumbled.

Hermione could feel that they were losing control of the situation. She stayed silent while Ron continued to argue their case. "Kingsley thinks if we go without making a scene, there won't be so much danger involved. You would know, and so would he, but not many other people would need to be involved." Mr. Weasley nodded and considered this point.

But Mrs. Weasley shook her head. "Absolutely not. I know I don't have any sort of say over what Harry and Hermione do, but Ron's not going."

"Mum, I'm of age," Ron snorted. "You can't keep me from going."

"If you want a roof over your head, you won't be going," Mrs. Weasley said shrilly. "You've only just gotten back from wandering around the world! I'm not letting you go back out there. And if I had my way, Harry and Hermione wouldn't be going, either!"

Mr. Weasley sighed. "I think she might be right, I'm sorry to say."

"What?" Ron shrieked.

"Hear me out, Ron," Mr. Weasley said. "You'll have to get all sorts of authority from the Ministry for this. There are reports that will have to be filed about use of magic on Muggles. Your portkeys will have to be authorized. The Ministry's simply not a safe place at the moment. That might put Hermione's parents in greater danger. Not to mention you three traveling halfway across the world alone is a security risk in its own right."

"He's right, Ron," Hermione said. "Look, I can just go on my own, and no one will have to know I-"

"You're not going by yourself," Ron growled.

"And you're not going at all, Ronald," Mrs. Weasley snapped. "End of discussion. Hermione and Harry can decide for themselves, but you're not going."

Mrs. Weasley stormed out of the room. Mr. Weasley excused himself and followed her quickly. "It won't make sense for just you and me to go," Harry said quietly to Hermione. "It'd be wrong to do this without Ron. Mr. Weasley's right. We shouldn't all three be going out there like that, on our own. We're still a huge security risk. There are people who would kill us if they had the chance. Hermione, we'll find them." Hermione only nodded. Harry gripped her shoulder. "I promise you we'll find them as soon as we can."

"I know we will. Thanks, Harry."

Harry nodded and bid them good night. Ron suggested they go upstairs as well. He led Hermione to his room, trying to bring her out of her zombie-like state by cracking jokes. By the time they reached his room, she had stopped acknowledging them altogether. "You okay?" Ron asked. Hermione shook her head softly and leaned against him. "We'll find them, Hermione. It'll be okay."

"They're right, though," she said heavily. "It wouldn't make sense for us to go. I'll be fine," she said, smiling up at him. "We'll figure it out. You're right. It'll be okay."

Ron smiled back, but he seemed unconvinced. "It will be. I promise. And the second I have enough to money to get my own place, we'll go to Australia and-"

"Oh, Ron, don't," Hermione gasped. "You need to stop fighting your mum on every little thing. She just wants what's best for you."

"Yeah, but what's best for me is whatever's best for you," Ron said as he scratched the back of his head. "And what's best for you is getting your parents back."

Hermione wiped a few tears from the corners of her eyes. "I don't deserve you," she whispered.

Ron brushed a few tears from her face. "Don't say that. You know it's not true." Hermione shrugged. "Hermione, look at me." He held her chin so that she could not avoid his eyes. "Don't say that. You deserve better than me."

"Don't," Hermione squealed. "Stop. You have to stop putting yourself down, Ron. Fine, we both deserve each other, okay? Don't say you don't deserve me, because you do." She was having difficultly breathing as her chest heaved with great sobs. "And honestly, it doesn't matter what we deserve, just what we want, and I want you."

Unable to resist any longer, Ron crushed her lips with his. He kissed Hermione fiercely and she responded with as much enthusiasm as she'd had when she'd first kissed him weeks ago. She flung her arms around his neck and moaned into his mouth. "I want you, too," Ron whispered against her lips. Hermione let out a tiny sob and pulled him back to her.

They swayed on the spot for several moments before it occurred to Hermione to move to the bed. Ron walked backwards until the backs of his legs found what they were looking for. He sat back on the bed and pulled Hermione into his lap.

"This," Hermione gasped, "is why…your…mother said…no." Ron chuckled against her mouth and gilded his hands down, past her lower back, until they rested comfortably on her arse. He squeezed gently and Hermione whimpered. Ron stared up at her in astonishment.

"That's good?"

"Oh, yes." Her lips attached themselves to his neck. "Ron…"

She didn't need to say more. He squeezed again and Hermione moaned sweetly. She pulled back and stared at Ron for a few seconds before she reached for the bottom of her shirt and pulled it up and way. He was mesmerized by her upper half, his eyes directly drawn to her breasts. "Hermione," he said when he finally managed to breathe, "what…you're okay with this?"

"It's too hot," Hermione allowed. "Is this…too much?"

Ron took a moment to answer, as he was still distracted, and shook his head vehemently. "You're gorgeous," he said. "Erm…can I…?"

Hermione chuckled nervously and nodded, thrusting her chest at his face. Ron moaned and slowly slid his hands up her sides. He stopped before he reached them and looked up at Hermione, who gave him an encouraging nod. He swallowed and covered her breasts with his hands.

"Holy…fucking…perfect."

Hermione laughed before she titled his chin up and kissed him. Ron pulled her legs around his waist and held them tightly as he stood slightly, just enough to turn and rest her back onto the bed. He kissed her again quickly as his hands worked against her skin, feeling and memorizing every inch of her upper half. In next to no time, his hands were on the clasp of her bra and Hermione was arching herself away from the mattress so he could undo it. He paused just before he pulled it away, looking to her for permission. She only bit her lip and smiled. With a deep breath, he removed her bra.

Hermione watched Ron's face, waiting for a reaction. He dropped her bra to the ground and grinned madly before leaning back down to her. He kissed her lightly before dragging his mouth down to her neck. He placed a few short kisses on her collar bone before sliding further downward and kissing the skin between her breasts. Hermione moaned and slid her fingers through Ron's silky red hair as he moved to one side, worshiping one of her breasts with his mouth while massaging the other.

Hermione had never felt anything so wonderful. Her level of excitement was rising with every kiss and touch. As Ron switched sides, she realized that she did not want to stop. He could continue to remove pieces of clothing and touch her like this all over her body, and the chances of her stopping him were slim to none…

"Ron?"

He answered her with a final lick before kissing his way back up to her neck, where he spent a generous amount of time. "Ron," she said more urgently as he grabbed her hips and kissed the spot beneath her ear. He stopped and met her eyes with his before they washed over her face.

"What is it?" Ron asked. "What's wrong?"

Hermione shook her head as she gasped for breath. "We should stop," she breathed. "I'm enjoying this too much." She could see the realization dawn on his face. He nodded and settled down next to her as they tried to catch their breath. Finally, Ron dropped his arm across Hermione's stomach and kissed her head.

"It's a bit chilly in here," Hermione whispered, turning her body into Ron's. "Or is it just me?"

"Just you," Ron mumbled. He sat up and pulled his shirt over his head. "Here," he said, handing it to her. Hermione stared at it and smiled. "What?"

"You're…you're giving me your shirt." Ron stared at her blankly. "It's just…you know, that's very chivalrous of you. And a bit cheesy, letting your girlfriend wear your shirt."

"It'll probably look better on you anyway," Ron said as she accepted it and pulled it over her torso. "Definitely looks better on you," Ron chuckled. The dark gray material hung very loosely around Hermione. She laid back in it and Ron pulled her closer to him. "You should wear my clothes more often." He buried his face in her neck and took a deep breath. "You smell fantastic, by the way."

Hermione chuckled and rested her cheek against his head. She stared up at the ceiling, content with the feeling of Ron's hand rubbing her stomach and his breath on her neck as it grew deeper and more rhythmic. She moved her hand to his back and stroked his spine. In a matter of moments, he would be asleep. And soon, they would be waking up to another day together. This was her life now. Every day until they died or Ron got sick of her nagging, Hermione's life would revolve around her and Ron. Tears sprang to her eyes at the thought and she quickly wiped them away.

"Hermione?" Ron asked sleepily just as he was about to drift off.

"Hm?"

"I don't want to push you, okay?"

"I know," Hermione yawned. "You're not pushing me, Ron. You're being a perfect gentleman."

"Yeah, but…it's easy to go too far, you know? Like tonight?" Hermione nodded and pressed herself against him more firmly. "So I want you to tell me. Whenever you're ready for some new step or whatever, just tell me."

"What about you? What if you're not ready?"

Ron snickered. "Don't worry about me. Worry about yourself. I won't even look at you without your permission, if you want."

"I think that's a bit extreme, Ron."

"Yeah, you're probably right. But just promise me, okay? You'll tell me when you're ready for…things?"

Hermione kissed the top of Ron's head. "I promise. If it means that much to you, I'll tell you."

She could feel him smile against her shoulder. "Mm, good." He yawned. "Good night, Hermione."

Was this really happening? Were they really talking about sex? Hermione's entire body tingled at the thought of being with Ron in such an intimate manner. It wasn't as if she'd never fantasized about it. There had been nights when it was all she could think about. But now that it was a reality…how could she not be ready? She wanted to be with him, didn't she? Of course she did. She had always wanted that, to be with him in every way possible.

But, as usual, life was getting in the way. There was far too much on her mind to allow her to focus on something so complicated and pleasant. But was it so complicated? Hermione pushed the thought to the back of her head as she listed her many other concerns. She had to find her parents. She needed to make a decision about school. But, for the first time in a very long time, she realized that she had time. Ron had time. Harry even had time.

And she was going to get to spend all of her time with Ron.

"Ron?" Hermione said gently as her heart burst with the realization that she could very well be spending the rest of her life with the boy next to her. "Ron, I…I love you."

He answered with a loud snore and wrapped his arms around her protectively.

---

Now that Hermione knew how Ron liked to be woken up, she had no problem waking before he did. The morning after the party, she trailed a line of kisses down the side of his face and across his jaw. By the time she sought his lips, he was very much awake. Hermione rolled onto her back and pulled Ron over her as she snogged him.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to this," Ron admitted when they parted for breath. "Being able to touch you like this." He ran his hands up her sides for emphasis. Hermione arched her back and whimpered. "Holy shit," he gasped at her reaction.

"Get used to it," Hermione gasped. "Please, I beg of you."

Ron was going to retort when there was a knock at the door. The couple froze. "Erm…just a sec," Ron called.

"It's only me," Harry said through the door. "But I'd hurry up, if I were you. Your mum-"

Whatever else Harry said was drowned out by the sound of footsteps charging up the stairs. Hermione pushed Ron off of her and sat up, clutching the sheet around her, even though she was fully covered. Ron set off in search of his shirt.

"Ronald Bilius, you open this door right now," Mrs. Weasley shrieked. "Or else I'll knock it down. And so help me Godric, if there's a girl in there-"

Hermione whimpered and pulled the sheet further up, eclipsing her mouth from view. "It'll be fine," Ron squeaked as he pulled his shirt over his head and kicked Hermione's bra under the bed. Just as he reached the door, it flung open to reveal a very angry Mrs. Weasley. Harry and Ginny were cowering behind her on the landing. "I was getting to it," Ron snapped when he recovered.

"Oh, I'm sure," Mrs. Weasley scoffed. She looked back and forth between Ron and Hermione several times before she spoke again. "And what, exactly, is the meaning of this?"

Hermione disappeared even further behind the sheet. "She was just staying the night," Ron mumbled, kicking at the ground.

"Just staying the night?" Mrs. Weasley screamed. "I know what happens when girls just stay the night. Especially the way you two are. Honestly, I-"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ron yelped in shock.

Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Do you think I'm blind, Ronald? I see the way you two are, the way you look at each other. We have these sleeping arrangements for a reason." At this, she rounded on Harry and Ginny, who cowered even further into the wall behind them. Satisfied, she turned back to Ron. "Hermione will stay with Ginny and Harry will stay with you. That's the way it's always been, and that's the way it's going to be."

"But, Mum-"

"Is she pregnant?" Mrs. Weasley shrieked. Hermione's eyes widened and the sheet fell from her grip.

"What?" Ron yelled. "No, she's not-"

"Are you engaged?"

"No-"

"There's not a ring on her finger? You didn't sneak off and elope while the lot of you were gone? No? Then I don't see any reason she should be up here, sharing a bed with you. And the same goes for you two." She turned again to Harry and Ginny, the former of which looked rather green. "I don't know what all you got up to while you lot were traipsing around the country, but I won't have it in my house. It stops now. Is that understood?"

Harry nodded vigorously and Ginny stared at the ground. Mrs. Weasley turned back to Ron and Hermione, the latter of which nodded quickly. "Ron?" Mrs. Weasley crossed her arms, waiting for some sort of acknowledgement.

"I think it's absolute bullocks," Ron grumbled. "But fine."

Mrs. Weasley narrowed her eyes at him. "I had the same rule for Bill and Fleur, all the way up until they were married. It won't be any different for you two. See, this is why I put my foot down about Australia!"

"Mum, that's not fair," Ginny said tentatively. "Harry would be going, too."

But Mrs. Weasley shook her head. "Absolutely not. I know I don't have any sort of say over what Harry and Hermione do, but Ron's not going. It's too dangerous."

"Ron, let it go," Hermione squeaked before Ron could retort. "She's right. It's not safe for us to be out there yet."

Ron continued to glare at his mother. "I want you downstairs for breakfast in fifteen minutes," Mrs. Weasley snapped. "And not a minute later." With that, she turned and thundered down the stairs.

---

"I'll be okay."

That night, Hermione stood in the hall outside Ginny's room with Ron. She gripped his hand with all her might before letting it go. He eyed her warily. "I won't be," he said. "Look, all we have to do is-"

"I'm not going to disregard your mother's rules, Ronald," Hermione hissed. "This is her house and she's kind enough to let me stay. I'm not going to disrespect her."

Ron snorted. "Kind enough to let you stay? What's she going to do, throw you out on the streets?"

"Ron." He shook his head and let out a puff of frustrated air. "I'll see you in the morning. It'll be fine." She planted a kiss on his cheek and moved to open Ginny's door, but Ron grabbed her by the wrist and spun her back around. He captured her delicate face in his hands and kissed her passionately.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him against her as she moaned. They swayed as their kiss grew hungrier, each of them growing more and more fierce, barely breaking for breath. Air was nothing compared to what they could provide for each other. Hermione registered Ron's hands sliding lower, grazing the sides of her breasts with his thumbs (perhaps that was the reason he moaned lowly at that particular moment). He paused before moving them lower, resting them on her hips-

"That's quite enough, you two."

Hermione jumped back at the sound of Mrs. Weasley's stern voice. Ron kept his hold on her hips and pulled her back to him.

"We're just saying good night," Ron whined.

"Ron, don't," Hermione said sternly. "Let me go." Ron scowled but did as she asked. She thanked him with a chaste kiss. "Good night, Ron."

He sighed. "Good night." He gave his mother a final glare before he stalked up the stairs.

Mrs. Weasley and Hermione remained in the landing. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione blurted. "I didn't mean to…well…I'll just…good-"

"Hermione, it's alright," Mrs. Weasley said softly. "I know what it's like, being young and in lo-involved with someone special." Hermione blushed as she considered what Mrs. Weasley had nearly said. "But I had the same rules for the rest of the boys. I can't make exceptions. It's not proper."

"I understand," Hermione said. "I understand completely. Ron will get over it."

Mrs. Weasley smiled sadly. "Hermione, my son cares about you very much."

Hermione lost her breath for a moment. She thought of the way Ron had pulled her back to him just moments before, clinging to her desperately. She thought of the way he kissed her, always with that sense of complete adoration and care. The way he looked at her…like she was the only person he could see…

"I know," she managed to choke out. "And I…I care about him, too." She wiped at the corner of her eye before her tears could escape. "I'll take care of him, Mrs. Weasley. I promise."

"I don't doubt that for a second," Mrs. Weasley said. She enveloped Hermione in warm hug. "And just know that no matter what happens, you'll always have a home here."

For the first time in days, Hermione broke down and cried in front of someone who wasn't one of her best friends. Mrs. Weasley did not leave until she was done.

---

Ron slammed the bedroom door behind him and threw himself onto the bed face down. Harry sat up on the cot. "You okay?" Ron mumbled something into the mattress. "Erm…didn't quite catch that, mate." Ron rolled over onto his back.

"This is bullshit," Ron repeated. "What the hell does it matter if Hermione and I sleep in the same bed?"

Harry sighed. "I know, but your mum has rules for a reason. Things are hard enough right now. We don't need to make her unhappier."

"Yeah, I guess," Ron huffed. "I just miss her is all. Great, now I sound like some sappy idiot."

Harry imitated the sound of a whip cracking and Ron tossed a pillow at him none too gently. "It's just at night. You'll see her during the day."

"Is that what you've been telling yourself about Ginny?"

"Well…yeah, but-"

"They'll be gone in a few weeks," Ron said darkly. "They'll be going back to Hogwarts in a matter of weeks. And we're not going back with them. Are we?" That hadn't discussed Kingsley's offer since Harry had brought it up the night before, but Ron knew they were going to take it. It was his dream job. Why waste another year in school just to get out and train for three years to do what he could do now?

Harry seemed speechless. "No. We're not."

The silence blanketed the room for several minutes as they considered this. In just a matter of weeks, Hermione would be gone. The change would come too abruptly, from her being by his side every waking second to not so much as a meal together for months at a time. He wasn't ready. He could never be ready.

"They'll be gone in a few weeks and we won't be able to make the most of it."

"We can still make a good time of it," Harry said. "We've got the day time. You can do anything you and Hermione would do besides sleep during the day."

Ron scoffed. "Well, I know that. But…"

"But?"

"I like falling asleep with her."

"Yeah?"

Ron propped himself up on his elbow and looked at Harry. "I do. I like knowing that she's okay. And I like waking up to her every morning."

"Next thing, you'll be whining about this cutting into your cuddle time," Harry quipped.

"Well, now that you mention it-"

"You're getting soft in your old age."

Ron chuckled. "I guess it's not so bad. I'll see her tomorrow."

"Exactly," Harry said, flopping back onto his bed. "Alright, I'm exhausted. But…look, Ron, I know we've never really talked about these things before. I know it's really awkward because I'm dating your sister and Hermione might as well be mine. But if you ever want to talk…I mean, Hermione and I aren't blood related, so that'll make it a bit easier to stomach."

Ron chuckled. "Thanks, Harry. And if you need to talk about Ginny…okay, no, that might not work out so well. But I guess if you need to get her something for her birthday, or complain about her annoying little habits or whatever..."

Harry laughed. "Fair enough. But let's agree on nothing graphic."

"Sounds good," Ron said.

"Night, Ron."

"Night, Harry."

Sleep didn't come easily to Ron that night. He tossed and turned without Hermione next to him. He missed having her to wrap himself around. He missed the smell of her hair. He missed the weight of her lying across him. Around one in the morning, Ron dozed off. It was a dreamless sleep and he woke from it quite suddenly.

He wasn't sure what it was that had woken him at first. He blinked into the dark and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before a heart wrenching scream broke the silence. He heard the cot squeak noisily as Harry sat up and ripped the sheets back from his body. Ron flung himself out of bed and grabbed his wand from the bedside table. He was on the landing in seconds, Harry barely behind him. The screaming was getting louder and more frantic. He could hear doors opening down stairs as it registered in his mind that the noise was familiar.

It was Hermione.

He took the stairs two at a time, hopping over as many as three at the bottom of each set, sprinting at top speed to get to her. He barely acknowledged his father as he pushed past him into Ginny's room, where the screaming was as loud as ever. Ginny and Mrs. Weasley were standing over Hermione, trying to shake her awake.

"Hermione," Ron said firmly when he reached the bed, ignoring his mother and sister. "Hermione, wake up. It's fine, everything's fine."

"We didn't take anything," she cried. Ron's heart clenched as the words threw his mind back to the night he'd nearly lost her.

"Hermione," Ron yelled. "Hermione, it's okay, it's fine. I'm here."

Hermione's eyes shot open. She relaxed immediately at the site of Ron and flung her arms around him, resting her face against his chest. Ron held her as close to him as he possibly could while her body shook with sobs.

"It's okay, Hermione," Ron mumbled as he planted kisses in her hair. "They're never going to touch you again, I promise. I won't let them touch you ever again."

"Don't leave me," she gasped between sobs. "Please. Stay with me."

"Of course I'll stay," Ron said loudly, shooting his mother a defiant look. Mrs. Weasley nodded gently and motioned for Ginny to follow her into the hall.

"What's going on?" Ron heard Harry ask as Mrs. Weasley and Ginny approached him.

"Just a nightmare," Ginny explained. "Ron's got it under control."

"You sure?"

"It's fine. Go back to bed, Harry," Mrs. Weasley said. She shut the door gently behind her, leaving Ron and Hermione alone. Hermione continued to cry against him.

"Are you alright?" Ron asked several minutes later after her sobbing had reduced to silent tears. Hermione nodded slowly. "Do you need anything?"

"Just you," Hermione mumbled. "I just need you to stay. Please."

"I'm not going anywhere."

He pulled back the blankets and allowed Hermione under them before he climbed into bed with her. There was a soft knock on the door as he pulled the quilt over top them. Mrs. Weasley stuck her head in.

"I've sent Ginny upstairs for the night," she said softly. "We'll discuss new sleeping arrangements tomorrow, when your father gets home from work."

Ron let out a heavy sigh. "Thanks, Mum."

Mrs. Weasley nodded. "Do you two need anything? Tea? Blankets?"

"We're alright," Hermione choked out. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. I'm sorry for waking you."

"Oh, don't think anything of it, dear," Mrs. Weasley said gently. "It's bound to happen. Well, rest up. Good night, dears."

After she left, Ron curled up on his side, facing Hermione. He stroked her face with his fingers and tucked her hair behind her ear. "I'm so sorry that they did that to you," he said finally.

Hermione didn't say anything for a few seconds. "I heard you." Ron frowned, confused. "When they had taken you downstairs. I heard you screaming for me."

Ron kissed her forehead and shuddered as he remembered the awful night. "I thought…" He couldn't even finish the sentence.

"I know," Hermione said. "I did, too."

Ron couldn't hold it back any longer. A sob escaped him. He had to be strong for her, but reliving that night was proving to be too much. Hermione wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into her while they cried together.

"I'm sorry," Ron mumbled into her neck after they had calmed down. "I shouldn't have…I should've been strong for you."

"You're allowed to cry, Ron," Hermione whispered. "You're allowed to be sad and terrified. Everybody is. I'd be more worried if you weren't."

Ron pulled back and looked into Hermione's eyes. They were so lucky. They were alive and healthy. He never wanted to feel the way he had that night ever again. To feel hopeless, useless, like he was going to lose the only good thing that had ever happened to him without telling her just how much she meant to him-

"I love you."

Hermione's grin spread slowly across her entire face, illuminating even her eyes. "Really?"

"I should have told you sooner," Ron said. "I thought about it that night. And at the battle. I thought I might never get the chance…but I've been in love with you for ages, I think."

Hermione chuckled and nestled her cheek against Ron's hand. "I love you, Ron. I know I've loved you for ages. And I should have told you sooner, too."

They kissed gently as exhaustion crept up on them. Hermione turned to her other side and Ron pulled her up against him as he tightened his hold on her. "Hermione?"

"Hm?"

"Promise you'll let me go first."

"What?"

Ron kissed her shoulder. "Promise you'll let me die first. I can't live without you."

Hermione was silent for a very long time. Ron thought she might have fallen asleep.

"On one condition."

"Yeah?"

"I have to be well on my way, too," she slurred sleepily. "I can't live without you either, you know."

Ron pressed his face into her back and nodded. "It's a deal."

"Perfect. I love you."

He could hear the smile in her voice. "I love you, too."

---

Ron had never slept in Ginny's room before. He sat up and took in his surroundings before he realized where he was and remembered how he had gotten there. Ginny was already dressed and making her bed.

"Sorry for waking you," Ginny whispered, eyeing Hermione, who was still fast asleep. "Mum wants to see you, though."

"Now?"

"Whenever."

Ron sighed and stretched. He kissed Hermione's cheek and her eyes fluttered open. "I'm going downstairs," Ron said softly. "I'll be back." Hermione nodded and turned over on her side.

Ron was still in his underwear when he reached the kitchen. His mother was waiting for him at the kitchen table, sipping her tea delicately as she looked over an old photo album. "Mum?"

Mrs. Weasley hardly looked up. "Aren't you going to get dressed?"

He shrugged. "Ginny said you wanted to see me."

"I do. But I think you should put some clothes on."

"Mum, I need to get back to Hermione," Ron snapped. "Just…sorry, I shouldn't have snapped." He took a seat across from her. "What do you need?"

Mrs. Weasley sighed and closed the album. "Your father and I have done some talking."

"Yeah? What about?"

"I'm getting to it," Mrs. Weasley said. "I know you kids aren't really kids anymore. But I'm still your mother. I still have to look out for you." She took a deep breath. "I hate to say this, and none of the older boys are going to think this is fair, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt if I let Hermione stay with you from now on." Ron thought his heart was going to explode. "But you have to leave the door open at all times. Or else Harry has to stay with you. No charms or anything."

"Mum, that's a bit extreme, don't you think?"

"I'm not ready to be a grandmum yet, Ron," Mrs. Weasley yelped, causing him to blush. "And you're not ready to be a father. I know you love this girl, and I know she loves you, but you're both so young. You've got your entire life ahead of you to be adults. I don't want you to waste your last few years of childhood preparing a nursery." Ron buried his head in his hands, embarrassed further than he had ever been before and wishing that he had put on clothes before he came downstairs to talk to his mother. "And we've agreed that, with the proper precautions…you can go with Hermione to Australia."

Ron's head snapped up and he looked at his mother in disbelief. "Seriously?" She nodded. "Oh my-Mum, you have no idea-"

"Hermione needs her parents," Mrs. Weasley said simply. "And the Grangers need their daughter. Yes, I do have some idea. As a mother who went without knowing her son's whereabouts for nine months, I have more of an idea than you do." She sighed. "Your father is talking to Kingsley about it today."

Ron couldn't imagine being happier than he was at that moment. He thought of Hermione and her awful nightmares. He thought of the way she reacted when their plans were torn down. He stood up and hugged his mother.

"But you have no idea how much this will mean to her," Ron said. "Believe me, as a son who went without his mum's cooking for nine months I think I have a better idea than you do."

And with that, he marched up the stairs triumphantly to give Hermione the good news. Mrs. Weasley only shook her head.

---

A/N: I hope you have Men At Work on your playlists when it comes time for the next chapter.

I'd love to know what you thought of this chapter and the story so far.