A single ray of sunlight pierced through the gauzy curtains and directly onto Hermione's face. She reached below her head to adjust her pillow and instead felt his weight shift under her. Opening her eyes only slightly, she noticed that her head was resting on his chest. The even rise and fall of it told her that he was still sleeping. Hoping not to wake him, she slowly started to extract herself from his grip, but was stopped as his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer.

"Morning," he whispered, his voice still deepened from sleep.

She rolled back to face him, and marveled at the sight before her. His hair was even more unkempt than usual, his eyes still squinting from the early morning's light. His mouth bore her favorite smile – sometimes she swore she was the only one who could see it. He was still dressed in the same clothes he'd been wearing yesterday when Bill and Fleur had left.

"You asked me to stay. Really, you did," he said, noticing the concerned look on her face.

"I remember," she breathed before pushing herself up and out of the bed. "I...I'm sorry, Ron. I don't know what to say other than I'm sorry."

In an instant he was standing up beside her. "Sorry for what? 'Mione, you did nothing wrong. You..."

He pulled her into his arms slowly, his hand coming up to stroke her hair as she laid her head on his shoulder. "Nothing at all."

"But..."

The single finger pressed to her lips silenced her. "But nothing. It doesn't change how I feel about you one bit. I think...no, I know that I love you more today than I did yesterday."

She pushed away from him, looking up into his concerned eyes. "But, Ron – I'm not what you want me – need me – to be. I can't..."

He noticed the tears once again threatening to fall from her eyes, and he kissed her gently.

"You – you're everything I've ever wanted and needed, Hermione Jean Granger. More than that, actually. I'm way out of my league with you, and thank Merlin or whomever is responsible for bringing you into my life." He pulled her back into his arms and rocked her gently from side to side as they embraced. "The past is the past, and unless you still have that time turner Dumbledore gave you, we can't change it, although believe me – I've thought about it."

Hermione laughed a genuine laugh for the first time in several hours. "Had to give it back after third year. Dumbledore's rule. Trust me, I thought about going to ask for it back after it all happened."

Ron released her from his arms and looked deep into her eyes. "Regardless, I love YOU, all of you – and nothing can ever change that. I can't imagine that what you experienced was easy – but love, know that I will never hurt you like that. Ever."

Hermione reached up and caressed his cheek. "I know that, Ron. I love you, and I know that I want to be with you – I've wanted to for years."

Ron smirked. "Are you saying you want me?" He wiggled his eyebrows, eliciting another laugh from her.

"Ronald Weasley, stop that!" She punched his shoulder playfully. "And yes, maybe that's what I am saying, but - " Her tone turned serious now. "...you have to understand that my virginity was a big deal to me, and after what Krum did – well, I don't feel worthy of you."

Ron's smirk faded. "Not worthy? Why do you say that?"

Hermione lowered her head. "I just wish I could – you know –"

He didn't know exactly what she was talking about, but he did know one thing: he was going to do everything in his power to make her feel as safe and as loved as he could.

Ron was extra careful to let her initiate any snogging or tender touches that day. Quite honestly, he was scared to upset her. The last thing he wanted her to think was that he was after the same thing that Krum was. There was no mistake – Ron wanted her, he dreamed of her every night. Although he'd never tell her, the one and only time he and Lavender had ever been together, it was Hermione face he'd seen, her body he'd imagined he was touching – not Lavender's.

That evening, after they'd had dinner, Ron pulled her into the small sitting room at the front of the cottage and eased her head onto his shoulder. "I could get used to this," he said, watching as the moonlight shone down on the rippling water outside.

"To what?" she said. "The view? Yes, it is quite lovely...It really is nice here."

"Maybe Bill and Fleur won't mind having us as neighbours then."

Hermione raised her head to look him in the eyes. "Ron – wow. Are you saying...?"

His lips grazed hers gently. "That I could live in a little cottage like this with you for the rest of my life? That's exactly what I'm saying. 'Mione, I'm totally devoted to you. After all we've gone through to get to this point, I'd be a fool to ever let you go. You ARE my life. No doubt about that."

She fell silent, and immediately Ron began to worry. Had he said too much? Had he scared her with talk of forever? He started to think of ways to explain himself when he heard her.

"I'd like that, too. Yeah. I really would."

He squeezed her hand as he kissed her forehead. "Good."

They sat in silence, just enjoying the warmth of each other and the gentle sounds of waves crashing outside until she yawned. "It's late, Ron."

"Yeah, guess so," he sighed as he stood and stretched, then pulled her up into him.

They extinguished the lights on the lower floor of the cottage and made their way upstairs. He paused at the door to her room and flicked the deluminator once, bathing the small room in golden light. "Good night, love. Sleep well." He leaned in for one chaste kiss, then pulled away and started down the narrow hallway.

"Ron...wait."

He turned to look at her.

"I guess, well – I..." She began to fumble for the right words. "I was wondering – well...can I sleep with you tonight?"

Ron gulped as all rational thought left his mind. "Um, well – um, yeah, 'Mione."

She noticed the dazed look on his face. "Oh! Ron, not...not like that. I just, well – I don't want to be alone. I'm sorry – I'll just stay in..."

He was to her in an instant, gently grabbing her arm. "Mione, no – please. Get changed and then when you're ready, come on down. I'll be waiting for you."

Hermione felt a little twinge of nervousness as she changed into her pyjamas. It's Ron. You did the same thing last night. He won't hurt you. This was her mantra as she walked down the hallway to the other small sleeping quarters. True to his word, Ron was waiting, both sides of the bed already turned down. "Ladies first," he spoke as he nodded toward the bed, allowing Hermione to climb in first before taking his spot beside her. Once again, she snuggled into his chest and he protectively wrapped his arms around her. "G'night," he whispered into her ear.

"I love you," she whispered in reply as her arm came to rest on his stomach .

Bill and Fleur returned the next day, and brought with them good news. The baby (a girl) in the best of health, and mother and daughter were fine. However, the Ministry of Magic had issued a notification that since there was still a threat from those still allegiant to Voldemort, all who were directly involved in his downfall should be moved again.

As Hermione was packing the last of her things into her suitcase, Fleur knocked lightly on the door. "May I come in?" she asked.

"Sure," Hermione said. The younger girl watched as Fleur waved her wand at the door and whispered "muffliato", then turned to take a seat on the the opposite end of the bed. "I take it that you and Ron talked while we were gone?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, he knows now."

"And?"

Hermione smiled. "He was just as you said he'd be. Now that he knows, well – it's made things easier between us. The tension – it's still there – Fleur, I still want to be with him, you know, in that way...I just don't know if I'm ready."

Patting her hand, Fleur smiled. "You will know. It will be alright. Just know that if you need anyone to talk to, I'm only an owl away."

Both women were startled by the knock on the door. Whispering out the counter-charm, Fleur opened the door to find Ron standing there, his rucksack thrown over his shoulder. "Ready?"

Hermione hugged Fleur before gathering her things. "Thank you so much for all that you've done for us – the both of you." She nodded toward Bill, who was now standing alongside his brother. "I don't know how we'll ever repay you."

"Babysitting." Bill and Fleur both said it in unison, eliciting a laugh.

"As if. I guarantee you Mum won't let anyone hold the baby for the first year," Ron said as entered the room, gathering Hermione's bags. "If then, even."

After hugs were exchanged, Ron and Hermione took a moment to visit Dobby's grave site one more time before regathering their belongings.

"Do you know where we're going?", Hermione asked, reaching out for Ron's hand. "I didn't hear Bill say - "

He shook his head and rolled his eyes at her. "Hermione – dear, sweet Hermione." With that he took her hand, and together they made the quick trip from Shell Cottage to the familiar house in the countryside.

"Home sweet home," Ron said, kissing her hand as he waved to his parents standing just outside the door. "For both of us."

Author's Note:

Do you have cavities after this chapter? It's kinda ooey-gooey sickeningly sweet, isn't it? (Shorter than usual, too.) Hermione and Ron are in a place where they're comfortable now and now it's time for the healing to begin. As the next couple of chapters unfold, you'll find that Ron has a plan in mind – it's not devious, trust me. By my standards, its pretty chivalrous. Just bear with me. The healing of Hermione Granger is soon to commence.

Again, thanks to all of you who are reviewing, reading, adding to your alerts and favorites. It really does give me the warm fuzzies inside. I am hoping to bring on the lemons in the chapter after next – I have one more chapter before I'll be ready to get to the good stuff.

Until we meet again...~/*\~