A/N: Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed. I really appreciate it!!! Thanks as always to BlackHawk13 for checking it over for me.

Disclaimer: Don't own HP, not now, not ever.

Ron was making himself a ham sandwich when George cornered him.

"So… you and Hermione, huh?"

"Yeah…" He felt his ears turn a traitorous shade of red.

"Little brother, I'm proud of you. It's about time, I say."

"Whadda-you mean?"

George stared at him like he was mad. "You two have fancied each other for years. It was obvious to everyone but you two. Which is why I find it astounding no one else has noticed the two of you sneaking around here."

Ron blushed even harder. "We're not sneaking," he muttered, even though he knew it was a lie. George just looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"So, little brother, how is it?"

"How's WHAT?" he growled. Ron knew what was coming, and he wasn't ready to talk about it.

"You know," George said with a smirk. He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, and Ron flipped him the bird.

"Shut the hell up, George."

"Why, little brother, could it be that you and Miss Granger haven't quite sealed the deal?"

Ron came very close to punching George in the face, but decided it probably wouldn't be worth his mum's wrath later. Instead, he gritted his teeth and turned back to making his sandwich, ignoring George, who was standing with his arms crossed, watching Ron's ears turn nearly purple with embarrassment. He knew his presence would annoy Ron more than any words at that moment.

Ron felt the blood rush through his ears, muffling any outside sound. He didn't need George taking the mickey out of him for something he was already on edge about.

It was at that moment Hermione chose to stroll into the kitchen, grabbing a homemade pumpkin pasty off a plate on the table. Mrs. Weasley was finally getting back into her old routine in the kitchen, much to the family's relief. Hermione could never quite replicate the matriarch's flair in the kitchen, despite time and her best efforts. She took a bite into the flaky crust, unaware of the tension rolling off Ron.

"Hello there, Hermione," George said with a devious grin. "How's your day?"

"Excellent, thanks George," she beamed, taking another full bite of pasty.

"Hermione, did you know that the scent of pumpkin is a natural aphrodisiac?" George asked innocently. Hermione choked on her mouthful, and Ron clenched his fists. George simply grinned as he watched their individual reactions. Both seemed embarrassed, Hermione turning shy and Ron filling with rage.

"Just something to think about," George said, and swiped an apple off the counter, whistling to himself as he sauntered out of the kitchen.

"I'm gunna kill him," Ron muttered.

"At least he's more like himself now. I'd honestly rather him tease us than be so sad about…"

"Yeah, I know. But still… Bloody idiot." He was still seething.

Hermione reached out for his hand, rubbing soothing circles over his palm. "It's OK, Ron." She ran her other hand through his thick red hair. He pulled her into a tight embrace, running his fingers along her cheek and jaw, relaxing at the feel of her body against his. She leaned into his touch, relishing the way his rough fingers traced her face, memorizing her.

"Hermione… It's OK that we haven't… you know… right?"

She kissed him lightly. "Of course it is," she said, but she sighed softly. She wound her arms around his neck and occupied herself with the hair at the back of his neck. Ron knew it probably wasn't entirely 'OK'.

"I do want it. I need it. I love you so much," Hermione started. "Are we ready?"

"I know I am," he said softly, slightly afraid of her reaction. He didn't want her to feel like he was pushing her, but he knew that if they didn't move to the next stage soon, he was going to implode with sexual frustration.

"I think I might be, too," she whispered, not quite meeting his gaze. Trying to bite back his enthusiasm, he hooked his finger under her chin so he could look into her eyes. Her deep brown eyes were darker than usual, and he detected fear, lust, and need in them. His probably reflected the same emotions.

"Are you sure?" he asked, desperate to hear only one word from her.

"Yes." Relief and excitement washed over him.

"Thank Merlin," he sighed, less cautious than before. He was pleased to hear her giggle, and he leaned in to kiss her. He deepened the kiss after he felt her tongue playing at his lips, begging for entrance.

This kiss felt different. They were taking a new step, a scary and exciting step they'd each been waiting for for years. This was more urgent, more needy than ever before. It thrilled and excited them both.

They were lost in each other, so much so that they didn't hear Mrs. Weasley enter the kitchen to start supper.

She squealed in excitement, clapping her hands over her mouth. The couple broke apart from each other, dazed. Molly recognized the unfocused look in their eyes, and a little part of her heart healed. "I'm so sorry dears, I was just going to get supper ready…" Her voice drifted off, and her eyes got slightly teary. Finally.

Both Ron and Hermione were scarlet, and Molly rushed forward to hug them tightly before she shooed them out of the kitchen, watching them as they gladly retreated, still flushed from the kiss and being caught.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Molly felt a rush of pure happiness.

A/N II: As you can see, they're moving up in their relationship, and so will this story. I think the chapter after next will be rated M. Just to give you guys a nice heads up!!! Hope you stick with me (if you're over 18, that is). ;-)