*This next Chapter is not quite finished yet, but I wanted to go ahead and post what I had so far. I hope to finish the ending, and end of this story soon. Please review and enjoy*

Ron had been dying with anticipation to see Hermione. He had worked really hard on trying to find her Christmas presents that would show her how he felt about her, and he couldn't wait to see if his efforts had paid off.

Hermione was originally supposed to spend the entire holiday with her parents in Australia, but she had worked it out to spend one week there and then one week at the Burrow with The Weasleys and Harry. Hermione loved her parents, but she felt more at home at the Burrow than anywhere else, and she couldn't bear to be away from Ron any longer.

The week had crept by slowly. Because of final exams, Hermione had been staying at Hogwarts on the weekends instead of coming to see Ron, so when she showed up, it would have been nearly a month since they last saw each other, and a month was way too long in both their opinions. They had not gone so long without each other since they started dating. Though both Ron and Hermione were 18, nearly 19, they felt much older after all they had been through, and their relationship was pretty intense. They loved each other so much, and had recently ramped up the physical part of their relationship. When they made love for the first time, it was more magical than any magic they'd experienced in the Wizarding World. And since then, they had perfected their technique and could barely keep their hands off each other when they were together.

Ron had kept himself entertained during the week for sure, hanging out with his family and Harry and Ginny. It was a happy but hard time as it was their first Christmas without Fred.

Ron was helping his mom stack some plates in a high kitchen cabinet when he heard a familiar swish outside. "She's here," Ron said nearly dropping a plate. "Oh for goodness sakes Ron," Mrs. Weasley said in an amused tone. She grabbed the plate back from him. "Go," she said smiling. Ron grinned and raced out of the kitchen toward the front door. He opened it, and there she stood. Hermione Granger, his true love. She looked beautiful as always. She was wearing a new light gray pea coat: a Christmas present from her parents he guessed. Her hair was down, and she was wearing a darker gray beanie since it was so cold. He noticed how long her hair had gotten, as she often kept it up in a ponytail. She was holding two small suitcases in each hand and had her infamous beaded bag tied across her shoulder. Like in a scene from a movie she dropped the bags on the ground as Ron came towards her. She ran into his open arms, and he lifted her right off the ground, twirling her around, much the way he had done during their first kiss. Their lips met, and as always it was like fireworks. They broke apart, and Ron sat Hermione back down on the ground. He didn't let her go though pulling her into a tight hug. "Bloody hell, I missed you," he said. "I missed you too," she said standing on her tiptoes to kiss him again.

Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat at the door, and the lovers broke apart. Hermione ran from Ron to Molly wrapping her in a hug. "Happy Christmas," she said. "And to you dear," Molly said back. "I'm so glad you're here. Now Ron might finally shut up." They all laughed as Ron picked up Hermione's bags and carried them inside.

Once inside the house, Hermione was greeted by the rest of the Weasley clan including Ginny and her best friend Harry Potter. Hugs and greetings were exchanged. It was Christmas Eve, and Molly quickly grabbed Ginny and put her to work helping cook the night's big feast. Ron helped Hermione carry her stuff up to Ginny's room. Once she took off her coat and hat, Ron wrapped her into another hug and backed her against the bed pulling her down into a make-out session. "Ron," Hermione giggled. "The door isn't even closed." "I know, and I don't care," Ron said as he kissed down her neck. "I just can't help myself." Hermione gave in for a few minutes then wiggled away and stood up. "That's enough," she said in a teasing scold. "Behave yourself."

He stood up too and came toward her, reaching out and pushing a rouge strand of her now tousled hair behind her ear. "I just miss being with you." His voice was kind and gentle, and she knew exactly what he meant. Their closeness was about more than lust. It was truly magical. She put her forehead against his and breathed in his scent. "Too bad you're sharing your room this visit," Hermione said, and they both grinned. She was referring of course to a few months ago, when she had snuck up to Ron's room in the middle of the night for some physical fun. It's where they had made love for the first time. Now though, the house was full with all the Weasley kids home, so Ron would be sharing his room with Harry and she with Ginny. Mrs. Weasley was understanding for the most part about their pda, but she would not stand for them sleeping in the same room. Only Bill and Fleur since they were married.

"Don't I know it," Ron said jokingly as he pulled her closer. "Perhaps we can find an empty broom closet," he teased in a whisper. She kissed him again, just long enough to feel his arousal against her leg, and then she pulled back and stepped out of his reach. "I should go help your mom and Ginny," she said. Ron pouted and reached for her again, but she jumped out of his grasp. "No, No," she said smiling. "Later." Ron whimpered and gave Hermione his best puppy dog face, but she wouldn't give in. "Later, I promise," she said. "We'll find a way." Ron reluctantly agreed to her promise and sat back down on the bed as Hermione left the room. He heard her footsteps on the stairs, and then Mrs. Weasley giving her some instructions about making a pie just a few minutes later.

The day seemed to fly by. Ron's mom had tasks for just about everyone. She kept Hermione and Ginny busy in the kitchen, while all the guys put up and decorated a Christmas tree and put out some more decorations. They always waited until Christmas Eve, so they could all do it together as a family.

Dinner was at 5, and it was delicious. With help from the girls, Mrs. Weasley cooked a feast fit for a king. When they were all fat and happy, they gathered in the living room to each open one present. Mrs. Weasley called it the "tide you over" gift, and even though the kids were all grown now, they still enjoyed the tradition. Mrs. Weasley chose the gifts for everyone. She had knitted one of her famous sweaters or scarves for everyone with their initials on it. Harry had been in on this before but never Hermione, and when she opened up her sweater and saw a the small hand-knitted HG, her eyes welled up with tears. She knew this truly meant that she was part of the family. "Thank you," she said in Mrs. Weasley's direction, and it was easy to tell that she was emotional. Mrs. Weasley nearly cried too. "You are part of our family dear," she said. "Plus, you are the only one who can keep Ron straight. Everyone laughed. Hermione wiped her eyes as Ron put his arm around her and kissed her temple. He loved that she loved him and his family so much.

The clan sang carols while Hermione played the piano for a while, and after some eggnog and pie it was finally time for bed. "Santa won't come if you aren't asleep," Molly teased. They all laughed and started climbing the stairs. As Ron and Harry dropped the girls off at their room with hugs and kisses goodnight, Ron whispered in Hermione's ear. "Meet me downstairs in an hour. I want to give you your Christmas presents alone." Hermione blushed but nodded her head yes. She wasn't sure exactly what he had in mind, but she could guess, and she was pretty sure it didn't just involve exchanging gifts. They hadn't seen each other in a month after all.

The next hour seemed to creep by. Though Ginny would not have scolded Hermione for sneaking out to see Ron, she didn't even know. She was a sound sleeper as Hermione had learned several times before, and tonight she was exhausted from helping her mom in the kitchen all day. Hermione was tired too, but not tired enough to miss out on spending time with Ron.

When the clock struck midnight, Hermione climbed quietly out of bed, grabbing her beaded bag with Ron's present inside, and tiptoed down the stairs. Ron was already sitting on the couch in front of the fire waiting for her. The bottom step creaked lightly, and he turned around smiling. She crossed the living room and sat right next to him on the couch. He kissed her long and hard pushing her gently down onto the couch. They both tasted minty from only hour old toothpaste. Their arms around each other felt so good and so natural and so long overdue. Ron was the one to break the make-out session. He sat back up bringing Hermione with him. "I didn't ask you down here just for that," he said laughing. She smiled. "No complaints here," she replied. He leaned forward and kissed her again, a light peck kiss.

"I wanted to give you your Christmas presents while we were alone, and since its past midnight, I figure it's officially Christmas." Hermione nodded her head, agreeing with his logic. Ron reached to the other side of the couch and pulled two small presents onto his lap. "This one first," he said handing her a small square shaped box. Hermione opened it fast. She could tell it was jewelry of some sort by the shape of the box, a necklace or bracelet. It was a charm bracelet. Hermione pulled it out of the box to examine it. "It's beautiful," she said to Ron as she turned it around in her fingers. "I hope you like it," Ron said. "There are only 3 charms right now, but I figured I, and other people could continue to add to it." "I love it," Hermione said. "Tell me about the charms."

"Well," Ron said. "The book and heart are pretty obvious. The book is for you, representing how smart you are, and the heart, my love for you," he grinned and so did she. "This is a horseshoe," he said touching the last charm. Hermione turned to him looking a bit confused. "You're not the only one who can do research. I'm sure you know that in the Muggle world horseshoes mean good luck, and since you are the best thing that ever happened to me, and I'm so lucky that you love me, I thought I should add it as a charm." Hermione was touched. Ron could be so sweet. "Thank you," she said. "It's perfect." She kissed him, and he helped her put the bracelet on.

"That's not all though," Ron said handing her another wrapped gift, which she could tell was a book. She opened it up. "Love Letters and Poems from Famous Wizards and Witches," she read the title outloud. "It's a collection," he said. "Believe it or not, I read the whole thing, and I highlighted passages that reminded me the most of you or us." Hermione was flipping through the book and could see what he was talking about. She took a moment to recognize how thoughtful that was.

"There's also something from me in the front," he said a bit nervously. She turned to the front and read the letter out loud. "My dearest Hermione," she started reading his words. "You know I don't have much of a way with words, but I want you to know how much I love you. You are the sun, the moon, and everything in between for me. I will love you forever if you'll let me. Yours always, Ron." Hermione's eyes were filled with tears and her voice was cracking by the time she was finished reading. "Ron," she said cupping his face. "That's the most beautiful thing I've ever read. This is an amazing gift," she said hugging the book to her heart. Ron grinned clearly elated that his gifts had done the trick. "What can I say?" he said smiling. "You bring out my sappy side." She leaned forward and hugged him.

"Your turn," she said reaching for her beaded bag beside her. She dug around inside and pulled out a small, wrapped box. She handed it to Ron, and he opened it quickly. He pulled out a pocket watch. Hermione immediately reached out and took it from him. "It's just a regular watch on one side, but the other side has a special secret compartment" She turned it over to show him a tiny button on the back. She clicked it, and it opened. I charmed it to make it a countdown clock to the next time we get to see each other. We can reset it each time we have to be apart so we can countdown the time until we can be together again." Ron smiled. "And there's an inscription." Ron took the watch back from her and tilted it so he could see what was written inside. "To Ron," he read aloud. "I will love you until time stops. Hermione, I love it, and I love you," he said leaning over and kissing her.

The emotion between them was thick after giving each other such thoughtful gifts, and it was manifesting as lust. Ron pulled back from Hermione only long enough to move their gifts onto the floor out of the way, and then he grabbed her again and started kissing her like mad. He pushed her back down onto the couch settling in on top of her, and before they knew it, they were running their hands all over each other. When Ron reached for the bottom of Hermione's pajama top, she stopped him. "Ron," she said quietly. "I don't want to stop, but we are in your living room." Ron hung his head against her in frustration. He knew she was right, but he hated it. He wanted, no needed, to be close to Hermione right now.

"Sound charm?" she asked.

"Won't work down here," Ron said laughing. "It's too open. Believe me, I already tried."

"Well," Hermione said, "Let me think?" It only took a moment for the imaginary light bulb to blink over Hermione's head and she looked towards her beaded bag. "I've got an idea," she said grabbing her bag and Ron's hand and pulling him with her towards the front door.

***please stay tuned for the final installment of this story. I'll give you a hint. The tent from Deathly Hallows will show back up.***