He woke up to her screaming.

Initially Ron thought he was dreaming, having some kind of dreadful nightmare as the room came into focus. He realized, rather quickly, that he couldn't remember what exactly he had been dreaming about, like trying to catch a cloud of smoke. He'd been so exhausted earlier that he fell asleep in seconds, despite the fact that his teenage fantasy of Hermione wrapped up in his arms had come true. Waking to her shriek was disorienting.

"Ouch!" Ron muttered, absorbing a sharp kick from Hermione's thrashing body. His shin pulsed with the pain of the impact and he quickly moved his legs far away from her body. It felt like getting hit with a bludger.

The next sound that tumbled from her mouth sounded more like a terrified cry than a scream. Her arms were by her side but muscles tense, her chest heaving.

"Hermione! Shhh, it's ok!" Ron hovered over her, propped up on one elbow. Reaching over to grasp her writhing arm to try and still her body, he knew it was a risky move. This could scare her even more, but he wasn't sure how else to rouse her from her sleep. Thankfully her legs were still covered by the sheet, because another bout of kicking came. Ron began calling her name over and over again, his voice rising in desperation as Hermione's head tossed from side to side and the cries continued.

"Shhh, shhh, I'm right here. Wake up, Hermione," Ron begged, feeling totally lost. He twisted on the bed, sitting up slightly so that he could get a better grip on her upper arms. Not wanting to scare her he quickly abandoned the idea of sitting atop her legs to still the thrashing. It was beginning to sound like she was having trouble breathing, gasping deeply with a sort of wheezing sound that made Ron's blood run cold.

"Dammit, Hermione…WAKE UP!" He bellowed, heart racing. He nearly cried with relief when her eyes opened suddenly; however, it appeared that her dark orbs remained unfocused. She tried to sit up, causing Ron to tentatively release his strong hold on her arms and he backed several few inches on the bed, sensing the need to give her enough space to recognize her surroundings.

He took in Hermione's disheveled form – red face, hollow eyes, tousled hair, and left shoulder exposed on one side from where her shirt had shifted from the episode. Even in the dark, he could make out the delicate curve of her cheekbones, her lovely long eyelashes, her perfect nose. She was so beautiful it made his heart ache. He wanted to run his lips over every part of her face and assure them both that she was all right, but paralyzing worry that he might distress her more kept him frozen in his seated position next to her on the bed.

Hermione's breathing leveled out and she wet her lips, hands reaching up to rub her tired eyes. She shifted and paused, suddenly turning toward Ron and reaching for his hand from her seated position on the bed next to him.

"Hi there," she whispered, a subtle smirk forming in the corner of her mouth. "I rather like waking up and seeing you right here." Normally Ron adored that grin, one that often made an appearance when he amused her. The first time he remembered seeing her smile like that was in third year, when he'd asked her to help him with his Astronomy homework. He still recalled how nice she looked in her gray uniform cardigan, the fire in the common room casting an orange glow all around as she smirked and scooted closer to him on the couch. And this blatant flirting – normally he'd treasure this kind of remark from Hermione and play it over and over again in his head like an old record, but he couldn't shake the worrisome confusion that fogged his brain right now.

Hermione's brow furrowed when she took in his anxious expression, the smile slipping off her face. "What is it, Ron? What's wrong?"

"Hermione…" Ron's voice was thick with emotion. He was at a loss for words, shocked that she seemed so unperturbed, so different from moments ago. Sucking in a breath, he accepted her soft hand in his and squeezed it before blinking back up at her. "You were like…kicking and yelling in your sleep. I couldn't seem to shake you out of it," Ron rambled, hoping he wasn't revealing something upsetting she didn't need to know.

"I'm sorry," Hermione whispered, squeezing his hand back. "I honestly can't remember exactly what I was dreaming about, though it's easy to imagine what it might have been. My mind still hasn't really processed the last two days much, but my body isn't letting me forget. It's all quite strange."

Ron stared back at her sadly, wishing he knew what to say. He wracked his brain for proper words – something, anything comforting, wise, or reassuring. The space between them felt heavy in the darkness of the room compounded by silence. When words failed, he reached for her and pulled her body towards him, long arms circling under her arms. She easily melted against him.

Hermione. He delighted in sweet smell of her, the lightness of her body, the gentle pressure of her head pressing against his chest. His large hands continuously rubbed big circles onto her back and she cuddled closer, sighing as she scooted closer into his seated embrace. Enjoy this. Who knows when you'll get to have her this close again. Merlin, she's so soft.

Ron's left leg began to tingle uncomfortably with a prickling numbness, but he didn't dare move just yet. It was too perfect, holding Hermione like this. It felt very different from the other times he'd had her in his arms – trying to care for or protect her while she was hurt, or sick, or scared. No, this felt more like he was holding her for himself, for the sheer joy of it. It felt brilliant.

Hermione's hands were resting against his nightshirt near the top of his hips. She shifted a bit and Ron wondered if she was uncomfortable, about to suggest that they lie back down when she did something that positively stunned him. Without so much as a word, she lifted both legs to rest with knees bent on either side of Ron, practically sitting in his lap with him tucked in-between. They hadn't made contact with their fronts, but mere inches separated them.

Shit, Hermione. All of the blood in Ron's body heated as he considered their new position on the bed. His arms were still holding her to him, but there was a fiery intimacy that Ron couldn't ignore right now even if he mustered all the self-control in the world. This was closer than they'd ever been before. He didn't know how to move, what to do with any part of his body.

Seeming to sense Ron's apprehension, Hermione eased back and looked straight into his face. "Too much?" She whispered softly.

He searched her eyes deeply, unsure of what he was looking for. Assurance? Confidence? Fear? Ron wanted so badly to get as close to her as possible, but was hesitant to do anything that might remotely seem like he was pushing her. He knew his tendency to let instincts outweigh what he knew was rational – likely why he would row so often with his siblings and friends – and he wanted to be cautious with Hermione. Hurting her again was too high a cost to act on impulses.

"I'm just thinking," Ron began, hoping she could sense his sincerity, "what we mentioned outside…about waiting. I just want to be careful with you, love." The last word slipped so easily from his lips it almost made him laugh. It was hard to tell, but he thought he saw her eyes soften. Hermione brought her head closer and closer before resting her forehead against his gently.

"I know. And I really appreciate that, Ron," she paused, taking a shaky breath. "I suppose I just also want to take advantage of the time we have together here. Alone."

Ron gulped. She must have heard him, because she continued. "Of course, once we go back out again we'll need to be there with Harry until the very end. But even just right now, it doesn't feel like it's worth worrying about. Maybe even this next day, if that's all we have. I want to be here with you, Ron, and take pleasure in it before it slips away and we have to leave. It's all so very confusing, isn't it?"

Ron looked hard at her, not knowing how to respond. She was so pretty, and her face was right there, centimeters from his. He noticed that she had an indent on her lip from where she'd bitten it with her front teeth. Ron couldn't help but swallow thickly again.

"I'm certainly not helping…" Hermione muttered, making to bring her legs back.

Reflexively, Ron's arms reached down to keep her legs still. With that one movement, the entire room seemed to heat up. A curious expression came across Hermione's face and she relaxed again. Her head angled to the left and she rested her mouth right next to Ron's ear, pressing them cheek to cheek. "I like having you close to me."

Ron's heart thumped at her words, igniting a fiercely pleasant response in him that he'd never quite felt before. His hands moved from the sides of her knees to her back. Hermione inched forward on the bed, closer to his chest as her chin dropped down to rest against his left shoulder. Ron slowly moved his hands lower and lower down her petite back until he found the line where her soft shirt met her pajama pants, and he dared to slip his fingers up until he felt her warm skin.

Hermione hissed and he nearly jumped out of her arms, frightened that he'd already pushed past an unspoken boundary and fucked things up within seconds. He felt her legs tighten around his hips as her knees pressed in, keeping him in place. "Sorry Ron, your hands were just colder than I expected. You can…you can keep going," Hermione murmured, hands bunching in the fabric at his sides.

Once again, Ron willed his hands to slip back onto her delicious skin. He felt goose bumps rise and he rubbed over them repeatedly in an effort to warm her up. It wasn't long before his hands seemed to take on a life of their own, tracing deep circles as he stroked her back. Her skin felt so soft against his rough fingertips.

Hermione sighed contentedly, relaxing her body even more against his solid form as she allowed him to continue the ministrations on her back. Ron began pressing a bit harder into her skin when he discovered she seemed to enjoy it, evidenced by the barely audible moan of pleasure she made when he increased the pressure of his fingers. As he reached higher up her back, he carefully pressed into her muscles, working out knots as best as he could from the angle his arms were at. She groaned when he found a particularly bad one, taking several moments to slide his fingers back and forth over the lump near her shoulder blade.

"Mmm, Ron. That feels so good," Hermione whispered hoarsely, slackening her hold against him. His actions had caused her body to press into his chest, and he was suddenly very much aware of her thinly covered upper body.

Thankfully, her center was still far enough from his that he doubted she knew what this was doing to him. Even in the dark, if Hermione looked down she'd be able to see the tent growing in his pants. He counted his lucky stars that she seemed blissfully unaware, groaning lightly when he found a particularly tight spot but otherwise thoroughly enjoying the massage on her back.

In a moment of boldness, Ron moved one hand up to lightly rub the back of her slender neck, his thumb and forefingers grinding into the tight muscles as his other hand snaked around her waist to support her against him. Responsively, Hermione released a loud moan and turned her face into Ron's neck from her place against his shoulder.

The sound made Ron want to positively ravish her. He'd never heard the kind of noise come from Hermione, and to know it was him causing this reaction fueled the fire kindled by her previous forwardness.

"Ron," she breathed, "this is heavenly." She straightened up in his arms and shifted closer to him and they suddenly both gasped. Despite layers of clothing, Ron knew she couldn't ignore his obvious need that was now pressed fully against her crotch. Heat was positively radiating from their contact down there. Seconds ticked by and neither said anything.

You barmy idiot! Move, dammit! This is too much. God, I want to shag her brains out right now. Or at least get a good snogging. Merlin, it's warm in here.

Ron could still feel Hermione's face against his neck, and he involuntarily shuddered when he felt her press a warm, wet kiss on his skin. Her hands snaked up to his shoulders and she raised her head to look at him.

"'Mione…" Ron licked his lips as she gazed at him, "I'll do whatever you want. Anything. Just tell me what to do." His blue eyes seared hers, begging for direction. He didn't want to lose control. He needed her guidance.

Hermione bit her bottom lip and slid her hands down to his elbows. "I want to forget. I want my body to feel different than…than weary and sore from the curse. But I don't want to go too far." Ron gulped and moved one hand to hers, taking it and kissing her knuckles before squeezing it tightly.

"I, erm…need you to be a little more specific," Ron murmured, not sure how else to tell her that wasn't enough. He'd gone plenty far with Lavender with roaming hands and intense snogging sessions, but that meant different things to different people. Even his brothers would categorize "far" as various levels – for Percy, a peck on the lips with Penelope during prefect rounds and for Charlie it might be a one night stand with a muggle university student.

Hermione suddenly looked embarrassed. The confidence with which she initiated this contact seemed to melt away as she broke her gaze and began to pull back. It dawned on Ron that this situation was probably humiliating for her – she knew he had plenty more experience in this realm than she did. The realization made Ron want to slap himself.

He wasted no time in taking her lovely face in his hands, smoothing his thumb over her chin. "You are so beautiful, Hermione." Leaning forward, Ron again summoned his Gryffindor courage to press his lips softly against hers.

In an instant, the heat between their bodies intensified tenfold. Hermione's eyes closed and she pressed back against his mouth with her lips, her hands moving to his shoulders to anchor herself. Ron deepened the kiss with fervor and she opened her lips gladly, receiving his eager tongue.

Damn. This is bloody amazing. Waited way too long for this.

Hermione's mouth tasted like honey and mint – the most delightful combination. Her fingers gripped his shoulders tightly as they broke after a moment to breathe, foreheads bumping lightly as they took in air. Ron felt dizzy with lust and adoration and the rush of charting this new territory with Hermione. He was surprised this didn't feel more weird to him. The second time their lips met in a searing kiss, it felt like it'd been the hundredth. She felt like home.

When they broke once again, Ron gently pushed Hermione down so that she lay back on the bed. She looked at him curiously, almost nervously. Ron was overcome with reverence for her. He wanted to touch every part of her. She was perfect. He lowered down next to her and kissed her quickly on the lips before leaning back on his elbow, tucking a loose lock of hair behind her ear. The smile she shot him was positively adorable.

"Ron. I trust you," Hermione said confidently, reaching her fingers to trace his lips. The feeling of her delicate touch against his burning lips was almost too much. Ron sighed deeply as he deliberated what to do with the girl of his dreams before him.

Keep both of your clothes on. You're safe if you do that. Yes, clothes on and keep her lying down. She still needs sleep. Who knows if this is the last night you'll all be here? Don't hurt her. Make her feel good but be gentle, you git. Tell her how pretty she is.

"I'll be gentle, darling. Just close your eyes." Ron surprised himself with the words that flowed from his mouth. He sounded like some kind of bloody expert.

Ha! Far from it. Lavender taught you most of what you know. Shite, don't think about that right now.

Hermione obediently closed her eyes and shifted against the sheets, lying flat on her back. Her face was flushed, but in a glorious way – nothing like how her face would redden with irritation or turn splotchy when she cried. No, this was very different. Ron saw her chest heave lightly, illuminated by the pale moonlight shining in through the cottage window. Ron glanced at Hermione's watch on the bedside table – quarter past three. As wide awake as he felt right now, he knew they should get some sleep soon.

Ron turned to his side facing Hermione and peppered feather-light kisses along her temple, cheek, and jaw. She remained perfectly still – so much so that Ron felt the need to whisper right in her ear, "Relax, love. It's alright." He ended his series of kisses on her nose, accidently bumping his own against hers.

She opened her eyes and smiled at him before fluttering her lashes shut once more. Ron took this as his cue to move south, and he very carefully nuzzled his lips along her collarbone. He thought he could make out Hermione's heartbeat but also wondered if it was his, since his own blood seemed to be roaring about in his ears.

Open-mouthed kisses reached the fabric of Hermione's shirt, and suddenly Ron felt the swell of her breasts beneath his lips. He dampened her shirt as he moved closer to the target closest him on the right, daring to bite lightly over the covered hardened nipple. Hermione groaned and arched up from the bed, whispering his name and running her hand through his hair. The feeling made Ron want to cry out as well, but he continued exploring what was in front of him. He lavished the same attention on her other breast before rising up to stroke her hips.

He glanced up at Hermione, who seemed to be breathing quite heavily. Her hands were grasping the blankets around them and her eyes were still shut. Ron leaned down and gave her a teasing kiss – deep and intense, but frustratingly brief. He remembered the twins telling him girls went barking when left wanting more. Pretending to be disgusted at the time, Ron stored that information away and was glad to see Hermione seemed to take pleasure in it.

He kept his lips very near her ear and his deep voice surprised him. "Hermione, stop me at any time. We don't have to do anything-"

"Keep going. M'alright," came her throaty reply.

Ron shifted so that he sat lower down on the bed, focusing now on her slender hips. Lack of food had caused her pelvic bones to protrude more noticeably than last year, to Ron's alarm. He hated to even think of how often he complained about food and blamed Hermione for unpreparedness when he knew she went without so the boys could have more. How selfish the desperation compounded with that damn locket had made him.

His hands smoothed over her thighs, causing Hermione to writhe slowly. He squeezed, taking pleasure in the feel of her soft pajamas against his hands. Slowly, Ron moved his thumbs inward and rubbed from her knees to her hips, avoiding the one area that was begging to be touched.

"Ron," Hermione moaned, leading Ron to think she wanted him to delve in further. He hooked his thumbs at the apex of her thighs, pulling her legs apart slightly. A rush of heat met his hands and he nearly had to roll over and take care of the raging hard-on he felt between his own legs. Taking his left hand, he gingerly raised two fingers to her center and rubbed – eliciting a very loud whimper from Hermione. Taking this as an encouraging sign, Ron rubbed harder over her pajamas. It wasn't long before he felt the dampness leaking through.

"Hermione…gods, you're perfect," Ron whispered. He peeled his eyes from her hips and took in her face. Her mouth was slightly open and eyes clamped shut, face contorted in sweet pleasure. Just to see her reaction, he switched up the direction of how he'd been stroking her and pressed a bit harder, delighting in the mewing sounds she made. When he slowed back to the original pace, she began panting and writhing a bit more, her bum shifting against the sheets. He'd never seen her so undone.

"Ron…"

"Yes, love? You alright?"

"Mmm. Kiss me."

He didn't need to be asked twice as he covered of her mouth with his possessively. Their tongues battled as Ron kept his hand against her mound, knowing she was probably close to some kind of release.

In a bold move, Ron pused his ministrations and lifted his hand a few inches before bringing it back down hard, lightly spanking her in her most sensitive area and then rubbing over the sting. Instantly he was terrified that he'd gone too far and that she'd turn to smack him, but her reaction was quite the opposite.

He felt her tongue swirl in his mouth before yelping, swinging one leg over his hip and melding as close to him as she could get. He felt her shudder against him delightfully. Their clothed hips ground together as they continued snogging, both moaning at the friction their joined bodies were causing.

It was Hermione who pulled away after a few moments, breathing heavily. "I think that's enough for now." Ron nodded and rolled her back to her position flat on the bed, gently pulling her leg from his. He reached down and pulled the covers up over them both, but Hermione asked to borrow Pettigrew's hand from the nightstand. Confused, he tentatively handed it to her and heard her mutter a quick cleaning incantation, pointing it at her abdomen. He could tell her face was hot as she handed it back to him, realizing that she needed to remove the wetness that'd built up.

Ron to licked his lips, wondering how in the world he had gotten so lucky. After tucking the wand back, he again pulled the blankets up over him and Hermione and pulled her close to him. This time it was a gentle, innocent embrace. Only his arm held her near, underneath her head on the shared pillow as she turned her body towards him on her side. She kissed his cheek and they both closed their eyes, too tired to speak.

The morning would come too soon. For now, Ron committed this feeling to memory as he dozed off, neither him nor the slumbering girl next to him having to worry about dreamless sleep.