Over the next few weeks, Ron felt like possibly the luckiest person alive. Hermione and him spent most nights together, either watching movies, going out to dinner or just talking. They got on incredibly well and talked about anything and everything. There had not been another upset like the last one, however they did seem to bicker about silly things and this was usually because Ron would wind Hermione up. It was lucky for him that this usually ended well and sometimes he thought he only wound her up so they could get to the making up part. They had avoided any talk about their relationship, Ron unsure what he would say and whether he would tell her how serious it felt to him. He was sure the feeling was mutual but did not want to embarrass himself either.
As it came to the beginning of autumn and the weather grew significantly colder, it came close to their one month anniversary. Ron had no idea whether Hermione knew this, or whether she would even say anything, but he was determined to. The only thing was it fell on the same day as Ginny's birthday and she had invited them both over for a 'dinner party', though knowing Ginny, it would be a few pizza boxes, drinks all round and people talking. Ron and Hermione had both decided to go and Ron wondered again if she knew what day it was.
"It'll be fun." Hermione said, as they lay draped over each other one Sunday afternoon, Ron playing games on his phone and Hermione reading a book. Ron had just received the message from Ginny and was in the process of replying.
"You sure you don't have any other plans?" Ron asked carefully, and Hermione peered at him over her book.
"No, none. Why?" She asked, eyeing him and he gave her a smile.
"No reason. Just double checking. I'll message her now then," He told her and as she went back to her book he had guessed that she didn't know what the date was. He had no idea what he was going to do as some people wouldn't even celebrate the date. He didn't to look like an idiot but he also wanted to look like he really cared. Because he did.
Ron had been busy at work since he and Hermione had been spending so much time together but had made sure to never be home late as he wanted to spend as much as he could with her. McLaggen had disappeared off the face of the earth and the sale had gone through; Ron was now the full owner of the cafe. Nothing much had really changed within the work place, except that he was now in charge of everybody and everything. He usually did the orders and spoke to the suppliers, the only big thing extra he had to do was the wages which were easy enough. June had been keeping them up to date with McLaggen's different excuses and told them it wouldn't be long till she got a payout and would take them all out to dinner. Ron had taken her aside one afternoon and asked for help.
"Listen, June, please don't say anything to the others – especially Kieran because he will never let me hear the end of it. But Hermione and I will have been together for a month next week and I want to do something. We're already going out to my sister's birthday that night, but I still want to do something so she knows I acknowledged it, you know?" He told her and her smile had gotten bigger as he had spoken.
"Dear, I think people underestimate you. You are much too sweet than others give you credit for," She said kindly, patting him on the shoulder. "Now, I think because it is only one month, it doesn't need to be a big gesture, just something simple."
"That's what I thought," Ron said. "But what?"
"I'll have a think and get back to you." She had told him and now, the day of the party, she hadn't said any more to him. He had thought all week of what he could possibly do, but nothing had come to mind. He got dressed in jeans and a shirt, making his way over to Hermione's like they had planned, still going round and round in his head what he could do.
"Hermione?" He called through the unit, going down the hallway and into the bedroom where he turned straight around and left again. "Sorry!" He had walked in on her half naked, getting dressed and couldn't believe how fast his cheeks and ears could turn red.
"Didn't you hear me call out that I was getting changed?" She said, coming out a moment later, her cheeks a pink colour and a simple blue dress hanging off her slender frame. Ron kissed her, enjoying the fact that he could do that whenever he wanted, and they walked back down the hallway.
"Sorry," He said again and waited as she collected her phone and bag. "All set?"
"Let's go," She smiled, taking his hand.
The entire car ride to Ginny's he had to fight to keep his mind on both the road in front of him and what he was going to say to Hermione about their little anniversary. All he could picture was Hermione half naked and it was very off putting, in a good way. Over the past month, they had not spent the night together, although they had come close. Ron had not pushed it and he knew Hermione appreciated this but he was slowly falling more and more for this girl and he found it hard to be around her without wanting to. . .kiss her.
As they parked outside Ginny's house, they noticed a few cars and Ron wondered just how many people she had invited. They walked up and entered, not bothering to knock on the door and Ron was greeted by the view of roughly 20 people, only a handful of whom he knew. There was music playing loudly on the stereo and almost everyone had a drink. Ron noticed platters of food spotted around on the various surfaces in the room – some of which were now almost empty. As Hermione took his hand he glanced at her and saw her smile nervously; she only knew Ginny and Harry. He squeezed it reassuringly and gave her a smile before the set off around the room in search of his sister. They didn't have to walk very far. As they entered the kitchen, Ginny, Harry, Luna and Neville sat around the table, each with a drink in hand and smiles on their faces. Ginny stood up excitedly as the pair walked in and she gave them both a hug. Ron greeted everyone and they joined them at the table, extra chairs seeming to appear out of nowhere.
"Happy birthday, Ginny," Hermione said, a smile on her face as she accepted a drink from Ginny. Ron took his own off Ginny and took a sip. He was driving them home later so wouldn't be able to drink much.
"Thanks!" Ginny replied, sitting back down next to Harry and Ron watched as she took his hand. Harry caught his eye and grinned, unsure but Ron smiled back. "How are you two?"
"We're good," Hermione told her, smiling brightly. "Are you having a good birthday?"
"Yes, thank you! Almost everyone came. Although – Ron – Bill and Charlie were going to come but both couldn't because of family. Fred and George said they were going to make an appearance, but we'll see." She told him and he nodded.
"Who else is here? Well, out there." He asked, gesturing to the living room which was packed with people.
"Oh, mainly just people I work with and a few old friends. But really, the only people I really care about are in here," She said and drunk down the rest of her drink in one go before standing up unsteadily to get another. Ron looked on as Harry stood up to help her, watching her carefully before Hermione squeezed his hand.
"Don't worry, it's her birthday. She's at home and surrounded by friends – she'll be fine," She whispered and Ron smiled appreciatively, enjoying that she had noticed how he was feeling without him saying anything. Ron turned back to the table at Luna and Neville.
"How are you guys?" He asked and Luna beamed at him.
"Oh, I'm really good, thank you." Luna answered serenely, and Neville smiled from next to her. "We recently took over my father's magazine, The Quibbler. Have you read it?"
"Er – yeah, I think I have once. What do you guys write about?" Ron lied, knowing he'd seen the magazine on the stand once and that was about it. They only sold it in small corner shops anyway.
"Oh, it's okay if you haven't read it. Not many people enjoy it. We just have a small fan base of readers who subscribe. We write a lot about the odd theories in the world, and in each issue there is a column based on the fact that everyone in the world could possibly be linked by the six degrees of separation," She explained, and both Ron and Hermione nodded as if they had a clue what she was on about. Hermione took the last sip of her drink as Neville just kissed Luna on the cheek and smile at them both as Harry and Ginny came back.
"You guys hungry? I'm thinking we should get pizza," Ginny said, looking round at them all and Ron was sure Ginny would eat pizza all day and every day if she could. When everyone nodded, Neville said he would order it and Luna followed him as they went in search of a quiet spot to make the call.
"So did you guys get me a present?" Ginny asked loudly and Ron grinned at his sister.
"Of course, Ginny," Ron replied as Hermione pulled out the gift from her bag. She passed it over and Ron stood up, pouring Hermione another drink and getting himself a coke. Sitting back down, he saw Ginny had opened the present.
"I love it! Thank you," She gushed, admiring the necklace that Hermione had picked out. It was a simple silver one with an emerald inside a silver oval hanging on it. Harry helped her put it on at the table and she beamed at them. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. Don't ever say I'm not a good big brother," He replied and she laughed.
A few hours later, after pizza, more talk and lots of loud music, Ron noticed Hermione yawning slightly as she finished her drink and Ron caught her eye. She had more tonight than she usually did, letting herself get slightly tipsy and he had enjoyed how warm and affectionate it had made her. She looked at him, grinning and making her way across the room, stumbling only slightly.
"Hey, you," She said on reaching him, kissing him on the cheek. "I was just talking to one of Ginny's school friends, Colin. He's a bit odd."
Ron laughed, his hand on Hermione's back as he searched for Ginny. "He is, is he?" He asked and she nodded, a slight giggle escaping her mouth. He spotted Ginny sitting with Harry across the room and waved goodbye. She waved back, only slightly aware of him as she was rather wrapped up in Harry. Ron turned, taking Hermione's hand in his and led her to the car. She was silent on the way home, and when they stopped at traffic lights Ron looked over to see her watching him, a smile on her face. He blushed slightly, turning back to the road and she took his hand, holding it tightly in hers.
As the pulled into the car park, Ron got out first and went round to help Hermione out and she climbed out slowly, her eyes staying closed for longer and longer with every blink. By the time Ron had got her inside the building, she was leaning on him heavily and Ron only just got the door open without dropping her. He half-carried her through her unit and into her bedroom, carefully settling her on the bed and taking off her shoes. As he leant over to take her earrings out, she whispered in his ear.
"Please stay with me tonight."
Ron looked at her, but her eyes were closed. He hesitated for a second before taking his own shoes off, standing uncertainly for another second before removing his shirt and jeans. He didn't want her to think he was being presumptuous, but sleeping in jeans was horribly uncomfortable. Climbing into bed next to her, he lay there awkwardly, not wanting to get too close for fear of being rejected, but Hermione shuffled closer to him, her warm body wrapping itself around his and she kissed him lazily.
"Goodnight, Ron." She whispered, her head resting on his chest and one arm wrapped tightly around him. He manoeuvred one arm around behind her and used the other to pull her closer, sure she could feel the heat coming off of his cheeks. He kissed the top of her head and smiled to himself.
"Goodnight, Hermione. And happy anniversary." He whispered back, closing his eyes and feeling incredibly happy in the moment.
They didn't wake until late the next morning, and Ron woke feeling happy for more than one reason. He had slept soundly, only waking once in the night after Hermione had got up to go to the bathroom. He lay there on his side wondering where she would position herself after she got back into bed and as she climbed in, he smiled happily when she wrapped her arms around him once more. She shivered slightly and he turned to face her, pulling her close and kissing her softly on her forehead. She kissed him back, though on his lips and Ron couldn't have her closer enough. They had fallen back asleep like that and when Ron woke he found they were still in the same position. Their legs were a tangled mess and Ron lay there, watching her as she slept, wondering how he got to be so lucky. A noise from the floor told him that she had received a message on her phone and it was that noise that slowly woke her up. He watched as her eyelids fluttered before opening them fully and looking up at him shyly.
"I'm sorry," She whispered and bit her lip. She answered the question he had been about to ask. "For drinking so much last night."
"Don't be silly. You weren't even really drunk. You just drunk more than you usually do is all," He told her and she visibly relaxed. "Anyway, you were quite enjoyable."
Hermione looked up at him, a grin on her face. "Was I now?"
"Yes, you were. I don't think I've ever had so many kisses from you in public in one night." He said and she blushed deeply. "But don't worry about it, I had fun. Did you though? I was worried you wouldn't enjoy yourself because you didn't really know anyone."
"No, of course not. It was really great," She replied, shifting slightly so that she was lying on her back, looking up at the ceiling. Ron mirrored her, unsure of how close he should be. All was different in the light of day but he didn't need to worry; their hands fell next to each other and she linked her fingers through his. "Ginny is lovely. She's lucky too – Harry is a nice guy and he really likes her."
"Does he? That's good; she deserves it after the last idiot she was with." Ron said bitterly, closing his eyes a second and remembering Dean who Ginny had been with previously. He had seemed okay at first, and Ron got on reasonably well with him but he had turned into an idiot after awhile. "Harry and Ginny have been together awhile now, haven't they?"
"About the same as us, I think. Speaking of which," She paused, turning on her side and using her hand to prop her head up. "I heard what you said last night; I was just too tired to register it until now."
Ron blushed slightly, a grin covering his face as he turned to look at her. "I didn't think you'd remembered."
"Hey!" She prodded him in the side and he grinned again. "Of course I remembered. In fact, I was going to cook you breakfast this morning but after that remark I think you can cook it for me."
"Of course, madam," He said, rolling over and kissing her softly. As he moved to pull away, she put one hand behind his head and kept him close, deepening the kiss. Ron moved one hand to hold himself up and the other ran lightly over her arm and he could feel the goose bumps rise on her skin. They broke apart and she smiled up at him.
"Now you can go and make it."
The day was a lazy one. After breakfast, they went back to bed and slept for another hour, before waking up and making themselves some lunch. Ron had no intentions of going back to his unit and he was glad Hermione didn't seem to be thinking the same thing. He dressed in his clothes from the night before when it got to 6 and left to pick up the Chinese take-out they had ordered. When he got back, he found Hermione on the couch with her duvet, Coronation Street on pause.
"You don't mind if we watch this, do you?"
"You're kidding?" He asked, and she gave him a questioning look. "A month we've been going out now and you failed to mention that you like Coronation Street?"
"What? You like it too?" She asked incredulously as he picked up forks for them both and joined her under the blanket. "How come I've never seen you watch it?"
"I can't believe this," He laughed, handing her container and fork over. "I've never mentioned it because I always get stick for watching it – especially from Fred and George. I didn't want you to think I was stupid."
"You're joking, right? I never said anything because I figured you wouldn't like it and I always just recorded the episodes and watched them later on if I was with you when it originally showed." She told him and Ron laughed again, snuggling closer as she started the TV show.
They stayed like that for the rest of the night, watching hours of TV until they were close to falling asleep. Without having to speak to each other, they both stood up, Ron turning the TV off and Hermione switching off the lights. He caught her hand and held it tight as they walked back to her bedroom and climbed into bed. This time Ron didn't wait for her to move into him and he put his arm around her as she turned to face him.
"Today was wicked," He said, trying to make out her face in the dark. Hermione's fingers were tracing circles on his back and he shivered.
"It was." She agreed, now running her fingers up and down. "Does that tickle?"
"Yes." He said shortly, shivering again. He leaned in close, letting his lips bump softly into hers and she responded, her hand pulling him closer and her lips parting his. They kissed for awhile, both lost in the moment, hands in each other's hair before pulling away breathlessly. Ron was sure Hermione could see the question in his eyes, and she answered it by kissing him again, rougher this time and filled with passion. Ron responded with matching intensity, and as Hermione rolled on top of him, her hair falling over his face, he felt an unfamiliar feeling. It took over his whole body, made his legs feels like jelly and filled his belly with what seemed to be butterflies. He was falling for this girl, rather quickly.
Sorry I took SO long to get this one out. Been rather busy. Hope it was worth the wait and will try and have another one soooon! :)
