Chapter 7 – Ron

Hermione started her sixth year at Hogwarts and tried to focus on her schoolwork and forget about the assignations of the summer. All went well for the first month, but then Quidditch season started and she was often at the pitch to cheer on Harry, who was now team captain. Watching all the sweaty young men fly around was a huge turn on and, if she was honest with herself, watching Ginny fly by with her muscular body gripping the broom as muscles flexed to make turns and dives was also something to keep one awake at night with hot dreams.

After the debacle at the Department of Mysteries, Ron seemed to have matured even more. He could still be crass at times and, heaven forfend getting between him and food, but other times he would do little things like lifting an enormous book off a top shelf in the library for her without being asked. He just did it, set the book down, and went back to studying without a word. Hermione did her best to give him clues that she was interested, but he seemed either clueless or embarrassed. One day after Charms, she had made a point of leaning back against him in a crowded hallway, hoping that he would at least put an arm around her. Instead he turned bright red and moved away from her. She was seriously starting to wonder if he wasn't interested. Hell, any one of his brothers would have had their hands all over her.

A week before Halloween she had finally had enough and was determined to make one final play for his attentions. Ginny was having similar issues with catching Harry's attentions and Hermione pulled her into the dorm one night to talk. Everyone else was down in the common room and Ginny seemed surprised by Hermione's summons. As Ginny entered, she gave Hermione a hug that was absolutely delightful. Unable to help herself, Hermione responded by kissing her and was surprised when Ginny didn't resist. The kiss only lasted a half minute and was nowhere close to a snog, but it still brought back amazing memories. Hermione mentally slapped herself and moved a few feet away.

"Wow, alright. Sorry Ginny, that's not why I wanted to talk to you. You just look so gorgeous and I briefly lost myself."

"No worries Hermione. I didn't mind. I think we're both having a bit of a dry spell. So, before I decide to start kissing you again, what's up?"

The two witches discussed their problems with Harry and Ron and came up with a plan to confront the two of them after Quidditch practice the following day. Hermione was in the stands as usual to watch the new maneuvers that Harry was drilling the team on. After, the team went to the showers. When they emerged, Ginny was talking to Harry and Ron and Hermione joined them. She and Ginny deliberately shortened their strides and the guys unconsciously slowed as well, allowing the rest of the team to move on ahead. Then Hermione and Ginny traded looks and each grabbed an arm of their intended and guided them off in separate directions. Ron looked a bit surprised as Hermione grabbed his arm and even more surprised when he looked over and saw Harry was being similarly redirected. Hermione was pulling him along quickly toward the rose garden on the side of the greenhouses and he started to sputter.

"Her..mione. What are you doing? I thought we were going to study for McGonagall's exam?"

She said nothing to Ron, but continued to pull him along. Once they reached a secluded part of the garden, she turned to him. His hair was tousled in the wind and the scent of soap and leather blew off of him as she looked up into his Weasley blue eyes and tried to compose herself.

"Ron, we need to talk."

"What? What'd I do?"

"Nothing Ron. And that's the problem. We've been friends for almost six years. What do you think about me?"

"Huh? Your brilliant you are. And, um, pretty."

"Well, I'm glad you noticed something other than my brains."

"Of course I do, I mean look at you. I'm not blind."

"Well you could have fooled me. So, you've noticed me, but were you planning on doing anything about it? Is there something wrong? Something I did?"

"Wha..What? No. Are you saying you like me Hermione? I mean, as more than a friend?"

"And if I did, what would you do about it?"

Suddenly Hermione found herself being kissed by the one person she had been dreaming about for years. Ron's lips were slightly chapped and his method needed refinement, but she reveled in finally having the one she wanted. He seemed a bit unsure and was about to pull back when she reached up and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. After a minute, she opened her mouth and ever so slightly ran her tongue on his lower lip. Ron responded by plunging his tongue inexpertly into her mouth. She gently guided his tongue with hers and his movements regulated. As they snogged, she ran her hands along his back and bit back the moan that was threatening to escape. After a few minutes, they finally broke apart and Ron looked at her with a silly grin.

"Bloody hell Hermione. That was brilliant. I've wanted to do that, but I thought you and Harry…"

"Really? No. Harry is like my brother. Anyway, Ginny has wanted him for years. She's busy talking to him right now."

"As long as they're only talking."

Hermione snorted.

"If Ginny has her way, then they're probably doing more than that. And don't look so horrified Ron. Your little sister is no novice. Anyway, back to us. I've been trying to give you signals for a couple years. I figured you must only want to be friends."

"Well, that was part of it, sort of. I don't want to lose you as a friend. If we decide to be more than that and it doesn't work, then what happens?"

"How about we not worry about that right now? I want to be with you Ron. How do you feel?"

Ron responded by capturing her lips and reinstating the snog they had ended a couple minutes before. They stayed locked together for long minutes until a stiff breeze began to blow and they both shivered. Breaking apart, they smiled at each other. Clasping hands, they returned to the castle. That night in the common room the two new couples were the subject of many intense whispers as Ginny sat in Harry's lap while he and Ron played chess. Hermione was sitting in a chair next to Ron reading a book with her feet stretched across his lap. Ron was playing one handed since his other hand was linked with Hermione's. Now that they had finally acknowledged each other, they didn't want to let go.

The next month was bliss for Hermione. She finally had the one person she had lusted for. She and Ron used every opportunity between classes to find dark corners and snog each other senseless. Their classmates would just snigger when the two prefects showed up looking slightly rumpled with swollen lips. They also made the first Hogsmeade weekend together. Although many of the shops were shut down, they spent a good bit of time at the Three Broomsticks, where Madam Rosmerta suggested they take a table at that the back. She was well versed in young love and managed to always appear just as hands started to wander a bit too far for public decency. Hermione was just happy that Ron seemed oblivious to Madam Rosmerta, who he had harbored a crush for since third year.

The first of December dawned cold with the first major snowfall of the season. November had seen a number of flurries, but the blizzard that opened December was something else entirely. Quidditch practices were put on hold and Care of Magical Creatures moved indoors as everyone was sequestered inside the castle walls. The storm continued for three days and the prefects were kept busy patrolling the halls. On the second night, Ron and Hermione were patrolling around the Transfiguration classroom and courtyard, each taking a different direction around and agreeing to meet in the center. As Hermione rounded a bend, she heard the distinct sound of wind and grunting. Wand raised, she ran forward and found Ron fighting with a window that had blown open, allowing the blizzard to blow in. The window appeared stuck and she tried a couple charms, but nothing seemed to work.

"Already tried…unh…that…unh…Mione." Ron grunted as he continued to pull on the window.

Stowing her wand, Hermione joined him, pulling on the window and fighting the storm that was determined to keep it open. With the two of them working opposite sides of the window, they finally managed to get it to move and slowly closed it. As Ron leaned against it to hold it in place, Hermione slammed the latch shut and cast a locking charm on it. With that done, they collapsed to the floor in a cold, wet pile of melting snow. Once they caught their breath, Ron realized that Hermione was shivering and drew his wand to cast a drying charm on her. It helped some, but she was still bitterly cold. Ron dried himself and pulled her up off the floor, taking her into his arms as he attempted to warm her more.

"Come Mione, let's get out of this corridor and get you warmed up."

"I think a hot shower or maybe a bath."

Ron nodded and led her away to the prefect's bath. They still had another half hour to patrol, but the night had been quiet and both of them were still too frozen to care. They reached the bath and Ron let them into the room. He was also shivering as he pulled Hermione away from him and gave her a quick kiss.

"You go on love. I'll wait outside."

Hermione trembled, but not from cold. Had he really said what she had heard?

"Love?"

"Um, well, yeah. Aw fuck, I've buggered this up. Hermione, I love you. I know this is awful timing, but there it is. I've actually been wanting to tell you for a long time, but it never seemed right. Anyway, I'll go wait outside."

Hermione's hand stopped him and turned him around. Pulling him close, she kissed him long and hard. Pulling back just a bit, she stared and got lost in his eyes. Then her hands began to unclasp his robes.

"Come on Ron, join me. You're as frozen as I am."

"What? Are you sure?"

Hermione just smiled as she pushed his robes back and began to pull on his jumper. Suddenly forgetting the cold, he started kissing her again as he began to undress her. They spent long minutes kissing and caressing before they had removed the copious clothing that comprised the school uniforms. As they stood in front of each other, completely naked, Ron stood back with wonder in his eyes.

"So…beautiful."

Taking his hand, Hermione led him into the pool-sized tub. As the warm water enveloped them, she sighed and shook just a bit as the remaining cold left her. Then Ron was behind her, clutching her close as he kissed her neck. She could feel his arousal against her back and sighed, welcoming what she had dreamed about for years. Turning to him, she kissed him deep while her hands traced the muscles of his chest and she felt the scars left from his battle with the brains. His lips left hers as his attention drifted down her neck and to her breasts. When his tongue found a nipple, she moaned. As he paid homage to her chest, her hands ran down to his stomach and around to his firm bum. As she squeezed him and admired muscles built from long hours playing Quidditch, she had a new appreciation for the game. As her thoughts drifted to memories of him flying by her in the stands, his hands drifted lower and fingers began to probe between her legs. She adjusted herself, spreading wider and welcoming his hands. When he brushed her clit, she jerked and he stopped, looking worried.

"Don't stop Ron. That feels wonderful."

"I don't want to hurt you. I've never done this before Mione."

She looked at him a bit stunned, but then realized that she should have known. Until recently Ron had been barely able to speak coherently around the several pretty girls who tried to pay him attention.

"Don't look so startled love. I'll learn quick. I'm guessing you can probably teach me."

Hermione had just started to grip his bum again when his latest comment caused another shock.

"Ron, you know?"

"Yes, Mione, even I could tell what was happening with you and Fred."

Hermione crumpled and put her head to his chest, unsure if he would want to continue now that her refusal to comment basically acknowledged what he already guessed. Then he pushed her back and began to snog her so hard that any doubts were banished.

"Mione, I understand. If I'd woken up sooner, maybe I would have been your first instead of Fred. Now, if you want, I'd like you to teach me."

She began kissing him again, agreeing to be his tutor while also refusing to take notice of his assumption that she had only been with one other. His fingers found her core again and soon she was panting as her orgasm neared. Reaching forward, she found his impressive length and began to wank him. Then he dipped one finger into her while his other fingers continued to work her clit and she came for the first time, grabbing his shoulders to keep from sinking in the water. He watched her and smiled with a sense of awe.

"Gods you're beautiful. I didn't know that could happen with just hands."

"Yes Ron, it's what we do when we're frustrated and not with anyone."

Having recovered from her climax, Hermione had reached forward to continue working Ron. As he realized what she was saying and her hand tightened around his shaft, he suddenly came, calling her name. She felt him soften and released him, pulling his taut body against hers. As he settled, they kissed again and hands roamed all over. Within minutes he had hardened again and was moaning. Smiling, she moved them to a slightly shallower part of the tub before taking hold of his shoulders and pulling herself up to wrap her legs around his waist. Surprised by the move, Ron pulled his tongue out of her throat and looked at her with lust. She nodded and reached down to take his cock in hand and maneuver him closer. When he was positioned at her entrance, she leaned up and started kissing him again. Then Ron pulled her tight while pushing his hips forward and sinking his entire impressive length deep into her. She squealed into his mouth as he began to pump into her. His strokes were a bit clumsy at first, but as he watched her reactions he deepened his thrusts and increased his speed to a tempo that had her rocking and moving in sequence with him. A few minutes later, her head flew back as she screamed his name and he felt a new, warm rush of fluids around his cock. He kept his rhythm for a while longer until he felt his bollocks start to tighten. When he released himself into her, she shuddered and came again as his knees gave out and they sank into the warm water.

As they recovered and floated, holding on to each other, Hermione turned her head and looked into his lust darkened eyes.

"I love you Ron. Have for a long time."

"Same. I love you so much Mione."

He kissed her briefly, but then pulled back.

"Sorry, if I don't stop I'll be wanting to go again and we're already past curfew. At least I'm no longer cold."

Hermione laughed at him and they proceeded to wash quickly before exiting the tub. After a few drying spells, they dressed and then tiptoed out of the bath. No one else was around as they made their way back to Gryffindor tower. When they entered, a few people were still in the room and chuckled at their slightly damp hair. Harry and Ginny were curled up on a couch and just rolled their eyes before resuming a snog. Ron turned to Hermione and gave her one more long kiss before saying good night as they separated to go to their separate dorms.

With their relationship escalated, they found it even more difficult to keep their hands off each other. The rest of December passed quickly as the holidays approached. They made love several more times, twice in abandoned classrooms and once in a closet. That had been a risky maneuver between classes when they had locked themselves into the closet, hot, bothered and unable to think of anything but merging their bodies. Ron had taken her quick and hard, balanced on a shelf and pressed against a wall. Neither had undressed, he had simply pulled himself out of his trousers, raised her skirt and pushed her knickers aside. It was the roughest sex she had had and the bruises lasted for over a week. They both came powerfully and finished in minutes, cleaning quickly and running to Transfiguration afterward, just making it in time. That class had been particularly difficult to focus on.

The Christmas break arrived and both of them decided to stay with Harry, who was remaining at school as usual. Ginny also stayed since her parents were going to Romania to see Charlie. Only three other Gryffindors remained, leaving the tower relatively abandoned. That first night Hermione decided she would take advantage of the empty tower and made her way to the dorm where only Ron and Harry were sleeping. She arrived just as they were preparing for bed and Ron smiled, pulling her close. Seeing what was happening, Harry shook his head.

"Alright you two. Here's my Christmas present for you. I'm going to move into another dorm for the holiday. Have fun."

Hermione turned and gave Harry a hug and a quick thanks. Then Ron clapped him on the back with a silly grin that made Harry laugh. Once he left, Ron turned Hermione to him and began to remove her all-too-concealing warm, winter nightgown. As it came off, he was pleased to see that she had nothing underneath, forgoing even knickers. As he began to trace kisses down her chest, Hermione dropped his pajama pants and was pleased to find nothing but his gorgeous hardness. Inspired, she dropped to her knees and took the tip in her mouth, swirling her tongue around the head.

"Ah…fuck…unh…yes Mione."

Looking up and seeing the pleasure on his face, she was encouraged to continue taking him deeper. This was a first for Ron and he made a lot of noise as he reveled in the sensation of her mouth on him. She couldn't take him far, but she combined sucking him as deep as she could before popping him out and licking the entire length of his shaft and then moving down and teasing his bollocks. After a few minutes, she saw his thighs start to tremble so she quickly engulfed him and sucked hard one last time. He came with a strangled scream and she took everything he poured into her. It wasn't the best taste, but as she saw the look of satisfaction on his face, it was completely worth it. He looked down and watched her swallow it all and the sight caused him to start hardening again. As she stood up, he was kissing her, intrigued by his own taste in her mouth. He pushed her back toward the bed and she positioned herself on the edge, spread for him.

"Ron, time for you to return the favor."

He nodded, understanding in theory what he should do. He'd never gone down on a woman before, but he'd read a bit in his brothers' magazines. Kneeling, he placed his head between her legs and slowly parted her folds. Tentatively, he probed her with his tongue and she began to squirm. Paying attention to what caused the most reaction from her, his boldness and forcefulness increased. Soon, Hermione was thrusting her hips into his face. He was sucking her clit when he decided to try something and pushed one finger deep into her. That finally caused her to come undone as her fluids drenched his hand and face. He quickly began lapping her up and found the taste intoxicating as his cock twitched and begged for entrance. Once she was clean, he moved up and pulled her all the way onto the bed. Kissing her, he positioned himself and entered her quickly. She moaned and demanded him to speed up and make her come again. Complying, Ron put all his effort into making her come again. When she seemed close, he moved her slightly to one side while pulling a leg up. He wasn't exactly sure what he was doing, he just knew he needed to be in her deeper. The move worked, as she came with a wailing screech. A minute later he joined her, coating her insides with his release. Panting, he collapsed next to her and was asleep as she leaned over to kiss him one more time.

The next morning Hermione was up early and removed herself carefully from Ron's embrace. Pulling on her robe, she descended to the common room. As she passed the first years' dorm on the bottom floor, she was surprised to see Ginny emerging. Peeking around her, Hermione smiled at the sight of an unconscious, disheveled Harry. Grabbing her friend, Hermione pulled them into the common room.

"Ginny! You spent the night with Harry? How are you?"

"Oh Hermione! It was amazing. I'm sore like you told me I would be the first time, but I'm glad you were careful with me and I was intact for Harry. It was his first time too and it was incredible."

"I'm so happy for you. We both finally got the ones we want. So, I guess we'll be keeping our separate sleeping arrangements for the rest of the holidays?"

Ginny nodded and then excused herself to head for the loo. The rest of the holiday passed in a haze of love as the two couples enjoyed the opportunity to be together each night. The fifth year boy and two second year girls who were also staying over seemed amused by the situation, but didn't make any complaints. After a blissful nine days, the holiday was over and the two couples reluctantly returned to their own dorms.

The first couple months of the new year passed quickly as the boys were busy with Quidditch and Hermione continued to pester them about keeping up with schoolwork. Hermione and Ron continued to find new opportunities to be with each other whenever they could. Mostly, they spent long evenings in dark classrooms and occasionally returned to the prefect's bath. While Ron remained lukewarm toward his school studies, he was avid in learning new ways to pleasure Hermione and especially enjoyed finding ways to surprise her.

While their love was in full bloom, Ron could still be his old self at times and completely annoy and frustrate Hermione. Usually though he would come crawling back and apologize quickly. Hermione also found that she had to scold herself when she would become especially shrewish. Ron invariably would forgive her and everyone in Gryffindor groaned when they would sappily make up afterward. One day in late February, as Gryffindor prepared for a match with Hufflepuff, Harry called an extra practice on the night before a Charms exam. Frustrated, Hermione went off on both of them and Ron fired back, angrily calling her a harpy. Stunned by the insult, she fled to her dorm and stayed there for the rest of the day and evening. The following day Ron was still glaring at her as they made their way to class. The worst part came when she missed several obvious questions on the exam and Flitwick called her aside after to ask what was wrong. Unable to tell the professor about her personal issues, Hermione flew out of the room, past Ron and Harry and down the hall. She had no idea where she was going, and when a group of Slytherins came down the hall, she ducked into the closest doorway. It turned out to be an abandoned office that had been turned into a junk room with a collection of old furniture. Dropping into a chair, Hermione sobbed uncontrollably. Minutes later, the last person she wanted to see appeared.

"Mione? Please. Please don't cry. Look, I'm sorry. I should have never called you a harpy. It's just hard when you don't understand how important Quidditch is. I know school is important too, but I still did alright on the exam. Not as good as you, but that's normal. Please, I'm so sorry. I don't know what else I can say. I love you and I really didn't want to hurt you."

Hermione looked up at him and saw the tears in his eyes. She was still angry, but he had made a point of seeking her out and apologizing. She propelled herself off the chair and into his arms, sobbing into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and finally let a few tears fall. When she looked up and saw them, she wiped his face and apologized as well.

"I'm sorry Ron. I know how important Quidditch is. I just want the best for you and to me that means doing well on schoolwork. I love you and I forgive you. Can we try to forget this?"

Ron smiled and kissed her and soon the passion fired in them as they began yanking clothes off of each other. Ron quickly surveyed the room and focused on an old table. With a flick of his wand, the table was cleared. Then he cast the charms on the room and pushed Hermione to the table. Seconds later, he was in her, swift and hard while she begged him to hurry. As Hermione came with a strangled scream, a voice sounded behind them.

"Hermione? Oh, hi. Um, nevermind. Glad you've worked things out."

Ron looked over his shoulder at Harry as he continued thrusting into Hermione. Harry backed out of the room as he heard Ron grunt and come. Shaking his head, he briefly considered asking Ginny to obliviate him. When Hermione and Ron returned to the common room later, Harry just rolled his eyes.

"Look guys, I've decided to forget what happened. I'm glad you two are done arguing though. Makes it damn difficult for me."

Hermione and Ron quietly thanked him, sat down and began to focus intently on their homework.

The following months passed much the same for the trio. Harry regularly spent sessions with Dumbledore and kept them informed on the developments regarding Voldemort. He and Ginny remained nearly inseparable and Ron made a regular effort to ignore what was happening with the two of them. Shortly after Ginny took her OWLs, the fateful day came when the Death Eaters attacked the school and Dumbledore was killed. Hermione clung to Ron at the memorial service, sitting next to an entwined Harry and Ginny. After the service, they all returned home to uncertain futures, knowing that they would not be returning for their final year at Hogwarts.

Later that summer Hermione and Ron were dancing together at Bill and Fleur's wedding when Kingsley's patronus brought the warning that the Ministry had fallen. They quickly escaped and soon found themselves on the run and searching for horcruxes.

o-o-o-o

Well, this is the seven chapters I originally planned for this story. I have been thinking on a couple details and have decided there will be an epilogue. So, one more chapter to go. Thanks for all the reviews!