The Fallen

Chapter Nine


It was still dark when Hermione's eyes fluttered open. The moonlight was filtering in through the open window casting a pleasant glow on her and Ron, whom was still sleeping soundly next to her with his arm draped around her shoulders. She wondered fleetingly if she was cutting off circulation from his arm in which she was using as a pillow, but the content look upon his face told Hermione he didn't care. Her eyes travelled down his bare torso and she sighed when she saw the yellow and purple bruises near his ribcage. Without thinking, Hermione lowered her face and kissed a bruise tenderly, allowing her lips to linger on his soft skin.

A soft sigh escaped her throat as she leaned back and glanced at Ron's face. A grin was tugging at his lips and soon his eyes opened and focused on her.

"Sorry," she muttered, a blush finding its way onto her cheeks. "I didn't mean to wake you,"

"Never apologize for kissing me-even if it was my ribs." Ron replied, his voice still heavy with sleep. He pulled her closer to his body and kissed the side of her head. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked.

She nestled her face in the crook of his neck and revelled in his scent for a moment before shrugging one shoulder. "I had a bad dream,"

"Still having those?" he asked, his voice laced with concern. Hermione knew he was referring to the nightmares she was plagued with after she was rescued from Dolohov. She felt his thumb stroking her bare arm tenderly.

"No, this was different." she said. She lifted her eyes and saw that he was staring down at her. "Tell me what happened when your station got attacked," she whispered.

He let out a breath. "Well, it all happened in kind of a blur, really. It was the middle of the night-I think around 2AM. We were all sleeping in our bunks when these sirens and red flashing lights went off. Before we could even get in our robes there were curses flying every which way."

Hermione remained silent, her hand gently stroking his chest as he spoke.

"I think some of the guys thought that it was a test-you know? But I knew it wasn't-I knew this was real. These men just burst into the room all wearing dark cloaks-which was really confusing considering that the Auror's wear black as well. I didn't want to hit one of our own, but I really couldn't stand there and try and make out faces. Besides, most of us weren't dressed properly anyway so it wasn't so hard to tell."

"It must have been terrifying," said Hermione in a whisper.

"It was," he admitted. "Anyway, we managed to stun a fair number of them and I guess they realised what they were up against because after about twenty minutes they Disapperated away. We didn't have many serious injuries on our side but a few of them didn't make it. We weren't firing Unforgivables, so I guess they were a bit confused with identifying their own as well."

"How did they find you?" Hermione wondered. "Someone from the inside must have removed the wards and protective enchantments..."

"That's what I said. We're looking into it, I can assure you-but right now I can't think of anyone who would betray us like that."

Hermione nodded and traced the bruise she had kissed before with her finger tips.

"How's Madeline?" she asked.

"I didn't really see her after-only for a brief moment. She looked all right-a bit shaken up, but we all were really."

They remained in silence for a few moments. Hermione thought that Ron had fallen asleep again but his gentle stroking of her arm told her that he was awake.

"Why didn't you write me?" she asked. His arm stopped moving for a moment as if he was surprised with her sudden question. "After you were attacked, I mean. Harry wrote to Ginny and...well, I thought you would have written to me, just to tell me you were okay."

Ron let out a sigh. "I didn't think you'd want to hear from me, even after all that."

Hermione sat up slightly and looked at him intensely, her brown eyes wide. "You didn't think I cared if you were well or not?"

"I knew you cared-bloody hell Hermione, you care about everyone-even people you don't know but you said you didn't want me to write to you and I figured that still applied. Also, I knew Harry and mum would have mentioned in their letters that I was fine, so I knew you were well informed."

Hermione lowered her body back to his and his arm went around her again. "I would have liked to hear from you but I guess communication works both ways. I could have written to you as well, I suppose."

"Yes, you could have,"

Hermione glanced up at him and saw he was smirking at her.

"Ron?" she asked.

"What?"

"Tomorrow-you don't have to if you're not feeling up to it-but, would you come with me to St. Mungo's? I wouldn't want to go alone and...Oh, never mind, you need your rest for the holiday. I don't want you on your feet so much..."

His lips found hers, cutting her sentence short, and lingered there for a few moments before breaking away. "I already thought I was going. You don't have to ask Hermione,"

She smiled and moved to kiss him again. Their lips moved softly with each others before Hermione pulled away and kissed his cheeks before dropping her head back. Her eyelids grew heavy as sleep invaded her once again. She felt Ron's lips on the crown of her head before she completely succumbed to the enveloping darkness.


Hermione stood back and looked around the hospital room with a small smile on her face. The once plain room now looked decidedly more festive. Her eyes shifted towards her parents, who were lying still on the large bed, their eyes staring at nothing above them. She felt the pinprick of tears behind her eyes but let out a deep breath and they soon vanished. It was hard to see her parents in this state but she was grateful that she had the Weasley's around to help her and essentially keep her from getting lost in her own misery.

"What do you think?"

Hermione turned and smiled at Ron who had just finished Spello-taping tinsel around the windows.

"It looks perfect," she said. "I wish we could have brought them a real tree," she commented, looking at the tiny plastic tree that rested on her mother's side table. "It was always their favourite part of the holiday. We used to decorate the tree and string up cranberries and hang handmade ornaments and listen to Christmas songs on the radio-mum would make hot buttered rum and hot cocoa..." she paused and felt the tears enter her eyes again.

"Hey," said Ron, his voice gentle. He walked toward her and wrapped his arms around her. "They would have loved this, you know."

Hermione nodded and brushed away the lone tear that made its way down her cheek. "I wish you could have known them better, Ron."

"I know, love. So do I."

"They never really even knew we got together. I didn't mention it to them when we all returned from Australia, even though I'm sure mum suspected. She knew how much I fancied you."

Ron grinned and his eyes darted to the couple in bed.

"You know, when I went home for Christmas during sixth year, mum knew something was wrong with me. She asked me if I would be going to the Burrow at all and when I said no, I guess she figured we had had a row or something-anyway, she heard me crying about it one night and I told her everything."

"She must have thought I was a prat," sighed Ron.

"No, on the contrary, she thought I was overreacting," Hermione laughed when she saw Ron's eyes widen. "She told me that I had no right to be upset just because you had a girlfriend that wasn't me. She told me that that's what happens when you're not honest about your feelings. She told me not to lose hope with you-that you were a nice boy who cared about me even if I couldn't see it right now. She would have loved to see us together,"

Ron wrapped his arms back around her and kissed her cheek. "She knows," he whispered. "I'm sure she does."

Hermione smiled and kissed him gently. "Did I thank you for coming with me today?"

"A few times," laughed Ron.

She nodded and kissed him again. Once she pulled away she walked towards her parents and kissed their cheeks lightly. They did not stir or make any movement that indicated they even knew others were in the room with them. Hermione let out a sigh and turned back to Ron.

"I don't mind waiting around if you want to spend more time with them, you know." said Ron as they walked out of the room.

"I know, but it gets depressing after awhile. I can't stand seeing them like that for too long."

He nodded understandingly. "We'll come back before you leave, all right?"

Hermione snuggled into his side as they walked down the stairs toward the main entrance. "I love you, Ron."

He smiled and held her closer to him and soon they Disapperated back to the Burrow.


Christmas day arrived quickly and the Burrow was in full mayhem. Mrs. Weasley had been cooking since the day before, preparing a large goose, mince pies, figgy pudding, apple tarts and apple crumble, chocolate biscuits and other delicious sides that had Hermione's mouth watering each time she entered the kitchen.

The smell of the crispy goose was already wafting through the house as Hermione stared at her reflection in the large mirror in her room. She wore a simple red dress that went down to her knees and a pair of black heels on her feet. Her hair was in soft curls hanging down her back and she wore little to no makeup on her face-just some mascara and a little lip shine.

"Wow Hermione, you look great!" said Ginny, walking into her brother's old room. Hermione smiled and turned to face her friend.

"Thank you! The same can be said for you-goodness Ginny, you look stunning." And it was true. Ginny wore her hair up in a bun with a few loose strands framing her face. A black dress hung on her body and a beautiful pair of pearls rested around her neck.

"They're from Harry," said Ginny, touching her simple necklace. "We exchanged gifts this morning."

Hermione smiled. "They're beautiful. Harry has good taste."

Ginny fingered her necklace, a smile on her face. "He does, doesn't he?"

"What did you get him?" asked Hermione as she dabbed some perfume on her wrists.

"A broom maintenance kit; he kept dropping hints on how he needed a new one,"

"Not very subtle is he?" giggled Hermione.

Ginny laughed. "No, not at all." She paused and opened the door again; she poked her head into the hallway and sighed. "Guests are starting to arrive. We should get down there."

"Yes, all right." Agreed Hermione and the pair descended down the stairs towards Mrs. Weasley's loud welcome's to the first guest, who they quickly found out, was Bill and Fleur. Mrs. Weasley was cooing over her daughter-in-laws rounded belly while Mr. Weasley was handing his son a glass of firewhisky.

"How are you feeling, Fleur?" asked Hermione, giving her a kiss on both cheeks.

"Wonderful, wonderful!" said Fleur, rubbing her stomach. "Ze baby kicks like no tomorrow!"

"She's destined to be a Quidditch star like her favourite uncle!" said Charlie as he burst through the Burrow's door with his arms laden in packages and a pair of antlers on his head. Bill laughed loudly and embraced his brother. A short girl with raven hair stood behind Charlie, her eyes taking everything in around her.

"You must be Alexandra," said Mrs. Weasley, embracing her son's girlfriend. "It's lovely to meet you."

"Thank you for inviting me," she replied timidly. Charlie wrapped an arm around her and whispered something in her ear causing her to blush and smirk. "Your home is lovely," she said in a much stronger voice. Hermione guessed that Charlie's words of mystery were probably along the lines of 'relax'.

Mrs. Weasley beamed at her. "Charlie, why don't you take Alexandra into the sitting room? George and Angelina should be here any minute."

"Angelina?" asked Charlie. "You mean Fr..." he paused and Hermione held her breath. They had successfully gone without mentioning Fred all day but Hermione knew that he was on everyone's minds. It was the first Christmas they would be spending without him.

"Her family is on holiday," said Mr. Weasley, patting his sons shoulder. "George invited her so she wouldn't be alone."

"How nice of him," commented Fleur as she took a handful of cranberries in her hand and plopped them into her mouth. "Should I suspect that Ronald and 'arry are upstairs?"

Mrs. Weasley turned from the stove and placed her hands on her hips. "Are they not down here yet-RON! HARRY! FOR GOODNESS SAKE!"

"Are the children all ready getting in trouble?" asked George's voice as he appeared from the fire place. "Good, that means I haven't missed anything yet!"

"Oh George," laughed Mrs. Weasley as she hugged her son. Hermione moved into the sitting room and sat down on a plush chair, trying to avoid the bustle of people around her. The Burrow was filling up very quickly.

Angelina and Lee Jordan followed George out of the fire place and were welcomed with open arms. Soon, loud footfalls on the staircase were heard and Harry and Ron came into view, immediately going into the kitchen, no doubt searching for food.

"You're Hermione Granger, right?"

Hermione turned and saw Alexandra smiling at her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear nervously. Hermione nodded and held out her hand.

"It's great to meet you,"

"Oh likewise, likewise," said Alexandra, sitting next to her. "This is all a bit overwhelming isn't it?"

Hermione chuckled. "Yes, it is. But you get used to it."

"That's right-you're a muggle born as well. This is my first magical Christmas."

"Oh really?"

Alexandra nodded. "I always went home for the holidays when I attended Hogwarts and I've always spent the holiday with my Muggle family after graduation. Charlie insisted that I see how real wizards celebrate the holiday and so far it's quite incredible...the twinkling fairies in the tree...the garden gnomes in the yard playing in the snow...the flying Father Christmas'..."

Hermione smiled at the girl's obvious wonderment. "This is my first Christmas at the Burrow as well."

Alexandra grinned. "At least I'm not alone. So you're dating one of Charlie's brothers, aren't you? Ron?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, I am."

"I read all about you and Harry and Ron. Charlie was very proud of Ron and showed me all of the newspaper articles they wrote about him."

"Do you work with Charlie?" asked Hermione, beaming with delight at the praise for her boyfriend. She wished Ron had been there to hear it-he would have been blushing crimson all night.

"Yes. I work with the impregnated female dragons-making sure they get proper nourishment and the once they lay their eggs, I record the development."

"Dealing with pregnant dragons-that sounds risky,"

"Dealing with any type of dragon is risky really, but I wouldn't want any other job."

Alexandra looked up and saw Charlie beckoning her from the kitchen.

"I believe you're needed," said Hermione, leaning back on her chair.

"Afraid so," sighed Alexandra as she stood and walked over towards her boyfriend, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing his cheek.

"There you are,"

Hermione turned and saw Ron standing in the doorway, a smile on his face. "I've been looking all over for you,"

"Have you?" asked Hermione as she stood up. She blushed as she watched him take in her appearance, his eyes going slightly wide.

"Blimey you look incredible."

She kissed him lightly. "You clean up rather nicely yourself," she said.

"Oi, do I have to keep a watchful eye on the two of you tonight?" asked George as he entered the room with Angelina and Lee.

"Piss off," said Ron, pulling Hermione closer to his side.

"Language little brother," said George with a grin. Hermione was glad to see he was in high spirits. He took out a few Christmas crackers and threw them on the coffee table, obviously saving them to later use.

"Leave them alone, George." Angelina said. "I think it's cute that they finally dug their heads out of the sand and realised what everyone else had long ago,"

Hermione flushed and Ron shifted uncomfortably next to her.

"Oh sorry," said Angelina, sensing their discomfort. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"Its fine and you didn't," said Hermione quickly.

"I must say Hermione, you scrub up nicely," said Lee.

"Always the charmer, aren't you Lee?" laughed Angelina. Hermione flushed and looked up at Ron and saw that he was grinning down at her-he obviously agreed with his brother's friend.

"Thank you." said Hermione shortly as she moved away from Ron. "I'm going to see if your mum needs help in the kitchen."

When Hermione entered the kitchen she saw that Andromeda and Teddy had arrived. She grinned at the baby in Harry's arms. His hair was a bright turquoise which clashed horribly with his green snow suit.

"Aren't you a cutie?" laughed Ginny as she tickled the baby's chubby cheeks. Teddy cooed in response.

"He's a cutie all right but a handful," said Andromeda. Hermione turned towards the women and stifled a gasp. She felt her back hit the wall behind her as she stared at Andromeda with wide eyes. She looked exactly like Bellatrix. It was almost like looking at her twin-her cleaner and less mad looking twin.

"Everything all right, Hermione?" asked Bill, walking towards her.

"Um, yes." nodded Hermione, shaking her head. "Sorry, it's just..."

"I know," said Bill, leaning against the wall beside her. "It's kind of scary how much they look alike but Andromeda is nothing like her sisters."

Hermione nodded. "Tonks was a lovely women-it's clear she was raised by fine parents. I just...wasn't prepared. I'm fine now."

Bill nodded and patted her shoulder before walking off towards Fleur who was now holding a squirming Teddy-a look of fear on her face.

Hermione giggled slightly, knowing that Bill would most likely have to convince Fleur of her maternal care before the night was through. She let out a breath and went to help Mrs. Weasley set the table.

It was less than an hour later when everyone was crowded around the long table, chattering with one another as they sipped on wine and ate the goose that was cooked to perfection.

"Everything is wonderful, Molly dear." said Mr. Weasley, beaming at his wife.

"Yes, it's all delicious!" said Andromeda as she simultaneously fed herself and Teddy who was pushing around the peas on his plate with his fingers.

Mrs. Weasley flushed slightly but smiled at her guests. "I'm just glad you all could come and celebrate with us." she said. "This was bound to be a hard Christmas being the first one after the war and..." she paused as tears entered her eyes. "...and I'm just glad we're spending it together."

Hermione was sure that this Christmas was going to be a devastating one considering each of them had lost someone just seven months ago, but Mrs. Weasley was right- the healing process was a lot easier when you are surrounded by loved ones.

"Shall we open presents in the sitting room?" asked Mr. Weasley once pudding, coffee and tea were served.

The living room was crowded as everyone stepped inside. Hermione sat herself on the floor, leaning her back against Ron's legs as he sat on the couch next to Ginny and Harry. Mr. Weasley flicked his wand and soon presents were gliding through the air towards their recipients.

"Thank you for my VCR dear!" said Mr. Weasley. He quickly kissed his wife's cheek and looked at Hermione. "What do they do exactly?"

Hermione grinned. "They play video tapes. You hook them up to a television set and you can watch movies on them." He still looked confused. "Movies are sort of like moving pictures, only with sound."

"Brilliant, Muggles," muttered Mr. Weasley as he stared at the large box in his hands. "Absolutely brilliant,"

"Here you go," said Ron, handing Hermione a small wrapped box. Hermione looked up at him and smiled before taking the box in her hands. She tore open the paper and opened the box and let out a sigh as a pair of beautiful sapphire earrings were displayed before her.

"Ron...they're gorgeous..." she said in a whisper that she wasn't sure he heard over the loud voices of everyone else.

"They're your birthstone, right?" he asked, a small smile playing on his lips.

Hermione nodded wordlessly as she continued to gaze at the earrings.

"I take your speechlessness as a good thing," he said, running his fingers through her curls. She turned around and kneeled before him, taking his face in her hands.

"I love them," she said before planting a chaste kiss on his lips.

He grinned. "Good,"

Hermione sat back down and flicked her wand, sending a large box gliding through the air towards them.

"This is mine?" he asked, looking at the size with slightly widened eyes.

She nodded and turned around, watching his face as he opened it. His eyes widened more when the wrapping was off and the gift was exposed.

It was a beautiful new chess set, hand carved and painted. Hermione had the pieces painted Chudley Cannons colours, knowing Ron would find it amusing.

And she was right, a large smile spread across his face as he shook his head. "It's brilliant Hermione,"

"I was worried you wouldn't like it. I know your old chess set is losing some of its magic so I figured you could use a new one. The Cannon's colours were just an added bonus."

He laughed and leaned down to kiss her. "It's the best gift I've ever got."

"I resent that!" said George next to them. "I got you a whole supply of Puking Pastilles two years ago!"

Ron laughed and rolled his eyes. "That was a close second,"

George grinned and ruffled Ron's hair, causing the latter to curse and swat him away. Hermione laughed and settled herself against Ron's legs again, accepting more gifts as they were given to her and handing out more of her own. A few minutes later a large box glided towards her wrapped in bright red and gold paper.

"That's from Arthur and me," said Mrs. Weasley from across the room. Hermione smiled warmly at the couple before tearing open the paper. When she opened the box a gasp escaped her throat and tears formed in her eyes immediately.

"What is it?" asked Ginny, staring at her friend.

Hermione stared into the box, her mouth opening and closing like a goldfish. Slowly, she lifted out a maroon jumper with a large pink 'H' in the center.

"I hope you like it," said Mrs. Weasley.

She couldn't speak. For years she had always longed for a knitted Weasley jumper. She would always watch enviously as Harry would receive his each year and wondered if she would ever receive one of her own. It was silly, but she never felt like a true member of the family until this moment.

"I love it," she managed to get out as she held the jumper close to her.

Mrs. Weasley nodded and wiped a tear from her eye. "I'm glad."

"We've got matching ones," said Ron from behind her as he held his own jumper.

Hermione grinned and turned around, tears still in her eyes.

"Maroon," he grumbled. "Always maroon." He looked up at her and smiled. "It will look loads better on you."

"Teddy seems to love his new toy broom," said Andromeda as she watched Teddy gazing at it with wide eyes. "Thank you, Harry."

Harry shook his head. "I can't wait to teach him how to fly when he gets older,"

"He'll be a natural!" said Charlie. "Tonks was a very gifted flyer when we were at school."

"Yes, Dora was quite the flyer. She had one of these when she was about Teddy's age and she would fly around the house like a maniac." recalled Andromeda with watery eyes. Molly rubbed her arm tenderly and spoke. "We have one last gift and it's for Fleur," said Mrs. Weasley, letting the box glide over towards Fleur who was seated on the couch.

Fleur opened the box and smiled widely. "Oh, Bill-a camera!"

"It's from Alexandra and me," said Charlie with a smile. "So you can capture a bunch of pictures of my niece or nephew and send them to me when I'm in Romania."

"It's wonderful! I love eet!" She held the magical camera in her hands and stood up abruptly. "We should test eet! Take family photos, non? They can be the first editions to the baby book!"

"A wonderful idea, Fleur!" said Mrs. Weasley as she waved her wand to clear all the empty boxes and wrapping paper away from the floor. Hermione sat back and watched as Fleur posed with Bill, Charlie with Alexandra and Percy with Audrey. George, Angelina and Lee made funny faces towards the camera causing Mrs. Weasley to scoff and mutter an 'Honestly,' under her breath.

Hermione smiled as Harry posed with Teddy and Andromeda.

"All the Weasley's!" yelled Mr. Weasley. "Come on!"

Hermione watched with a watery smile as the lot of them gathered together. Andromeda held the camera in her hands as she waited for them to assemble. Hermione caught Ron's eye as he stood next to George and Fleur and he held up his hand towards the camera, signalling for them to wait.

"Oi, Hermione, get over here," he said.

Hermione's eyes widened slightly. "It's a family portrait!" she protested, backing away.

"Nonsense, Hermione!" said Mrs. Weasley.

"Once you get a Weasley jumper you're an official Weasley. It's in the handbook." George said with a grin.

Hermione smiled and walked over towards the group shyly. Ron held out his arms and she walked into them, leaning her back against his chest. His arms wrapped around her waist and she smiled warmly at him over her shoulder. "Thank you," she whispered as the flash went off.

Ron smirked at her and held her tighter.

"Harry, get in the next one!" called Ginny. Harry shook his head and handed Teddy to Angelina before walking towards them and standing next to Ginny, placing an arm around her. The flash went off again. After that group set, Fleur took a few of Ron and Hermione and Harry with Ginny a bunch of the four of them together. Hermione had to make a mental note to remember to ask Fleur for copies of them, especially since most of her pictures had been destroyed when her house had been broken into by Death Eaters during the summer.

It was nearing the end of the night and everyone was settled in the sitting room or kitchen, drinking last minute coffee and eating the remaining biscuits. Hermione had resumed her seat on the floor, her head leaning against the couch cushions behind her. It had been such an amazing Christmas, despite the noticeable absences of loved ones. Her eyes were starting to close when she felt something tug on her curls. She turned her head and beamed at Teddy, whom had toddled up next to her.

"Hello there," she said, lifting him into her arms and sliding them both onto the couch. He was sucking on his thumb and his lids were slowly closing.

"Ah, you're tired too, are you? Well, it has been a hectic day. Not bad for your first Christmas, eh?"

Teddy stared up at her with wide brown eyes.

"You have loads of new toys to play with now, you're very lucky." she said softly. "But I believe that your Uncle Harry's toy broom may be your favourite. Mind that you don't cause too much trouble for your Nan on it. I don't think she'd appreciate if you tore apart her home." She smiled and ran her fingers through his bright hair. He snuggled up closer to her and she sighed. "You're going to have to get home soon, aren't you? It's way past your bedtime, yeah?"

Hermione sighed and looked away from Teddy's chubby face. She was surprised to find Ron staring at her with an odd look on his face.

"How long have you been standing there?" she asked him.

"Uh—not long." He said, moving to sit next to her. "You're great with him, you know."

Hermione shrugged and held Teddy closer to her. "He's precious."

"Yeah," agreed Ron, peering down at him. "And tired,"

"He's had an eventful day. He was very overwhelmed by all the gifts and attention he's received today, weren't you?"

Teddy opened his eyes and reached up to tug at another one of Hermione's curls.

Ron laughed and gently pried his fingers off her hair. Teddy's fingers then held onto his finger tightly and Ron grinned.

"Isn't this a sight," said Andromeda with a smile from the doorway.

Fleur, who was standing next to her had a wide smile on her face and immediately picked up her new camera and snapped a picture of them. At the bright flash, Teddy squirmed and began crying, letting go of Ron's finger and trying desperately to get away from Hermione.

"Oh, Teddy," said Hermione, trying to keep him still.

"He's cranky," said Andromeda, taking the fussy boy in her arms. "We really should be going."

"What? You're leaving?" asked Harry, coming back into the living room.

"Your godson is starting to get fussy," smiled Andromeda. "Harry, please come over soon. Teddy would love it."

Harry nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes of course!"

Hermione grinned and leaned on Ron's shoulder. "He loves that baby already," she whispered.

Ron chuckled deeply. "He's pretty easy to love," he paused and took her hand. "Hey, I want to show you something."

He started to lead her towards the stairs. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"Patience," he said with a grin as they climbed up towards his room.

"Ron, we can't just leave the party. We have to say goodbye to people-we can't be rude,"

"This will only take a minute," he said before he gently pulled her into his room and closed the door behind him. Hermione watched as he dug through his belongings in his drawer before pulling out a large book. "Uh, I got you something else..." He suddenly looked nervous.

"What? Oh Ron, the earrings were enough! You didn't have to buy me anything else!"

"I didn't exactly buy it," he said, his ears growing red. He sat down on his bed and beckoned her to join him. "I uh-went to your house the other day,"

Hermione took a sharp intake of breath. "My house? In Canterbury?" Ron nodded. "Why?"

He handed her the book in his hands and opened to the first page. Hermione's eyes widened when she saw a picture of her parents with a newborn baby-her, in their arms. As she flipped through the pages frantically she saw that all the pictures of her childhood were taped inside, all the pictures she thought were destroyed. "H-How did you...?"

"It's not all of them," he said. "I had to use Spello-tape on most of them. I knew how much you missed your old photos and well..." he paused. "Mum had the book lying around the house and I asked her if I could use it. She didn't seem to mind considering she helped me put it together. I also managed to get some of those video tape things...they had your name on them so I figured they must be special."

"My home movies?" she asked in awe.

He shrugged. "I suppose. I knew you wouldn't want to go back there to get them yourself so I figured I could do it for you. You shouldn't leave all your memories behind. We can keep them here,"

"Ron this is..." she shook her head and looked down at the photos displayed before her. She was dressed in her Hogwarts robes standing near the fireplace in her old home. She remembered the day-it was her first day of school. Just an hour after this picture was taken she was on her way towards Kings Cross to start her future as a witch. "I don't know what to say," she whispered, her eyes not leaving the pictures.

"You don't have to say anything," he said quietly. "Just...was it okay? That I did this? I didn't know if you'd be angry with me or not."

"Angry?" she asked, looking up at him. "How could I be angry? Ron..." she paused and leaned forward, pressing her lips hard against his. "I can't believe you did this for me...this means so much, you have no idea,"

He smirked as his cheeks turned faintly pink. "Well good,"

She shook her head and stared at him with watery eyes. "You're the greatest person I've ever known," she whispered. He looked surprised by her comment and he gazed lovingly at her as a smile formed on his face slowly

"RON! HERMIONE!" screamed Mrs. Weasley's voice from a few floors down. "WHERE DID YOU RUN OFF TO?"

Ron sighed and looked down. "Busted, eh?"

"I guess so," said Hermione with a grin. She stood up and pulled Ron up with her. "Let's go,"

"RON?" yelled Mrs. Weasley again.

"COMING MUM, MERLIN ABOVE!" Ron yelled back. Hermione giggled and took his hand in hers.

"Oh, there you two are," said Mrs. Weasley, eyeing them curiously as they exited Ron's bedroom.

"I was just giving Hermione her pictures, mum," said Ron with an eye roll.

"Oh, dear, how did you like them?"

Hermione smiled widely. "I couldn't have asked for a better gift," she said honestly, causing Ron to squeeze her hand.

Mrs. Weasley smiled at the two of them before turning around and walking back downstairs.

"Oi, Ronniekins, stop snogging Granger and say goodbye to your brother!" yelled George's voice.

Hermione covered her mouth with her fist to stifle a giggle as Ron muttered a few choice curse words. "We better get down there. I don't want to know what he'll yell up next," she said.

Ron laughed slightly before leaning down and kissing her. "I love you," he said once he broke apart, taking Hermione by surprise. She smiled at him and brushed his hair away from his eyes.

"I love you too."

They smiled and walked down the stairs towards the dispersing crowd, their hands remaining firmly clasped with each others.


A/N: I figured I'd keep things light and fluffy for the holiday chapters, considering it's supposed to be a happy time of year. Hope you enjoyed reading it!