Chapter 10

October 1998

Their first month back at Hogwarts seemed to go by in a blur. They were all taking full course loads, and had most of their classes together. Their days were filled with homework and studying once again, much to Hermione's delight and Ron's dismay. But they were all happy to be back and most importantly, to be together.

As soon as he had settled in, Harry asked Professor McGonagall about the Quidditch season. Ginny told him that there had not been a season the previous year, so he wanted to know where things stood. Professor McGonagall was more than delighted to have Quidditch start up again, and said Harry could resume his role as team captain for Gryffindor. Harry was ecstatic, and informed Gryffindor house that he would be holding tryouts. They had more than enough people try out for a full team, and Harry was glad for it. Ron became the Keeper again, and Ginny a Chaser. Harry reprised his role as team Seeker.

Hermione was supportive of her friends, coming to watch tryouts and practices. She cheered alongside her fellow Gryffindors in the stands when they won their first game against Ravenclaw. She loved the normalcy of watching them all play Quidditch for Gryffindor again. After the first game, she ran down onto the pitch to celebrate the win with the team and a few other Gryffindor fans. In his excitement, Ron lifted her up into the air and kissed her in front of everyone. She was breathless when he set her down and her cheeks were very red, but she couldn't stop smiling.

The trees slowly began to change color and fall settled upon them. In October, they had their first Hogsmeade visit. They loaded into the carriages and Hermione took Ron's hand, snuggling against him. The weather was still very pleasant, but the air was starting to gain a slight chill. Ron smiled as Hermione's head rested on his shoulder. Across from them, Harry and Ginny were nestled against each other as well.

When they arrived in Hogsmeade, Ron spoke as they stepped out of the carriages.

"Right, so how about we meet you all back at the Three Broomsticks for a drink in a couple hours or so?" he said turning to Ginny and Harry and taking Hermione's hand in his.

Hermione looked curiously at Ron. She just figured the four of them would be spending the day together.

"Sounds good. We'll see you," Harry replied. He and Ginny joined hands and started off down the path to the village.

"Ron, where are we going? Are we not joining them in town?" Hermione asked.

"You'll see," said Ron with a grin.

He led Hermione in the opposite direction of Harry and Ginny, up a hill to the countryside that surrounded Hogsmeade. They walked quietly for a few minutes, and then he finally stopped at a patch of grass that lay under a large tree. The leaves on the tree were bright red and beautiful. And when they turned around, they had a perfect view of the small village below. Ron reached into his coat pocket and started to remove several items. He laid out a blanket for them to sit on and then a basket. Hermione smiled watching him, knowing he must have finally learned the extension charm she had used when they were all travelling.

"Hermione, today marks five months since I asked you to be my girlfriend," Ron said looking at her with a smile. "I just thought, maybe we could have a picnic to celebrate."

"Ron that is so thoughtful! I love it. Thank you," Hermione replied, sitting down on the blanket. Truthfully she hadn't even realized that it was their anniversary of sorts. She couldn't believe they had already been together five months.

Ron sat down to join her and they ate a delicious lunch that he had the house-elves prepare in the Hogwarts kitchens.

"They were more than happy to do it," Ron said quickly, catching the scowl from Hermione when he told her that part. But her face softened immediately and she continued eating.

When they were finished Hermione laid back on the blanket, staring up at the clear blue sky. "I wish it could always be like this," she said. "So simple. Just school and picnics and visits to Hogsmeade."

Ron knew that this is where she felt safe; at Hogwarts it was a routine that she was used to. He knew how apprehensive she was for it to all end. "I know, love. But it can be like this. It can be simple. We can always have picnics. And I'll be here, I promise." Ron lay on his back beside her and the two of them stayed like that for a while, looking up the sky. Just being together was enough for the moment.

Hermione loved that Ron had planned this for her. She loved that he remembered small details like the day he asked her to be his girlfriend. She hadn't really expected Ron to take on the role of being her boyfriend in this way. She loved him for his heart and that he made her laugh, and of course she found him attractive as well, but the fact that he had matured so much since even a year ago made her fall in love with him even more. He knew that she needed moments like this, to forget about homework and classes and to just relax. He truly was everything she didn't even know she needed.

"This was so sweet of you to do, Ron," Hermione said breaking the silence. "You really do have this soft romantic side to you, don't you?" She smiled at him and raised her eyebrows.

"I guess you just bring it out in me," he replied with a small laugh.

"Well, I love it. And I love you." Hermione rolled onto her side and pushed herself up a little, to give him a kiss. He returned the kiss enthusiastically, and they stayed like that for a little while, kissing under the clear blue sky. They broke apart as Ron looked at his watch.

"We probably better start to make our way down to meet Harry and Ginny," he said, giving her one last quick kiss.

"Oh, yes. We probably should," said Hermione as she got to her feet.

And the two of them walked hand in hand as they made their way down the hillside to the village below.

• • •

December 1998

The fall months passed quickly and before they knew it, Christmas was upon them. They said their goodbyes to their friends and packed up their things to take with them to the Burrow. Ron was so excited to go back home for Christmas he thought he might burst. He was so glad to be rid of classes for a week, and to finally get to sleep in the same bed as Hermione again. She had promised him that she still hadn't had any nightmares while being at Hogwarts and he was relieved, but even with that reason aside he absolutely loved sleeping with her. He loved feeling her body pressed up against his, and inhaling her sweet scent of vanilla and lilac as they both drifted off to sleep. He loved waking up and seeing that she was there with him. He loved that she was his girlfriend, and he was the only one who got to be with her in this way. It was an innocent act in and of itself, but so special to him all the same.

They boarded the Hogwarts express and had a pleasant train ride, chatting about school and going home. When they finally pulled into the station, they spotted Mrs. Weasley in the crowd, bobbing up and down in excitement as she saw them step off. She embraced each of them in a warm hug.

"I'm just so glad to see you all again! And I want to hear all about your classes and how your last year is going," she said excitedly as they all made their way towards a spot to disapparate.

When they got back to the Burrow, they all took their things upstairs and settled in. That night, Bill and Fleur came over and they all had a delicious dinner. Around eleven, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley decided to turn in and said goodnight to everyone. Bill and Fleur followed shortly after and Floo'd home. The four were left sitting in the living room, Hermione lying down with her head in Ron's lap, and Ginny and Harry sharing an oversized armchair. Even though they had definitely had a full day, none of them were very tired.

"So I've been thinking," Harry said. "Once the school year ends I think I'm going to live at Grimmauld Place. And I want you all to come with me, if you'd like. I figure we can fix it up and really make it feel like home. And even though I do love living here, I just feel like its time I go out on my own." Harry finished and looked around at each of their faces.

"I think that sounds like a great idea mate. I'm not sure how mum's going to take it, but since it's the four of us together, I think she'll come around," Ron said. "I'm in." He looked to Hermione to see if she liked the idea.

"I'm in as well. I think that sounds great," Hermione said smiling up at Ron.

"And of course I'm coming," said Ginny. "I love mum and dad, but I'm definitely ready to be out on my own."

So it was decided then, after the school year ended they would not be coming back to the Burrow, but instead to a home of their own at Grimmauld Place. Hermione was excited about the idea. She figured that it was one more piece of her life that was falling into place. She had a plan to finish school, somewhere to live, and Ron, and now all she needed was a purpose; something to do with her life once school was over. That night as she went to sleep in Ron's arms for the first time in months, she was overwhelmingly at peace. She pulled his arms tightly around her as she fell asleep, thinking of all that was to come.

• • •

Christmas morning at the Burrow was a grand affair. The entire family came in to celebrate together. Bill and Fleur, George, Percy, and Charlie were all happy to see the four of them, and they shared stories of their past few months at Hogwarts with them all. They opened presents in the afternoon, and everyone was in high spirits. Ron gave Hermione a necklace that he'd found on one of their visits to Hogsmeade when he and Harry had ventured off on their own for a bit. It was a delicate silver chain, with two small charms that dangled from it: a lock and a key.

"I mean, it really represents all sorts of things I guess," said Ron as she opened it. "We've gotten into quite a few locked doors since we've known each other, and I just thought it seemed like something you would like," Ron stumbled over his words as he looked up at her while blushing furiously.

"Oh Ron, I love it!" Hermione clasped the chain around her neck, beaming. "I'm just sorry I didn't get you as thoughtful of a gift."

Ron opened his gift from Hermione, a bottle of cologne, and a bag of all his favorite sweets. "Oh these are perfect Hermione! And of course it's thoughtful, you know all of my favorites," he said gesturing to the bag in his hand. He opened it and popped one in his mouth.

"Well I'm glad you like it," she said smiling. "But actually, there is one more thing," Hermione reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope. She handed it to Ron, smiling.

He took it and opened it. "Tickets to the Chudley Cannon's first game?! You're joking. Are you joking? I've never been to a game before!" Ron was shaking with excitement and jumped up at once.

"I know! I figured their biggest fan ought to get to one of their games sooner rather than later. And you can take Harry. I know he'd enjoy it more than I would," Hermione smiled at Ron.

"Hermione, you are the best girlfriend ever. I mean really, what on earth did I do to deserve you? I love you," Ron took her face in his hands and gave her a quick kiss, and then ran from the room yelling, "Harry! Harry you'll never believe where we're going this summer!"

Hermione shook her head as he left, laughing, and glad that her gift made Ron so happy.

Over the next few days, they all took advantage of the time they had together to just relax. The lounged around inside lazily, talking about when they would all be moving together in just six months. They were all so excited about the idea that they just couldn't help but talk about it. They told Molly, who was upset at first that she would officially have no more children left at home. Then she was a bit stern, saying that she didn't approve of her two children and their significant others moving in together. But they convinced her that it really was more like the four of them moving in together and being roommates and that they would all have their own rooms, so she relaxed on the idea a bit. When it came time for them to back to Hogwarts again, she was okay with it and happy for them.

On their last night at the Burrow, Ron and Hermione were sitting by the fireplace, when an idea popped into Ron's head.

"Hermione, have you considered going into a career of Magical Law? I mean, you were obsessed with house-elf rights for awhile, so it kind of makes sense doesn't it?" Ron was pleased with himself for finally thinking of something that might help Hermione choose her career, until he looked over and saw the frown on her face.

"First of all, I wasn't obsessed, Ron, I was passionate. There's a difference," Hermione snapped at him. "And second, of course I've considered that. But I think it would make for a rather dull career. Most Magical Law isn't helping an entire species gain freedom, its just day-to-day mundane things." Hermione turned away from him and back to the book she was reading.

"Oh, okay. Well sorry." Ron said, clearly hurt. "I was only trying to help."

"Yes, well, maybe I don't need your help," Hermione said back, not looking up from her book.

Ron didn't understand why Hermione was acting this way. He was only trying to help her come up with ideas for a career, which was the only thing that had been bothering her ever since Kingsley had paid them that visit a few months ago. She was never like this, so cold and standoffish. He just wanted her to be okay, and to know that she had a place in the world no matter what career she chose. He stood without saying anything and went up the stairs to go to bed.

Hermione continued to read, not really comprehending what was on her page. She knew that Ron had only been trying to help, but for some reason his suggestion had touched a nerve. She knew that he and Harry had never taken her S.P.E.W. organization seriously, and she obviously had abandoned the idea when more important things came about in their lives. Of course she had thought back to when it was important to her, and thought about how she could possibly make a career out of it. She realized in the end that there weren't any viable options that she wanted to pursue, and had been okay with it.

Ron of course, had no way of knowing this. She realized that she shouldn't have lashed out at him. She put down her book and walked upstairs to Ron's room. She opened the door and crept inside, feeling like she had on that first night she'd come into Ron's room all those months ago. Ron was turned away from her, lying on his side. She wasn't sure if he was asleep, but the lights were off and he was under the covers, breathing quietly. She walked over, got under the covers beside him, and put her arms around his torso.

"I'm sorry for what I said, I know you were only trying to help," she said, pressing her face into his back. "I love you, you know."

Ron, who wasn't asleep, acted like he was stirring at her words. "It's okay, Hermione. I know it stresses you out to try and decide on a career. I didn't mean anything by it."

"I know you didn't. I was an arse about it," Hermione said.

"Hermione, language! I think I'm rubbing off on you more than you'd care to admit," Ron said laughing and turning to face her. "It's okay love. I forgive you." He gave her a gentle kiss.

Hermione smiled, kissing him back. "Thank you, Ron. We'd better get some sleep. We have to be up early to catch the train."

Hermione fell asleep that night grateful that Ron was so quick to forgive her. You are lucky to have him, she thought to herself. But she couldn't shake the nagging feeling in her mind that going back to Hogwarts tomorrow meant that the school year was almost half-way over, and she was no closer to knowing what she wanted to do when it was then when she had started.

A lot of things going on in this chapter, and I hope you enjoyed it! Please leave a review and let me know what you think. If you've been reading this far and haven't reviewed yet, I'd love to hear your thoughts! I can't believe we are already at 10 chapters for this story. More to come soon...

xoxo