Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters.

A/N: Thanks to ObsessedRHShipper, who is beta-ing this story.

Chapter Twenty-One

Opening Presents

When they went back into the house, Hermione talked to Fleur some more, wanting to catch up with her old friend. Meanwhile, Ron went to talk to his siblings, mostly about the Quidditch season. Not long after that, it was time for dinner. Everyone sat around the table that had been magically expanded, so everyone could fit around it. Dinner at the Burrow was like nothing she had ever seen before. All of Ron's siblings, with the exception of Percy, seemed to eat almost as much as he did, and the first part of the meal was dedicated to getting food on your plate. As soon as that happened, the room filled with voices, as they all seemed to like talking while they ate.

Hermione was surprised to find that she actually liked this. She had grown up in a strict house where meals were usually quiet or at least they were while they were eating; after meals, she would usually have a long discussion about one thing or another with her parents. She had always loved those dinners, but as she watched the Weasleys talking, laughing, and sometimes arguing with one another, she felt like she might have liked this too. There was also the fact that Molly Weasley's cooking was the best thing she had ever had before. She wasn't sure if there was some kind of extra magic in it or what, but everything just tasted amazing.

When everyone seemed to have finished dinner, there was talk around the table (mostly from Ron) about the desserts. "You know, 'Ermione," Fleur said to her late in the meal. "Remember when I was trying to set you up with a guy when you first moved back 'ere?"

"Yes, I told you that I didn't have the time to date anyone then," Hermione said.

"Well, I'd just like to say zat it was Ronald zat I was thinking about setting you up with," Fleur said smugly. "It looks like I was right about you two making a good couple."

"It looks like it," Hermione admitted, looking over to Ron. He was now stuffing his face with treacle tart that his mum had just put on the table along with some pudding that Ron had a good supply of. "He's certainly the charmer."

Ron swallowed his food and smirked at her, "You know you love me."

"Yes, I do," Hermione chuckled as she took some of the pudding off his plate causing him to scowl at her.

"Hey, get your own," Ron huffed, making her laugh more as he moved to guard his plate.

It wasn't long after that that the family went to the living room to sit around the tree and pass out gifts. Despite the fact that they were all adults, all the Weasley children were excited by this, and Arthur and Molly didn't seem that far behind them. She was really glad that Ron had talked her into coming here; she wouldn't want to miss seeing the grin that was on his face right now. She again wished that she could have had a bigger family as she watched Ginny and George argue playfully over who should open their presents first; Ginny won the argument as, according to Ron, happened every year.

It turned out that Molly had made everyone there a sweater and some sweets, which differed depending on whom she was giving the present. Hermione was surprised when Molly even handed her a package, apologizing that she didn't have time for a sweater; the scarf that she got was beautiful and matched Ron's maroon sweater perfectly.

"Mum, when are you going to remember that I hate maroon?" Ron pouted and Molly rolled her eyes. She had given Ron a blue sweater four years ago and he was extra surly that year.

They exchanged more presents after that. Hermione mostly watched as everyone handed presents to each other. She did get something from Harry and Ginny and she was pleased that she had gotten something for them, although she wished she had thought of getting Ron's parents something too.

Suddenly Ron was sitting next to her. He seemed to have opened all the presents he got from his family already and was now handing her something. She also noticed that most of the others were busy either talking or still opening their presents.

"Here, I hope you like it?"

"Actually I was hoping that you would open my first," Hermione said looking at him pleadingly.

"Okay," Ron said taking the present that she was holding out to him and opening it quickly. He just couldn't control himself on Christmas. When he opened the box, his eyes were met with a bright orange color that brought a smile to his face. There was no doubt that it was a Cannons jersey, but he didn't realize just how great this present was until he saw the name that was across the number one; it was Jack Biggins, the greatest keeper the Cannons ever had. He was Ron's favorite player because he had taken a considerable pay cut to play with the Cannons for his last season, admitting that he wanted to finish his career as a Cannon.

"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" Ron shouted, startling Hermione. She didn't think the present was that good. Before she could say anything, he kissed her enthusiastically and he didn't stop kissing her until Harry cleared his throat and the twins started making wolf-calls. Hermione turned bright red and buried her head in his chest.

"Something tells me that Ron might have liked his present," Ginny chuckled, as everyone was looking at Ron and Hermione after his exclamation.

"She got me one of Biggins' signed uniforms!" Ron explained excitedly.

"That would do it," George chuckled. "He's one of the only decent players that played for that team. I think that jersey might actually be worth more than the materials it took to make it."

"Shut up, you arse," Ron glared at him and then turned back to Hermione. "I love it, Mione. Thank you … I just hope what I gave you is enough."

"You're welcome," Hermione smiled at him, as he suddenly looked worried. "And don't worry. I didn't know that you would like my gift so much." She then started opening the present that he gave her, and was well aware that everyone was looking at them now though she was wishing they wouldn't. As soon as it was opened, however, she forgot all about everything else as she looked at the beautifully bound book. When she read the title of it, tears came to her eyes. "Ron … you remembered."

"Er … yeah," Ron said uncomfortably. She was still looking at the book and he wasn't sure if she liked it or not. "You said that this was your favorite book when you were a child … the guy at the store said that this was one of the original translations or something like that."

"It's beautiful," Hermione said, smiling at him, but he could see tears in her eyes. She could see the confusion in his eyes and added softly, "It was the first book I remember my Grandma reading to me …"

"Oh," Ron said realizing why she was crying and wishing that he got something else. "I'm sorry …"

"No, Ron. It was the perfect gift," Hermione said pulling him in for a soft kiss and then whispered, "Thank you so much … you have no idea how much this means to me."

She leaned her head against his shoulder, again content at watching the Weasleys, who thankfully stopped staring at them and started doing other things again, as she thought of things. Of her Grandma reading to her, and how that could never happen again. Of Ron's thoughtfulness and how he got her something so perfect for her. Of how she loved that he didn't say anything to her immediately and just let her think like she needed him to.

He continued to talk to his family. After a while, Hermione joined into the conversation too, initially talking to Ginny, Fleur and Luna. Soon others came over and it became a mixture of conversations.

"Hmm … I wonder if I should wake her up," Ron said looking at Hermione, who had fallen asleep a while ago.

"It would be better just to leave her," Molly said."Besides, I think it would be nice if you have breakfast with us. It would be wonderful if you would. I didn't get to talk with you … or her that much."

Ron looked at the sleeping form of Hermione and agreed to his Mum's suggestion. He had been looking forward to being alone with Hermione, but some of his other siblings were planning on staying and he would enjoy being with his family a little longer. "Very well."