An Unconventional Fairytale: Dreams Made Manifest

The sunlight filtered down through the leaves of the oak tree and dappled their skin as a summer breeze drifted across their bodies, cooling them. Hermione's romantic daydream had been the same every time; except this time, it was real.

*0*

When she had awoken that morning, Hermione could feel the butterflies in her stomach spring to flight. The sun was shining. And, unlike the last time she went to the Burrow to spend the day with Ron, there was nothing impeding them.

Another positive development was that over the last week, Hermione had started sleeping through the entire night. Well, there were a few times she was startled awake but, she was always able to roll over and return to sleep. She wouldn't go so far as to say her demons had been defeated but she was well on her way.

Hermione slipped a tee shirt over her vest and wandered down the hall to the bathroom. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but try to picture the girl who stood here seven years prior. That girl had no idea what her future held, and never could have predicted it. That future, now past, flew in the face of the logic the girl had held so dear.

Not only was that little girl gone but also Hermione had trouble recalling her own image from a year ago. "Water under the bridge," her Auntie would say. No use lamenting what couldn't be recovered. Hermione stopped trying to recall her past, and thought forward to her future. Whenever she thought about futures possible, there was always one constant- Ron.

In every future she could conceive, he was there, saying something outrageous that would make her laugh. To ponder a future without him was unthinkable. She already knew what that sort of future held.

During those two months he was gone last year, Hermione learned some valuable things about herself. She learned that despite the misery she felt, his loss did not break her. She was still functional. It was then she also realized just how much she needed Ron. His absence felt exactly like when she was around Dementors- cold and empty, as if there would never be any joy again.

When he returned, despite her anger towards him, Hermione felt better. The sound of his voice, the smell of him, lifted her spirits and hope returned to her. She should have forgiven him sooner. In her heart she had (she knew full well how evil that locket could be). But after being angry for so long, she couldn't figure out how to not be. How to bring it up? What to say?

Hermione shuddered as she remembered thinking at the time that the only way she and Ron had ever found forgiveness was when one of them was seriously injured (the last being Ron's poisoning). Two days later was when they were captured.

Even at Shell Cottage, she had trouble finding the words and she hoped that actions would speak louder. Each night as he waited for her, Hermione didn't protest- she just crawled into bed and took his hand without hesitation. She didn't argue when he would jump to help her with dishes or fetching tea.

Ron had said he knew he had made a mistake as soon as he had apparated away. With each day after his return, he proved that he had learned that lesson. He was swiftly becoming the person she had always believed he could be; concern of the house elves was just the last straw. Her need to kiss him had been building for the better part of the month.

Today was just another step along their path together.

So why was her stomach doing cartwheels?

Nerves? Maybe. Though considering all they'd already done it didn't seem likely. Fear? A little bit. There was the real possibility it would hurt. There was also the possibility it wouldn't due to a horse riding incident when she was fourteen (her mare unexpectedly started trotting).

Most likely her butterflies were a result of knowing. Previously, their intimacy was spontaneous; today she knew exactly what would happen. They were going to make love. Knowing what was coming made her blush and turn away from the mirror. There was no doubting it would happen; being with Ron was one of the few absolutes in her life right now.

Hermione honestly thought it would have been last week- until she woke to rain and the feeling as if someone was reaching through her gut to throttle her spine. The relief of having her body back on course outweighed the disappointment.

She finished brushing her teeth and returned to her room. Never had Hermione taken such care in selecting her clothes than during the last month. She picked a sundress with a higher neckline; Hermione didn't want to use concealer on her curse scar today. She recalled the words he said to her in Australia: "Don't hide from me." If today was going to be the day she gave him her virginity, she didn't want to hide any part of herself.

Hermione opened a decorated box to reveal a bottle and spoon. She measured out some of the amber liquid and swallowed it down with a slight frown. The peppermint flavour helped. Shortly after returning from Australia, Hermione had made a trip to Diagon Alley to collect some potion supplies. She had been taking a spoonful every morning since- just in case she and Ron became caught up in the moment.

Tucked in the back of her undergarment drawer were a matched set of satin and lace bra and knickers. They were a pale pink; her other bras and pants were cotton and white- practical, like Hermione. Wearing the pink set made her feel a bit frilly, feminine. Hermione had bought them to wear under her dress for Bill & Fleur's wedding. They hadn't seen daylight since.

She wore them today; it seemed apropos.

Hermione slipped on the dress and ran her fingers through her hair. A brush would just get tangled, and Ron insisted he liked her hair wild and free. Pulling the stopper off the glass perfume bottle, she dabbed a bit of the vanilla and strawberry fragrance along her neck. It was an unusual combination, but diluting it a bit helped tone it down to something pleasant. She had been wearing it since the Christmas Ron gave it to her, but it was likely that, while she could smell it, she hadn't used enough for anyone else to.

The glass bottle had spent the last year in the Burrow attic, safe and sound. Hermione was thankful she had decided to pack it and not just leave it in her room since it would have been lost. She wondered if Ron realized what the scent was; he had certainly smelled it on her when he inhaled along her neck but he hadn't said anything. Maybe she should tell him- let him know.

With one last look in the mirror, Hermione left her room to join her parents for breakfast before they left for the office and she to the Burrow.

*0*

Finally.

The sun was out, Ron had the day off and Hermione was due anytime. He had the blanket packed in the rucksack and Mum promised to make some sandwiches for them to picnic. He was thankful that Mum never asked too many questions- that meant he didn't have to lie to her. It was possible she suspected they more-than-ate-lunch during their getaways. It was also possible she didn't want to know so she didn't ask.

In an odd twist, Pigwidgeon quietly perched in his cage and it was Ron flitting around the room madly. He refused to repack the rucksack yet again, and his breath couldn't be any fresher. When the hell will she get here?

To think, a year ago he was reading a book to learn how to charm her. And not a month ago he was reading a book on how to make her come. Ron looked out the window to the orchard beyond. Were they taking things too fast? They'd only been together a month. Just over but still. Why did it feel like he'd been waiting forever?

Well, three years anyway.

Let's be honest, four.

All right, five.

At least four.

Seven - since the moment they met.

Ron remembered the moment. All that hair… Miss Bossy had to come in at that moment, didn't she? He was such an idiot thinking the twins had taught him an actual spell. Sunshine, Daisy- honestly. Sigh. If someone had told him, all those years ago, "be nice to that girl- you're going to spend the rest of your life with her," he wasn't sure if his eleven-year-old self would have laughed or tried to punch that someone in the teeth.

The rest of his life. Bloody hell, he was only eighteen and here he was thinking about spending the rest of his life with Hermione. Provided things go well, the rest of his life was going to be a long time, a long time with one person. And yet, here he was, thinking just that. They were going to grow old together. He heard a door open outside and looked down to see his father leaving for the day. Dad gave Mum a kiss and hug goodbye before heading to the gate to disapparate to the Ministry. That was what Ron wanted. He wanted to grow old with Hermione- like his parents.

"What's with the grin?"

Ron turned and his smile widened. "Nothing."

Hermione slipped into his arms. "I doubt that. What were you thinking about?"

"Must you know everything?"

"Yes."

He kissed her on the lips. "Can't a man have a few thoughts of his own?"

She smiled sweetly up at him, "No."

Ron good-naturedly shook his head. "Well, if you must know, I was thinking about you getting old."

Hermione's eyes shot open. "Me? Getting old? This made you smile."

"Yes." He brought his eyes closer to level with hers. "I was thinking about how much I was looking forward to being there when it happened."

Her bright, smiling face froze. In that moment her lips parted and eyes became glassy in adoration.

"I've done it again, haven't I?" He gave her a serious look. "I've said something good again."

Hermione nodded at him.

"I'm not even trying to. It just comes out." Ron got a determined look on his face. "If only I could harness this power… I'd never put my foot in my mouth again."

She laughed at his dilemma and gave him a sympathetic look. "You never know, you just might."

Ron smiled. "Until then, I better keep my feet clean."

Hermione chuckled again. "I think I'm looking forward to seeing you grow old as well."

"Yeah?"

"Yes."

Ron let her go to retrieve the rucksack. "Well, if we're going to grow old together, we need to keep our health up. Shall we lunch?"

*0*

The sandwiches were slowly consumed as they caught up on the week's activities.

"It took Mum a while, but she found some of Fred's things she wanted to keep."

Hermione gave him a look of sympathy. "It must be so hard for her."

"Yeah." Ron rubbed the back of his neck. "There was lots of hugging that night. It got to be a bit much, but no one was going to stop her." He shrugged, "If fawning over the rest of us helps her deal with loosing Fred then so be it."

Hermione looked out over the field. "I can't imagine what it must feel like; to lose a child." She looked down, playing with the folds of her dress. "If he had been her only child, I think losing him would have destroyed her. As it is, having six other children must buffer the worst of it. She loves you all so much- she has so much to live for."

"Saying you want more than two now?" he asked with a smirk.

"I did not." She replied, shaking her head. "I just said there are benefits." Hermione blushed and looked down, "I'm rather keen on the two idea."

"Two little, bushy haired bookworms."

"Ginger haired, freckled bookworms, thank you."

His reply consisted of looking deep into her eyes and smiling. Ron caressed the side of her face with his fingers and her eyes slipped closed as a sigh escaped her lips.

His lips pressed a kiss into her top lip and then her bottom. She kept her eyes closed as he continued to kiss his way around her face, slow and tender. When he returned to her lips, Hermione joined in and kissed him back. Each time the kiss deepened. Ron's hands slipped into her hair, hers clutched his shoulders. They shifted so that she could straddle his legs.

Tongues entered the mix and someone moaned. Hermione couldn't be sure whom. She did know that she wanted more. Reluctant to release his lips, she did for as long as it took to divest him of his shirt. So many freckles, surely she hadn't kissed them all yet. Someday she would have. Someday she'd be able to draw a map from memory. His hands had found their way to her bum and were squeezing. The familiar coil was slowly tightening and this time there would be no stopping short.

Merlin, he was sucking her tongue. Hermione would swear there was a nerve that traveled from her mouth to between her legs. Another moan- definitely from her this time. His hands were under her skirt, playing along the edge of her knickers. With considerable will, she sat back and looked into his eyes. She saw so much love there, and maybe a bit of awe. Hermione lifted her arms and Ron obliged by removing her dress.

"Pink."

Kneeling over his lap in naught but her underthings, Hermione didn't even blush. "Yeah."

"I like them."

"They're very girly."

"As was pointed out to me some years ago, you are a girl." His eyes drifted to her chest. "Yes, indeed. Definitely a girl."

"Was there some concern otherwise?"

His face lit with amusement. "No. Just, I'm rather fond of your girly bits."

"Just the girly bits?"

"The other bits are good too. But right now, I'm more concerned with the girly bits that are covered by pink lacy things and what I want to do with them next."

"Well, don't let me keep you."

Ron let out a chuckle as he leaned forward to place a kiss between her breasts. His hands cupped her as he continued to place kisses just above the top edge of her bra. Hermione let her eyes close again and her head dropped back. His touch felt so good. His mouth journeyed up her chest to latch onto her collar bone- the spot where he had made her orgasm the first time. Her fingers slipped into his hair as he sucked on that spot. While mild, she felt herself shudder in pleasure. Ron grinned up at her and she smiled in return.

She pushed forward to start kissing his mouth again. There was a snap and her bra was loose. Not breaking from their kiss, Hermione arched her back to remove it before pressing her chest into his again. Ron ran his hands up and down her bare back- from her neck to her bottom. He lay back onto the blanket and pulled her with him. Hermione left his mouth and began kissing her way down his neck to his chest, connecting the dots again. Her fingers drifted over his nipples and he shuddered.

She attempted to unfasten his trousers without letting up her kissing, but struggled. Hermione could hear Ron let out a chuckle before helping her out. She shuffled back and to one side and pulled his trousers down. Setting them aside, she looked back and noted the considerable bulge in his pants.

Ron shrugged a bit, "Sorry."

"Why? Isn't that the point? What have I been doing if not arousing you?"

"Well, not sorry then."

Hermione crawled back up his body to kiss his lips. "Good." She couldn't help but smirk when he let out a gasp as she grasped his erection.

"So, I've read that- at least for the first time- that, well, for men, getting the first one out of the way can sometimes help him last longer the second time."

"So, you want to get me off now so that maybe I'll last longer when we actually…"

"That's the idea."

Ron's breathing had started to quicken and his pupils had dilated to near black. "Sure. Worth a go."

Hermione didn't hesitate to pull off his pants. My word. That's actually supposed to fit? Her fingers wrapped around the base of his penis and she licked the top as she had once before. His gasping groans almost sounded painful, but she knew that wasn't the case. Now that she had a better idea of what to expect, she sealed her lips around the top and swirled her tongue over the tip. His body tensed, but she was able to pump her hand several times before his hips pushed forward. Ready for him, she used her tongue to keep from gaging before sitting back.

Curious, she swallowed and was immediately grateful Ron had his eyes closed as he was sprawled out, chest heaving. Hermione didn't want him to get the wrong idea by the foul-taste look on her face. Well, answers that question. No, thank you.

She leaned over him to take a drink of butterbeer.

"Fuck. That is fucking amazing."

She set the bottle down and started to move back when Ron grabbed her around the waist and pulled her flush to him. "Knew that mouth was good for more than just bossing me around."

Hermione tried to look offended but couldn't quite muster it. "Yes, well, it's important to have more than one skillset."

"Something tells me you're not going to write 'excels at sucking my boyfriend's cock' on your list of accomplishments."

Her eyes pinched shut. "Ah, no."

Ron kissed her. "Don't worry, I'll keep a mental list for you. That'll be right between 'fantastic tits' and 'naughty streak'."

Hermione shook her head and kissed him back. "You do that."

She felt the chuckle rumble in his chest. His hands found her bum again. "Oi. This isn't fair! I'm naked and you've still got your knickers on. How'd that happen?"

"You were distracted."

His stupid grin made her smile. "Oh yeah." He pushed up to roll her over. "Let's correct that now."

Hermione's gut clenched nervously as he lifted her hips and slipped the satin fabric down her legs. He knelt at her feet and looked up her body. "Fuck. You are beautiful."

His words calmed her nerves and she beckoned him with her arms. Bending over her, their lips and tongues met in a deep kiss. Her fingers drifted along his arms and back. Ron broke the kiss and his lips wandered down her neck to her shoulders. Pausing at her collarbone long enough to get another sigh out of her, he continued sucking his way to her chest.

Hermione's arms dropped to the side as Ron turned his attention to her breasts. A soft moan rose from her throat as he suckled. His attentions alternated sides and her eyelids fluttered closed as she marveled in the sensations. Hermione squeezed her legs together; the familiar tightening in her gut getting stronger. "Oh, Ron."

Ron took that as his cue to continue his journey down her belly. His kisses were languid, gently sucking and tasting her along the way. When he got to her navel, her hips began to slowly gyrate in anticipation. "Anxious?"

Hermione glanced down at Ron hovering over her belly. "Nervous." Her lips quirked, "And maybe a little anxious."

Ron lifted his brow, worried. "Second thoughts?"

"No." She was firm. "No. Just nervous of the unknown- not of us. Never us."

"All right. If you change your mind…"

"I won't."

"If you do, I'll stop."

Hermione smiled warmly at him. "I know."

Ron gave a small nod before dropping a kiss at her waist. Hermione let out a gasp as his next kiss was on her clitoris. Her legs opened of their own volition and Ron took the opportunity. He didn't tempt and tease this time; he delved in, licking and sucking her swiftly to orgasm. Her fingers grasped his hair as she cried out.

He paused long enough for her muscles to relax and he was at it again. In a moment of conscious awareness, Hermione was fearful she'd pull his hair out and released him. When she felt his finger slip between her folds and then gently inside of her, a moan tore from her throat. Hermione's arms shot out wildly at her sides until they found purchase on the blanket. Her back arched as his finger slipped in and out, his tongue never stopping. Another orgasm shuddered through her.

Still quivering, Hermione opened her eyes to Ron sucking on his finger. "Fuck, you taste good."

Her breath caught and her womb contracted at his words. He looked into her eyes before bending down to kiss her lips. Hermione could smell herself on him and taste herself on his lips. It was so naughty and erotic- she wanted more.

"Ron. Please," she panted.

Ron looked deep into her eyes and found whatever he was looking for. Propped on one elbow, he reached down between them. Hermione felt his penis press at her folds and slip around until her found her entrance. Her eyes pressed closed and her body tensed, knowing this was it.

"Look at me."

Hermione's eyes popped open and locked with his. Despite his heavy breathing, Ron waited. The look in his eyes was so tender and loving; she felt her whole body relax. The fear she didn't realize she had felt until this moment, dissolved. He smiled down at her and they kissed. Hermione nodded and Ron pressed forward a bit, and then pulled back. Forward again, a little deeper this time, then back. Again and again, inching his way into her. Gasping breaths. Moans. Fluttering eyelids, until, at last, he filled her.

Looking up at him, propped on his elbows, looking down at her, cradled between her legs, Hermione's breath caught in her throat. They were joined.

"You okay?" he asked.

She looked slightly confused for a moment. "Yes. It's…" she panted, "it's good. It didn't hurt."

Ron was smiling down at her. "That's a good thing."

"It is."

"So, I can move?"

A chuckle escaped between her panting breaths, "Yes. Merlin, please, yes."

Ron smiled in return, kissing her, and began to move. He was gentle as he slipped in and out of her. Hermione lifted her legs to over his hips and the shift in position caused her to gasp. Ron fitted better, deeper. He must have been hitting that g-spot thing because the sensations intensified greatly. She grasped his shoulders, and could no longer keep her eyes opened. Her neck arched as the coiled tightened more and more. The way he fit into her, stretching her… it felt amazing.

Between his own panting, he kissed her neck, jaw and lips. He was muttering with each push.

"He…'mione. Fuck…tight…good."

His pace quickened, sweat beaded on their skin… with a grunt, Ron pushed up onto his hands, bending his knees to stop slipping. His thrusts became erratic, as he was lost to the moment. Her fingers squeezed his arms and her legs tightened around his waist. Head thrown back, she couldn't breathe. She couldn't even scream as the orgasm washed over her.

Ron stiffened, pushed hard once, twice and a moan escaped him. His hips slowed to a stop and his head dropped. Lowering down to his elbows, Ron sighed and breathed deeply. Little aftershocks continued to spark through Hermione.

Years ago, Hermione's mum had told her not to 'take it lightly'; that sex was a physical and emotional event for a woman. Finally being here, in this moment, Hermione reflected that she hadn't taken it lightly. And thinking of the emotional roller coaster she'd been through during the last year, there had been no singular event that could outweigh the shear… bliss… she felt right now.

Breathing under control, Ron looked at her with unfocused eyes.

"My dream came true."

Hermione smiled at him, even as tears sprung to her eyes. "Mine too."

They kissed softly, gently. Ron rolled over to lie back on the blanket, pulling Hermione against his side. She laid her head on his chest, over his still pounding heart, her arm and leg draped over him.

Hermione was able to glance upwards. There was a gentle breeze stirring the leaves on the beautiful old oak tree. It caused the sunlight to twinkle as it filtered down upon them. She snuggled against her love, her soul mate and smiled.

All was right with the world.

A/N: ...and I'm thankful for family, and friends... and Ron & Hermione fan fiction.

O.K., so I didn't say that last part out loud. That would have been ackward. Another thing I'm thankful for is that that England doesn't have Thanksgiving, so HalfASlug was able to beta this chapter over the weekend. :) I'm also thankful for HalfASlug. Really.

While I'm on a roll, I see several new reviews have been posted, but alas I have no way to personally respond to you. Thank you for your reviews and enthusiasm! You like me! You really, really like me. Snif. I'm all blushy now.

Hopefully the Lemon in this chapter will make up for its long awaited arrival- consider it a belated birthday present for Hermione.

Alas, my schedule has not let up, and with Christmas around the corner, it won't for a while. So once again I must forewarn everyone that I can't say when the next chapter will arrive, but I promise it will. I sorta glossed over the whole tell-our-parents-we're-moving-in-together thing and the next chapter addresses it. Which means its the return of Margot and Warren (I've become rather fond of them).