Chapter 21: Late March – A Magical Evening
Hermione had crinkled her nose when she looked ahead on her work calendar the following morning and realized she had forgotten about the benefit dinner that was next week. If she thought her life was topsy turvey after the accident, since learning she and Rose were witches she only felt more out of sync with her own life. She never enjoyed the annual fund raising benefit dinner, but she knew how important it was to engage England's political and economic elite with the organizations working to support and advocate for the many refugees coming to the UK. This year she felt herself feeling even less enthusiastic than usual, as she was spending every waking moment reading and learning about magic – especially after the visit to Hogwarts.
Then there were the unfortunate questions of a date and an outfit. It was always an impressive soiree, which put additional pressure on the whole thing. In years past she had gone with co-workers, and even had brought her father several years in a row. While it irritated her to no end that she needed to have a date for a professional event, she knew that these type of social situations seemed to go much smoother when there was second person there to help carry the conversation with the many strangers she would have to meet over the evening.
Part of her mind was screaming at her to ask Ron to come. She was undeniably attracted to him, and had been since the day they met at the wedding. She saw him every day. She adored him, and at least once upon a time she thought he liked her as well. While she felt that probably was no longer the case, she was worried that even asking him to the even as her friend would upset the delicate balance that was their little situation. In many ways they were a pseudo family, and Hermione was unwilling to risk the amazing status quo for the potential of an unknown. What if she rocked the boat, forced the issue and he saw her as no more than a friend, or if they tried dating and then it didn't work out between them? She couldn't stand to mess things up for Hugo right now, let alone she and Rose.
But she still had to go to the event. Her boss, Nicola, had made that explicitly clear today when Hermione had hinted around at trying to skip it this year. And when Hermione had tried to ask her about tagging along with Nicola and her husband again this year, Nicola had shot her an undeniable look.
"Hermione," she retorted, "you come in here every day talking about this Ron fellow. Just bring him! It's one damn night – you aren't proposing marriage, just a night of dry chicken, uncomfortable shoes and small talk with swotty people! We all want to meet him anyway. You know, the office gossip is starting to suggest that you have made him up!"
"Well, I am not sure he is really a black tie kind of guy. And he can watch Rose for me…"
"Hermione! Knock it off. Your parents can watch the kids, and you know it. Just ask him. If he doesn't want to come, he can say no. Put you big girl knickers on and get yourself a date for the benefit." With that Nicola had stormed out of her office leaving Hermione to groan and bang her head against her desk.
She knew she would see Ron that evening, as he had offered to pick up take away for dinner so they could squeeze in some magical practice time. So, she resolved to ask him tonight, no matter how much her stomach flip flopped thinking about it.
Later that night the kids were working on their homework in the sitting room, and Ron was sitting with Hermione at the kitchen table. They'd spent time working on transfiguration, and she had been stubbornly trying to turn a wooden spoon into a wine glass with only marginal success.
Taking a break and pulling out a wine glass from the cabinet to pour herself some liquid courage, she said, "Tonight has been all about me. How was your work today?"
"Alright I suppose," he said. "I am still trying to figure out what Fi had figured out before the accident. It is maddening and tantalizing at the same time. But, all I can do is work through things one step at a time. It's slow work, but doing it methodically is all I know to do. I owe it to her to finish this after I finish this for her – well for both of us – can I even think about what I want to do long term. But at the pace I am going, it could take forever."
"I think you are in need of hearing that lecture you keep giving me about giving yourself some credit and being patient."
Ron smiled sheepishly. "Probably true. But knowing I need to be patient doesn't suddenly make me patient, no matter how magical I am. And I am trying to solve that at work while trying to learn the entire muggle world not to mention parenting on the side."
"Tell me about it," she laughed. "I realized today I had completely forgotten about this big event at work. Actually it's just next week, but I had forgotten it was coming up despite the fact I've had to go every year for a decade!"
"What event?"
"It's this fancy benefit dinner that's held every year. It's hosted by a whole group of non profit organizations that support refugees in England. Our group is obviously the legal side, but the night raises funds for a lot of the relief groups that help find housing, support language classes and job skills training and basically help people learn how to get along in England. The night is part fundraiser and part networking. All of these well connected people come so we can make sure the people who make the laws understand how they impact the refugee populations, but it is also a good old fashioned fund raiser with a whole slew of very wealthy people coming out to help fund the work. Not my favorite night of the year, which is probably why I had mentally blocked that it was coming up."
"You don't enjoy it?"
"Well, I enjoy what it accomplishes. But, I am much more at home in jeans eating take away than mingling with strangers in cocktail dresses and tuxedos. That said, some years it has really been fun. My boss, Nicola, and her husband, John, are always there, and John is hilarious. Honestly the thing I enjoy most is sitting with them while John gives an under-his-breath commentary about all of these fancy people who come through. Usually has me in stitches."
"See – sounds like you will enjoy it after all."
"Well, actually," Hermione stalled, "I was wondering if I could ask you a favor?"
"Of course. What?"
"Well," Hermione rambled nervously, "the past few years I have tagged along with Nicola and John. But, well – Nicola said I need to bring someone this year. I was wondering if you would be up for it? I mean, I know getting a tuxedo is a pain in the arse, and I would totally understand if you don't want to go. I mean, I don't really want to go and it's my job, and I have to go, so I know it's really unfair of me to ask you to have to get a tux and spend the whole night milling about in shoes that pinch talking with random people-"
Ron listened to her as she rambled, trying not to grin at how nervous she clearly was about asking him out. Maybe she didn't think he was an uneducated idiot after all. He quickly cut her off.
"Hermione," he interrupted. "I'd love to go."
"Really?" she gasped.
"Really," he said earnestly. "When is it?"
"Friday next. But you will need a tux. Can you get one that quickly? I know it is only ten days' notice. Do they even wear tuxes in the magical world?"
"Well, no – we tend to wear formal dress robes that would look quite out of place. But, actually I have a muggle tux back at my flat, uncomfortable shoes and all. Fi and I were one of the only sets of aurors who could pose as a couple, and we had to go undercover as a muggle couple to many formal events over the years, hence the tux back in my flat. So – no worries about me showing up in wizard robes, yeah?"
"That's great. I am sure mum and dad will keep the kids. I really appreciate this, Ron. I know it's a pain."
"It's not a pain, Hermione. It will be fun. Sounds like sitting with your boss and her husband is a riot anyway. And it will be great to meet some of the people you work with. You've met a number of folks from my world, but outside of your parents and people at the school I haven't met any of your friends or co-workers."
"Right. Well, Friday then," she said nervously.
He walked up behind her and gently touched her arm. "Friday," he said in what seemed to Hermione to be a much deeper voice as he looked in her eyes. "I can't wait."
The electricity shot through her and goosebumps suddenly exploded across her arms as she felt her breath catch. Surprised at suddenly feeling weak in the knees, she clutched the side of the counter for support and all she could manage in reply was a weak smile and a nod.
The night of the benefit arrived sooner than Hermione could believe. She had left the office early in order to go home and get ready for the evening. She had been relieved to find a gorgeous dress quickly when she had gone searching during lunch the prior week. And she had been even more relieved that it hadn't needed alteration, and that she had shoes and accessories that would work with it. Her massive curls were tamed into submission with what felt like bottles of product and a million bobby pins. She felt almost like she was looking at someone else in the mirror when she saw an elegant face staring back at her with hair piled in an up-do with a few ringlets coming down over her collarbone. Rose was "helping" her get ready for the elegant evening.
"You look so pretty, Mum," she said.
"Thank you, dear. It feels a bit like playing dress up I think."
"When I am older I want to go to fancy parties too."
"Well, after a night in uncomfortable shoes I am not sure you will think that anymore," Hermione laughed looking at the pointy heels she still had to put on.
"Maybe we can learn how to make them more comfortable with magic?" Rose asked.
"You know, that is a brilliant idea. I am still not used to thinking what was formerly impossible may now be possible!"
"Do you need help zipping the dress?"
"Actually yes. That would be great. I don't think dresses like this were designed to get on and off by yourself."
Hermione slipped off her dressing gown, and stepped into the slinky gown. Rose zipped up the back and did up the tiny silk covered black buttons at the neck. Hermione slipped on the shoes and smoothed out the fabric, looking in the full length mirror. The dress was perfect. It was black, but as it came up the bodice, it looked like it disappeared into small black cut outs of gingko leaves stitched over a nude fabric that was the same color as her skin. It gave the appearance of the dress simply disappearing into the small leaves floating over her skin. Some of them had a shimmering thread in them that reflected the light beautifully as she turned. The back had a large cut out in the lower back, but reached around the back of her neck with tiny buttons.
"Wow, Mum," Rose gawked. "You look like a magazine!"
"Well, it is definitely a step up from yoga pants," joked Hermione. She looked at her reflection critically for a moment. It was not the body she had in her twenties. People complained that pregnancy changed your body, but Hermione was now convinced it was simply the lifestyle of a mum that changed the body, not just the pregnancy itself. Her stomach and thighs had managed to grow larger and lumpier over the past decade, but she had managed to keep her arms quite toned, and this dress showed that off magnificently. The bodice came high up towards her collarbone and then was sleeveless, showing off her sculpted arms. The dress, while structured, fit her very well and flared out right around her hips. The lady at the store had said it made her look sexy, which was hard for Hermione to get her head around. She had never once thought of herself as beautiful, let alone sexy. She'd always been confident of her ability to learn things or handle any situation, but when it came to looks, she always felt like the slightly below average girl in the back of the room. But, at the very least, she thought this dress hid her most uncomfortable flaws as the skirt flowed out in a structured way around her thighs and butt, making her look much more feminine that she was used to. She added the diamond stud earrings her parents had given her when she graduated from university, which completed the look well.
"You are so gorgeous, Mum. You are going to be the prettiest lady there tonight."
"Thank you, sweetie. I think I hear the door, will you run down and say hello to Ron or your grandparents?"
"Sure, Mum," she said as she bounced out of the room.
Hermione took a quick glance out the bedroom window to see that it must have been her parents she heard coming in as their car was parked in front of the house. Just as she went to turn away from the window, she caught her breath as she saw Ron and Hugo walking down the street towards her house. She backed up a little so he couldn't see her staring. There was no other word for it. He looked hot. He seemed surprisingly at ease in the tuxedo, and the black fabric set off his red hair spectacularly. It fit him perfectly, as well. Hermione shook her head momentarily trying to snap out of her daze. She needed to pull it together if she was going to get through the night without making a complete fool of herself. It's just Ron, she kept telling herself. It's not really a date. He's just helping me out going to a work dinner. It's not a real date. We are just friends. And holy shit, is he a good looking friend. It was going to be a long night. She smiled as she noticed Hugo was carrying multiple bunches of flowers and trying very hard not to crush them.
She heard Ron and Hugo come in downstairs, and Hugo was clearly handing out flowers to Rose and her mum. I'm in trouble, she thought. He's handsome and sweet. Rolling her eyes, she gave herself one last glance over in the mirror. She double checked her pocketbook for lipstick and tickets, and gave herself one final pep talk. You look great. It's just Ron. Try to have fun. Whatever happens, just don't trip. Laughing at how bad her pep talks had gotten over the years, she grabbed her silk wrap and went to head downstairs.
Ron was talking with Hermione's dad and thanking him for watching Hugo that evening when he noticed everyone else in the room look behind him to the stairwell. He turned as well and wondered later if he gasped audibly or only in his head. Hermione was coming down the stairs, and he was bowled over by how incredibly sexy she looked. Once he realized he was staring with his mouth open, he shook his head briefly and mumbled something like, "you look fantastic, Hermione," which in his opinion was the understatement of the century. He managed to hand her the roses he brought, but could hardly keep his eyes off of her. He just knew his ears had to be betraying him.
"Thanks, Ron. You look quite dashing yourself."
"I think you both look fantastic," said Mrs. Granger. "And here, look what I found the other day in the Creeveys' garage," she said holding up something.
"Wow," Ron said. "That's Collin's old camera, isn't it?"
"It sure is," she replied. "Will it take a magical photo even if I take the picture?"
"It should," he replied.
"Perfect. Let's take a couple. One of you two, and then one of all four of you."
Soon, they had posed for several rounds of the pictures with and without the kids. Then Mr. Granger announced, "Alright everyone. You two need to get the ball before she turns into Cinderella again and the four of us need to get going if we are going to eat as much pizza as I plan to at dinner."
Hermione laughed, and Ron made a mental note to ask her later who Cinderella was. The Grangers and kids set off, and soon Ron had apparated the two of them to a spot near the hotel where the benefit was to be held. He held her tightly as they landed, as she had only traveled by side-along apparition one other time. She wobbled a bit, but grabbed his arm and managed to stay upright.
"You alright?" he asked gently. "I know it takes some getting used to."
"That's for sure," she laughed. "Yes, I'm alright, though I feel a bit discombobulated. Do I look alright?" she asked smoothing down her dress.
He smiled at her. His blue eyes dancing like the Caribbean Sea he simply said, "Hermione, you have never looked more beautiful." Then he paused briefly and offered his arm, "Shall we?" Hermione tried hard to maintain her composure, smiled, took his arm, and they headed off to the hotel.
Soon they found themselves mingling with guests and dignitaries at the event. As promised, Ron thoroughly enjoyed Nicola's husband John. When the women weren't doing the required mixing and introducing, the four of them laughed a lot at John's snarky commentary on the hypothetical lives of the people attending the event. Ron particularly enjoyed seeing Hermione in her professional environment. She marched right up to members of parliament and other government officials whom she clearly already knew. They all responded to her with great respect, and clearly trusted her understanding and explanation of issues that Ron couldn't pretend to follow. Before the guests were seated for dinner she had managed to get one of the members of the House of Lords promise to corral his cronies into several quite large monetary donations, as well as work with several local employers on job training skills for recent refugees. Similarly Hermione tag-teamed with Nicola convincing the Minister of Education to commit to additional language support for refugee students and their parents. Ron stood back with John in awe.
"Are they always this impressive?" he asked nodding at the women moving on to a new target.
"Pretty much," John said proudly.
"I thought they were solicitors. This seems way more than that, no?"
"They're just passionate about the cause I think. And they are best when they pair up like this. Nicola is a bit aggressive on her own, but paired up together, Hermione softens her bite a bit, which makes them get just about everything they go after. These poor sods don't have a fighting chance against them. They'll agree to make them all citizens and throw them a garden party before the night is over."
"Wow," muttered Ron. "I just never see this side of her I guess. It's incredible."
"Really is. Brilliant minds. Gorgeous birds. How did we get so lucky, right?"
"Right," said Ron hesitantly.
"Oh relax," said John. "She is crazy about you."
"You think?" said Ron.
"Well, I know I don't know you at all. But Nicola said she's been talking about you non-stop since everything happened after Christmas. And, I can't ever remember Hermione talking about any bloke at all, let along bringing a date to this thing – if you don't count her dad that is. I've known Hermione almost ten years. We aren't super close or anything, but she has to like you a lot before she would ever invite you here tonight. And, not to come off harsh or anything, but Nicola and I think the world of her. So, if you're just messing around with her, walk away now, alright? She's too great to have some bloke breaking her heart."
"No – no, I'm not messing around. It's just – well, it's just complicated after Hugo's parents died and everything."
"Doesn't seem too complicated from where I'm sitting," observed John.
Ron went to retort, but the women were soon back from talking to someone else.
"Taking a break?" John asked Nicola.
"Well, I know they're starting the dinner service soon, so we didn't want to get halfway through a conversation and have the target be able to weasel out saying their dinner had arrived."
"And frankly," Hermione said as she found her seat at the table, "these shoes are killing me. I have to sit down for a few minutes before I can hit anyone else up for money or political promises."
"Ahh, dear. That is why I wore flats. John, let's go find the bar and get another round before dinner is served," Nicola said as she and John headed off.
"Here," said Ron, "let me see what I can do about your shoes." He leaned down and discreetly used his wand, which was up his sleeve, and loosened the shoes, as well as put a cushioning charm on the inside.
Hermione looked at him with a grin. "Oh, that's brilliant. That could be the best magic I have ever seen. My feet and I thank you!"
"You've been amazing tonight. I had no idea you did all of this. I mean, I knew you defended people who needed a lot of assistance, but this – Hermione, this is incredible."
"Oh, it's not that big of a deal," said Hermione. "When you find something you are passionate about, you just want to see it through, you know?"
"Yes, I guess I do," said Ron. "But, really – this is great. You are just working this room and getting people to agree to things you want, and they all leave thinking it was their idea to begin with. It's fantastic. I am so glad I have gotten to see you in action."
"Thanks. Have you had fun with John?"
"Yes, actually. You were right, he is really funny. Oh – here they come."
Soon Nicola and John had returned with more drinks, and then dinner was served. With the dinner service, the formal component of the evening started as well. There were several speakers, each highlighting the important work being done by different organizations benefiting from the evening. Then the master of ceremonies said they only had the annual award presentation left and then he would make way for dancing after dinner.
As the gentleman started speaking, Nicola leaned over and whispered in Ron's ear, "Ready for the fun surprise of the evening?"
Ron looked at her quizzically, wondering if he had misheard her. And then, the speaker suddenly said, "Tonight we are thrilled to honor someone who has been working tirelessly for refugees around the world for nearly fifteen years, the last ten of which as a solicitor here in London where she represents the most vulnerable. And tonight she has probably managed to get most of you to stroke checks, train refugees or teach classes. We are thrilled to present this evening's award to Ms. Hermione Granger. Ms. Granger, would you please come up?"
Ron beamed. He looked at Hermione, and realized she was dumbstruck. She clearly had no idea this was coming. He touched her arm and encouraged her to go up and accept the award, and he soon realized that the entire room was on its feet clapping for her. As Hermione walked to the front, he leaned back to Nicola, "You knew and didn't tell her?"
"They made me promise to keep it a surprise. Seems to have worked. She looks pretty shocked."
"I'd say," nodded Ron as he stood to clap.
They watched as Hermione made her way to the front of the room. When everyone else took their seats, the gentleman spoke further about Hermione's work over the past years. Then he announced that there was a short video about Hermione's work over the years. Soon, the house lights had been dimmed, and the movie started. Ron was blown away – there on this giant screen was a video clip that showed Hermione years ago in the different refugee camps around the world; then it transitioned to interviews with different individuals and families she had represented over the years and had helped escape horrible situations in what was once their home and with Hermione's help had managed to begin again in England; the last portion was video congratulations from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who were thanking Hermione for all of her work and encouraging everyone else to follow in her footsteps. Following the video, the man presented Hermione with a large plaque and a formal letter of recognition. As everyone clapped, she clearly took a few deep breaths to calm herself before stepping to the podium herself.
"Thank you all so very much. I was clearly quite surprised by all of this, so I do not have any prepared remarks to share. And for that you can all be truly thankful," she joked. "But the cause of the international refugee is one about which I am truly passionate. When you look at them as statistics, it is easy to become overwhelmed, and to begin to lump people into categories of 'them,' but when you have had the privilege of working with so many people over the years, you come to know that each story is an individual. Each refugee had a life somewhere else, and then something happened outside of their control which completely turned their world life upside down. It could be a war, it could be environmental disaster and it could be a political shift in their home country. But, suddenly, everything they had built and everything they relied upon was gone. And that person felt that risking everything for the only slightest chance at a better life elsewhere was the only logical choice. When a fellow human is in that desperate of a situation, how can we can consider ourselves human if we don't try to help? And by being here tonight – by learning about the challenges refugees face, but also learning about and supporting the fantastic programs that are helping these people start anew – you have each been a part of helping these people through their hardest times. And for that, I thank you as well. But you still better believe I'll keep asking for help in the years to come! Thank you all so much." And with that she gave a small courtesy and made her way back to the table through a room of cheering admirers.
Nicola met her before she got to the table. "I am so proud of you, Hermione! Now you know why I wouldn't let you get out of tonight."
"You knew!" Hermione shrieked. "I can't believe you didn't tell me."
"They made me swear to keep it a secret. But, yes – I knew. I helped put them in contact with some of your former clients in the video. But, I cannot think of a more deserving person to be honored. You are outstanding, and it is about bloody time the world knew it," Nicola beamed.
John reached to congratulate her as well, and then a slightly dazed Hermione turned to Ron who engulfed her in a hug that pulled her off her feet. "That was the most brilliant thing I have ever seen," he declared.
"Hermione," Nicole interrupted, "as soon as you have regained your composure, let's take your newly established celebrity status out for a spin and go hit up the last two folks on our target list for the night. And once we have them in our pocket so to speak, you can take the rest of the evening to simply enjoy your honor, alright?"
Hermione simply nodded and followed her boss across the ballroom leaving Ron watching her from afar. He watched her graciously receive congratulations from many attendees, and then she and Nicola quickly cornered two elderly gentleman near the bar. John laughed as he gave a suggested running commentary of how the conversation was probably going. But, Hermione and Nicola were nothing if not efficient, and they were soon back at the table.
Once they were seated, Nicola raised her glass, "To Hermione. I am so lucky to work with you, and so thrilled to have you as a friend. Congratulations!" John and Ron quickly joined in the toast.
Once the glasses were down, Nicola turned to John, "Hermione is off the hook for the rest of the night, but that just means you have to be my wingman now. Come on, dear husband. Let's go get people to give us money!" And with that, they were off, leaving Hermione and Ron at the table.
"I am so embarrassed," admitted Hermione. "I had no idea they were going to do any of this tonight. Believe me, I wouldn't have stood for it."
"Hermione, you were just honored by this entire room of dignitaries and no less than the bloody royal family themselves. Take the compliment! Come on, I think the lady of the night should get to dance at her own party."
And before Hermione could protest, Ron had led her out onto the dance floor where the band was just starting to play a slow tune. She slid into his arms, and he soon had his arm around her waist and his hand on the small of her back where the dress was cut out. The feel of his hand against her bare back sent jolts through both of them instantly.
Ron could feel her hold her breath and then begin to relax into his arms, leaning into his torso. He was sure she would be able to hear his heart pounding through his chest. Words failed him for a moment, so he simply held her close and breathed in the smell of her hair and perfume. It was as if he could feel every cell where her body touched his, and he didn't want to say a word lest he jinx the moment. But finally, he mustered the ability to say in a deep voice just above a whisper, "It's been too long since we've danced, Hermione."
With a shaky voice, she eventually said, "I couldn't agree more." She was too nervous to look him in the eye, so she simply nuzzled into his chest, grateful that somehow his presence made her feel calm even when she was nervous about him. She was slightly intoxicated by the mixture of wine, the adrenaline from her award and the amazing scent of Ron holding her in his arms. After several songs, Ron leaned away and said quietly, "shall we go get some air on the terrace?"
Hermione simply nodded, smiled, and let him lead her out of the ballroom onto the old stone terrace that overlooked the hotel courtyard below. The terrace was covered in tables with small tea lights, but it was empty due to the chilly March air. Ron quickly cast warming and privacy charms, all without letting go of her hand. They sat on a small garden bench, and Ron put his arm around her shoulders. She snuggled into him leaning her head on his shoulder, and they sat quietly for a few minutes. Ron knew he didn't know a lot about electricity, but he was rather sure it was firing in the air surrounding them.
He slowly ran his fingers over her bare arm with the hand he had around her shoulder, tracing patterns on her skin. Finally, he admitted in a voice barely above a whisper, "I am so scared of messing this up, Hermione."
She turned to look at him, and realized that his eyes were swimming with as much love, desire and terror as she was sure her own were. She felt her own eyes begin to well up with emotion and said, "I am too."
As he looked at her swirling eyes, he leaned down and gently moved his lips to hers, terrified she would pull away. But, instead, she responded in kind and soon parted her lips and deepened the kiss. She reached up, moving her hand to his neck, pulling him closer while letting out a quiet noise that seemed to be a cross between a contented sigh and a whimper. When they at last pulled apart, they were both grinning madly.
"I've been wanting to do that since Dennis and Fi's wedding," Ron confessed.
"Me too," she admitted, laughing.
They kissed again. This time there wasn't the gentle hesitation of a first kiss, but a much more passionate kiss where their tongues were soon exploring each other's mouths. Her hands were running in his hair and dancing delicately over his ears and face. He had moved his hand to the small of her back, moving his fingers as light as feathers over the bare skin revealed there as he ran his tongue over her lower lip in his mouth. Hermione moaned softly as he kissed her, and soon Ron pulled back to catch his breath as he leaned his forehead against hers.
"I am crazy about you, Hermione. I have been for years. Years! And now you are here in my arms and I am absolutely terrified I will screw this up. I know what's at stake – and not just for you and I. But I can't keep pretending I think of you as just a friend."
"Ron," she laughed as she touched his cheek, "do you have any idea? I have been head over heels for you since the wedding. I was so disappointed when you didn't email. And of course now I know you probably didn't even know what email was!"
"I still don't," he protested.
"But then there you were at the baptism, and I realized I was just as mad about you as at the wedding. But then we both sidestepped each other again. And then when I realized that you were going to be raising Hugo, I was just stunned. I told myself I couldn't think of you that way, but – well, it never worked. I just, well, I have never felt this way about anyone before. Ever. And I don't know how to do this. I don't know how to be the two of us and the four of us."
"I don't either, Hermione. But, I have to believe we can figure this out, you know?"
She nodded, looking at him and touching his face gently. She kissed him again slowly lingering over his lower lip as she sighed and then hugged him, nuzzling back into him with one hand roaming over his firm chest. He kept trailing his fingers over her bare skin on her arms, neck and back as he held her close.
"Any idea what we do now?" he finally asked.
She busted out laughing as she shook her head, and soon they were both laughing at the absurdity of their situation.
"Well," she finally said, "I think we should go back inside for a few minutes because I want to have another dance with you before we leave now that I don't have to be so desperately nervous. And then, well, maybe then we get out of here and go get a drink before we go home and relieve my parents."
"I think that you have another brilliant plan," he said as he went to stand up. "I would love another dance with you as well."
They walked hand in hand back onto the dance floor, where Ron soon had her in his arms again moving to the music. He held her close, and she melted into him. But this time they just stared into each other's eyes as they swayed.
Across the room Nicola kicked John under the table. "You owe me twenty quid! I told you they'd figure it out tonight!"
A while later, Hermione and Ron had found a quiet muggle pub where they sat in a back corner booth. They sat together on the bench seat. His arm around her shoulder, she leaned against his chest with her heels kicked off and her bare feet up on bench beside her.
"Is it terrible that I want to keep this just between us for a while?" she finally asked.
"Oh, I am so glad you feel that way too," exclaimed a visibly relieved Ron.
She looked at him a smiled, and then placed her hand on his leg. "I am not ready to have the kids know."
"Exactly," he said. "It would change the incredible dynamic we have. And Hugo's world has already been so rocked these past few months, I just don't want him to think he isn't my first priority right now, you know?"
"Yes. I feel the same way. And now that Rose is going to go off to boarding school, I only have a few months left with her at home. I need to be so focused on her and on helping Hugo. But, it's just…."her words trailed off as she sighed and traced a hidden pattern on Ron's leg.
"It's just what?" he probed gently.
"I know I want to stay focused on them, but," she sighed again as she looked him in the eyes again, "but I don't know how I can pretend we're just friends and keep my hands off you now that I know you feel the same way I do."
Ron groaned at the thought, and kissed her tenderly. "You and I have a real talent of getting ourselves into impossible situations."
"I know," she sighed as she kissed him again.
They sat quietly for a while holding hands, and then Ron finally said, "Ok. What about this? Let's not lie to the kids, but not announce anything either. We won't kiss in front of them, but they are already used to us hugging and such, so we just take it slow. And, if one of them asks something, we try to answer it honestly but vaguely. And, we just take our time."
"Don't lie. Don't announce. I can do that, I think. We just have to promise to tell each other if either Hugo or Rose seems to pick up on anything," Hermione said. "But, I still want to figure out how we can have some time for just the two of us every now and then."
"That," he said as he bent down to kiss her shoulder, her collarbone and then her neck, "is high on my list as well. We will just have to figure it out."
After peeling themselves out of the pub, Ron apparated them to her home. Before they opened the door, Ron turned her to him again. "We are going to make this work, Hermione. I promise. There is no way I am letting you go again." He kissed her tenderly, and she nodded against his cheek. "I promise too, Ron. We're in this together now."
(Author's Note: Hope it was worth the wait! Thanks for sticking with the story for 21 chapters to see them get together! Of course, being Ron and Hermione, it can't be a straight shot from here to Platform 9 3/4 on September 1st, but at least they will face it all together from here out. I love hearing your feedback and thoughts on the story. Thanks for hanging in there with me...carrytheotter)