A/Ns

-Thanks again to smjl and adenei6 for reviewing this chapter.
-I hope you have as much fun reading this one as I had writing it! :)

Step 10: Integrating Your Lives

You'll find that the closer you become, the more time you'll spend together. Expect that integrating your lives— which includes moving in together, building relationships with each others' family, and merging your day to day routines— will require clear communication and effort. Keep in mind that you are now partners, not individuals, and be prepared to make compromises.

Ron glanced at the clock— 12:02 am. Hermione had been asleep since 9:00 pm and was still snoring gently, looking as peaceful and beautiful as ever. Ron, who was used to a rotating schedule, could never fall asleep at the same time she did. Regardless, if he was home, he always went to bed with her, even if it meant lying awake for a few hours and reading, or petting Crookshanks, or simply staring at the ceiling and willing himself to fall asleep.

It was a compromise they made to assure some time together every week. He knew they'd never truly be able to integrate their schedules, so Ron savored the nights they could at least go to bed together. Even if she was asleep, it still felt like quality time when their lives wouldn't seamlessly match up.

Finding ways to maintain this togetherness had taken effort, because they didn't always seamlessly align. They usually didn't participate in the same hobbies, wake up at the same time in the morning, or agree on what was a reasonable hour to stay out on a Saturday night. Their differences were further punctuated by their upbringings— Ron, a pureblood, had to learn how to act around Hermione's non-magical extended family, and Hermione, an only-child, sometimes struggled with boisterous family gatherings at the Burrow. Although it wasn't easy, the effort to merge their lives had been well worth it.

Proposing to Hermione felt like the final step to fully integrating their lives. In a lot of ways, it already seemed like they were married— they shared a flat, their finances had blurred together over the years, and they frequently traveled together and attended events as a couple. They often spoke about purchasing a home and having children, and even agreed on their ideal timeline. They discussed job changes and promotions before making decisions, and listed one another as each other's emergency contacts at work. Even Molly and Arthur had been hinting at engagement for a while— well before Ginny and Harry's wedding— and over the years, the idea of getting married had evolved from an "if" to a "when".

'Girlfriend' simply didn't describe Hermione anymore, and Ron couldn't wait to start calling her his fiance. Trying to describe the seriousness of his relationship to others was like claiming he had won a Quidditch match that had no witnesses, and hoping that everyone would just take his word for it. Putting a ring on her finger would feel like a win, or "leveling up" if his life was one of those muggle video games.

He tried to describe this feeling to Jean and Hugo Granger during their last visit to Melbourne. They rented a small villa in St. Kilda to spend their winter holiday in Australia, and were hosting them for dinner one evening. Much to Hermione's amusement Ron had agonized over their visit, but she didn't even know the half of it.

"Why are you so nervous? You've met them plenty of times," she said, while distractedly chopping vegetables the muggle way. Ron winced as the knife slammed down on the cutting board much too close to her fingers for comfort. "You've even done shots and talked about sex with my dad. You have nothing to worry about."

Ron breathed a sigh of relief when she set the knife down and herded the vegetables into a casserole dish. "I just worry I'll say something that'll change their minds about me," he said, which was true to an extent— he was about to tell them he was planning to propose and ask them for their blessing, and he knew their true feelings about him, positive or negative, would emerge when he did. A faint voice in his mind kept reminding him that they could be acting, just waiting out this relationship until their daughter found "the one", likely a healer, a lawyer, or at least, someone who could carry on a conversation about classical music or muggle novels.

"Do you have the appetizers?" Hermione asked, gently tugging him away from his anxieties.

"Yes of course," said Ron, but it was a lie. He purposely left the grocer without the appetizers when they made preparations for this night. Hermione might be mildly annoyed, but he needed a reason to get her out of the house when her parents visited.

"Good! Get them ready, because my parents are here!" Hermione rushed to the door right as the bell rang, and Ron was immediately at the alcohol cabinet, fishing for the Archie Rose he had picked up at the local liquor store. He had been practicing his mixology skills, and was pretty sure could make Hugo an acceptable Alexander.

"Ron, how are you?" Hugo said as he entered the kitchen. He shook his hand firmly while patting him on the back in a gesture of familiarity. "What do you have here?"

"It's a drink called an Alexander, with a superb Australian Gin, Archie Rose," said Ron, jokingly mimicking Hugo's blended accent as he handed him the very same drink Hugo had introduced him to years prior. "I think you're familiar."

Hugo laughed. "Man after my own heart," he said, before taking a sip. "And very well done. I hope you wine and dine our daughter this well."

Ron grinned and turned to Jean, who had opened her arms for a hug. "Good to see you, Ronnie." Ron's face reddened at the nickname.

"Hermione said you were partial to Malbec?" asked Ron, once he had broken the hug. Jean didn't have time to answer before Ron had poured her a generous glass of red wine.

"Yes, I am! Oh, Hermione, what a charmer he is."

"Yeah, yeah," said a flustered Hermione. "Quite a charmer. Ron where are the appetizers?"

Ron smiled sheepishly and shrugged. "Turns out I forgot them."

"You literally just said you had them—"

"I thought I did!"

"Seriously?" said Hermione. "Ok, mom and dad, I will be right back."

"Hon, we don't need appetizers—" said Jean, but Hermione was already out the door, having shot an annoyed look at Ron.

There was a moment where no one spoke, before Hugo chuckled and motioned toward the living room. "That's our little ray of sunshine," he said, before taking a seat. Jean and Ron followed, and settled into a comfortable silence.

Ron estimated he had about fifteen minutes before Hermione came back, so it was now or never.

He cleared his throat. "So," he began. "I did that on purpose. Forgot the appetizers, I mean."

Hugo and Jean looked confused at first, and then Jean laughed. "You forgot the appetizers on purpose?"

Ron nodded. "Yes, and I risked my head for it, and I don't have a lot of time before she comes back," he said. "I needed you two alone so we could talk."

Hermione's parents exchanged a knowing glance, then looked back at him expectantly. Jean wore a satisfied smile, while Hugo adorned a muffled smirk that said he knew exactly what Ron was going to say, and was taking quite a bit of pleasure in watching him sweat over it. "Carry on, then," he said.

"Right. Well, as you know, I've known Hermione for what seems like forever." He took a breath and felt a blush creep up his neck before he continued. "I no longer feel like the word "boyfriend" accurately describes my relationship with her. I think "husband" would fit me better, and I would like your blessing before I ask her."

It was probably only a few seconds of silence, but it felt like hours. For a moment Ron wondered what the clicking sound in the background was, until he realized it was the ice in his cocktail clattering against the glass as his hand trembled nervously. He scowled at his own hand and willed it to stop, as if it was a disobedient puppy.

"Oh, Ron," said Jean, breaking the silence She placed her wine on the coffee table, slid onto the sofa next to Ron, and engulfed him in her arms. He returned her hug graciously and breathed a sigh of relief. "We'd be so thrilled, Ron."

Ron couldn't help but notice that Hugo was still quietly swishing his drink. He put it to his lips and took a long sip, draining it completely, before looking up at Ron with a soft smile on his face. "So you just made me this cocktail to butter me up, didn't you?"

Ron risked a smile at Hugo. "Of course."

Hugo laughed and stood up from his seat, opening his arms to pull Ron into an embrace. He'd never hugged Hugo before, and it felt like a new level of acceptance. "I'm very happy Hermione brought you into our lives. You have our blessing."

Ron felt an involuntary smile creep across his face, as Jean wiped a tear from her eyes in his peripheral vision.

Hugo's affection was short-lived, but meaningful nonetheless. "Now enough sappiness," he said, pulling Ron back to arms length and offering a clap on the shoulder. "How about you pour me another swig of that Archie Rose, son." Hugo uttered the last word as if he was trying it on for size.

"Of course," said Ron, taking his glass and leading Hugo to the kitchen.

As Ron was pouring another glass, Hugo spoke quietly. "I know what you mean, though. I think 'son-in-law' suits you better than 'daughter's boyfriend', anyway."

He had already felt accepted by Hermione's parents, but having their support and blessing made him even more sure of his plans to marry her. If all went according to plan, he didn't just get to be Hermione's husband, but Jean and Hugo's son-in-law as well. Ron was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion— his eyes stinging with appreciative tears. He wasn't quite willing to let Hugo see him cry, so he managed to hold it back, but maybe someday he wouldn't have to. He distracted himself by pouring them both a second cup of gin, and the two men clinked glasses and threw back what would hopefully become one of many more shots of Archie Rose.

Just a few weeks of living together taught Ron more about Hermione than seven years of friendship, and one year of dating.

Ron now knew that the foot of their bed couldn't face the doors because of "bad Feng Shui'' and the sunshine yellow curtains had to go in the living room, because if they went in the dining room, they'd clash with the upholstery of the dining chairs. Apparently, there was a proper and an improper way to store cooking utensils, and each room had to have at least two sources of light, for some reason.

He learned that muggle technology was actually pretty useful. Since Ron and Hermione lived in a muggle neighborhood, they had to limit their magic so they didn't mess with their neighbors' electricity or internet. Over the last few weeks, Ron had learned how to work the dishwasher, the laundry machines, the television, and the computer. The computer was a wonderful invention— or at least Ron thought so until Hermione showed him the spreadsheets she had made (and expected him to use) that detailed their shared budget, and what house chores to do and when.

On the topic of house chores, Ron and Hermione had very different ideas about acceptable levels of cleanliness. Growing up at the Burrow, Ron had become accustomed to clutter. It's not that the Weasley's never cleaned— they cleaned constantly— but there was only so much that could be done to keep a home of seven children in order, and compromises had been made. Hermione, on the other hand, had always lived in a spotless home. The Grangers had one child who didn't even know how to make a mess, and enough disposable income to afford a weekly cleaning service. Ron had to learn that Quidditch magazines didn't belong on the kitchen counter, and shoes should always be placed back on the entryway shoe-rack, and there should never be a dirty dish left in the sink. He learned quickly— if he pulled his weight and helped make things five times cleaner than necessary, Hermione would be happy and they'd have more free time, which led to better— and naughtier uses for their spotless kitchen counter.

Ron and Hermione used the allure of electricity and a dishwasher to convince Molly and Arthur to join them for dinner one evening. Although supportive of their relationship, they weren't thrilled about them living together "so soon", but Ron knew Molly's disapproval had more to do with her motherly instincts than prudishness. He could suffer through a few passing remarks about modern relationships to assure that his mother still felt included in his life, and help soften her transition to an empty-nester. It only took a few glasses of wine and a goofy grin on Arthur's face as he clacked away at the computer for Molly to admit that living with Hermione was in Ron's best interest.

"It really is a lovely home dears," she told them, as the four huddled around the living room coffee table, sipping contentedly on their drinks.

"And this gin is something else, son," said Arthur, examining the Australian bottle that Hugo and Jean had gifted them as a housewarming present. "Bring some of this next time you come by the Burrow!"

Ron laughed, deciding against telling him exactly how far that gin had already traveled.

"Speaking of the Burrow," said Molly, her arm wrapped tightly around Ron, who's tallness made her appear to be clutching a flaming palm tree. "You're still expected to come by every Sunday. I know I can't force you, but it really would mean a lot—"

Ron and Hermione were quick to console her, promising to visit at least weekly, and assuring her she was always welcome at their flat.

"Oh, lovely. I would love to visit again," she said.

"But of course, we will owl you first," said Arthur more pointedly, with a subtle, but reassuring wink at Ron.

Arthur was thrilled at the opportunity to learn more about the muggle world, and Ron's knowledge of it grew exponentially by living with Hermione. When Hermione wanted to invite her cousins over to the flat, they spent weeks in preparation for their visit by straightening out their life stories, and "muggle-proofing" every detail.

Ron would practice describing his family as muggles, with help from Hermione of course.

"It's easier to lie if your lies are close to the truth," she told him, which was slightly unsettling to him, but he brushed it off. "So don't change their jobs completely, just make them more...muggley."

"Muggley?" he asked, eyebrows raised.

"Yes. For example, Charlie. He studies dragons in Romania. Everything about that is fine, except for the dragons. Just say he studies reptiles, it'll be ok if you're a little more vague."

Ron nodded. "Ok. And Bill works at a bank as a… security guard."

"That works," said Hermione.

"Mum stays home, and Dad works for the government. He's a…" Ron trailed off, racking his brains for a muggle equivalent.

"He works in Human Resources?" Hermione offered. "Nice and vague, and doesn't spark a lot of questions."

"Human Resources," Ron repeated. "Ginny is a football player, Percy is a lawyer, and George owns a shop."

"Perfect!" said Hermione.

"What if they ask what kind of shop?"

"Magic," she said simply. "Muggles love magic tricks."

Ron shrugged. "Magic it is."

They rehearsed the details of their cover stories whenever the opportunity arose, broadening the canon of their lives to make them seem believable. In the kitchen, cooking dinner, Hermione would casually ask him about his job. "What do you do, Ron?"

"I'm training to be a police officer," he would say, "and I work part-time at my brother's magic shop."

"What do you mean by 'magic'?"

"Magic tricks, it's a family hobby."

"And if they ask you to show them some tricks?"

"I will keep it simple— make something disappear and reappear elsewhere, or alter the appearance of playing cards," he said. "They really wouldn't question that?"

Hermione shook her head. "Most muggles don't."

"Barmy."

While preparing for bed, Hermione interrogated him about school.

"If they ask, what subjects did we study?"

"Potions was Chemistry, Herbology is Botany, and History of Magic would just be European History," he said as Hermione nodded. "Astronomy is the same...Transfiguration is Physical Science, Arithmancy is Maths, what about Divination?"

"Don't mention Divination."

"Why not?"

"There's no respectable muggle equivalent," she muttered, and Ron half-wondered if that was true.

"What if they ask me questions about these subjects?"

"I'll tell them they're boring for talking academics at a dinner party," she said.

"And that will work?"

"Yes."

Ron developed a much greater appreciation for the effort it took Hermione to keep her magical life separate from her muggle one. He never understood the depth of the lies she had developed to maintain relationships with her extended family. This whole world was new to him— just months ago, he didn't even know how to use a dishwasher or a laundry machine, and now he was developing an all-new muggle persona. Hermione, however, had been tossed into the magical world at eleven with no prior knowledge, and he hadn't once appreciated how overwhelming that must have been. At this point, it only provided further motivation for Ron to memorize everything he could about the muggle world, and dive in head-first. It was uncomfortable and nerve-wracking, but it was an experience she had already had, and he wanted to understand her.

Ron studied harder for an interaction with Hermione's muggle family than he had for any exam in school. Luckily, his preparations paid off.

When her cousins Holly and Ellie came by for dinner and drinks, Ron's story passed without a concern. No one questioned the professions of his siblings or parents, and Hermione was right— they didn't even ask about school subjects. Ron's magic "tricks" were a hit, but Ron might have pushed them too far when he transfigured a coin into a bird. Hermione's glare told him that a muggle's suspension of disbelief might not include animal transfiguration, but her cousins were just impressed.

"You should do that one at my son's birthday party!" Ellie had said, earning a quick change of subject from Hermione.

Ron was delighted to find that most of the conversation focused on Hermione— specifically on embarrassing stories from her childhood. Ron very much enjoyed hearing about the time Hermione accidentally spilled pudding all over herself at a fancy restaurant or the debilitating crush she had on a boyband, and the fact that she had memorized every dance move from their music videos. They joked that all it would take was two more glasses of wine, and she might suddenly remember them.

"Relax, Hermione, we love your man," Holly said, nudging her with an elbow and pouring her another glass of wine. Ron and Hermione shared a smile— only Ron knew why she was really nervous.

But Ellie and Holly were a blast to be around, and they had no suspicions about Ron, so Hermione eventually started to relax. She ended up indulging in two more glasses of wine, but unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough to showcase her hidden dance talents. Maybe next time.

Instead of dancing, they talked more candidly. A few glasses deep as well, Ron truly felt at ease around them, so he didn't mind when the questions got more personal.

"So tell me, Hermione, how's he in the bedroom?" Ellie asked, draping an arm around her cousin.

"Ellie, he's right there!" she said, her face flushed.

"No, it's ok, Hermione. I'd love to know," Ron said with a smile, earning a laugh from Ellie.

"I have to say I'm impressed, Ron," said Holly. "It seems like you've got quite a hold on our Hermione."

Hermione blushed and smiled sheepishly at Ron. "He does."

Ron grinned back and winked at her, a gesture that hadn't gone unnoticed.

"Well, then," said Ellie. "We will be leaving because clearly, you two want to get busy."

Neither Ron nor Hermione disputed that, so the evening concluded with the promise of many more. On their way out, Holly pointed back at Ron and said in a tone of mock seriousness, "Don't screw this up! She's worth settling down for."

"Ok bye," said Hermione, ushering them out before they could embarrass her more. They shared one last hug goodbye, and Ron and Hermione were alone again.

Hermione turned to look at Ron. "So…?"

"I love your family," he said. "Your parents, your cousins, everyone I've met so far." He wrapped his arms around her and tugged her close.

Hermione smiled and let herself melt into his hug. "I love your family too."

"By the way," said Ron. "I'd hardly call being with you settling."

It was true. So far, being with Hermione only expanded, not limited his world, and he was confident there was a lifetime of things left to discover.

Next Chapter: Understanding Each Other