A/N: This is the next installment of this story, please be kind in reviews and make sure to follow and favorite this story, this would be much appreciated!

ADDITION IMPORTANT NOTE: THIS STORY IS RATED M, BUT THESE ARE FOR LATER CHAPTERS

This chapter is rated K - Fluff/Protective Ron/Romione flirting

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters associated with it, all credit to J.K Rowling.

Chapter 2: Return

Hermione couldn't believe it, today was the day. Ron was coming to Hogwarts too see them, see her. She couldn't contain her excitement as she paced around her room, a slight skip in her step, occasionally knocking over a book she'd missed from the floor. She didn't care, she just wanted to see his face, his gorgeous face. She wanted to see his freckles, his smile, his strong cheek bones. Just the thought of them made her knees go weak, causing her to quickly grab the chair at her desk and collapsed into it. She blushed thinking about what she would say to him when he got there, should she hug him? Shaking her head, she tried not to overthink it, they weren't even together, they were friends. Just friends.

Not wanting to dampen her excitement, she held her chin up high before grabbing her bag. She then wandered over to the large bookshelf, towering high above her, displaying an array of beautifully organized books. Her fingertips grazed over the dusty spines, revealing gold lettering splayed across it. Many rare editions were unfolded before her eyes, books she had been desperate to get her hands on for years, her excitement intensified as she strategically worked out her reading schedule to accommodate the new finds. Hermione had never been so bewildered in her entire life, who knew books could bring someone such joy and excitement. She continued her journey across the room, discovering new books as she went. Realizing she was getting carried away, she chuckled quietly before selecting several books before shoving them in her bag. She then realized the dilemma she was in. Ron hadn't told them what time they would be arriving, if they were indeed actually arriving today. She could be waiting for him all day for him to turn up at midnight for a brief visit. But even so, it would still mean a lot to her, she would be forever grateful for his presence, his gorgeous smile directed at her. Hermione felt like that she was going to melt, and he wasn't even here.

Hermione looked down at her body, she was wearing a plain pink t-shirt with dark blue jeans, not exactly exciting to say the least. It suddenly occurred to Hermione that perhaps maybe she should put some effort into her appearance for when he arrived, maybe he would be blown away if she looked beautiful. She snorted. It wouldn't matter if she was wearing a prom dress or a bin bag, she would still be stuck in the background of the other girls out there. So, what she had to lose? With that in her mind, she strode over to her new wardrobe and began rifling though the many pretty dresses hung there. None of these were hers of course, she would never go out of her way to choose such frocks on a shopping trip, but today was different. She was so desperate for Ron to look at her the way he looked at other girls, she wanted to feel special under his gaze, to hold is attention away from everyone else.

She halted her search. What was she thinking, putting on a pretty little sundress to catch his eye? Ron liked her for her, the nerdy, boring bookworm with her plain clothes and shoes. Hanging her head slightly, she left the dresses in place and slammed the wardrobe doors shut before pacing over to find her denim jacket. "At least this will look interesting," She muttered sarcastically to herself as she slipped it on before grabbing her bag. Checking over the room one last time, she opened her door, firmly slamming it behind her, and made her way out into the courtyard, where Ginny and the other girls were already sitting. Hermione took in the sight that met her, the courtyard was swarming with students, all sat in their little circles, the air filled with laughter and chatter. She smiled to herself, happy that things were getting back to normal, no screaming and death, no mourning and crying, things were back to how they should be. The sun beamed down on her face, her sun kissed cheeks brought out her cute freckles, tanning her arms as she made her way over to her friends.

"Where were you?" Ginny laughed as she made room for Hermione in the circle, moving some of the food out of the way.

"I didn't know what to wear," Hermione breathed out as she settled herself on the blanket, pulling out one of her new books, still ogling at the beautiful red cover. It was a fictional story about a saint from the heavens, reaching down to Earth to help a young boy who had lost himself, wanting to find a better life. It was a bit religious for Hermione's taste, but none the less, she couldn't wait to dive right in and discover a world awaiting her. Though as she turned to the first page, she heard several gasps and shy giggles coming from the numerous circles of girls across the courtyard. Hermione turned her head, almost irritated, knowing whatever it was, it wasn't worth the attention.

Oh boy, was she wrong.

Striding across the yard, looking muscular and handsome, were Ron and Harry. They both laughed at something that Harry had said, not taking any notice of the girls who ogled them as they walked by. Hermione felt her heart catch in her throat, her eyes gazed up and down Ron's body, noticing the bulging muscles of his legs and arms, his chest had broadened considerably, his uniform shirt straining tightly on his body. She felt her mouth water as he reached up and swept his fringe back, throwing his head back in a loud laugh, exposing his strong vocal cords. Unbeknownst to Hermione, Lavender too was ogling Ron, her eyes focusing on his face, admiring his strong cheekbones. She snuck a look at Hermione, her eyes narrowing slightly at her, knowing her competition was strong.

Ron's eyes scanned the courtyard, looking for the girl he most desperately wanted to see, the girl he had wanted to be with since 1st year. The moment their eyes met; Hermione saw Ron's face brightened as he made a beeline for her. Running as fast as he could, his eyes never leaving hers, his smile getting bigger and bigger. Hermione felt tears spring from her eyes as she dropped her book and stumbled her way towards him, her vision blurry. The second her reached her, he scooped her up in his arms, holding her as close as possible to his chest, burying his face in her hair. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her face into his collarbone, inhaling his familiar scent. The two held each other in silence, sounds of 'awes' filled the air around them as they cried into each other's arms.

"I missed you so fucking much," Ron whispered in her ear, causing her shiver in delight, holding onto to him even tighter. She giggled as his arms encircled her waist again, feeling him grin into her hair.

"I missed you too, Ron," She let out a loud sniffle, pulling back to look him in the face. They stared at each other, drinking in each other's facial features, as if painting a picture in their mind. Ron reached out and stroked her cheek sweetly, causing her to close her eyes, smiling as she lent her face into his hand. Ron lent forward and softly kissed her forehead, leaving his lips there longer than necessary, but Hermione didn't notice, nor would she have cared. Her eyes looked up at him again, smiling up at him again, not quite believing he was real, he was here.

"You wanna go sit down?" He murmured softly; his head incredibly close to hers. Hermione's breath hitched, looking down at his wet lips, looking luscious and so…kissable. Gulping quickly, she nodded and grabbed his hand, leading him back to the circle to where Ginny was sat in between Harry's legs. He had pulled her back to his chest, stroking her hair softly. Hermione smiled; she knew they loved each other. She hoped this was the beginning of a new chapter for them. She dragged Ron down onto the blanket, trying to make room next to her, but he stopped her. He pushed her forward slightly before sliding in behind her, copying Harry's position with Ginny. Hermione's heart rate increased as Ron motioned her to sit in between his legs against his chest. She giggled shyly before complying, enjoying the feeling of his strong arms surrounding her waist again pulling her closer. Hermione snuggled her head into his neck as she felt his lips connect with the top of her head, making her smile with glee.

Grabbing her book, Hermione settled down against Ron's chest and opening the first page, noticing a beautiful illustration of an angel and young boy. The angel swirling high above the boy, its dress shining a bright white, its glowing halo creating light across the picture. She saw the boy looking up in wonder, intrigued by the beautiful figure above him, giving him hope for a better future. Hermione jumped as she felt rough fingers brush her hair off her shoulder before Ron's unshaven chin rested on it, smiling cheekily up at her before also looking down at her book. Smiling smugly to herself, Hermione settled even closer to him before moving her book to a position where he too could read it. Despite the happy scene, there was sadness amongst the crowd. Sitting merely a metre away was Lavender Brown. Her eyes stung with tears as she watched the boy she liked snuggling close and laughing with her biggest competition, the girl she envied, the girl she was being to hate. She furiously looked down before gathering her stuff and taking off across the courtyard, making her way back to the common room. From an outsider's point of views, the fact that nobody noticed her disappearance was rather saddening.

Hermione though was on cloud nine, she giggled as Ron began to run his fingers up and down her bare arm, stroking her arm lovingly. She blushed prettily as he stopped and proceeded to gather her in his arms once again, making her squeal in delight as he placed a sloppy kiss on her neck. Their flirting was becoming too much for the other girls and Harry. Rolling their eyes jokingly, they all packed up before heading off to the Quidditch pitch, going completely unnoticed by the pair indulging in each other. Their faces had gotten closer throughout the short period of time they had been there, occasionally pressing quick kisses on each other's cheeks or neck. They looked like a couple, making each other blush, holding each other close.

"You smell amazing," Ron muttered into her cheek and Hermione cupped his cheek, pulling his face into her cheek even further.

"Hmm, thank you, it's the perfume you got me," She whispered, leaning back in his chest so her face was below his. She took in the sight of his stubble that was starting to grow, it was rough, and she loved it. It made him look even more manly than before. Unable to resist any longer, she reached her hand up and stroked his chin softly, feeling the roughness of the spiky hairs under her palm. Ron closed his eyes in pure joy, allowing her to stroke his skin, smug when he noticed a few Ravenclaw 7th years eyeing the couple jealously. A thought then suddenly popped into his head, it was one he would rather not hear one of the possible answers to, but he had to say something. Clearing his throat, he looked down at her, taking in her gorgeous face. His eyes tracing her lips and her button nose, her eyes sparkled at him, like little diamonds, piercing through his own. Her hair still a mad cluster of brown curls, softer than any fur, but as wild as any beast. She was so unbelievable beautiful, and Ron just couldn't get enough of her.

"So," He began, hating the insecurity in his voice, "You, erm…with anyone, you know, anyone on the scene?" He whispered, not quite looking her in the eye, hoping she would say no.

Hermione looked up at him and smiled to herself. He looked so worried that she felt sorry for him, did this mean something? Deciding to have mercy on him she lifted her hand again and turned his head towards her.

"No," She whispered, stroking his chin, "I'm not with anyone,". She saw him grin widely, his face shifting closer to her until his lips made contact with her forehead.

"Are you with anyone?" Hermione suddenly whispered, making his head pull back with a jerk.

"No, no absolutely not," He rushed out, making sure she understood that she had no need to worry.

Smiling in relief, Hermione settled back down, allowing Ron to wrap his arms once again around her waist, snuggling against his warm body.

"Hermione," A soft whisper brought Hermione out of her snooze, realizing where she was. Her book had been placed back in her bag along with her parchment and quills. She craned her neck back to see Ron beaming down at her, watching her intently as she sat up slightly. She felt herself blush furiously as she caught him licking his lips from the corner of her eye, shifting closer to her.

"Sorry," She breathed as she settled back into his chest, "You could have just woken me if you needed to leave," Feeling embarrassed that she had pretty much pinned him in place whilst she slept. He shook his head, grinning as he leaned back and shifted her onto his lap, causing her cheeks to burn bright red. She felt Ron's most private area press against her arse, slightly rubbing against her. Hermione snapped her head up to look at him and gasped. His eyes were filled with desire, intently staring into her eyes, subconsciously lowering his hands to her lower hip, pulling her closer. The sexual tension was clear to those around them, with many of the girls around them eyeing her enviously, wishing to have a bond that close.

"Don't be sorry," His voice hoarse with desire, "You wanna go somewhere…quiet?" He managed to wheeze out, stroking her hip as he watched her bite her lip. Hermione looked at him once again before nodding slightly, turning to grab her bag. She extracted herself off his lap, giggling as she attempted to help him up. He eventually pulled himself to his feet before entwining his fingers with hers and lead her away from the courtyard, paying no attention to the many girls giggling as they strode past. Much to Hermione's surprise, some of the girls who caught her eye even smiled at her encouragingly, almost in a way of being respectful. But this confused her. She felt her cheeks burn, not liking the attention she was receiving and kept her head down the rest of the way. Making their way down an empty corridor, Ron stopped them at a large window ledge seat, settling them both down, side by side. Hermione shyly looked down, biting her lip to stop a massive grin spreading across her face. The fact that Ron had taken her somewhere private made her skin tingle, this is what boyfriends do with their girlfriends. She jumped slightly as she felt Ron gently tuck a lose curl behind her ear, smiling kindly at her. Hermione was enjoying the flirting, it made a case in her mind that Ron did like her more than a friend, that he valued her for her. But love? She wasn't too sure, but the way he looked at her made her heart sore with happiness. Feeling a surge in power and confidence she decided on her next move.

"Do…do you want to see my room?" She whispered as she looked him in the eye, brightening at the sight of his red cheeks. His eyes widened slightly before a sexy grin spread across his face. He merely nodded before the two rose out of their seats, their eyes never leaving each other. Taking the initiative, Hermione grabbed Ron's hand again and dragged him down the corridor towards the Head Girl's bedroom.

"You're Head Girl?" He gasped as they turned to the private corridor that contained her large room. She nodded shyly, looking back at him for a moment. Grinning widely, Ron ran up behind her, grasping her waist and hugging her tightly, causing her to squeal in delight.

"I'm so proud of you, not that I'm surprised, you deserve this," He said as he held her body up, making sure she wouldn't collapse on the floor. Hermione laughed as she grabbed hold of one of Ron's muscular biceps, supporting herself with his body.

"You're such a good girl," He whispered huskily in her ear, smirking at the small gasp he heard her emit. Releasing her gently from his embrace, he nudged her forward with a cheeky wink to open her door. Biting her lip and looking flustered, she grinned and pulled out her parchment of codes.

"Dove," She whispered before the door swung open in front of her, grinning when she heard Ron gasp in wonder as he peeked over her head to stare inside.

His hand on her waist as they walked in together didn't go unnoticed by Hermione, it made her slightly hot under the collar at the feeling of his hands in such an intimate area, not to mention being so near her bed. He let go of her waist, however, when he spotted the huge stack of snacks on her sofa and hazily dragged his feet towards them. Shaking her head to hide her smile, she moved over to her desk, plunking her bag down before taking out her precious books, making sure no damage had been done. Satisfied by her analysis, she began to place the books back in their place on her large bookshelf. Unbeknownst to Hermione, Ron had stopped his attack on her snacks and had started staring at her as she reached up to place a book on a high shelf. His eyes snapped to her shirt as it started to ride up, exposing her toned stomach as she stretched. His mouth fell open slightly as he ogled her breasts as her shirt tightened against them, her nipples hard from the draft coming through the window.

"Do close your mouth, Ronald," She remarked with a smirk, noticing his gawking out of the corner of her eye, feeling empowered by his gaze. His mouth immediately snapped shut but was replaced by a naughty smirk. She liked it. She liked his staring. He slowly stood up from the sofa, his eyes not moving from her. Hermione felt herself begin to sweat, knowing that he was beginning to get closer to him. His footsteps were loud and confident as he made his way over to her, smiling at Hermione's paused movements, her hand still on the book that was already placed on the shelf. Feeling naughty, he stood directly behind her, knowing full well how nervous she was getting, her body stiff. Ron grinned as Hermione shifted uncomfortably from side to side, clearing her throat.

"You need some help?" He whispered, purposely lowering his head down to hers, his lips touching her hair, enjoying the softness of her curls against his skin. He felt her nod beneath his lips, allowing him to extract the final two books from her arm and reach high above her to easily access the empty spaces on the shelf. As he lowered his arms, he grazed her shoulders, making her shudder before dropping them to his sides.

"I hate you," She muttered, her voice clearly filled with desire and humor. Ron grinned before grabbing her waist from behind and picking her up, dragging her towards her bed. Hermione squealed in delight as she wrapped her arms around his, allowing him to carry her away from her precious books. He threw her down on the bed before climbing on top of her, tickling her sides.

"R-Ron, stop, no, I'm ticklish…there," Hermione wheezed out as Ron continued to attack her waist and ribs, laughing along with her before grabbing her waist and rolling them on their sides. Their faces were incredibly close, their breath hitting each other's noses. The laughter in the room died down, the sexual tension beginning to rise lifted her hand, her fingertips grazing across Ron's chin, travelling over to his chapped lips, tracing his chiseled cheekbones. Her fingers then traced his ears, gasping slightly as she noticed a singular diamond earring on his left ear. She looked up at him, her eyebrows raised, seriously not expecting him to be the type of guy to display one.

"I fancied a change in style," His voice laced with humor, "No, I'm joking, it was a dare from some of the guys at the Auror camp," He explained, trying not to laugh at her facial expression. She giggled, shaking her head.

"I actually like it, it suits you," She whispered, gently holding his ear with her fingertips, examining the diamond stone. She found it rather sexy, it just added to his manliness.

"Can I stay here with you tonight?" Ron whispered, reaching out to stroke her waist, looking deeply into her eyes. Hermione's own eyes widened at his question, searching his face for any sign he was joking, she found none.

Smiling kindly at him, she nodded shyly, laughing slightly at the look of relief on his face. He comically shuffled his way up her bed, all the way up to her pillows, motioning her to join him. She quickly shuffled her way up too before snuggling close to him as they held each other close.

"I'm so happy that you're here," She mumbled into his chest, enjoying the feeling of arms wrapping themselves around her small body. She closed her eyes as she felt his lips press against her hair, nuzzling his cheek against her.

"I'm happy I'm here too, couldn't bear another day without seeing you," He replied, his arms beginning stroke up and down her back. Not half an hour later, the two were fast asleep, dozing peacefully in each other's arms, protecting themselves from the rest of the world.

The gentle sound of leaves fluttering against the window filled the room as the wind outside began to pick up in speed. The trees close to the window started to sway to a steady rhythm, occasionally blocking the moonlight that started to seep through. The distant buzz of people faded away as students made their way inside and up to their respected dormitories, leaving the grounds of Hogwarts empty and clean. Animals began invading the grassland, foresting for food before the return of the noisy students, the occasional screech could be heard from two foxes fighting over a meal. Shifting in her sleep, Hermione snuggled closer to Ron, his body acting as a hot water bottle as she drifted into a pleasant deep sleep.

A/N: NEXT CHAPTER COMING SOON - THIS CHAPTER WAS A BIT SHORTER, BUT THE NEXT ONE WILL BE A BIG ONE