Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters.
A/N: Ohhhhh, we're halfway there...Happy Saturday everyone! Thank you to all who have read and reviewed so far. I truly appreciate you all. I hope you like roller coasters!
Thank you accio-broom for always being a BA beta. Go read her stories - her current WIPs Lego House and Change Your Mind are absolute fire!
Ten Years
Chapter Five
Intoxicating your kiss
Intoxicating your lips
Nobody does it like this
I find it hard to resist
Oh oh, feeling out of control, beautifully souled
What's coming over me?
It's a total eclipse of rationality
I don't usually say this
I don't usually play this game
Yeah I know I'm not faded
But it kind of feels that way
I don't usually say this
But I think I should let you know
The day but baby, I don't, I don't wanna go
How could I go home when I feel like I belong?
In your arms it's like champagne
Feel it pouring in my veins
Yeah I got myself too drunk on you to drive
So I'm crashing here tonight
Crashing - Illenium
May 2002
Hermione
The thunderous applause echoed through the Great Hall, though the sound did nothing to deter Hermione's attention from the man at her side — it was nothing but insignificant background noise to her. She remained standing on the podium with Ron, hands locked, oblivious to the commotion around them.
It wasn't until Harry's voice interrupted their staring match that Hermione had come to terms with reality. Before she could even blink, Ron had released her hand, darting off the podium and into the crowd of people without a single word.
Harry — looking quite uncomfortable with what he had just witnessed — only gave Hermione a sympathetic pat on her shoulder before nodding his head towards the side of the room, indicating that they should move to a less discernible location.
She followed his lead blindly, ignoring the stares and chatter around her as she pushed through the masses, forcing herself to smile politely towards any camera that flashed her way.
"Hermione," someone called out just before a small pair of hands grabbed onto her elbow. It was Luna, who donned a curious expression on her face. "Are you alright? Oh — I've interrupted you in deep thought, haven't I? Your eyes look very sad."
Hermione had to bite her lip to remain calm. Luna was always terribly perceptive, so she shouldn't be too surprised by her comment, yet it did nothing to decrease her desire to disappear from the room altogether.
Before Hermione had time to respond, there was a flicker of movement out of the corner of her eye that drew her attention away.
It was Ron. And he was walking towards her at full speed.
"We need to talk," he gruffly muttered as he drew closer, brushing her shoulder as he strolled past.
Giving Luna a small smile and a wave, Hermione followed him silently out of the Great Hall and into a small, empty classroom just off the corridor. Along the way, Hermione felt nerves twisting her insides. Ron apparently had enough time to think and was ready to talk. At least, she hoped he was ready.
The door slammed closed behind them with a reverberating bang. Ron let his palms remain heavy against the doorframe — his back was facing Hermione, preventing her from reading the expression on his face. "You really broke up with him?"
"Yes."
"He didn't break up with you?"
"No. I ended it."
Another long, tense bout of silence followed. When Hermione couldn't stand it any longer, she inhaled a deep breath and started filling in the empty space. "Look, Ron. I don't expect anything here. I meant what I said earlier. I just want you to be happy-"
"Bullshit."
Her eyes darkened, now perturbed that Ron had yet to even look her in the damn eye. "No, not bullshit, and you know it! What I'm saying now is exactly what you were saying to me last year."
Ron finally turned around slowly to face her, his mouth open as if he wanted to say something. Before he had a chance, the door swung open wide, revealing a startled Ginny.
"Hermione — oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't...the Daily Prophet is requesting you for comment. You too, Ron. I was going to come and find you next, but…" Ginny's eyes shifted uneasily back and forth between the two, the redness on her cheeks indicating clear embarrassment over interrupting them.
"It's okay," Hermione said bristly, already making her way towards the door. "I think I've said everything I could possibly say at this moment."
She could feel Ron's eyes on her backside as she made her way back out to the public eye, preparing herself to pretend that everything was okay.
Her small flat back in New York was lonelier than ever once she returned. For once, she wanted to look back on a trip home and view it as a positive experience.
Hermione wandered into her untouched bedroom, a sense of relief flooding her body as she took in the sight of her neatly arranged bookshelf full of novels and schoolbooks. She needed to escape for a little while. Before she could settle in with a book for the evening, she happened to glance down at the seven-page letter that remained on her desk. A pestering thought struck her. If she wasn't happy with the way she left things, she needed to change it.
She pushed the previously-written letter to the side with a heavy sigh and grabbed a new piece of parchment and a quill.
Ron,
My hands are shaking as I am writing this letter to you. Has it really been over two years since we've exchanged a single one? Of course, I don't expect you to respond. I am aware of the pain I've caused you, and for that, I am truly sorry, Ron. More than you'll ever know.
Our last meeting didn't turn out the way I hoped — honestly, now that I think about it, I'm not sure what exactly I had pictured. Then again, I never imagined that we'd go years without really speaking. I'm not sure how you felt, but I know I didn't like it one bit.
I want us to be friends if you feel like that is still an option for us. I miss you, Ron. I miss having you in my life. I'll do anything I can to make it all up to you. To just be Ron and Hermione again.
Hoping you are well.
Love,
Hermione
Hermione,
I'm honestly not sure what to say. I hate that it feels strange writing to you. I hate that my stomach is in knots as I try to process what you told me during the ceremony.
Regardless, I hope we can at least be friends as well. I've missed you a lot, too. I'm not sure what is next for us, but I want you to keep writing to me.
Take care of yourself,
Ron
Hermione's stomach clenched as she read through the words Ron had written again and again. Her fingers delicately traced the outline of his writing, hoping that knowing he once clutched this very same parchment in his hands would bring her closer to him and provide her with the comfort she needed to move forward.
His response wasn't exactly what she had hoped for, but it was a step in the right direction.
October 2002
Ron,
I just heard the news about Harry and Ginny! Oh, I am so excited for them. They're going to be the best parents, I just know it. How is your family taking the news? I'm sure your mum must be absolutely thrilled.
How is Auror life going? I do hope you're well, too, Ron.
Love,
Hermione
Hermione,
I'm still reeling over our git of a best friend marrying my sister, so safe to say the news of them having shagged enough to make a baby has done me in. Sure, sure, I'm happy for the lot, but who would've thought the Chosen One would be the first out of the three of us to become a bloody parent? I sure didn't.
The family is beside themselves with joy, of course, and mum is already knitting jumpers for the baby.
I'm kept busy as an Auror. The missions can be grueling and tiresome, but I suppose it's better than all that time we spent running for our lives, yeah?
I hope your trials are going well. I'm sure you're handling it all brilliantly, like you always do.
Ron
May 2003
They continued to exchange several letters off and on over the passing months. Their correspondences were friendly, filled with nothing but pleasant words. However, neither dared to broach the subject of their complicated relationship status again.
When Hermione had returned home for the Christmas holidays, she was disappointed to learn that Ron had traveled to be with Julia and her family for a week. Therefore, Hermione missed seeing him entirely.
Ron didn't disclose that information with her in his most recent letter, but she didn't expect him to. In fact, they never spoke of Julia at all. The pain in her gut was real — she hadn't asked Harry or anybody else whether or not Ron was still dating, but to have her suspicions confirmed in the worst possible way was excruciating.
Trials picked up once Hermione had returned to New York in the winter, leaving her with even less time to send letters, and absolutely zero time to make the trip back home until May.
On top of the fifth anniversary of the Battle, Ginny was due to have her baby any day. Hermione had promised to come home for the anniversary dinner that the Weasley family was hosting and committed to staying for the entire week to potentially meet the newest addition within that time frame.
Although Molly had assured her several times that it would be no trouble having her stay at the Burrow since her parents still lived overseas, Hermione couldn't stop the anxiety from pooling low in her stomach.
Ron no longer lived at home, having secured himself a flat near Diagon Alley after moving out of Grimmauld Place when Harry got married. At first, Hermione was hesitant to spend so much time at the Burrow, unsure if she could stomach the sight of Ron and Julia together.
However, as soon as she stepped foot onto the grounds that fateful Saturday afternoon, Ginny came waddling over to her with eager eyes.
"Ron broke up with Julia."
Hermione, who had her arms poised in the air to embrace her friend, froze completely. "Wh-what did you just say?"
"I wanted to tell you last week when we were finalizing the plans for your visit, but I thought it needed to be in person." Ginny hadn't been shy over the past year with her blatant show of support for "Team Hermione". Hermione cringed at the term, finding it absolutely silly to indulge in the idea that there had to be teams. Really, the only opinion that mattered to her was Ron's.
"Er-do you know what happened?" Hermione asked timidly. She didn't want to press, but at the same time, she had to know. She had to know if maybe, possibly, there was an inkling of hope…
Ginny, unfortunately, shrugged, placing a hand on her belly and slouching her tired-looking form. "Haven't a clue, but he told us he's fine with it all. Anyway," her eyes flickered over to Hermione, making no attempts to conceal her agenda. "What are you going to do about it?"
Hermione let out a short laugh. "Ginny, I haven't even seen Ron in almost a year. God, I can't believe I've said the same thing three years in a row." Hermione shook her head, shoving the regret out of her line of thought. "I don't think I've even worked out how to exist in the same room as him yet."
"Well, prepared or not, looks like you're going to have to." Ginny gestured with her head towards the shed, where Harry and Ron stood chatting, obviously waiting for them.
Hermione sucked in a breath as she took in Ron's appearance. Sweet Merlin on a cracker. That man had somehow grown even taller since the last time she saw him. Her heart pitter-pattered in her chest, her eyes scanning his shaggy, ginger locks that he'd brushed to the side. Ron was wearing a short-sleeved emerald green shirt with dark-washed trousers — a sight for sore eyes, that one.
As the girls trudged closer through the grass, both boys turned and examined them with inquisitive expressions. Ron was squinting at her in the sunlight, lips pursed as he studied her. Suddenly, the walk over to him seemed lengthier than it should have been.
Eventually, her feet planted just in front of his own, both pairs of eyes connected in a heated gaze.
"Long time no see, Granger." His lips slowly spread into a wide grin, one that she was convinced had detached her soul from her body.
"Likewise, Weasley." A thrill of excitement coursed through her, and she was intrigued by this outwardly flirtatious encounter.
"C'mere," he opened his arms, inviting her in for a hug. Hermione bit her lip in short contemplation before rushing forward and wrapping her arms tight around his waist. She buried her nose into the cotton of his shirt, inhaling deeply. His scent — oh his scent — brought her home in the best possible way.
Maybe, just maybe, this would be a better week than she could've ever imagined.
The anniversary gathering was small this year — only the immediate Weasley family, spouses, and children were in attendance. Hermione, however, couldn't have felt more grateful to be included, despite neither being a spouse nor a girlfriend. She was having the best time of her life catching up with the people who had always been family to her, and it was comforting to know that they viewed her the same way.
Hermione didn't have much of a chance to speak with Ron after their reunion embrace as he was whisked away by Mrs. Weasley to help her finish preparations for the meal. Hermione found herself seated, to her dismay, at the opposite end of the table as Ron during dinner. Although that didn't stop her from catching his eye a few times, and every time she did, the corners of his mouth turned up in an adorable smile. She wasn't quite sure what prompted Ron to be so friendly towards her after everything they had been through, but she wasn't going to question it.
After dinner, many of the youngest Weasley siblings crowded in a circle around George, who was testing out his latest invention in a new line of Wheezes' products. Ron, she observed, was fully enraptured by George's presentation as she walked up.
"What's going on over here?"
George broke his concentration from the bottles in his hands and sent her a devilish smirk. "Ah, Granger, step right up. It's a new product line I'm introducing."
"Really?" Hermione raised an eyebrow as she leaned curiously over Ginny's shoulder to get a closer look.
"Yes, really. Take one drink of this little devil right here," George wiggled his eyebrows at her while he held up a small vial, "and then when I ask you a question, the color will change depending on your answer."
"So, it's a truth serum?"
"Ah, yes, but only a specific kind of truth that will tell you the hair color of your ideal mate."
Hermione cleared her throat, pointedly avoiding Ron's eyes. "I don't think I need a potion to tell me that."
The entire group fell silent in a moment of awkward tension before Hermione laughed to fill the space. She reached over and tousled George's hair. "It's you gingers, obviously! I've always been jealous of your hair." Without another word, she sauntered off, leaving Ron to fester about what she just admitted.
It was exhilarating, playing coy with Ron. She found she immensely enjoyed it.
The evening continued with Hermione a bit woozy from the firewhiskey she had already consumed. She was in a state of bliss watching Ron and Harry plant their feet back on the ground after going for a fly around the pitch — her heart fluttering as Ron made his way over towards her right away, discarding his broom in the grass before sliding into the seat next to her on the bench. He reached behind them and grabbed two butterbeers before silently handing her one.
They popped the caps off both beers and sipped on their libations in silence for a few minutes, both relishing the quiet atmosphere around them, being just far enough away from the others for their murmurs to be a distant noise in the background. Crickets chirped, and frogs croaked in a nearby pond.
"Nice night, huh?"
"Yeah," Ron agreed, "It's nights like these that make me miss living in Ottery."
"It's nights like this that make me miss just being...home." Hermione surprised even herself with her confession. Ron tilted his head towards her, and she thought she noticed a glint of a smile on his face.
"So why don't you? Come home, I mean."
Did he want her to? His body language and friendly words throughout the evening pointed to yes.
Taking a leap, Hermione swallowed the last gulp of her drink before turning fully to face him. "Ron, I was-I was sorry to hear about you and Julia. I could tell how much you liked her."
To her surprise, Ron kinked an eyebrow and sized her up. "Are you really? Sorry, I mean?"
Hermione pressed her lips together to contain her grin. He still knew her so well, and she was far too tipsy to care about the words that left her mouth next. "No...I suppose I'm not."
She hopped off the bench in one semi-graceful attempt and strode away from Ron without another word.
It could've been the liquid courage from the drinks, but she blamed her flushed cheeks as an excuse to break away from the group for some fresh air. Hermione stumbled her way off the garden grounds, heading towards a familiar set of trees. Part of her was hoping Ron would follow her out there.
Just minutes later, he rounded the bark of a tree and came to a halt. His eyes burned on hers in a way that made her almost feel naked in front of him.
He didn't say anything. She didn't say anything. What was there to say? All she knew was that they were both single for the first time in three years, and she desired nothing more than to give in to the fevered passion that had been building between them the entire evening.
Before she could dwell any longer, Ron was charging at her full force, cupping her face in his hands before bending low to kiss her soundly on the mouth. He slammed her back against the tree, a low growl releasing from the back of his throat as he pushed himself firmly against her.
Fireworks exploded in her brain as she savored the taste of Ron. While their very first kiss was memorable, this one was mind-blowing in a completely different way. She never wanted to stop kissing him. The sensation was new yet familiar at the same time. It felt right.
Ron's calloused hands trailed down to the hem of her dress. He bunched the dress up against her stomach, causing Hermione to release a shaky breath. The sound was enough for Ron to seize all movement and pull back to search her face with concern.
"Are you sure?" he panted, a small cloud of doubt passing across his face.
Hermione clutched at his shirt, hoping her words were enough to convince him. "Ron, now. I need you now."
Although he didn't speak, Ron withdrew his wand from his back pocket, throwing silencing and disillusionment charms around them, before aiming the wand at her stomach and casting the contraceptive charm.
She knew right then and there that they were on the same wavelength. This was going to be a fast, hard fuck. There was so much pent up desire and frustration that had already seeped over, and she wasn't sure she could stand not having him inside her any longer, consequences be damned.
Ron tore apart the button on his pants and shoved them down hastily to his knees right before cupping her bum and positioning her against the tree, his firm erection now pressed fully into her belly. Hermione spread her thighs wide to allow for easier access, and he ripped apart her knickers to slide a finger into her wet heat.
Hermione moaned at the contact, gripping his shoulders to steady herself as her hips rocked against his. "Ron, please…"
Ron shifted his weight to grip his hard length, and seconds later, he pushed his cock deep into her hilt. Hermione let out a strangled cry from being completely filled by him. She arched her back against the tree and wrapped her legs tighter around his waist.
"Oh, fuck yeah, Hermione," Ron pulsed in and out of her rapidly. Although still partially clothed, her breasts collided with his chest repeatedly as he continued to thrust hard. Hermione was vaguely aware of his hands gripping her arse tightly — his head slouched forward, his nose buried into the soft, bushy curls that cascaded around her shoulder.
Hermione moaned and bit her lip with every thrust that matched the pooling sensation building up in her core. Ron grunted loudly as the pace of his thrusts quickened even more. Her muscles clenched tight around him as the friction came to a static halt when Ron emptied himself inside of her.
Hermione found her own release, her body immediately sagging between the tree and Ron out of exhaustion. Slowly, Ron disentangled their limbs and helped her lower her legs to the ground. Her legs felt like liquid jelly, finding it nearly impossible to avoid wobbling on her feet as she worked to pull her dress back down around her knees and straighten out the wrinkles with her wand.
Ron remained silent as he pulled up his own trousers, instead focusing on steadying his breathing.
"I-I don't think we should tell anybody yet...you know, about this," Hermione cautiously whispered, breaking the ice.
Ron arched up an eyebrow as he crossed his arms. "You don't think they're gonna know as soon as they see us?" He pointed towards each of their disheveled forms.
Hermione blushed furiously, letting her hands clasp behind her back as she leaned against the tree. Her forehead felt clammy and sticky, the heat of Ron's gaze on hers doing nothing to quell the nervous energy surrounding them. She was certain they both had the same thought.
Where do they go from here?
If any of the other Weasleys had realized what the pair had been up to, they didn't make any indication once they returned. The moment between them was decidedly over, and Hermione spent the rest of the night going over the baby itinerary with Ginny.
The following morning, Hermione was surprised to step out the front door, only to find Ron already sitting on the steps waiting for her. He had returned to his flat the night before, and she wasn't expecting to see him so soon again. Ron turned and stood abruptly, shoving his hands into his pockets as she approached.
"Hi."
"Hi."
The clattering of pots and pans broke them out of their reverie, the open window into the kitchen much too close. Ron instinctively reached for Hermione's hand.
"Come with me."
He pulled her into the dusty shed, away from any possible prying eyes. He released her hand once they were safely inside, instead opting to lean back against an old, rusty workbench. Hermione mirrored his movements, deciding to remain mum and allow Ron to speak first this time.
However, Ron didn't say anything. The silence between them was frustrating, and Hermione did what she did best and started talking.
"We should-"
"Yeah," Ron spoke huskily, taking a step forward.
Hermione gulped, her heart lurching from his sudden movements. "I'm just wondering what…"
Ron moved his hands to either side of the wooden table behind her, effectively trapping her within his arms. He lowered his head to press soft kisses down her neck, causing Hermione's eyes to roll back into her head.
Despite desperately wanting to have a conversation about where they stood, she realized quickly that she was going to lose that battle. "I need to…"
"Yes?" He murmured, the feel of his lips vibrating on her skin sending a jolt of pleasure down her spine. With a final gasp, she used both of her hands to turn his head, her mouth colliding with his. Ron groaned deeply, his hands lowering to her bum as he lifted her until she was seated on the slab of wood behind her.
They needed to talk, to discuss what exactly this was. Instead, her leg hitched higher up around Ron's hip and all remaining logical thoughts dissolved completely. His hands delved underneath her shirt, creating goosebumps along her skin.
They were so wrapped up in each other as they snogged that they didn't even register the door to the shed opening.
"OH!"
Ron and Hermione sprang apart at the unexpected yell from behind them, Hermione immediately pulling down her shirt in absolute mortification from finding George covering his eyes.
"Don't mind me, lovebirds. Just coming to deliver the news that Ginny is having the baby! So, uh, when you're done, just meet us at St. Mungo's, alright?" With that, George sprinted out of the door, cackling with laughter.
Ron turned to meet Hermione's eyes, a flush creeping upon his cheeks.
"Well, shit."
It was a boy! Harry and Ginny welcomed a son, James Sirius Potter, in the early hours of the afternoon.
Harry grinned at Ron and Hermione tiredly as they walked into the hospital room, seeing a beaming Ginny holding a small bundle in her arms.
"Harry! Ginny! Oh, he is so beautiful," Hermione marveled, her eyes watering out of sheer happiness for two of her best friends.
"Okay, Hermione, no need to get all emotional on us," Harry joked.
"Come on, mate, you know her," Ron snickered back.
She rolled her eyes at both boys, choosing to ignore the comments and instead pulled Harry into a fierce hug. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered.
Harry squeezed her back. "I'm happy you're home, Hermione."
Her heart clenched again at the words home. There really was a lot that she and Ron needed to discuss.
Harry cleared his throat, suddenly looking nervous. "There is something that we wanted to talk to you both about."
Ron and Hermione glanced at each other curiously before returning their attention to Harry, who was smiling affectionately down at Ginny and James.
"We were hoping that both of you would be James' godparents."
"Okay, tears are happening this time. I can't stop it," Hermione cried, launching herself at Ginny and James, carefully squeezing them.
"Yeah, mate. We wouldn't have it any other way," Ron grinned.
"Good," Harry laughed as he embraced Ron in a brotherly hug, "Cause we didn't have any back-ups planned."
Molly Weasley stormed through the door, waking little James from his slumber and effectively irritating an already exhausted Ginny.
"Honestly, mum…"
"Oh, my precious grandson! Arthur, look, look!" Molly cooed, clutching her husband on the shoulder.
"I see, Mollywobbles," Ron's father responded, patting her on the arm.
Molly gasped, clasping a hand over her mouth. "Oh! I forgot the baby blanket! George, would you be a dear and-"
"Ronnie can go get it, can't he?" George interjected from behind, his eyes sparkling over at Ron and Hermione with amusement.
Molly furrowed her eyebrows. "Well, yes, I suppose so...Ron?"
Ron nodded slowly. "Yeah, sure, mum. I can go. Uh, Hermione, would you like to come with me?"
All eyes in the room turned on Hermione, and she found it difficult to breathe from all of the unnecessary attention. Maybe a quick escape would be best.
"Yeah, yeah, I'll come."
Within seconds of flooing straight into the sitting room of the Burrow, Ron pounced, capturing her lips instantly.
"Ron…" Hermione gasped between breaths as he started walking them back towards the stairs. "I don't think this is what they had in mind when-"
"Oh, I think this is exactly what George had in mind when he volunteered my services. Our services," he concluded with a wink. He broke the kiss long enough to guide her up the stairs until they reached his old bedroom, a sense of deja vu creeping up as Hermione recalled their first time together all those years ago.
Ron paused once he threw open the door to the room, startled to find her belongings already scattered about.
"You've been staying in here?"
"Well...yeah…" She turned crimson, chewing on her bottom lip nervously.
"Brilliant!" Ron murmured, bending over to kiss her again, gripping her hips as he gently pushed her back onto the mattress.
A small part of Hermione was concerned. Concerned that there was something else going on with Ron; concerned that he didn't seem to want to talk much at all. She pushed those worries from her mind as he hovered over her body on the bed.
Their movements were slower this time around, not nearly as rushed. They took their time removing each other's clothing in between kisses, choosing to explore the intimacy between them that they had lost for so long.
Once Ron was poised at her entrance, he wrapped both of his arms around her back and lifted her up, burying himself inside of her once she was seated on his lap. Hermione released the tiniest sound from the back of her throat, the softest of whimpers, as she rolled her hips in sync with Ron's movements. Her fingers curled into his hair, the sensation of being completely filled by him being nothing short of perfection.
An uncontrollable moan escaped Ron's mouth as he rocked into her, increasing the speed of their thrusts as his hands grazed up and down her bare back.
In one fluid motion, Ron slid out of her and turned Hermione's body around so that her bum was now facing his chest before lowering her back down on his shaft. Hermione leaned her back against Ron's front, moaning in pleasure at the delicious new contact.
Ron's hands reached up to squeeze her breasts — his hot breath against her ear.
"Did he touch you like this?" Ron bit Hermione's earlobe as he bounced her up and down on his lap. She shivered from the feel of his teeth grazing her sensitive skin.
Hermione gasped out in pleasure. "Never."
Ron changed positions again after hearing her words, instead choosing to lower her back down on the mattress, climbing on top of her so that he could look her straight in the eye.
"Really?"
"I- I told him I was saving myself for marriage. He respected that boundary very well."
"Were you?" Ron looked incredibly guilty.
"No, Ron, no. I couldn't…" Hermione's voice lowered to an almost inaudible whisper. "Not with anyone else."
Ron's eyes clouded over with an emotion that she didn't recognize. She hesitated to ask the question that had been hanging on her lips for so long.
"Did you and Julia…" She squeezed her eyes shut painfully, positive that she didn't want to hear the answer.
Ron's finger brushed against her cheek, making her eyelids flutter open. He was looking at her so tenderly. "No. Only you, Hermione."
Only you.
Before she could process or even breathe from that statement, Ron was slamming back into her, making her cry out from intense pleasure. Her body shuddered as he pulsed inside of her — one, two, three more thrusts before he collapsed on top of her, both left dizzy and breathless from their mutual releases.
Their limbs remained tangled together as Ron rolled her on her side so that his chest was pressed up against her back. One of his arms was curved just above her head to rest on the pillow, and the other snaked around her stomach, his hand coming to rest on her naked breast. Hermione was wrapped perfectly in a Ron-sized cocoon.
She snuggled into his warm embrace, allowing herself a few moments to be all encompassed by him without any regard to the future. Eventually, her earlier thoughts crept slowly back into her mind, and she found it difficult to hold back.
"We haven't done much talking."
Ron sighed into her hair. "Is it wrong of me to want to be happy for a little bit? To just enjoy the time we have together?" He squeezed her tighter to his chest if that was even possible.
Hermione lifted his hand from her breast and kissed it. "No. No, not all. I enjoyed myself too, Ron, promise."
Against her better judgment, she turned around in his arms so that she was now facing him, knowing she needed to look him in the eye to continue the conversation. "It's just...I'm going back."
Ron's eyes darkened as she finally forced them to dig into the reality of their situation.
"I committed to a huge trial just before I left to come here — I don't know how long it will take. It could be months. I didn't realize that…"
I didn't realize that you were an option.
Ron met her gaze sadly. "I know."
Hermione lifted herself up on her elbows and laced her fingers with his. "The thing is, I don't want this to just be one week."
She honestly didn't think she could stand it if something more didn't come from this. How would they ever return as friends if they weren't building up to something more?
Ron visibly swallowed hard, and his forehead creased as he looked down at their joined hands. "I don't think we should make any decisions about us until you return to England. Assuming you still want to...next year?"
Hermione cupped Ron's cheek, forcing him to see the determination in her eyes. "Yes. I want to."
The corners of his mouth arched up. "Good. Well, I just think we've already spent so much time apart. I don't want us to end up resenting each other if we put too much pressure on ourselves to label whatever this is."
As much as it pained her to admit, knowing they were about to be separated again, she agreed wholeheartedly with Ron. For the first time in way too long, they were on track — their trains once again heading towards what Hermione hoped would be their final destination. Together.
Ron placed a hand over hers. "You should go. Take the year. We'll write and just…" He hesitated, seemingly unsure of how to continue.
"Be Ron and Hermione?" She quipped with a slight smile in reference to the first letter she sent him last year.
He chuckled and brought her hand to his lips to mimic her earlier gesture. "Yeah. Ron and Hermione."
"We'll re-evaluate this," she gestured between them, "Next year?"
"Yeah, of course," he nodded in agreement. "I can wait."
They would wait for each other.
Relationship status: pending.