Hi! Long time no see! After this chapter, there's only one left ahhh!

I know I've been slow lately, but the truth is (other than the super busy time of year, of course) I've mostly been working on a new fic that I have yet to start posting. I'm currently over 38k into it, and I'm so excited to get it cleaned up and ready to share! Ideally I'd like to finish it before I post (I've never done that before) but most likely I'll start posting it after I'm finished with this fic, so we'll see! Just keep a lookout!

Anyway, enjoy this chapter full of fluff and smut ;)

oOo

"Oh, I see him!" Hermione's mum said excitedly as she pointed towards the students who were walking out from behind the stage in a single file line. "I can tell it's him from the color of his hair- well, from what's sticking out from under his cap, anyway. He's also a lot taller than most everyone else."

Hermione squinted her eyes, smiling when she saw her mum had indeed spotted Ron. "Yes, that's definitely him!"

"This is going to take forever," Hugh Granger grumbled from Hermione's other side. "His last name is Weasley. W is at the end of the alphabet, and Ron's going to be one of the last to get his diploma."

"They saved the best for last!" Jean responded, shooting Hermione a wink.

"Oh, look!" Hermione pointed as she spied a large group of redheads headed in their direction. "They're here."

Ron's mum waved as she led the rest of the Weasley's to their spot on the bleachers.

"Hello, Hermione dear," she said with a smile before looking at her parents. "And how lovely it is to see you two again as well!"

"Lovely to see you too, Molly," Jean said as Hugh greeted Arthur. "You haven't missed anything important. They are just now sitting down."

"Good," Molly said with a huff as she sat down as well. "It's so hard to wrangle all my children together. Especially as most of them no longer live at home and I have to do most of it through the phone."

"I take offense to that, Mum," George cut in, leaning over Mr. Weasley to look at her.

"You are the worst offender, George Weasley, so I do not care at all that you take offense," Molly replied.

"Noted." George shrugged, a smirk on his face. He looked over at Hermione. "How's it going, Granger?"

"Shh!" Mrs. Weasley shushed him, her eyes on the stage. "It's starting!"

The ceremony, Hermione had to admit, was pretty boring. There were speeches by several students, none of whom she knew, followed by the announcement of a bunch of names of more people she didn't know as they were handed their diplomas.

The only exceptions were Lavender, who, even from Hermione's distance, could see was pregnant, and Harry, who got very loud applause and a standing ovation from the Weasley's, especially Ginny, who screamed the loudest. When Ron's name was called, the whooping and hollering from their group was so loud that Hermione's ears rang for several minutes afterwards, but she didn't mind in the slightest.

When the entire ceremony was finally over, Hermione and her parents, along with all the Weasleys, made their way down to where the now graduated students were headed. As soon as Hermione spotted Ron, she ran towards him, eagerly jumping into his already open arms, holding her body several inches off the ground. He laughed as she peppered his face with kisses, her movements causing his graduation cap to slide off his head and onto the floor.

"I'm so proud of you," she breathed as he lowered her to the floor, her arms still wrapped around his neck.

"And I'm so in love with you," he responded, his low and deep voice in her ear causing a delightful shiver to run down her spine.

Hermione let go of him and stepped back, allowing his family members and her parents to all have their turn at congratulating him. As she stood there, a smile on her face as she watched Ron speaking with her parents, there was a tap on her shoulder. She turned her body, her eyes widening when she saw Jonathan standing behind her, a grin on his face.

"Jonathan!" she cried, stepping forward to give him a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm great," he beamed. "Lavender and I are moving in together next month. I've already got a good job, and I'm going to work while she does online classes so she can stay at home with the baby."

"Congratulations," Hermione said. "I'm glad you've got it all sorted out."

"Yeah. I never thought I'd have kids so early, but once everything happened, Lav and I both knew that we wanted to keep the baby. It's probably going to be damn hard, but we'll make it work."

Hermione gave him a reassuring smile, her eyes then moving to the figure walking up behind him. "Granger!" Lavender exclaimed, moving forward to give her a hug. "How are you?"

"I'm great! I graduated last weekend-"

"And once the summer is over, she and I are going to be attending the same university," Ron cut in, placing a hand on the small of Hermione's back as he stepped up behind her. "Good to see you, Jonathan," he said as he stuck his hand out, the two of them exchanging genuine smiles as they shook hands.

Hermione and Lavender shared a look. Even though it hadn't even been a year since the dramatic ending of last summer, everything was now so different. With break ups, secrets, and unspoken pining from different ends, everything had seemingly turned out perfect for all of them. She really couldn't be happier, and by the pleased expression on Lavender's face, Hermione was certain she felt the same.

"How're you feeling, Lav?" Ron asked, eyeing her swollen middle.

"Heartburn is horrible, but I can't complain much," Lavender said with a smile. "Jonathan has been absolutely amazing and takes care of me."

"Good," Ron responded, nodding his head. "I'm glad to hear that."

"My parents are waiting for us over there, but we just wanted to come say hi," Jonathan explained. "See you two around?"

"Definitely," Ron said. "We should catch up sometime."

Lavender laughed, staring fondly at Ron. Hermione could tell that despite everything, Lavender really did care a great deal for him, but the thought did not make her feel jealous as she was positive that both of them had long moved on.

"Okay. We'll keep in touch." Lavender said before turning to Hermione. "Hermione, I'm going to send you an invitation to my baby shower, okay?"

"Sure. I'll be there," Hermione replied.

With that, the other couple turned and walked away, hand in hand.

"Come on," Ron said, gently pulling Hermione in the opposite direction. "Mum said we better show up soon. You know how she gets about these sorts of things."

"Did my parents already leave?"

"Yeah. I told them you would ride with me."

They made their way to Ron's truck, chatting about the ceremony, Hermione telling Ron how handsome he'd looked in his cap and gown. After they climbed in, they clasped hands as Ron started the engine and backed out of the parking spot.

"I wasn't going to tell you until later," Hermione started. "But I'm too excited to wait."

Ron eyed her for a moment as he shifted the truck to drive before turning his head back to the street. "Tell me what?"

"Tell you what I got you for your graduation present."

"You got me a graduation present?" he asked, looking mildly upset. "I didn't get you a graduation present!"

She laughed. "Trust me, this is a present for both of us."

He chuckled. "Alright. So spill the tea. What is it, love?"

"We might have a reservation at a hotel tonight."

Ron smiled, his entire face lighting up. "Brilliant!"

"It's been a while since we've been completely alone," Hermione explained. "When we're at your house, we aren't allowed to sleep in the same room, and even when we are at my house, and are allowed to sleep in the same room, we have to be quiet."

Ron groaned. "I kind of wished you had waited to tell me. Now it's all I'm going to be thinking about, and I'm going to be all hot and bothered during my graduation party."

oOo

When they made it to Ron's home, most everyone was there, the party already in full swing outside in the garden. As soon as Hermione climbed out of Ron's truck, she spotted Harry and Ginny and started towards them, Ron following closely behind. Moving in front of Harry, she threw her arms around his neck.

"I didn't see you after the ceremony to tell you congratulations," she said, kissing him on the cheek before stepping back. "How's it feel to finally be done with highschool?"

"It feels like he's leaving me behind is what it feels like," Ginny cut in with a smirk. "I still have one year left."

Harry pulled his girlfriend into him and kissed the side of her head. "We'll still see each other almost every day," he reminded her. "The only one really abandoning anyone is Ron, here."

"Oi!" Ron interjected. "I'm sorry I'm going off to live my own life! I definitely don't want to stick around here just to watch you two and your public displays of affection!"

Ginny scoffed. "You may be going to uni, but I know you're most excited about getting to shag Hermione every day."

Hermione felt her cheeks turn pink, but Ron merely shrugged. "Yeah. That too."

Ron's mum then pulled them away, and the evening was perfect in every aspect.

She and Ron stayed next to each other, and he kept on giving her looks that very much made Hermione want to leave and get to the privacy of their hotel room as soon as possible. While her parents already knew about the room, Ron told his mum that he would be at Hermione's house, knowing he would get an unnecessary lecture if she knew they would be completely alone.

The Grangers left soon after, as they would be working the next day. Ron and Hermione walked them to their car where they once again told Ron congratulations. Once the party started to die down, Ron and Hermione were easily able to get away as well, stating that they had a long drive ahead. The hotel was a couple of hours away, and once Ron hastily packed a bag, they were off. They made it there no problem, and Ron carried the two small bags into the building where they made it to their room, both of them collapsing onto the large single bed.

"Remember the last time we shared a hotel room?" Ron asked as he let out a dramatic sigh. "It's going to be a lot better this time."

Hermione scooted closer to him and snuggled into her favorite spot, with her head on his chest, his arm wrapped around her. "Let's hope so." She reached down and pulled up his shirt so she could see the pale, freckled skin of his stomach. "I'd like to get you even more naked this time."

"I'm a willing participant." He rolled to his side, pulling her to him for a gentle kiss. "I can't wait until I can kiss you every day. It's so hard having to tell you goodnight over the phone."

"Me too. But first, we have camp," she reminded him.

He smiled. "Of course. Would never miss that."

He pulled her on top of him, their lips meeting in a slow, but passionate kiss, his hands moving under her shirt, skimming her sides as he lifted it up. Hermione raised her arms so he could easily remove it, and leaning up, Ron's face went into her cleavage, nuzzling and kissing as she giggled.

"Missed these," he muttered.

"They missed you, too," Hermione responded, reaching back behind her and undoing her bra clasp.

As soon as her bra was pulled off and tossed to the side, Ron's mouth was on her, Hermione's breath hitching as she arched further into him. No matter how many times he touched her like this, it never failed to surprise her at how amazing it felt. She was certain that no one else in the world could elicit the feelings and desire that Ron did, and just the thought overwhelmed her in the best possible way.

Ron stopped for a moment, only separating his mouth from her for the amount of time it took for him to pull his own shirt over his head before returning to her breasts, his lips sucking, his tongue flicking, the sensations causing the area in between Hermione's legs to ache with want. Just when she thought she could take no more, Ron flipped them over and moved, his lips kissing their way down her body. He settled between Hermione's legs, eagerly unbuttoning her shorts before pulling them, along with her knickers, off, leaving her laid out completely naked underneath him.

"Amazing," he muttered, his eyes roving over her entire body. "So bloody amazing."

Ron pushed a finger inside of her, Hermione gasping as he curled it and stroked the spot he knew drove her wild.

"I love making you scream, Hermione," he said in a rough voice. "It's my favorite thing to do."

Hermione whimpered, Ron's words turning her on even more. His tongue then started lapping at her, and she couldn't hold back the high-pitched moan that escaped her lips. "Oh, fuck," she rasped.

Ron's head shot up. "Did I just make you say fuck?" he asked, an incredulous look on his face.

Hermione groaned. "Ohgod, Ron! Please don't stop!"

Smiling, and looking quite proud of himself, Ron bent his head and resumed, Hermione bucking so violently that he had to throw an arm over her to steady her hips.

Ron's mouth and fingers brought her to orgasm three times before Hermione had to push him away, too sensitive to take any more. She couldn't move, couldn't even open her eyes, her body shaking and her breath uneven as Ron crawled up, his weight pressing her into the mattress. Her eyes still closed, Hermione wrapped her legs around his waist, kissing him back when she felt his lips softly touch hers, moving with a gentleness that only Ron could possess.

Their mouths still fused, Hermione lifted her hips into his, and Ron took a moment to roll on a condom before pushing into her, her aching walls hugging him. She let out a moan as they moved together, their lips still touching but unable to focus on the kiss due to the amazing feeling of their fused bodies.

"I love you," she whimpered, feeling overwhelmed with emotion.

Ron moaned in response, picking up the speed and intensity of his thrusts, the force of them making Hermione cry out as her body hummed in appreciation.

"Love you so much," he panted. "Want you forever."

Hermione gripped his shoulders, throwing her head back as Ron continued to pound into her. She moved her legs higher onto his waist, giving him better access, and it wasn't long before he came, sputtering broken noises that sounded like pieces of her name.

They lay together for a while after, Ron's hands absentmindedly skimming her back as Hermione held him tight to her.

"Are you really going to go to Lavender's baby shower?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Hermione shrugged. "Sure, why not? She's my friend."

"It's bloody weird that she's going to have a baby. I still can't wrap my head around it."

Hermione looked up at him. "What if it were me?" she asked, feeling curious. "What if I were pregnant?"

Ron furrowed his brows, his face turning serious. "I'd be terrified," he said in a low voice. "Honestly, I'm terrified to have kids at any age."

"Terrified?" Hermione asked, confused. "You are amazing with kids, Ron! Wait- are you saying you don't want kids at all? Ever?"

"I- well…" he trailed off and Hermione could tell he was holding something back. She sat up to look at him, determined to get to the bottom of this.

"Then what do you mean?" she asked.

Ron sighed, his eyes now avoiding hers. "I don't know if I want kids, Hermione," he whispered. "I'm sorry."

Now feeling completely baffled, Hermione opened and closed her mouth twice before taking a deep breath. "Not that we are anywhere close to having this type of conversation, Ron, but can you please tell me why? I would have never in a million years thought that you of all people-."

Ron turned his head to the side, and Hermione's heart dropped when she saw tears escaping his eyes. Sniffing, he reached up to wipe them away, his jaw clenched. It was very obvious he was trying his best not to be upset, so she said nothing and waited for him to compose himself.

"Because," he started in a raspy voice. "Every summer I see these kids- these bloody amazing kids- and most of them never even make it to their teen years." He shook his head. "Don't get me wrong, I bloody adore them all, and being around them is the best thing ever." He sighed. "But if I were to have a kid, and that kid was sick, I wouldn't be strong enough to stomach it, Hermione. No way. It would literally kill me. Even if they weren't sick, there's still so many horrible things that can happen. That's why I'm terrified."

Letting out a soft cry, Hermione flung herself at Ron, her lips kissing all over his wet cheeks. "You wonderful, lovely, perfect human being, Ron Weasley," she cried as she continued to kiss his face.

Looking puzzled, Ron gently pulled her away from him. "That's not the reaction I thought I'd get," he said in a quiet voice. "I thought you'd be mad at me."

"Mad?" Hermione asked, shaking her head. "I'm so amazed at your heart, Ron!" He gave her a small, sad smile, and she continued. "And when we get to an age where things like having babies are being discussed, we'll tackle that subject. Until then, there really is no need to think about it, is there?"

Ron gave her a grateful nod. "Yeah. You're right. Plenty of time before then."

"I am so in love with you."

Ron smiled before pulling her face to his for a slow, deep kiss. "Right back at you, love."