Well, you know I tend to write long chapters, but this one turned out to be a bit too much, even for my own standards. I must admit I've been rather focused on this story and have been writing a lot. Your response to the last chapters have been rather good and I've felt really encouraged. Besides, now I'm mostly free of the constraints of the books, so I felt freer. Of course, the story will be as epilogue-compliant as possible despite being an AU, but still.

There was so much in this chapter I wanted to show, and that's the reason it became so massive. I must admit I had planned on publishing during the next week, as I wrote so fast there was a deep need for revision. But well, I knew this weekend I would be hooked up with Cyberpunk 2077, so I decided to split the chapter in two parts and give you the first one sooner.

So here it is. I hope you like it as much as I liked writing it!

Chapter 23 (I)

Rebuilding

Ron had used to imagine, when he dared to let his mind wander during those dark days in the tent, that, once the war was over and they had won, he would sleep every day until he was tired of being in bed, he would relax, play Quidditch if the weather allowed it or stay in the warmth if it didn't, eat all the food he could and, of course, shag Hermione every chance he got.

There was nothing strange in those dreams, of course: not only they all were things or activities he loved, but also things he couldn't have in the tent — or, at least, as much as he would have wanted.

However, reality, once more, had sent his hopes and dreams down the toilet. The first days after the battle had been spent helping to repair the damaged house and, of course, attending funerals.

That first day, after coming home, they had worked with the aim to have rooms decent enough in which to sleep. Between them all they had tried to do as much as possible, as they knew they wouldn't have much time in the upcoming days, once the funerals started. When they went to bed that night, tired, the Burrow looked habitable once more, even though there were much left to do. The Death Eaters had been imaginative in their destruction, using powerful dark curses whose effects were hard to repair, or even impossible. Besides, many things in the house were magical or enchanted, which made restoring them much harder than using Reparo over and over.

Then, in the next three days, the family would attend many memorial services, though not all members of the family went to the same ones. Harry felt it was his duty to attend those for Hogwarts students and members of the Order, and Harry and Hermione agreed with him. Giving the schedules, they couldn't, of course, go to all of those, but, still, they managed to be present at ten.

Ron couldn't remember most of them, because as time passed they had started to blend together in his memory, but three stood out among the rest and were vivid in his mind: Remus and Tonks's, Colin Creevey's and Padma Patil's.

The first two had taken place in that first day. They had attended Remus and Tonks's burial in the morning, and it had been as horrible as Ron had expected it to be. In one way, watching the two coffins being buried in the ground had been worse, like more final, than just seeing their bodies lying lifelessly in the Great Hall. And the sight of Andromeda Tonks …

Arriving at her house hadn't been easy for starters, as Hermione had almost had a heart attack the moment she had seen her. Even though the two women couldn't be more different on the inside, Andromeda's physical resemblance to her sister Bellatrix was almost unreal. Ron had had to hug Hermione, whispering into her ear soothingly, until she had calmed down. Despite knowing Bellatrix was truly dead and couldn't come back, when they had gone to give Andromeda their condolences, Hermione had been stiff and tense, which, in turn, had made her feel bad, as the last thing the poor woman deserved after everything she was going through was to be looked as if she were her evil sister.

But the worse had come when, during the funeral itself, Ron realised that Andromeda had not only lost her only daughter and son-in-law, but her husband as well, killed months ago for being a Muggleborn and not having handed himself over to the Muggleborn Registration Commission. Seeing her, with little Teddy Lupin on her arms while she looked, with infinite sadness, at the three coffins being covered was simply heart-breaking. Her entire family had been almost wiped out. All dead except for the little, squirmy toddler in her arms.

Hermione had snuggled against him, crying, and he had embraced her tightly, his own eyes wet. The event had been so overwhelmingly sad he had barely spared a thought to how pretty Hermione looked in her long, black dress.

After the burial, Harry and stayed for a bit to talk to Andromeda and had held Teddy in his arms for the first time. Ron had never seen Harry cry like he had in that moment, smiling at the little, innocent baby while the tears streamed down his face.

"Your parents were some of the best people I've ever met," he told the child, who just stared up at him, blissfully unaware of what he had lost. "They died so you could live, just like mine, but you'll always have me. I can never replace them, but anything you need, every step in your life, I'll be right at your side."

Hermione let out a loud sob at his words, and had gone to embrace him, putting a kiss on his wet cheek.

"Remus made a good choice, Harry," said Andromeda in a tired, high-pitched voice. "You'll be an amazing godfather to him."

"Come see us when you want," said then Ginny, who also looked very affected. "We're still making reparations, but — feel free to come at any time."

Andromeda smiled at her. "Thank you. And you can come at any time as well. My doors will always be open for you."

Harry passed Teddy back to her. "If you need to do anything, you can count on me to watch him," he told her. "I haven't got the slightest idea of what to do, but I'm sure Mrs Weasley will be happy to help."

"Yes, she's had plenty of practice," added Ginny with a shaky laugh.

Afterwards, they had attended to a service for another member of the Order Ron didn't know before going back to the Burrow for a late lunch, which had been unnaturally quiet for a Weasley one. Then they had Apparated in the little town of Winchester for Colin's funeral.

"He shouldn't have died," muttered Harry as he watched Colin's mother, her legs barely holding her as she stood next to her husband and Dennis. "He was too young. He should have left."

"He was too brave for that, Harry," commented Neville, who had come as well. "He looked up to you since the moment he went go Hogwarts, and he was a Gryffindor. He simply couldn't bear to have come back to the castle just to leave before the battle began."

Ron nodded, staring at the coffin. He knew Colin was just a year younger than them. In fact, he was older than Ginny. Yet, as he had always been so small, it was easy to think he was much younger. That hadn't stopped some fucking Death Eater from killing him, he thought, clenching his fists with rage.

The moment Colin was finally put to rest underground, his mother almost fainted and Ron had looked away, unable to stand the sadness coming from the scene. Hermione had clenched her hand around his almost painfully, yet he could barely feel it.

The war was over, yet, for many people, it wouldn't ever be left completely behind. Maybe his family couldn't, either. Percy's stump would always be a reminder of the it, just like George's missing ear … or the nightmares. He knew Hermione still had them, and so did Harry and him. Last night he had woken up, sweating and reaching for Hermione. He had been dreaming Death Eaters were about to come and they would have to flee again, that Voldemort wasn't really dead because he had another horcrux hidden. He hadn't calmed down until Harry had moved to restrain him and had convinced him it was all a dream and they were safe.

He shook his head, forcing those thoughts away, and caressed Hermione's soft hand, relishing in the comfort having her next to him provided. They watched as Harry took a deep breath and moved to talk to Colin's parents and brother with Ginny in tow. In that moment, he really admired his friend. This required a kind of bravery quite different to the one needed to fight Dark wizards. One he wasn't sure he possessed. Harry exchanged a few words with the adults and then took a crying Dennis into his arms while Ginny gave the Creevey's her own condolences.

Ron felt Hermione's fingers brush his cheeks, and then noticed they were damp. He hadn't realised he was crying.

"I should go and talk to them too," said Ron in a hoarse voice. "But I don't know what to say. What do you tell two parents who have just lost a seventeen-year-old son?"

"There's nothing that can be said," was Hermione's sad response.

Once the service ended, they Apparated back to the Burrow in a sombre mood, none of them feeling like talking. Ron's parents were at another funeral, and Charlie had gone to see Percy with Fred and George, who also wanted to check on their shop, so only Fleur and Bill were at home.

"I'll prepare some tea," said Fleur when he saw them, and moved to the kitchen. During their absence, she and Bill seemed to have the living room completely restored. Bill was now working on repairing the old Grandfather's clock. Ron noticed, touched, that his brother had also added hands for Harry, Fleur and Hermione.

"I'll help Fleur," whispered Hermione, giving him the softest caress on the small of his back.

Ron nodded and watched her go. Fuck, she was so fucking beautiful, so pretty. Yet today he didn't find it in him to get turned on by her. Of course, the dress wasn't provocative at all; it was as formal and proper as could be expected. Yet she looked amazing on it, and on normal circumstances he would have been dreaming of bending her over, pushing the skirt up and fucking her senseless.

Not today, though. Right now, he just craved her presence and comfort, nothing remotely sexual.

In the afternoon of the next day the four friends went to Padma's funeral. Ron had felt really bad about her, as he hadn't been aware that his date to the Yule Ball had died in the battle, finding out only when they had seen the casualties' list.

They met with all Gryffindors in their year, as all of them wanted to be there for Parvati. That included Lavender, who, despite still having bandages over her face and looking really frail, was there for her best friend. He had watched her for a bit in the Great Hall, being tended to by Madam Pomfrey after Greyback had wounded the left side of her face and her neck, thinking that, despite the trauma of the attack itself, she would have a really hard time dealing with the cursed scars that would remain. Lavender had always been a bit shallow when it came to her looks. She was, after all, really pretty, she knew it, and liked to flaunt that fact. In the brief time they had been together, Ron had never seen looking less than perfect. So it was a bit of a surprise seeing the way she was acting, not caring one bit about anything but being there for Parvati. Ron wouldn't admit it, ashamed of his sixteen-year-old self, but he hadn't learned much about her during their brief relationship besides she was good at snogging and always eager for a shag. It was obvious that there was much more in Lavender than that. Probably much more than she herself believed.

Many people approached Parvati and her parents to give them their condolences before the service, so the group of friends approached a now solitary Lavender, who had moved away to give the family some privacy. Ron would be lying if he didn't say he had got closer a bit cautiously. Yet, when she noticed them, she greeted them with a feeble smile.

"Hi, Harry. Ron, Hermione, Ginny. How are you?"

"Hi, Lavender," said Harry, giving him a small smile before moving towards Parvati with Ginny, who nodded towards the blonde girl.

"We're fine," answered Hermione. "What about you, Lavender?" she asked quietly.

Lavender shrugged. "Alive. And, by what I've been told, I owe you that, so thank you, Hermione."

"You'd have done the same if you had seen anyone being savaged like that," Hermione replied dismissively. "Besides, I had my own reasons to attack that — that monster."

Lavender fixed her eyes on Hermione, but didn't ask anything, just nodded.

"How's is Parvati doing?" asked Ron in a sombre tone.

Lavender turned her face to look at her friend, who was receiving a hug from Seamus. "You can imagine. But she's coping. She's brave and strong. And I'll be there for her whenever she needs me."

Ron nodded.

Hermione touched Lavender's arm affectionately and then moved towards Parvati, leaving Ron behind. Ron didn't know whether that was on purpose or not, but he felt like he needed to say something.

"Lavender, I —"

"It's okay, Ron," she interrupted, as if already knowing what he was going to say. "We were not right for each other. It was fun while it lasted, though," she added with a little smile.

"Yeah," he said, trying to prevent his ears for turning pink.

"You are with the one you were meant to be all along. And I —" her voice trambled and her smile flickered, "I'll find my own life partner. Surely there is someone who — who —" She stopped talking, now on the verge of tears, and Ron reached with his hand, wanting to reassure her yet not knowing how. But he stopped his hand mid-air when she just shook her head. "It's okay," she said. "How are things between you and Hermione?" She asked. "You look really close."

"They're great," he said, feeling a bit uncomfortable. Lavender smiled at this.

"I'm glad. You deserve to be happy." And with those words, she started walking towards Parvati, who was now sobbing onto Hermione's shoulder. Noticing how unstable Lavender looked, he helped her, feeling awkward and inadequate.

"My brother Bill was mauled by Greyback as well, but he's okay," he said then, suddenly inspired. "And you'll be as well. You — you still look very pretty, you know." Realising how shallow that sounded, he tried to amend himself. "Sorry, that was a stupid thing to say, I —"

She chuckled. "Thank you, Ron. It was nice of you to say that."

"It's the truth." And it really was. Despite everything, Lavender still looked great. "Your scars only show that you're brave."

She turned her head to look at him then, giving him a very intense look, her eyes shiny once more. "Thank you, Ron. No one had ever told me I am brave."

"Well, you were. You stayed to fight when many others fled."

She could only nod.

Then, not knowing how, Ron found himself with a sobbing Parvati in his arms. He didn't have the slightest idea how to offer her any comfort, though, so he just held her.

"I hope Padma knows I'm sorry for being the worst date in history," he said without thinking. He regretted the words as soon as he had said them, yet, for the second time in just ten minutes, he seemed to have said the right thing, as Parvati let out a shaky laugh through her sobs.

"You really w-were," she said. "Even worse than Harry!"

"Yeah," he nodded. "Really awful."

"Thank you for coming, Ron. It means a lot."

"You're welcome."

Once the funeral was over, the four friends, along with the other Gryffindors, approached Parvati once more. She was next to her devastated parents, while Lavender held her hand in hers.

"If you need anything at all, you just have to ask," said Harry, speaking for all of them.

"Thanks, Harry."

"When all this is over, we'll have to get together one day. To celebrate. To honour all of them for their sacrifices and show them we're living, just like they'd want us to."

Parvati nodded eagerly. "Yes, please. That'd be great."

By the time the funerals were over, the Burrow had been restored to its previous state. And that very evening Kinsgley came to visit, alone, to get a private account of Harry, Ron and Hermione's adventures. Upon hearing everything, he had agreed with Harry that, while the public had the right to know about almost everything, the horcrux part should be kept a secret. There was no need for another Dark wizard to get the same idea. He also told them that, due to the mess the Ministry was in and the fact that all Heads of Department had been Death Eaters, he needed people in which he could trust to rebuild it, and then offered Ron's dad a new position as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Ron's mum squealed in delight upon hearing it, but, though his dad was grateful for Kingsley's confidence, it was not a post he had ever wanted, so he would accept only on the premise that it would be during the transitory period. What he enjoyed was working with Muggles and Muggle artifacts. Kingsley promised him that he could go back to that, but, while he was Head of the department, he would have freedom to expand his previous office and give it the importance it should have.

Kingsley also told them the Ministry would hold an official ceremony to honour the dead and celebrate Voldemort's demise. The date had still not been decided, as the Ministry was still being rebuilt, with former workers who had been imprisoned but had been lucky enough to be left alive being given their positions back, while other 'eager collaborationists' — as Kingsley had called them — were being sacked or even investigated, and, if needed, prosecuted. Ron almost jumped in joy when the Minister told them Umbridge was one of those and was already in Azkaban awaiting trial.

"As part of that ceremony, the Ministry will award Orders of Merlin too many wizards and witches," Kingsley explained. "We haven't still started with the list, but you three can expect an Order of Merlin, First Class."

"I don't want that, Kingsley," said Harry at once.

"You deserve it," the other wizard replied, and, before Harry could protest more, he added, "I also want to tell you that Hogwarts will reopen in September, and any student is welcomed to repeat this year or course it, in case they had missed it." He looked at Hermione while he said this. "I also want to offer some trustworthy people posts in the Ministry, as we're rather understaffed. Concretely, we need more Aurors. We're already working on an emergency law to allow us to recruit quickly, but let me tell you that you three are eligible, given your experience."

"But we haven't had our NEWTs yet," said Harry, surprised.

"I told you, you've got experience. More than many of our current Aurors, I daresay. We're planning on making an intensive training curse for a few months so the people invited can join."

Ron could tell that Harry was already thinking of joining. He, on the other hand, didn't know what to do, as his head was still spinning due to all the information.

They couldn't get to talk about the offers that evening, as his Mum insisted for Kingsley to stay for dinner. He had been pulling long hours at the Ministry, and quickly agreed to a good homemade meal. By the time he left, it was rather late, everyone was too tired to stay awake, and next day would be nearly impossible, as George and Fred had reported that Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes had been ransacked, and Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny had offered to help them to clean and repair so they could reopen it and bring colour and joy to a still dark-looking Diagon Alley.

So it was in the evening of the 29th of April, six days after the battle, when Ron and Hermione finally found themselves together and alone, as they took a walk in the yard before dinnertime. They had spent most of the day helping in Diagon Alley, finishing the reparations of the shop. Fred and George had invited them for dinner at the Leaky Cauldron, but they had refused. Somehow, the word had spread that Harry Potter and his two best friends, heroes of the war, were in Diagon Alley and, as a consequence, a swarm of reporters had been outside the shop the whole day, trying to get a glimpse of the three friends, especially Harry. No doubt, they would be followed to the pub and none of them wanted that at all. Of course, they knew the reporters also surrounded The Burrow, but at least they couldn't enter because of the protective charms still in place, and so the family had some privacy thanks to the hedge.

After coming back from Diagon Alley, Harry had said that he and Ginny were going to visit Andromeda and Teddy, as he hadn't seen them since the funeral. He asked Ron and Hermione if they wanted to come, but they had refused. Ron's parents had gone to fetch Percy, who was going to be discharged today, and, with only Bill, Fleur and Charlie at home they could have time for themselves at last.

"It feels like it's been a million years since the last time we were alone," said Ron as they walked, slowly, hand in hand. "I missed being just with you."

Hermione smiled at him, squeezing his hand. "Yes, I know. I missed you as well."

"It's quite sad that the only thing we can do is walking in the garden, though," he commented, his lips curving into a smile.

Hermione smirked at him. "You'd like to do something your mother wouldn't approve with me, Ronald?" she asked in a teasing tone.

"No!" he yelled almost automatically, and Hermione raised an eyebrow at him. "I mean, yeah, that'd be fantastic, of course. You could sleep in my room if I didn't have a bespectacled git in there with me, but, until my brothers decide to go back to their own homes there's no space." He made a pause. "But I was referring to go out for dinner, or to Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley … You know, a normal date, now that we can both Apparate and it's safe."

"You want to take me out on a date, Ron?" she asked, staring at him in surprise.

"Yeah," he nodded, blushing a bit.

"And why are you implying that we can't? Nothing is stopping us."

"Because of those bloody reporters," he complained, annoyed. "I don't want to have dinner with you while some idiot is taking photos of us."

"Unbelievable. Ronald Weasley rejecting fame!" exclaimed Hermione in mock surprise. Ron grunted.

"One thing is to be known and appreciated and another having Rita Skeeter breathing down your neck at every step," he said dryly. "She'd probably write that I've fed you some Love Potion or something like that."

Hermione let out a laugh. "Well, giving what she's written in the past about me, it would be I the one to have given you a Love Potion, but I get what you mean. I feel the same way. I'd love to go on a date with you, but with privacy."

"Maybe we could go to the Muggle world," suggested Ron. "We could go to the cinema again, I loved it last time. Have dinner in a Muggle restaurant … maybe go to a nightclub …"

"A nightclub? Really?"

Ron shrugged. "I've never been in one. And it's what Muggles our age do, right?"

Hermione smiled. "Sounds good, all of it," she said. "And now that we're talking about the Muggle world … I'd like to go home tomorrow and check on it, now that your house and the shop are back as new."

Ron nodded. "Yeah. But we should tell Bill. He can check that the Death Eaters hadn't left anything dangerous if they've been there."

"Yes, I agree. Safety first."

"Safety first."

They walked for a bit more, enjoying their mutual company, until Hermione spoke again, "Have you thought about what Kingsley told us?"

"A bit," he said, shrugging. "You?"

"Yes, though I don't know what to do. I'd like to complete my studies at Hogwarts, of course, but I'm not completely sure. Part of me feels I've outgrown school. Yet, for the best opportunities I'll need my NEWTs and I hate leaving things unfinished."

"So, summarising it: for now you've decided that you haven't decided," summarised Ron teasingly.

"Don't be a prat," she retorted, swatting him on the arm playfully.

"You could be an Auror without going back to Hogwarts, it seems."

"I'm not interested in that," she replied. "It's very noble and all that, but I've had enough combat for a lifetime." She directed her gaze at him. "What about you?"

"Dunno. I definitively agree about outgrowing school, and I always wanted to be an Auror, but I don't know. Haven't given much thought to it yet."

She nodded, and then checked her watch. "We should go back in. Your Mum will wonder where we are."

"Yeah," he nodded. "But, before that …" He grabbed her by her shoulders, made her face him, and then kissed her passionately. Hermione moaned into his mouth, caught by surprise, but soon reciprocated, putting her arms around his neck and turning the kiss into a full snog that lasted for a couple of minutes.

"Mmmh, I needed that," he said, grinning, feeling a bit dazed due to the intensity of the kiss.

"So did I," she said, beaming and licking her lips. "Now we'd better get in. If you kiss me like that again, I can't promise I won't push you to the ground and have my wicked way with you."

"Really?" he asked. "Oh, by all means, then —" he said, trying to get hold of her once more. However, she stepped back, putting a hand on his chest. "It's too late, Ron," she said, almost regretfully.

"Yeah, yeah," he nodded, though he felt a bit disappointed. "I'll restrain my urges."

Hermione laughed and gave him a peck on the lips before grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the house.

" — It's too soon!" his mother was saying when they crossed the door. Harry and Ginny had come back, and they were sitting in the living room with Percy, whom his mother was yelling at.

"Mum, It's been days and I'm bored. Now they released me I want to go back to work. I feel fine and the Minister needs as much help as he can get. I'll feel useless sitting right here all day."

"You've been released just a hour ago!"

"Mum, I'm fine," insisted Percy calmly.

"Oh, I don't know why I bother, you all do what you want!" she exclaimed, raising her arms to the air and went back to the kitchen.

"Hi, Percy," said Ron, smirking at him. "Already making Mum mad?"

Percy sighed. "I feel fine, and there's so much to do. I can't just be here after — after all the time I wasted helping the wrong side. I need to atone for my mistakes, Ronald."

"Percy, you gave up an arm," said Ginny. "One'd say it's enough."

"Yeah. They still haven't given you the new magical prosetic one," added Ron.

"Prosthetic," Hermione and Percy corrected him at the same time.

"I know, but I can manage. I'm a wizard after all."

Ron would never understand Percy's love for work, but he did understand the need to make up for one's mistakes. "Well, if you want to go back to the Ministry, go back." Percy smiled at him.

"And well, where were you two?" asked Harry. Hermione turned her face to look at him, but Ron ignored the question and walked towards the kitchen.

"Mum," he said, "Hermione and I are going to her house tomorrow to check on it and clean."

His mother turned round, a dishtowel in her hands. "Okay, but Hermione, dear, you should ask Bill to go as well and check for traps in case the Death Eaters were in there."

"Yes," he heard say, and turned round, not having realised she had followed him. "I'll ask him as soon as he comes."

Harry, who was behind Hermione with Ginny, frowned. "Why didn't you told us that before? Ginny and I promised Andromeda we'd have lunch with her," he said, looking apologetic.

"It doesn't matter, Harry."

"Yes, it does. I'll Floo-call her and cancel it."

"What?" asked Hermione. "No, Harry. Don't."

"But Hermione —"

"I'm sure it's fine. If there's something wrong, you can help the next day."

"We can go in the morning," suggested Ginny. "We aren't meeting Andromeda until twelve o'clock."

"Good thinking," nodded Harry. "And we can go back in the afternoon."

"Ummh, no need for that," said Ron quite nervously. Everyone looked at him. "I want to take Hermione out. Go to the cinema, dinner … In the Muggle world we won't have reporters following us everywhere."

"Oh, Ronnie!" exclaimed his mother with a bright smile. "Of course, dear, you should treat Hermione. Just promise you'll be careful and be safe."

"Of course, Mum."

His mum sighed. "Ah, you're all so grown up already …"

"Who's all grown up?" asked Bill, walking into the kitchen followed by Fleur. "Ron?"

"All of you," responded their mother. "Bill, can you accompany Hermione and Ron to her house in the morning? To check for curses?"

Bill looked at Hermione. "Yes, of course."

"But what about your job?" asked Hermione, biting her lower lip. It was obvious she didn't want to be a nuisance.

"I can pop in there for a while, there's no problem. What about half past nine?" suggested Bill. "That way you can sleep a bit more." His eyes moved to their mother. "By the way, Mum, we're going back to Shell Cottage tomorrow."

"Already?" she asked, dejected.

"Mum, we need to go back to our lives."

"I know, I know …"

"And I'm going back to work as well," said Percy.

"I think Charlie wants to go back to Romania as well," added Bill. "By the way, I think he won't be here for dinner. Said he was going to meet a few old friends from Hogwarts."

"Okay, okay! Oh, you're all so eager to get rid of me …!"

"Don't exaggerate, Mum."

Ron glanced at Ginny, who was shaking her head, a smile on her face.

Ah, it felt really good to be home.

— o —

The next day, after morning, Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione Apparated in Bedford, near Hermione's home, as they had decided it was too risky to Apparate in the backyard. They walked to the house and found Bill already there, standing just in front of the gates.

"Hi," he said when he saw them approaching. "Hermione, some neighbours are staring at me strangely. They must think I'm trying to rob or something."

"Ignore them," said Hermione. They looked at the house, which, at first sight, looked intact.

"I made a quick check and the yard seems to be safe, so we can go in." They did just that and, as Hermione showed Harry and Ginny the backyard, which they hadn't seen when they had been there during Easter, Bill checked the house.

"It's safe," he said after just a few minutes. "In fact, it seems to be under a powerful protection."

"Hermione and I used the charm you taught us. The same we used at home," explained Ron.

"So — so they didn't enter it?" asked Hermione.

"They could have, the same way they entered the Burrow," explained Bill. "Though the charm is applied to a building, it really uses the concept of 'home.' Since you and your parents left, this is not a home anymore. The spell is intact, but it doesn't work the same way."

Hermione nodded, understanding.

Bill moved his wand and the back door opened. Hermione, taking a deep breath, walked in first and stopped just ahead of the doorframe.

Ron entered just behind her and looked around. There was an obvious layer of dust all around, though everything seemed to be all right.

"They've been here," said Hermione.

"How do you know?" asked Ron.

As a response, Hermione pointed to the floor. There were faint traces of footprints on it, rendered almost invisible for a new layer of dust.

"It seems they came a long time ago," pointed out Harry. "Probably just after Voldemort took over."

"Well, you can manage by yourselves now, can't you?" asked Bill. "I must go back to work."

"Yes yes," said Hermione, nodding. "Thank you very much, Bill."

"You're welcome," he said with a smile. Then he walked out and Disapparated.

The four friends checked every room of the house. And though the Death Eaters hadn't been as vicious as during their visit to The Burrow, in some rooms, especially Hermione's, they had opened the wardrobes and thrown everything out, as if they were looking for something but knew they wouldn't find anything.

"Despite everything, all's far better than I had expected, so I'm happy," said Hermione with a small smile a while later, when they were back in the living room. It just needs some cleaning."

"Let's get to it, then," said Harry.

Between the four of them, they had the house cleaned in little more than one hour. They still had to revise some cabinets and Hermione's room was still a mess but, as Harry and Ginny had to leave soon, Hermione decided they should stop and drink something. She Apparated to make a quick trip to the closest supermarket and brought drinks for them all, which they enjoyed in the living room.

"So, when do you plan on going to Australia?" asked Harry after taking a long gulp of his coke.

"As soon as we can. I need to talk to Kingsley or your dad, Ron. We're going to need Portkeys to go there. It's much faster — and cheaper — than going in a Muggle plane."

At her words, Ron looked relieved, though tried to keep his feelings to himself. He had been secretly scared Hermione would want to travel on one of those infernal flying machines.

"Hermione, if you need help, or want me to go with you, I will. It's the least I can do after everything you've done for me," offered Harry.

Hermione gave him a tender smile. "I know, Harry. But there's no need, I arranged everything so I can find them once we're there. Besides," she added, and Ron noticed she had turned a bit pink, "I've been thinking it would be nice to have a little holiday with Ron."

"Don't tell me more," said Harry, raising his hands. "I've got no desire to be near you when you're on holiday after spending eight months alone with you two, thank you very much."

"Hey!" protested Ron.

Ginny, however, looked at Harry eagerly. "Why? Tell me the details!"

Harry grimaced. "If you want to hear about your brother's sexual habits …"

"Eeeew, Harry!" exclaimed Ginny in disgust, and Harry smiled sheepishly, as if saying 'you asked.'

"Harry!" yelled Hermione. Then she rounded on Ron. "What have you told him?" she hissed.

"Nothing, I swear!" exclaimed Ron, moving a bit away from her in fear.

"Harry, I think we should get going, don't you think?" suggested Ginny, getting up.

"Definitively," he quickly agreed. "Ron, Hermione, see you tonight. Have a good day!" he shouted, and he and Ginny hurried out of the house between fits of laughter.

"I'll get you, Potter!" shouted Ron after them. Then he turned to look at his girlfriend. "Hermione, Love, I swear I didn't tell him anything. No details."

Hermione pierced him with her stare for a bit, but then she shook her head, apparently deciding it was better to forget about it. "I'll deal with him later." She reached for his hand. "Would you like to have lunch at The Scottish Wanderer again?" she asked, playing with his fingers.

"Yeah, if you want," nodded Ron, glad that he had avoided a fight. "But it's still early …" he said suggestively, and pulled her towards him. Her lips curved in a wide smile that vanished slowly as they stared into each other's eyes, the tension between them growing until it reached an unbearable level, and then they moved at once, their lips clashing violently in a passionate kiss.

"Fuck, you taste so good," he muttered against her mouth before claiming it once more, his tongue forcing his way into it. Hermione received it gluttonously, sucking on it and playing with it with her own. She threw her arms around his neck and Ron moved his hands to her waist, caressing her over her thin t-shirt before lifting it a bit so he could touch the soft skin underneath and the waistband of her jeans. He really wanted to shove his hand under her trousers, but that was almost impossible due to how tight they were. A little price to pay for how good her ass looked in them. So he settled for caressing her skin and giving her ass an occasional squeeze over her jeans.

"Mmmh, Ron …"

"Fuck, Hermione …"

They shared another intense, charged look and then they were taking off their jeans hurriedly and throwing them haphazardly to the floor. Once they were free of them, Hermione straddled him on the sofa, claiming his mouth hungrily while she ground her crotch against his. Ron was hard as a steel already, and, as his hands moved eagerly over her bum, covered by her white lace panties, he could only think about ripping them off her and shove his aching dick into her cunt.

After a few minutes of frenzied kissing, Hermione lowered her right hand to his crotch and, moving a bit away, took his prick into her hand and took it out of his confines, stroking it with desire.

"Ohh, fuuuuck …"

"Yes, Ron, yes. I'm going to fuck you, right here. Move my panties to the side, quickly. I'm dripping!"

"Shit, yeah!" he groaned, fumbling to reach her groin. He couldn't help but rub her hard over her wet knickers and she moaned in delight.

"That's good, Ron, but I really, really need your cock!"

"Fuck, take it, Love. It's yours, every last inch of it!" he stated as he pulled the crotch of her panties to the side. She held his cock up as she positioned herself over it, taking a moment to rub her clit against the tip.

"Mmmh, Roooon …" she moaned, closing her eyes.

"Take it deep, Hermione," he said huskily.

Hermione opened her eyes, which were full of lust, and looked at him for a moment before lowering her body onto his, very, very slowly, savouring the way his dick stretched her cunt.

"Aahhhh …"

"Fuck, you're so fucking tight …" hissed Ron. "You feel amazing, Hermione …"

When she had taken him in to the root, she remained still for a moment, resting on his thighs. They kissed a bit, in a calmer way, savouring their connection, until Hermione shifted a bit, rocking her hips slightly. They moaned at the same time and her kiss turned wild once more. Ron grabbed her strongly by her ass and squeezed as he pressed her more into him, wanting to go deeper into her even if it was not possible.

"Gods, Ron, you feel so good inside me … So good …" she whispered, her voice laced with desire and want. "You're so incredibly hard … When was the last time you came?"

"The day of the battle, with you," he told her.

"So you didn't wank?" she asked, a bit surprised.

He shrugged. "These past days … Well …"

"I know," she said quickly, not needing him to explain himself. "Well, I'm glad," she said, in a lighter tone. "I want all that cum in me. All of it in my pussy, Ron."

"Fuck, Love, how can you be so bloody sexy? You drive me completely mad with want. Shit, I'd fuck you twenty-four hours a day …"

"Let me have you then," she said, starting to move. "I'm going to drain you, Ron, make you cum so hard you'll pass out."

"Hermione …"

"I'll make your cock feel amazing, Love. Do you feel that?" she asked, as she moved up and down while clenching her muscles. "Does my tight pussy make you feel good?"

"Shit, Hermione …" he moaned, squeezing her ass hungrily. "It's amazing. Now move, please, you're killing me …"

"Mmmh," she moaned, and began to move up and down. Slowly at first, but soon her pace grew to a frenzied one, so she was practically jumping on his lap, freeing his cock almost completely before slamming down forcefully and taking it deep once more. Ron's eyes rolled on his sockets with pleasure.

"Fuuuuck!"

"Gods, Ron, gods!" she chanted as she rode him, her face a mask of pure pleasure. Ron grabbed the two globes of her ass tightly, his fingers sliding under the thin fabric of her panties as he encouraged her to bounce on his dick. Hermione threw her head backwards, arching her back as they fucked. Ron's eyes focused on the swell of her tits, straining her t-shirt.

"Take your top off," he demanded as he bucked his hips to counter her movements.

"Ohhh, Ron, you — sorry, what — ahh — what did you say?"

"Your top. Take it off, Hermione, I wanna see your tits."

Hermione let out another moan and, quite clumsily, moved her hands to the hem of her t-shirt as Ron used his hands to keep her moving. She raised it over her head and threw it to the floor, revealing the plain white bra underneath. Ron watched, mesmerised, as her tits wobbled inside it, as if wanting to escape with each thrust.

Hermione put her hands back on his shoulders so she could fuck herself on his cock more securely, while Ron's hands travelled from her ass to her tits, giving them a squeeze. Then, roughly, he shoved the contraption upwards, freeing her breasts to his hungry gaze.

"Careful, Ron!"

"Keep moving!" Ron grunted, taking hold of her globes and kneading them eagerly. "Keep working my cock!"

"Mmmmh, Ron, I'm so very close already! Gods, I missed this so fucking MUCH!"

"Shit, just like that! Your pussy is so wonderfully tight! My cock feels so hard inside it! Do you feel that?" he asked, thrusting upwards more forcefully, their bodies making an obscene amount of noise as they slammed together over and over.

"Yes, oh, Ron yes! It's so hard! Gods, I love your cock! I'm going to cum all around it, Ron!"

"Cum!" Ron ordered, feeling on the verge release himself. He pinched her nipples and she let out a scream of pleasure. Her entire body started to tremble and Ron put his hands back on her hips to help her along.

"Ron … Oh, Ron, Roooooooooooon!" she shouted as she came powerfully, her pussy squeezing his dick rhythmically.

"Fucking fuck!" he shouted as he felt his own self-control snap. He pushed down onto him as hard as he could just as he thrust upwards with force and let out a loud moan as his cock erupted violently inside her, shooting ropes after ropes of cum into her welcoming pussy. "Oh, fuuuuck … Oh, shit, Hermione …"

"Gods, Ron," she said, falling against him, her cheek resting on the back of the sofa over his shoulder. Ron, still breathing quickly and with his body still tingling pleasantly due to the strong release, kissed her shoulder and neck lovingly, his hands caressing her sides, back and ass.

"I don't know what got into you, Love, but feel free to do this anytime you want."

Hermione shifted atop him and pulled a bit away, smiling stupidly, the same way as if she were tipsy. "Mmmh, I think it was you what got into me, Ron. Or, more precisely, your cock. Your wonderful, amazing, hard cock!" she added, peppering his face with kisses and making him laugh happily.

"You're right. I'm still inside you, in fact," he commented, moving his hips for emphasis. His cock was still half-hard, and it felt amazing inside her warm, moist cunt. It wouldn't take him long at all to get completely hard again and have a second round, despite how strongly he had orgasmed.

"Mmmh, yeah," she nodded, and gave him a peck on the tip of his long nose. Then she got off him, making him groan.

"Nooo, come back," he whined, reaching for her but without success. "I want to stay in your pussy …"

"Sure you do," she said with a smile, adjusting her knickers. "I should change these, they're soaked …"

"I like you soaked," he commented.

"I'm glad for you, but it's a bit uncomfortable."

"You didn't leave clothes here," said Ron, getting up with a sigh. He pulled his pants up and grabbed his jeans to put them back on.

"Right," she said. So she grabbed her wand and used it to clean herself.

"Shame," said Ron. Hermione threw him a dirty look.

"You said that because, as a man, you haven't got to walk leaking cum," she said. "It can be a turn on at times, yes, but it's uncomfortable as well." She put her jeans on, while Ron watched with desire how she adjusted them on her waist, making her ass look amazing. "Stop ogling me."

"You like me ogling you."

She grabbed her t-shirt and put it over her head, saving herself from having to admit he was absolutely right.

Now, I don't plan on making you wait two weeks for the continuation, as this was written as a whole unit. I still have to revise it, and as it contains a really long sex scene quite different than what I've written so far and that I hope you'll love, it'll take me some time. And, as I stated, I'm hooked with CP2077. However, you'll have to wait only a few days (three or four). But, if you're really good with reviews and comments (or write your own smut stories for R/Hr!) I'll feel encouraged to try and upload it sooner. Like in two or so. It will be impossible in less.

See you soon!