Chapter 18 – Love, At Last

A burning feeling in her chest rose by the second as Hermione stared at the bed endlessly. Another tear dripped down and landed on the floor. He wasn't here…where was he? Was he…

"Hermione?" said a voice next to her. Thinking it was Ron, she turned to look at him and cry out in joy, but it wasn't. Harry was lying there on his bed with an astounded look on his face.

"Where's Ron?" cried Hermione, not attempting to keep her voice down.

Harry's eyes trailed to Ron's bed and then back to Hermione's weeping face, "Oh no…"

"Harry, I just had the most horrible nightmare and-"

"Voldemort killed Ron?" Harry finished for her, making Hermione's eyes widen, and he went on, "I had the same one just now…but why did we have the same dream?"

"Who cares? Come on, get up, we have to find him." Hermione grabbed his arm and hastily pulled him up.

"He was here when we went to sleep. Why would he just take off in the middle of the night? And where are we going? The Forbidden Forest?"

"If that's where I saw it." Hermione said, walking ahead but her eyes fixed on Harry. She walked down the dark hallway and suddenly crashed into someone, making her descend backwards, but the person grasped her arm instantly and pulled her up. She was staring at a figure with flame-hot hair.

"Ron!" Hermione gasped, absolutely shocked and then a second later, relieved. She clung to him like a magnet and wetted his nightshirt with her tears. She was so glad that he was all right…she didn't think she could ever survive if Ron died…

"Hermione…what are you doing here?" said Ron softly, but surprise was all over his face as he looked at Harry and stroked his head questioningly.

"Er-we had the same dream-"

Looking at Hermione's head on his shoulder, he said fearfully, "What happened? Was it Voldem-" He gasped.

"-Ort," finished Harry, "Would you give up the You-Know-Who nonsense?"

"Oh, all right-Vol…de…mort."

Hermione sobbed louder at the name, making Ron look worryingly at her but not objecting her crying that had made his shirt look like it had just been washed.

"Yeah, we had a dream about him." said Harry.

"If it was a dream, then why is she crying?" said Ron uncomfortable to Harry.

"Because you…you…died in it!" Hermione moaned.

"Oh…well, it was just a dream, that's it. I'm still here, see?" he said, looking even more flustered than before, "You have to go back to your dorm before you get in trouble, go."

"No, I'm staying here." She said forcefully, holding a tighter grip on his shirt.

"Hermione! I'm fine! Look, I just went to the bathroom, that's all! You need to go back to bed."

"All right…but don't go anywhere." She muttered, finally letting go of him, "Promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

With one last look at them, she walked back to her own room. Even though Ron was there, she was still worried. Hermione wished she could bring the both of them to the Common Room and watch them for the rest of the night. Her dream had NOT been a dream. It was rather a premonition, a vision from a past life, or something of the sort…she was almost positive. How she'd had it was the real question…Maybe because of her personal connection with Ron, she'd seen something that was to possibly happen in the future…but that didn't explain her previous dreams about the Forbidden Forest. And what was more was that Harry shared her dream as well. What were the chances of that?

Another thing that crept into her head was that this dream was so much different than the one she'd had months ago…the one where afterwards, Dobby the house elf had awoken her. In that one, she hadn't been at the place, she had just been watching over it, and in this one, she was there when it happened….

Hermione collapsed into her own bed. There was no way she could go back to sleep now, so she just lay in bed the whole night, thinking and dreading…

…

The morning of Valentine's Day blossomed into warmth and revival, ending the bitter cold weather that Hermione had been getting so tired of. They were scheduled to go to Hogsmeade today and for once she wouldn't have to put on three layers of clothing and walk around feeling like she was ten pounds heavier.

Hermione still didn't have a present for Ron; she never got a chance to get it and she certainly wasn't going to sneak up to Hogsmeade like Ron. The last thing she wanted was another detention from Professor McGonagall. She figured she would get him a Quidditch broom or something of the sort since he was crazy about Quidditch, but she didn't want to get it in front of him; this would be almost impossible since they would be together the whole time. It also wouldn't be different from any other day because ever since Hermione had had that nightmare about two weeks ago, she felt like she was spending the last days with Ron, constantly watching him, kissing and hugging him, and never letting him out of her sight. Ron didn't seem to mind, especially when she would just start making out with him anywhere and everywhere, no matter who was watching. Basically, she was living life to the fullest like an normal teenager would, not paying much attention to her homework and her N.E.W.T's, which were coming up soon.

A while ago, she had planned that she would start studying for them in January or so, but she still hadn't started. Getting worried about her carelessness, she promised herself to start right after Valentine's Day, when there wouldn't be any more holidays or events to distract her. Hermione hoped that she would have enough time to study between all of her activities, and if she didn't, then she would have to drop a few DA lessons, because she certainly couldn't miss any of her Animagi ones. She needed all the help she could get in those and recently had begun to regret that she'd chosen to become an Animagus, but she couldn't change her mind now. Right now, they were on the lesson of vanishing oneself and this was another concept that frightened her. What if she stayed invisible forever?

On the other hand, the DA meetings were going better than the first one, mainly because Hermione wasn't partnering up with Draco anymore. He had been smart enough to bring someone with him to the second meeting, which was Pansy Parkinson, and the way they were standing closely together, Hermione could tell that they were dating. She had no idea what Draco saw in her but didn't say anything to cause any more problems. One thing she noticed during the recent meetings was that Snape was paying special attention to Harry, who was working with Neville, and would correct him many times when he was doing something incorrectly. Harry called this criticizing and pestering but she was happy that Harry was getting trained properly, and guessed that Dumbledore must have told Snape to help Harry.

Today, she called Ginny into her room to pick out an outfit and Ginny chose one that her young Aunt Ella had given her for Christmas. After she put it on, she gazed at her reflection in the mirror and smiled slightly. Stuck tightly to her skin was a pure polyester white sleeveless shirt that went down past her hips and it had a diagonal neckline and rhinestones bordered it, swaying to her right breast, where an elegant white rose was placed. Matching it was a ruffled pink skirt that came a little above her knees. The best part of the outfit was that the material was so comfortable and soft, even if the fancy shirt was tight.

Ginny chose some dangling star-shaped silver earrings and matching bracelet for her and she put it on, but left her neck bare. Her short hair didn't seem to match her clothes, so she took her wand, pointed it at her hair and twirled it, making her hair curl into spirals. While Ginny was zipping up the shirt in the back, she craned her neck over to watch in amazement.

After Ginny put a dab of rosy lipstick on her, Hermione helped her get dressed. She went for something more reserved since it was her first date with Harry, and at the end, Ginny wore a short jeans skirt and a full-sleeved red shirt.

As Ginny combed her hair, Hermione nervously looked at her clothes and then Ginny's and said, "Maybe I should take my sweater."

"Nah, leave it. You look pretty." she replied, glancing at Hermione's reflection in the mirror.

"Yep," said another voice behind Hermione, "You planning to seduce Ron in that?"

It was Parvati. "Oh, shut up. It's only a one day thing."

Parvati giggled. A few minutes later, after Ginny was done getting ready, they went to the Great Hall.

"Wow." said Ron, admiring her from top to bottom, "You look beoutious."

Hermione giggled and sat down closely next to him. Ron was dressed in Muggle clothes as well, wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and jeans.

"Beoutious? That's not a real word, Ron."

"I know, I made it up, but that's how you look, so…"

"Er-you look pretty." said Harry nervously to Ginny, who pronounced a thanks and also took a seat next to him, ignoring his nervousness.

Ron grinned, "So, where're you two planning to go?"

Harry shrugged, "Dunno, Ginny can choose, I suppose."

Hermione wanted to hit him for not being more cheerful, but instead she concocted up an idea, "Why don't you two come with us? We can double date!"

Ron produced a look of disapproval and Harry and Ginny glanced at each other, smirking.

"I think I'd prefer not to spend the whole day watching you two snog each other nonstop." said Ginny.

"I second that." said Harry, finally looking somewhat happier.

"Fine, then." said Hermione, her cheeks turning red, "It was just a suggestion." Personally, she didn't want them to go with her and Ron, but it would make Harry more comfortable and wouldn't say senseless things. And as for Ginny, Hermione knew she would pounce on Harry if he didn't object.

After they finished their breakfast, the four of them headed out to the grounds, but when Tonks spotted them, who had been standing near the doors, she called them over.

"I don't think it's a good idea for you three to go to Hogsmeade." she whispered.

"But it's Valentine's Day, Tonks!" protested Ron, not bothering to keep his voice down.

"Shh! But what of your stalker?"

"We haven't seen him-or her-for months," said Hermione truthfully, "they probably got scared off when you searched the grounds."

"The forest and the castle is watch at all times now…I suppose I could send extra teachers along to watch you." said Tonks, coming to a compromise.

The four of them looked at her incredulously.

"I mean-watch out for any danger." she said uncomfortably. They expressed their gratitude and then went ahead, laughing.

"Can you imagine Snape watching ups kissing and holing hands? He would rather turn his back and let us get cursed." said Ron.

They strolled slowly to Hogsmeade in the fair weather, talking and laughing, and then finally reached the front street of Hogsmeade.

"Well, we're here. Let's go, Hermione." said Ron.

"Have fun." Hermione grinned at Ginny, and then they went their separate ways.

"So, where to first?" asked Ron as they walked.

"Oh, I dunno…erm…how bout the Broom Room?" The Broom Room was a new store filled with Quidditch brooms and supplies.

Ron looked at her strangely, "But why?"

There was no way she could get a gift without him knowing, "I still have to buy something for you, and I didn't prefer your way of sneaking out of the castle."

"Hey! How did you know about that?"

"Ginny told me. How about this, I go in there and get you a gift and you get some Butterbeers and something to eat and then we can sit by that old lake and just…talk." She smirked.

"You don't have to get me anything. Really." said Ron, meeting her eyes.

"But I want to, so just go and get those drinks and meet me at the lake." She kissed him and then walked into the Broom Room. Every broom you could think of was displayed on the walls, and Hermione decided to get Ron one since he was still flying his Cleansweep. There were two hundred Galleons in her purse, meaning that she could buy about any broom except for the Firebolt, of course.

She finally decided on the new Nimbus 2002 that had come out last year and gave some Galleons to the cashier and exited the shop.

It didn't take much time to walk to the lake and she hoped no one was there already. When she reached it, she saw that it was completely desolate. This place was on the south end of Hogsmeade, right behind the new broom store and the Hog's Head. Scattered maple trees surrounded the small lake except for a spot across from Hermione was standing that was bare and treeless. They had found it last year and it would be the perfect spot for them to spend the afternoon.

While waiting for Ron, Hermione sat down on the grass near the lake, took off her sandals and dipped her feet in the cool water. It was at that time when Ron came with a paper bag in his hand.

"Sorry I took so long, the line was huge." He said, sitting next to her.

"Thanks, sweetie," she said, giving him a kiss, and pulled out the broom from beside her, "here you go. Happy Valentine's Day."

Ron stared openmouthed at the package, "You got me a broom?"

"Yeah, I figured you'd need a new one if you wanna beat Slytherin."

He was about to say thanks but then put up an offended face, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Relax! I didn't mean it that way!"

"All right," said Ron, softening his expression, "but seriously, you didn't have to get me anything."

"Just shut up and take it." said Hermione, smiling at him.

Ron nodded, "But not now. I don't have your gift on me right now."

"I'll send it back to the castle then." Holding her wand, she brandished it in a circular motion without uttering a sound and the package zoomed away.

Ron gaped at her, "Bloody hell. How did you do that without saying the spell?"

"Oh…I dunno, for some easy spells I just move my wand and think about the spell and it happens. Lots of people can do it."

"Yeah, but only teachers. Wow…you're the most amazing person I've ever known."

Hermione chuckled, "And you're the sweetest and cutest," she pinched his cheek, "person I've ever known."

She felt like she was a little girl with a silly crush on a boy, and she gave him a playful fish kiss on his lips and pulled away shortly. Ron laughed and rounded in on her and they kissed passionately. For how long, Hermione didn't know, but what she did know was that she never wanted to let go.

The scorching sun settled high in the sky when they let go of each other.

"I think we broke our old record," Ron smirked, "isn't it astounding how people can kiss so long without losing their breath?"

"Mmhmm…isn't it beautiful here?" she said, resting her head on his legs and looking outwards to the pacified lake.

"You make it look even more beautiful." He said sweetly, playing with her hair.

"Ron! Stop being so romantic for once! I was being serious."

"So was I. It's the truth; you do make it look more beoutious."

"If you say so," she said, "I love this place…it's so peaceful, and I love Hogwarts. It's hard to believe we're only going to be here for a few more months."

"Yeah…and I'll miss you so much."

Hermione sat upright, "but we'll be seeing each other, right? You agreed to sepnd a few weeks at my house before I go to France."

"Of course, but I'll miss you after that."

"I'll Apparate to you ever day." said Hermione, resting her body down again.

"So will I. Just don't go off and find another boyfriend in France."

"How could you say such a thing!" she reprimanded, "You're my only man."

"Herminoe…" Ron spoke with a voice Hermione had never heard before, and she thought she knew what was coming.

"Hmm?"

"I know I've never said this before…but I love you."

These three words were like a remedy to Hermione, soothing her all over. No guy had ever said that to her before, and she was glad that Ron was first one.

"I know."

"You know?" said Ron, taken aback.

"Yeah, how could I not? You've always cared for me and helped and…just been there fore me. I feel like…I can't part from you, ever…not even after Hogwarts, because I love you too."

…

"Where are we going? This isn't the way to the Great Hall. You got amnesia?"

Ron scowled, "No! And how would you know? You're blindfolded!"

"It doesn't take this long to walk there. I'm blindfolded, not dumb. So where-?"

"It's a surprise, so just keep walking with me."

"Whatever you say," said Hermione, patting her blindfold, "just make sure I don't crash into anything."

They walked and walked, and along the way, Hermione's stomach grumbled. It was dinnertime and instead of eating dinner, Ron was taking her to his surprise. She wanted to see it so badly that she did not object, but had admonished a look of astonishment when Ron told her this. He would never skip dinner.

After what seemed ages to Hermione, Ron came to a stop and a door opened, or so she guessed.

He ushered her in and finally took off her blindfold.

"Oh, Ron, it's wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed. She was standing in a mini ballroom filled with red, pink, and white heart shaped balloons with short strings floating in midair and glimmering sparks falling to the ground continuously. A banner with a border of real roses was posted on the white wall across from her that read: HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY HERMIONE! in bright gold letters that fluttered animatedly. A small square dance floor cornered that wall and on the other side of the room was an elegant style dining table covered with silky pink table cloth, topped fully with delicious food.

"I made the banner, got the roses and the balloons, did the table, but Harry helped me bewitch those sparkles…and the rest…well…"

"We're in the Room of Requirement, aren't we?"

"Yep. You're not mad, are you?"

"Why would I be mad? Oh my god, I love it Ron!" she jumped up and down ecstatically and almost knocked Ron down with a humungous hug. She didn't care if they got in trouble or not, because what she was surrounded by was just wonderful. She'd never felt more special in her life.

"What first?" said Ron, grinning, "Shall we dance, eat, or can I give you my present first?"

"Present? I thought this was your present!" she said, strolling on the red carpet and stepping on to the wooden polished dance floor.

"Nope. Since you look so overwhelmed, I think I wanna add more to that." He reached in his pocket and pulled out a rectangular box and handed it to her. She looked at him.

"Open it." He told her.

She removed the cover curiously and inside was a stunning diamond necklace with a big heart shaped pendant that shined in the light.

"Wow…" surprisingly, she went from the jumpy excited state back to her calm and serious self, "How did you-"

"Afford this?" Ron chortled, "I got it during vacation. That's the reason for the cheap Christmas gift, but I'd rather not go into detail. Do you like it?"

Hermione nodded. She wanted to hand it back and tell him that he shouldn't have gotten something so expensive, but her mouth condemned her to say it as she gazed at the necklace.

"I love it."

Ron gave a sigh of relief and motioned her towards the circular table. He's certainly back to his old self, she thought with a smile.

Hermione and Ron had their dinner and talked and laughed with no worry of anything else. Hermione knew it was past ten o' clock, the curfew that seventh years had to be out of their common rooms, but she didn't care. She had never felt more carefree in her life. She had never loved Ron more than right now, if that was possible, and it wasn't because of the necklace or the room; it was because Ron had shown her that he would do anything to make her happy.

After they finished eating, Ron conjured up a box from under the table and revealed round vanilla chocolate pieces when he opened it.

"Aha." Hermione commented sweetly as Ron fed her some of it. The chocolate spread warmth in her body all over like Butterbeer and she felt a strange but comfortable feeling take her over.

"Mmmm…come on, let's dance." suggested Hermione, choosing to burn off her full stomach.

"Hold on." said Ron, closing his eyes in concentration, and Hermione guessed he was trying to make the room play music. She was right, because a second later, a slow tune played in the room although she was confused from where the sound was coming from.

Once they were on the dance floor, Ron put his hands at her hips like she'd told hi before and she curled her arms around his neck. They swayed to the music, each watching the other endlessly. She stared at him so intensely that Ron chuckled. The woman's voice in the song was soothing and the music was romantic, making Hermione feel like she was on a cloud.

"What is this music?" she said softly, looking admiringly at Ron.

"Ginny listens to it. I think her name is Celestina…"

But Hermione didn't catch the rest of Ron's words because she cut him off and kissed him passionately. They stopped moving to the music and stood there in the middle of the dance floor, all over each other like heavily attracted magnets. Ron's lips brushed against her neck cravingly, giving her a strange tingling feeling, and she laid her hands on his back. Hermione could feel the music zooming away as Ron's hands traveled to her back and he started unzipping her shirt. She didn't stop him; she couldn't object to anything right now, especially not to being as close as possible to Ron.