Christmas Eve was completely nerve-wracking for Ron. He tried to act normal but he couldn't sit still or concentrate on anything.

Ron was playing a game of wizard's chess with Hermione and miracle of all miracles, she was winning.

"Ron" Hermione said pulling him out yet another day dream about the proposal." what are you playing at, I have never one o game of wizards chess in seven years?"

"Sorry love" Ron replied. "I guess I am tired."

"Well maybe we should got to bed" Hermione suggested. "We have to be up early anyway for Christmas"

"Yeah"Ron agreed. He stood up and put away the chessboard. He walked her upstairs to Ginny's room.

"Goodnight" She whispered and kissed him gently on the mouth. "I will see you in the morning."

"Yes mom" Ron whispered nuzzling her.

She went into the room leaving him with a bright smile. He walked up to his room and laid down on his bed without even changing into his pajamas. Sleep didn't come easily that night. Ron slept in spurts, a few hours at a time; his dreams scared him to death because she kept saying no.

When morning finally came he pulled himself out of bed and threw on his clothes. Hermione had mentioned months ago that one of the traditions she had with her family was they dressed up on Christmas morning. Ron knew that this was her first Christmas without her parents and that she would be very sad so he made the decision to ease the transition. He pulled on a white shirt and navy slacks topping it off with a crisp navy blazer and a navy and white tie.

He came down the stairs and everyone was already there. Most of his family was in their pajamas except for Harry and Ginny. They agreed with Ron and decided to get dressed up too. Ginny was wearing an emerald green baby doll dress and Harry was wearing black slacks and blazer and emerald green shirt without a tie.

"You look lovely Ron"Mrs.Weasley said." Happy Christmas darling."

"Thanks mum" he answered. "Is Hermione not down yet?"

"She is just brushing her hair" Ginny answered. "Relax bro"

Before Ron could come up with a snappy retort, Hermione was coming down the stairs. She had on a bright red spaghetti empire waist dress that came down to her calves. Her long, usually bushy, brown hair hung straight down her back.

"Wow" Hermione commented when she saw Ron. "You clean up really nice"

"You look stunning Ron told her putting his arms around her waist. "Happy Christmas baby"

"You too sweetie" She replied.

"When you too are doing baby talking or whatever love birds do, can we open gifts?" George asked.

Ron slipped an arm around Hermione's waist and led her to the tree. Mr.Weasley distributed the presents to everyone.

"Ok" he said when he was done. "Get to it"

The entire family tore into the presents noisily. Ron got a blue sweater from his mom with his initials and set of robes from his dad that were gold and red, reading Hogwarts Keeper on the front and Weasley on the back.

"Thanks dad" Ron cried out." These are wicked"

"They are great" Harry agreed, holding his up. Apparently Harry and Ginny got the same present.

Ron looked over at Hermione who was examining a red sweater from Mrs.Weasley. She was thanking her over and over again; obviously touched that she received a Weasley jumper.

"Where's my gift?" Ron asked her.

"Oh, was I supposed to get you something?" Hermione asked innocently.

"Funny and smart" Ron teased. "Boy am I lucky"

"I'll got and get it" Hermione told him. "I was worried about leaving it here"

She came back a moment later with a long present that looked like a broom. She sat down beside him and watched him open it excitedly.

Ron pulled back the paper and it revealed a brand new Firebolt.

"Oh, wicked" Ron whispered. "Hermione, you shouldn't have"

"I wanted you to have something nice" hermione told him. "Something you would love and use"

Ron put the broom down and hugged his girlfriend.

"It's perfect baby," he whispered. "I Love it and I love you"

When Ron released Hermione Harry and his siblings grabbed the broom and began to pass it around. Hermione looked up at Ron giving him her best smile.

"My turn?" she asked sweetly.

"For what?" He returned, grinning wickedly.

"Ronald" she said playfully slapping his arm.

"Ok, ok" Ron conceded. He took her hand and pulled her over to the couch. He was so nervous he didn't even notice his family staring. "Close your eyes"

"Come on Ron" hermione urged. "Just give it to me"

"Close your eyes" he repeated.

Hermione huffed impatiently but she closed her eyes. Ron dropped down to one knee in front of her.

"Hermione" He started. "When I was eleven years old I climbed onto the Hogwarts express and I didn't expect to fall in love. For years you have been my biggest challenge, my best friend and now my girlfriend. We have always waited too long to move to the next step. I don't want to wait anymore. So I am asking you, Hermione Jane Granger, will you be my wife?"

Hermione squealed and her eyes flew open. She stared at the ring and then at Ron.

"I-uh-I" she stammered. "I, yes, I will Ron"

Suddenly she threw herself at Ron enveloping him in a huge hug.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you more" Ron replied.