Kudos to you-know-who (no, it's not Voldy :-)), thanks to all of you who reviewed energetically:-)

Starlit night

„Yes, we would like to stay for one night only", Hermione agreed and avoided the concierge's gaze. The concierge offered her the room key and explained her the way to the room they had just engaged.

After Ron and Hermione had reached their room, Ron started laughing.

"Did you see his mocking face?" he asked between a few laughs. Hermione could not help but laugh along.

"I thought it was a bit embarrassing", she admitted and looked down.

They had travelled the Muggle way for hours, taking buses, trains; they had even asked a truck driver to take them with him for a few miles. On the quiet they had discussed the fight, agreeing on a longer but safer trip. Over the past weeks there had always been rumours about left Death Eaters who tried to revenge their Lord's downfall and at the same time, trying not to be caught and brought to Azkaban.

They had obviously found out about Hermione's plan on travelling in a way Hermione had never considered. After exhausting hours they had reached the Italian border, where they found a motel and rented a room.

Now they rested side by side on the hotel's king-size bed, poring over maps and books.

"You know we took my broom… We could fly…" Ron offered carefully, trying not to look in Hermione's direction. She took a sharp breath, closed her eyes, and then surprisingly nodded.

"Actually that is the only way I can think of, too…" She stated and sighed.

"You will have to deal with a nervous and hysterical wreck", she then cautioned him and saw a mischievous blinking in his eyes.

"That is not really a problem, I am used to that!" he screwed out and ducked, laughing heavily.

Without thinking and above all ignoring her reason, she darted herself on him and started punching him painstakingly. It took a few moments until Ron realized what she was doing and in which compromising position she lied above him.

His heart was racing, adrenaline flooding his veins. It has been exactly five weeks, two days, eleven hours and about thirty minutes since she had been this near to him. Her eyes had had the same passionate glint and he could hardly resist the urge to kiss her.

He rolled them over and pinned her to the mattress. "Don't you dare to provoke me!" he tried to sound serious, but failed miserably as his lungs were screaming for oxygen, causing them both to laugh.

The moment was gone.

They had paid for the night beforehand, so that they were able to sneak out of the motel without any witnesses. The moon was enlightening the street and when Hermione looked up to the sky she took a deep breath. The dark velvet sky was star-studded and again Hermione felt peace. Even though they had been attacked less than twenty four hours ago, she felt safe.

For the first time she grabbed Ron's hand.

For sure, they had often hold hands but he had always been the one who initiated it. Ron was surprised but very pleased. He squeezed her hand.

They walked in silence hand in hand for a few minutes until they reached a dark back lane.

"This is a good spot", Ron said and pulled her with him.

A few moments later they rushed through the air. Hermione shrieked and took a sharp breath.

Ron, who sat behind her on the broom, embraced her with his free arm and pulled her towards him. She could feel his breath caress her neck and she immediately felt calmer. She leaned against him and sighed. Maybe flying was not so bad after all.

"I think you're cute when you're a nervous and hysterical wreck", Hermione heard him whispering.

Flying with Ron was not bad at all.

Well, that's it for now! Please be kind and review! Let me now if I should let it end in smut ;-)

Cya, Ruth