That laugh.

It was a sound permanently etched in his memory. For Ron, it did not matter that it had been over a year since he had heard it, his heart still skipped at the sound.

Disentangling himself from Harry, Ron reflexively tried to smooth his hair. He allowed his eyes to linger over her as he attempted to memorize every detail about her appearance at this moment. He drank in the way her simple outfit accentuated her figure without broadcasting its merits to the world. In this moment the red jumper and jeans she wore was the most beautiful set of clothes he had ever seen her in.

It topped the dress robes she had worn fourth year to the Yule Ball, the ensemble she had worn so naturally at Bill and Fleur's wedding, and most certainly her official Ministry uniform. He paused to realize that it was because Hermione had never appeared completely at ease in those outfits. Here, at this moment, she was simply Hermione, and he loved her. The realization caused a lop-sided grin to spread over his face.

That grin.

It was a grin that had caused Hermione no end of grief in the years she had known Ron. Originally it had been a source of confusion at how flustered such a simple action could make her, progressed to fear of unrequited feelings, and now, now it meant something completely different.

She hadn't expected to find Ron being so typically Ron with Harry, undoubtedly arguing over some silly story likely to do with Quidditch. As she had walked into the room the scene before her had caused every happy memory she had with these two men to flash before her brain, and she had been unable to hide her mirth. It had been one of the happiest moments she'd had in the past year.

And then he turned that grin on her. The grin that now held all the hope and promise that had been couched in their owls to one another. In that instant she knew all her worries about their first face to face meeting had been foolish, this was Ron and she loved him. She forced herself to stop fidgeting with her fingers long enough to push an unruly curl behind her ear, sending him a shy smile.

That hair.

His eyes hungrily followed the hand she used to push a chestnut curl behind her ear. He adored the fact that she had worn her hair down, rather than in the orderly plait or bun she preferred for work. Hermione's curls were now falling freely, framing her face elegantly as they cascaded down to the middle of her back.

Did she have any idea how long he'd wanted to simply reach out and thread his fingers through her hair? The few times he had been able to were burned in his memory, the softness of her curls defying their occasional frizzy nature. Her hair always had the distinct smell of lily of the valley from the shampoo she used. He'd never admitted it to anyone, but when Slughorn had brought out the Amortentia on the first day of sixth year Hermione's shampoo was definitely on the list of things he had smelled.

Almost subconsciously, Ron felt his body take the step needed to get closer to her, a determined twinkle in his eye.

That look.

Hermione had only ever seen that look on Ron's face when he was after something he really wanted, be it during a chess match or before heading out to the school's Quidditch pitch. Was he really looking at her that way? She could hardly find time to answer her mind's question before she was drowning in the blue of his eyes. So full of life and passion, Hermione realized her breath was coming faster as he neared her, and out of bit her bottom lip once more to disguise her nervous laughter.

That mouth.

Ron made a small growling nose as he watched her bite her lip once more and saw her nose crinkle in nervous laughter. It was such a Hermione thing to do, a movement that was so quintessentially her that he knew what he had to do next. Not caring if it was right or wrong, and not worrying about the consequences of his actions, Ron put a trembling hand around her waist and pulled her to him. His other hand raised up to cup her cheek seemingly on his own, bending down gently his mind was almost surprised to find that he was kissing her.

In that moment, Ron and Hermione ceased having separate thoughts. All that mattered was the fact that after a year of waiting and shared confidences, the moment they had both secretly hoped for had arrived.

It. Was. Perfect.

Gone were the insecurities the felt about themselves, only to be replaced with the utter certainty that this, this incredible thing between them was right. Hermione sighed contentedly against Ron's lips and relaxed her body into his arms; she, no they were a perfect fit.

His tongue gently grazed her bottom lip, seeking permission to deepen the kiss which she readily granted. She allowed her hands to play along his shoulders, heady with the emotions that were coursing through her weak-kneed body. He moaned softly in the back of his throat, finally able to do what he'd been dreaming about for months as their tongues danced against one another.

Distantly they heard the door shut, but what did that matter when they had finally found each other after all of these years?

"Ron! Hermione! It's almost time to trim the tree and we can't start without the two of you. Come on!"

It wasn't until Ginny excitedly called to them that they broke apart. Hermione gazed up at Ron shyly through her eyelashes, only to find him looking at her with such love she thought her heart might burst. A flush crept up her face and she leaned her head against his chest as she gathered his warmth close to her for a much needed embrace. Resting his chin on the top of her head, Ron allowed himself to relax and catch both his breath and courage before speaking.

"Missed you, 'Mione."

Tears welled in her eyes at the tenderness that filled his voice, blinking them back she responded in a voice barely over a whisper, "Missed you too, Ronald."

He pulled back enough in her embrace to look her in the eyes. Finding his courage once more he spoke the words he'd been longing to say for ages.

"I love you."

Hermione noticed the way his voice hitched in raw emotion and allowed the tears of joy to slide down her face as she responded with a heartfelt, "I love you, too."

Instinctually, they pulled back together and Ron laid a single, chaste kiss on her upturned face. The pure joy she saw etched in his smile made her giggle as she wiped her eyes.

"I knew, you know," the damnable lop-sided grin was back when Hermione turned to look at him inquiringly.

"Knew what, exactly?"

"That you loved me." Ron was now practically preening and strutting before her, and Hermione couldn't help but allow the laughter bubbling inside her to escape once more.

"Prat!" She stuck her tongue out at him and made as if to leave, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her into another kiss. She briefly fought against him, smacking his chest with her palms. Eventually, he pulled back, but just enough to whisper against her mouth.

"And you love me for it, book-worm."

A part of Hermione's heart melted as she kissed him fiercely. Things might have gotten more out of hand were it not for George's impatient roar from downstairs.

"Bloody hell, you two! Dad's home and I want to get the tree that I so painstakingly selected decorated! Your reunion can go on hold for this, I reckon!" Hermione flushed a brilliant red as Ron held her and laughed. He gave her a brief peck on the cheek before opening the door for her, promising to join her momentarily.

As the door closed to his room Ron silently walked over to his nightstand and opened the drawer. He muttered a spell over the lacquered box and than transferred the item into his pocket easily. Grinning to himself as he headed down the Burrow stairs, Ron had a suspicion that he was about to get everything he had ever wanted.

A/N: This will be the ONE time I post without hearing from hgfan1111, but I had to get this up. She's still my favorite Beta and I loooove opening my inbox to mail from her!

I also love getting all of these reviews! You all are an amazing bunch of readers and I'm glad you are as caught up in this as I am.

Now, for this chapter, I know it's not long. Buuut . . . It's fluffy, it's cute, and it makes me go "DAWWW!!" on the inside. Consider it a present from me to all of you readers, over 1,000 hits on this story so far, I am overwhelmed!

As for the Pygmy Puff incident . . . only time will tell if that ever gets revealed in its entirety. Yes, yes, yes—I hear you, I am evil.

Next Chapter: Proposal! I promise, for serious, I've got the fluff out of my system!

UnrequitedDream