Seven Potters Aftermath Kiss
"It's them!" Hermione screamed as a broom materialized out of the sky. The vehicle skidded to Earth, and Tonks stumbled off into Lupin's arms. Ron, who still looked like one of Harry's seven doppelgangers, followed with more control. Hermione ran towards him and threw her arms around his neck in a bone-crushing hug. Ron was surprised, but smiled, as the Polyjuice potion wore off. His hair became red again.
"Thanks" he exhaled.
"Deserves that," Tonks called over her shoulder. "Brilliant, he was. I wouldn't be standing here without him," as she gave Lupin another hug. "Really?" asked Hermione, eyes searching his face as she turned back to him.
"Always the tone of surprise," Ron chuckled, trying to keep his accomplishments in the Battle low-key. Hermione suddenly hugged him again. She rested her head on his chest, closing her eyes in contentment as she enveloped in his warmth, his familiar scent: spearmint toothpaste and his hair. Ron seemed shocked by such a display of affection, but stayed right where he was. He stayed that way as the others proceeded to move inside. He stayed that way for probably half an hour.
"Hermione?" he said gently, afraid that she had fallen asleep in his arms.
"Hmmm?" she sighed.
"Um…the others have gone inside."
"Let's just stay like this. Please." She shifted her head to gaze up into his eyes. "I'm so glad you're safe," she smiled.
"Believe me, I feel the same," Ron said softly. He studied her face for a moment, and then suddenly bent and kissed her on the mouth. Hermione let out a gasp of surprise before the kiss deepened. Ron's arms encircled her waist and his hands drew circles on her lower back; Hermione appreciated that he did not grope any lower. Before she could get swept up in the moment, though, she stepped out of his embrace and glanced about fearfully.
"Wait," she murmured. "Not here." She and Ron had not told anyone about the secret relationship that they had been in for about 5 months now.
"No, here!" Ron said, reaching for her again. She had no idea how much he needed her right now: her calm acceptance, her love. "I don't care if anyone finds out we're together! Bout bloody time the family at least knew anyway…"
"Don't say things like that," Hermione gently chided. "Remember what we discussed?" She and Ron had decided to partially follow Harry's approach to his relationship with Ginny. While he had broken it off, they had decided to keep their love a secret until the war was over. It was mostly to hide such information from Voldemort and his followers, but, for fear of the easy spread of information, such a demand required that no one knew - not even Harry. Especially not Harry. Neither Ron nor Hermione knew what he would say if he found out while they were on their hunt for the Horcruxes, or if he might feel such things would get in the way of the mission.
Ron nodded, understanding. Hermione smiled and reached out her hand to him. "Follow me." She turned back to the house, taking his hand, but reminding herself that they had to let go before they walked in the door.
