*Thanks everyone so much for your amazing and kind feedback about the first three chapters. This will likely be the last edition of Tent Times, although I'm planning to write more R & H fanfic soon, so please subscribe to me. I'm not sticking with a strict timeline here, so please forgive me for that. The book suggests that they spent weeks in the tent both before and after the horcrux was destroyed, so I'm just going with that. I am not addressing the affect the horcrux had on them or Ron leaving. I'd like to think they could have kept it safe without having to wear it. I hope you enjoy this next installment of Tent Times. Just an FYI, this was does involve a kiss. I love the way R & H kiss in Deathly Hallows, but I just couldn't avoid writing one into this series. Enjoy.*
They were all three in the tent tonight. There was an ice storm, and they had all agreed that no snatcher or death eater would dare venture out in such a mess to hunt them down. Still, Harry insisted on setting up for the night near the tent flap so he could better hear if something went on outside. He moved a camp chair toward the front of the tent, then selected a book out of Hermione's magic bag and settled in.
"Harry, you'll freeze to death so close to the door tonight," Hermione begged. "At least sleep on the couch." There were only two beds in the tent, bunk beds, but it had never been an issue before because one of them was always keeping watch. Harry wouldn't budge, so Hermione pulled a blanket off the bottom bunk she usually slept on and gave it to him. She then settled in at the table with Ron to play a round of Wizard Chess. It was about the only thing Ron was better at than Hermione, and Hermione loved to see him grin when he beat her every time.
They finished the game, Ron winning, and Hermione moved to check on Harry. He had fallen asleep, but his lips were turning blue. "He's freezing," Hermione said to Ron. She took another blanket off her bunk and covered him up. He must have been exhausted because he didn't stir.
Hermione and Ron changed into their pajamas. They had done it so many times by now that they had the routine down pat. Ron would peek out the tent flap to see what was going on, turning his back so she could change. Hermione would then go brush her teeth in the sink in the bathroom at the back of the tent while Ron changed. "It's really freezing out there," Ron said when she came back. His cheeks were flushed red from just peeking out the tent for a moment.
Ron climbed up into the top bunk to settle in as Hermione cuddled up on the bottom. She quickly regretted giving Harry two of her three blankets. The chill in the air was the worst it had been so far on their journey, and she was shaking, and her teeth were chattering.
Ron, however, was warm. He had honestly forgotten that Hermione had given up some of her blankets to Harry, or he certainly would have offered her one of his. He was just about asleep when he heard Hermione whisper, "Ron?" She said it as a question wondering if he was awake.
"Hermione?" he answered back. She smiled at the knowledge he was still awake, paused, bit her lip, and then found her bravery.
"Can I get in bed with you?" she asked. "It's so cold." Hermione knew she could have just asked Ron to borrow a blanket, but she knew she'd be even warmer in his bed next to him and his body heat, plus, she loved the thought of even a chance of snuggling with him all night. They had been flirting like crazy for the past few weeks, and it had felt great.
Ron smiled like a fool. He remembered now that she had given up some of her covers to Harry, but his stomach was doing flips at the idea that she wanted to remedy that situation by climbing in bed with him. He played it cool though, not wanting to let on how happy he was. "Sure," he said simply. "Come on up, and bring your blanket so we'll be extra warm."
Hermione climbed out of bed and handed her cover and a pillow up to Ron. He sat up and situated the pillow next to his, then spread the extra blanket on top of his others and held open the covers so she could climb in beside him. She made her way up the ladder and gently got into the bed, being quiet so as not to wake up Harry. She wasn't sure how Harry would feel about the two sharing a bed, but she didn't want to be embarrassed into getting out if he woke up.
They lay facing each other. There wasn't much room in the twin bed, but somehow they were managing to keep about an inch of distance between them, so they weren't touching. Ron smiled at Hermione through the dimly lit tent. She looked so beautiful as always. "Better?" he whispered.
"Much," she said smiling, pulling the covers tighter around her neck. As she shuffled, her feet brushed Ron's under the covers. Even through her wool socks, her feet felt like ice blocks. "Geez Hermione," Ron whispered. "You weren't kidding; you're feet are like ice."
"Told you," she said back as Ron tucked his feet amongst hers and starting rubbing them gently with his to warm them up. Hermione was giddy inside and her heart fluttered at Ron's touch. Though what she really wanted to do was kiss him, she managed to simply say, "Thanks for keeping me warm."
Ron smiled, winked at her, and in a somewhat naughty and teasing voice said, "Well, you don't need me for much I guess, but I'll take warming you up. At least that means you need me for something." He was always such a joker.
"That's not true," she said back quickly. "I need you for lots of things."
"Like what?" he questioned.
"I need you all the time," she said back quietly but seriously. By the way she said it, they both knew she meant it. She needed him right beside her. She loved him, and it was the only thing keeping her sane on this dark journey. Ron didn't know what to say; he felt a lump in his throat. Hermione realized the moment was getting to intense and started joking.
"I need you to help me reach things that are up too tall," she started. Ron's face broke into a grin realizing she was diffusing the tension. "I need you to help me move things in the tent that are heavy," she continued. "And, I need you to beat me in Wizard Chess to keep me humble and prove that I can't, in fact, do everything," she finished smiling.
Ron laughed and smiled back. He reached out and tucked the covers behind her back even tighter letting his arm linger around her. "I need you too," he whispered softly. He wasn't sure what made him do what happened next.
Maybe it was the cold night; maybe it was Hermione in his bed; maybe it was her telling him she needed him; maybe it was how pretty she looked; maybe it was his feet intertwined with hers; maybe it was just a moment years in the making. Whatever it was, he leaned over and gently caught her lips. It was just the lightest and gentlest of a peck kiss, but a kiss nonetheless.
Hermione closed her eyes and couldn't breathe. For a moment, she wasn't even totally sure she was awake. She had dreamed of such a moment so many times.
She opened her eyes to Ron staring at her in disbelief. He clearly was also shocked by his actions. He must have thought Hermione's stunned look was unhappiness because he whispered. "Sorry. I got caught up in the moment," removed his arm from around her, and put it back under the blanket.
Hermione quickly came to her senses and reached out and grabbed Ron's hand under the covers. "Don't be," she said smiling. "I've been hoping you to do that since we were 13."
"Really?," Ron said perking up.
"Ron," Hermione said back in a tone of disbelief. "Don't pretend like you didn't know."
"Well, I was hoping," he said, no re-wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close. He then reached up and brushed a wayward curl behind her ear. He allowed his hand to linger on her cheek running it down the side of her face and tipping her chin towards him. A peck kiss just wasn't enough. Hermione closed her eyes as Ron leaned in for another kiss. While still sweet and gentle, this kiss was much more passionate and longer. Hermione allowed her arms to wrap around Ron underneath the covers. She had never been kissed like this. She'd only had a few peck kisses from Viktor Krum. This was amazing. Her lips just knew what to do against Ron's. He was a great kisser. Ron allowed the hand that had been on her face to trail back and tangle in her hair. Hermione allowed her hands to roam up and down Ron's muscular back. After about 10 minutes, Ron pulled back. "We'd better stop," he whispered. "Before I try something you'll curse me for," he adding grinning. Hermione just laughed. He was right. This was not the time or place to get too caught up in a physical relationship. Harry was sleeping just a few feet away after all. "I reluctantly agree to stop," Hermione said. She wanted to make sure Ron knew how much she enjoyed what had just happened, and she wanted it to happen again. Ron couldn't resist one more quick goodnight kiss, then the two, now officially more than friends, cuddled up for a good night's sleep. Hermione tucked her head into Ron's chest, and he lightly rested his chin on the top of her head. Their arms were wrapped tightly around each other. "I'm so glad I was cold," Hermione whispered. "Me too," Ron said kissing the top of her head before they both drifted off to sleep.
The next morning:
Ron woke up first the next morning. It was still dark outside with cloud cover. He and Hermione had barely moved in the night, and she was nestled against him. Even in the midst of a scary war, Ron felt at peace. He knew that the circumstances made it impossible for them to start a real relationship right now, but he was so glad that they were no longer dancing around the truth. Though they hadn't exactly confessed their love for each other, they'd made their feelings clear, and last night's make-out session had solidified that they were more than friends. Gently so as not to wake up Hermione, Ron sat up enough in bed so he could look around over Hermione. Harry was sitting at the table drinking a cup of tea and reading a book. Ron caught his eye and smiled sheepishly. Harry just grinned back. "Morning," he mouthed. Ron smiled and nodded. They'd been caught. He had hoped one of them might wake up before Harry, but they had been so comfortable and up so late, it wasn't a likely scenario. Ron lay back down, which stirred the beauty sleeping next to him. "Sorry," he whispered as she opened her eyes. "I didn't mean to wake you." "It's okay," she said smiling at him. "I should get back in my bed before Harry wakes up anyways." Hermione must have thought the cloud cover meant it was earlier than it actually was. Ron couldn't resist letting the situation unfold. "Okay," he said kissing the tip of her nose. Hermione sat up and stretched, wiping the sleep from her eyes. She then looked across the tent and saw Harry staring at her. Ron had also sat up again. Hermione's cheeks turned bright red, and then she looked back at Ron and smiled. "Well, so much for that," she said laughing, and then she turned back to Harry. "Morning Harry," she said loudly. "Morning you two," Harry said with an amused tone. "I was cold," she said as she climbed out of the top bunk. "I gave you two of my three blankets last night," she said trying to justify her actions. "I'm passing no judgment," Harry said teasing and put up his hands. "I'm sure you were just cold."
"Believe what you want to believe Harry," Hermione said putting her hands on her hips. "Now, if you'll excuse me," Hermione trotted off to the back of the tent to use the restroom and brush her teeth. She was clearly embarrassed.
When they heard the bathroom door shut, the two best friends burst out with laughter. Harry got up from the table and approached Ron's bed. "Well, well" he said to the red-head. "That was an interesting sight to wake up too."
"She really was cold," Ron said, "at first," he finished winking at Harry and grinning. "I am sorry though mate. I hope you didn't feel uncomfortable. Nothing happened, I promise."
"Nothing?" Harry questioned in disbelief staring at his friend through his round glasses.
"Well, nothing much," Ron smiled.
"Did you kiss her?" Harry asked. It was not a surprising question as the best friends shared everything.
"Well," Ron said back. "I'm not one to kiss and tell," he paused, "but yes."
Harry shook his head and smiled. "Finally," he said. "It's about time. How was it?"
"Amazing," Ron said lying back in the bed. "If "you know who" showed up here right now, and I heroically jumped in front of you or Hermione and took a curse to protect you, I could die a happy man."
Harry laughed. "Well I sure hope that doesn't happen, but I'm glad for you mate. Hermione's crazy about you. Just don't think you can go snogging her all the time now. We've still got loads of work to do."
"Oh I know," Ron said seriously. "It sounds strange, but I actually think I'll be able to focus better now. There was just so much tension between us you know? It was consuming me."
"Did you tell her you love her?" Harry asked.
"Are you crazy mate?" Ron said back. "I can't tell her that right now. I've got to play it cool. We've only just kissed. We aren't even dating really."
"Ron, please," Harry responded. "You two have been mucking about for years; don't you think this is sort of a special circumstance."
Ron climbed out of bed and put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Listen mate, I love Hermione, and you and I both know that she's got me wrapped around her finger. I just don't want her to know that, got it?" Harry smiled back at Ron and patted him on the back. "Whatever makes you happy friend. Now, come look at this book with me. I think I might have found another place for us to look for the Sword of Griffendor." And just like that the conversation was over. Boys were so amazing. In just a short conversation Ron had poured out his heart while Harry pretty much gave his blessing to Ron and Hermione being together as long as they didn't get too mushy around him or let it interfere with what they were doing. The two boys had been so wrapped up in gossiping that they didn't hear Hermione open the bathroom door. She had heard the last part of their conversation. She was now leaned up against a wall in the tent's kitchen smiling. Ron loved her, and even though he didn't plan on admitting it, she knew. It was a truth she knew would get her through the rest of this hard and long journey.
She gave it a few more minutes then walked out towards Ron and Harry. "So, what's next?" she said. The three best friends smiled at each other. It was a happy and knowledge-filled morning.