I actually forgot to say that the last chapter marked a year since the start of the story! WOW! I can't believe I lasted this long.

Thanks to ScarletSummer who acted as my beta for chapters 14-19, ObsessedRHshipper who has been my beta since chapter 20 until present, and to SilverDoe23 and sugarfree25 for helping me to find her – ObsessedRHshipper is awesome! Also a million thanks to everyone who has contributed to the almost 200 reviews and added this story to their favorites and alerts, especially those who reviewed from the very first chapter and have continued 'til present: Milan4ever, Ferrari08 and heronlove.

THANKS MUCH! Without everyone who's read this I might have just let this go whenever writer's block hit. I hope you like this chapter and we still have the rest of 5th year, 6th and 7th year to go!

Also, the last portion of the chapter which has a mark that looks like ***contains lots of quotations direct from JKR's Order of the Phoenix from one of my favourite parts of that book. JKR rocks my world!

Plz R&R.

How the Twins Settle the Scores

A day after the return of You-Know-Who, Harry told Ron and Hermione how he and George had been able to get into the hospital wing. Apparently, the jinx to have objects fly against people and shriek out the bad things they had done had been the key to the task. Even though Estella created it during the summer, the twins had added their own touches and decided to call it 'Smacking Sincerity'. Harry explained how Fred had generated the spell and successfully distracted the toad and her goons and created enough trouble to have half the teaching staff called in for emergency assistance.

"Once we got in, mum was tired and McGonagall was too busy helping with the mayhem Fred created, so they just let George and I stay in the hospital."

"How are they?" asked Ron referring to Professor Snape and Estella.

"I overheard Madame Pomfrey consoling Mum and telling her she'll do her best to ease his pain."

"Harry, it will be –" Hermione managed to utter, but Harry quickly interrupted.

"Estella got a blood transfusion from Sirius Black and should be out of the hospital in a couple of days."

"Harry," said Hermione trying to get to her friend to open up.

"I don't want to talk about Dad, I just…"

"So, Sirius Black?" asked Ron.

Hermione gave Ron a half-smile and went along with him to make things less awkward for Harry.

"Yeah, he's alive, even turned into the big black dog last night to amuse us," said Harry.

The rest of their conversation revolved mostly around Estella and her uncle, and how he'd been in Hogsmeade watching over her in his dog form since Ralph and Esther Swanson died. Then Harry told them how the Minister and a group of Aurors identified Fred as the caster of the jinx and he received detention along with a ban from Quidditch and any other club at Hogwarts.

"It took a group of Aurors to catch him?" asked Hermione rather impressed.

"That's what Professor Lupin told us this morning," said Harry.

"I wouldn't doubt it. The gits have been practicing their madness since… well, forever. You know when I was little they turned my teddy bear into a spider," said Ron.

"Yeah we know. You've only told us a million times," Harry mocked.

"Well, it was bloody scary!"

Harry and Hermione laughed.

Later that day, Ron got Harry to play a game of chess in the common room while Hermione read a book by the fireplace. Then their peace was interrupted.

"Bloody hag, just wait until we get through with her!" exclaimed George as he walked into the Gryffindor common room.

"Do I want to know?" asked Hermione.

"Most definitely not," answered Fred.

"You're making sure we lose the cup this year, aren't you?" Ginny said with a grin, simply meaning to tease her older sibling. Unfortunately, her brother's girlfriend overheard.

"What?" asked Angelina.

Fred morosely said, "Sorry babe." Then he proceeded to explain that the toad had suspended him and George from Quidditch.

"That… that… bint! I can't believe this! She suspended you and George and for no reason!"

"About that… I might have casted a jinx or two –"

"You what?"

"You can still win the cup this year. You have a great team. Relax my love."

Then Fred's face went crimson, and the scowl that George had kept since he entered the common room vanished as he began to chuckle rather loudly.

"What did you say?" asked Angelina while looking at Fred and forgetting about the Quidditch issue.

"Nothing! I was saying I cast a jinx on the toad and got suspended. But um… things will work out. Harry is the best chaser in the school. Ginny'll beat Malfoy and catch the snitch. It will be just fine…"

"I'm your love?"

"You are my lovely. And you should go practice or set-up a practice schedule or make the final decision on the new beaters or something," said Fred while grabbing Angelina's shoulders and walking her towards the portrait hole. "I'll assist. Can't win at Quidditch by just sitting on your bottom, as fine as that bottom is."

George practically snorted in mockery. "Sad attempt at a save," he uttered and he was joined in his laughter by most of the people in the common room.

A few days later, Estella was released from the hospital wing only to be subjected to a questioning session from Umbridge, which led to two weeks of detention. No matter, it was getting close to Valentine's Day and that was exciting. At least it was so for most of the female student body, which was practically buzzing with thrill.

So the day came, and as Ron woke up, he felt a mix of excitement and a sudden necessity to barf. On one hand, he would get to be alone with Hermione later in the afternoon. That was excellent, especially since they hadn't been able to be alone since that awful night after they had watched the last of the memories. On the other hand, it was bloody Valentine's Day! He had no money to buy anything. He made a card, even cut it into a stupid heart shape and cast a spell to make it shimmer. But he saw what the twins got their girlfriends with their Wheezes' money and well… if Hermione was looking forward to that… Shit! He was going to make an arse out himself.

Ron managed to get up and ready and headed to the Great Hall with Harry. He saw Hermione who seemed a bit out of sorts but smiled at him. The rest of day passed rather quickly and somewhat awkwardly. Ron and Hermione had been given the task to patrol tonight and they would do it. But before their walk through the hallways, they would get plenty of time to themselves, two hours to be precise.

At five o'clock sharp, Ron headed to the Room of Requirement. When he arrived, he found Hermione sitting on a couch. And she looked… WOW!

Hermione wore a simple jean skirt that went down to her knees, black boots, and a dark purple button-up top. Her hair was in perfect curls and she had a bit of lipstick on. Ron stared at her and it was like he was stunned and had forgotten how to speak.

"It was Ella's doing," said Hermione in almost an apologetic tone.

"Uh?"

"Estella. She got me into this. I probably look like a tart."

What! No! You look amazing! Just gorgeous! – He thought.

"I can change behind that big curtain. I have my uniform ready for when we go on our rounds," she assured him as she stood.

Speak!

"You look beautiful," he croaked.

"Really?"

"Amazing. I just… I had no words, just… WOW!"

She giggled. Hermione Granger, prefect and student extraordinaire, just giggled because of his simple compliment! It was excellent! He beamed realizing just how much his opinion meant to her.

"Here is your present," she said grabbing his hand and guiding him to sit next to her. She handed him a small box wrapped in red paper. Ron hadn't even realized the gift was right there on the table.

She actually got me a present! Damn it all!

"I… I made you… this," he uttered in a remorseful whisper, as he gave her the homemade card.

He took the package she gave him and unwrapped it. It was a book titled, 'A Guide for Goal-Keeping Masters'.

Meanwhile, she opened and read his card. The lettering was gold and shimmered against an off-white parchment. She thought it was really beautiful.

To: Hermione

I'm really sorry I'm a shoddy boyfriend that didn't get you anything. I was going to nick some flowers from the greenhouses, but then I realized you've sort of hated flowers since third year. Makes sense since a flower attacked you in third year. The point is I'm sorry. I wish I could have gotten you all you want. I would get you a million books and quills so I can look at you when you do your work. You are beautiful when you concentrate. I wish I could get you a sneakoscope and an invisibility cloak for safety, and another one of those barmy planners for your OWLs because you told me yours is getting too crammed with your to do lists, or a maybe a broom to try to get you to fly with me for a study break, or some chocolate frogs or so many things.

I really hope someday I'll be able to give you all you deserve. I love you, Hermione. You're honestly the most amazing person I ever met.

~Ron

Hermione was in awe. He was so sweet, almost clumsy in his sincerity, but so very loving. She felt like the luckiest girl alive.

"This is the best present. I love you," she stated. Then there was nothing to do except kiss him.

Ron had been scared. He didn't really believe he had the words and eloquence to express what she meant to him. But when she said his present was the best and that she loved him and then kissed him, he knew. He knew that somehow he had managed to make her happy, and that was all that mattered. He wanted his Hermione to be safe, and happy, and with him, just like this.

He cradled her head in his hands and with slow open-mouthed kisses he tried to show her exactly how much he treasured her. Before long, he felt tiny kisses sprinkled along the underside of his jaw. His breathing picked up. The sensations she caused as she explored his face and neck with her soft lips were just… fantastic.

"Hermione?"

"Ron?"

"Did you really like the card?"

"Yeah, did you like the book?" she asked in a whisper to his ear. Then he felt her tongue touch his ear lobe and he couldn't help it. He said, "Yes!" much louder than he had meant.

They kissed again and began to explore each other's bodies. He allowed his instincts to take over and his hands landed on her hips as she caressed his hair during their delicious snog. His fingers reached the hem of her top and he slid his hands to trace the soft skin at the sides of her body. His touch was hesitant and shy. But then, he heard Hermione let out a wonderful moan. He gripped her tighter and she moved her hands to his hips while their tongues battled for dominance. It occurred to him that this is what all their fighting had been leading up to. She was so bloody fantastic.

He separated a bit for air and whispered, "Can I?" as he moved his hands to one of the buttons of her shirt.

She nodded hesitantly and bit her lip.

He worked through the buttons inelegantly. But what mattered was the end result. Ron swallowed hard. She hadn't been wearing a bra and her round breasts were out in the open, perky, inviting, and just for him. He took yet another deep breath and then began to properly discover the swells that had been the object of his fantasies since the last time they had been in this room. He caressed them and then gently squeezed, making her moan with want.

She's amazing, he thought. Her eyes closed and he saw her biting her lip harder than ever. He felt more daring and moved to kiss the area right between her neck and breasts. She gasped in surprise and her eyes snapped open.

He pulled back slightly and whispered, "Is this ok?"

Hermione then snogged him and slowly she pulled her own shirt down her arms, eventually letting it drop. He decided to take that as a yes and pulled her body against him. He ran his hands down her nude back. It felt so good… but he wanted more. He wanted to feel her warm skin against his own and her soft peaks pressed against his chest. He wanted to see all of her, embrace her, touch her and… well… he knew what else he wanted, but he wouldn't dare go that far. Still pushing it a bit more tonight couldn't hurt.

He separated from her and she felt almost lost at the contact. He pulled his jumper and shirt over his head and it was Hermione's turn to feel in awe. His fair skin was practically glowing. She could see what seemed like a million precious freckles and then… the scars on his left shoulder from the burns he got during the train attack. She reached that area and caressed him.

"I'm sorry," she said tracing the scars with sadness.

"It's alright. It doesn't hurt."

She lifted her body from the couch and placed a soft kiss on his shoulder without realizing that she was getting her chest so very close to his face. In seconds, she felt his mouth trailing kisses around her breasts until his tongue reached the tip of her right nipple. Hermione hummed at the contact and Ron couldn't help but smile against her breast. Then… her world caught on fire and a pulsing need flared up right between her legs. She couldn't think. She couldn't move. Her arms were set to her sides, and she was still, simply whimpering in pleasure.

Ron leaned forward slowly and tried to move to a laying position without interrupting the excellent things that were happening between them. But he moved too quickly, it was fumbling and awkward, and one of Hermione's hands wound up dragging across the place where he was throbbing against his trousers.

"Was that?" Hermione murmured.

Way to ruin the moment. Now she is going to think I'm a pervert that only wants one thing. Shite!

Feeling himself panic, he said, "Was that what?

That was pathetic, really.He was sure that she knew exactly what THAT was?

"The bulge?"

He swallowed. He could feel the heat radiating off his neck and face. "Hermione, it's my… you know…"

Wasn't she supposed to be the genius around here?

Hermione smiled a smile he had not quite seen before. It was an exciting, practically giddy smile that somehow screamed fire! Then she asked, "Do I cause that every time?"

Ron actually started to choke, but somehow blurted out, "No… I mean yes… I mean when you're around. No that's not what I mean. I mean when we're snogging. Damn, Hermione, you've felt it before."

It was Hermione's turn to stammer. "No, I mean yes, I mean I… I had never touched it… with… well you know not with my hand. And umm… well, I just wanted to know if I really always make you, umm… excited?"

Ron almost laughed. She looked beautifully innocent and yet she was half-naked under him. He simply said, "Yeah, you excite me… always."

She licked her lips and looked towards the bulge in his trousers. "Does it hurt?"

Right now - Yes!

"Umm, no... I mean… umm… it can be uncomfortable."

"And you can't control it?" she asked.

"Not really."

"Oh."

"Ron?" she then asked tentatively.

"Yeah?"

"Would you mind terribly if I… if… Could I see it?"

Hell no! You'll freak her out! - He told himself… yet…

"Sure," he croaked.

How he managed to have the courage to sit up, undo his belt, and pull his trousers and underpants down to his knees was not in his comprehension. All he knew was that he did it.

Hermione blushed at the sight. There was red hair surrounding the area where it sprouted from. And… WOW! It was long and pinkish, and manly, and stiff. Yet it looked like it could be soft to the touch. She spontaneously asked, "Can I touch it?"

Ron practically lost his ability to speak. He answered with a simple nod of approval.

Slowly she placed her hand on it and he couldn't believe this. He was basically naked in front of Hermione and she was… Merlin! She was touching him.

Hermione moved her hand and kept an intense look on her face, as if she was learning an exceptionally difficult wand motion… well, she sort of was… Her fingers slowly brushed him and his hips jerked involuntarily. She withdrew her hand and looked at him with shocked, yet hungry, eyes.

"Show me?" she asked softly.

He took her quivering hand in his and even the air around them felt different. There was still love and care… but it was more sexual than ever. Without thinking, he took her hand and pressed a kiss on it. Then he inhaled deeply and calmed down a bit before guiding her hand to his erection.

He showed her just how to stroke, and encircle the tip, and move up and down surrounding his shaft, and as she got comfortable his hand fell away. Hermione mapped him out with her fingers figuring out just how far she could go. Then her hand curled around the head and played with the little drip that was there. He gasped and shook a bit, and she smiled. Then she stroked him with more firmness, making him feel like he was going to die from the bliss of it. She travelled down, discovering the length of him, pausing a bit when she reached the balls, and then returning to linger over the head. Her hand moved back down, then up again, and he couldn't stand it anymore. He pulled her hand away.

She looked at him surprised, "What?"

"Hermione, I'm going to…"

"Going to what?"

"Blimey, Hermione."

"What?"

"If you keep doing that… well…" he looked at her and her eyes were practically jumping with excitement.

"Oi, honest… well, if you keep going… I'm… I'm going to cum."

She smiled an even brighter smile than before and asked, "I do that to you?"

"You do everything to me," he gasped out. She planted a kiss on him.

When they separated for air, Hermione whispered, "I love you, Ron. I want to make you feel good."

Her hand encircled his stiff erection again and this time there was no stopping her. She enfolded him and stroked and played and teased until a shot of his warm release sprayed on her hand… and her arm… and her skirt. She didn't care. The glow on his face and his groans and sounds were just… spectacular!

He took deep breaths and opened his eyes as he began to come down from his high. Then he saw her skirt – completely ruined!

"I'm sorry," he said.

She beamed at him at said, "Nothing to be sorry about. You were perfect."

He pulled her to him and snogged her. After a bit they stopped and she stood, grabbed her wand and cleaned the mess. Ron sat on the couch and then he said, "It's not fair, you know."

"Uh?"

"I'm shirtless, with my trousers and underpants down to my knees. And how about you?" he teased.

She blushed and put her hand to her mouth trying to hide her giggle. He extended his hand out to her and murmured, "C'mere."

She took his hand and walked to him until his face met her belly.

"I love you," he said looking up at her. He looked so innocent, so playful and cute. Yet… his adorable look was mixed with a naughty expression.

"I love you too," she answered, and then added, "I trust you."

That was just what he needed. He felt a surge of confidence take over him, along with an incredible need to please her, just as much as she had pleased him.

He kissed her navel and slowly his hands moved down to the bottom of her skirt. He reached for her legs and his hands traveled up, lifting the garment inch by inch with no need for hastiness. It made Hermione feel adored. Still, oh God! She was topless and his hands were under her skirt and this was mad but… wasn't it strange that she wasn't embarrassed?

Ron moved one of his hands between her legs, still not quite where he needed to be… but oh so close, so close, that Hermione shivered in anticipation.

"Ron…" she whimpered the moment his fingers came in contact with her soaking knickers.

"It's your turn, love."

Oh, heavens! She had never felt anything like that before. Ron's confidence was right there in full force. She wasn't even sure how it happened, but the next thing she knew, her knickers were gone and she laid on the table in front of the couch, with her skirt up by her waist, the boots that Estella had insisted on lending her fitted around her feet and calves, and her thighs spread open.

"Show me?" he asked, repeating her own words, but in a voice so different, so male, and so eager.

She guided his hand to that wonderful spot that she had touched while thinking about him in the past and then… WOW! It was so much better to feel him massaging the area than it was when she did it. Her entire core tingled and throbbed and got heated… it was amazing. After a while, she let go of his hand. His thumb moved in circles and she couldn't even think anymore. Hermione's hips jerked and her mouth opened letting out a wonderful and loud whimper.

"Good?" Ron asked roughly as he repeated the motion again.

She simply moaned and cried out, "Yes!"

Ron laughed a pure, joyful, and husky laugh. It occurred to her that just like with everything else, when Ron found his confidence the results were incredible!

Without warning, he lowered his head and latched onto a nipple. Hermione grabbed onto his hair. It was too much! Too good!

Her eyes closed and she simply gave in. Whatever he did, whatever he tried, she would let him. She was his and he could do whatever he wanted to please her. A finger slipped inside her, where nothing had ever been before. Desperate, she seized the corner of the table and held on for dear life as her muscles began to quiver. His finger began to move, in and out, in and out, in and out, and then… sweet Merlin! She felt more euphoria than she thought possible! Pleasure coursed through her and… oh… he did it again and again and… absolute delight! Her entire body shuddered and she released strongly.

Hermione pushed away Ron's hand trying to get relief from what was the most intense sensation she had ever experienced.

Ron stared at her wide-eyed and strangely boyish given the situation. "Ok?" he asked.

Blinking at him and struggling for breath, feeling weak and exhilarated all at once, she murmured. "Wow."

He beamed at her. Wow, indeed.

After Valentine's Day, their relationship… changed. As before, they shared the excitement of keeping a secret, but now it felt like so much more. It wasn't just secret snogging and affection. It was sexier, and naughtier. Just a look into each other's eyes set them on fire. They were constantly desperate with the need to meet and touch each other again and again.

Ron got his hands on a book called, "Pleasing a Dream Witch." Well… to be more accurate… he begged Estella to give him that book on the day that he returned "Twelve Safe Ways to Charm Witches." Luckily, she gave him the text with only one comment, "I don't think I want to know."

With the knowledge from the book, he had been able to make Hermione shudder again and again. He figured out how to nibble her nipples with just enough pressure to drive her crazy. He learned that two fingers were better than one, but three were too much for her. And that sometimes he could go in and out really fast, but he had to first tease her slowly until she was soaking wet. It was all bloody fantastic.

And the way she touched him, more confident every time! One time they even rubbed against each other and he came on her naked belly… and WOW! They were getting to be so close, so intimate, so trustful and wonderfully in love. Yet, they weren't ready for more than touching and they both knew it. So when the need for more came over them, they discussed it and decided to settle for more touching and coming from caresses and fingering and deep snogging.

Time passed quickly this way and Ron and Hermione were happy even though the toad made life difficult for most Hogwarts' students. Also, Hermione was constantly worried and even though Ron tried to act cool about the issue he was concerned as well. Harry was getting more distant and gloomy as his dad got worse. And without Quidditch to distract them, Fred and George had become an utter nuisance. Their products were everywhere in the school and students kept missing more and more class. Not to mention that every other day a hair fairy would sneak by the staff table and randomly explode on either the toad's or Lucius Malfoy's heads. In a way it was great, but it also meant that they all had to pay for the consequences and deal with more and more ridiculous decrees and rules.

One day out of nowhere, George barged in the common room looking like he was ready to cast an unforgivable.

"You three! Did you know about this?" he asked pointing at his hand, which was engraved with the words 'I will follow school rules.'

Harry, Ron and Hermione stayed silent.

"That hag!" screamed Angelina and then checked on Fred's hand.

"It hurts so badly. I need some tender loving care," said Fred.

"Oh, baby," answered his Gryffindor girlfriend as she kissed his hand. Then they ran up to his room.

"He's going to milk this for at least a week," Lee said with a snigger.

Meanwhile, George kept looking at Harry, Ron and Hermione who had remained silent.

"I'll take that as a yes," said George and walked towards the portrait hole.

A couple of days later, an entire hallway in the castle had turned into a swampy mess, and there were hair fairies and random popping noises that sprouted from every other corner. No place was safe. Umbridge was appalled since the swampy hallway was right on the way to her office. Not to mention that a few members of the Inquisitorial squad had gotten stuck in there. Umbridge had only been able to get them out with Flitwick's help, who claimed he was not able to get rid of the swamp. "Very powerful magic indeed," assured the Charms master.

After some investigating, the toad accused the twins as they walked into the great hall with their girlfriends. They didn't bother denying that it was their doing.

"Detention!" screamed the Headmistress.

"I don't fancy that idea," said Fred. "George, I think we've outgrown a full-time education."***

"Yeah, I've been feeling that way myself," George answered.

"Time to test your talents in the real world?" asked Estella.

"You reckon?" asked George looking at Fred and then back at his own girlfriend.

Estella nodded and smiled. "It's time. And since I survived the return of Voldemort, I think I can deal with this old hag," she said with confidence. Then she got close to George and kissed him.

Fred looked towards Angelina, "I… Angie…"

"You're a mad git, you know."

"Yeah, well -"

He never finished his sentence since Angelina moved to him and kissed him right on the mouth.

"Breaking the minimum bodily separation standard! Urh!" screamed Umbridge.

The twins separated from their girlfriends and before the toad could say another word, they raised their wands and said together,"Accio Brooms!"

A loud crash emerged somewhere in the distance. Looking to her left, Fred and George's broomsticks, still trailing heavy chains and iron pegs which Umbridge had used to fasten them to a wall, were hurtling toward their owners. The brooms crossed the entrance to the Great Hall and stopped sharply in front of the twins, the chains clattering loudly on the flagged stone floor.

"We won't be seeing you," Fred told Professor Umbridge, swinging his leg over his broomstick.

"Yeah, don't bother to keep in touch," said George, mounting his own.

"STOP THEM!" shrieked Umbridge, but it was too late. As the Inquisitorial Squad closed in, Fred and George kicked off from the floor, shooting fifteen feet into the air, the iron pegs swinging dangerously below.

Fred looked down at the watchful crowd and announced, "If anybody fancies buying a Portable Swamp, as demonstrated upstairs, come to number ninety-three Diagon Alley – Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes!"

"Our new premises!" exclaimed George. "Special discounts to Hogwarts students who swear they're going to use our products to get rid of this old bat," he added pointing at Umbridge.

The entire student body followed the twins out of the castle and suddenly from their wands came… fireworks! It was a magnificent sight! A lion, a badger, an eagle and a snake sprouted in different colours that glowed and popped and WOW! The end of the display brandished a large 'W' in gold that exploded into a million different colours.

Fred looked at the poltergeist that was bobbing on his level above the crowd.

"Give her hell from us, Peeves!" he yelled.

And Peeves, whom no one had never seen take an order from a student before, swept his belled hat from his head and sprang to salute Fred and George.

Then out of nowhere they heard George say, "Watch after my girl, pretty boy!"

Malfoy who had been watching and clapping suddenly looked as red as a radish and Estella smiled.

With tumultuous applause from the students below, the twins flew away, into the glorious sunset. And weeks later the swamp in the hallway still remained.

Well, I hope you liked that one.

Next Chapter: Cassi