Disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I own nothing of hers!

Chapter 33

Hermione exited the loo after a cool shower to calm her down after the eventful evening they'd experienced at the Granger household. Ron had kicked off his shoes and spread his lanky limbs across the mattress, his back resting on the headboard, with his arms resting behind his head. Rose was changed into her pajamas after her portion of the shower with her mum, and was now lying contently with Ron, and drinking her milk. They both watched the telly, something Ron was very excited about when he thought about the trip. He was no expert by any means, but, Harry did show him how to manage one on his own. Rose, however, had never seen one before, and was mesmerized by the glowing nature has spewed bright colors across the glass.

Hermione stepped closer, still drying the tips of her hair with a towel, and made her way to the side of the bed that was unoccupied. Ron glanced over at her.

"We've got to get one of these for the flat," he chuckled, as he watched a red crab speak with a Jamaican accent. His eyes squinted a bit in thought at the screen and looked back over to the witch.

"Doesn't Rose have this as one of her books? Something about a mermaid?" Ron inquired.

Hermione pulled a small tube of hand cream from her toiletries bag, squirted some of the thick paste onto her fingertips, and began to rub the mixture into her skin. She sat on the bed and continued without having to glance up.

"Yes, though I'm not sure you've read it. The sea witch at the end frightens her," Hermione spoke casually. She finished rubbing in the lotion and removed her dressing gown. She wore one of Ron's old t-shirts, and pajama shorts, which went a little above half her thigh. Ron was preoccupied with the film to notice.

"D'ya know she was saying earlier how she was sixteen and not a kid anymore? What kind of books are you letting our daughter read?" Ron joked, turning his head; he swallowed quickly at the sight of Hermione wearing one of his old shirts. He let out a strangled cough, catching the witch's attention.

She slid into the bed, under the covers, and smiled at him tentatively.

"Oh, I hope you don't mind. I borrowed one of your shirts. Nothing else was as comfortable tonight."

Ron felt his pulse quicken, swiftly glancing to where Rose was and keeping himself in check.

The witch was going to drive him mental.

"Oh, yea. Not a problem at all," he managed, failing at his attempt at sounding nonchalant. Hermione hid a smile at his reaction, as Rose gasped from her spot lying next to her dad.

"Scary witch mummy!" Rose sprung from her position and wobbled on the mattress to Hermione's arms. Hermione looked at the telly, which showed the evil sea witch singing her song to trick the young, red headed mermaid. Hermione chuckled at her sweet daughter's reaction, smoothing a hand over her damp curls.

"Oh, Rosie, it's alright. She's only singing love."

Rose turned her head to peek her eyes back at the screen, then immediately hid them back in her mum's shoulder. Hermione snuggled her little girl and began singing the song the sea witch lead on the telly. After a moment, Rose pulled back to look at Hermione with wide eyes.

"Mummy know sea witch song!" Rose gasped, causing Hermione to grin widely at her.

"See? It's not so scary now, is it?" She asked the tot, who turned and attempted at watching the telly again. Hermione continued the song until it finished, allowing Rose to relax back into her mum's hold and watch the film as well.

Rose laid against Hermione's chest, sleeping soundly after her busy day. The room was dim, with the glow of the telly illuminating the room. Hermione had been relaxing on the bed, reviewing her day with her parents. It had been an exhausting few hours that they had spent in Australia. She rolled her head back on the pillow and took deep breaths. She was conflicted about so many things. However, there was one thing she was sure about.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

The witch opened her eyes languidly, to see the redhead standing at the edge of the bed. Now wearing a t-shirt and pajama bottoms, he tossed his dirty clothes in the luggage by the wall and slipped into bed next to Hermione. Hermione smiled at his kind gesture.

"Mum's just being difficult. But, it seems that dad has turned around," Hermione whispered, looking up at the redhead. Ron leaned back against the headboard watching her, and reached down to Rose's nightdress pulling it over her chubby thighs, as it had traveled up as she slept.

Could he get any sweeter?

"He did seem more welcoming than your mum. But, the trip's not over. You still have time to see if things change," Ron suggested, stretching his arms out in front of him.

"You're right. You're the best. Have I ever told you that?" Hermione questioned, gazing up at him beneath her thick lashes. He grinned crookedly, and bent down to kiss her gently on the lips.

"You might have to remind me now and again," He quipped, standing from the mattress and scooping Rosie from the bed, lying her carefully in her playpen, set up just a foot or two from the bed.

He returned to his side of the mattress and laid facing Hermione. They stayed like that for a few moments, exploring the still new territory that they were confronting. Hermione took his hand, looping her fingers through it, and turned facing the opposite direction. The brunette pulled his hand with her and bent her arm to curl against her chest, Ron's hand resting beneath her jaw. Ron adjusted closer, letting his chest press comfortingly against her back, while his nether region was still given some distance.

"Thank you for coming, Ron… I love you."

She lowered her head and pressed her lips against his hand, raising it back up to rest it on the pillow and released a deep sigh.

"I love you, Mione," He murmured deeply in return.

He felt a tight squeeze to his hand in response and drifted off to sleep.

The next three days passed by similar to the first: Hermione and her mum getting into semi-heated arguments, Hugo trying to stay the peacemaker between the two. Ron kept quiet and only really spoke when Hugo asked him something, or when he talked to Hermione or Rose.

Rose was taking her time bonding with her grandparents. She liked to watch Jean make dinner and Rose learned she was especially good at puzzles. With her papa, it took her a bit longer to warm up to his hissing tank, bald head, and tube filled nostrils. But, her favorite spot now was when he was reclined in his lounge chair in the back den. The tot liked to crawl up on his lap and watch the telly with him. He would usually have his cup of tea, she would have her sippy cup of milk, and he would share his crisps with her. Hermione marveled at the sight, adoring how much her little girl loved her own daddy too.

On this particular day, Jean had decided to go to the office instead of staying home with the family. This annoyed Hermione something fierce, brooding the majority of the morning about her not wanting to see her own family. However, Ron thought there was something much deeper than she was willing to admit. Perhaps, she wasn't angry about Jean going to work, but, the fact that she left her and would rather spend time away from her only daughter and grandchild than to be with them. Ron didn't approach the subject, knowing it wouldn't be the cleverest thing to bring up at the moment.

Now, Hermione had cleaned up after the lunch she and Ron had prepared together. Rose was in her papa's lap, lounging back. Her eyes droopy from a full belly and her normal nap time. Hermione too was exhausted from the stressful days she had encountered, and was nodding off on the settee.

Hugo looked over from the telly, where he had been watching some cricket game, and over to his sleeping daughter. Ron was sitting next to her, and pulled over a light blanket over her bare legs, as she had goosebumps from the air conditioning in her summer dress. His hand lingered on her covered leg, and he rubbed it a few times lovingly. Ron continued to pick up a few of Rose's discarded toys, and sent them off into her nappy bag. He then looked to check on Rose, when he noticed the older man watching him. The tips of his ears instinctually heated to a rosy pink. Hugo cleared his throat and spoke softly, not to wake the sleeping girls in the room.

"Ron, would you mind bringing me a cuppa?"

Ron was happy for the excuse to leave the room. Unsure what he was to do when the two were alone together.

"Sure," he nodded and went to the kitchen. He started the kettle, thankful that Hermione had shown him all the muggle ways of doing thing while they were cooking lunch. His mind drifted to the last time it had just been the two men: when Ron helped him upstairs that first night. It hadn't been a long visit, and the staircase caused the man difficulty catching his breath. So, they hadn't actually spoken. This time, he knew that wouldn't be the case, so Ron had to wonder: was now the time to speak with him? Ron wasn't sure, perhaps he'd feel out the conversation, and see where it led.

Ron made two cups of tea, and returned to the den. He handed Hugo one teacup and set the other down while he brought Rose's dummy to her mouth, which she took rapidly, even in her sleeping state. He began to sit in his previous position, when Hugo caught his attention.

"Would you mind sitting over here? I'd rather not wake her, she seems to need all the sleep she can get."

Ron returned to his side and positioned another padded chair closer to the sick man, now at an angle where he was next to him, while being able to see Hermione. The two sipped their tea in silence, Ron was trusting his Auror skills to read the situation out.

"So, Hermione mentioned you're an Auror, but didn't really explain what that was," Hugo inquired, bringing a crisp to his mouth.

Ron thought hard about how exactly to explain his profession to a muggle, but not just any muggle: the father of the woman he loved.

"Well, it's like a muggle police officer. The people who catch the criminals and the bad guys," Ron explained. Hugo nodded his head in thought. Ron hoped that he used the correct terminology.

"And when you 'catch the bad guys' I'm sure there's danger involved. How dangerous is it?" Hugo looked at Ron, genuinely interested in the answer.

"Yes, there is danger involved for Aurors. We have daily stuff, but, we also go on missions which can be dangerous," Ron ended, thinking for a moment, feeling the need to be more honest with the man.

"I'm actually on the special forces unit," Hugo's eyebrows, or what was left of them, raised at this.

"Which basically means, I go on missions the most often, and typically the longest... and the most dangerous," Ron whispered, as he traveled past Hugo to linger on Hermione, and then to Rose. The older man nodded his head a few times, and swirled his tea still steaming from his teacup.

"As the father of the girl you're in a relationship with, hearing of your career brings little comfort," Hugo chuckled, then continued.

"I mean, she'll be safe. Both of them will be, under your care, I'm sure. But, in a relationship how do you think that would fare? You could be injured, captured, or killed from the sound of it."

Ron mulled over his words. It had been something he had thought about since Hermione had returned. He cleared his throat and set his teacup down.

"Well, sir, I've actually been thinking about that exactly for some time now."

Hugo looked at him in surprise.

"Since Hermione returned and Rosie came along. It's been a hard decision, but, I've concluded that once I've closed the current case we're on, the one I'm the lead of, I will be stepping down from the special forces."

Hugo's face displayed his shock more apparently now. He turned toward the telly and took a sip of his tea, thinking about Ron's words.

"Have you told Hermione about this?" Hugo pondered aloud, glancing at the girl to see her still sleeping soundly.

"No. I didn't want to get her hopes up that I would be done quickly. If plans don't work out, who knows how long we'll be on this case," Ron sighed. He wanted to do what was right, but, he also knew his family came first, and he couldn't keep up what they have been doing.

"Probably a wise choice," Hugo muttered.

They sat quietly watching the end of the cricket game, neither one really caring about it. Ron was glad to have a distraction. After a few moments, Hugo turned toward Ron again.

"What are your intentions with my daughter?"

Ron choked on his sip of tea, while Hugo smothered his laughter of the scene. This boy was growing on him more and more every day. After Ron had his bearings, he straightened in his seat and looked to Hermione, checking her slumbering state.

"I intend to marry her, sir," Ron said confidently.

Hugo raised his eyebrows, not really expecting that answer.

"And how serious are you about that, son?" Hugo questioned, testing the redhead. Ron didn't have to think, before he reached in his pocket, and pulled out a tiny box. With his wand, he enlarged it to normal size, and handed it to Hugo.

The older man opened the box carefully to reveal a ring. It was antique, exquisitely designed, with three bands woven together with small diamonds encrusted. It left a perfect space in the middle for a rather large square diamond, clasped tightly by prongs. It was a magnificent ring, incredibly detailed, but not gaudy.

"Very," Ron spoke in a serious tone.

Hugo felt tears sting his eyes knowing Ron had prepared this before his talk with the redhead. Perhaps, Hermione would be taken care of just fine after he had gone. He cleared his throat, and handed the box back to Ron, who shrunk it down once more and returned it to his trouser pocket.

"It's a beautiful ring," Hugo commented.

"Thank you. It was my Uncle Bilius'. One of my dad's brothers. He was a bit of a wild bloke," Ron chuckled, thinking of the stories he heard growing up about his namesake.

"He was in love with a longtime friend of his. He said she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met; but not just for looks. She had a good soul, too. Mum told me that he made this ring for her. Got all the supplies and hand crafted it; something special, like she was. But, he never had the chance to give it to her. She died a few days before he proposed..."

Ron pondered back to when he thought he'd lost Hermione. He was a disaster. He could only imagine what it would have been like if she died. He shuddered at the thought, swallowing a lump that had formed in his throat.

"Anyways, he never loved anyone as much as her, and stayed a bachelor for the remainder of his life. Once I was born, he gave my dad the ring and a letter, telling me he hoped I'd be able to give it to the woman I loved, like he was never able to. So, I adjusted it a bit, thinking Hermione might like it," Ron concluded. He reached back to rub the back of his neck, feeling uncomfortably warm for a room with air conditioning.

"Why did you have the ring in your pocket?" Hugo inquired.

Ron looked at the man and tried to recall what he had practiced for weeks.

"Well, really for this moment. You see, I wanted to speak with you about it first. I'm not sure Hermione would appreciate me asking for your blessing... but, that's what I would like to do. It was how I was raised. Even if you don't approve, I wanted to speak with you before," Ron explained quietly.

"Based on what I've seen with you and Hermione, and little Rosie, you love them. You'd always have their best interests at heart, and, you'd keep them safe. It covers everything I'm hoping for my little girl. Besides, Hermione's a grown woman, and it looks as if she's already made her decision."

Hugo smiled warmly at Ron, who looked pleasantly surprised, causing the sick man to laugh gently.

"Just take care of them," Hugo murmured after a few moments in Ron's emotional state.

"Thank you, sir. I promise I'll do everything I can for them."

The pair decided to watch an old war movie while the girls continued to nap. Toward the end, Hermione stirred awake. She sat up while stretching, covering a yawn with her hand. The brunette stood and paced across the room to the kitchen. On the way, she stopped by Ron, still sitting by her father, and placed a hand on his shoulder. The witch glanced at Rose, pouting her lips in slumber, and soaked in the picture of her family together. She gave it a quick squeeze, leaned down to give him a peck on the cheek, and left to fix a cup of tea.

Her mother came home shortly after. She had announced they'd be going out for dinner at a fancy restaurant that she had snagged a reservation for. After work, she had run by the store to buy a new, more formal dress for Rose. Hermione didn't have much fuel to complain; after all, she didn't expect to need formal clothes for her daughter while they were in Australia.

The three returned to the hotel to freshen up and change for dinner. Ron showered and changed quickly; it didn't take much time to pull on freshly pressed formal trousers and a nice deep blue button shirt. Hermione changed Rose into her new dress, having to admit that it was awfully adorable on her sweet girl. Rose was spinning in circles watching the cerulean chiffon dress twirl as she spun. The neckline was beaded and arched around her shoulders. Without sleeves, it allowed the child to stay cool, which they were all thankful for. Hermione clipped in the matching flower to the tot's wild curls, and gave Ron a kiss to his cheek as she passed him to get ready herself.

A short time later, Hermione reappeared. She had hoped Ron and her would be able to escape for a meal together alone sometime during the trip; the only reason formal clothing was even on her packing list. However, at the way things were happening, she wasn't sure if she'd get another chance while they were in Australia. Nevertheless, she was pleased she was finally able to wear the new dress she had found whilst shopping with her favorite redhead's sister. She was wondering if she'd possibly get another reaction like the last time Ron had seen her dressed up, when her daughter turned at her and spoke.

"Look Mummy! I twirly! Nana dress spin with me!" The tot eagerly squealed.

Ron was chuckling at the tot who had yet to make herself dizzy with all the spinning, when he looked up to Hermione. His eyes growing large and his lips parted.

She was wearing a bright teal dress that was wrapped around her body. It cut off a few inches above her knees in a crisp asymmetrical line. It was sleeveless, and dropped into a cut displaying a fair amount of milky smooth cleavage. She wore simple pearl earrings, matching the color of her heels, and her hair was gathered in an intricate low bun at the back of her neck. Ron was once again amazed how easily he was charmed by the witch.

Hermione grinned widely, her teeth framed by a dark red lip stain.

"Your dress does twirl Rosie! It's so beautiful!" She responded to her tot joyfully. Rose stopped twirling and hobbled over to her Mum in a zigzag line. Once she reached Hermione, she put her arms on her mum's legs to steady herself, then pulled on the fabric outward.

"Your dress no twirly mummy!" Rose realized, worried that her mum's dress wasn't going to spin as magnificently as hers did.

"That's alright, sweetheart. Mummy's dress doesn't need to," Hermione reassured her compassionate daughter as she swung her up to her hip, and kissed her cheek. She turned towards Ron, who had yet to speak since Hermione entered.

"Ginny?" Ron inquired as his hungry eyes roved over Hermione's form, causing her to flush instantly. She nodded, not trusting her voice to speak without quivering.

Ron stood and made his way over to the woman who held their child in her arms. He still towered over her, even in her heels.

"I'll have to make sure you go shopping with her more often," Ron quipped and he reached down and met his lips to hers. Ron broke the kiss without deepening it, worried they wouldn't make it to dinner if he lingered any longer. He brought his lips to the tip of Rose's nose when he finished, earning a giggle in return.

The restaurant was a posh, classy affair, just about a block from their hotel. Hermione felt almost too under dressed in her attire. Every table in the vicinity was full. The hostess showed Hermione, Ron, and Rose to their table, located toward the back of the restaurant, near the large open balcony overlooking the harbor.

Hugo and Jean were already seated. Hermione greeted her parents, kissing her father on the cheek, as she slipped into the chair next to him. Ron set Rose into the high chair that the hostess had provided for them, while he sat next to her. It left one chair open at the table. Ron thought that was odd considering how busy the atmosphere seemed to be. Wouldn't they want every seat filled? Hermione seemed to have the same thought.

"Why is there an extra seat? Are we expecting someone else?" Hermione asked looking to her father.

"Not sure. Perhaps this was the best table they could find for us. Your mum asked for the best view in the place so you could enjoy it while you're here," Hugo spoke to his daughter. Hermione was wary at the idea that her Mum was coming around, but, perhaps, this was a form of a peace offering?

They ordered drinks around, Jean chose a strong red wine, while Hermione chose a crisp white. The men at the table drank lemon water. The conversation began flowing, and as Jean was on her third glass of wine, Hermione just finishing her second, the women had started to get along better.

Ron observed the restaurant and the people inside it, as the family spoke. Rose was occupying Jean's lap when she lifted Rose.

"Hermione, dear, I think Rose is in need to a new nappy," Jean stood and handed her off to the witch. Ron set down his dinner roll, reaching to brush his hands on his trousers, before halting his movements, and wiping them on the cloth napkin.

"I'll get her," Ron offered, opening his arms to her. Hermione smiled at him, passing the tot off to the redhead. Ron reached for the nappy bag, hoisting it on his shoulder as he made his way to the men's loo.

Moments later he returned to the back of the restaurant with a happy toddler in tow. As he rounded the corner he could vaguely hear a woman yelling. He thought the upset voice was coming from the witch he was in love with. And, by the stiffening in his daughter's posture, he knew she shared the same thought. He quickly turned the bend, having an unsettled feeling in his gut.

His view confirmed his fears.

Hermione was making her way rapidly from the table and past Ron to the front of the restaurant. Tears were streaming down her face as she frantically tipped away in her heels. Ron turned to watch as she made her way through the building, utterly perplexed at what had happened. He switched his sight back to stare at the table in bewilderment.

Jean was standing at the table, her face flushed, and tear-stained. Hugo was seated and looked astonished. Another guest was at the table, a man, perhaps in his mid-twenties. He was a handsome bloke, with deep skin and a tall figure. He sat at the table in a finely pressed suit, holding flowers, and a bewildered look on his features.

Ron flipped his sight back to the brunette who now stormed out the door, leaving the wandering eyes of the restaurant's patrons behind her. He made to move toward the exit, glancing once more at the scene, trying to piece together what had happened. As he did, he caught Hugo's eyes watching him leave; sorrow filling his brown orbs. He looked forward again, after the witch he needed to be with.

He pushed opened the doors to be met with the refreshing breeze of the evening. He speedily recalled the path they used to travel to the building previously that night. He made a sharp left and traveled up the street, moving swiftly past the people cluttering the sidewalk. He could see her a good distance ahead, still wobbling in her heels and making her way easily among the crowds. Ron bumped into another person, apologizing rapidly, snapping his eyes back up to where she had been.

Only to see she was no longer in sight.

His heart pounded more hurriedly in his chest; only giving himself little comfort that she could have slipped into an alley to Apparate to the hotel. Ron held onto Rose tighter as he moved at a frantic pace to the hotel, hoping, begging, that his witch was there safely.

Ron bounced Rose as reassuringly as he could as he tried to keep his nerves calm at the speed the bloody lift was moving. As soon as the ding sounded and the doors opened, he flew to the corridor, stumbling for the key in his pocket.

Once inside, he could sigh a breath of relief, seeing her pearl colored pumps discarded on the hotel's carpet. He shut the door behind him, sealing it for safety while taking all the muggle precautions as well. Making his way to the loo, he heard Hermione sobbing past the wooden door. He dropped Rose's nappy bag against the counter while shuffling for her lamb toy. He sat the tired tot on the bed while he filled her sippy cup full of milk. He set it aside, reaching for the small girl once more to change her into her pajamas. Once that was sorted, he cast a warming charm over her cup and laid her in the playpen. He watched her for a few moments as her wide azure eyes began to relax, eventually dipping closed from her busy day.

Ron paced over and knocked gently on the loo's door.

"Hermione?" He asked, hoping that no matter what had occurred, she would still want him with her.

There was no response.

He knocked rapidly again, hoping not to wake their slumbering daughter. Finally, he extracted his wand to unlock the door. As he entered the large loo, he saw a heart wrenching sight. Hermione was crouched on the floor in the corner of the room sobbing. At the opening of the door, her head shot up displaying bloodshot eyes, and a raw red nose, to see Ron had entered. He read a calculating look on her face before she sprung to her feet and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him deeply.

Ron was stunned from her reaction. Clearly not expecting that the witch was in the mood to snog him. She moaned, causing Ron's body to react and wrap his arms against her slim waist, while allowing her the access she so desperately pleaded. He vaguely heard the door click shut behind him. Ron kissed her back forcefully, pushing her securely against the wall of the loo. The kiss continued as she stole minuscule nips to his bottom lip, then sucked on his tongue. A deep moan slipped from his throat, causing Hermione to hum in satisfaction.

Ron was in paradise. It was so glorious to finally be surrounded by the woman he had been in love with for years, in this way. But, as her delicate fingers slid the buttons from their loops on his shirt, the memory of her running from the restaurant in tears flashed in his mind. He could now feel her damp tears on his cheek as she whimpered into the kiss.

He broke the kiss, gasping for air, as Hermione continued to lower her ministrations to the skin of his neck.

"Mione," he panted, trying to gain the witch's attention, as he felt cool air brush across his toned stomach.

He didn't have a chance to say anything further as she met his lips again hungrily. Her hand roamed his muscular chest, Ron felt the burning sensation her touch left; the sensitive skin tingling after she moved on. She continued while pulling down his shirt, tearing it from his body. Once the pesky item was removed, the witch lifted her leg and hooked it onto his hip, grinding against the delicious hardness she felt beneath his trousers and her soaked knickers. His breath stuttered as he thrust forward, gaining another throaty moan from Hermione.

"I need you, Ron," she whimpered desperately. At the confession, her voice struck something within him. It seemed so small; it was so unlike her. Ron pulled back further, realizing that just a short time ago, she was arguing with her parents and horridly upset. She trembled in his hold, breathing uneven and choppy. Tears slipped from her eyes as her bottom lip wobbled the longer he looked at her. Ron tried to shift through his clouded thoughts. He gazed deeply into her eyes, seeing nothing but lust… and pain.

"Mione, I-I can't."

Tears flowed from her eyes once more. Ron knew that he couldn't have her while she was upset like this; not in the current mindset she was in. Not their first time after years. What if she ended up regretting it? Her tipsy demeanor, caused by the wine she consumed and her petite figure, combined with the rush of emotions and recent amount of stress must have come to a breaking point. Her shoulders shook while she sobbed.

"It's just- I can't- like this. You're upset, love, I c-can't-" Ron's words were muddled by Hermione's pleading lips once more. His will breaking a bit more every time she nibbled and sucked.

"Please, R-Ron... I n-need to feel loved," Hermione begged, drawing a growl from Ron. He adjusted her more securely against the wall, grabbing her bum, allowing her to wrap her other leg completely around him. He kissed her deeply, she hummed and cooed languorously. The ginger brought his hands to her waist, moving to the neckline of her formfitting dress. He revealed her delectable skin, pushing the teal aside to display the cream-colored lingerie underneath.

Ron kissed down her skin, hearing her purr with every movement of his skin against hers. He grabbed his wand and cast a one-way silencing charm, still allowing the pair to hear their little one if she cried for them. His eyes roved over her luscious lace covered breasts, thrilled to smooth his hands over them, causing Hermione to moan in satisfaction. He kissed the exposed skin at the edge of her bra, placing his mouth over her cloth-covered nipple, sucking it through the fabric. Hermione ground her hips against him, causing Ron to hoist her higher on the wall, and move his hand lower down her body.

"Please…"

Ron knew he wasn't able to be with her like she desired tonight, but, he could sure as hell help her out and get whatever had happened out of her mind. He deftly moved his hand under her clinging dress, pushing the fabric up as he reached her thigh. Ron bestowed sloppy kisses to her neck, sucking forcefully as his hand reached beneath her knickers. A gasp escaped her throat at the feeling of his fingers caressing her most intimate parts.

The redhead was acting on instinct, only having done this once before, cautiously exploring her while keeping careful watch for her reactions. Her eyes were closed as she leaned her head against the porcelain tiles. He continued deeper when she released a cry, forcing both of her hands into his hair, and bringing his face to meet hers in a lustful kiss, swiveling her hips vehemently against his adroit fingers. By the strength of her kiss, he continued his actions; more blissful sounds flowed from the witch. Moments later, he felt her shudder in his hold, and release a shriek of his name.

Her forehead lolled onto the ginger's shoulder. Her breathing short and heavy. Ron too was panting hard, attempting to catch his breath and calm his throbbing heart. Her body became limp in his hold. The witch wrapped her arms around his neck, releasing a sob; tears dribbling down his pale, freckled back. Ron held her tightly, removing his hand from her knickers and wound it around her torso. He let the witch cry on him for he wasn't sure how long, despite his discomfort. After a while, she stopped crying, now just spouting little puffs of air on his neck; her legs hanging languidly around his hips.

Ron craned his neck to see that her eyes were closed, and that she had fallen asleep. He gently cradled his love and walked to the bed, lying her gently in the sheets. She rolled to her side and snuggled into the pillow. Ron stood and watched her sleep, glancing over the playpen edge to see the tot slumbering. Rose wrinkled her nose, stirring slightly, before calming once more. Ron grinned at the sight as he slipped in his side of the bed. Facing the witch, he watched as she too wrinkled her nose before settling again. Ron's grin widened seeing the resemblance between the two. It faltered as he thought of the events of the evening. Ron drifted off to sleep that night wondering just what had happened to the witch he loved.

A/N: WELL? I would appreciate hearing your thoughts for this chapter! A lot was going on! Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, favorited, and followed! I hope this story keeps up with your expectations!

More to come!

Scarlet