Hi, the sites been up and down recently. I'm not sure if people are getting email notifications and without any stats I've no idea if anyone is still ready this story. We're nearing the end now. Only 2 chapters to go. Please leave a review so I know if it's worth finishing. Thank you and Enjoy!

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They left Dumbledore's office. She was on autopilot and the apparent leader of the group. None of them compos mentis, her feet just led her to the closest place she could get to home. Gryffindor Tower, where she'd grown, felt safe and protected. When she'd first come to Hogwart's castle at 11 years old, it was vast, the corridors cold, it's sheer scale and hidden secrets were intimidating. But in the evenings and weekends…even some holidays…she could retreat to the Gryffindor common room. It exuded warmth, a fire always burning the décor of gold and red ever comforting. It was the first place in the whole world she'd had true friendships, the first place she felt like she fitted in. It was here, in front of The Fat Lady's portrait that her feet carried her.

The Fat Lady wasn't there. None of the portraits were in their frames. She tentatively tugged on the frame and it swung forward allowing them to enter. She stumbled through, her body aching and protesting at ever movement. Funny she hadn't felt any pain in Dumbledore's office now it seemed the adrenalin that had pushed her through the night was fading out of her system, forcing her to feel again. There was none of the usual cosiness in the common room, none of the happiness. The room looked like it has been deserted years ago. Dust thick on the furniture and in the air.

"Homenum Revelio" she whispered.

They were alone. Thankfully. She took a deep breath and looked at her best friends. Ron looked absolutely broken. Lost in his…no it wasn't grief…not yet…his grief would come, this looked like disbelief, denial or maybe he was simply numb. He's in shock she thought dumbly but had no clue how to handle it. Perhaps she was herself she considered. Harry just looked plain exhausted.

It was Harry who moved first, he trudged over and fell heavily into what used to be his spot, the armchair by the fireplace. Hermione moved to the sofa. She looked expectantly at Ron but didn't invite him over. Whatever he needed it wasn't pressure from her. It took him minutes to finally move and she breathed another sigh of relief that he was able to join them.

Harry suddenly spoke and she felt Ron physically jump beside her.

"Kreacher"

Hermione registered the blood soaked cloth hanging from Kreacher's body but couldn't find her voice to express concern.

"Kreacher, are you hurt?" Harry asked and Hermione felt a glow of warmth in her chest.

"No Master, I was serving with the elves in the kitchen and haven't had time to clean up. Little of this blood is mine."

"Kreacher. I…I want to thank you and all the house elves for your help during the battle. Can you tell them? Tell them we appreciate everything they've done during the fighting and in helping to tend to the castle guests after. We're so thankful."

"Yes Master. Of course Master. That is most gracious." Kreacher slunk into a low bow. "Is there anything the Master needs?"

"Umm yes please. If you're feeling alright…could you possibly bring food here? Enough for me, Ron and Hermione? And something to drink. We'll eat it here…in about 20 minutes, if that's ok?"

"Certainly Master." Kreacher disapparated and they fell back into silence. Harry looked at her and shrugged. With effort she managed to return a smile. Grateful that he'd organised food for them and she wasn't one bit inclined to complain about elf rights at the moment. She'd take any help they could get. The battle was won but the physical cost was great.

"I'm going to take a shower." Harry said after a while.

"Good idea." She agreed. Her clothes are disgustingly filthy and as much as she wanted to just eat and sleep she wouldn't be comfortable lying in these, stiff with blood, sweat and dust. Reaching for the beaded bag…the lifeline. She found clean comfortable clothes for each of them and toiletries to let them freshen up.

"Thanks Hermione." Harry looked grateful and turned to head towards the boy's dormitory. Hermione wasn't entirely sure what to do, she assumed Ron would go with Harry on the boy's side. After a moment she walked towards the girl's stairs. They would meet back here in less than 20 minutes for food, it had already been planned. So why then were little nerves bubbling in the pit of her stomach. Don't be silly Hermione, she thought.

"WAIT!" Ron suddenly shouted. "Don't go up there alone, Hermione. We can't split up." She was startled by his outburst.

"Ron…it's ok…there's no one…" She began to try and reassure him. She noticed Harry hoover at the bottom of the stairs, nervously waiting to see what was going to happen but pointedly choosing not to get involved.

"I DON'T WANT TO SPLIT UP. I'M SORRY…I know that's pathetic coming from the one who left but I…I can't do this." He started out yelling but it ended in barely a whisper.

Her heart constricted. Gods…after everything that's happened…all they'd just been through…didn't he know he was forgiven? It will never ever matter that he left and it certainly doesn't make whatever he's feeling right now any less valid. She could see he was in pain and wanted to make it stop. Words obviously weren't going to help so she returned to where he was standing and took his hand in hers. She led him to the boy's dormitory staircase and gave Harry a small nod to indicate he should proceed. The three of them climbed the stairs together and if she was honest this felt better then heading off alone.

Harry obviously wasn't sure what to do with himself so he prioritised getting on with the task and went straight onto the shower room. She hung back wondering what to do, it seemed like a good idea to all go up the boy's side together but not she was faced with the logistics of it she was uneasy. She didn't want to upset him any further, he was obviously in bits.

"I can wait here while you go first." She offered nervously.

"Umm…I dunno what it's like on the girl's side but there are stalls in there, once you go in you can shower and get dressed without coming out. I'm not trying to perve on you, Hermione. Truly I'm not. It just doesn't feel safe right now." His voice was breaking but she couldn't help smiling, he was always able to inject a little humour no matter the situation.

"Ron, you're in shock. I understand. I'm glad you invited me because I'm scared to be alone too. Shall we?" She led him to the shower room and knocked. This is going to be interesting she thought, how to be there for Ron without making Harry feel awkward? Oh well might as well find out.

"Harry? Harry, I'm coming in if you don't mind?" She shouted out.

"Hermione, we shared a tent for the best part of last year. I honestly couldn't care less." She smiled, knowing he wouldn't make a fuss about it but still thought it polite to give fair warning. Harry knows just as well as she does that Ron just needs them to be nearby. Obviously he was willing to oblige, maybe he was feeling a similar need himself, she certainly was. But Harry being Harry would never admit it.

"Point well made." She shouted back enthusiastically. "I'm locking the three of us in, ok?" She set about casting all the protective charms on the bathroom knowing this was as much for her as Ron. They'd been on the run for so long, protecting themselves from the evil in the world with these charms. The fight was over but she couldn't strip herself naked and be parted from her wand without them in place. She'd be exposed and vulnerable so the wards were going up until she could properly process those emotions and get them under control. She vaguely wondered how long away that day may be.

"Yeah. Hermione, do you have any Dittany?" Harry called out, changing the subject.

"Oh yes of course." Why hadn't she thought of that earlier. Actually, she suddenly thought she should have taken them straight to the hospital wing to get properly checked over. Hadn't Harry just died?! But then there was so many others with very serious injuries. At least we're all on our feet and able to walk around…Harry does seem fine. But she resolved to keep a close eye on everyone and summon Madam Pomfrey if she thought anyone needed attention. Also they'd all dealt with injuries in some way shape or form over the year. Ron had even been splinched for goodness sake. She pulled the Dittany from the beaded bag and hoped it would be enough for the physical ailments.

"Umm…how do you want me to…" Suddenly she felt awkward, how was she supposed to hand this to Harry? He must be naked on the other side of the door. Too lost in her thoughts of getting them medical attention and tired to remember she was a witch.

"Accio Dittany." Harry thankfully seemed to have a functioning brain and sorted the problem for her.

She turned to Ron who'd just been watching her unmoving. "I'll take this one then." She said hoping it would remind him of what to do. "See you in a moment." She moved slowly to make sure he was accepting of the plan.

"Yeah, I'll be right next door. Ok?" He said. She tried to reassure him with a smile and nod. He was clearly unsure about letting her out of his sight but this was as close as they could get right now. Maybe in their not so distant futures they would be shared showers, she blushed at the thought, but this was not the time to be thinking of such things.

She entered the shower stall and leant her back against the door. Merlin she was really worried about him. Harry too of course, she knew he'd carry a lot of guilt about this later but she could see he was taking it one step at a time. Ron didn't seem able to function. It was a relief to hear him shuffling out of his clothes. He was going to need her, weather as a best friend of something more she'd no idea.

He hadn't mentioned the kiss…she bit her lip…Gods she was so selfish she chastised herself. That millisecond of happiness had happened before being nearly burned to death in the room of requirement, before watching Fred killed in front of them, before seeing Harry's dead body in Hagrid's arms. Her stupid kiss was the lowest of priorities right now and…you know…there's time now. Somewhere in the future, near or far, she would talk to him about her feelings and find out if he still felt the same as he'd intimated a year ago. Even if the answer was no and it very well could be, a lot had happened since then, she would have an answer. She'd grown up very quickly recently and she wouldn't waste too much time dancing around the hippogriff in the room.

Feeling somewhat optimistic through the fog of hunger and tiredness she knew there would be time to deal with all the things. Right now though she needed to get on with washing and eating and sleeping. She'll do whatever Ron needs to make him feel safe including waiting. She'd wait until he was ready.

She pulled off her clothes as quickly as possible, gasping as garments moved over injuries. She couldn't look at her too thin body, she knew bones were jutting out and that she was covered in cuts and bruises. Instead she turned the shower to hot and let the water fall over her.

"Harry, shout when you're done with that mate. I'm a mess here too." She heard Ron call and wondered what he had found when he'd stripped down.

She heard Harry knock Ron's stall door and listened in on their conversation, searching for anything she should be concerned about. It was funny how the boys communicated, they always seemed to know exactly what level of support the other needed. Very rarely was it a deep emotional conversation, at most a few carefully chosen words, at least just being beside one another in comfortable silence. She was rubbish at it, always trying to push them to talk more.

"Merlin Harry…you really did just die didn't you?" She wondered what Ron had seen to say that and silently prayed both her boys were ok.

"Yeah…I guess I did. But…Ron…It's ok. We're ok now." There was a long pause and she strained to hear what was happening. Then her shower stall shook slightly and she could hear Ron taking deep breaths. It took all her resolve not to fling open the door and see what was happening but Harry was there and they'd call for her if she was needed. Let them have a moment she thought to herself, you're not needed all the time.

After a few moments Harry spoke. But he didn't say anything about the gap in the conversations or what had happened. He simply asked, "do me a favour mate? There's something I can't reach on my back." More silence but she recognised Harry sucking in a breath as the potion evidently stung.

"Cheers, want me to check yours?" Harry offered. "Give it here…looks like a nasty burn from the room of requirement." A fiendfyre burn she thought…that will need more than dittany but it would do as a start. She made a mental note to check on that later.

"Cheers mate."

"Anytime. What about…" She couldn't follow the implications of the conversation without seeing them, they always had this way of negotiating without proper speech. "Umm I'll leave it with you. I'll be outta here in a minute."

"Harry…don't go anywhere though. Just get dressed in the dorm." She heard Ron raise his voice again and hoped Harry would comply.

"Right" Harry thankfully agreed. Hermione wondered if he was put out or secretly glad that Ron was insisting they stick so close together. She certainly was.

"Hermione, do you need the dittany? We're both done with it." Ron called out to her.

"Accio dittany" she cast. Might as well get on with it she thought.

"Let me know if you need…er…anything." Ron offered.

The potion flew over the stall door and she placed it on the shelf. She turned and leaned back into the water to wash her hair. The soap suds stung cuts and grazes as it washed over her body. Wincing she hurriedly finished with her hair and grabbed the dittany cursing herself for not using it first. Her body was covered in all sorts of ailments, most of which she'd no idea when or how she'd received them.

"I'm going to get dressed in the dorm. See yous in a minute." Harry said as he left the bathroom. She felt the wards being removed but was ok without them reinstated, Harry on watch duty on the other side of the door.

Merlin, she was a mess, dabbing dittany anywhere that hurt, she wondered if it might just be better to slather it on like a moisturiser. She was absolutely covered in everything from minor cuts and grazes to huge horrible gashes that would be sure to scar if not treated properly. She couldn't reach something on her back and reconsidered Ron's offer. She might as well. He'd just helped Harry with the same and she could hardly sleep with this smarting.

Tentatively she lifted a towel and wrapped it around herself avoiding the sore on her back before leaving her stall and knocking Ron's door. He opened it in seconds his chest heaving and she realised she'd startled him.

"Sorry, would you mind? There is something stinging I can't reach." She said sheepishly. It had seemed like a good idea to ask him for help and he had offered but Merlin she hadn't been prepared to see him stand in front of her grasping a towel low around his hips, dripping wet. His hair was dark with wetness plastered to his head, suds running down his neck, check and stomach before soaking the towel. It wasn't like she'd never seen him, or Harry for that matter, quickly get changed in the tent. They'd all tried to afford one another as much privacy as possible in such close quarters. And she'd seen a good bit of Ron's chest when he'd been splinched but this was so different. It might very well have been her imagination but it felt like electricity was crackling between them.

"Course." He nodded wide eyed.

She turned around and gripped the towel to her front. A moment passed and nothing happened. She waited and eventually she could feel him applying potion from her left shoulder blade down to her lower back. Worse than I thought she considered. That frizzle of electricity seemed to intensify as his fingertips traced along her skin. It was lovely feeling him touch her. She wanted nothing more than to touch him too…soon she thought hopefully.

All too quickly it was over. "I think that's you. Let me know if anything else hurts."

"Thanks Ron." She said gratefully and turned to smile at him again. Taking one last opportunity to see him undressed and looking incredibly handsome.

Retreating into her stall so he couldn't see the blush rising in her cheeks, she realised he was

just the other side of the stall, naked and wet. Naked…what did he look like under that towel she thought. She'd never seen the male appendage in real life and there's one just the other side of this thin wall. The kiss came to mind again. It had felt so good, so welcome against her dry lips. She knew these thoughts weren't right…indecent actually…especially what had just happened and how much suffering was going on around her. People had lost their lives and loved ones mourned. But she couldn't help herself…she'd been to hell and back. It was finally over and all she wanted to do was to lock herself away from all the bad stuff. Was it selfish to want something good for yourself after what they'd been through? She sighed…there were just too many emotions right now and they were all jumbled together in the most confusing manor.

She turned her face into the running water allowing it to wash away tears which had caught her by surprise.

She heard Ron finish and start to get dressed. She savoured the hot water for a minute more before reluctantly turning it off. She'd purposefully chosen one of his t-shirts to wear. Primarily because it was big and baggy and comfy to sleep in. But also because it smelled of him and possibly because on some subconscious level she wanted him to know she was his now.

When she left the stall she saw he was in his sweatpants and his faded orange Chudley Cannon t-shirt. He looked sexy, his hair all tousled from being towel dried.

Harry was waiting for them as promised in the dorm room, perched patiently on his bed, staring at his newly mended wand. He got up when they appeared and led the way back to the common room. Hermione marvelled at the effort Kreacher had put in. The dust was gone, the fire and candles lit bringing back the warmth they all expected from this room. They sat at the table the elf had laid out for them. There were three bowls of hot soup, a platter of sandwiches, pumpkin juice, treats and tea. It looked incredible. Hermione wasn't usually as interested in food as the boys but her mouth was watering looking over the spread. It had been a long time since their last proper meal, the night before they left shell cottage.

They started into it, tasting everything as quickly as they could. Hermione had to make a conscious effort to take her time or she knew the sudden food hitting her stomach would make her ill. The platters and bowls refilled and she was pleased to see both Harry and Ron eat properly. They would all sleep better with full bellies.

When she'd eaten her fill she took her tea and sat on the sofa, it felt lovely to be clean, comfortable and full. The fire was warm on her face. For a moment as the boys took their seats she could almost pretend they were back a Hogwart's hanging out after a long day of classes. Now fed and content they were sleepy and silent.

Again it was Harry who broke the peacefulness. "If I don't move now I'm going to fall asleep here and I'd rather have my bed. I'm heading up. Are you two alright?"

Hermione saw him glance nervously at Ron then at her with a questioning look. She got the feeling he was offering them a moment of alone time and realised she probably should take the opportunity.

"Yeah we'll be up soon Harry." She answered without thinking.

Harry nodded but she saw the smirk break across his face as he turned to leave. At the bottom of the stairs he called back over to them…"Do me a favour though…cast a strong Muffliato?"

Oh for Merlin's sake…"Sleep well Harry." She rolled her eyes hard and turned her back on him. She rested back into the sofa wondering what to say to Ron. Wondering what she could possibly say to help him feel any better.

"You can have my bed if you like. I can take one of the others." Ron suggested after a minute or two. That is not what she would like…not one bit. But she definitely wanted the three of them to stick together to sleep and if she had to choose a bed in the boy's dorm it would definitely be Ron's…without a doubt. What should would like is for him to be in it with her. She imagined he'd keep her warm.

She didn't know what to say so she just took another sip of tea wondering again what to do next. He was leaning forward with his elbows resting on his thighs clasping his mug of tea. She watched his eyes glaze over and he was lost in his own head space once more.

"Ron." She said gently but he didn't react. She watched him, he was staring into the corner of the common room but unfocused. Tears started to leak from his eyes but he didn't move to wipe them or give any indication that he'd even noticed. He dropped his mug on the floor, it only fell from between his knees onto the rug so it didn't break. It did however continue to refill the tea and was starting to create a puddle. She waved her wand to cancel the charm and then clean the mess. He hadn't moved at all, stuck in a trace. She bit her lip worried about how to help him. She'd give anything to know what was going on in that red head right now.

"Ron." She tried again. He didn't answer but he did look down at his empty hands. She could see them trembling.

"Ron" this time she touched him, gently running her finger tips over his forehead, physically trying to calm his thoughts, moving his slightly too long hair out of his eyes.

"Ron. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry about Fred" Her fingers ran down over his temple and dabbed at the wet tracks on his cheeks. She felt such overwhelming sadness for the losses and couldn't comprehend how awful it must feel to lose a brother. Of course she'd never know but losing one of the Weasley's was as close as she'd ever come to feeling that pain, or Harry of course.

She wanted to help, to take his pain away but she didn't know how to do that. Instead she pulled his shoulders towards her and gripped him tightly to her chest in an awkward one-way hug. She began stroking his back. She wanted him to know she'd be there for him to help him through whatever was to come next. Yes, it was all terribly sad but they had made it. Her and Ron and Harry…how!?... she'll never know but they had made it. Surely in the fullness of time there would be happiness again? She needed him to remember there were good things to come.

"Ron…I know this isn't a good time. But…but we came so close to dying tonight, I just need to tell you. Do you remember the last time we sat here together?" She asked softly.

He nodded into her chest. "I was just thinking about that."

Well that was unexpected…what's with all the tears then? That memory was filling her with hope that something good was now due to come. Had he changed his mind in the last year? She considered dropping the subject but couldn't leave it alone. Maybe if she left it open…left the ball in his court so to speak.

"We ended that conversation saying we'd see…about us…after…well it's technically after and I just want to let you know I'm here. When you're ready…if you still want to…I'm here."

Ron pulled out of the hug and turned to fully face her. He stared at her like she absolutely mental. Merlin she had got it wrong. He didn't want to. It was silly of her to think nothing had changed. Everything had changed. And she was being incredibly selfish of her to bring it up after he just lost his brother. She started to babble and over explain wishing she could shut herself up.

"I just think we defied all the odds to make it back here. Both of us made it, I don't know how but we have and so has Harry. I know there is too much to think about right now and we've all lost people and I'm being ridiculously selfish trying to steal your attention when you're grieving but when you're ready…that is…if you still want to? I understand if too much has changed and I'm sorry I kissed you like that but I thought…the way you kissed me back…I thought you still wanted…us. And we wasted so much time before being immature teenagers…"

Abruptly his head snapped up, he looked momentarily confused then looked so deep into her eyes that it scared her a little. Rendered speechless she waited.

Suddenly he reached for her, urgently pulling her to his mouth. Oh Merlin, YES, her brain screamed! Was this finally it?! Gods how she'd waited. She threw herself at him, he fell backwards along the sofa and she found herself practically lying on top of him. She put everything into the kiss. There could be absolutely no doubt left that this is what she wanted. No confusion or miscommunication. One half of her brain in utter disbelief, the other joyously chatting…I love you…I love you…as they passionately kissed.

Out of breath she broke the connection and started down at him. He was flushed, his eyes still red from crying with swollen lips to match. One of his hands rested on the small of her back the other reached up to tuck a curl behind her ear. There was such emotion in the embrace it choked her up. Was this actually going to happen? She'd meant to explain she'd be waiting for him. Not force him into action. But who was she kidding…this is exactly what she wanted! Needed.

"Hermione…there is nothing…nothing…in the world I want more than us. I just…" he took a deep breath. "I just know I don't deserve you. I…I left and I'll never forgive myself for abandoning you and Harry after the promises I made. You've every right to hate me."

What in the world was he talking about...? He did want her? But? No…this was exhausting, they were both exhausted and hardly thinking straight. She'd forgiven him for leaving weeks ago. Sure she'd been mad at him when he came back but on the inside she'd been ecstatic. She'd forgiven him and that was that…had she ever told him though?

"Ron, I don't hate you. I could never hate you. You've more than made up for it since you came back and I forgive you." She said forcefully, trying to convey her conviction. He let out a great sob.

"Merlin I dunno why I can't stop crying…what a prat." He roughly swiped at his cheeks.

"Don't be ridiculous. I was more worried when you weren't talking. It's ok though, I'm here." She leaned down and kissed the tear tracks on his left cheek. Hoping this new level of physical interaction was acceptable.

"I'm sorry Hermione. I'm so so sorry I left. I can't say it enough." His arm gripped around her tighter.

"I forgive you. You're my hero." She whispered into his ear, almost embarrassed to admit it.

"Hero?" He questioned. Dear Merlin what could she say to make this boy see sense!

"Yes you idiot! You've been my hero since you dropped that club on the troll when we were 11! There's a very long list of times you've been my hero Ron Weasley. Many of them occurred in the last 48 hours! I promise to tell you everything that's on the list someday but right now just know all is forgiven."

"I don't think I can forgive myself" he choked.

"Oh Ron." She rested her forehead against his and rubbed their noses together. Her heart ached for him, ached to make him feel better. To spark that self-belief in himself. It would take time…but she had time. "One momentary lapse in judgement spurred on by the most evil, disgusting dark magic doesn't undo years of feelings before and everything since."

"You had feelings for me? Before?"

Oh Gods. What was she going to do with this lovable oaf…?

"Ronald, you absolute idiot…isn't it completely obvious? I love you! I've been in love with you for…Gods knows how long. That's why it hurt so badly when you left, that's why I was so horrid when you returned. I didn't ever hate you. I was just hurt and angry and I was punishing you. I could never hate you. We said we'd try after, this is after, I want this, I want you. If you want me too I'm yours." She panted hoping she'd finally got through to him.

"I want you Hermione. I've wanted you for so long, so much. I love you." He finally admitted.

"Good. So that's settled then? You and me? We're…us?" She couldn't wipe the smile from her face.

"Yup." He grinned back at her.

"Ok good. I'm so happy Ron" She lay over him and hugged him tightly, thankful that she'd gotten through to him.

"Me too Hermione. So happy…Fuck…I feel guilty for saying that, for even thinking it."

"I know, me too. I'm sorry but you…we deserve to comfort one another? Surely that's ok?"

"I dunno, I guess. I feel like this is too good to be true. There's a loada things I think I need to say. But I…" he broke off but continued to rub his large hand over her back.

"But I'm sooo tired." She interjected laughing.

"Me too love." He chuckled. Her stomach flipped over...did he just call me love? She lifted to look at him, checking for signs of teasing but there were none. That sounded good from his lips. It felt good, she wanted to be his love!

"We have the rest of our lives to talk." She said gently.

"Bloody hell women…one step at a time. I thought I'd completely fucked it with you until about 10 minutes ago. But if forever is on offer I guess I'll take it" There he was. Thank Merlin for that! That right there was her Ron. He was still in there under the tiredness and grief and pain. She just had to help him find it again. She giggled happily.

"You offered me your bed earlier." She reminded him.

"I did…it's all yours. Just please stay in the same room. I won't be able to sleep without you and Harry right now. Fuck that's pathetic and came out wrong."

"No it isn't pathetic…please stop being so hard on yourself. We're all feeling the same, you're the only one brave enough to say it out loud." Which was completely true, even for Harry, she knew it. She could feel her cheeks burn red as she summoned the courage to say what she wanted. "Now about your bed…I don't want it to be all mine. I want to share it with you."

"You…you do?" He looked like he'd been hit on the head with a bulger.

"Yes, I want to be close to you." she looked at his lips again and touched the stubble on his jaw. He really was gorgeous.

"Well…if you insist. I guess that is what you do with your…er…girlfriend." He said turning bright red. She wondered if it was from forcing out the word girlfriend or the thought of them in the same bed.

"Oh Gods, am I really your girlfriend? You're really my boyfriend? That sounds…so…I don't know…incredible?" She said playfully.

"If you want it to be?" He asked genuinely.

"I want it to be…come to bed boyfriend." She climbed off him and took his hand to pull him up.

"Fuck" he shuddered at her use of the term boyfriend and it made her smile. Keen to get some rest and cuddle next to Ron she suddenly wanted to make sure they wouldn't be interrupted.

"Wait…we need to send a message to your parents. It's not fair for them to worry about us right now."

"You're right." He said although the mention of his parents clearly triggered him back into sadness. No doubt he was thinking of how they'd left them crying over Fred's dead body floors below. She watched him take out his wand and attempt to conjure his terrier patronus. Barely a whisper of silver appeared. Her heart clenched, it was awful seeing how badly he was affected and stripped so bare, evident by his failed patronus. His wand hand was actually shaking. She placed her hand over it and pushed it down to his side.

"Fuck" he whispered again but it was a significantly different tone to the last. Whatever he needs she thought to herself and raised her own wand.

"Expecto Patronum" she said as she thought of the kiss they'd just shared. "Mr Weasley, Harry, Ron and I have found a safe place to sleep. We'll be back with you once we've recovered a bit." Her otter disappeared and she turned her attention back to him. "Ok?"

"Thanks." he mumbled obviously embarrassed but she didn't think there was any reason to be.

Ignoring what had just happened she led the way back to the boy's dorm. Instinctively she checked on Harry. He was fast asleep and looked peaceful, neither of them disturbed him. He needed his rest. She wondered what his reaction would be their news. She was sure he'd be happy for them and likely tease them for taking so long to figure it out. While they'd never really talked about it but she knew Harry had twigged she had a thing for Ron a long time ago. Probably at the time of the canary incident. He hadn't been privy to the developments after Ron's 17th Birthday and she'd certainly never told him they stopped their relationship progressing because of it. That kind of information would only have made him feel guilty. Anyhow she was looking forward to moving forward in this new world with Ron, as a couple. She was excited to tell Harry and eventually the Weasley's…and maybe even her parents if things worked out.

She didn't want to think of her own parents right now. There would be time for that in the coming weeks. So to distract herself she locked the doors and set up the security wards before climbing into Ron's bed.

He was watching her intently and it made her blush. He clambered in beside her, both perched at the very edges of the bed as if unsure how to meet in the middle. He seemed at a loss so to save him the pain she just asked outright.

"How do you usually sleep? I normally sleep on my side."

"On my side or back."

"Ok so get yourself comfy first." She moved to give him space and watched him wriggle about until he felt right. My boyfriend…the thought ran through her mind as she scooted in beside him. She arranged herself along his body, tucked under his arm and draped her left leg over him. It was unbelievably comfortable. "Is this too much?" She asked concerned she was being too forward.

"No…it feels…right"

"It does. Sleep tight, Ron." She could feel the rise and fall of his breath and drum of his heartbeat. She suddenly thought she wanted to fall asleep like this every night for the rest of her life.

"Sleep tight, Hermione." He whispered and kissed the top of her head.

She fell straight to sleep content wrapped up in his arms.