Chapter Five: The final installment; thank goodness for the tent

***To all my loyal readers…thank you so much for your patience. I appreciated all the pleas to update – expect some were a bit threatening, which is not very nice! Anyways, for a variety of reasons, I fell off the map for a while, but I finally got a chance to finish this story. I hope you like it. I always knew what I wanted to do with it. I just had to carve out time. Thanks again, and I look forward to your reviews. It's been a while since I wrote this story, but I always knew how I wanted to finish it. Please forgive any plot discontinuities. I own nothing. 18 and over audience!***

Hermione quietly unlocked and opened the door and slipped through pulling Ron out behind her. He paused to shut it back at gently as possible. He was excited to find out what she had in store. When he took her hand again, she started tugging him towards the backyard of the Weasley home. "Where are we going?" Ron asked. "Shh," she whispered back. "you'll see." Ron had learned long ago to never doubt Hermione, so he just let her lead.

When the finally got far enough away from the house that Hermione felt comfortable, she dropped Ron's hand and started fishing around in her bag. Ron grinned from ear to ear when she pulled out the tiny canvas box that held the tent they had used so many times during their travels. "Bloody brilliant," he said clearly impressed. Hermione placed the box on the ground, pointed her wand and recited the incantation that turned it into a tent. Within moments, the tent was full-size. Ron held open the flap as Hermione ducked under his arm and inside. He followed and closed the flap beside them. It wasn't the most romantic environment, but it was familiar – and most importantly, they were alone.

Hermione was suddenly nervous. She and Ron had only been together intimately once months ago. They had seen each other a few times since, but much to their disappointment, the opportunity had not presented itself to make love again. She had intended to visit him at his flat where they could have some alone time, but they always found themselves back at the Weasley home or just meeting for dinner in Hogsmeade with their busy schedules.

Their first time together was as amazing as anyone could ask for, but it had been a while and her insecurities were bubbling to the surface. Ron sensed the change in mood. "What's wrong?" he asked rubbing her arms up and down. Hermione looked up at him. "I don't know. It's silly, but I'm scared," she answered honestly. Ron's face softened immediately. He understood where she was coming from. He couldn't deny that he was feeling some pressure too. He wanted to be able to live up to the expectation after all this anticipation of finally being alone. "Let's just see what happens," he said. "Zero pressure. I just want to be with you and not worry about someone walking in – no matter what we do, okay?" Hermione's fears immediately subsided. While she knew Ron was hoping they would have sex again, he was making sure she realized that it was okay if they didn't. She could tell he meant it. Crazy, but Ron's words turned her on to the point that she knew exactly what she wanted now.

"Deal," she said and reached up to put her hands around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. As their lips met any doubt of what was about to happen evaporated. Ron was an amazing kisser and Hermione became lost in him. He walked her backwards towards the couch in the center of the room. Once her knees hit the back, he turned them so he could sit down and pull her onto his lap. "God, I missed you," he said as the broke their kiss for a moment to take a breath. "Me too," she said capturing his lips again. She was always surprised at how comfortable and carefree she felt around Ron. Ron started running his hands all over Hermione's body anywhere he could reach, her back, her arms, the sides of her legs. Hermione could feel Ron getting hard beneath her, which only fueled her further. Hard to believe minutes ago she was second guessing herself. Hermione reached down to the hem of Ron's shirt and tugged to start pulling it off. As soon as Ron's shirt hit the floor, he did the same to Hermione and unhooked her bra too, tossing both aside. "You are so beautiful," he said. Hermione smiled. She had never felt that way before Ron, but she could see in his eyes that he meant it sincerely, and she would never get tired of hearing it. "I love you," she said. "I love you, too," he replied.

After that, few words were spoken other than moans and groans and phrases like "oh God" and "That feels good." After some serious and steamy making out and groping, about twenty minutes later Ron and Hermione founds themselves lying on the couch in nothing but their underwear, and pretty soon those were gone too. Their hands and mouths were everywhere. Ron brought Hermione to her first release with his mouth and fingers. She quickly began to return the favor pushing him down on his back. "You're amazing, you are," Ron whispered as Hermione continued running her mouth and tongue on him. He let her continue for about five minutes before gently tugging her head back up towards his mouth. He didn't want her to stop, but he was getting dangerously close to falling over the edge.

Hermione was lying on top of Ron as they started kissing deeply again. She could feel his length at her entrance and suddenly felt empowered. She reached between them and gripped Ron gently but firmly positioning him so she could slide onto him. It all happened so quickly that Ron couldn't quite put it all together until he felt them become one. "Holy…." He trailed off. She sank all the way down and paused taking in the moment. "Does that feel okay?" she asked. "Are you kidding?" he asked grinning at her. "I'm barely holding it together," he followed up breathlessly. He took his face in her hands and pulled it down to him kissing her sweetly. "I'm so in love with you," he told her when he pulled back. She kissed him again then put her hands on his chest and pushed gently until she was sitting up. It felt so good that Hermione's eyes rolled back in her head and she groaned loudly. Ron felt like he might be dreaming. He reached for her hands and intertwined them. They locked eyes and Hermione began to rock slightly. He met her movements with his own underneath her. Their limited vocabulary reemerged as they could string together only "oohs" and "ahs", grunts and groans, and "oh God."

Ron was having a difficult time holding on, but he was trying to keep it together for Hermione. He could tell she was getting close again. Just a few more rocks, and Hermione toppled over the edge. "Thank God," Ron thought to himself and let go, too. Hermione collapsed on top of him as he closed his arms around her and hugged her close. "I'm the luckiest man alive," he said close to her ear. Hermione laughed. "I'm pretty lucky myself." She kissed him again. They lay together for another half hour just holding each other and chatting and kissing.

Finally and reluctantly, Ron said, "We should get back to the house. Mum gets up before dawn to put out Christmas presents from Santa" – Ron used air quotes when he said the word "Santa." Hermione smiled It was just like Mrs. Weasley to give gifts from Santa to her grown children. "Okay," she agreed. The two quickly redressed and stepped out of the tent. Hermione used her wand, and in seconds, the tent was back to its tiny box that could easily fit in her bag. Hand in hand, they strolled back to the house. Ron quietly opened the front door and checked that the coast was clear. He nodded his head for her to come inside behind him. Before the walked up the stairs, he grabbed her and brought her in for one last mind-blowing kiss. Then, they climbed the stairs together – Hermione sneaking back into Ginny's room and Ron up to his own.

A few hours later, they both woke up to the hustle and bustle of Christmas morning. Everyone dressed (many in their sweaters from the night before) and met downstairs for a hot breakfast of cinnamon buns, bacon and eggs. Ron was already seated when Hermione entered the room. As their eyes met, they both smiled warmly, and Hermione blushed - the activities of last night still fresh in their minds. She took a seat beside Ron at the table. He grabbed her hand underneath it and squeezed. "Happy Christmas," he said. "You too," she replied. Everyone gobbled up their food quickly and moved to the living room for presents. "Santa" had brought everyone all sorts of fun things. The laughter and joy was abundant. When people started exchanging individual gifts, Ron and Hermione, who were snuggled together on the couch, just looked around at everyone else.

"Aren't you going to exchange gifts?" Ginny asked the question directing it at the couple. "We already did," Ron answered. "Body fluids don't count," George chimed in causing almost everyone, even Hermione to laugh. "George," Mrs. Weasley gasped in exasperation. "Stop your filth." "Sorry, mum," George responded winking at Ron. "No, you git," Ron said. "We exchanged our presents last night." The two then took out their treasures from each other and shared them with the rest of the family. Hermione didn't show the book Ron had given her, just the charm bracelet. She didn't want to share the sweet message inside or that part of Ron with anyone else. When all the presents had been opened and wrapping paper and bags littered the Weasley's living room, the group started breaking off to continue the day. Mrs. Weasley was back in the kitchen, Mr. Weasley and a few of his sons headed off to this workshop to examine new gadgets and gizmos they had been gifted, Harry and Ginny headed off to the dining room to play a new enchanted board game she had received – one by one they all left leaving Ron and Hermione alone in the living room. "Guess it's just us," Ron said. "Guess so," Hermione responded, but before she could really even finish the words, Ron's lips were on hers. Hermione let the kiss go on for a few minutes then broke it and pulled away. "Ron," she teasingly scolded, "anyone could walk in." "So?" he responded. "What's wrong with two people in love showing their affection?" It was hard to argue with him, but Hermione wanted to be respectful of his family, especially his mother. He was only kidding, at least sort of. "Okay, okay," he conceded when Hermione gave him a stern look. Then he leaned close and whispered, "I give up for now, but only if you promise we can make use of that tent again for the rest of your visit." Hermione giggled, "Deal," she responded.

They continued to snuggle and show affection but kept things much more tame for the rest of the holiday – at least in front of other people. Hermione was staying through the New Year. Then, she would return to Hogwarts for her final semester. For the next six days, Ron and Hermione would wait until their roommates had fallen asleep then meet in the living room to quietly head outside for some quality time together in the tent. Some of the nights they made love again, others they just held each other and talked about everything including their future together – just happy to be alone. New Year's Eve was tricky as everyone stayed up until at least midnight, but they were not going to let their last night together for a while pass them by. Ron and Hermione had not surprisingly been the last couple to stop kissing at the stroke of midnight. Hermione and Ginny would leave for Hogwarts in the morning to settle in before classes resumed in a few days. Finally it was just the two of them and Harry and Ginny left in the living room. "You can go ahead and head outside if you want. Don't mind us." Ginny said causing both Ron and Hermione's jaws to drop open stunned. "Don't act so surprised," she said laughing. "You think you can pull something like that off for more than a week without anyone noticing." Harry added, "I've pretended to not hear you sneak out every night." They all four laughed. "I thought you were brave for meeting in the living room where anyone could walk in until I happened to see out the window one evening when I was coming back from the lieu and saw you running across the backyard. I have to say, I'm impressed, Ron. Only you could get Hermione to pull such a daring stunt."

"Well, the jig is up I guess," Ron said laughing. "Thanks for not ratting us out." "We would never," Harry added. "We might need blackmail in the future," he said teasingly. They again laughed. "Seriously," Ginny said. "Go. If anyone comes back down before we go to bed, we'll just tell them you already went to bed." Hermione hugged her dear friend. "You are a great friend and sister." Ginny smiled, and with that Ron and Hermione slipped out the front door.

They had their spot picked out and routine down pat. The tent was up within minutes, and they were inside. While the couch has sufficed for the first few nights, on night three, they had taken the time to dig around in the beaded bag for some linens and pillows to actually make up one the bottom bunk beds so they'd be even more comfortable. Every other night they had also been in their pjs by this time, but with the New Year's celebration they were still dressed in party clothes. Hermione was wearing a simple deep purple sweater dress with tights and black boots. Ron was in corduroys and a button up. "Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" he asked scooping her close for a hug. He had several times. "Yes," she replied. "But, you can tell me again." "Well," he said, "You look beautiful." And he kissed the tip of her nose. "But, I think you'd look even better in less clothing," he followed up in a joking tone. Hermione moved toward the bed and sat down so she could more easily remove her boots. Once she had done so, she started making moves to shed the rest of her clothing. "Well, are you going to join me or what?" she asked as he watched her. Ron stood in awe for a moment at her boldness. Sometimes Hermione could be so shy and bashful, and then boom, she was a confident woman who never ceased to amaze him. He loved it and her more than he thought possible. She was a puzzle he'd never get tired of trying to solve. He smiled and started removing his clothes as well. It was especially chilly in the tent tonight, so as Hermione stood up to remove her last bit of clothing, she climbed under the covers of the bed and held them up for Ron to join her, which he did quickly.

As soon as their bodies were next to each other, sparks flew. It was going to be their last chance to be together like for a long time. They might see each other here and there, but they wouldn't be in a position to be alone like this until at least spring break. The couple had quickly gone from inexperienced to knowing each other's bodies very well. They had become much less tentative, as the nights had gone on. Ron kissed Hermione for a while then moved to kissing down her neck to her collarbone and lower and lower. Hermione loved every minute, and her sounds let Ron know so. Ron dipped his head between her legs. She tangled her hands in his hair. It was hard to believe they had gone from completely innocent to here in such a short time period, but it felt completely right to be so close to him. Ron had pretty much perfected his technique of pleasing Hermione in this way. As his hands caressed her body elsewhere, he worked his magic until she was writhing and calling his name. Add that to the list of things he would never get tired of. His kissed his way back up her body, and she trapped his face in her hands pulling him in for a passionate kiss. Ron knew Hermione would be willing to return the act, but he couldn't wait to be with her. He gently parted her legs with his settled on top of her and slid inside. They both groaned at the contact. Though they had made love a number of times in the past week, the passion behind tonight was evident and different. They were hungrier for each other than they had ever been. After a bit, Ron rolled to position Hermione on top of him. This time, when Hermione sat up, so did Ron, a new position for the pair that felt amazingly good. "Oh, Hermione," Ron growled, as he was getting close. "Let go," Hermione whispered. "I'm ready." With that, both released. Breathing heavy as they came down from their high, they lay back down beside each other. Ron's eyes were closed; his arms were around Hermione hugging her close. Suddenly, he realized she was crying as he felt warm tears against his chest and the bobbing of her body. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked sweetly and concerned. "Did I hurt you?" "No," she responded. "I'm sorry; I just don't want this to end."

Ron knew exactly how she felt. It was getting harder and harder to be apart. "Hermione, look at me," he said tipping her chin so he could see her eyes. He wiped her tears. "I love you so much, and I can't stand the thought of being without you either, but being apart will just make our next time together more special." She knew he was right, but it didn't make her less sad. He held her as she pulled herself together then decided to spring an idea on her that had been brewing for a while. He'd just been waiting for the right time. He thought it might also help cheer her up with something to look forward to if she agreed.

"So, I've been thinking," Ron started cautiously. "You'll be finished up at Hogwarts this summer then starting your training at the Ministry of Magic pretty soon after, right?" "That's the plan," Hermione said looking up at him. "Why?" "Well," he said, "I figure you'll be needing a place to live, and I was hoping that you might want to move in with me." Hermione had a bit of a stunned look on her face. As much of a planner as she was, she had not thought that far ahead and was shocked that Ron had. Ron was nervous her stunned response meant she wasn't interested. "It was just a thought," he began breaking the silence. "No," Hermione said quickly. "Ron, I would love to move in with you. Sorry I was just a bit shocked. That's a big step," she finishing honestly. "I know," Ron admitted, "But, Hermione, I love you. There is not a doubt in my mind that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, so why wait." Hermione's eyes welled with tears. She kissed him deeply. "Ron, I love you," she said simply. They could see the sun starting to rise between the slats in the tent and knew they had to get back inside soon. They reluctantly broke apart and pulled themselves back together. Once the tent was back in her bag, they walked hand in hand back to the Weasley home. "How do you think our parents are going to feel about us living together, "Hermione asked Ron. "I'm not sure," Ron said. "I mean we are adults and we love each other." "I know," she said, "but you know how parents are." "Well, there's no rush to tell them," Ron said. "We have several months to figure it out. We can come up with a good way to break the news, okay?" "Okay," Hermione responded smiling.

Once inside as they had done now so many nights before, they shared a final kiss before parting to their bedrooms for a few more hours sleep. The next morning, everyone was packed and ready to head back to Hogwarts or their jobs. Though still incredibly sad to leave Ron, Hermione was so excited about Ron asking her to move in with him that she was in much better spirits about heading back to school. Hermione thanked Molly for a lovely Christmas. "The first of many together, my dear," Molly had said.

Everyone inside kissed and hugged goodbye leaving Harry and Ginny and Ron and Hermione alone together outside as they prepared to part. The couples both hugged and kissed. Ron leaned close to Hermione and whispered, "Just think, in six months, we'll be together every night!" Hermione smiled and hugged him closer. "I love you," she responded. "You, too." "See you at spring break," he said and winked. With that, the pairs disapparated – until next time.

***I'm leaving it open for your interpretation of how their parents take them moving in together. I would like to think they would be supportive considering it's so clear how much they love each other and they are adults now. Perhaps Ron even asked Hermione to marry him over spring break, which definitely softened the blow if an engaged couple were moving in together.

Thank you again for your patience, and I look forward to your reviews. I have a couple of other story ideas brewing, so stay tuned for more Ron and Hermione stories soon.***