Chapter26: Games and unlocked doors

The sun streamed through the window waking Hermione up. She opened her eyes and smiled as she stared outside the window. It was such good weather for this time of the year. It was such a pleasant surprise after all the rainy days she had found since coming to the Burrow.

She took her watch from the bedside table and put it on her wrist. It was almost 9 a.m.

I must have fallen asleep after…she thought.

Immediately a grin appeared on her face. She couldn't believe what she did earlier. Ron was already gone for more than three hours but she could still feel his hard manhood in her hand. She closed her eyes to relive the feeling and smiled proudly at herself. Finally, she was brave, even a little, and it was enough to erase some dark thoughts.

She didn't regret doing it, but after Ron left, she was starting to wonder in fear if what had happened would affect him in his game. Surely, he seemed to enjoy it, but what if he kept thinking about it and it reduced his concentration during the game? What if she could be the reason that Ron might have a bad game in front of his family?

Okay, don't think about that, Hermione! It was a lovely moment between you and him. No regrets, no fear. Think of it this way. If he plays well then you can relax and no harm done, but if he plays badly, then you'll have to make it up to him.

She felt silly and naughty thinking up ways of how she would allow Ron to punish her and just for now, she was wishing that Ron would suck at his game and blame her.

Of course, soon after a nice bath she came to her senses and realized that she wasn't thinking straight or not at all for that matter. Whether Ron would play well or not had nothing to do with their morning activities, and, surely, if she really needed Ron to do all the things she desired, then all she had to do was let him and not set obstacles like dates and teasing.

That's why she woke him up this morning in the way she did. She was burning with a desire to please him, because in that way he would please her. Not by returning the favour, but by being able to see the look of satisfaction in his eyes - a satisfaction that she gave him.

After arriving late to breakfast for the first time since her arrival, she found she couldn't stop smiling. While everybody else had something to do, she was just eating with a great appetite, reminiscing about what had happened earlier.

All the male Weasleys, along with her father and Hagrid, were already gone to the carnival for some last minute adjustments to the fireworks show, before going to Ron's game.

Her mother and Molly were also planning to visit the town for something that Hermione pretended she heard, but, in reality, nothing could shake her from daydreaming about Ron.

Ginny's intense gaze during the whole breakfast didn't go unnoticed by Hermione. While the other girls were busy with watching their kids or chatting and gossiping, Ginny kept looking at her with great curiosity as if she was trying to solve a difficult puzzle.

It didn't take long after the breakfast was over to understand the meaning of those looks. Ginny had practically dragged her to her room before closing the door behind her so no one could hear them.

"You had sex with Ron!" Ginny exclaimed sitting next to her in the bed.

Hermione's cheeks went crimson. She wondered if it was too obvious and everybody – including her parents - had assumed she had sex, which wasn't the truth anyway. "No, no I didn't... well, not exactly."

Ginny looked at her expectantly. "Start talking."

Despite the awkwardness of a talk like that, Hermione was glad she had someone to talk to about it. She knew Ginny wouldn't treat her as her brother's girlfriend but as her friend and, if anything, she owed it to her for being so supportive from the moment she told Ginny about her feelings for Ron.

"I pleasured him… with my hand," she said blushing, waiting for Ginny to be amazed by the news, but all Ginny did was roll her eyes and sigh in…disappointment?

"That's it? Hermione, are you telling me that you two are all alone on a floor for almost a week now, and all you have to say is that you wanked my wanker brother?"

"We want to take things slow!"

"Ron wants to take things slow? Wait, I'll call the press," said Ginny sarcastically. "And really, Hermione, you two are together for three days and you've already given him a handjob. I believe in many cultures that is considered rather fast."

Hermione was confused. "But you just said-,"

"I'm just trying to point out how ridiculous your argument is, Hermione," Ginny said more softly now as she moved closer to Hermione and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"It's good that you want to take your time and I'm happy for you that… jerking off my brother gave you so much satisfaction as I think it did, judging from your stupid grin all morning. I wasn't trying to cheapen it."

At this, Hermione smiled and felt more at ease.

"But really, Hermione, you and Ron don't need to take things slow. On the contrary, you need to take things fast. You two have already lost a lot of time. He loves you and you love him. Sex is not going to change that and it would do us all a favour considering how you two act together when someone leaves you alone for five minutes."

Hermione felt embarrassed and looked away. "Hey, we're not… that bad," she shyly protested knowing what a huge lie that was.

"Oh, please, I still have the disgusting image in my head of you sitting on my brother's lap and him shoving his tongue down your throat."

"He's a great kisser," Hermione admitted not able to hide the excitement she felt remembering all the wonderful feelings Ron brought out whenever he kissed her.

"Really?" Ginny asked in disbelief. "Are we talking about the same Ron? We are talking about my brother, who eats like a pig with his mouth open, and is always drooling when he sees a chocolate ice cream? Are you telling me that his mouth can produce nice kisses?"

This comment brought a laugh to Hermione. Surely, she couldn't argue with that. "Hey, I'm just as surprised as you, but really he's very skillful! He does this thing with his tongue that-"

"Please stop! I just ate breakfast and I'd really like to keep it in my stomach. Thank you very much!"

Hermione laughed and soon she was joined by Ginny. They kept talking about everything that happened and, before they knew it, it was time to get ready for the road trip to London.

Steady hands, normal heart rate, no sweat, clear vision. What the fuck is going on?

Ron was sitting at his spot in the locker room as he kept staring at his hands waiting any moment now to start shaking in nervousness – something that always happened to him before a game - but both hands to his surprise remained steady.

He waited for his heart to start beating like crazy at the thought of getting out on the pitch in front of thousands of fans, but he was as calm as a monk while praying.

Something was definitely wrong with him. Or was it right? He couldn't tell the difference.

He actually had to look himself in the mirror to make sure it was really him and he hadn't somehow been abducted by aliens and replaced with a new and better version of himself.

He heard Coach Snape giving his usual speech before the game and for the first time he wasn't scared whenever his name was mentioned as a part of a tactic. He fought the urge to correct some things that in his mind would work better than his coach's plan, but it was probably for the best that he kept his mouth shut.

The slow walk to the field and the long walk from the center of the field to his posts weren't accompanied by scary thoughts of the game and possible embarrassment of himself, especially with his whole family watching.

Instead, he made sure all his defenders were in the right positions and gave every single one of them all the necessary instructions he felt they needed to play better, before taking his place too.

Out of more than thirty thousand fans, and among the fourteen people that he would go home with after the end of the match, he connected with one pair of brown eyes staring only at him. He found her immediately. It wasn't that hard really. If it wasn't for the hair or the shirt with his name that she was wearing, the hand she was waving at him frantically and her screams of his name trying to earn his attention were quite a giveaway of her position in the stadium.

Well, that and the fact that you bought the tickets so you know perfectly well where everyone is sitting, genius, a little voice inside his head reminded him.

The referee blew his whistle and the game started. Ron knew that no matter how hard the opponents could try, they couldn't beat him. Not today.

Hermione knew too little about football. Her weekly visits to the stadium the previous years were only to witness Ron playing. When he didn't, which happened almost always, she returned her attention to check her phone or to talk with Ginny, Harry and the twins.

So she never really cared to learn the rules and, because of that, she constantly asked Harry or Ginny - whoever was sitting next to her - all kind of questions whenever something happened that made the crowd go wild.

Despite knowing that she was bothering them and not letting them watch the game in peace, Harry and Ginny never denied answering her questions.

The atmosphere in the stadium was alive. The fans were very enthusiastic and loud with their chants and songs, and Hermione found herself singing along a few times too. What surprised her more was that, much to her amusement, her parents sang too!

You are my Millwall
My only Millwall
You make me happy when skies are grey
(And blue and white)
You'll never know just how much I love you
Until you take my Millwall away

Seeing Emma Granger enjoying something like this wasn't something that Hermione was prepared for, and she could tell that her mother wasn't pretending. She kept looking at her interaction with her dad and there was something odd about them. They were holding hands and whispering in each other's ears, laughing and stealing kisses from each other. It was like they were… in love?

She felt that her parents were sharing something she had never seen before. It was something that was only about them and they had no intention of sharing it with the rest of the world – not even their own daughter. She would make sure though to try and get some answers and maybe have her fun teasing them a bit. She rarely had the chance to do that nowadays.

She returned her attention to the game just in time to see Ron make one more spectacular save, earning another round of applause from the crowd.

"Well done, Weasley! Great save!" a group of teenage boys next to them shouted.

"He's my son," Hermione heard Molly announcing proudly.

If only I had a camera so Ron could see it, thought Hermione.

That made a lot of people from the nearby seats give Molly congratulations about Ron even if some of them appeared to be more passionate than others.

"He's doing great! With him on the post, we can fuck them all!" one of them in particular screamed and many agreed in a roar of applause.

Hermione tried very hard to suppress the chuckle that was threatening to escape her lips, but the effort was in vain. The expression of shock on Molly's face which showed her mix of pride and disgust over that drunken guy's language was priceless and all the Weasleys including Hermione fell into a fit of laughter.

Before she knew it, it was already half-time with both teams not being able to score a goal. It was obvious that the opponents were playing better, but Ron had made some impressive saves.

Ginny and Sofia left for the loo, while the twins with Bill went to get some drinks. After a few minutes, Harry came and sat next to Hermione nudging her elbow and smiling at her. She smiled back.

"There is something different about Ron today; have you noticed?" he said as if he was trying to imply something.

What Harry said was true. Ron was different today, but in a good way. She had witnessed almost all of Ron's games in the past and he never seemed more confident in her eyes.

"He looks calmer and more confident," he added and Hermione wondered if he had actually read her mind. "And I think the reason is you," he grinned at her.

Ok, she would be a huge liar if she said that wasn't the biggest compliment - that Ron was playing better because of her -, but surely there was no evidence to support this hypothesis.

"I don't think that-," she started saying before Harry stopped her.

"Oh come on, Hermione! Look at him. The bloke is glowing!" Harry exclaimed pointing at Ron as he had just entered the field with the rest of the team for the beginning of the second half.

The crowd went wild again trying to encourage Millwall's players.

No one likes us, no one likes us
No one likes us, we don't care!

We are Millwall, super Millwall
We are Millwall from The Den!

"Why does no one like us?" Hermione asked Harry in curiosity after hearing that chant.

"Oh, don't bother. It's football; no one likes anyone."

Hermione scoffed at this comment. She would truly never understand how something like a sport could generate such powerful emotions in so many people. To her mind, it should bring people together to have fun, not divide them according to shirts and colours.

"Your parents seem to be enjoying the game also. How did that happen?"

"You know, I have no idea!" Hermione answered truthfully laughing a bit. "I mean my dad loves football, but my mum? That's a mystery. My guess is that someone spiked her orange juice."

"I wouldn't rule that out with the twins around," Harry laughed with her.

Hermione's eyes again were on Ron. He looked completely concentrated on what he was doing. It was one of those rare moments where Hermione had the chance to study him while he was working. It was quite fascinating watching him as he shut everything out and focused on the task ahead.

"I love him," she blurted out. It was such a small phrase for something so huge. Like the vocabulary was mocking this wonderful feeling.

"I love him too. Though I reckon in a very different way than you."

"Good to know. I wouldn't like the competition," said Hermione with a laugh.

She felt good admitting her feelings to Harry. He was Ron's best friend, but she always considered him as her good friend too and the fact that he often took her side when she was bickering with Ron, made him a lot more sympathetic in her eyes.

"He loves you too, you know. I've never seen him so happy and so scared at the same time. That's why I believe that he's completely mad about you."

Harry's words didn't hold any doubt. She blushed thinking that Harry was the one who said those words; if anyone knew Ron better than she did, it was Harry. So, hearing him telling her that she made Ron happier than ever before was the biggest compliment she ever received.

Then she processed Harry's words. Ron was scared? That was a relief because she was bloody terrified! "It scares me too. It scares my pants off actually," she admitted shyly to Harry.

"What, that he loves you?"

Hermione shook her head. Of course, she wasn't scared at the thought that Ron loved her back. What scared her was that she wasn't sure that Ron could love her just as much as she loved him. It scared her that someday it could all be over between them and she would still love him.

Someone might say that love comes and goes or that she should never say never and thather feelings of love could change, but she knew. She knew that Ron Weasley came into her life, not only to change it like he did six years ago, but to be the most important part of.

"What scares me is the knowledge that I don't ever want to live without him. The few days of the year that we spend apart because he's on the road with the team are torture. I think I have it bad. I'm crazy about him and it scares me because I've never felt like this before. It's so strong that I can't fight it. I don't want to fight it."

She saw that Harry was watching her carefully and he really listened to her confession.

"I know that it took me a long time to realize it, Harry, but I love him so much," she finished, not at all surprised that she was so overwhelmed that she was in tears once again.

"I must sound completely pathetic, right?" she said wiping her tears with her sleeve.

Harry moved a bit closer and put an arm around her, letting her shed her tears in his shirt as he started talking very quietly, trying not to be heard by anyone other than Hermione.

"Don't say this to Ginny but when I first started dating her, I wasn't thinking that it would last. I knew I fancied her, but growing up without my parents made me not want to have a family of my own. I was always thinking that something could go wrong and I would end up leaving my kids without… without a dad," he said, having difficulty not letting his emotions overtake him.

It was Hermione's turn now to comfort him as she placed a hand on top of his and gave him a light squeeze.

"So, I started this relationship knowing that there was no future I could see that would lead to marriage or having a family. I didn't tell Ginny because I was afraid she would leave me and I know it was selfish and wrong but…"

"But you loved her," Hermione finished his sentence.

"We weren't together for more than three years - I was still a rookie right out of the academy - when we had this case. A burglar went into a house and killed the parents leaving a three month old baby orphaned. It brought back feelings from the past," he paused for just a moment, and Hermione knew he was trying to block the images of that day.

"My mind was full of rage and pain. I couldn't shake my mind free of the image of that baby. It reminded me that I wasn't going to have a family and I decided that it was time to break it off with Ginny before things got more serious between us. I was waiting for her to come home, so I could break her heart and mine."

Hermione was shocked by this. Her friends were so close to breaking up and she had no idea. She couldn't even imagine how heartbroken and lost Ginny would have ended up if Harry had actually gone with his break-up plan.

"But then Ginny came to my house, sat next to me on the couch, gave me a kiss on the cheek and smiled at me. And that pain I was feeling was reduced to a minimum and I wasn't angry anymore. I had the most beautiful girl in the world looking at me with so much love that I realized that I wasn't alone anymore. I had… Ginny."

He took a breath. "Instead of breaking up with her, I asked her to marry me and God knows why, she agreed. And now I have James. I have the best family I could ever ask for."

Hermione gave Harry a kiss on the cheek and hugged him. She wanted to tell him with this small gesture that she was proud of him and that she agreed that he made the right decision.

"Fuck, look at us! What a right mess we are! Those Weasleys are unbelievable at what they can do to you," he joked as he wiped away his tears, causing Hermione to smile.

"They are worth it though," Hermione said removing her arms from him and turning her head to search for Ron on the field.

Harry's head moved to his left where Ginny was coming to take her seat. "Yes, they are," he said staring at his beautiful wife.

The second half began and Millwall soon took the lead with a goal by Seamus. Millwall's defenders were doing a great job at keeping the opponents from mounting a threat, and in the rare times that they managed to find a crack in the defensive line, Ron was there to stop them.

"That's a foul, you twat!" George shouted to the referee earning a scolding from his mother for using such language in front of little kids.

"Oh come on, mum! It was a foul!" Fred defended his twin.

"And that wank – respectful opponent - deserved a yellow card."

"Red, more likely."

"Will you two shut up and watch the game?" Ginny shouted, silencing the twins for good.

The game was racing toward its end. Three minutes of injury time were left until the final whistle when Leicester won a foul in a very dangerous position. If the ball went above the human wall, then there wasn't much that Ron could do.

Hermione crossed her fingers praying for the best. The free-kick was really well executed, but it wasn't good enough to beat this Ron. A huge sigh of relief by thousands of fans was heard in unison and when the referee signaled the end of the game, cheers and songs erupted throughout the stadium.

"Great game everyone!" Snape exclaimed enthusiastically in the locker room after the game was over as all the players were giving high fives to each other. "Walking here, the president caught me and told me that all the members of the board believe that you all deserve some extra days off."

Everybody started cheering but it didn't last long. "But I disagree. You are all to come back January 3rd. No extra days, no excuses," Snape added and with that all the cheers were over. "Weasley and Longbottom, after you finish showering, come to my office."

Ron and Neville shared a look and sighed at the same time. All they wanted to do was shower and leave. There was obviously no time to waste in whatever Snape wanted from them, so they quickly showered. They walked together after the shower to the coach's office and Snape told Ron to come inside first and Neville to wait outside.

"Today you had a flawless game, Weasley. I don't care how it happened or why. Just keep it there."

It was a great compliment, even with the lack of excitement. He couldn't really expect more warmth from Snape. After so many years, Ron had learned that if Snape tells you that you don't suck, then consider yourself lucky.

"I'll try my best, sir."

"That's not why I called you here though. I was informed by the board that Miller signed a new contract to Everton and today was his last game with us. I must appoint a new vice-captain for the team and I chose you. You're the oldest member of this team and the lads respect you. Also you just signed a new contract so you'll be here for the next few years and I won't have to choose again for a long time. That all makes you the best candidate."

Ron was actually glad about Miller's departure, but for different reasons. Nobody liked the guy and he always acted as someone superior than others footballers on the team, so his leaving would be beneficial.

Otherwise, the news left Ron a bit stunned. "Thank you, sir," was all he could say, feeling pleasantly surprised with the news.

"It's a great honour and you should be proud of yourself. But you also have new responsibilities that come along with this role. The young players will look up to you for advice, the fans will see you as a symbol for the club, and your behavior must be completely professional. Am I understood?"

"Don't worry sir; I won't let you down."

"We'll see about that. For now, you are dismissed. Tell Longbottom to come in."

Ron nodded curtly and shook Snape's hand. He waited for Neville to finish too so they could leave together and he could tell Neville about his new status on the team. When a gloomy-looking Neville came out of the office though, Ron knew that it would probably not a good idea to gloat about himself when obviously Neville had received some unpleasant news.

"What happened?" he asked him in concern.

"I'm off the team," Neville choked. "Coach told me he signed Roberts from Bolton to replace me."

Ron was stunned. "And what, he just let you off the team like that? Don't you have a contract?"

"He said that the club has received three loan offers and two transfer offers for me and the club is willing to accept any of them. All I must do is to talk with my manager and decide which offer we want to accept. At the very worst, I can stay but as a second option for the position, which doesn't sound very tempting to be honest."

"Did he tell you the clubs that are after you?"

Neville shook his head. "No I didn't ask. I was too shocked; I couldn't even utter a word."

Giving Neville a friendly pat on the back was all Ron could do. "What are you going to do?"

Neville sighed. "I don't know. Obviously i won't stay here, so i'm going to see what offers i have and decide. Or better yet, i'm going to let Hannah decide. She's better at these things and it will affect her as well."

"Don't worry, mate. You have a good name in the market. It won't be hard for you to find a new and better contract."

That wasn't a lie. Neville had almost got a contract with Liverpool before an injury took him back and there were always rumors that a number of Premier League clubs were interested to sign him.

But he also knew that the problem wasn't if Neville could find a better contract or not. He knew that Neville's biggest problem would be to find a new contract in a London club. Hannah had her job here, they had their friends here and they had a baby on the way. The last thing they would want was to change their whole world by moving somewhere far away.

It reminded him a lot of his talk with Hermione the night before. Sure, he joked a bit with the whole thing, but right now he began to realize that if he was in Neville's place, he would be in deep trouble!

Would Hermione follow me? If the board had accepted Newcastle's offer, would she have come with me? It's a huge sacrifice and it's not like we are engaged or anything. We are together less than a week, she has a job here, and asking her to follow me would be completely unfair to her.

"What did he want with you?" Neville asked him.

Ron felt awkward as gave the answer while Neville had just received some really bad news. "Miller's gone. They traded him to Everton, so I'm the new vice-captain."

A genuine smile appeared on Neville's face, despite his own bad news. "That's great, Ron! And finally about Miller. I never liked that dickhead."

They both shared a sad smile. "You're a good teammate, Neville. It was a pleasure playing with you. I'm gonna miss you on the field."

"I might come back as an opponent and beat you. You won't miss me then."

Despite Neville's effort to lighten the mood, Ron really stood by what he had just said. Neville was his best friend on the team and things would be completely different with him not there. Different but in a very bad way, there was no doubt about that.

They walked together outside the training center to the parking lot. Before parting their ways, Ron spoke.

"Listen, Nev. If you need someone to talk to-"

"Trust me, I will!"

They shared a friendly hug. "Enjoy your days off, mate."

"You too, Nev. Don't let what happened today ruin your holidays with Hannah. Don't give them the satisfaction."

Neville thought for a second. "I think you're right, Ron. Hannah and I have plans for New Years Eve and I owe it to her and myself to have a nice time."

"That's the spirit! And call me any time of the day, alright mate?"

"I will, Ron. Enjoy your holidays too. Give Hermione my condolences for picking you as her boyfriend,"

Ron mumbled "wanker" at Neville, but he did laugh. It was nice to tell people that he was now a couple with Hermione and he welcomed all the teasing. Well, almost all. It certainly wasn't pleasant hearing Seamus constantly talking like a woman to him pretending he's Hermione asking for a kiss or a blowjob.

He entered his car and drove to the factory where he knew they were waiting for him. He had no idea if those two hours at the game were pleasant for his parents or Hermione's. Reaching his destination and walking out of his car, he was surprised when his parents pounced on him in delight.

"Congratulations, my boy! You were brilliant, son!" Molly and Arthur couldn't stop hugging Ron and congratulating him for his performance.

For his part, Ron felt weird receiving such praises from his parents about football. He wasn't surprised about his father's reaction, but hearing his mother tell him how proud she was for him after she saw him playing, wasn't something he was prepared for. That's why he kept her hug longer than every other's - even Hermione's.

When Arthur offered to start the tour, Ron practically started dragging Hermione by the hand in the opposite direction from his parents, making an argument that he and Hermione would be in the chairman's office for a little and would meet them soon.

Once the door was closed behind him, he didn't miss a second of claiming her lips with a passionate kiss. God, how much he missed the taste of her lips despite the fact that they had snogged only hours ago.

Thankfully nobody interrupted them this time so they both enjoyed each other's embrace and kisses. Ron was sitting on the big chair in the office while Hermione was sitting comfortably on his lap caressing his hair.

"You played wonderfully today, Ron. It was a nice way to impress my parents."

"Did I impress you? That's what I'm more interested to know."

"It'll take more than a few good saves to impress me, Ronald Weasley," she said giving him a meaningful look.

"Fuck, so that means all that was for nothing?"

"I'm afraid so," Hermione said with a fake sad expression.

Ron smiled before pressing his lips again against Hermione's. "Worth a try, though."

"You owe me, by the way," Hermione said after they broke the kiss to breathe.

Ron raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "How's that?"

"I couldn't help but notice that you played your best game today after my… morning gift to you. The only logical conclusion is that it helped you play better," said Hermione blushing bringing their morning intimate moment into the conversation.

Ron thought for a moment. "It could be true, but we won't know for sure unless we test it a few more times. It could just be coincidental."

"Hmmm… you have a point here. I guess the next – let's say five - times will tell if it was a coincidence or not."

"Better make that thirty; just to be absolutely sure."

Hermione chuckled but nodded anyway. "Yes, we don't need to rush to a conclusion unless we're absolutely certain about the results."

Ron brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear causing Hermione to feel a pleasant shiver at his touch. Their eyes met for a split second before a new round of passionate kissing took over them. Breathless and flushed after a few minutes, she got up from Ron's lap and walked to the window.

She didn't want to admire the view. She just couldn't help but feel the desire of taking her clothes off, then ripping off Ron's clothes, and making love until New Years. And Ron's boner poking at her when she was sitting on him wasn't helping her controlling herself. A few deep calming breaths would do the trick in the past, but it didn't seem to work now.

"Is this impressive enough for you?" He pointed at the nameplate on the desk she hadn't notice before. It said, Ronald Weasley, and underneath the word chairman.

Great, she thought. A change of subject.

"Fred and George thought it would be funny to have it here all the time and see it when I visit. My mum loves it and she never misses the chance to take photographs with me sitting in this very chair with the nameplate in full display. I'm surprised she didn't show you the pictures when she tried talking you into taking her side."

Hermione's eyes widened. She had no idea how Ron had found about it. "I didn't agree to-," Ron didn't let her finish her sentence.

"I know, Hermione. My mum would plead the Queen to convince me to drop football if she could."

"She just wants what's best for you."

"I know she does," he whispered.

"I think after your performance today and seeing how much the fans respect and love you, she'll change her mind. You should have seen how proud of you everybody was during the game," she admitted to him.

She held Ron's intense gaze after that as she was sure that he was trying to detect a hint of a lie in her words. He always did that when someone was giving him praise for something. She loved him, but sometimes he didn't give himself the credit he deserved. Perhaps another change of subject would help him this time.

"Why you were late getting here after the game?"

Ron sighed remembering Neville's upcoming departure for another club. "Coach Snape kept us to announce that I'm the new vice-captain and that Neville is off the team."

In other circumstances, Hermione would shriek in delight for Ron, but seeing him feel bad for their friend, she knew that it wasn't time for celebrations.

"That's too bad for Neville. I'll call Hannah later to see if they need anything."

"It got me thinking about our talk last night," Ron said. "I know we have not been together for a long time, at least not together-together, but it made me wonder what would happen if I was in Neville's place."

Hermione didn't want to think about that scenario anymore in her head. She wasted too much time already with those dark thoughts, but she was interested in what Ron was struggling to say. The expression on his face indicated to Hermione that a million thoughts were running through his head and he wanted to put them in order so he could say what he wanted to say.

"Ron, what is it?"

Ron sighed heavily. "You know… what I'm trying to say is that if we are together and an offer comes-,"

"IF we are together?" she interrupted arching an eyebrow.

"Yes, I mean IF you are still crazy enough to stay with me until that hypothetical day comes, Hermione."

"Sorry, go on," she said trying to hide her satisfaction and amusement with the best unexpressive face she could muster.

"Well, don't feel like you have to follow me. You are free to do what you want… and I'll respect whatever decision you make… coming or not," he struggled to say the sentence.

It was so cute for Hermione to see him stammering and trying to act all gentlemanly and be the better man. She decided to tease him a bit as she walked towards his desk. "What happened with the, you're stuck with me?"

"That still stands!" Ron exclaimed. "But you know, to make things clearer, I felt the need to tell you that I wouldn't put you to this test to follow me to a foreign city or country if you didn't feel comfortable with the idea. I'd be miserable without you, but I wouldn't do anything to make you unhappy."

She was overwhelmed by his love and affection for her that those emotions seemed to bypass the concurrent lust and desire that she was experiencing. She walked to him and this time she sat astride him and gave him a sweet and long kiss on the lips. "Thanks, Ronald. I appreciate that."

Hermione couldn't help but think about her own career. She still hadn't told Ron about the offer from Lupin&Tonks and she thought that this was probably the best time to share that news with Ron.

"Since you're honest with me, I think it's my time to share something I haven't told you yet," she said as Ron looked at her with curiosity written all over his face.

"I have a business proposal from Lupin&Tonks!"

This statement earned no reaction from Ron who looked at her like he was waiting to see if she was done or there was more to tell. "You have no idea who Lupin&Tonks are, have you?"

"Not the slightest," Ron shook his head.

"They are a famous law firm that co-operates with PETA," Hermione explained but still Ron was looking at her like he was lost. Hermione groaned. "PETA, as in People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals!"

Ron finally nodded in understanding and his eyes sparkled.

"Anyways, I had an interview - well it was more like lunch with them and they offered me a job," Hermione said nervously.

"That's great! Hermione, this is what you were waiting for! I'm so happy for you!" Ron hugged her enthusiastically, but after a moment or two, he sensed that Hermione didn't return this enthusiasm. "It's good news, right?"

"I don't know Ron. I'd love to work with them. I met them and they are truly great people, and like you said it's exactly what I was waiting for, but… the money is a lot less than what I earn now and I'll probably work more hours-"

"Hermione, are you serious?" Ron interrupted her. "Don't tell me that you're thinking of rejecting the offer because of the money!"

"You wanted to do the same, Ron!"

"That's completely different. I already do what I love. Rejecting a contract wouldn't take me away from football."

Hermione opened her mouth to retort, but Ron shushed her by placing a finger over her lips. "You've told me countless times how much you hate your job. I think it's time for a change."

"It's not that simple, Ron!" she cried. "I'm going to start from the beginning again. I'm going to be an active lawyer handling cases, something I haven't done since my apprentice. It's going to consume me mentally and physically, the paperwork is ten times more than what I already have, I'm going to leave a job that might not be ideal, vut it's steady and safe and -" she kept talking before Ron hushed her with a kiss.

The kiss seemed to have the effect that Ron was hoping for, since now a silent and flushed Hermione was giving him her full attention.

"Hermione, how many times do I need to tell you to sort out your priorities? Do you remember what you've told me when you got this job? That it's going to be temporary just until you find something you love doing? Well this is it, Hermione. Are you going to let it get away because it's going to be uncomfortable at first or it's going to pay you less money?"

"I didn't say I wouldn't do it, Ron. I'm telling you the pros and cons of the offer. I need you to help me to make a decision."

"You should take the job," Ron said immediately.

Hermione sighed. "A little more thought wouldn't hurt, you know."

"Okay, fine! Hmm… I don't know. It's difficult. I'm… well… you should take the job. Is that better?"

Hermione rolled her eyes in disappointment. Obviously, Ron wasn't taking this seriously. "It's nice to know that I'm facing the biggest challenge in my professional career and you find it amusing," she said slightly hurt by Ron's behavior making a move to get up before Ron grabbed her arms and pulled her down again.

"You think I'm making fun of you, Hermione? I'm not! I truly believe that you should take this job if this is what is going to make you happy."

Happy. Would she really be happy if she got to work with Lupin&Tonks? Surely it couldn't be worse than her current job. Could it be possible that two great things come to her left at the same time: the perfect man and the perfect job? How many people were that fortunate?

But why not? Another voice inside her head was heard. People who are blessed with both are usually the ones that fight for those things. And she knew that she and Ron would fight really hard in the future to set their differences aside and work as a couple and she knew that if she was going to receive any satisfaction from her career, it would be through hard work.

"You really believe I should take the job?"

"Will accepting this job be something that will make you happy?"

She nodded.

"Then you have your answer."

She had her answer. She finally had her answer. Her only hesitation in accepting the job was Ron and his possible disagreement, but now that he was fully on board with the idea she wanted to scream in delight!

I can take the job! She screamed inwardly.

"Alright, I'll do it, but if I start coming home later at nights or if I bring home my work or if I'm spending too much time on cases and trials, then I need you to promise me that you won't complain and you'll be supportive."

"So basically nothing is going to change."

"Promise me, Ron!" she demanded again without approving of his attempt to lighten the mood.

Ron, as if he was giving an oath, put his right hand to where his heart was and raised the left in the air. "I promise I will never complain about your job as long as it makes you happy. And if we ever get into a fight about your work, we both agree to settle any disagreement in bed… naked… having sex."

A bright red flush stained her cheeks. They gave a handshake. "It's a deal."

After that, she leaned forward and kissed him; this kiss was full of physical urgency as her hands slowly slid up his shoulders, her fingers threading in his hair as her lips glided softly against his. She moaned as Ron nibbled on her neck. She didn't protest when he cupped her breasts over her sweater. It only resulted in more moans escaping her mouth.

Ron moved his mouth again against her, using his tongue to coax open her lips. Any sort of reluctance was slowly fading away from Hermione. She wanted this right here and now. She broke their contact as a startled Ron stared at her.

"Do you by chance have the key to lock this door?" she asked pleading inside her for a positive answer.

"What do you have in mind, Granger?"

"I thought about our agreement, Ron. You know the no sex 'til first date, and I realize now how unfair this is to you and me."

His eyes widened as he tried to gulp. Hermione knew that he understood where she was heading with this. She leaned forward again and whispered in his ear. "I bet you must have a fantasy that involves you having sex on this table, am I right?"

She bit his earlobe lightly before she started spreading kisses down his neck and up his jaw. "Hermione, you have no idea how many fantasies my mind can come up with that involves you, me and this table."

She chuckled. "What am I going to do with you and your naughty mind?"

Ron's hand was in her hair, pulling her down in to a deep and hungry kiss. This was nothing like the sweet kisses they had shared so far. This kiss reeked of lust. Once their lips crashed together, Hermione knew that she wasn't going to be the first to pull away. She reflexively tightened her thighs as her tongue kept sucking his.

Ron's hands this time went behind her as he cupped her buttocks inserting one of them underneath her pants. She could now feel him harden underneath her that only resulted in her rubbing her hips against him. Ron groaned against her mouth and he had to break the kiss panting for breath.

Somehow the rational part of his brain seemed to regain control reminding him that the situation was getting out of hand and that their parents were outside and could at any moment burst inside the room.

"Hermione, I think we need to stop," he regretfully said taking his hands off Hermione's body resting them on the sides of his chair. A flushed and heavily breathing Hermione was staring at him in confusion.

"You have no idea how much I want this, Hermione, but I just don't think it's a good idea with our parents outside the door. Somehow I doubt your dad would appreciate it if he entered the room and saw me violating his daughter," Ron apologized and at the same time he wanted to curse himself.

"You haven't violated me yet," said Hermione blushing but she accepted Ron's decision. It surprised her that from the two of them, he was the one with a functional brain right now.

Giving him a peck on the forehead, she sadly got up from his lap. "Are you sure you can… hold it in, 'til we get home or for after the carnival?" she asked as she stretched her hand for Ron.

"It's not like I have a choice, Hermione," he said as he took her hand and got up from his chair.

"You stopped it Ron, so quit whining now and give me a tour," Hermione teased as she dragged him out of the room.

"There is not much to see really," Ron said as they walked out. "Except our dads having a firecracker fight if I'm correct."

Right in the middle of the warehouse, both Arthur and Walter were laughing and running and throwing firecrackers at each other, while Molly and Emma were sitting on a nearby sofa watching in amusement as their husbands behaved like little boys.

"I think your dad is a bad influence on mine," said Hermione in amusement too. She found it so cute that her father was playing and her mum wasn't scolding him. Today her parents were full of mystery and she loved that.

"I better stop them before they set the whole building on fire," Ron said and with a last glance at each other, they realized that their little factory adventure was over. Or was it?

Before Ron starting to walk towards their parents, Hermione grabbed his arm. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered into his ear. "You were right this time, but you better violate me in that room, Ron, and soon," she said winking at him and starting to walk away from him wiggling her firm arse seductively, driving Ron mental.

One thought crossed Ron's mind. That girl is going to be the death of me.