A/N: I apologize for some choppy syntax in the first few paragraphs. Because this story does not exactly follow canon, I needed to bring readers up to speed on what's going on. Unfortunately, I can't seem to express that anywhere near as well as JK Rowling. I hope you enjoy anyway.

Disclaimer: JK Rowling's world. She just lets us play with it.

Of Holidays and Heartbeats

She was walking along a sunny beach, the rays of the sun beating down upon her naked flesh. It was strange that she was naked, though she didn't feel odd or vulnerable at all. She felt alive and very, very warm! She heard her name being called and looked around. She recognized his voice, but could not see him. She heard her name again, this time from a distance ahead of her. She began running as he continued to call her name. She was becoming warmer and warmer, baking with the heat of the sun as she ran toward his voice…

Hermione started and opened her eyes. She was hot! Her body felt on fire wrapped up against his warm flesh, both of them buried under the quilts on her bed. Hermione's naked body lay nearly on top of Ron's, her head resting on his chest, her arm thrown across his torso, her bare leg forming an "L" across his lap. He was snoring softly, deeply asleep, both arms cradling Hermione's nude figure, baking her with his body heat.

She raised her head groggily and gently pushed the covers off of her and Ron. There was a slight chill in the air that felt good against her flushed flesh. Hermione raised her head and looked out the window. It was snowing outside. She smiled. She loved the snow, and it was appropriate considering it was Christmas Eve. She and Ron were in her bedroom at Number 12, Grimmauld Place – the house that she, Ron and Harry now called home along with Kreacher. A few months after the war ended, the trio decided they missed living together, alone. They had all been living with the Weasley's at the Burrow since the war ended and they found that they all were craving the sense of independence they had had while living on their own before the war. It felt right to move back to Grimmauld Place together. Harry owned it, and the three had lived there quite comfortably while hunting the Horcruxes. The house felt much more like a home too, now that the war was over and they were no longer using it as a hideout. The ghostly figure of Dumbledore and the Tongue-Tying Curse that had plagued entrants to the house had been lifted with the help of Arthur Weasley and Kinsley Shaklebolt. Then, about a week after moving in, Harry asked Kreacher if he knew of a way to permanently quiet the portrait of Mrs. Black so they didn't have to whisper every time they walked through the hall. Fortunately, Kreacher was able to work his special Elfish magic and actually managed to remove the screaming portrait completely, a feat that no member of the Order had ever been able to accomplish. The interior of the house now wore a fresh coat of paint, and was decorated with new furnishings, artwork, and a number of family pictures and portraits. It looked nothing like the squalid, run-down shanty it had been when it was headquarters for the Order.

Hermione yawned and lowered her head back onto Ron's chest, feeling pleasantly warm now. She closed her eyes and listened to the slow rhythmic beating of his heart, smiling to herself. She felt fulfilled, content. This was the first time she and Ron had made love. They had shared their first kiss seven months earlier. They had taken their relationship slowly, "a snails pace" really, as Ginny had told Hermione earlier that day. But Hermione was being cautious. She and Ron had been friends for seven years and neither wanted to ruin their friendship by jumping into a romantic relationship at a time when things were so unsettled. They knew they loved each other, but things were so chaotic after the war. There was grieving to get through, lives to rebuild, and decisions about the future to be made. Ron needed to help his family work through the loss of Fred. Hermione needed to travel to Australia and collect her parents. Hogwarts and the rest of the Wizarding world needed to be restructured and rebuilt. Ron, and especially Hermione, knew it would be reckless to start a romance under such circumstances.

Life did begin to settle though. The Weasleys were coping, doing their best to move on even though they were now one family member short. Hermione had found her parents and restored them to the life they knew before. The rebuilding of Hogwarts was underway and the school was expected to reopen in the fall. Harry, Ron and Hermione had all taken jobs at the Ministry – Harry and Ron in the Auror Department, Hermione in the Department for the Care and Control of Magical Creatures. And, as life began to regain some semblance of normality, Hermione and Ron began to follow their hearts to each other. It started with tender looks, entwined hands and long embraces. Soon they were sharing stolen kisses when they thought no one was looking. Pretty soon, it didn't matter to them who could see. They were together – a couple. When Harry suggested they all move into Grimmauld Place together, they jumped at the idea.

They moved into Grimmauld Place in the middle of October and immediately set about renovating and redecorating the old house. It took a few weeks to finish, but by November, the house had been transformed and Harry, Ron and Hermione were now living comfortably as roommates. Harry had taken Sirius's old bedroom, leaving his Godfather's furnishings but repainting the walls a pleasant shade of blue and hanging numerous photos of his parents and friends around the room. Ron took a small guestroom with a nice view of Grimmauld Place's garden (the trio had decided to leave Regulus' room for Kreacher, who had taken to sleeping in there instead of his old nest under the kitchen sink). He had painted it the same shade of violent Orange as his room at the Burrow, but hung only a solitary Chudley Canons poster along with a number of photos of his family. Hermione was touched to see that she was the subject of many of the pictures. Before moving into Grimmauld Place, Ron had shyly asked Hermione if she wanted to share a room once they were living together. While she and Ron's relationship had progressed quite a bit both emotionally and physically (they had, by that time, gotten to "third base"), she thought that for the time being, it was best not to. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that. Moving in together was already such a huge step. Even though they had lived together for months and months when they were hunting Horcruxes with Harry, it had always felt like a temporary arrangement made out of necessity. This new living situation was made by choice and Hermione wanted to make sure she was completely comfortable with it before committing so indelibly to living with Ron.

So, Hermione had also taken a vacant guestroom at Grimmauld Place and made it her own by giving it a delicate feminine touch. She had painted the walls a soft pastel yellow and adorned her bed with white linens with small blue embroidered flowers. Her furnishings consisted of the cozy double bed with a brass frame, a dresser, a desk, and a number of bookshelves to house her voluminous collection of books. Like Harry and Ron, she hung a number of photos of family and friends, and also hung a painting of Hogwarts that Luna had painted for her. On her desk, she had a single picture of Ron and herself dancing at Bill and Fleur's wedding, looking deeply into each others eyes as they slowly waltzed around the dance floor. It was her favorite picture.

Ron snorted a bit under Hermione and she opened her eyes. Despite the late hour, she did not feel tired anymore. Her mind was racing through everything that had happened between her and Ron over the years that had brought them to this point. She smiled to herself when she thought about the gawky 11-year-old Ron who had saved her from that Troll during their first year by using a spell that he grudgingly learned to do correctly under her instruction. Was that when he started to like her? Or was it during their fourth year, when he was so obviously jealous of her relationship with Viktor Krum? She knew he liked her then, though both were too proud to admit it. Her smile faded when she thought of their sixth year and Ron snogging Lavender in the middle of the common room. Did he do that just to make her jealous? Was it revenge for Viktor? Ginny had told Hermione that she thought it was, but that didn't make it any easier to endure – or to remember. But, that childish part of their life was behind them now. They were together and deeply in love, openly and unabashedly. Ron had proven to her last night how much he loved her by the way he touched her, caressed her, gently but passionately made her his. Hermione's smile returned and she nestled herself a little closer to Ron at the thought of their love-making. He had been so tender – a little clumsy and self-conscious perhaps, but that was something she felt confident would pass with practice. Hermione was tempted to wake Ron from his slumber so they could have another go, but when she raised her head and saw how peaceful he looked, she didn't have the heart to wake him. Knowing that her desire wouldn't abate while lying naked next to a naked Ron, she carefully extracted herself from his arms, wrapped herself up in a fluffy terry cloth dressing gown, and quietly crept out of the room. She decided she would have a cup of tea to settle down, then crawl back in bed with Ron. A part of her hoped he would wake up when she returned and slake her desire. Hermione smiled to herself and shook her head at the hormones raging through her body.

When Hermione got the kitchen, she was surprised to see Harry sitting at the table, sipping a cup of tea and looking at an old photograph album. The kitchen was lit by a single candle in the center of the table and the Christmas tree light that shone in from the giant fir tree decorated in the adjacent sitting room. Harry looked up in surprise when he heard Hermione enter the kitchen.

"Hey! What are you doing up?" He asked, looking at her puzzled.

"Uh… I just woke up and couldn't go back to sleep." Hermione said evasively. "What about you?"

"I couldn't sleep either." He said quietly, turning his attention back to the photo album. Hermione looked over Harry's shoulder on her way to the tea kettle and saw a photograph of his parents laughing at their wedding. Hermione suddenly felt very sad for Harry and swallowed a lump in her throat. She poured herself a cup of tea and sat down across from him.

"I couldn't stop thinking about Christmas last year." Harry said suddenly, looking up at Hermione, his eyes glistening slightly with tears. "Not about Bathilda and the snake and Voldemort, but before, when we went to the graveyard. You remember?"

Hermione nodded, afraid to speak for fear of what her voice would sound like.

"I'm going back to Godrics Hallow, tomorrow… or later today I guess." Harry said, looking at the clock on the kitchen wall. It was 2:00AM, Christmas Day. "I just want to visit them again, as myself this time, without having to hide."

Hermione reached across the table and took Harry's hand in hers. "Do you want us to come with you?" She asked, swallowing her emotions.

Harry sighed and looked at Hermione. "Just you." He said. "It's not that I don't trust Ron or don't think he could handle it or anything. It's just… I don't know Hermione… you were there before. You understand what it's like."

Hermione nodded again. She did know what it was like. She remembered seeing Harry's face crumble and the tears that fell unabashedly as he sobbed in the shadow of his parent's graves. She had never felt closer to Harry than in that moment when he was so vulnerable, showing her a part of himself that he probably didn't even realize he possessed.

"Of course, Harry." Hermione said, allowing a tear to escape her eye. "Of course I'll go with you. We'll just meet everyone at the Burrow for dinner later."

"Thank you." Harry said, squeezing Hermione's hand for a moment before letting it go. She lifted her tea cup to her lips and took a sip, wondering how she was going to tell Ron. No matter how close they were, no matter how many times she told Ron she loved Harry only in the way she would love a brother, there was still a hint of jealousy and fear in his eyes whenever she and Harry did something without him. How was he going to take it when she told him she would be doing something so personal with Harry? Hermione took another sip of tea and sighed. Harry looked up from the photograph album.

"You worried about Ron?" Harry asked. Hermione was surprised at Harry's perceptiveness. While he was brilliant when it came to fighting the Dark Arts, he usually was less than astute when it came to matters of the heart.

"Yes." Hermione answered. "You know how he gets. I just don't want him to be hurt. Especially as this is our first Christmas as a… well, a couple."

"Do you want me to talk to him?" Harry asked. Hermione shook her head.

"No, I'll tell him. It's better if I do anyway." She said and she rose from her chair.

"What, are you just going to barge in his room at 2:00 in the morning and tell him you're going on a little trip with me?" Harry said. Hermione felt her cheeks turn a brilliant shade of pink, something that was not lost on Harry. He looked at her puzzled, then ran his eyes quickly over her form – not lustfully, but shrewdly. Hermione was embarrassed when she realized she was naked underneath her dressing gown, which had fallen open slightly revealing her cleavage. A look of surprised realization crossed Harry's face.

"Ahhh… Ron's not in his room is he?" Harry asked, amusement painting every word.

Damnit, why does he have to pick tonight to get all insightful!?! Hermione thought agitatedly. She remained silent, but blushed even deeper and tightened her robe around her.

Harry didn't say anything but lowered his eyes back to the photograph album. Turning a page he said, "well, at least that should make it easier to persuade him that you aren't running away with me to have some torrid affair. Unless… he was bad at it?" Harry looked up and raised his eyebrows, a sly smile on his lips.

"Harry!" Hermione exclaimed exasperatedly and Harry let out a loud laugh. Hermione smiled in spite of herself.

"I'm going back to bed!" She said.

"I bet you are." Harry answered and laughed again.

Hermione shook her head and turned to leave.

"Hermione!" Harry called. Hermione turned around and glared at him.

"What?" She replied with a little more force than was necessary.

Harry chuckled.

"Pleasant dreams." He said furtively.

Hermione shook her head again and ascended the stairs back to her bedroom.

***

Ron was still sleeping when Hermione crept back into the bedroom. He was laying on his stomach now, his long body sprawled across the bed. He had evidently kicked most of the blankets to the floor. Hermione chuckled to herself. It would take some creative maneuvering to get back into bed with him, but she didn't feel like lying down just yet anyway. She was worried about how she was going to tell him that she was going to Godrics Hallow with Harry. She kept playing out different scenarios in her head, one where Ron was understanding and supportive, another where he told her he couldn't be with her if she kept up her friendship with Harry. She knew the latter was unrealistic, but, if she was honest with herself, so was the first. Hermione sighed deeply and turned to look out the window. The snow was still falling outside and Hermione was struck by how beautiful it was. She couldn't appreciate the snow last Christmas. It increased their chances of being found, of something going wrong. It meant cold nights and wet days. This year though, it meant peace, and beauty, and new beginnings.

Hermione jumped a little when she felt two strong, warm arms wrap around her body from behind, but it only took a second for her to melt into them. Ron rested his chin on Hermione's shoulder and kissed her neck.

"I didn't mean to wake you." Hermione whispered, holding Ron's arms to her and turning her head so she could look in his eyes.

"You didn't." He said kissing her again, this time on her cheek. "I got cold. Not used to sleeping in the buff, you know?"

Hermione laughed and turned in Ron's arms so she could embrace him. She was pleasantly surprised to find he was still naked. She leaned into him and kissed him deeply. He pulled her closer to him and she could feel his hardness pressing against her. Her body instantly became a live wire and she began kissing Ron back more fervently, the tip of her tongue breaking through his lips. Ron moaned into her mouth as he returned her passion. His hands slid down to the knot on her dressing gown and he deftly untied it. Hermione let the robe slide to the ground and pulled Ron closer to her. She felt something pressing against her buttocks and realized Ron had backed her against her desk. Hermione used the desk as leverage to brace herself as she wrapped her legs around Ron's waist and her arms around his neck, kissing him as fiercely as she could. Ron gasped under the strength of her desire and responded in kind. He lifted Hermione up and, turning around, laid her gently down on the bed, resting on top of her. Hermione loosened her grip on him slightly, only so she could allow Ron to explore her body with his lips as she threaded her hands in his hair and closed her eyes in ecstasy. He kissed her neck, her collarbone, the valley between her breasts, all the while tracing her form gently with his hands. She felt like he was exploring her, finding all the secret places on her body and she relished the feeling. She cried out softly when his hand found the wet, warm place between her burning thighs and he smiled at her as she moaned under his touch. Hermione slid her hands down Ron's toned chest and found the hardness between his legs. He gasped when he felt her close her soft hand around it and move her body so that she could guide him into her.

Hermione," Ron moaned as he thrust gently, making her writhe with pleasure. The awkwardness and clumsiness of their first time had vanished. This time they were both following their instincts, moving in ways that made them breathe heavily with desire. They were acting out of pure passion, not thinking about anything but being with each other. Their love-making lasted for hours and when they finally collapsed in each others arms, exhausted and satisfied, it was nearly daybreak.

When Hermione finally awoke in the morning, she was in her bed alone, facing the window out of which she could see snow still falling. She wondered for a moment if the night before had been just an amazingly vivid dream, but than realized she was sore in a particular, but good way, and knew that it was real. She yawned and turned over in the bed. Next to her on the pillow was a red rose, slightly odd looking (Ron had never been great at conjuring objects out of thin air) and a small box wrapped in Christmas paper. Hermione smiled and reached out for the box. There was a small note attached to the top. Hermione looked down at Ron's messy scribe and smiled.

Hermione, Happy Christmas.

I Love You, Ron.

Sitting up, Hermione sighed and pulled the paper off the box, careful to detach the note first so that she could save it along with the other most cherished possessions from her life. Under the paper was a black, velvet box. With trembling hands, Hermione opened it. A beautiful silver and sapphire promise ring sat centered on the velvet within. Hermione felt her eyes fill with tears as she removed the ring from the box and slid it on the ring finger of her left hand. It was a little big, so Hermione used her wand to shrink the band to the perfect size. The sapphire sparkled against her fair skin and Hermione thought about Ron's blue eyes, and how they had gazed at her so lovingly the night before.

Hermione rose out of bed, put on her warmest flannel pajamas and slippers, and wrapped herself in her dressing gown before exiting the room. The smell of eggs, bacon, cinnamon toast and coffee met her nose as she descended the stairs and her stomach growled in hunger. As soon as she entered the kitchen, Kreacher was there with a cup of coffee.

"Good Morning Miss and Happy Christmas." He said, handing her the cup.

"Thank you Kreacher, and Happy Christmas to you too!" Hermione said, smiling at the little house-elf. "Breakfast smells wonderful!" She exclaimed.

"Thank you Miss. Masters Harry and Ron are in the dining room eating breakfast if Miss would like to join them." Kreacher said.

"Thanks Kreacher." Hermione said, walking through the kitchen door into the dining room. The table was stacked high with an assortment of breakfast dishes and Hermione's stomach grumbled again.

"Good Morning! Happy Christmas!" Hermione said.

"Morning Hermione. Happy Christmas." Harry replied, taking a large bite of eggs. Ron just stared at her dreamily, smiling. She saw him glance at her hand and his smile widened. Hermione walked over to Ron and kissed him full on this lips (Harry politely looked away) and sat down in the chair next to his.

"Thank You, Ron. It's beautiful." She said, holding out her hand so he could see how perfectly the sapphire ring fit her finger. Ron took her outstretched hand and kissed it. Hermione leaned over and kissed Ron again, more deeply this time.

"Oi! No snogging at the dining room table!" Harry bellowed. Ron and Hermione broke apart and Ron made a rude hand gesture to Harry, who laughed. Hermione helped herself to some pancakes and bacon and immediately began scarfing down the food. Kreacher had really outdone himself with this breakfast.

After they had all finished eating, they moved to the adjacent sitting room to open the presents under the Christmas tree. All three of them had the regular sweets and pastries from Mrs. Weasley, and Hermione was surprised and touched to find that Mrs. Weasley had even knit her a soft blue "Weasley Sweater". It was the first time Hermione had ever received one.

"Well, she considers you one of the family now, you know." Ron said, pulling his own garish Maroon one over his head. Hermione and Harry followed suit so that all three of them were dressed in Mrs. Weasley's sweaters as they continued to open gifts.

Harry had gotten Hermione a "Sugar Quill of the Month Set" which featured a different flavored sugar quill for every month of the year. Ron had given her the ring, as well as a very pretty date book she could use to keep track of all her work meetings. Hermione had given Harry a gift Certificate to Eeloyps Owl Emporium. He had been talking often about getting an Owl to replace Hedwig, but Hermione had a feeling he wouldn't follow through without some encouragement. Harry thanked her warmly for the gift and told her it was definitely what he needed.

Ron had been the most difficult person Hermione had shopped for. She didn't know what she could give him that showed him how she really felt. She had finally decided on a handsome silver and onyx pocket watch which she had engraved to read, You will have my heart for all of time. It was a little cheesy perhaps, but it was an honest sentiment and Ron seemed to genuinely love it. He kept reading the inscription and smiling.

When the trio had finished opening their gifts, they called Kreacher into the room so they could each give him a present as well. Harry had found an old picture of Regulus Black taken during his days as a Hogwarts seeker and framed it. Kreacher started crying openly when he saw Harry's gift and thanked him profusely. Ron gave Kreacher a box of Cockroach Clusters, Kreacher's favorite snack as the trio found out soon after moving into Grimmauld Place. Evidently, the nasty little balls of insect were a favorite treat of all house-elves who were fortunate enough to live with masters who allowed them treats. Kreacher had been introduced to them during his time at Hogwarts and just couldn't seem to get enough. Hermione had given Kreacher a book on the most famous House-elves in history. Kreacher seemed intrigued by the book and promised Hermione he would start reading it that evening.

Kreacher had also given gifts to Harry, Ron and Hermione. To Harry, he had given a very nice new photo album ("because I know how Master likes to look at pictures of his family and friends"). To Ron, he gave an assortment of sweets including Chocolate Frogs, Cauldron Cakes, and Bertie Botts Every Flavor Beans. To Hermione, he gave a pair of fluffy knit mittens and a matching scarf.

"Miss may want to wear them to Godrics Hallow today. It's very cold outside." Kreacher said, bending low. Hermione felt her heart stop in her chest and she looked at Ron, who looked puzzled.

"Godrics Hallow?" He asked, looking at Hermione. Hermione looked at Harry.

"You didn't tell him?" Harry asked, looking alarmed.

"I didn't get around to it last night." Hermione said, her heart now racing in her chest.

"Tell me what?" Ron asked, looking from Hermione to Harry.

"Er…I have to go to the bathroom." Harry said. He stood quickly and walked toward the hall. "Kreacher, would you please start a kettle of tea?" He added on his way out.

"Of course, Master!" Kreacher replied and, with a pop, he was gone as well.

Hermione turned her attention to Ron, who was sitting next to her on the sofa.

"What's going on 'Mione?" Ron asked seriously.

"Harry asked me to go to Godric's Hallow with him to visit his parent's graves today." Hermione said, taking Ron's hands in hers.

"Okay. What time do we leave?" Ron asked. Hermione sighed.

"Not 'we' Ron, me. He asked that just I go."

Hermione watched Ron's face fall as the realization that he wasn't invited crashed over him.

"Oh," was all he said, and he looked away.

Hermione squeezed Ron's hand tighter and sought his eyes.

"Ron, look at me." She implored softly. Ron turned his eyes back to Hermione. It pained her to see genuine hurt in them. "It's not that Harry doesn't think you are worthy to come or anything. It's just… this is a really difficult thing for Harry and he needs someone there for support. I was there last time so I know what it's like. Do you understand?"

Ron was silent for a moment and looked down at the hand that was entwined with Hermione's.

"I just don't know why he doesn't want us both there. I've lost someone I love too. He's seen me upset." Ron said, hostility creeping into his voice.

"I know Ron, but it's not exactly the same. These are his parents. The parents that he never knew that died to save him – that are lying in that frozen ground only because they loved their son. Harry has so much guilt and pain over that. His vulnerability breaks through when he's in the presence of those graves, Ron. He just doesn't want to show it to you. He doesn't want to have to feel embarrassed about breaking down and crying." Hermione said. Ron's eyes softened.

"I understand." He said at last, looking into Hermione's eyes. "I just… well, it's Christmas. I feel like such a git for not being there with you guys last Christmas and I just wanted to do it right this year."

Hermione smiled and cradled Ron's face in her hands.

"You are doing it right this year, Ron. We are together. Harry and I will just be gone a few hours, then meet up at the Burrow and have dinner as a family – your family, and my parents, and Harry…all of us, the way it should be." Hermione leaned in and kissed Ron lightly on the lips.

"Okay." He said, embracing Hermione around the waist and kissing her passionately. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his fervor. After a few minutes of snogging, they heard a throat clear behind them.

"Oh God, you guys are going to be painfully embarrassing to be around now, aren't you?" Harry said, smiling sarcastically.

"Now you know how I feel when you're snogging my sister." Ron said. Hermione laughed.

"So, I assume that we are all okay?" Harry asked, looking at Hermione. She smiled and nodded.

"It's fine mate." Ron replied. "Just make sure you get to the Burrow by four or my mum will have both your arses!"

"I should probably go get ready." Hermione said, planting another kiss on Ron's cheek and rising from the sofa. "I'm going to go take a shower."

Ron got up from the sofa and began to follow her. "I think I'll join you." He said, throwing a furtive smile in Harry's direction. Hermione heard Harry make a pointed gagging sound behind them as she and Ron walked up the stairs, hand-in-hand.

***

The trip to Godrics Hallow went well. It was easier for Harry this time, not having to hide and not experiencing the shock factor he had the previous year. Still, there were tears shed beside the graves and hugs shared between Harry and Hermione before they departed the graveyard. It was still early, so they decided to stop at a small café and have a cup of tea before apparating to the Burrow. Both of them were happy for this opportunity as neither had really had a chance to spend much time alone together in the past few months.

They chatted amiably and made small talk as they sipped their tea and snacked on finger sandwiches. Occasionally, they were interrupted by passerby who recognized Harry and wanted to hail him with praise and thanks. When the clock struck three, they decided it was time to depart for the Burrow. As Hermione began to rise from her chair though, Harry grabbed her hand and stopped her. He looked at her very seriously as she slowly lowered herself back into her seat.

"Hermione… I know it's none of my business, but I need you to answer a question for me." Harry started. Hermione nodded. "I just want to know, are you really serious about this relationship with Ron?" Harry asked.

Hermione looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?" She asked.

"I mean, he is really, really in love with you. He has been for a long time, even if he was no good at showing it. He even read a book to learn how to win you over, for God's sake." Harry said.

Hermione felt her face grow hot and she felt a little annoyed. Was she detecting an accusatory tone in Harry's voice or was she just being sensitive?

"What are you suggesting, Harry? That Ron loves me more than I do him? That I don't want him just as much as he wants me? That I'm not as serious about our relationship as he is?" Hermione snapped. "Not that it's any of your business Harry Potter," she lowered her voice and leaned in toward Harry, "but I waited seven months to sleep with Ron because I wanted to be absolutely sure this was the relationship we both wanted. I didn't want to risk giving myself to him if I wasn't sure about us because I didn't want to hurt him if it wasn't. Do you think I would have been so cautious if I didn't absolutely love him?

Harry's face flushed. "Not at all, Hermione, and I don't mean to doubt your commitment. I just… you and Ron are my best friends and I'm really, really happy that you are together. I just don't want to see either of you get hurt." Harry responded, absently scratching on the table with a teaspoon. "And don't think this conversation is one-sided either. I had a very similar talk with Ron before you came down this morning."

"What did he say?" Hermione asked after a beat of silence. She hated acting like a gossipy, love-sick schoolgirl but curiosity got the better of her.

"It's not so much what Ron said, it was the look in his eyes when he said it. He loves you like…" Harry paused, searching for words. "You're his whole world, Hermione." He finished simply with a warm sincerity in his tone that made Hermione smile and her eyes fill with tears.

Hermione cleared her throat and dabbed her eyes with a napkin, still smiling. Harry glanced at his watch.

"Speaking of Ron… we better get going or he's going to start freaking out." He said.

Hermione nodded and rose while Harry placed a few Sickles on the table. Then, they walked out of the café and, hand in hand, apparated to the Burrow's front gate.

***

George, Ron and Ginny were in the Garden, evidently Degnoming though they weren't actually removing any gnomes from the vicinity. Instead, they were stunning any that were unlucky enough to peek their heads out of their holes, picking up and inspecting them, and throwing them back down in the snow.

"What on earth are you doing?" Hermione asked, walking through the gate with Harry behind her. Ron stopped his project and, with a smile, walked over to Hermione and kissed her heartily. Ginny and Harry were also kissing while George shook his head and rolled his eyes.

"Oi! We still need to find a good one, you know! Think you all could stop sucking face long enough to get this done?" George asked, his arms crossed in mock disapproval. Hermione delighted to see that George was looking and sounding much more like himself as of late. It had been a very hard year for him, but his familiar humor had finally started creeping back in a few months prior. It was a relief to everyone who wondered if George would ever be okay again after losing Fred.

"What are you doing?" Harry asked.

"Looking for a good tree topper." Ginny said following a set of Gnome tracks in the snow that led to the little creature's hideout.

"That's horrible!" Hermione exclaimed.

Ron's ears turned bright red. "We don't hurt them, honest! And we always set them free the next day."

"You're not going to give us a citation, are you Miss Representative for the Department for the Care and Control of Magical Creatures?" Ginny asked Hermione sarcastically. They had become very good friends over the past year and Hermione knew when Ginny was just trying to bait her.

"Oh, of course not! Just make sure you don't hurt the poor thing. And let him go, tonight!" Hermione said.

"Right after dinner, I promise!" Ron said, kissing Hermione on the cheek. With that, he stunned a fat little gnome that was nearby, picked it up appraisingly and declared, "PERFECT!"

George laughed and pointed his wand at the ugly little gnome. He muttered an incantation and its color transfigured from potato skin brown to a brilliant Gold. Ginny came over and affixed a doll-sized pink tutu and a pair of wings to the poor creature before handing it to George, who would do the honors of placing it on top of the tree. Hermione watched all of this is mock horror, though she was actually a bit amused.

Just as George walked into the house, they heard a car approaching on the drive outside. All four of the Garden's occupants and several Gnomes watched the approaching car curiously as automobiles were rarely ever seen or heard this close the Burrow. Hermione let out a squeal of delight when she realized it was her parent's BMW. Hermione burst out of the gate as Mr. Granger put the car in park. He, Mrs. Granger and Mr. Weasley exited the car and Hermione embraced her parents. She was so happy that they were spending Christmas at the Burrow. This year, she would literally be with everyone she loved.

"Hi Moppet, how are you?" Hermione's Dad asked. He hugged her and kissed her on the forehead.

"I'm great Dad, how are you? How's the practice going?" She asked.

"Just great!" He replied as Mr. Weasley came up behind them, looking fit to burst with excitement.

"Hermione, your Dad just told me all about how his Dentry practice works!"

"Dentistry." Hermione corrected kindly.

"Yes, of course, Dentistry! It's fascinating! Simply fascinating!" Mr. Weasley exclaimed and launched into another round of questions as he and Mr. Granger walked through the front gate. Hermione's mum took the opportunity to grab her daughter around the shoulders and pull her in a hug. When she broke away, she took Hermione's face in her hands and looked at her warmly.

"You look different darling." She said, smiling. "You're positively glowing."

"I'm in love, mum!" Hermione replied, not even trying to hide the magnitude of what she was feeling.

"Yes, I can tell. Where is he?" Mrs. Granger asked. She encircled Hermione's shoulders again and led her through the garden gate, where Ron was waiting shyly.

"Hello Mrs. Granger, it's very nice to see you again." Ron said, holding out his hand and taking Hermione's mums. He couldn't help but notice that she was very pretty and had the same Chocolate Brown eyes that Hermione had.

"It's good too see you as well, Ronald. And, please, call me Dania." Mrs. Granger replied, smiling warmly as she shook Ron's hand.

"Mr. Granger went inside with my Dad and Harry. I'm sorry if my Dad is annoying him with all the questioning. He's really got a thing for Muggles." Ron said, his ears flushing again.

"Not at all," Dania said, patting Ron warmly on the back. "Patrick is almost as fascinated with your world as Arthur is with ours. It was his Grandmother, you know, who was the witch in the family. Unfortunately, she passed away before she got to see Hermione enter Hogwarts, but I think she always suspected Hermione's magical ability. She showed promise from a very young age."

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me." Ron said, opening the back door to the house. He smiled warmly at Hermione, who planted a quick kiss on his lips as she passed by him and into the house.

The atmosphere inside was warm, festive, and homey. The Christmas dinner, prepared by Mrs. Weasley and Kreacher, was the best The Burrow had ever seen. There was a great turkey and ham, roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, Cinnamon yams, cranberry jam, an assortment of breads, treacle puddings, and an abundance of wine. By the time everyone had finished eating, Hermione was feeling comfortably full and a bit giddy from the wine. She was also feeling immeasurably happy - so happy that at one point, her eyes filled with tears as she looked around at everyone she loved, so grateful that they were all together. Ron, who was seated across from her and who had spent most of the meal staring at her adoringly between bites, was the only one who noticed this small display of emotion. He looked at Hermione with concern, so she smiled at him warmly and snaked a bare foot up his leg under the table. Ron subtly lowered his hand and caressed Hermione's foot and calf.

"Hermione…?" She heard a voice say.

"Hmm?" She replied dreamily, still staring at Ron. Only when she felt Ron's hand slide away from her skin did she realize everyone at the table was looking at her expectantly. Ginny was stifling a laugh next to her and her mom was looking at her knowingly from the down the table, next to her father, who had asked the question Hermione hadn't heard.

"Oh, I'm sorry Dad." Hermione said, blushing furiously. "I guess I had a little too much wine."

Everyone chuckled.

"I was just asking if you were still planning on going back to Hogwarts when it reopens in the fall." He said.

"Oh! Um… yes. I've already spoken to my supervisor about taking a leave from my position at the Ministry while I complete my education. He was very nice about it." Hermione said.

"Yeah, and I'm sure that being on a first name basis with Minister for Magic Kingsley had nothing to do with your supervisor's ingratiating behavior." George intoned from next to Harry.

"Ha, Ha!" Hermione replied, and everyone at the table laughed.

"It's going to be nice for you and Ginny to be roommates at school for a change." Mrs. Weasley said as she began magicking the dishes into the kitchen sink where Kreacher immediately began to wash them. Hermione's smiled faded at Mrs. Weasley's words. While Hermione had always intended on returning to Hogwarts to get her NEWTS, she never considered that it would mean being away from Ron for most of the year. She chanced a glance at Ron, who looked troubled. He obviously hadn't thought about it either.

"Yeah," was all Hermione could voice. She was now staring at Ron, who looked close to tears. Fortunately, Ginny noticed the look on his face as well and decided to speak up before the line of questioning could continue.

"Speaking of being roommates… Hermione, Harry, Ron, let's go upstairs and set up the camp beds for tonight before we all fall asleep here at the table." She said, rising.

The trio said goodnight to everyone, gave hugs and wished everyone Happy Christmas, then followed Ginny upstairs.

"Thank you, Ginny." Hermione said once they were outside her bedroom. Ron and Harry continued to climb up to Ron's room which was above Ginny's. Hermione was discomfited when Ron didn't kiss her or even look at her before ascending the stairs.

Ginny opened the door to her room and Hermione saw that the camp bed was, not surprisingly, already set up. Hermione lay down on her bed on her stomach, and she watched Ginny light the lamp in her bedroom with her wand. When she was finished, she sat down next to Hermione on the bed.

"I can't believe I didn't even think about it." Hermione whispered, closing her eyes.

"Well, why would you have? You and Ron have been practically inseparable these past few months. I don't imagine that being apart ever entered your brain." Ginny said, soothingly rubbing Hermione's back.

Hermione felt her eyes well with tears again, only this time, they were not out of happiness.

"How am I going to be without him, Ginny?" Hermione sniffed.

Ginny laughed. "It's not like you're moving to Antarctica, Hermione! Hell, McGonagall will probably let you leave the grounds as much as you want seeing how you're the star pupil of the school and were such a big part of bringing down you-know-who."

Hermione chuckled and wiped her eyes on the blanket. She turned on her side to face Ginny and propped herself up with her elbow.

"You think I'm ridiculous, don't you?" Hermione asked.

"Yep, completely mental! This is my brother we're talking about! That specky, scrawny git is who you don't want to be parted from?"

Hermione laughed and hit Ginny over the head with a pillow.

"I guess you just can't help who you fall in love with. And, I really am in love with him, Ginny." Hermione said, lowering her head on her arm and staring dreamily as she thought about the previous night.

"Merlin's Beard!" Ginny suddenly exclaimed. Hermione shot up in bed and grabbed her wand.

"What?" She said, looking around anxiously.

"You slept with him!" Ginny exclaimed, pointing at Hermione with one hand and covering her mouth in surprise with the other.

Hermione felt herself flush a deep scarlet. She looked at Ginny and nodded shyly.

"HA!" Ginny laughed. "It's about damn time! When did this happen?"

"Last night… and this morning… and then later this morning." Hermione answered, looking at Ginny sheepishly.

"Merlin's Beard, Hermione! You seeing how much pent up sexual energy you can get out in 24-hours or what?" Ginny asked her eyes wide in amazement.

Hermione laughed.

"Did it ever occur to you that Ron is just that good?" Hermione answered.

Ginny made a mock gagging sound. Just then, with a pop, Harry appeared on Ginny's bed.

"Hey." He said casually, pulling Ginny up to his lap.

"Did you know that Hermione and Ron were going at it like Rabbits all night?" Ginny asked playfully.

"Ginny!" Hermione exclaimed.

Harry laughed. "Yeah, I had an idea. I mean, the walls in Grimmauld Place aren't exactly sound proof are they? Use the Muffliato charm next time, will you?"

Hermione felt herself flush again. Thinking back, she realized that she and Ron were not exactly being quiet during their love-making. Just the opposite in fact. Hermione was quite embarrassed when she remembered the number of times she screamed out Ron's name in ecstasy. Harry laughed even harder at Hermione's scarlet cheeks.

"Speaking of Ron, maybe you should go upstairs and talk to him. He's kind of upset about you going back to Hogwarts. Apparate so that it doesn't attract attention." Harry said to Hermione, regaining his composure.

Hermione nodded and stood. She grabbed her wand and, with a pop, disappeared.

***

Ron was lying on the bed, arms behind his head, staring up at the ceiling when Hermione appeared in the room. She didn't say anything and neither did he, she just lay down next to him and rested her head on his chest. She felt his arms curl around her, and she closed her eyes, losing herself in the peace of his heartbeat as she had earlier that morning.

"I guess I never thought about it – about us being apart again I mean." Ron said suddenly after a few moments of silence. Hermione opened her eyes and nuzzled closer to Ron.

"I know. I didn't either." She replied softly, kissing his chest.

"I can't live without you, Hermione. Not now." Ron said. He sounded on the verge of tears.

Hermione raised her head and scooted up so she could reach Ron's lips with hers. She kissed him deeply and passionately, trying to put everything she felt for him into the kiss. He tightened his arms around her, his big strong hands pressing her close to him. She felt his tongue part her lips and her body practically ignited. She moaned softly and repositioned herself so she was straddling Ron's waist as she showered his face, neck, every part of him that her lips could find, with kisses. Ron returned her passion in-kind. Breathing quickly, he rolled her over with his strong arms so he could rest on top of her. Hermione encircled Ron's hips with her legs and he groaned softly. The hardness she felt pressing against her pelvis thrilled her and, instinctually, she ground herself against it. Ron let out a loud groan against her mouth. She broke away from his lips and pointed her wand at the door, whispering "Muffliato" before hastily pulling Ron's shirt over his head. If Ron had any reservations about making love to her in his parent's house, he didn't show it. He deftly undid the buttons on Hermione's blouse and lowered his lips to her breasts, kissing them and caressing them gently as he easily and quickly pulled her skirt and panties off. Hermione moaned, and unzipped Ron's jeans. He worked them off quickly, along with his underwear. Hermione could feel her desire growing as Ron lowered his lips and began kissing his way down to her most intimate areas. She felt his tongue caress her nub and her body spasmed. When she felt his fingers slide inside of her, she felt like she was going to burst with desire. Instead, she clenched the bed sheets in her fists and let Ron bring her to a harrowing orgasm. He smiled, and kissed her inner thigh before raising his body back up to hers. He rested his weight gently upon her and kissed her lovingly. Hermione could feel that Ron was hard as a rock against her and she wanted nothing more than to give him the pleasure she had just been given by him. She reached down, and caressed his hardness with her hand. Ron's body twitched under her touch and he inhaled sharply, closing his eyes as she moved her hand up and down his length. The look of ecstasy on his face made Hermione's desire peak again. When he moaned her name, she repositioned herself and guided him into her. Their lovemaking was more frenzied this time than the night before, built up on both love and lust. Their tempo was fast and fevered. Ron thrust into Hermione deeply, making her cry out both with pleasure, and with a sort of pain that felt good. Hermione dug her nails into Ron's back and buttocks as he crushed his mouth to hers, intermingling their tongues. He moaned into her mouth as she rolled them over so she was on top of him, moving back and forth quickly as he grasped her thighs to help maintain the motion. She inhaled sharply, feeling herself coming to climax. She cried out Ron's name as she let go. Ron pushed himself up so he was sitting with Hermione straddling his waist and he held her to him as she came down from her erotic high. Hermione's hands threaded in Ron's hair as he sucked at her breasts and continued to move in time with her breathing. He raised his head and looked into her eyes so deeply that she felt she would drown in the blue of his. Gently, he lowered her onto his pillow, never breaking eye contact, and took one of her hands, placing it over his heart.

"It's yours, Hermione." Ron whispered. "It always has been and I promise you that it always will be."

Hermione was too overcome with emotion at the tenderness of Ron's words to speak, so she raised her head and kissed him as tears overflowed her eyes and fell into her hair. Hermione kept her hand pressed to Ron's chest and felt the beats increase in tempo as Ron moved, quicker and quicker until he finally reached his climax. After, he collapsed next to Hermione, grasping the hand that she was holding to his chest and holding her as close to him as was physically possible. The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing as they looked into each other's eyes and spoke a thousand thoughts without saying a single word. After what could have been an eternity, but felt like no time at all, Ron leaned in and kissed Hermione passionately.

"I love you." He whispered.

"I love you too." She answered, raising his hand to her lips and kissing it.

"I'm going to marry you, Hermione." Ron said suddenly, playing with a strand of hair that had fallen in front of her face. Hermione felt her heart stop.

"What?" she breathed in surprise.

"I'm going to marry you. And we're going to live in a house with a big kitchen so all our family can have dinner with us on the holidays. And, we'll have a garden where our kids can play with Harry and Ginny's. And, maybe we'll have a house-elf - one that we pay wages to, of course." Ron smiled at Hermione, who had tears rolling down her face. Ron raised his hand and wiped them away with his thumb.

"Will you marry me, Hermione?" Ron asked. He didn't have a ring, and Hermione knew he didn't mean right away, but she didn't at all doubt the sincerity of the proposal.

"Yes." Hermione whispered. She leaned closer to Ron and kissed him passionately.

Ron smiled and closed his eyes. He was still holding Hermione's hand against his chest. She concentrated on the rhythm of his beating heart as it slowed and Ron's breathing became deeper. When soft snores started escaping his lips, Hermione rolled over and spooned herself into him. She closed her eyes, and fell asleep smiling, wrapped in the embrace of the person she knew she would be spending forever with. It was, by far, the best Christmas of her life.