*Author's note. So, these chapters are getting longer and longer. I started this as a One-shot but the ideas kept coming to me and so I apologize to those who began it thinking it'd be a quick, five-minute read and I thank those of you who've stuck with it and even reviewed! But be warned, I'm not sure how long this sucker will end up being. I really appreciate it.

Chapter Four

Hermione manually flipped on the desk light in her quiet bedroom. The purple walls seemed to blaze against the setting sun, the Muggle posters and photographs that littered the wall still seemed strangely tranquil to her. Pig had just arrived, rapping at her window. She gave him a few courtesy pets, although her real focus was on the parchment the tiny owl had brought with him.

'Hermione,

I'm just going to come right out and say it, I miss you like mad! I can hardly sleep without you next to me, guess in some way I got spoiled last year.'

Hermione stopped reading and smiled, very glad that Ron was having trouble sleeping. Even though she was grateful to be spending some time in her large, cozy childhood bed, she felt the exact same way. She had yet to feel refreshed in the morning, not since she spent her last night next to Ron two weeks ago. She would have not admitted it to him, though, and was surprised at his revelation.

'Hope you're having fun with your parents. Everyone here is fine, still adjusting. I've been helping George with the shop since you left and it's been bloody crazy but we're both glad for the distraction. Also, Harry and I got letters from the Ministry. We've both been officially accepted to Auror training, which starts Sept. 9th. They're even going to pay for our housing! That was the bit I was most excited about. Harry and I are going to begin looking for flats tomorrow. We're thinking someplace outside Hogsmeade, that way we can be sure to meet you and Ginny up when you have breaks. By the way, is McGonagall planning to hold you lot to the same rules as normal 7th years? You are of age after all.'

Hermione hadn't thought about this and wondered if the new Headmistress had considered it either. She was, as Ron had put it, of age; almost nineteen years old. Would she be permitted to leave the castle grounds more often than an underage student? What if she wanted to meet Ron and Harry for a butterbeer one night? Or spend the night with Ron? Would her adult status give her special privileges or would the fact that Hogwarts would be accommodating extra students be all the more reason to obey the rules? Hermione blushed inwardly. Thinking of leaving Hogwarts to drink alcohol was so…frivolous! Never mind that, all the things she might do with Ron in an empty flat was enough to shake her to her core. She smiled and quickly let the thought go to continue reading.

'I know you weren't planning on leaving your parents until Kings Cross but I wondered if you might come out the night before? Thought it'd be nice to take you out to dinner, a proper date. Plus, I'd love to spend a bit of time with you before you leave for school, just in case McGonagall doesn't give a Goblin's arse that you're of age and I have to get used to only seeing you once every few months. (Merlin, that'd be rough!)

I know you've probably already made plans with your mum and dad and I understand if you can't make it, just wanted to put it out there. If you're up for it meet me at Potion 9 in Diagon Alley at 7. Let me know either way.

Thinking about you,

Ron'

She laughed out loud. A proper date, how could she say no to that? The past few months had been so chaotic they hadn't managed to go out together. To be fair, she hadn't even thought about it. Through all of the madness she had been perfectly satisfied just being able to snog him whenever she liked. Hermione altered her day's plans in a fraction of a second. She tore out of her room and down the stairs, hoping that her mother would be in the mood for a day of shopping.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hermione gazed around at the luxurious décor of the candle-lit restaurant. What was Ron playing at? This was breathtaking, and far too extravagant. Her insides flipped. "Miss?" a server broke her attention.

"Oh, yes. I'm meeting someone here."

The server nodded knowingly. "Mr. Weasley, correct?"

Hermione's brows shot up in surprise. "Why, yes. How…"

The server smiled, "Excuse me, Miss Granger. I didn't mean to pry, it's just that…well, I recognized you both from the papers…you're very famous. I'm pretty sure the whole the restaurant watched him walk in. And now, here you are. We sat Mr. Weasley in our most private booth. Right this way."

Hermione followed as the server led her through beautiful couples who were eating beautiful meals. Each grew silent as she passed, watching her with wonder. She smoothed her short black shirt and adjusted her crème, silk top, trying to keep her eyes forward. 'You're very famous', the server's words echoed in her brain. Famous? She never thought about it like that. She had been interviewed, her picture had been taken, but everyone's had. It was at then that Hermione realized the enormous affect of the last year's events. They had been fighting for each other, for their home; all very personal things. She fought for her parents, her school, her friends, and for her and Ron, without ever broadening her scope. She hadn't realized then that their success brought about the survival of the whole of the wizarding world. Each and every wizard they passed from now on would probably feel gratitude toward them. Hermione felt unworthy.

"Here you are, Miss Granger. Enjoy." The server swept to the side and the concerning dialog crashing around in her mind was immediately silenced. Hermione saw Ron stand from the booth, looking dashing in a dark suit, holding his arms wide open.

"My God, Hermione. You're bloody beautiful." He swept her up into a hug before she could respond. Ron placed a kiss on her neck before pulling back and kissing her properly. Hermione felt her stomach flip-flop. They had only been apart for three weeks while she was away with her parents, but she somehow felt as if this was their first kiss all over again.

They broke apart and sat, both grinning foolishly. They ordered food and butterbeer, and even a celebratory round of firewhiskey. They toasted to Hermione being a 7.5th year at Hogwarts and Ron being accepted into Auror training. Hermione told him how the server called her famous and Ron gave a colorful reenactment of a child asking him for an autograph the other day. Hermione almost cried from laughter. She told him how long it had taken her to pack for school and that it took even longer for her parents to say goodbye.

"I hope they aren't angry at me for stealing you away a day early." Ron said through mouthfuls of steak.

"Not at all. Mum had to talk to Dad a bit, but he came around."

"Blimey, Hermione. What does your Dad think of me, then?"

"It's not you, Ronald. It's just the simple fact that his little girl wants to spend time with another man, is all. It's natural. He adores you!" She added reassuringly, flattered at Ron's desire to impress her father.

Hermione's stomach froze a bit when the check arrived. She had known Ron so long and didn't want him to think he had to impress her by spending money. "Let me help you with that, Ron."

"Don't be daft! I invited you out. And you better get used to it." He countered, looking slightly offended.

"And I appreciate it. This has been so much fun, but Ron, it can't be cheap." Hermione said in a hushed voice.

"It isn't," he said truthfully, "and I'm glad because you're worth it. Plus, I've got some extra money, helping George these past few weeks. And, Harry and I found flats at a wicked price. He'll be living just above me. It'll be close to you as well".

"I'm so excited." She grinned, happy to see Ron looking so confident.

"Me too. Finally, feels like things are coming together, aye?"

Hermione nodded.

XXXXXXXX

Ron and Hermione strolled hand-in-hand along a darkened Diagon Alley, looking into windows of stores that had long since closed for the night. The street was deserted except for a pair of middle-aged witches who starred as they past. Hermione was being to think she understood what Harry had been going through all these years. She strolled along, eagerly listening as Ron went on and on about the training he was expecting to receive his first week. When they reached the end of the street, he led her to the nearby bench without missing a beat. They sat and Hermione draped her legs over Ron's lap, glad to be off her feet.

She broke into his talking without thinking. "I'll miss you, Ron."

He turned toward her, tucking a loose curl behind her ear. "I'll miss you too. I hope McGonagall lets you out whenever you please. If not, well, poor Pig is going to get one hell of a workout with the way I'm going to be writing you." Hermione laughed. She was so excited to return to school but she knew things wouldn't be the same without Ron and Harry. Ron's voice broke her thoughts. "I've gotten you something." He sounded nervous.

Hermione smiled, although her brow was furrowed in confusion. "What? Ron, why are you buying me things?"

"Oh, come off it. It's my job now, isn't it? To spoil you a bit, I mean. Besides, it's nothing really, I wish I could give you more...and if you don't like it, I understand… and…"

"Honestly, Ron!" Hermione playfully shook his forearm to refocus him.

"Right." He pulled a long, slender box from inside his jacket and handed it to her. Hermione could see the fear in his eyes, hoping against hope that she would love whatever was in the box. She already loved whatever it was. Slowly she pulled the box open and a small necklace was revealed. It was a single ruby that hung from a dainty golden chain. "Gryffindor colors. I know you look good in them." He whispered shakily.

Hermione felt her eyes become misty. She was speechless. Ron continued. "I wanted you to have something from me to keep close to you while we are apart. I hope you think it's…you know…romantic."

Hermione looked into his bright blue eyes. Even through the dark night they seemed to be glowing. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. "Ron…it's the most romantic thing. It's perfect. I'm going to wear it all the time." She quickly pulled the necklace from its box and fastened the clasp around her neck. "What do you think?" She asked leaning away from him.

Ron pulled back a bit to take in the sight of her. If he weren't sitting down he might have tumbled from the pride he felt seeing her in the necklace he chose, smiling. He brought his hand to her cheek and looking into her eyes. He took in a gulp of air. "I'm in love with you."

Hermione's smile raced from her face, leaving her with an expression of shock. Her instinct was to question what he had just said. She had, after all, dreamed of him saying those words for years. Still, she hadn't expected him to say it in response to her necklace. She smiled once more, feeling her eyes becoming misty and willing them not to spill over. "I'm in love with you too, Ron." She pulled him close and kissed him slowly. "I love you," she said confidently, placing her forehead against his. She couldn't believe they were finally saying it out loud. After all they'd been through the moment felt beautifully unreal.

He pulled her off the bench and into a hug, spinning her in circles, "I love you so much." She could feel Ron smiling into her hair and was sure he knew she was grinning as well. "How did I get so lucky? Me? Hermione Granger loves me!" He yelled into the night at nobody, at the world.

XXXXXXXXXXX

The next morning was the day the train was due to leave for Hogwarts and the Ministry sent security to Platform 9 ¾ to prevent journalists from bombarding the quartet with questions and photographers from hiding in garbage cans for juicy pictures. Their families did not join Harry and Ron to see Hermione and Ginny off as was the Ministry's suggestion, assuming that the less people they had to see safely in, the better. Hermione preferred it this way. She would feel a bit awkward saying goodbye to Ron properly if her father was there.

They passed through the crowd of waiting photographers outside the station like proper celebrities, trying to shield their eyes from the blinding flash of the cameras.

One reporter called out with desperation. "Mr. Potter. Any truth to the rumor that Minister Shaklebolt has requested you as his second in command?"

To the thrill of the crowd of reporters who collectively silenced themselves, Harry stopped momentarily, his arm resting securely on Ginny's shoulders. "None at all, sir."

"The Ministry has registered you and Mr. Weasley under Initial Employee status. Can you tell us in what capacity you'll be working for the Ministry?" Someone yelled from the back.

"Ehm…I can't say…but definitely not politics." Ron watched Harry chuckle and the couples continued their way through the crowd.

A man nearby yelled, "Hermione! Hermione! Any comment to the announcement that Viktor Krum is giving up his Quidditch contract and leaving Bulgaria to be with you?"

"Complete rubbish, that is!" Ron spoke at the reporter, giving Hermione's hand a squeeze. "Krum bloody wishes." He spoke under his breath.

"Ginerva, how does it feel to have the world's most famous wizard as your boyfriend?"

All other shouts were ignored as they were ushered through the rest of the crowd by several Aurors, who had to use more than muscle to hold the journalists back. All four entered the scarlet train at the nearest possible entrance, the boys toting the girls' trunks behind them. They walked the length of the train and they settle their things in an empty compartment, never mentioning the pandemonium they had just gone through. Ron said goodbye to Ginny and Harry to Hermione, and several minutes later Hermione and Ron stood alone near the end of the platform, far from any prying eyes. She didn't feel ready to say goodbye.

The train whistled loudly, reminding Hermione that she didn't have a choice. Smoke surrounded them as they embraced. Hermione felt his crushing embrace and hoped she would remember it forever. Ron pulled back to place a tender kiss on Hermione's lips.

"I love you, Mione."

"I love you too, Ron." She stepped up onto the train and leaned down for one last hug.

Ron blushed as he spoke into her neck, "Write me tonight, alright?"

"I will, I promise." A warning signal sounded, letting everyone know the train was departing. Hermione let go of him and stood in the doorway grasping her necklace. Why was it so bloody hard to say goodbye to him? Logic told her she would see him in four weeks but her heart seemed only to know that she hadn't kissed him for five seconds. She pushed past the sensation as the train gave its first lurch forward. Ron took a few jogging steps along her and jumped for one last kiss and before Hermione knew it, she was back in the compartment happily chatting with Ginny. Although it would be much different this time around, she was on her way back to Hogwarts.