Story Title: Fallen

Pairing: Ron/Hermione (Romione)

Summary (extended):Beginning follows the basic outline of The Deathly Hallows, Part I, with few deviations. Develops into a story focused more around the love between Ron and Hermione. There will be fluff, there will be sexual content, and there will be cussing. With this story, I intend to capture the beauty and struggle of their affection. So enjoy!

Disclaimer:I'm not JK Rowling; I don't own the rights to Harry Potter. I wish I did, but that's another story.

Individual chapter rating: T for sexual references

A/N: Oh wow, I didn't expect this to end so soon. I was going to make it longer, but my mind has other plans. Onto the next story! But I did have fun spending my time on this story, and I hope you all enjoyed it. If it is widely requested, I would be willing to perhaps write a sequel, or do an author's cut of the Ron/Hermione scene in this chapter (the cut would come with an intense M-rating). Anyway, let me know! Thank you all =)

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Fallen

Written by Illuminate the Shadows

Beta'd by Innocent Sinner in Hell

Chapter Five

- The Finale -

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He gazed into my eyes for what seemed like eternity. All was relatively quiet, save for the distant howl of the wolves. Only when I had discovered the flecks of green in his eyes and I was convinced he'd explored the depths of my soul, did he speak.

"I couldn' do it, 'Mione. I couldn' be away from you like that." His voice was but a murmur; quiet and soft. His eyes strayed from mine to linger on my lips. "You've got no idea what those summers did to me. Blimey, I'm happier now, even with all the danger, just because I don't have to be away from you for so long."

Searching his eyes, I found nothing but honesty. But he was afraid. The man who had just fought skilled Death Eaters fearlessly was afraid of little, harmless me. Smiling faintly, my eyes shifted to his hand as it appeared from under the blankets. I met his gaze once again as his fingers touched my cheek. The pads of his fingers were so soft, contrasting with his palm, which I knew was toughened from Quidditch.

Holding my breath, I waited, but all he did was smooth his thumb over my skin. Closing my eyes, I leaned into his touch. "I'm glad you came back. I would not be alive, otherwise."

"You brought me back, Hermione," he murmured as I rested my temple against his shoulder. Our bodies were flush with the lightest of touches. "You'll always bring me back to where I need to be."

I felt him rest his head against mine, exhaling slowly. Not really caring if Harry found us like this in the morning, I basked in the bliss of being enveloped in his warmth; his delightfully addicting scent.

The past four nights alone, then this… It was worth it.

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Slinging my back over my shoulder, I followed Harry, with Ron by my side.

"We're apparating, aren't we?" Ron questioned. His tone was apprehensive; it was pretty obvious why.

"Yes. Once we get out of the forested area. More of a clear shot." Harry remained ahead of us, and we fell silent as we walked.

The sound of leaves crunching under out feet broke the quiet atmosphere of the woods. Trusting Harry knew where he was going, I kept my head down to watch for tree roots that could potentially trip me. For one short moment, Ron's hand touched mine, accidentally brushing it. My heart picked up speed, and I struggled not to blush. Ron pretended not to have noticed it.

Birds chirped nearby, lingering in the branches above. Then it happened again. Only this time, he held on. His fingers wove into mine. His hand was so warm, and engulfed my own. Unable to hide my blush this time, I glanced at him, lips slightly parted in surprise. His lopsided smirk was trademark "Ron". Smiling, I walked closer to him.

I'm still dreaming…

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Standing at the top of the world, I admired the view. Green stretched as far as the eye could see. Gulls floated overhead the blue-green lakes. Like stained glass, the water shimmered and reflected the flying bodies. The wind whipped against my figure, blowing my hair back forcefully.

"Enjoying the view?"

Turning to face Ron, I brushed my light brown curls from my face. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"

His expression was serene. "Come with me?" He extended a hand. "I want to show you something."

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"What'll happen, if we can't find all the Horcruxes?"

Moving away from the lakeshore, I sat cross-legged next to him. He leaned back, propping himself up with his arms, legs outstretched. "We will. We have to believe we will." Regarding him with slight apprehension, I shook my head. "It's daunting."

"And to think, with all this going on; all these things that are so much larger than us, and we're so concerned about…" His voice trailed off, but I knew what he meant. We're both so caught up in our relationship. It's silly, really. Gazing at Ron, I furrowed my brows.

"It's what makes us human. What we have that Voldemort never will," I spoke softly.

Ron's eyes were captivating. "Love."

I adverted my gaze to the glittering ripples of water. Falling silent, I felt at peace for the first time in months.

"I'm keepin' watch tonight, yeah?"

"Yes," I mumbled, recollecting my thoughts as I rejoined the conscious world. "Then me."

All was quiet again as I watched a ladybug crawl on my scarf, which lay on the ground beside Ron's knee.

"Did you get better sleep last night with me there?"

Turning to look at him immediately, I nearly shouted. "How do you know that?"

"Bloody hell." Ron held his hands up in mock surrender. "You talk in your sleep, 'Mione. Don't kill me."

His words emitted a smirk from me. Moving to sit on my feet, I narrowed my eyes. "How dare you listen to my sleep-talk? I might have to…" Crawling toward him, I clicked my teeth at him. He laughed.

"Oh no."

"Attack you!" His eyes widened.

"'Mione, don't–" I pounced. "Aah!" He impulsively tickled me, forcing me into a breathless surrender.

"No, don't, Ron… Please don't, aah!" As I collapsed onto him in a giggling mess, he ceased the torture, the sound of his laughter resonating through his chest.

"Ahem."

Raising my head, I felt my cheeks burn at the fight of Harry. What made it worse was his knowing grin.

"Aren't you two joining me for dinner?"

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"'Night Harry," I murmured, passing him on my way out of the tent.

It was chilly outside, but the sky was clear. All the stars were visible, as well as a swollen full moon. The orange flames of the fire emitted cozy warmth as I sat next to Ron on the log. He was rubbing his hands together.

"Aren't you goin' to bed?"

Shaking my head, I stole a glance at him. "Not quite yet. I'm not tired."

Ron sighed, and I distracted my mind by staring at the fire.

"I reckon Harry's asleep?"

Blinking, I shrugged, but his words jogged my memory. Slipping my wand from its concealed place in my pocket, I discreetly covered my mouth with my hand.

"Muffliato," I whispered, flicking my wand toward the tent.

"'Mione?"

"Hm?" I responded, a bit too fast. Stuffing my wand back in my pocket, I turned my head toward him. He either didn't notice my somewhat sneaky actions, or chose to ignore them.

"D'you think its time for me to cut my hair?"

I raised my eyebrows. His question was so absurd; so out of place, that it was all I could do to stifle a giggle.

"No, I think your hair looks better when it's a bit shaggy." He smiled, and then silence fell over us again. I turned my gaze to the forest beyond the fire, to my left. Wolves called to each other, their howls majestic. I turned to Ron to ask him how close he thought they were.

Then it happened. The breath I had inhaled never came out. He was so close; within mere inches of my face. The scent of his breath triggered the closure of my eyes.

It was the gentlest touch of lips. Once he realized I wasn't going to try to escape, he pressed his mouth to mine, arms coming around my body. Dizzy, I succumbed to him without hesitation. My heart was fit to pound out of my chest when he finally pulled back.

"I've wanted to do that for years."

Trembling slightly, I let out a soft breath of laughter. He kissed my temple.

"Good thing you cast that charm on Harry," he murmured. I blushed; he had noticed! I raised my eyes to his as he continued. "Because I'm gonna put it to the test."

My eyes grew wide at what he was getting at. Blushing, I watched his eyes shift to follow the movements of his fingers as he undid the top button of my shirt. Wrapping my fingers around his wrists, I ceased his movements.

His gray eyes, full of promise, met mine. "Don't you trust me?"

My mouth was so dry that I feared my ability to speak would fail me. Letting out a soft breath, I nodded. "Yes."

His kiss was chaste.

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The sun dawned much too early. Stretching luxuriously, I winced a bit at the soreness. Paying it no mind, I opened my eyes into slits and peered around. No sign of Ron; he was still outside, having stayed to keep guard after our affair. Mortified at the thought of Harry's suspicions, I'd insisted that I go in once twilight appeared. Letting my mind linger on recollections of last night, I sat up and stretched once again.

Movement came from Harry's sleeping bag. I smiled at his unruly hair as he rolled over. Upon seeing me awake, he propped himself up on one elbow.

His hand shifted under the sheet, and he produced his wand. Holding it up, I eyed him in confusion. Curious. What's he…?

His lips stretched into a grin. "Nice try with Muffliato, Hermione."

FIN.