Just a Wizard

Chapter Eleven

Hermione had just come back downstairs after dressing when the fireplace in the parlour announced an incoming floo-call. She glanced up and down the hall and then shrugged, deciding to get it herself since Tilly was nowhere to be seen.

"Hello?" she said, stepping into the doorway and staying in the shadows.

"Well, well, well. Hello, pretty. Thought I'd forgotten about you?"

Hermione jumped then gasped as her hand went to her throat at the man's head hovering in the flames. It couldn't be, could it?

"Well, don't think you can run away this time. You should be more careful what concerts you happen to take part in," the voice went on and she felt the blood leave her face. "Seeing those daft singers carry you out there, I thought all my birthdays had come at once. I know where you are now pretty, so make sure you wait up for me alright?" he said and then there was a flicker and his head disappeared from the flames, letting her know he had disconnected the call. She shakily stood staring at the fireplace like it had grown two heads.

She had hoped she'd never hear Roman Castleton's voice, or see his face ever again but it seemed her hopes had been futile. He had found her again. Now what should she do? She had to tell Remus. He would know how to deal with this.

Ron found her in the doorway to the parlour still standing, staring at the fireplace and he frowned, taking in her pale colour. "What's the matter?"

She jumped at the sound of his voice and cleared her throat. "He just floo called."

"Who? Who called?" he asked, puzzled.

"Castleton, Roman Castleton," she said quietly, chewing her lip.

"The one who sent you those damn letters? He floo-ed you...here?" he asked, his voice at a growl when he realized who she was talking about. "How the bloody hell did he get this location?"

"I don't know. He found me...again."

He noticed she was shaking and he pulled her to him, tilting her chin up with one big finger. "What did he say to you?"

"He said to make sure I waited up for him," she whispered, taking a deep breath to try and steady her nerves. It didn't work. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes, holding onto him as though he could make the floo call go away. "I'm scared... maybe I should leave before someone else gets hurt -"

She felt him close his large arms around her tightly, his breath puffing out on her hair as he lowered his head to nuzzle against her.

"I know you are love, but you're not going anywhere. Don't you worry about anything, I'll make sure he doesn't get within three meters of you!" His voice was harsh and she could feel his muscles tightening in anger, but it didn't scare her. It made her feel safe. "If I have to use a permanent sticking charm, I will!" he vowed.

His words made her briefly forget her own worry. "Every second?" she asked softly, thinking of what that would be like.

Ron felt the change in her and pulled back slightly, looking down at those wide eyes. "Yeah, every single second."

"Even at night?"

"Oh, yeah. Especially at night," he murmured, bending down to kiss her soft mouth, frowning in concentration as he savoured her.

By the time he drew back Hermione had all but forgotten about the floo-call, her entire focus being on his mouth.

"But that wouldn't be possible," she said softly, frowning as she thought about it. "You have to work and... and..."

He leaned down and kissed her again, shutting her up. "I have time due to me. I'll talk to Remus and then maybe we can go stay at my place for a while. This Roman won't be able to trace you there. Plus it may give Remus time to find out where he is and get rid of him."

"Your place?"

"Mmm-hmm, in Chudley... well, just outside Chudley. You'll like it, I think," he said, framing her face in his big hands.

"What's it like?"

"It's a working magical creature reserve. Charlie runs it when I'm not there and they (they who? Does Charlie have a wife? Kids? Explain who 'they' is...briefly w/o too much detail) live in a house on the estate. My own house is only ever occupied by me," he said, his thumbs stroking her cheeks, "and you, if you agree to join me. I'd really love for you to see the place."

She couldn't keep the pleased look from her face. He wanted her to see his home, and suddenly she forgot all about Castleton and gave a brilliant smile, making him catch his breath. "I'd love to come and stay with you," she said dreamily, still smiling.

Ron found himself grinning back at her. "I'd love to have you there," he replied, thinking of just where he would like her to be sleeping when she got there. Not straight away of course, he didn't want to scare her off. "I'll talk to Remus about that later, then. First we have to let him know about this floo call. You sit right there," he directed, placing her in a chair just inside the hallway and then going to the fireplace and calling Remus.

Hermione watched him take charge of the situation through the open door. He told Remus what had happened, giving advice now and then and listening to what the older man was saying. When he ended the call he noticed her concerned stare and smiled reassuringly at her, holding his hand out which she hurriedly rushed over and took.

"There, Remus is going to call the Legion Authorities, and Aurors Office and set the wheels in motion. If this Castleton person is anywhere nearby they'll find him, so you don't have to worry anymore okay? For now, do you think you're up to going out for lunch?"

"I think so," she said, not really sure, still feeling tired, but she wanted to stick next to him wherever he went.

"Good. I've got an agency car outside so we can drive to the nearest muggle diner and have something hot and incredibly fattening to eat, just to help you get some meat on those bones," he said, smirking.

"And that's the only reason? It's not because you just want something huge to eat then?" she prompted, smiling at his guilty expression.

"Well, okay, maybe I am getting a bit hungry..." he trailed off and grabbed her up against him again. "You wouldn't want me getting all thin on you now would you?" he drawled, grinning unrepentantly.

Hermione shivered at the deep rumble of his voice, biting her lip and shaking her head, her expression earning a suspicious look from the big man holding her.

"Hmm, seems to me you like when I talk like that," he murmured, thinking back to what she had said once before about his voice being sexy. "I think that I may have to use that to my advantage sometime in the near future!"

Hermione blushed but didn't look away from his mesmerizing blue eyes, loving every thing about this man and wondering if it would be okay to tell him that. She decided that maybe it would just be embarrassing because she didn't know how he felt about her yet. Besides, they hadn't been a couple very long, maybe her feelings were just confused. She didn't really think so, but she would wait and see.

Ron smiled at the vast array of emotions crossing her face.

"Come on, let's go. Today we have the rental, tomorrow my bike will be here and I can finally get you behind me for a nice ride."

"Your bike?"

"Yep, one of my Harleys. You won't be scared of getting on a bike will you?"

"No, I don't think so. I've never been on one and they look kind of fast, but I bet its fun too!" she said, brightening up at the thought of going for a ride with him.

"They are fun, you'll enjoy it. Dad has charmed every last one of them." he said. He looked down at her as they walked to the car and frowned. "It's cold out here, though, and I don't want you getting any worse. Maybe I'll wait a while, just until you're a little stronger." She looked so crestfallen that he laughed. "It won't be forever, love, don't look so upset!"

"I don't want to wait," she grumbled as he put her in the car and closed the door. When he got in beside her he grinned.

"I bet you don't want to be ill again either do you?"

"Well, no, but..."

"No buts! When I think you're good and healthy then we'll go for a ride. Not before, got it?" he asked her, trying to look stern and failing miserably because he couldn't stop smiling when he was with her.

"Okay, but I don't like it," she said huffily, folding her arms over her chest.

"Well, well, well. I never knew you sulked. You've always seemed so sweet," he said, starting the car and driving smoothly away from the house and down the long winding driveway. "I always knew you had an awful temper, but now I find you hit people and you sulk. I guess I'll have to sort you out sooner or later."

"Sort me out?" she asked after a few seconds of silence, wondering what he meant.

"Yeah. Maybe if I tanned that hide of yours you would go back to being sweet and lovely to me," he mused, casting her a sidelong glance and smirking.

Hermione laughed at his teasing. "Like I'd let you get away with using a spanking hex on me!"

"Oh really, you think you could stop me?"

"I didn't say I'd be able to stop you, I said I wouldn't let you get away with it," she replied, smirking back at him.

"Oh? And what would you do?" he asked, scoffing at her ability to make him pay.

"Hey, don't be too confident just because you're bigger than me! I managed to get you down in the training circle, remember?"

"True," he admitted grudgingly, smiling at the memory, "but that doesn't mean you'll ever be able to do it again. I always learn from my mistakes, you know."

"Okay, well, we'll see then won't we? I am very good with a wand," Hermione said, and gave a laugh at his outraged expression.

"You seem to be feeling brave for someone who happens to be very weak at the moment," he said, stopping at a set of lights and tapping his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel.

"Well, that's because I know you wouldn't be mean to me when I'm not well, so I can pretty much say what I like to you at the moment! Besides, my magic still works regardless," she replied smugly, watching with concealed pleasure at the way he handled the car. She loved watching him.

"And that's what you think, is it? You realise I'll only add them all up again and pay you back at a later date?" he replied, equally smugly.

Hermione's face fell and she chewed on her lip. "Oh, I didn't think of that."

"Ah, see? Shows you should use your brain more!" Ron said as he pulled into the parking lot of a local diner.

"I have always been the brains of the operation Ronald!" she protested as he turned in his seat to look at her affectionately.

He leaned forward suddenly and slanted his mouth over hers, expertly opening her lips and delving inside to taste her. Hermione's eyes closed and she leaned helplessly into his embrace, forgetting what they had been talking about as he ravaged her mouth.

"Use your brain now, then," he said huskily as he pulled back, watching with amusement as she stared blankly up at him. "See? I can turn you into a complete dolt in less than five seconds," he crowed, laughing when she suddenly realised what he was saying and slapped his arm. "Attacking me again? Okay then, we can start from right now if you like. That's one," he said as he got out of the car.

Hermione didn't wait for him to reach her side, opening her door and jumping out just as he got to her and giving him a cheeky grin.

He put his hands on his hips and glared at her. "What did I tell you about that? Get back in the car!" He didn't wait for her to reply before he bundled her back in then made an enormous show of opening her door for her and offering his hand to help her out. Hermione was laughing so hard by now that her eyes were full of tears.

"You fool," she said, giggling at his mannerisms.

"But you love me anyway," he murmured, kissing her fingers. "And that's two," he continued, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm and escorting her inside the diner, missing her shocked expression at his words. Did he know how she felt? Did it matter if he did? She decided not to worry about it right now, and simply enjoy the meal.

They spent a pleasant couple of hours eating and chatting, Ron trying to make her eat far more than she could comfortably cope with right now. He shrugged when she left a whole heap of food and helped himself to it. "I hate waste," he said, trying to defend himself as he wolfed down the remainder of her meal.

Hermione watched him happily and then gave a huge yawn, catching his attention.

"You're tired," he said softly, brushing his fingers against her cheek. "I should have seen it earlier, you aren't ready to be out just yet. Come on," he said, throwing a wad of muggle money on the table and getting up, "let's get you home."

"I'm okay," Hermione protested belatedly, not wanting him to leave her alone at the house and go off somewhere else. He read her expression correctly and smiled, pulling her against his side as they walked out to the car.

"I'm not going anywhere, Ninny, so you don't have to give me that look."

"You're not?"

"Nope. Remus asked me to stay at your house instead of a hotel and, if it's okay with you of course, that's exactly what I'll be doing. Got any objections?"

"No!" she said quickly before he could change his mind.

He chuckled and put her in the car, joining her a few seconds later. "Are you saying you'll enjoy me being with you?"

"I might," she admitted, trying to not sound too eager, even if it was a bit late.

"Hey, don't try and change your mind now, you're stuck with me!" he said, sounding slightly offended.

For a second she thought he was serious, but then she looked at him and saw the teasing light in his eyes and she couldn't help smiling. "How long will you be staying?"

"Until after Christmas, I've got assignments scheduled until New Year. After that I'll arrange for us to go to Chudley, and I can finally have you on your own!" He gave her a leering look and started the car.

"What will you do to me?" she asked after they'd been driving for a few minutes.

"You sure you really want to know?" he asked, his voice deep.

She glanced at his profile and bit her lip. "Maybe not."

"Coward," he murmured, concentrating on getting back to the house in one piece before his wayward thoughts made him crash.

Hermione sat and watched him drive, content to simply do that. She almost didn't realise that the car had come to a stop and that they were home, it was only the way he sat and stared at her that made her aware of where they were.

"Planning on sitting here all day?"

"I wasn't paying attention," she said, smiling as she reached for the door handle, knowing it would get a rise out of him.

"Don't even think about it," he warned, grabbing her hand and squeezing it. He released it a second later and jumped out of the car, staring at her through the windscreen as he made his way round to her door, opening it with exaggerated courtesy. He raised his eyebrows in surprise when she got out and walked straight past him. "What's this? Not calling me a fool again?"

"What would be the point in telling you something you already know?" she said cheekily, grinning at him and continuing indoors with him following her.

"Oh I like that. Well, that's three I guess," he said with a smile, his hand snaking out to rest in the small of her back as he followed her up the stairs and into her sitting room. "What are we doing up here?"

"I thought you might like to rest for a while, watch muggle TV and have a cup of coffee or something?" she said, feeling nervous all of a sudden now that she had him in her room again.

"Oh?" he murmured, moving closer until he was towering over her, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "I like the sound of the 'or something'. What would that consist of, Ninny?"

Hermione was caught by his blue gaze and couldn't look away. She tried to think of something to say and couldn't come up with anything plausible, so she opted for the truth. "Just a cuddle, if you wanted to."

"Oh I think I could manage that," he said, picking her up suddenly and then sitting down on the big sofa, settling her on his lap. He reached for the remote control and turned the TV on, flicking through the channels until he found some football and then leaning back with a smile on his face. It soon disappeared when he looked at Hermione and found her staring at the telly with a grimace on her face. "What's wrong? Don't you like football?"

She turned her gaze to him. "Well, not really... I would really rather watch Quidditch. I can't get into this for some reason. I don't really understand it all that well."

"Well, that's okay, I can explain the rules for you, then maybe you'll enjoy it, huh?" He proceeded to do just that, explaining what a player was doing when she asked.

She didn't really enjoy it, but she did love the feeling of being on his lap with his big arms holding her and she settled her head on his chest, giving into the temptation that had been with her all day. She closed her eyes and relaxed fully, her weak body finally relenting and she slowly fell asleep.

Ron's arms tightened around her and he leaned his head back on the sofa, letting his eyes drift closed, the football game forgotten.

"Emma, come and look at these two," Remus said, laughing as he grabbed his wife's hand and led her along to Hermione's sitting room where she and Ron were fast asleep on the sofa, the television blaring in the background. He had only got in from the office a half an hour before and when he had come upstairs to change his clothes he'd decided to look in on Hermione just to see how she was feeling. He'd been amused to find both of them snoring on the sofa.

"Ah, don't they look sweet? Do you think we should wake them up for dinner?" Emmeline asked, smiling as she stared at the younger couple.

"I guess we should but it won't be ready for about an hour yet, will it? Plus we have to wait for Daphne. We'll leave them for now. Merlin knows she could do with the rest," Remus said, pleased to see Hermione almost back to normal.

"So you've finally come to a decision about them, then?" Emmeline prompted, raising her eyebrows.

"I guess so. He's good for her as I've said before. Now all I have to do is learn to butt out of her life and everything should work out just fine. She loves him, you know?" Remus said, his gaze returning to Hermione who was lying so trustingly against the big man.

Emmeline followed his gaze and smiled, taking her husband's hand. "I know she does. He loves her too, and he always has. He just doesn't know it yet. They really haven't changed much from Hogwarts."

"Poor guy," Remus murmured, smiling at his wife. "He'll be strung up like a prize niffler before he knows it, just like I was."

"You didn't have any complaints as I recall," she said, looking at him affectionately.

"Well, no, not that you knew about anyway. That's why I feel sorry for Ron. Poor, dolt of a wizard," he said, laughing as his wife hit his arm and they walked away from the room.

Emmeline went to get change, shaking her head and smiling. She had learned, in the past, that her husband always looked pleased with himself when he had done something he considered hugely important. She knew he wanted Hermione to be happy, and feel safe above all else.

Ron stirred slightly as Emmeline and Remus walked away from the door, their voices having disturbed his light sleep. He lifted his eyelids slowly and immediately looked down to see Hermione lying against him, her soft weight pressed against his hard muscle. A smile touched his mouth as he looked at her. She was so pretty. He had missed her massively over the last couple of weeks and his mind was going in circles trying to think of how to deal with what he was feeling. The best thing to do was to have her travel with him all the time, and in truth she would be there a lot anyway, what with her job. But there would still be times they'd have to be apart, and he didn't like to think about that.

If they were married she could be with him every single day. His mouth dropped open as that thought skipped suddenly across his mind. Where the hell had that come from? Married? Been there, done that, and it was like living in hell. Yeah, but wasn't that because of the person you married? a little voice reminded him. His eyes fell down at the soft features again and images of family life with Hermione started filling his head. Hermione wearing a wedding dress, being heavily pregnant with his child, of them both going to King's Cross, and Hogwarts for graduation - he found himself smiling goofily. Hermione wasn't Lavender. Hell, she was nothing at all like her. She would love him. She would love their children. She wouldn't betray him. Ron was certain of that.

He watched as her brows drew together and she stirred against him, mumbling something as she turned her face into his chest and rubbed her cheek on the fabric of his shirt.

"Hermione love, time to wake up," he said softly, stroking the back of her head.

"Don'wanna," she mumbled, her voice muffled in his shirt.

"Yeah, well, if you don't wake up now you'll wake up at four in the morning and won't be able to get back to sleep. Come on," he said, pulling her into a more upright position.

"Bully," she complained, her eyes popping open but the lids still drooping slightly where she was tired.

"Grouch," he said back, grinning at her mutinous expression. "Want to have a duel?"

"Nah, I'd beat you too easily," she said softly, smiling back at him.

"Care to bet on that?"

"I would hate to see you lose, honey," she said and laughed at his expression.

"You know well and good I wouldn't.... did you just call me honey?" he said, his eyebrows rising, a look of amazement freezing his features briefly.

"Oh, well, yes. I won't if you don't like it," she said, her voice getting quieter as she became unsure of herself.

"Oh I like it," he said, starting to smile. "I think that's the first pet name you've used for me. I like it a lot. Say it again."

"Honey," she said obediently, her eyes sparkling.

"Mmm, very nice. Got any more?" he prompted, raising an eyebrow.

"Sweetheart?" she ventured, her smile getting wider.

"Oh yeah," he murmured, lowering his mouth to hers for a quick kiss. "More."

"Darling," she said softly, opening her mouth as his lips covered hers again, kissing her deeply.

"More," he growled as he broke the kiss again.

Hermione searched for another word, finally settling on "Baby?"

Ron's growl deepened and he took her mouth again, forcing it wide open as he ravaged the soft interior, his tongue stabbing deeply inside. Hermione felt herself being moved so that she was laying on her back and he lowered himself over her, never once breaking contact with her mouth. She didn't complain, it felt like heaven to be loved by him and she didn't want it to end. He lifted his hand and gently kneaded her breast, his fingers pinching together lightly over her hardening nipple, making it peak even more and press up eagerly into his hand.

When he broke the kiss she half expected him to sit them both up, but he seemed to be in a sexual daze, his body commanding his movements. His hands feverishly pulled her top up and pushed her bra out of the way so he could get at her breasts, his mouth clamping over one hard nipple and suckling her. His actions were so designed to arouse her that she didn't have a hope of stopping him, her body arching towards his tormenting mouth and begging for more as her fingers speared through his hair and held him to her.

She vaguely felt his knee parting her legs so he could settle against her, his hips thrusting uncontrollably towards her heat, trying to ease the ache even through their clothing. It took some time, but eventually his loss of control finally started to seep through his fog of desire and he drew in a huge gulp of air, tearing himself away from her while he was still sane enough to do so and jumping off the couch, trying to calm himself down.

Hermione watched him blearily as he ran a big hand through his hair and breathed heavily, his eyes running over her and telling her graphically that he wanted to be inside her. She pulled her top down to cover herself and sat up slowly, her eyes lowering as she swallowed, feeling her own heartbeat start to return to normal.

Ron watched her fumble with her clothing and then blush, her eyes looking at the carpet in front of her. He walked back to the couch and slumped down on it next to her, putting one arm around her shoulders so he could draw her close to him.

"You know what Ninny?" he asked, tilting her chin up so she had to look at him. "I think that maybe you shouldn't use those pet names anymore."

"Why...oh, was that why?" she asked, referring to the way he had just been.

"Yeah it was. I had no idea I was that easily turned on just by a few simple words! Promise me you won't use them again unless I ask you to. Especially not in public," he said, looking shocked. "Merlin knows what I could do in front of other people!"

A wicked side she had never shown before made her smile. "So I can't call you honey? Or darling? Or baby..." she broke off and yelped when he grabbed her roughly and put her astride his legs, his teeth gritted in mock fury.

"Don't tease me unless you want me inside you right now! Can you feel this?" he asked, his eyes sparkling at her as he ground his hips up into hers. He nodded when the smile left her face and she went bright red.

"Using those words makes me as hard as a rock and more turned on than I've ever been before. I don't have everlasting willpower you know, so lay off okay?"

Hermione caught her bottom lip in her teeth as she studied him. "Are you mad at me?"

"No, I'm not mad, love. I'm just frustrated is all," he said, his voice softening as he studied her just as intently. A grin suddenly spread across his face. "Will you let me fuck your brains out?"

"Ron!" she squealed, shocked at his language even after hearing it now for some weeks.

"Don't give me that shocked rubbish. Will you let me?" he asked again, raising an eyebrow and grinning at her.

"Not when you put it like that!" she said, giving him a glare.

"Okay. How about....let's see.....will you let me shag you?" he said, his eyes crinkling with laughter as her glare intensified. "Bone you? Hump you??"

He laughed out loud when she whacked him over the head. "Molly seriously should have spanked some manners into you when you were little," she said, trying not to smile at him.

He wiggled his eyebrows at her. "You could always do it now, if you like?"

"Only if I had a whip!" she said, earning another huge grin and raised eyebrows.

"Real kinky, huh? Will you tie me up first?"

The smile broke through her reserve as she studied his face. "Like you'd let me."

"Yeah, you have a point," he admitted. He glanced down briefly and pursed his lips. "I think Ron junior's going to sleep."

Hermione took a second to realise what he meant and she blushed again. "Good," she muttered.

"If you keep blushing like that, Scarlet, he'll wake up again," he said, running a finger down her hot cheek.

"How is my blushing going to make it...er...you know," she said softly, looking down and then up again.

"You would be shocked, sweetheart, if you knew the things about you that make me hard. Hell, just watching you breathe turns me on. You're just too damn sexy for your own good!" he mused, smiling warmly at her. "One thing's for certain, I'll never need an eroticus charm."

"Don't say things like that," she blushed, frowning.

"Why not?" He studied her expression. "Does it turn you on?"

"Yes," she breathed, her eyes tracing his features raptly.

"You'll be in trouble if you keep looking at me like that, and you aren't up to the sort of things I have in mind." He smiled at the almost worshipping look she gave him, making him feel like a God in her eyes. "Shall we go downstairs and see if Remus and Emma are back yet?"

"I guess so," she sighed, leaning forward and putting her arms around his neck so she could cuddle up to him.

Ron chuckled. "That doesn't feel much like you intend going downstairs, love."

"I like it right here," she mumbled against his neck, turning her face so she could smooth her lips over the pulse point beating furiously there.

He drew in a sharp breath. "So do I, but....we can't. Not yet at least," he said, pulling her gently away from him, tempering his actions with a smile. "Okay?"

"Okay," she agreed, moving off his lap as he started to stand up. She held onto his hands as they finally made it to their feet, feeling slightly unsteady.

Ron arched an eyebrow. "You sure you're okay?"

"Yes, just...my legs feel a bit wobbly," she said, frowning.

"Mmm, I wonder why that could be?" he asked her, grinning wickedly and feigning shock when she slapped his arm. "Always attacking me, aren't you? Guess that's something I'll have to get used to, hmm? Come on, let's get moving."

Hermione let him guide her out of the room and down the stairs, smiling when she found Remus and Emmeline getting the large, oak table ready for dinner. They often did things around the house the muggle way, Remus, being used to it as a half-blood wizard.

Remus looked up at Ron as the two men sat down and he smiled knowingly. "Have a nice sleep?"

Ron instantly knew he'd seen them laying on the couch and thanked the gods that he hadn't come by the room a little while later. He plastered a devil-may-care smile on his face.

"Yeah, thanks. I had the softest pillow a man could ask for."

Remus pinned him with a look that would have cowed a weaker man. His words, however, surprised him. "I guess you did, at that."

Ron's eyebrows shot up. "What's this? You're not biting my head off?"

Remus shook his head. "No. I have other things to think about today, luckily for you. Hermione," he said, turning to face her and catching her attention, "I have a surprise for you."

"For me?" she asked, her brows drawing together slightly.

"Mmm-hmm. Well, actually two surprises, and they're for Ron here as much as you. Daffy will be here with them in a few minutes," Remus replied, grinning.

"Oh," Hermione said, not able to think of anything to say. She twisted her lips thoughtfully as she studied the werewolf. "What are they?"

"Come on now, Ninny, you don't really expect me to tell you? Ah," he said as they heard a car coming up the sweeping driveway, "seems like you won't have to wait much longer, will you?"

Both Hermione and Ron turned towards the hallway, there curiosity piqued. The murmur of voices was heard as the front door opened and they could clearly hear Daphne laugh, then a masculine voice. Although they couldn't actually see them from where they were, Hermione instantly widened her eyes. "Is that...?" she said, her stare shooting to Remus.

"Guess you'll have to go and find out for yourself!" he said, smiling at her affectionately and then chuckling as she rushed out into the hallway, Ron close on her heels.

"Harry!" she squealed and threw herself at him.

Harry Potter caught her up and swung her around in a circle, laughing out loud at her enthusiasm and nodding a greeting at Ron over her shoulder.

"Holy Cricket Harry Lovebug, you look good," she told his shoulder... and unfortunately the rest of the hall. He could see Remus' lips twitch as a smile got filed away for later. "You don't feel so bad, either." A giggle followed that one, wrapping around him warmly.

"How are you doing sweetie?" he asked her once he had put her down.

"I'm good. Are you okay? I haven't seen you for so long! Blimey you look amazing!"

And it was true. Harry Potter had grown into quite a handsome man. His hair was cut in a shorter military style, he'd lost the glasses, grown to be well over six feet and put on quite a bit of muscle. Gone was the skinny, bespectacled boy of her youth. The wizard standing before her was a man, A thumpin' sexy one at that, she thought as her hands gripped his muscled shoulders.

"I'm fine Hermione, and you don't look so bad yourself," he told her smiling widely and still holding her hand as if to confirm she were real. "Merlin, I missed you!"

"Oh, I missed you so much too!" she said, jumping to grab him around the neck.

Harry couldn't help but notice the frown Ron shot in his direction, but at the moment he couldn't bring himself to care. "Four bloody years, Hermione. Where the buggering hell have you been?"

"Oh, it's such a long story, Harry. I just... we'll talk about it another time," she said and he couldn't believe the strength of the embrace around him, her arms squeezing him so hard he thought he'd pop, like she hadn't seen him in a million years.

She hadn't. He hadn't. Maybe it had been only four or maybe it had been forty-four. He couldn't tell anymore. All he could feel was an odd sense of relief that he instantly put a name to... The trio, the dream team, Severus Snape's worst nightmare and the bane of Voldemort's very existence were back together.

Remus had, of course filled him in on everything that had been going on as of late, and it was these circumstances that were the determining factor in Harry's decision to return to England. For so many years he'd been lost. Nothing had been the same after Voldemort had finally been vanquished and Hermione Granger had mysteriously disappeared. The trio had made so many plans for what life would bring them after it was all finally over. Her disappearance had put a serious damper on that. It had been hard on both of them, but Ron had been absolutely unbearable. They both felt the gaping hole she left in their hearts, but Harry knew that Ron felt that loss more than anyone because of the deeper feelings he'd yet to express to her.

Ron, as well as Harry, had felt betrayed and subsequently became bitter. Both of them had adopted a mean streak that could rival any of the death eaters in Voldemort's inner circle at their height of power. Tempers flaring, and wands blazing, they'd been unstoppable in rounding up the remainder of the Dark Lord's servants. Anger was a much easier emotion to deal with than the heartache of such a great loss. However, after he'd started up with Lavender Ron seemed to settle for some time. Seemingly going back to the Ron Weasley he'd known since the age of Eleven - Harry Potter's happy-go-lucky best mate and brother. It was all a sham... Harry knew it but seeing his friend happy had made him reluctant to voice his trepidation, and unfortunately Ron never realized it until it was too late.

By then, the shadow of bad luck that had followed Harry from the day he was born returned and it all fell apart with Lavender's betrayal. Harry wasn't surprised by the ordeal in the least, but if possible Ron became even more unbearable and Harry knew it all stemmed back to the bitterness and loss Hermione had instilled in them both. So he'd left. Taken assignments overseas, and began spending as little time as possible with the wreck of a man Ron had become. Not that he'd had been any better himself, but if he hadn't left, Harry knew it surely would have torn their friendship apart for good.

But... now Hermione was back, and from what Remus had said when he'd contacted Harry, things were looking up. Harry was very eager to see if the rumours were true. From the look in Ron's eye, he had a sneaking suspicion that they were.

Harry carefully placed Hermione back down on the floor, holding her at arms length. His eyes flickered to Ron momentarily before he leaned in a whisper only she could hear.

"So... what gives on the Ron front?" A large smile spread over his relieved face as she blushed, and he knew immediately that all his prayers over the last four years for the happiness of his two best friends had finally been answered.

Ron watched them chat with a slight frown. He hadn't seen her this exuberant since she'd been back, all her shyness seemingly melted away. He finally looked away from them when a shorter figure moved into the house and walked straight over to him.

"Still the same big oaf, I see," Neville Longbottom said, grinning cockily at him.

"Bugger, what the bloody hell are you doing here?" Ron said, clapping the dark haired man on the shoulder and laughing. "And what's all this oaf rubbish. You're not but a few inches shorter than me and you are a hell of a lot uglier!"

Neville laughed at the banter, pleased to see his friend again after so long. "Yeah well, that still makes me the smaller oaf. As for why I'm here, well I'm back."

"Back? Stationed here?" Ron asked, looking amazed.

"Yep. I've had enough of that overseas rubbish. Remus can find himself another lackey. Harry's back for good too."

"Why haven't I heard anything about this before? What made you change your mind?" he asked.

"I needed to be back among my mates. I was tired of running. You know how good Harry is at doing that, and I just get dragged along! Anyway, enough of all that rot, tell me all about that pretty little witch Harry's talking to," Neville said, turning and running his eyes over Hermione's figure. "Still a bit thin, maybe, bit short, but Hermione Granger looks damn good these days."

Ron had to briefly remind himself that this man was his friend. "A bit thin, a bit short and a lot mine," he said sharply, making Neville turn back to him in surprise.

"You hooked up again? Serious this time?" Neville asked.

Ron nodded. "And I'm happy," he said, letting his smile return and his eyes stare at Hermione when she turned to look at him.

Neville studied him and pursed his lips. "You know, you actually do look happy for a change. She must be good for you."

"She is, she's... everything," he said faintly, his eyes softening.

Neville looked at his mate and knew instantly he was deeply in love. He wondered if Ron knew it himself yet. "So when did you two hook up then?"

"She's only been back here a few weeks, but it feels like a lot longer." He smiled and then narrowed his eyes on his friends face. "And stop looking at her like that!"

"What? Scared she'll swoon at my good looks and you'll lose her forever?" Neville joked.

Ron curled his lip and went to reply, but Harry brought Hermione over to them and he had to shut up. "Hey honey," he said, pulling Hermione to his side and holding her there with a possessive arm and a meaningful look at Neville & Harry. "Good to see you Harry, mate." He tried, but failed at holding back the gleaming smile as Harry clapped him on the shoulder, and the two men embraced briefly.

"Good to see you too, big man. I hear you've been taking good care of our girl here?"

"I try my best," he murmured pulling away from Harry and smiling as Hermione snuggled back in under his arm. The sound of Neville clearing his throat made him look up again, and he rolled his eyes with a snort. "Okay, okay. Hermione, surely you remember this big ugly lug. Neville Longbottom."

"Nice to see you again, Hermione. You look ravishing!" Neville drawled in his sexiest voice cutting Ron off, and giving her his best grin while holding her small hand for far too long, knowing that Ron was starting to get buggered off.

"Neville?" Hermione screeched, as Ron's words sunk in. "Neville Longbottom? Shy, insecure, little Neville? Crikey you look different... dishy, even!" she said in amazement, her eyes raking his frame.

Neville was the same size as Harry in every way. His long curly brown hair was pulled back from his face in a ponytail, and a handsome looking blood coloured stud glimmered in his ear. He also had a beard and moustache, and he was very good looking, but in her eyes he was no match for Ron.

"Thanks..." he responded, his smile gleaming from ear to ear as Harry choked down a burst of laughter. "Been in New Zealand huh? Nice accent," Neville said, grinning broadly at Ron.

"Let's go join Remus and Emmeline, shall we?" Ron said tightly, glaring at Neville as he steered Hermione away from him.

"So mate..." Harry began clapping him on the shoulder, "you finally back on the straight and narrow?"

Ron smiled sheepishly. "Yes." He took a deep breath reluctantly letting Hermione and Neville make their way into the dining room as he stopped Harry for a chat that was long over-due. "Listen Harry, I'm sorry..." he held up his hand as Harry opened his mouth to interrupt, "I know I've been a right git for the past few years... you never deserved any of it. I brought you down with me and I just... I need you to know that... Merlin, this is hard," Ron said as he let his shoulders slump.

This time Harry succeeded in his interruption. "It's okay Ron, I know," he said looking reassuringly at his best mate. "I don't think I did my job as your best friend either. We should have talked about it, got it out in the open. Moreover, I should have done everything in my power to stop the Lavender situation from happening when I knew in my gut it was wrong... no let me finish," he said when Ron went to make an interruption of his own. "What's important now is she's back, I'm back... we're back. We just have to make sure that nothing gets between us again."

"Damn straight," Ron said smiling the first real smile Harry had seen from him since their final year at Hogwarts.

"One more thing," he said, stopping Ron as he went to follow into the dining room, "if you screw this up in any way, don't you dare think that you'll have use of your limbs for long, you daft git!"

"Do you fancy keeping your teeth Harry?" Ron asked, his expression deadly serious despite his good mood.

"Of course I do, but we all have to do what we have to do, Ronald. What I don't fancy is spending the remainder of my life without one or both of you. I think we've all learned that it just doesn't work. This isn't one sided. She's already received a similar warning. If either of you hurts the other, I won't hesitate it knocking some sense into the culprit," Harry told him winking and walking away to join the others for dinner.

Ron was possessive for the rest of the evening, never leaving Hermione's side and always making sure he was touching her in some way, staking his claim in case Harry or Neville got any ideas. For his part, Harry seemed to find the whole thing amusing.

Just as it was getting late a floo call chimed in from the parlour and Daphne rushed out to answer it, having been expecting a call. But she came back seconds later and told Hermione it was for her.

Hermione had forgotten all about her earlier call from Roman in the excitement of the trio's reunion and so her guard was down when she went into the parlour to take the call.

"Hello again, pretty. Waiting up like I said?" Roman growled when she entered the room and she gasped and flicked her wand ending the call before stepping out of the room and slamming the door shut. A few seconds later the floo signalled again and she just stood staring at the door before her like it was alive. Ron came out in the hall and frowned.

"What's the matter, love?"

"Castleton," she said simply, staring at the parlour door, as the fireplace clanged beyond.

"Will someone please get that?" Remus bellowed from the dining room.

Hermione automatically walked into the parlour, and waved her wand.

"Don't ever do that again you slag, or you'll regret it!" Roman screamed at her.

Hermione flinched and took a retreating step back, looking helplessly at Ron. He looked furious as he stepped forward into the room, listening to the stream of abuse that Castleton was spewing out with ever increasing anger.

"You filthy bastard!" he yelled stepping up to the fireplace out of the shadows and the line instantly went dead.

Everyone in the dining room heard his bellow and they all spilled out into the hallway, staring in astonishment as Ron flung a container out the parlour door, scattering floo powder across the floor. Hermione was standing looking faint, her eyes huge.

"Was that him again?" Remus asked, moving swiftly over to Hermione with the intention of comforting her, but Ron grabbed her to him first, tucking her head against his chest and soothingly stroking her back.

"Yeah, that was him. You should have heard what he said!" Ron said, frowning.

"Hermione, I don't want you answering the floo again, okay? At least until this sick bastard is caught, you got that?" Remus said, looking at her with concern.

She nodded numbly and wrapped her arms around Ron's waist, clinging to him as he comforted her.

"Who was that?" Harry asked as Neville came up next to him, looking equally interested. Remus gave them all a brief history of what was happening and they all started looking incredulous, then angry.

"I'm going to call the Aurors, have them maybe watch the floo, or something. Take care of her," Remus said, his frown getting deeper as he walked to his study and shut himself inside.

"You okay?" Ron asked her, looking down at her bent head.

"I'm tired," she whispered, not looking up at him and not moving from his embrace. "Can you take me upstairs?"

Ron didn't need asking twice. He scooped her up in his big arms and carried her up the staircase, not sparing a glance for anyone else.

"Love, are you okay?" he asked her once he had her laid on the bed and sat next to her stroking her hair back from her face.

"Yes," she said quietly, shrugging and looking at him with big, worried eyes. "Ron....what if he comes here?"

He felt a rush of fear for this woman and he lay next to her, pulling her to lie on his chest whilst he stroked her back. "He's not going to get you, Ninny we'll make sure of it."

"What if you can't stop him?"

"We'll stop him," he said decisively, hugging her closer and dropping a kiss on her head.

"But..." she began still caught in the fear she felt when she heard Roman's voice again.

"No buts, we'll protect you. I'm not letting anything happen to you, don't you know that?"

"I guess so, but...sometimes things happen. It's just...it's scary...he's scary. It was bad enough before when he captured me, when he kept trying to touch me and all that rot, and then the threats, but now, it just seems he's willing to do just about anything to get at me, and I don't know what I did to deserve that," she said, voicing all the things she had kept bottled up.

"You haven't done anything to deserve this, love, not one thing. In his eyes it's probably because you beat him at his own game. He's a sick psycho, that's all," Ron said, feeling her finally start to relax against him. "If it hadn't been you, it would have been another witch. The Aurors will get him and he'll pay for this."

"Do you really think so?"

"Yes, I really do. Don't worry about it so much. You're safe here, with me. Try and get some sleep honey, I'm not going anywhere," he murmured, settling himself more comfortably and closing his own eyes.

Hermione pushed her worries aside and concentrated on the feeling of being held close to the man she loved, and eventually she drifted off.