Of Massages, Swings, and Kisses

They hadn't seen each other for months. Come to think of it, it had been almost a year. But the minute Hermione opened the door to her humble home, everything was exactly how they had left it.

They murmured hellos, stood for a moment, then fell into a warm embrace, lasting no less than three minutes. (And thats a pretty long hug by most standards.) Hermione led Ron into the house, gave him a brief (very brief) tour, and went outside - the swing under the trees provided more privacy than she could have hoped for inside. It was romantic too.

They discussed what had been going on in their lives since they had last bid goodbye at Kings Crossing the previous August. Finally, a comfortable silence fell over the two. Hermione broke it by gingerly asking Ron for one of his famous massages. He gladly complied.

Starting with her shoulders, he slowly moved down her back, progressing from massaging to tickling. Hermione bent her head down so he could reach the nape of her neck with his soft fingertips. His fingertips slowly moved to her sides, putting Hermione into a delicious trance. As Ron's hands attempted to inch around her sides, bringing her into a tighter embrace, Hermione leaned back into his arms. As had become ritual in their time at school, they had fallen back into the most comfortable position they knew of - Hermione leaning into Ron's soft and warm body, hands entwined, with a peaceful silence surrounding them.

Despite this closeness that would otherwise had been recognized as a "dating couple", Ron and Hermione had never even kissed, let alone dated. This fact was hardly without protest from Hermione, but Ron insisted they leave their relationship how it was.

However, something on that warm August day felt different. There was something in the air that made Hermione and Ron realize change was coming. As if on cue, they both turned their heads in just a way so they could stare into each other's eyes. Hermione's hazel ones into Ron's blue. Despite her better judgment, Hermione leaned up and touched her lips to Ron's. It was not a long kiss, but long enough for both to realize what their relationship had become. They stared into each other's eyes for another moment, then Ron leaned down and kissed Hermione again, this time with the intention of a more lasting kiss.

Slowly, Hermione began to open her lips, welcoming Ron's tongue into her yearning mouth. He complied and slid his tongue into her mouth, running it along her teeth before tempting her own tongue. It became a playful battle for control, as the snog session became more and more heated.

After what seemed an eternity, they broke apart, breaths coming in heaves. Ron adjusted his head so he could whisper into Hermione's ear, "I love you." Hermione's entire body shuddered in appreciation, as she whispered back, "I love you too."

They leaned together for another brief kiss, then settled back into their original position - Hermione wrapped in Ron's arms. They remained on the swing until dark, when Hermione's parents insisted she come inside. They complied without protest. The walk back to Ron's car seemed to be too short.

They said their goodbyes, promising their next meeting would be as soon as possible, refusing to let their time apart last as long as it had after their last farewell. A final teary kiss, and the evening came to a close. Ron's car pulled away, and Hermione headed inside.

Though the afternoon and evening had been far too short, both Hermione and Ron knew it would be a day that would forever remained burned into their minds.