Every adult, magical and muggle, had spent hours searching the castle, the grounds, and even the Forbidden Forest, but the Ron imposter had vanished entirely. In the end, the search was called off, and security was tightened. Hagrid, Sirius, and Remus were on guard at the entrance of the castle while Daryl and Michonne guarded the gates to Vita-Nova. Because the imposter had obviously targeted Hermione, Rick had insisted that she stay with him and the kids in their chambers.
It was half-past one in the morning when Hermione found herself alone with her boyfriend in his bedroom for the first time. This was not how she had imagined this moment, and the brightest witch of her age found herself feeling somewhat awkward.
Rick had stripped down to just his boxers and settled into bed by the time Hermione had finished changing into her nightgown in the bedroom’s attached bathroom.
“Come here, darlin,’” Rick held back the covers for her.
Hermione slipped beneath the coves but tried to stay as far away from Rick as she could get. When she had been with Ron, he had often complained about her habit of wrapping herself around him while she slept.
Rick chuckled and reached out for her, pulling her closer, her back to his chest. He laid a gentle kiss on her neck. “Would you relax a little bit if I tell you how much I’ve wanted you beside me in this bed and in my arms?”
Hermione did indeed relax against him and smiled a little to herself. “Yes, that helps.”
This time, Rick kissed her shoulder, next to the strap of her nightgown. “Think I could get you to stay permanently if I tell you how much I truly love you?”
Hermione froze for one brief moment before turning to lay on her back, so she was looking up at Rick. “Do you really mean that?”
Rick reached down and cupped her face in his hand. He stroked her cheek with his thumb and smiled at her in the moonlight. “Do I mean that I want you to move in or that I love you?”
“Please, don’t tease me,” she turned her head and kissed the palm of his hand. “I’d like the answer to both questions if you don’t mind.”
“Always so polite,” Rick chuckled. “Yes,” he leaned down and quickly kissed her. “I very much want you beside me in this bed every night. And I want you to live with the kids and me because I am crazy in love with you, darlin’ … so are Judith and Carl. You’re what’s right for us.”
Hermione felt the sting in her eyes and the warmth on her cheeks. She was crying, but she didn’t care. She reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m in love with you too.”
Rick grinned before leaning down and passionately kissing her. “Does that mean that you’re staying here?” He asked when they parted.
“Yeah, I’m staying,” Hermione giggled through her tears right before Rick again claimed her lips with his.
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