What a wonderful chapter! Probbaly the best "sex scene" I've ever read anywhere. That was real life - loved the thermals - and teh socks! Whoever invented socks never had a girlfriend.

The ending was touching, and well thought through.

Poor Ron! About to get his end away and he's got his Mother, Sister and "Best friend" in the audience! You've caught him beautifully.

It's a shame, Gabrielle was a wonderful girl.

I hope Ron can find another wonderful girl a.s.a.p. Ron is an insecure but very proud boy, and for better or worse, Hermione don't wait for him, so I don't think Ron would want to have his first time with her. If someday He's going to try something with Hermione, I think Ron would want to be the maximum sex-knowable possible. He would be the youngest but the more experienced one. This way he would compensate the years of difference... and his pride would be safe.

I don't understand this chapter... maybe my English is not good enough to understand it?

The Ron/Gab relationship is wonderful and they decide to go to the next level, then Ron has a little 'accident'. No problem... it's normal... but then they don't have any sex? why?... It would be the perfect way to give Ron a much-needed boost to his self-esteem and it's the thing they both want... to sleep together... or not?

And the next morning Gab breaks with him!?... or she is asking for a non-exclusive relationship?... I don't know...

Right now, it feels like Hermione can have any boyfriends she wants, (and sleep with them, etc) but for Ron the same is not permitted. He must remain alone without any girlfriend or relationship!?

And about the 'grow' of Ron... He is always feel he is behind Hermione and Harry... and now, with five years lost!... I think He needs to go away, where the big shadows of Hermione and Harry can't suffocate him. Then He could make a life for himself...

Poor Ron, I hope he grabs his life by the reins and seeks the happiness and growth he wants. I know he can do it. Love the depth of insight and confusion you have given Ron. After everything he has gone through it was never going to be easy and I think you have captured it brilliantly!

It's nice that Gabrielle and Ron broke up very amicably. I wonder what Ron feels he needs to do to "grow up."

Thanks for the update! Thanks even more for having Ron NOT do the deed with Gabrielle! She seems like a perfectly lovely character, but, honestly, I just want to scratch her eyes out! (For a 42 year old, I surely can act like a ninth grade girl!)

I really liked Gabrielle's idea that they be best friends and not lose the ability to truly talk with eachother. I think that's a swell compromise!

I can't wait for the next chapter!

I'm a french fan of your stories and I must admit that your dedicace and your "clin d'oeil" (in french) are totally justified.

I love your story and just want to say that some french guys, but not enough in my opinion, are totally ashame of this shameful show of the French representation.

Go on on your fantastic story (and others) and Sorry for the Ireland Team (which I support during the game).

Ps : Henry and French Team s*ck !

You are an amazing writer, and one of the few FF author's I'll follow anywhere -- even a ship I'm not on board. I can't really bear Ron with anyone but Hermione, so I love how even when he's with this amazing young beauty who clearly adores him, he's still thinking of Hermione. I hate seeing Hermione so sad and nearly desperate to connect with Ron, and I hope eventually their roads will lead back to each other, even if Ron and Gabs do consummate their relationship. Can't wait until the next update.

"He knew of one other woman who wouldn’t have minded."

His mum. It's his mum, isn't it? geez Ron, stop thinking about her. It's weird, a little scary that your mum plays on your mind so much in that situation...

OH, it's Hermione. Right. Hee hee. That's sweet... not nearly as depraved as i first thought. Aw

First off, I love Hagrid's insight that Gabreille's been "missing the attention." Hagrid's as lovable here as he is in canon; I think you capture him perfectly. And Fang's jumping on Ron is enjoyable, too.

I also really liked how you portrayed Hermione's willingness to be completely open with Ron on all fronts and his reluctance to screw things up. She really has my sympathy here.

The tension and nervousness that you present between Ron and Gabrielle is palpable, and his admission that he always loves his best friends is both endearing and so, so telling that she is not the woman who should be in that room with him. He handles her peevishness well, and I'll grudgingly admit that she's decently good with him, too, no matter how ill-suited I ultimately think they are. I avidly await your next update.

AH!

*RUNS AROUND IN ALLCAPSY CIRCLES!*

i know it's wrong to want so very much to cheat gabs out of her night of Ron, and to have Hermione break down the door to protect his virtue, followed by her immediately taking his virtue in the hallway, but yeah, i am kind of rooting for that.

i do actually really dig your gabby. she's lovely and very reasonably in love or deep like with Ron, and it's just one night and it levels the playing field a bit and rationally, it's not THAT big a deal and Hermione did "have relations" already, but NO. NO. *cries* *gasps for air* NO! My idealistic 15-year old self is dying inside. He can't sleep with gabby when he is still in love with Hermione...

or he can. *hangs head* Either way, this is one hell of a story, love. And every time you write a new chappie, i want to kiss that gorgeous brain of yours. :)

My heart is torn because Ron is torn. He needs Harry, or a Weasley brother since he clearly can't talk to Hermione. I'm a Ron fan and definite R/H fan. I think Gabrielle has been good for Ron. He's grown and felt comfortable with himself especially with all that has happened. But Ron doesn't just do things, he does it with his heart and I think that is what is hold him back. His heart is torn and he doesn't want to just do it with just anyone. I'm nervous to see what happens but my main thing: I hope Ron tells the ones who hate him to SHOVE IT and proves them all wrong. Great job as usual. Love all your stories!

Poor Ron. You're Gabrielle seems like a lovely girl but I can't imagine Ron with anyone but Hermione and it seems like he feels the same way. I'm hoping R/Hr can find a way back to each other.

Good chapter! Poor conflicted Ron. Please continue; I'd love to see how the evening ends for him.