Novel: Wintry Fondness
Author: Picturesque
Genre: Romance
Rating: 'M'
Chapter: One

Novelist Momentum: Hello, there! Just for all of you to know, this isn't my first-ever story here on Fan Fiction so I hope you can provide me with some constructive criticism in your reviews! I usually handle them pretty well…. In any case, make sure you have read the summary and the rating before you commence to read. Keep in mind that this story contains sex scenes; but not just yet! This chapter is just to give the story a head start, so it's rather short. Okay, I said everything I needed to say so, joyful reading! R & R

White, sophisticated snowflakes were elegantly deteriorating down to the terrain beneath; gentle, brisk gusts of wind blustered around the beautiful scenery while the moon shone dimly over the horizon as yet another stunning winter season instigated.

Hogwarts Castle contrasted perfectly with the white wonderland. Inside the handsome castle, a hefty number of crackling fires were lit and students were snoozing soundlessly in their oak-wood four-poster beds.

All but two souls were still awake. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were assembled in the Gryffindor Common Room, sitting opposite each other on their favourite, cushiony armchairs. At every possible night, Harry and Hermione would convene to discuss just about everything, when everybody else was asleep. They knew they could confide with each other, knowing that their secrets and such were in safe hands.

Hermione was stroking Crookshanks while talking descriptively about the Unforgivable Curses. Harry was smiling and listened attentively with interest, giving her cat a brief ruffle on the head at the sight of every adorable movement.

"Any of the three curses, if they or not carefully taken care of, can kill. Though I am pretty sure that those who use them are quite advanced…" Hermione sighed, making it clear that she was finished.

Harry said nothing for a moment, gathering all of the information. Hermione embraced herself as Harry's emerald-green eyes sparkled wildly. He suddenly sensed something in the air as Hermione shifted uneasily. Every now and then, their conversations leaded to areas that were habitually embarrassing. As Harry narrowed his eyes slightly, Hermione seemed to have gained enough courage to speak. As she did so, Harry's stomach nervously twirled into a tight knot.

"Um…I really hope you don't mind. But…well…" Hermione said, trying her best to muster up some appropriate words.

"Yeah?" Harry asked, trying to catch her chocolate-brown eyes with difficulty.

"I'm cold." Hermione stated quitely, after a long moment of silence.

Harry's knot that once subsisted in his stomach vanished almost instantly. He released a sigh of relief. For a split second he had thought it would've had to do with something he had done wrong, or worse.

He looked around and saw that his cosy midnight-blue sweater was draped casually over his armchair.

"Oh! God, I thought it was going to be something way more awful. Here, no problem." Harry said.

He stood up and walked over to her, sitting beside her while aiding to help herself in the clothing. Hermione smiled and let him do the work. As Harry finished he began to make sure Hermione was comfortable, straightening the creases and so forth. He began to stand up but his hand was unexpectedly grasped. It was nothing forceful, just enough to grab his attention.

"Stay here, Harry. I want to tell you something." Hermione said, her eyes blazing tensely.

Harry sensed something significant was about to occur. He sat down, shuffling as close to her and wrapped his left arm around her waist sociably.

"You can tell me everything…" Harry said, calmly.

Hermione tried to move. Her body appeared to be petrified, along with her mouth. She was resentful to speak at all though she needed to tell him, she had to. She couldn't keep her long reserved secret within her forever and live in misery.

Hermione's situation was simple, though complicated at the same time. She wasn't exactly sure how long she had felt this way, how she definitely loved Harry. She bit her lower lip before she unconsciously began to explain herself with motions.

"Harry…I…can't…" Hermione stammered, her lips quivering.

She gazed into his memorizing eyes reassuringly and got hold of the hand that was placed neatly around her waist. Hermione refused to look at his face though she did resist the temptation to manoeuvre it up her arm and around her neck. Harry breathed in, slightly surprised. She then guided it underneath her white shirt. As his hand made contact with her skin, she shivered in bliss. She suddenly shattered back to realism.

What have I done?

She looked at Harry, who seemed, to Hermione, quite relaxed; like nothing had actually happened. But something did happen.

She was on the brink of tears; her eyes were shiny and luminous. She felt blameworthy; she had made it so apparent to Harry and she did so in a manner that she didn't feel too proud of. Hermione sniffed and stood up little by little and began to back away, scared, while feeling absolutely guilty with herself.

"Hermione…" Harry said, trying to console her.

"Don't Harry…" Hermione said, now crying silently.

Too many sensations were effervescing inside her. She didn't want a response from Harry; she didn't want to listen to anything that would make her feel worse. Additional tears gushed down her alluring cheeks while she began to walk quite quickly up the stairs. Before she could, though, it was her hand that was grabbed unpredictably. Harry brought her closer, not wanting to see his best friend cry.

"Don't cry, Mione…" Harry said, soothingly.

He used his free hand and wiped the tears away from her face with his thumb. He then, on his own, moved her hand up his shirt all the way to reach the area where she could feel his heartbeat. She realized it was beating pleasantly fast. He moved closer and resumed what he was doing earlier, by stroking gently the skin on her stomach. They both pulled themselves in a warm embrace. Hermione moved her hand to his back and began caressing it tenderly.

Hermione then moved back, just as she did before.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I really need to go to bed. I…I…" Hermione said, breathlessly.

Hermione still wasn't sure whether Harry had gotten the message. She didn't even know whether he had accepted the situation. She needed his response badly. Harry stood there for a few moments, looking utterly confused himself. Both Harry's and Hermione's heart were pounding desperately, pleading for any reaction whatsoever.

Novelist Momentum: Well, there is the first chapter. I do have an actual plot to the story, as you might have all guessed. Yet, I hope you can help me. In your reviews, include something you want to happen in this story. Suggest what Harry or Hermione could say and/or what could happen after this event. Propose something that could happen further on in the story. In short, give some ideas! Though this is my story for you, thought I still want it to be partly from you to me. This way, we can create a fascinating story together.

REVIEW! DON'T FORGET TO ADD YOUR IDEAS FOR THE STORY!

Love, Picturesque