Author's Notes: Okay, I know how on my profile it says that this story wasn't coming out until November 20th ... well, I changed my mind.So, this is a one-shot. It takes place in fifth year, so before the Ron/Lavender fiasco and after the Hermione/Viktor fling. Read, review, enjoy.

~*~

The cool, night air hit my smooth, creamy face as I walked along side him. Our feet padded along the rough, leaf-covered pathway as trees creaked and the wind whispered. The strong scent of wood smoke quickly filled my nose.

A yell sounded off in the distance and he picked up his pace. I had no choice; I had to follow at his quick speed. Finally, we reached the old house. Most windows broke and blue paint chipped, it reminded me perfectly of an old haunted house in those horror films.

I followed him to the front door.

"Stay close," he whispered, "it looks dangerous. Here – take my hand."

I gave him a puzzled look.

"Y'know, for safety, yeah?"

Still questioning his suggestion, I nodded. He took my small hand and placed it in his large, sweaty one.

"Don't worry, I'll keep you safe. Your knight in shining armour, eh?" He grinned.

"Of course. Always." I smiled back.

He dipped his head slowly. His nose grazed mine and I let out a soft giggle.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, too," I replied, still smiling.

"Ready to go in?"

I sighed. "In a minute."

"Why? What d'you need to do?"

"This –" and I kissed him. My lips melted across his. His hands went to my back and started to draw small circles. I pulled my arms around his neck as my tongue darted into his mouth. In no time, both of our tongues were fighting in a war, both wanting to own and consume the other. I pulled away just as fast as I began.

"Wha –" he started.

I put a finger to his lips. "You'll get more after."

"Promise?" he asked, looking into my eyes as though they would be the one to respond.

"Promise," I promised. Quickly, I kissed his lips. "I love you."

"I love you more," he retorted.

"No, you don't, it's impossible."

"Wanna bet?" he challenged.

"Sure," I responded, "but I know I'll win."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah."

"Hermione?"

Hermione slowly woke up.

"Hermione?" asked the voice again.

"What?" murmured Hermione. Sitting up, she realised it was none other than Lavender Brown.

"Are you okay?" asked Lavender, walking over to sit on Hermione's bed.

"Yeah," replied Hermione, rubbing her eyes. "Why?"

"You were talking in you sleep."

"Oh, really? What was I saying?"

"Things like "I love you" and you were ... moaning ..." Lavender started to giggle. "I'd say someone was dreaming of Viktor Krum!"

Hermione blushed. "Yeah, sure."

"I knew it!"

With that, Lavender went back to bed, whispering "I knew it!" over and over again under her breath.

Once Hermione knew she was asleep, she got out of bed and walked over to her desk. She pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill. Quickly, she wrote on the parchment:

Note to self:

Never, ever drink Butterbeer before going to bed.

It leads to odd dreams about best friends with red hair.

–Hermione