Disclaimer: Harry Potter does not belong to me. Nor do the characters. Only the plot is mine.
From the Previous Chapter: "They're busy," said Ron. However, a minute later Harry and Hermione came down the stairs and crossed the common room to sit next to their best friend. This time Harry felt he was allowed to sit next to Hermione. No one said anything when their hands intertwined, and it was so obvious to everyone in the common room that Hermione Granger, aka the bookworm, and Harry Potter had just been snogging from their swollen lips and Hermione's disarrayed hair. However, Ron just shook his head and went back to pretending that he was doing his homework.
Walking hand in hand down the street in Hogsmeade was not how I pictured spending this weekend. Harry thought. But that was before I kissed Hermione. Harry glanced at his girlfriend. Hermione was focused on the bookstore up ahead, but somehow Harry knew she was aware that their fingers were intertwined and with every step they made their hips brushed. When they had first stepped in Hogsmeade that morning all eyes had turned towards them, but Harry did not need to convince Hermione to ignore the stares. She had just started pulling Harry in the direction of the promised bookstore.
"Hermione slow down," said Harry. "We'll get there before it closes." Hermione just sent him a scathing look. Harry laughed and let her set the pace faster. He could keep up.
Once inside the bookstore Hermione immediately went in search of the book she was looking for. Harry started looking around. Maybe he could find a new quidditch book. Before he could even look through a book shelf Hermione was back at his side with three books in her arms. "I thought you only came for one book," said Harry.
"I found another one I was looking for," said Hermione. "This one is for you." She handed a book to him. Harry smiled when he saw the title.
"How did you know that I wanted Quiditch Throughout the Ages?" he asked. Hermione gave him an exasperated look.
"Harry," she said. "I know you."
"Thanks." he said brushing his lips against hers.
"You're welcome." she said as she leaned against him out of breath.
"Ready to meet Ron?" he asked. She only nodded. They walked hand in hand to the Three Broomsticks. There they met Ron at a back table and was already waiting with three butterbeers.
"You owe me," he said. Harry handed over the money for both of their drinks oblivious to the look Hermione gave him.
"What have you two been up to?" Ron asked.
"We went to the bookstore." said Hermione. Ron rolled his eyes.
"Are you sure you want to date her Harry?" he asked.
"I'm sure." Harry responded.
"What's that?" asked Ron. He pointed to the book in Harry's hand. Harry wordlessly handed it over. Ron's eyes widened when he saw the title. He immediately began to read it.
"Why did you give him your book?" asked Hermione. "You haven't even read it yet." she said.
"This is why," said Harry as he brushed his lips against hers. "Now he'll be so preoccupied he won't pay attention to us."
"Brilliant!" Hermione exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for another kiss. Several minutes later, after several kisses, they pulled apart.
"It's a good thing we're in the backā¦" Hermione murmured.
"Why?" asked Harry.
"Because I wouldn't be able to do this," said Hermione as she proceeded to kiss him senseless.
Hermione smiled when she allowed Harry to finally pull away. "In the front I would have had too many people watching me." she said.
"Let's go," said Harry.
"Why?" asked Hermione.
"I want to go because I want you to myself." said Harry. She just gave him her hand. "Ron it's time to go." said Harry.
"Huh?" Ron asked.
"It's time to go." Harry repeated.
"Okay." said Ron as he followed them out of the bar leaving their three full butterbeers behind. They were about halfway out of Hogsmeade when they encountered a problem. Malfoy stepped out in front of them.
"Well if it isn't Potter, Weasley, and Granger," said Malfoy.
"Leave us alone Malfoy," said Harry trying to step around him but Malfoy blocked his path again.
"You're not going anywhere." said Malfoy.
"What do you want Malfoy?" asked Harry.
"I heard you and Granger were dating, but I don't believe it." He glanced down at their joined hands. "Oh, what's this? What will Ginny Weasley say when she finds out her boyfriend is two-timing her with her best friend?" said Malfoy.
"Shut up Malfoy," said Harry. "I'm not dating Ginny and I never have." By this time their confrontation had attracted a large crowd. "I'm dating Hermione," he said.
"Prove it," said Malfoy. "I dare you to kiss Granger in front of everyone gathered here," he said with a sneer. As if their entwined hands weren't enough of a hint, Draco still didn't believe him. Harry took the books from Hermione's hands.
"Here Ron, she's going to need her hands to hang on to me." he said giving the pile to Ron.
With that he pulled Hermione to him, slid one hand behind her head, and proceeded to kiss her senseless while she wrapped her arms around his neck. Once his lips met hers he forgot everyone else existed but them. He wanted her closer. He angled her head for a deeper kiss while his other arm snaked around her waist to drag her flesh against his body. Hermione's arms tightened around his neck while one of her legs wrapped around his. Apparently I'm not the only one who wanted to get closer. He thought. Then only one thought took precedent in his mind. Strawberries.
"More," murmured Harry as he struggled for air. Finally Hermione pulled away gasping for air. Right then Harry realized he was in love with Hermione. Leaning forward he whispered "I love you" in her ear.
"I love you too." she murmured against his lips right before she kissed him again. This kiss was soft, short, and sweet. This time it was Harry who pulled away first. He looked at Malfoy who stood there with his jaw dropped open.
"I win." he said. "Let's go Ron," he said taking Hermione's books back from him. He took the books in one hand and Hermione's hand in the other and led the way back to the school.
Author's Note: Thanks to all those who have chose this story as one of their favorites or story alert. However, since the first chapter I have not got any reviews. As a result I request reviews before I go on to chapter four because I need an idea. Please send ideas to me in a private message, and whoever has the best idea will be recognized in the next chapter as a new character, so please submit a "character" name for yourself as well. Thanks again to all those who are reading. I know you are because all the alerts are flooding my inbox, not that I'm complaining mind you. Happy Reading, p.s. don't forget to read and review. Tell me if you like what I'm doing so far or if you hate it. Any changes you want to see made let me know. WG13
