DISCLAIMER! I do not own whatever you may recognize. It belongs to J.K. Rowling!

A/N: This is for everyone who has followed this story. Sorry for taking so long! Thanks for your patience! Overall, just thanks. Although, you know, reviews would be nice. So, this is the Blaise/Hermione pairing chapter I warned you all about in the first chapter… if you bother to read the Author's Note, which I doubt. Alternating points of view between the four people!!! Yay for matchmaking! Anyway, I hoped you liked this attempt at humor/romance. Let me know how I did!

**Okay, so, weasleytwinsjunkie, I really, really hoped you liked this! It was for you and your great support! Thank you! I love you lots! This is the last chapter and I hope it doesn't seemed rushed or anything, but if it does, well, I'm sorry.

***

Theodore and I have now been a couple for months. It's been long enough that we're not the center of attention anymore – and neither is the public friendship between Blaise and me. Hermione and I have also become close friends and I find it kind of strange that she hasn't been upset about Ron and Lavender in a long time. I have a theory about that, but, well, I just hope everything turns out. Blaise has been acting strange… at least around Hermione.

"- I'll meet you there," Theodore told me, taking me out of my thoughts. He smiled at me and rolled his eyes. "You didn't hear a word I said, did you?" he asked. How did he know me so well?

"Um, you'll meet us there?" I asked sheepishly. I heard a low chuckle.

"Well, Theodore, you can't say she didn't hear a word you said," Blaise pointed out. Oh, yeah, have I mentioned that in our group of four – Blaise, Hermione, Theodore, and I – only Hermione and Blaise refer to each other by their surname? If you don't find that interesting, you really should.

Theodore grinned and shrugged. He kissed me then and it felt wonderful.

"We'll meet in the regular place. I'm sure Blaise will take you there in case you decide to daydream on the way," Theodore said. I gave him a look before smiling and nodding. I watched my boyfriend walk away for a moment before walking with Blaise. My boyfriend. I love those two words.

"Are you alright, Heather? You've been distracted lately," Blaise said to me as we made our way outside. He's right about that, but I couldn't tell him, not yet anyway.

"Something has been bothering me but I'll let you know when the time comes," I said and shrugged. He shook his head.

"Whatever you say, Heather," he said. We walked in silence outside, not to the benches or anything, but to our usual spot, near the Black Lake. We set our book bags down. I leaned against a tree while Blaise did the same. It took me a while to realize that if someone were to approach they would only see me and not Blaise. Great. I just hoped Malfoy wouldn't come around here, not that I minded him so much anymore… we now have a tendency of engaging into a sarcastic type of banter. Okay, so it's not exactly new, but we just do it for the sake of bantering, not because we want to be mean. Actually, Hermione and Malfoy argue frequently when in near proximity, but he hasn't called her a Mudblood in a long time. I wonder if Blaise has anything to do with that.

"So, have you been working with Theodore lately, or Draco?" Blaise asked abruptly and I knew exactly what he was talking about.

"I… I didn't tell… how do you know?" I asked and felt stupid for asking. I've never been detailed about my classes with Blaise, especially Potions, but I supposed Malfoy told him. He smirked at me and my eyes narrowed.

"Use you wit, Heather. I am friends with Draco… and Theodore and I aren't exactly enemies," he told me. I frowned and folded my arms across my chest.

"Well, if you must know, I alternate. Sometimes I work with Theodore and other times with Malfoy," I answered. He smirked at me and I rolled my eyes. Then I saw a figure I knew too well come our way. "Hm, Hermione's coming. She's practically running," I observed with a grin. Blaise raised an eyebrow and shifted once. That was his version of being uncomfortable.

"Heather, I found it! I found it in the library in a book on charms!" Hermione exclaimed excited when she was within earshot. I was impressed because… her hair looked different. It cascaded down her back in silky, soft-looking locks, and it looked so very pretty. She stopped in front of me with a grin on her face. Her face was flushed and it made her look quite striking. Her eyes widened when she saw Blaise. "Oh, um, hi," she said to him.

"Hello, Granger," he replied fixing her with a look, though his expression was unreadable.

"Hermione, your-"

"Yes, I… it's really easy to do… I took your advice and looked for it and I found it…" she trailed off and she was blushing. She didn't look at Blaise or me. I had a feeling she had interrupted me to keep from remarking about her hair. Blaise spoke before I could.

"Your hair looks quite fine today, Granger," he stated neutrally though his eyes were very set upon her. It was a compliment, for there was no malice or sarcasm in his voice, and both Hermione and I were aware of it. Hermione's eyes snapped up to meet his, and though her gaze did not waver, she was blushing profusely. Was it just me, or have they both forgotten I was here? No, I didn't mind, it was rather cute; it's just that in my time since I became friends with both of them, they seem to be in denial. I thought it was nice to be a third party viewer of this scene.

"Thank you," she said meekly. Then her gaze lowered and she gave him a last look through her eyelashes before mumbling, "Um, I should go… I'll see you around." Then, she practically ran away. I cast a quick glance toward Blaise who was looking at Hermione's retreating form. I pressed my lips together trying not to laugh as I looked away. However, when I looked back at him, he looked at me and raised an eyebrow. I giggled; I simply couldn't help it.

"I hope it doesn't become a tradition," I said.

"You hope what doesn't become a tradition?" he queried.

"Slytherins fancying Gryffindors."

"Excuse me?" he asked raising an eyebrow and looking slightly surprised. I have learned that when he looks slightly surprised it means he's very surprised. I rolled my eyes at him.

"Well… I mean that I hope it stops with you and Hermione."

"What?"

I huffed. "Blaise, I am neither blind nor stupid," I told him and before he could interrupt I quickly added, "I know you fancy Hermione."

"I do not. She is simply a pretty girl," he stated and I laughed.

"Just a pretty girl?" I asked with a smile and raised an eyebrow. Pfft, yeah, right.

"Yes, Granger is a very pretty girl," he said with a challenging look. I just love challenges.

"Oh, you just promoted her from pretty to very pretty," I said playfully before adding seriously, "Blaise, really, I know you fancy her, even if you don't admit it to yourself. Don't worry; I'm not planning to tell her." He was quiet for a moment. I think that he was never really in denial… he just didn't want to admit it to me because he thought I'd tell her.

"You cannot prove I fancy her," he finally said. He would have been right… if I were unobservant; unfortunately for him, I'm not.

"Of course I can't, except that you look at Hermione differently then any other girl, you give her looks that are very close to the kind of looks Theodore gives me, which let me say is far from neutral, and you apparently find it difficult to take your eyes off of her. You're shy around her and on the rare occasions you stand next to her, you stand awfully close," I said letting him know the observations I had made on him.

"Clever, Heather," he said mockingly.

"If you can give me a satisfactory explanation for every one of my observations, then perhaps I will leave you alone," I told him. He looked at me a moment.

"Shy?" was all he managed to say in a composed manner and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, don't think I don't notice the way you shift around her, no matter how far apart the movements are," I replied. I wasn't a very dense person, he should know that. Again, he was silent.

Finally, he asked, "Are you accusing me?"

"Of course I'm not, why would I? I'm simply encouraging you to admit it… and maybe let Hermione know," I said. Really now, why would I accuse him when I'm going out with a Slytherin?

"Why would I let Granger know?" he queried confused. Huh.

"Because she might want to know?" I tried slowly.

"Why?" he questioned. Hm, he was going to make it difficult.

"How do you know she doesn't fancy you too?"

"Because she's a Gryffindor, I'm a Slytherin, she has no reason to fancy me, she's better than I am, and she fancies Wease- Weasley," he finished not looking very happy. I suppressed a smile; he almost called Ronald, "Weasel". I kept my composure though and said,

"House differences don't matter to her either, she has many reasons to fancy you, she is not better than you, and she doesn't fancy Weasley anymore," I stated firmly.

"Of course," he said sarcastically. Sheesh, a Slytherin to the end this boy was. I huffed; hm, I think I picked that up from Hermione.

"Yes, I mean, if she fancied you it'd be because you're not a dimwit, you actually bother to study as oppose to cram information before a test, you're able to maintain an intellectual conversation, you like to read and you're good-looking. Simply because she's smart doesn't' make her better… I mean, when it comes to calming someone, you're a pro. Also, I share a dorm with her and we are friends, so if I say she doesn't fancy Weasley then I think I know what I'm talking about," I said. He was silent so long I almost sighed.

"This doesn't mean I am going to let her know," he said sternly.

"Well, at least you've admit it," I said. He said nothing but he didn't look too happy. Thankfully for me, Theodore was coming. I almost sighed in relief.

(In the Great Hall)

I giggled while Hermione blushed profusely. Blaise kept staring at her, not openly or consistently, but with the way she was always flustered around him, the stares made her blush quite noticeably. I giggled again.

"Will you stop with the giggling?" Hermione hissed.

"Sorry," I said pink in the face with all the giggling and suppressed laughs. "Why are you blushing anyway?" I queried as casually as I could.

"Is it illegal now?" she asked with narrowed eyes, blushing deeper.

"It's scandalous for a single girl like you to be blushing," I said to her and smiled widely.

"Only for such observant people like you," Hermione said mockingly, her face returning to its normal non blushing state. "And really, I think you're the only observant girl in Hogwarts," she declared.

"Yes, I'm observant enough to notice how much you fancy Blaise," I stated smugly.

"What?! I do not fancy him, he's simply an attractive boy," she said.

"Uh-huh, he's just attractive," I said sarcastically.

"Exactly, he's just very attractive," she assured. Really, they were both so much alike.

"You just promoted him from attractive to very attractive," I observed with a smirk. Why did this sound familiar? She blushed.

"Anyway, I don't fancy him," she argued. I knew that was a lie, and she knew it was a lie because like Blaise, she wasn't in denial; she just didn't want to tell. Well, tough luck.

"Someone's in denial," I said in a low voice.

"You can't prove that," she said matter-of-factly while smirking.

"You're right… except for the way you blush when he so much as looks at you. You glance at him quite often, you're a blubbering mess when he's around, you just happen to take a small step toward him whenever you two stand side by side, and I can tell you don't fancy Weasley anymore… you haven't for a while. Aside from that, you're right, I can't prove anything," I said and she blushed darker.

"A blubbering mess?" she asked with wide eyes.

"Okay, maybe not a blubbering mess, but you do stutter and use words like 'um' and 'uh' frequently when he's around," I corrected.

"Well, I…" she trailed off with blinking eyes but looked relieved. Of course, Blaise never noticed any of this; he was too preoccupied keeping his own feelings in check.

"Well, you could admit it… and perhaps give Blaise a hint," I suggested.

"Have you gone mad?! I have enough admitting this; I don't need to hint anything to Zabini. Besides, he doesn't even fancy me. I'm Muggle-born, remember?" she confessed.

"That so doesn't matter to Blaise, trust me, I know. Anyway, you don't know that he doesn't fancy you," I told her.

"Heather, really, I'm not stupid. There's nothing he could like about me, let alone fancy me. He's a Slytherin, he's good-looking, he's not clumsy, and he's not a blubbering mess," she said. I snorted at the last comment.

"You know, for being the brightest witch of our year, you're pretty dense. There's a lot that he could fancy you for. You're pretty, especially with that gorgeous hair, you're smart, have a sense of humor I know he'd love and understand, and you're not clingy, which is a good thing. The fact that he's a Slytherin doesn't matter, and he doesn't care about blood status. You're not clumsy, and really, have you heard him talk long enough to be a blubbering mess?" I said. There, that should do it.

"No… well, thanks I guess, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna hint at anything," she said.

"Okay, but… maybe, you know, just try to be more like yourself around him," I advised.

"Uh, sure," she said but didn't look convinced.

I looked toward the Slytherin table and Blaise caught my eye and he raised an eyebrow. I smiled innocently at him and his eyes narrowed. I let my eyes widen in a "what did I do?" expression and he simply shook his head. I then looked at Theodore and he tilted his head. I jerked my head slightly toward the door, indicating we go outside of the Great Hall.

"Love birds," Hermione muttered and I laughed.

"Yeah, because neither of us is shy enough; therefore, we told each other how we felt," I said with a smirk as my eyes followed my boyfriend as he walked out of the Great Hall. Of course, she knew the story that came with Theodore and me telling each other how we felt.

"Rub it in why don't you," Hermione said and huffed.

"It wouldn't have to be that way," I told her as I stood and took my things. "Anyway, I'll see you soon," I said to her and I heard her give an uncommitable response.

I walked outside and my face broke into a wide smile when I saw Theodore. He gave me a lopsided grin. Was he aware of what he did to me? He probably was. I took his hand and led him around the corner. He raised an eyebrow at me and I smirked while putting my arms around his neck. He put his arms around my waist and pulled me closer and I sighed content. Sometimes I thought we overdid the silent conversation stuff, I mean, we got so used to them we even used them when we were alone and together… like now.

"So, what's up?" he finally asked after kissing me lightly.

"At the moment, nothing; later, I hope to fit a good snog in my busy schedule," I told him with a wink and a smile. He brought his face closer to mine.

"Do you know what you do to me?" he asked in this tone that made me giggle.

"Probably the same thing you do to me," I said as I kissed him; really kissed him. His hand tangled in my hair and tilted my head back, deepening the kiss. Moments after, his hand began trailing up my skirt. I tangled my hands in his hair and pulled him really close and he moaned. He held my thigh tightly and moved to kiss my neck. He was so amazing! And no, don't get me wrong, I don't fancy him just because he's awesome at this. I let out an inevitable low moan. Then, gaining some self-control, I gently pushed him away. There was a moment of silence as we caught our breath. This, my beloved readers, is why whenever we kiss in public, the kisses are chaste; we don't want to parade a scene like that in a populated place.

"Bloody hell," he finally said and after a pause added, "I'm glad you have all that self-control, but really… bloody hell," he said again and I laughed.

"Well, one of us has to have it or by now the Hogwarts students would have seen us shag… and we probably would have scarred some poor, innocent first years," I said and laughed again.

(Blaise's point of view)

I watched Theodore leave and shortly after, Heather. What those two were doing at the moment I'd rather not think about… I just hoped they'd get a room. Granger was muttering to herself while looking down at her plate. Then she took a bite of food and chewed thoughtfully. I wondered what Heather told her because I'm sure she didn't tell Granger about how I felt, she had said she wouldn't, and I mean, her Slytherin streak doesn't go there. It's like Heather got the good traits of a Slytherin, sly and witty.

"You're daydreaming again, Blaise?" Draco asked. I turned to look at Draco, but I cast Granger a last look; she was sighing looking somewhat bored.

"I don't daydream," I said. I fantasize, I caught myself thinking. I fantasize about Granger not looking at me like I'm about to hit her. Draco gave me a strange look and shook his head disapprovingly. Did he know too? First Heather and then Draco? Who's next, Theodore?

"Of course not," Draco said sarcastically and then added seriously, "Anyway, I have to go." With that, Draco stood, Crabbe and Goyle with him, and walked away. He cast Granger a confused look and she looked back, also looking confused. What was that about?

Anyway, with Draco gone I could much more easily look at Granger. Well, if Theodore and Heather could have a silent conversation, why not Granger and me? Well, as long as Granger wanted to, of course. So, I looked at her. She went still for a moment, as if debating something, and finally, she looked at me. Her face began to color but her gaze did not falter; it looked rather nice on her.

For a short moment we only stared at each other, not looking away but not really knowing what to do. Then she tilted her head to the side slightly and gave me a small smile that almost seemed shy, but Granger wasn't a shy type of person, right? I send her a somewhat confused look and a small smile. Her blush deepened and she looked down, giving me a brief look through her eyelashes. That was definitely a shy look and I felt my body react strangely to it; I suddenly wanted to tilt her chin up to have her look at me. Wait! Why was she being shy? Or maybe it was tentative? Maybe she was surprised I could be nice to her and she didn't want to ruin it because we had a friend in common. That seemed like a proper explanation… and I couldn't really stop my hoping it was something else. I continued to look at her and when she looked back at me she seemed to have gained a bit more confidence.

"Love birds," she mouths making a small, casual gesture toward the door where Heather and Theodore disappeared through and shakes her head. It seems strange that I understand exactly what she means. Really, Theodore and Heather almost glow just by walking next to each other. I roll my eyes and shake my head also.

(Hermione's point of view)

So, this isn't as bad as I thought. Well, at least now I can make the conclusion that he doesn't dislike me. I hope that Heather and Theodore, wherever are, that they've gotten themselves a room. Which reminds me; I might just take Heather's advice and hint something at Zabini… next time. I mean, it's not like I'm flat out telling him I fancy him. As I look at him he has this funny look on his face, as if deciding something crucial, and I don't know why it makes me blush darker.

Suddenly, his dark eyes focus right on mine and he jerks his head discreetly toward the door, very much like Heather did to Theodore. I hesitate for a moment. Why does he want us to leave the Great Hall? Do I want to leave the Great hall? Yes is the immediate response but, it's bound to be awkward, isn't it? Well, it's not like I haven't been there before. So, with a shy smile (stupid shyness) I nod and stand. I shoulder my bag and leave the Great Hall. Must I mention Ron has been pestering me about how much time I spend with Theodore and Zabini? Ugh, it's so annoying. And it's ironic that Harry, who has every right to be suspicious of Slytherins, hasn't said a word of incessant whining. Sure he doesn't seem too happy, but seriously, when did he get so mature?

I asked Harry once about that subject because I was so incredibly curious, and do you know what he did? He shrugged and said that he knew I'd always be friends with him and that he could count on me. He also said that as long as he knew that, it wasn't his business to be nosing around who I hung out with. I was so surprised. I love my friends, and I'd help them with almost anything and all that, but I am realistic and had categorized them immature; and then Harry was all mature! Yeah, a jaw-dropper for me. Now, about Ron… yeah, can't really say that for him; although I don't fancy him anymore and he's still my best friend, I can truly say he can be a total git at times. I got sidetracked; hm, I think I picked that up from Heather. Anyway, I had thanked Harry and changed the subject because he had looked uncomfortable.

The opening of the Great Hall's door snapped my attention back to the present. "Um, hi," I said. What the heck?! I couldn't even speak properly! Heather had been right about that.

"Granger," he greeted in his usual tone. He strode toward me in all his usual gracefulness. I sometimes felt clumsy around the Slytherins and Heather… who might as well be a Slytherin. "You know, if you keep looking at me like that I might just get the wrong idea," Zabini said. Oh, Merlin! How had I been looking at him?! 'Be more like yourself', Heather had told me. She was right of course… and this was my chance to hint something to him.

"And what wrong idea might that be?" I asked letting my eyes widen in curiosity.

(Blaise's point of view)

Wow! Did she really just ask me that? Was Hermione Granger… flirting with me? Maybe she was just innocent that way. Yeah, right; being friends with Heather and all… okay, so Granger isn't that innocent. Hm, well, I could play her game too.

"I'm sure you can guess," I said taking a step toward her. A pretty blush became more pronounced, but her face was determined as she smiled this certain smile I'd never seen her use before. She looked up at me.

"I don't like to guess, I like to know," she responded. So, maybe Gryffindors could be witty… or maybe it was just Heather and Granger, because Weasel was anything but.

"Then maybe for the sake of teaching you a lesson I should keep you guessing," I said taking another step toward her.

"If you keep me guessing I might get the wrong idea," she replied using my words against me.

"Not unless you decide to get the wrong idea," I countered. She flushed and turned her head away. Any progress I had made just died. We were silent a moment. Without thinking I took a lock of her hair between my fingers. She looked at me with surprise. I thought quickly and said, "Your hair looks nice." Nice?! I just said nice? Agh, why can't I think properly when she's around?! Okay, don't answer that. Her quiet voice broke my inner rant.

"Thank you," she said and after a pause added, "You really think so?" Her brown eyes were bright. She looked very pretty.

Her words startled me. She wanted to know if I thought so? Did she really want to know what I thought or was she being polite? What am I supposed to think of it? Maybe I wasn't meant to think anything of it. I tucked the lock of hair behind her ear purposefully (but without her knowing it was on purpose) brushing her cheek, and I looked at her.

"I do think so," I said. Maybe I wouldn't let her know I fancied her but I could hint I did. She's intelligent; she'd understand the hints, right? At the moment she was looking at me intently. She looked like she was trying to figure something out, and at the same time there was something I couldn't identify, but whatever it was, was intense. A long moment of silence passed between us and we did nothing but stare at each other while I tried to figure out what was going on inside that brilliant mind of hers.

"We should go now," she said softly. I would have questioned that if I had been capable of doing so.

"We should," I said instead. We continued to stare at each other.

"Goodnight Zabini," she said quietly, keeping eye contact.

"Goodnight Granger," I replied not taking my eyes off hers. I didn't want to look away from her bright eyes, and I had a feeling she didn't want to look away either. Finally, she broke the gaze and mumbled another "goodnight". When she passed me she walked so close to me her knuckles brushed mine, and it took a lot of self-control to let her walk away just like that. All I could do was stare at her retreating form before I headed to my own common room.

(Heather's point of view)

It was going to work out great! I had it all planned out! I had a plan that would get Hermione and Blaise together. Don't get me wrong, I've never played matchmaker before, and I don't plan to do it again either (except when it came to Hermione and Blaise – even if separately). This was just too good of an opportunity to pass up.

The plan in itself was simple. I had to convince Theodore to help me (silly Theodore tried to argue with me about it); he gave in when I told him they deserved to be happy, like us. So, the plan was that we would leave Blaise and Hermione alone (a couple weeks from now, of course) for some time, on the pretext that Theodore wanted to talk to me. I had to find the perfect moment, and we would leave them alone for a long time. See, I told you, it's a simple plan… I just hope it worked.

"Heather!" I heard Hermione call. When she came toward me and sat on my bed it looked like she was feeling a thousand things at once.

"Hi Hermione, what's up?" I said though I was dying to ask what had happened to make her look like she was.

"You have to help me!" she said alarmed. That definitely put me on guard. What had happened? Had someone tried to hurt her? Had anyone insulted her?

"What happened?" I asked urgently. Hermione looked at me a moment before launching into an explanation and telling me what had happened between her and Blaise. When she finished she looked at me as if I held all the secrets of the world. I couldn't help it, I laughed. It was just so funny and cute!

"How can you laugh?" she asked incredulously. I calmed myself down.

"Sorry," I managed before adding, "I can help you, but you need to tell me what you want me to help you on."

"I don't know," she said frustrated, "I… I need to not be shy, like you," she answered. I smiled at this and I felt proud of Hermione and Blaise for trying to start a conversation.

"In that case, you need to know how to not look shy," I corrected. She just stared and I sighed. It wasn't going to be easy. "Even if I don't seem shy, it doesn't mean I'm not shy or feeling that way," I explained.

"Either way, you need to help me," Hermione said desperately. I smiled, trying to hide the grin that was threatening to come.

"Okay, I'll help you," I said. I didn't know until much later that Blaise had asked Theodore something along those lines.

(Four weeks later)

(Hermione's point of view)

I was near the Black Lake looking at nothing in particular. I had just had another row with Ron. He was such a hardheaded git! Of course, I had had the last word before walking away because I was right and he had no right to criticize the company I choose to keep. Git! I kind of wish Heather would have been there but she wasn't. She would have shut him up quickly; I mean, she and I are quite equally book smart, but she's had much practice in the Witty Response Department.

(Blaise's point of view)

Why didn't Draco understand?! I've had a row with him because he tried to set me up with a girl… again. He thinks my "infatuation" with Granger is "something that'll go away soon". Yeah, right. The Black Lake is usually the place I seek when I need to think. Apparently, I'm not the only one who comes here to think. Lucky me, Granger is here by herself. She had a faraway expression on her pretty features.

"Hello, Granger," I greeted casually and she started.

"Oh, Zabini, hi," she said as she began to blush. "Hard day for you too?" she asked. Huh, I supposed that with that "too" she was saying her day was hard.

"Yes, you could say that. I just had an argument with Draco," I said though I don't really know why I was bothering to explain.

"Funny, I just had an argument with Ron," she told me. I found it a little strange that she didn't mention Potter. I suppose Heather taught him a lesson that night at Slughorn's party.

"Did it happen to involve Theodore and me?" I asked curious. She faced me and gave me a meek look before answering.

"Yeah, but I told him it was my choice and none of his business," she said with certainty though she was blushing. This surprised me, the fact that she was actually giving Theodore and me a chance. "Zabini?" she asked taking me out of my musings. I simply looked at her. "Were you and Malfoy arguing about me?" she asked quietly and couldn't quite keep the curiosity out of her voice.

"Yes, because like Weasley, he doesn't understand," I said with a slight smile. Draco would have killed me if he heard me comparing him to Weasley.

"He doesn't understand why you pick the Mudbl-"

"Don't finish that word, Granger. I thought you knew better," I said to her somewhat irritated. I would not stand to have her refer to herself with such term.

"Isn't that what I am?" she taunted.

"Is that how you see yourself?" I tried and raised an eyebrow.

"No, but I assume that you-"

"Then stop assuming, Granger," I said rather curtly. She frowned at me though she was still blushing.

"Well, it's a good thing, I suppose, that I'm still a Muggle-born to you," she said. Did she really not understand or was she doing this on purpose?

"You really should stop making assumptions," I said simply. She was silent a moment but she was watching me. I could feel her gaze on me but I wouldn't look at her.

"Who am I to you, then?" she asked finally. Surprised at her question I looked at her. She was still watching me but she was now blushing profusely.

"You're Hermione Granger, the brightest witch of our year, smarter than Draco, better than Weasley, and loads prettier than Parkinson," I answered truthfully.

I could tell she was fighting against her shyness when she spoke. "Glad to know you think as highly of me as I think of you." She looked across the Black Lake, away from me.

"Really?" I asked truly surprised; this was new. She simply nodded and did not look at me. "What do you think of me?" I asked before I thought better of it.

She looked at me in the eye but she shifted uncomfortably. "You're witty, smarter than Malfoy, better than Parkinson, and a lot more good-looking than Ron," she said and shrugged.

"Well," I said with a smirk as I took a step closer to her, "I'm glad we settled that." We were close enough that I easily reached out and took a strand of her hair and felt the silkiness of it. She raised her face to look at me, her eyes questioning, but I decided to ignore that last part. I tucked to strand of hair behind her ear, and again, I purposely brushed her cheek with my knuckles. Her eyes fluttered at the contact.

Curious about this reaction, I allowed my fingers to gently trace the side of her face. Her eyes closed and her lips parted slightly. I don't know if it was because she looked vulnerable or beautiful that I decided to act; perhaps it was a combination of both. I held one of her hands and intertwined my fingers with hers, and when she opened her eyes I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers. Her lips felt warm against mine and as I stroke the side of her face I marveled at the strange emotions going through me.

I've kissed many girls before, but this time it was different. I couldn't exactly say why or how it was different, it simply was. When we broke apart I leaned my forehead against hers as we tried to catch our breath, letting both of our breaths mingle. When we had done so, I straightened. She looked at me with wide eyes and I could tell she was full of questions, questions that perhaps I couldn't answer. I really didn't want her to speak because I was sure that if she did I would simply walk away; after all, there was reason I wasn't in Gryffindor.

(Hermione's point of view)

I finally understood. I finally understood what Heather was talking about when she tried to explain what was so great about to kiss, aside from the fact it was the person you fancied who was doing it and the way it felt. I finally understood what I had read in books when it said that with a kiss a person could say so much more than with words. I finally understood.

As I looked at Blaise (for I could no longer think of calling him Zabini) I could see he didn't want me to say something, although I'm not exactly sure what. I, myself, could not articulate much anyway. I looked instead at our intertwined fingers, his olive toned skin against my own pale skin, and I couldn't help but think that I was coming to the right decision. I took his other hand with my free hand and looked back up at him. I could see the confusion in his dark eyes.

I tilted my head up and I stood on the tips of my toes and kissed him. I felt him relax against me and he let go of my hands and put them on my waist and pulled me closer to him. With my now-free hands I put my arms around his neck. I allowed him to explore my mouth and took the chance to explore his. We had to break away however, when our need to breathe won. He looked at me intently and I desperately hoped I had not misinterpreted his actions; although, really, how do misinterpret him kissing me? I was being paranoid. Either way, I didn't have to wait long to find out.

"Be my girlfriend," he said. It was a statement but he was giving a choice. I could see the hope and fear he was trying to hide in his eyes and even if I had wanted to say no (though I definitely didn't want to) I wouldn't have been able to. I went with the only answer I could manage to give him.

"Yes," I breathed and then he leaned down and kissed me again.

(One week later)

(Heather's point of view)

Can you believe it?! Hermione and Blaise are a couple! A couple for Merlin's sake! And they had done it without our help – Theodore's and mine, that is. It's ironic that the two people who brought them together – Malfoy and Weasley – are the ones that didn't want them to be together in the first place.

The buzz of such news has yet to die down. I've had to save my two dear friends more than once… and I've had to deal with that Ronald Weasley git quite often (because he blames me for being "a bad influence on Hermione). Fortunately, a few well-placed words leave him fuming but silent. Malfoy for his part has taken it better. Although that might be because he's been busy doing who-knows-what. The poor boy seems more than stressed and distracted – he looks sick. I can't help but feel bad for him, though I do wonder what he's up to. When I work with him in Potions I've cut him some slack; he's noticed this too, and hasn't said anything, but when he looks at me sometimes I know he's grateful. I'm not expecting him to thank me either way; he's still a Malfoy after all.

Anyway, I got sidetracked – again. So, Malfoy really just seems more confused than upset or angry at his friend's decision. He's actually been civil to Hermione, even nice at times, which is kind of creepy. He's complimented her… okay, so maybe a "you've got better responses than last time" isn't exactly a compliment, especially when they're arguing, but our group is well aware that it's as good as any compliment coming from a (semi) prejudiced pureblood to a Muggle-born, which believe me, it's loads of progress. I don't dislike Malfoy anymore; I might actually like him one day, if he keeps up that behavior.

Right now, my friends, my boyfriend (gosh I love how that sounds!), and I are near the Black Lake enjoying quietly the short time we have away from prying and curious eyes. At the moment, Blaise has his arm around Hermione's waist, and they look so damn solemn and cute together I'm almost tempted to start bawling.

Theodore on the other hand, has cocooned me in an embrace, which I don't mind at all. His arms are around me and my head is resting on his shoulder, and I'm warm and fuzzy on the inside as I breathe in his scent. I feel safe and like nothing could hurt me, but I know that it's just me, and I'm still aware of how unsafe things are at the moment. We'll have to part soon because the school year is almost over, but we could always correspond. I love him, I really, really do. And of course, I love my friends too.

"Heather, I need to talk to you alone," he says interrupting my sappy thoughts. Wait! What? No, no, there's no reason to put our plan in motion, not when Hermione and Blaise are together.

"Okay," I say but give him a confused look. My friends smile over at us before engrossing themselves in each other again. Why does Blaise look like he knows something I don't? Probably because he does. Anyway, I let Theodore lead me away and finally, we're alone, though the other two would still be able to see us. "Did you really want to talk to me?" I ask. He nods, giving me a shy smile. He's blushing and he looks so darn cute! Wait just a moment. He's blushing? Why is he blushing? All of a sudden I'm nervous and I feel my face begin to heat. He clears his throat.

"So," he begins, "I won't see you over the summer." I nod at this. "Um, well, we could write to each other," he proposes.

"Yeah, I was planning to ask you about that," I say quietly. He nods. Why are we being so awkward?

"So, um, I wanted to talk to you about… something," he starts again.

"Okay," I say a bit uncertain. What is he going to tell me?! He nods and suddenly seems to find his shoes very interesting to look at.

"Well, as you know, we're both not of age yet… which means there are things we can't do yet… at least legally," he adds the last part and shoots me a half smile I can't help but return. Ha, ha, yeah, we can't do a lot of things at this age… like have sex. Guess what? We kind of already are. I look at him and he looks down again and continues in these terms, "So, um, I wanted to ask you something." Why do I feel like my heart is lodged in my throat?

"Okay," I say yet again. Guess I just found my new favorite word… although at this point I think it's the only word my brain can get me to say.

"Do you know the meaning of a promise ring?" he asks and all of a sudden a rush of emotions hits me all at once.

"Yes… i-it seals an agreement. It's public proof," is all I can say in a whisper. I'm afraid that if I don't whisper my voice is going to squeak or sound strangled. I don't know about you, but I can't really afford that at the moment. Don't want to scare my poor Theodore away. I am also aware that there's a lot more to the meaning of a promise ring, and that "agreement" should have been "promise".

"Yeah, something like that," he mutters. He clears his throat and he finally looks at me. His eyes are like windows to his soul (Ha! How cliché!) and I see the hope and fear. I would have said some soothing words, but I couldn't really articulate much. He spoke again. "I want to be with you Heather and I love you so much. If you feel the same way, and if you'll have me, then promise me that when we are of age and we have graduated, you'll marry me," he said softly, as if afraid of my answer.

I looked at him. He wanted us to marry after Hogwarts? He loved me so much as to ask me to marry him now? My vision blurred as my eyes filled with tears and as I blinked they began to fall. What did I ever do to deserve him? He was everything I ever wanted. Why wasn't I reacting? Why didn't the prospect of marrying Theodore frighten me like it did some girls? Why, without even thinking about it, did I want to say yes?

"I know it must be a shock to you, so I'll let you think about it if you want," he told me quietly. Think about it? There was nothing to think about, my choice was already made. I shook my head at him, and he lowered his head. "I'm sorry, then," he said and his own voice sounded like he was about to cry. Wait! He thought I had said no?! He began to turn from me and I couldn't just see him walk out of my life like that, not now, not ever. I took his wrist and he stopped but he didn't turn around. I went to him and placed myself in front of him. He did not look at me.

I took his face in my hands and raised it until he was looking at me. I pressed the softest kiss on his lips. "Yes," I whispered my face an inch from his. "Yes, I love you and I'll have you, and yes I promise to marry you when we have graduated from Hogwarts." I kissed him softly again before letting my tears flow more freely and burying my face in the crook of his neck. His arms came around me then and I felt him press his face to my hair.

"Thank you," he kept saying. I was so elated and overjoyed. He wanted me! He loved me! He wanted to be with me! He took out a small box and inside was a ring. It was a silver band with a pretty topaz in the middle. It was simple, but to me it was the most wonderful thing. He slipped it on my finger and I was surprised how well it fit. I looked at the ring on my finger a moment before I kissed him and I couldn't help the tears again. I don't know how long we were there, but when we were sure I wouldn't start another tear fest we went back to Hermione and Blaise.

When we reached them Blaise was smirking noticeably and Hermione had the widest smile I'd ever seen. "Just like in the movies," she told me. The boys, being purebloods, had no idea what she was talking about, but I did.

"Oh, hush," I said but I was smiling too. Theodore put his arms around me and I leaned back against him, pretty much in the same position Hermione and Blaise were. Then I remembered something. "You knew about this, didn't you?" I asked Blaise with narrowed eyes.

"Of course I did," he said smugly and with a tone that indicated it was obvious. I just smiled; I couldn't find it in me to be mad or worried. Besides, there was no reason for me to be mad at Blaise.

We stayed there, near the Black Lake, a little longer. Then, as we headed back into Hogwarts castle I felt like I could deal with anything. I was sure I'd be able to, as long as I had Theodore, Hermione, and Blaise, that is.

-End-

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