Harry's Pov

I really wasn't having a good year at Hogwarts. I always felt alone despite having Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna and Ginny as my friends. Although with the way Ron had been treating Hermione i felt as if he had changed and was no longer my friend. Neville was slowly gaining confidence in himself and because of this he allowed himself to make more friends. Luna may seem a bit strange but i thought that was a way to ignore the bullying she experienced, I thought of her as a little sister and was a bit protective of her. Ginny was just Ron's little sister, So seemed very possessive of me for some reason but even so i thought of her as a friend.

During my musings about my friends, the doors to the great hall opened as one of said friends entered. Hermione was easily my closest friend, She was smart, pretty and very kind. I felt terrible for her because of what Ron had done. She didn't deserve to be cheated on, nobody did. Such a brilliant girl like her didn't need a friend or lover like Ron. She walked in looking amazing. She had tamed her hair, it looked very pretty. I was used to her with wild bushy locks and i liked them a lot, Hermione however hated her hair. She apparently finally did something about that and you could tell by her smile that she was happier because of it. She looked simply divine. She sat next to me and smile at my look. My god she has an even better smile. She had makeup on, and the makeup around her eyes only accentuated the big brown eyes i loved. I have always had a crush on Hermione because of her brilliant mind and kind ways. Her appearance didn't contribute, I am not one to like a girl for her looks. Despite this i had to admit she looked fantastic. Ginny next to me started up a hissy fit when i ignored her because i was talking to Hermione.

"Hermione you look happier today" I said "I feel happier also Harry, Say do you want to skip potions to go ice skating on the black lake today?" She asked. I'm pretty sure i gaped at her. Hermione Jean Granger wanted to skip a class, with me to go ice skating? She always told me not to skip classes let alone potions. so naturally i said "Course i will Hermione, You know i would do anything for you. And Skipping potions is Something i would do for anybody"

So we left the great hall and headed outside. "Wait Hermione what about ice skates?" i asked as i turned around. She was wearing winter clothes and was dangling two pairs of skates from her arm. The things magic could do. And because Hermione knew a spell for pretty much everything, she could magically change her clothes and conjure ice skates. "Oh.. Never mind" i said. She showed me how to change my clothes with magic like she did, She was a good teacher and it didn't take me long to learn the spell. Eventually we started skating, well she did anyway. I spent most of my time on the floor because i didn't know how to skate. Until she helped me up and led me along. She could have used magic to help me but we both agreed how fun it was to do things the muggle way sometimes. We skipped more lessons than potions in favour of being together on the ice. Only when we got so tired did i let my feelings be known. I was terrified of being rejected by her.

" Hermione "

" Yes harry? "

" I think i'm in love with you "

A slow smile made its way on her face as she skated towards me and pulled me into a hug,

" And i know i'm in love with you harry " She replied. And with that my smile matched hers.

We spent what felt like ages standing there simply hugging each other until somebody cleared their throat as we turned to see professor Dumbledore and professor Mcgonagall standing there.

"Children, Might i suggest you go inside?"

Dumbledore said. We headed inside giggling, Well Hermiones first day of Skipping classes ended perfectly, being caught by the head and deputy head of the school.

- Inside Dumbledore's office -

" Albus! You aren't even going to punish them?! " Mcgonagall asked.

" My dear, Harry and Hermione need this happiness in each other for the year to come, I shan't punish them for trying to find comfort in each other. " Dumbledore looked towards a picture of his sister on his desk and smiled sadly.

"Anyway Hogwarts is beautiful in winter. And this winter ended up as a solace for them, Harry needs that."