Title: Close, But Not Close Enough
Rating: K
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Harry/Hermione, Ron
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 568
Summary: Harry and Hermione almost kiss. Almost.

Notes:

The Stratified Agate Competition: Level IV – Write about the kiss that never happened (your pairing almost kiss, or one thinks the other wants to kiss them, but it does not happen/is not implied to happen later in your fic)

Triwizard Tournament Competition: Stage 2 – Write a fic involving 3 or more characters with speaking parts

Hermione blushes when Harry gives her some chocolate frogs. It's not much, but it's the thought that counts.

"Thanks," she says, looking at him from underneath lowered eyelashes.

"No problem," he answers, his gaze focused on her.

When Harry first asked her to accompany him to Hogsmeade, Hermione hoped he meant as a date. And the longer the day goes on, the more the hope grows.

He has been a perfect gentleman. He holds open doors for her and asks her where she wants to go, instead of simply dragging her to Zonkos or Honeydukes. It's even better that Ron isn't around. She's not sure why the redhead is suspiciously absent, but she's grateful for it.

She loves she's spending the day alone with Harry. She can't imagine having better company. She truly hopes this is the first step to them becoming more than simply friends. She wants so much more with him.

"Want to get something to eat?" Harry asks.

Hermione nods. "That would be great."

Harry seems to hesitate, but he ends up taking her hand and pleasant warmth is felt where he touches her.

When they sit at the Three Broomsticks, the two of them are huddled together, their feet tangled up together, ankles pressed against each other.

"I'm having a really good time," Harry says.

"Me too."

The day has been so simple, but so absolutely wonderful. Hermione feels absolutely euphoric, especially when Harry shyly takes her hand while they talk at the end of their meal.

Neither of them looks around at the commotion in the pub. They know they're probably drawing stares, especially since Harry is the boy-who-lived and Hermione is supposed to be nothing more than his best friend. She knows conclusions are being drawn about the nature of their relationship, but she can't force herself to care or get righteously miffed like she usually would in this situation. She can't, not when she hopes the conclusions everyone is drawing are true.

After they leave the Three Broomsticks, they continue walking around Hogsmeade. Neither one of them wants the day to end.

Every day has to end, though. They slowly make their way to the gates, but come to a stop before they can enter the school grounds.

"I had a really great time, Hermione."

"Me too," she breathes, wishing his lips would move closer to hers. As if he heard her wish, Harry's lips part as they descend.

Hermione's chin tilts up as she urges herself to have what she's sure will be a perfect first kiss for them. They get closer and closer. They're almost touching when a shout of "Harry! Hermione!" breaks through the fog.

They reluctantly pull away and sigh when they see Ron running towards them from the castle.

"Hi, Ron. Where were you today?" she asks, even though she doesn't really care about the answer.

"I had detention," Ron says grumpily.

Hermione forces a smile and is delighted to see Harry looks as put out as she feels.

"Come on guys. Come back to the castle. Tell me about your day!" Ron urges.

Hermione and Harry share a look and know the moment has passed.

The three of them make their way to the castle. Hermione's perfect day has a not-so-perfect ending, but she's still happy with how, what she now knows was her first date, with Harry went. Hopefully, there will be other dates.