I'm SO sorry I've been neglecting, and I'm a horrible person, but I've been swamped. HOWEVER it is now my summer holidays and I can update more regularly with longer chapters (this one's a bit short)

Please review, and thank you, gorgeous readers, for not giving up on me despite my awfulness.

Loves you xx

When she awoke, she was vaguely aware of Rubeus watching her, and smiled drowsily. He'd draped a massive, furry blanket over her body and she was so comfortable, right then, she felt as though there was no bad in the world, no impending doom, no sadness, no bitterness, no loneliness, no broken hearts. She yawned and sat up, still radiant with happiness and contentment. She looked out of the window, and was shocked at the sight of the almost jet black sky, beautiful stars twinkling in the distance. She jumped down, and thanked Rubeus for his time, for his company, for his cake.

'S'all righ', 'Mione. No trouble; no' for an ole friend who did so well in 'er exams. Lovely te have yeh here, as always.' He announced, and promptly enveloped her in a crushing but well-meaning and nonetheless enjoyable bear hug.

'Night, Rubeus!' she called as she opened the door to leave.

'Evenin'!' came the response as she shut it behind her. Hermione was, of course, a little bit disappointed to find an evening gone, but eventually decided that sleep was definitely important and going down to Rubeus' hut had definitely left her on a happiness high. She skipped off, something she hadn't done since her long-distant childhood, something she hadn't done since meeting Harry, since discovering Voldemort, since taking the weight of the future wizarding generations on her shoulders. But she felt as though the burden had been lifted, and she skipped all the way to the Hufflepuff common room, arriving just as Justin was leaving – her intention. He beamed at her, and she returned the gesture.

'So, Mr Finch-Fletchley, why on earth would you be breaching the curfew?'

'I assume for the precise same reasons as you, m'dear. I was on my way to the Gryffindor common room, meself' He kissed her forehead softly and a thrill of anticipation ran through Hermione. She snuggled into him and rested her head on his shoulder. He gazed at her and gently caressed her cheek with his finger.

'I still fail to understand why you agreed to go out with me' he mused, thoughtfully. Hermione was hit with a rush of affection, of love. She reached up and brushed a lock of hair out of his face. He smiled down at her, his eyes full of admiration and love, and her breath caught in her throat. He bent his head slightly and she stood up on her tiptoes. Their lips met, briefly, and Hermione sighed. Was it possible for happiness to cause one's head to implode? She wasn't sure, but hoped not. She stretched up again, and he lowered his face to meet hers. Again, he kissed her, softly, gently, tenderly. Hermione was overcome with emotion. She thought she might break down at any minute. He took her hand and pecked it, and she slid it round his back. Her other hand followed suit, and she hugged him, loosely, and reached up for another kiss. Their lips met once more, and his arms snaked around her back. He whispered something incomprehensible in her ear. She softly asked him to repeat it.

'Is Moaning Myrtle's toilet free, d'you know? There's something I'd very much like to do with the most special, important, love of my life…' he looked longingly into her eyes. Hermione was torn, she too would very much like to go and participate in what he was undoubtedly suggesting. Rubeus' words of warning echoed inside her head. She knew she'd have to make a decision, and she knew which the right one was. She could only hope that, in protecting her long-term happiness she wouldn't do much to damage her short-term… She explained to him that she wouldn't, that she couldn't, have sex with him again, not yet. She wasn't ready. And as she'd hoped, the look of disappointment on his face disappeared and was replaced with understanding so briefly she wondered that she'd imagined it.

'And you wondered why I agreed to go out with you? Because aside from being pretty hot, you're the most selfless, understanding, generous, loving, caring, amazing boyfriend I could wish for. I love you Justin. Never doubt your worth, I think you far above what I deserve…' She trailed off at his disbelief. He seemed lost for words, and she kissed his neck.

'Night, Justin…'

'Night night, sweetie. See you tomorrow…'ermioHermione Hermione snuck back to her common room, unnoticed. She sat in the common room for a while, watching the fire. A sudden cough made her jump. She turned around and smiled. It was only Neville. He sat down next to her.

'Why are you up so late, 'Mione? Aren't you exhausted?'

'Had a little sleep at Rubeus'. Yourself?'

'Couldn't sleep. Tried reading my potions book from last year but that didn't work. Well, it bored me silly but not enough to fall asleep' he grinned ruefully.

'Do you know why you can't sleep?' Hermione asked, concerned for her friend's health.

'Oh, I expect it's too much adrenaline from the exam results, or Hogsmeade coming up and finally having a date with Luna… Justin asked you yet?'

'No but I'm not too worried. We've had plenty of dates and he'll probably ask me soon. How did the mocks go for you?'

'Not badly, actually, an O in Herbology and Es in everything else. You got straight Outstanding, I believe?' Hermione nodded and Neville ruffled her hair.

'That's my nerd' he teased and she punched him playfully on the shoulder. They giggled. Hermione loved Neville – he was so easy-going, so amiable, so friendly.

'Anyway, Nev, nice chatting to you, but I should probably go to bed. Defence Against the Dark Arts first thing tomorrow, and you know full well that Snape's not going to take any pity on me if I'm late. You know Snape.' Neville gave her a laughing half-smile.

'Only too well…' he sighed. And with that, they bade each other goodnight and each went to their dormitory.

So yeah. Next chapter will be up SOONER than you think. 3

Please review! xx