Chapter – 1

Hermione never knew anyone in this world who could be so annoying. Unfortunately, she came to know such a bimbo – who happened to be so annoying that Hermione was surprised at herself that she hadn't hexed their bloody knickers off – or worse pushed them off of Astronomy Tower. She seriously considered this offer, it was so bloody tempting.

"You lost Hermione." Lavender's voice, according to Hermione, never sounded that much irritating than it did now. Honestly, she felt like Lavender was asking for a death wish. Maybe feeding her to the Giant Squid would work.

"I know." Hermione managed as calmly as she could, "I guess… this game is just plain boring – I wonder why I-"

"Oh, it was such an interesting game! So different than Wizarding game! Who knew you could do so much creative games with a parchment and a quill!?" Hermione actually winced at Lavender's squeal.

Hermione felt that she had managed to divert Lavender's thoughts. Seriously, that girl was a witch; whatever cooked in her mind was not good. It was evident by her expression.

She sighed as she remembered the game she lost to: a dot to dot game. Hermione still couldn't believe it!

Lavender had taken Ancient Runes with her and there was a revision class going on – nothing much to do. Lavender offered to play a game to pass their time. Hermione agreed.

She shouldn't have agreed. Stupid Hermione, idiot Hermione.

Both of the girls entered the Great Hall and Hermione walked – more like paced – towards Ron, eager to get Lavender off of her.

She felt a sharp tug by the robe. Honestly, this lass had power – Hermione felt that her windpipe had blocked.

She choked, rubbing her neck as Lavender apologized. Sparing her a glare, she crossed her arms and tapped on her foot – giving her most impatient look.

Lavender rolled her eyes.

Hermione swore she would work hard on her pretence of casual demeanor from now onwards.

"Look. You lost the game-"

"Yeah, I lost. Hermione Granger lost. Do you have to rub on it again?" Hermione snapped, a bit amused as well as annoyed. Lavender smirked.

"Oh yeah, you lost. It's the highest point of my life." Lavender beamed at Hermione's ugly expression. She sighed in defeat and offered a slight smile.

"Yes, you won. So…" Hermione made a move to bolt, but Lavender was fast.

"Oh!" Lavender wiggled her finger and tsked, "You're not leaving, Hermione. Scared, are you?"

That straightened Hermione up.

"Bring it on." She said bravely, her logical side was screaming profanities at her, but she ignored them. "I said I'll grant your one dare – so spit it out, so I can join Ron." Hermione motioned at the waving Ron. Lavender made a motion back to stop.

She blinked at Hermione, and gave a kind smile, "Now… what I'm asking you isn't a difficult thing, okay… relax." Lavender gave her a soft smile. Hermione felt like she could relax…

"You have to snog the bloody daylights out of the first guy who enters the door."

Thought too soon. She was Evil – classified First Class Evil. Spawn of Satan. Eternal Damnation. Dug up her way to Earth from boiling Hell.

She saw that mischievous glint in her eyes with that soft smile. Patting Hermione on the shoulder she whispered, "At least I didn't say anyone. It could have been a girl, you know. I am so kind." She faked a lofty tone, but the giggle of amusement gave her away. She patted her twice on the shoulder, "All the best."

Lavender made her way and plopped beside Parvati, chatting up and giggling as she informed her about Hermione's ordeal. If Hermione could throw lasers from her eyes – they would have been coal black by now. Both of them giggled and pointed at the door. Hermione's head snapped up.

It was only Ginny. Hermione gave a sigh of relief – she thought she could hear their giggles again.

"'Ello Hermione. What're you doing? Waiting for someone?" Ginny asked curiously. Hermione gave her a smile.

"Yes. Because of a dare given by Lavender just because I lost a sodding game, I'm here to wait for the first guy so that I could 'snog the bloody daylights' out of him." Hermione emphasized her quotations with her finger – an attitude she learnt from her Mum. Ginny found it amusing. Oh, she would tell her what's amusing…

"Ginny, stop grinning like that. You wouldn't want to be first on my Hit List." Hermione threatened. If anything, Ginny gave a loud chuckle. Just like Lavender, she patted her shoulder and said, "Wish you all the very best!" and sauntered over her seat.

Hermione sighed. Better keep her eyes down – if she sees bare skin, it's a girl. If she sees trousers – it's a boy. Simple as that and get over it.

Another skirt… and another… and another…

A trouser!

Hermione shuffled on her feet, panic coursing through her body – eager to get over it as quickly as she could. She closed her eyes in mortification, giving one last mental curse to Lavender; she hit his body to stop the boy's movement.

He was tall… so, it was quite a relief she was not kissing a Third or a Fourth Year.

"I'm so sorry." Was all Hermione said, her eyes still closed as she grabbed his face (more like his neck) as planted her lips on his.

His lips were soft as velvet, but unyielding. Hermione pressed more – she had to kiss passionately afterall – kissing him with all she had got. Hermione desperately clutched her fist into his robes, wanting him to respond. But then… why would he respond? She was a plain, bushy-haired, bookworm, baggy robed, Hermione Granger. Why would anyone want to kiss her?

Disappointment burned in her eyes, ready to pull away.

Only, she couldn't.

The strong arms of this boy – no, man wound around her waist and fisted in her hair, and kissing her back. Hermione renewed her vigour, her lips tingling with delight at kissing such soft and dare she say it - delicious lips. He tasted so divine, smelt so familiar…

If you called that snogging the living daylights, that would be a heavy understatement. And that hair… they were so messy…

Hermione felt she was forgetting something… something very necessary for living and functioning… yes, oxygen – 21%... abundant gas on the Earth… important to human lives… plants give them out after respiration…

She broke off, panting and gasping for air – her hand falling down as they lose their grip from his robes and his hair. Mystery man… an amazing snogger was the Mystery man. Hermione's eyes were still closed; her face felt like it was on fire. She had been quite a site, but the man was panting as hard as she was. Hermione was thankful they were at the corner of the door of the Great Hall.

Hermione opened her eyes to peek at the Mystery man…

She paled with utmost terror, her eyes meeting the round as galleons of Ginny, Lavender, Ron, Seamus, Neville, and…

"Harry." Hermione breathed at her Mystery man, "Harry." This time it was laced with horror.

Her Mystery man, the great snogger, Harry James Potter, the bottle green eyed handsome, stared at her such a confusion that made Hermione want to snog the hell out of him again.

Hermione did what seemed like a best option to her.

She ran as long as her legs would carry her.