"Harry!" An excited voice cried out across the platform. It was Hermione.
She had been living with her aunt and uncle in Australia for the summer.
Her tan shone in the dull light of the platform. She had grown over the
holidays and had filled out in a womanly way. Her Brown eyes shone with
excitement as she ran to greet her two best friends.
"Harry, Ron, How are you. It's been so long. I missed you both."
Harry and Ron stared at her for a moment before smiling.
"Yeah, It has." Ron started. "And now were going back to school for the
last time." Ron had also changed over the summer break. He wore his hair
spiked and he had grown a lot. Harry and Ron had whittled the summer away
by playing Qudditch and it had obviously paid off for both of them.
"Come on, the train's about to leave." Harry said urging them towards the
door.
It didn't take long for the three friends to find a compartment. Ron and
Harry told Hermione all about their summer and about how Harry had broken
up with Sarah.
Sarah was Sirius' brother (Orion's) daughter. They had started dating last
summer when Harry spent time at Sirius' House. It had taken a year of court
trials until Sirius was finally cleared of all the charges against him and
was now legally Harry's guardian. He's single again. Hermione could hardly
contain her excitement. Thankfully the lady with the trolley knocked on the
door of the compartment. After a few minutes scrambling for money the three
friends began to wolf down their Bertie botts every flavor beans and
chocolate frogs.
Hermione studied Harry's body beneath his t-shirt. He'd had a growth spurt
over the summer break and was taller than her by a foot. His chest and
shoulders were broad and defined. His stomach was flat but rippling with
muscles. His hair was wild and unkempt.
"Hermione?"
The question jolted her from her reverie. Harry and Ron were staring at
her.
"are you ok?"
"yeah I'm fine." She replied. "Just excited and a little tired."
Harry looked at her with concerned eyes, why am I shivering? She thought.
At that moment the train started to slow down. Quickly one by one they
changed into their robes. And descended from the train.
As the group made their way to the carriages Hermione couldn't stop
thinking about Harry. For the past 6 years she had liked him from afar. She
never felt good enough for him. After all he was Harry Potter savior of the
world and she was just a simple mudblood. How could he ever like her? She
wondered. The carriage ride was quick and before long she was on the steps
leading into the great hall.
The great hall was decorated with floating candles and everyone sat at
their house tables waiting for the sorting ceremony to begin. Professors
Dubledore and Magonigal were seated at the head table along with Snape,
Lupin, Black and Hagrid. Remus was given his position back as long as he
stayed medicated and Sirius was to take over when he was ill. Harry glanced
cross at the slytherin table. There creating his usual ruckus sat Draco
Malfoy with his cronies Crabb and Goyle on either side. For once they
weren't talking about Harry. It seemed that Dracos' Mother had left his
father after many long years of marriage.
The nervous first years shuffled into the room and the ceremony began. When
it was over Dumbledore rose to make the announcements. "As always the
forbidden forest it off limits to all students. Also there will be a Ball
at Halloween and another just before Christmas for students in year 5 and
up. That is all dig in."
With a wave of his hand the tables came alive with hot rich food and icy
cold pumpkin juice. During the meal many students came over and
congratulated Harry and Hermione on getting the head boy and head girl
positions. On the way back to the Gryffindor tower professor Lupin fell
into step beside them. "So Ron, I guess it will be weird not having Harry
in the room tonight. "At Hogwarts the head boy and head girl had their own
rooms with a small lounge room dividing them
"I hadn't thought of that professor. I guess it will be pretty quiet in the
room now Harry's snoring has gone." Ron joked. Professor Lupin chuckled,
and walked away.
When they got to the portrait Harry and Hermione rushed up the stairs to
the top floor where their rooms were.
The lounge room was cozy and warm with a huge fire roaring on the far side.
In the middle of the room was a dark dusty blue 3 seater couch. on the
floor was a rich red rug. There was a table to the right hand side next to
a door with Harry's name on it On the left was a large bookshelf filled
with dusty old texts and Hermione's door.
"Nice, I'm going to check out my room." Hermione said suddenly afraid to be
alone with Harry. It wasn't that she was worried about what he'd do to her
but more about what she'd do to him. Already her hormones were kicking in
and she could feel the colour rising in her cheeks. Inside her room there
was a huge queen size bed with a royal purple Bed spread and curtains. She
had a large bay window to her left overlooking the Qudditch pitch and
Hagrids hut. On her right was a door leading into her wardrobe and further
into her very own bathroom. The tub was huge just like the prefects
bathroom with a multitude of taps. It was then that she noticed a wardrobe
at the other end of the tub. I have to share this with Harry. The thought
struck her quickly and a fire of excitement burned under her skin. Slowly
she walked back into her room and began to put her clothes away.
Harry walked into his room. It wasn't anything special. There was a king
size bed with dark green linen and curtains. It also had a wardrobe and a
window. As he started to put his stuff into the wardrobe he spied the
bathroom beyond. Curious he walked around the bath past the two sinks and
into harmonies wardrobe. He knocked on her wardrobe door and entered her
room.
She was lying across her bed asleep. He chuckled, she looked so cute. Harry
had often wondered about Hermione. His feelings for her were changing he
knew it. Over the summer he couldn't get her out of his head. Late at night
he would dream about her, often waking up in a sweat. To top it all off
when they met at platform 9 and 3/4 he could feel himself getting aroused
at the site of her. Quietly he slipped back into the bathroom and resumed
filling his wardrobe.
Hermione lay in her bed. The moonlight shimmered into her room. It wasn't
long before she drifted off to sleep. She sensed Harry standing over her
bed. The moonlight illuminated her tangled curls and bathed her face in a
silver glow. Her lips were a deep maroon in contrast to her alabaster skin.
He reached out and traced his finger along her chin. She awoke. Her deep
brown eyes smiled up at him and he sunk down onto her bed. As he smiled
back at her his emerald eyes sparkled. As the space between them lessened,
Hermione took a slight breath and parted her lips to accept his.
Hermione woke the next morning with a smile on her face. The dream faded
back into her mind and slowly she got ready for school. Just as she
finished pulling her hair back there was a knock at the door. Answering it
she saw Harry dressed in his robes with a stack of papers in his hand.
"Hi" She said
"Hi, These are our schedules for this year." He said handing her a copy
"Potions with the Slytherins again! "Hermione cried. "This is ridiculous.
It's our last year and we still can't get away from them."
"I know how you feel Hermione. It will be ok. I hate it just as much as you
do. Want to go down to breakfast?"
"Yeah, ok."
The day went by quickly. Harry and Hermione spent most of it with Ron.
After dinner Harry and Ron played exploding snap for a few hours. Hermione
decided to get a start on her homework. About an hour later Harry walked
in. He sat down at the table with his DADA homework. Hermione looked up
from her Arithmancy and smiled.
"I didn't expect so much from Remus, He was so cruel. I wonder if he did it
deliberately." He said
"I think it was deliberate." Hermione replied with a laugh "And we can't
get out of It."
"Hermione, I was thinking. Being head boy and girl and all, do you want to
go to the umm, dances together this year?" Harry asked hesitantly
"Well, it makes sense I guess." She replied with a smile.
"Good. That's settled then." Harry said and plunged himself back into his
work about an hour later He got up and went to bed. Hermione moved down
onto the rug in front of the fire and continued her Herbology work.
Harry lay awake in his bed. He hadn't been concentrating on his homework.
All he could do was watch Hermione. After much deliberation he decided to
go to bed and try again later when she had left. Lying in his bed he
pictured the way her hair cascaded down her shoulders and how her lips
sucked on the end of the quill when she was thinking. It didn't take long
for him to decide that he had to tell her how he felt.
Jumping off his bed he opened the door to the lounge. "Her-mon-e?" Harry
smiled. She was asleep on the rug. Her quill was dripping ink onto her
hand. Carefully he lifted her up off the floor and tucked her into bed.
Early that morning Harry decided to try again. He waited until she was in
the bath before slipping noiselessly into her room. He opened her window.
Pulling out his wand he whispered "Accio 12 roses" Floating into the room
came 12 red roses. He placed one onto her pillow and the other 11 were
suspended all around the ceiling. With a quick encouragement and a time
delay spell Harry slipped from the room.
He took a seat on the couch and began to busy himself with his homework. He
didn't have to wait long for Hermione's laughter to reach his ears. She
came running out of her room in her towel. "Harry, did you make the roses
shower me with their petals?"
Harry looked at her and smiled. She leapt onto his lap and hugged him
tightly. "Thank you." Was all she said before returning to her room and
closing the door.
With a smile on his face Harry made his way downstairs to breakfast. Ron
looked up from his bacon sandwich and saw Harry's beaming face. "You look
like the cat that got the cream." He said.
"I think I did." Was all Harry said.
Hermione didn't come down for breakfast that morning. Instead she met them
all in their first class.
Snape was in a particularly bad mood that morning. Neville cut his roots
into squares instead of oblongs and that only seemed to aggravate him even
more. To make matters worse Hermione wouldn't look at Harry. Every time he
made eye contact with her she had to look away. Did Harry really like her
or was her just being nice.
At lunch Hermione got a letter from her cousin Liz in Australia. Her family
was coming to spend Christmas break with her. Hermione liked her cousin,
even if she is a gym junkie. All summer Liz had her up at dawn running
along the white sand beach to the gym. An hour later they would run back
home and swim laps. The rest of the day was spent shopping and sunbathing.
With her thoughts turned to the balmy heat of Australia Hermione toddled
down to Hagrids hut.
The care of magical creature's class went better than expected. The Maloos
Hagrid had acquired produced twice as much milk as an average dairy cow,
with one dangerous side affect. It had poisoned spines surrounding the
teats. "The trick yer need ter know is. Ter scratch her under the chin
before you grab er teat." Hagrid boomed. "see how yer go." Of course Malfoy
didn't listen to a word Hagrid said and within 5 minutes he was visiting
madam Pomfery in the hospital wing.
Later that night after playing another round of exploding snap with Ron
Harry returned to his room. Hermione was waiting for him as he came through
the door. "Harry, I want to talk to you about this morning." She said.
"What about this morning?" Harry asked
"Well. I really like you and I want to know if you did what you did because
you like me too?"
"Hermione I have liked you for a very long time. I just haven't told you
before. I didn't think you liked me. You're the reason I broke up with
Sarah.
"I am?"
"Yeah. It was starting to get serious and I didn't want to go there. Not
with her. All I wanted was you." Harry looked deep into her eyes. She
returned his gaze and moistened her lips. Harry moved in closer. Slowly but
firmly kissed her. She returned the kiss for a few seconds before pulling
back. "So were." she stared. Harry just smiled, nodding his head and leaned
in to kiss her again.
"I have an idea. I'll be back in a few minutes." Harry said and disappeared
out the door. Hermione picked up the letter from Liz. She wondered if Harry
would come with her this Christmas. She would love for Liz to meet Ron.
*sigh* But, It was an unspoken tradition to stay at Hogwarts for the
Christmas break.
Harry walked back into the room. In his hands were two glasses of iced
pumpkin juice and a packet of chocolate chip Bikkies. Handing one glass to
Hermione he sunk down onto the lounge beside her. "Harry." She began. "How
would you feel about spending Christmas at my house with Ron of course.
It's just that my cousin Liz is coming from Australia and I'd like to see
her."
"Well, I don't know. I guess it would be ok. It would be weird not spending
our last Christmas here. I guess if it makes you happy I'll come." He said
at last
"Really?" Hermione asked. "Thank you. You'll have a great time. I promise."
"Ok, But it's still a long way off yet." Harry smiled and Hermione leaned in to kiss him. A couple of minutes passed before She decided to go to bed. After numerous goodnight kisses she lay back on her bed and fell into a peaceful sleep. The next morning Hermione awoke to the sound of singing. What? She thought. Is Harry singing in the bathroom? Tiptoeing out of bed she crossed the floor to her wardrobe. Peering in she watched harry sing operetta as he splashed himself with water. Giggling madly Hermione walked into the bathroom. Harry looked at her and blushed. "Silencing spell didn't work?" he muttered. "Nope." She giggled. "didn't work". With a deep breath in she started to imitate Harry in the bath. He swam over to where she was and grabbed her by the waits pulling her into the water fully clothed. Spluttering she glared at Harry. It was tense for a minute before they both burst out laughing. After getting dressed Harry and Hermione held hands and went down to breakfast. Ron looked up from his scrambled eggs and smiled. "Finally! He exclaimed "It's about time." Ginny looked up from her bacon. After a few moments she glared at Hermione and walked from the hall. "That didn't go down well." Hermione sighed. "She'll be ok." Harry soothed. "Lets eat before Herbology." The next few weeks went by quickly. Harry and Hermione had barely enough time to finish their homework let alone become closer. This weekend would be different though. It was the first Hogsmede weekend of the year and all the students were going to buy their costumes for the Halloween ball. The theme was 'Popular Muggle Stereotypes' Harry and Hermione had decided to go as a Prince Charming and Cinderella. So all they needed were crowns and costume jewelry. Ron had asked Lavender to the ball and after much deliberation she had agreed to go with him. Both of them asked Hermione for costume advice so the four of them were meeting at the three broomsticks in the morning. It was an unusually hot Saturday. Hermione walked to her wardrobe. This was her chance to show off her muggle fashion sense. She opened one of her many shopping bags from Australia. pulling out her dark blue jeans and a white frilled boob tube she remembered how sexy she felt in the shop. To top off her look she added her black boots and pulled her hair into a ponytail. I hope Harry approves. She thought. Moving into the lounge she met Harry. He was wearing his dark blue jeans and a long-sleeved black top. "We match." Harry said with a laugh. Jeans and jeans. Hermione kissed him and they moved down to catch a carriage. As they entered The Three Broomsticks Ron called them over. He and Lavender looked them over. "Dressing the same now?' Ron joked. "That's what happens when you shack up together." He laughed. "Let's get a butterbeer and head over to Zonko's joke shop for costumes." Harry suggested. They polished off their butterbeer in no time and soon joined the que to enter the shop. After an hour of shopping Ron and Lavender emerged from Zonko's with a wooden stake, some brown hair dye and a set of vampire teeth. Lavender was going to be Buffy the vampire slayer and Ron was going to play Angel. Hermione managed to secure a crown for Harry and a Tiara for herself. Also she found some fake sapphire and diamond jewelry to go with her midnight blue ball gown. As usual the girls were nowhere to be found on Halloween. The boys amused themselves with silly little pranks. After much deliberation Harry and Ron knocked over 4 trophies in the trophy room then began to scream that Peeves had done it. This sent Filch into a spin and the boys laughed all the way back to the common room. Hermione sat her bathroom with Ginny and Lavender. Harry had agreed to get ready with Ron so the girls had the whole head boy/girl apartment for the day. Lavender was shaving her legs and Ginny was putting on her make-up. Hermione attached her fake earrings to her ears and turned to Lavender. "Do you know how to act like Buffy?" She asked. "Umm, I'm supposed to be a ditzy teenager." "Nothing new there." Ginny said Lavender stuck out her tongue. "And I'm supposed to be really good at martial arts." She continued. "That's about right." Hermione said. "What about you Ginny, do you know how to act like Lois Lane?" "Ginny giggled. i still can't think about Neville being superman, But yeah i just act like Rita Skeeter." All three of them laughed at this comment. When they were ready Hermione walked down the stairs first. Her gown was a dark blue two piece. She had an A line skirt and Bustier. The entire gown was made out of silk organza and it flowed around her like a shimmering blue cobweb. When Harry saw her his jaw dropped. Her bust was showing nicely above her bustier and she had dusted it with a silver shimmer. She looked radiant and he wasn't the only one who noticed. Harry grinned madly at her. He had on black trousers with a green shirt black vest and green cape. Upon his waist was a belt and sword. The sword was real and Harry had a special cover drawn over the blade. "My princess." Harry asked bending on one knee and holding out his hand. Hermione took it within her own and he bought it up for a kiss. Ron and Neville started laughing. Then it was Lavender's turn. She was wearing black leather pants and a red leather halter top. Both fitted her physic tightly. To top of her outfit she had a wooden stake in her hand. Ron stepped out of the shadows. It was then that everyone noticed his hair. The brown dye hadn't taken very well so he had red blotches through it. Amidst all the laughter Hermione pointed her wand and charmed his hair all brown. Slightly embarrassed but grateful Ron smiled and nodded his thanks to her. Ginny was the last one out. She had a grey skirt and jacket suit with a black lace top underneath. There were black stockings on her legs and she had charmed her hair black. She really looked the part. As she reached Neville he blushed the same colour as his cape. His grandmother had sent him the entire superman costume. Unfortunately the suit was skin tight leaving Neville feeling very naked. Ginny put her hand around his shoulders and whispered in his ear. Neville's face lit up and they both ran down stairs to the great hall. Ron, Lavender, Harry and Hermione all followed suit. The great hall was decorated like the forbidden forest. There were trees lining every side with giant spider webs criss crossing them. Jack-o- lanterns floated overhead and the enchanted ceiling was a gloomy grey with a full moon peeking through. All the ghosts' bar Peeves were gliding through the mist that covered the floor sending chills through all the student as they passed through. Harry took Hermione's arm and they swung out onto the dance floor. There amid the scary clowns and skeletons, wolves and banshees they danced away to the muggle juke box. After a while some 'old favorites' as Hermione liked to call them. first up was the 'monster mash'. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall (sp) lead the room into the dance. Following close on it's heels was 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson and finally 'The Time Warp'. unfortunately for Hermione Harry kept getting his left and right mixed up. so every time it was a jump to the left he'd jump on top of her. In the end she sent him for drinks and continued to line dance with everyone else. Hermione watched Harry walk over to the food table. She sighed. He looked just like a prince she thought. Then she saw Malfoy walk over to the table beside him. This can't be good. But to her relief Malfoy walked away unscathed. Harry returned with two butter beers and a handful of eyeball candies. They weren't real of course but were slimy and tasted like grapes. After another hour of dancing Professor Dumbledore pulled them aside and asked them to announce that the next ball will be an inter school event and that only 6th and 7th years may attend. Also to thank everyone for coming. Dumbledore said he had a surprise for them all at the end of the speech and that Harry's last words must be. 'To bed now all of you!' Harry looked at him strangely then laughed. "OK". As the music stopped Harry and Hermione stood on top of one of the tables and made their speech. Harry finished with the words he was told to and suddenly everything in the hall vanished and all the seventh year students and their dates found themselves in a dungeon with a fresh set of food and the jukebox. There was a sign on the wall. It read : Your curfew has been extended by two hours then everything will vanish and you must all go to bed. With a whoop from Ron the jukebox started and the party continued. Harry and Hermione found a cozy couch to one side of the room. Hermione looked into Harry's eyes. "Having fun?" She asked. "Now i am." He replied and bent forward to give her a kiss. Ron twirled Lavender onto the couch beside them. "I'm going to get a drink." He said after clearing his throat. Hermione giggled. "Don't let me stop you." and with that she kissed Harry again. Hermione snuggled up to Harry. She traced her finger along the collar of His shirt. His emerald green eyes stared into her chocolate pools and he smiled. She buried her face into his neck. She smelled his scent. It was intoxicating. It was like Sherbet mixed with sweat and a hint of magic. Smelling him made her head swim. Feeling so relaxed and at peace she wished she could live in that moment forever. Ron came back and gave Lavender her drink. "Get a room" He commented to the entwined couple. Harry laughed. "You're just jealous." Lavender blushed. The music flowed and the couples danced Harry and Hermione just cuddled. When again the music faded they stayed on the couch. "Harry" Hermione said at last. "yeah." came the reply. "I'm happy." "So am I." Hermione waited a moment longer then stood up. Stretching she turned and grabbed Harry's arm together they walked up to the common room. It was as silent as a tomb. Hermione looked at the clock, it was 3:30am, they had stayed an extra hour and a half in the Dungeon. "Come." Hermione called and lead Harry up to their apartment. Harry tiptoed into the room he slipped off his robe and shirt Hermione couldn't help but stare. His six pack gleaned in the light of the fire and his broad protective shoulders were much more defined than she thought. He looked at her uncertainly. Nodding Hermione undid her hair and watched as he took off his pants. He stood there before her in his boxers, Exposed and nervous. Hermione moved towards him and lifted up her hair. Harry took the ribbon laces of her bodice and slowly unlaced them. As her back was revealed to him he noticed there was no bra strap. Slowly and tentatively he reached out and unzipped her skirt. It slipped to the floor with ease and she side stepped out of it. Harry took in a deep breath as Hermione slowly turned to face him. Her heart was beating so loudly that she couldn't hear herself think. Harry was watching her with a rapped expression. His eyes shone tenderness and his mouth promised light loving kisses. Harry felt drunk at the sight of her. she stepped forward and hugged him. Hermione had fireworks explode in her brain as she felt the scintillating touch of flesh on flesh. Carefully Harry lay her on the bed. he crawled in beside her and hugged her close. Hermione opened her mouth to speak but could only sigh. Turning her head towards him they engaged in a passionate kiss before both slipped into a blissful sleep. The noon day sun illuminated Harry's face as he slept on Hermione's shoulder. The blanket was lying across Harry's waist and his hand was resting on her breast. Leaning forward she kissed his forehead. He woke. Looking into her eyes he grinned. His hand moved in little circles and Hermione moaned. Moving up next to her he kissed her lips. "Harry, I've been thinking." Hermione moaned through kisses. "I want to give myself to you." Harry stopped kissing and stared lovingly at her. "Are you sure?" He asked "yes." with that she pulled the covers over their heads and sunk into their passion. Later Hermione lay back in the bath. With a sigh she leaned back and thought about that morning. There love making wasn't deep and intense. They spent most of the time playing and exploring with each other. The air was filled with laughter and nervous excitement. Hermione sighed again. She was in love. Afterward Harry held her until her tummy started grumbling. With a kiss and the promise he wouldn't be long he left to get some food for them both. Deciding she needed to get ready for the day Hermione climbed out of the bath. It was then that she realized how cold it was. Pulling out her dark blue denim jeans and long sleeve black knitted turtle neck sweater. She got dressed. Harry returned 5 minutes later while she was doing her hair. creeping up behind her he slid his hands onto her hips. "Hey, You look beautiful." He said smiling. "Hey." she snuggled back onto him. "I put the food on the table in the lounge." "ok, coming." The house elves had out done themselves. It seems Harry told Dobby that it was a special occasion. They had sent up hot pumpkin soup with crusty bread for starters. A braised steak and onion pie for main and chocolate coated strawberries with cream for desert. All of it came on silver platters with a golden pitcher of iced pumpkin juice and two crystal goblets. "Harry it's amazing." Hermione gasped. "So are you." He commented. they sat down to eat their meal when there was a knock at the door. Harry apologized to Hermione and answered the door. Ron stood in the door way with a frightened look on his face. "What's the matter Ron?" Harry asked. "They got Sirius." He stammered.
"Ok, But it's still a long way off yet." Harry smiled and Hermione leaned in to kiss him. A couple of minutes passed before She decided to go to bed. After numerous goodnight kisses she lay back on her bed and fell into a peaceful sleep. The next morning Hermione awoke to the sound of singing. What? She thought. Is Harry singing in the bathroom? Tiptoeing out of bed she crossed the floor to her wardrobe. Peering in she watched harry sing operetta as he splashed himself with water. Giggling madly Hermione walked into the bathroom. Harry looked at her and blushed. "Silencing spell didn't work?" he muttered. "Nope." She giggled. "didn't work". With a deep breath in she started to imitate Harry in the bath. He swam over to where she was and grabbed her by the waits pulling her into the water fully clothed. Spluttering she glared at Harry. It was tense for a minute before they both burst out laughing. After getting dressed Harry and Hermione held hands and went down to breakfast. Ron looked up from his scrambled eggs and smiled. "Finally! He exclaimed "It's about time." Ginny looked up from her bacon. After a few moments she glared at Hermione and walked from the hall. "That didn't go down well." Hermione sighed. "She'll be ok." Harry soothed. "Lets eat before Herbology." The next few weeks went by quickly. Harry and Hermione had barely enough time to finish their homework let alone become closer. This weekend would be different though. It was the first Hogsmede weekend of the year and all the students were going to buy their costumes for the Halloween ball. The theme was 'Popular Muggle Stereotypes' Harry and Hermione had decided to go as a Prince Charming and Cinderella. So all they needed were crowns and costume jewelry. Ron had asked Lavender to the ball and after much deliberation she had agreed to go with him. Both of them asked Hermione for costume advice so the four of them were meeting at the three broomsticks in the morning. It was an unusually hot Saturday. Hermione walked to her wardrobe. This was her chance to show off her muggle fashion sense. She opened one of her many shopping bags from Australia. pulling out her dark blue jeans and a white frilled boob tube she remembered how sexy she felt in the shop. To top off her look she added her black boots and pulled her hair into a ponytail. I hope Harry approves. She thought. Moving into the lounge she met Harry. He was wearing his dark blue jeans and a long-sleeved black top. "We match." Harry said with a laugh. Jeans and jeans. Hermione kissed him and they moved down to catch a carriage. As they entered The Three Broomsticks Ron called them over. He and Lavender looked them over. "Dressing the same now?' Ron joked. "That's what happens when you shack up together." He laughed. "Let's get a butterbeer and head over to Zonko's joke shop for costumes." Harry suggested. They polished off their butterbeer in no time and soon joined the que to enter the shop. After an hour of shopping Ron and Lavender emerged from Zonko's with a wooden stake, some brown hair dye and a set of vampire teeth. Lavender was going to be Buffy the vampire slayer and Ron was going to play Angel. Hermione managed to secure a crown for Harry and a Tiara for herself. Also she found some fake sapphire and diamond jewelry to go with her midnight blue ball gown. As usual the girls were nowhere to be found on Halloween. The boys amused themselves with silly little pranks. After much deliberation Harry and Ron knocked over 4 trophies in the trophy room then began to scream that Peeves had done it. This sent Filch into a spin and the boys laughed all the way back to the common room. Hermione sat her bathroom with Ginny and Lavender. Harry had agreed to get ready with Ron so the girls had the whole head boy/girl apartment for the day. Lavender was shaving her legs and Ginny was putting on her make-up. Hermione attached her fake earrings to her ears and turned to Lavender. "Do you know how to act like Buffy?" She asked. "Umm, I'm supposed to be a ditzy teenager." "Nothing new there." Ginny said Lavender stuck out her tongue. "And I'm supposed to be really good at martial arts." She continued. "That's about right." Hermione said. "What about you Ginny, do you know how to act like Lois Lane?" "Ginny giggled. i still can't think about Neville being superman, But yeah i just act like Rita Skeeter." All three of them laughed at this comment. When they were ready Hermione walked down the stairs first. Her gown was a dark blue two piece. She had an A line skirt and Bustier. The entire gown was made out of silk organza and it flowed around her like a shimmering blue cobweb. When Harry saw her his jaw dropped. Her bust was showing nicely above her bustier and she had dusted it with a silver shimmer. She looked radiant and he wasn't the only one who noticed. Harry grinned madly at her. He had on black trousers with a green shirt black vest and green cape. Upon his waist was a belt and sword. The sword was real and Harry had a special cover drawn over the blade. "My princess." Harry asked bending on one knee and holding out his hand. Hermione took it within her own and he bought it up for a kiss. Ron and Neville started laughing. Then it was Lavender's turn. She was wearing black leather pants and a red leather halter top. Both fitted her physic tightly. To top of her outfit she had a wooden stake in her hand. Ron stepped out of the shadows. It was then that everyone noticed his hair. The brown dye hadn't taken very well so he had red blotches through it. Amidst all the laughter Hermione pointed her wand and charmed his hair all brown. Slightly embarrassed but grateful Ron smiled and nodded his thanks to her. Ginny was the last one out. She had a grey skirt and jacket suit with a black lace top underneath. There were black stockings on her legs and she had charmed her hair black. She really looked the part. As she reached Neville he blushed the same colour as his cape. His grandmother had sent him the entire superman costume. Unfortunately the suit was skin tight leaving Neville feeling very naked. Ginny put her hand around his shoulders and whispered in his ear. Neville's face lit up and they both ran down stairs to the great hall. Ron, Lavender, Harry and Hermione all followed suit. The great hall was decorated like the forbidden forest. There were trees lining every side with giant spider webs criss crossing them. Jack-o- lanterns floated overhead and the enchanted ceiling was a gloomy grey with a full moon peeking through. All the ghosts' bar Peeves were gliding through the mist that covered the floor sending chills through all the student as they passed through. Harry took Hermione's arm and they swung out onto the dance floor. There amid the scary clowns and skeletons, wolves and banshees they danced away to the muggle juke box. After a while some 'old favorites' as Hermione liked to call them. first up was the 'monster mash'. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall (sp) lead the room into the dance. Following close on it's heels was 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson and finally 'The Time Warp'. unfortunately for Hermione Harry kept getting his left and right mixed up. so every time it was a jump to the left he'd jump on top of her. In the end she sent him for drinks and continued to line dance with everyone else. Hermione watched Harry walk over to the food table. She sighed. He looked just like a prince she thought. Then she saw Malfoy walk over to the table beside him. This can't be good. But to her relief Malfoy walked away unscathed. Harry returned with two butter beers and a handful of eyeball candies. They weren't real of course but were slimy and tasted like grapes. After another hour of dancing Professor Dumbledore pulled them aside and asked them to announce that the next ball will be an inter school event and that only 6th and 7th years may attend. Also to thank everyone for coming. Dumbledore said he had a surprise for them all at the end of the speech and that Harry's last words must be. 'To bed now all of you!' Harry looked at him strangely then laughed. "OK". As the music stopped Harry and Hermione stood on top of one of the tables and made their speech. Harry finished with the words he was told to and suddenly everything in the hall vanished and all the seventh year students and their dates found themselves in a dungeon with a fresh set of food and the jukebox. There was a sign on the wall. It read : Your curfew has been extended by two hours then everything will vanish and you must all go to bed. With a whoop from Ron the jukebox started and the party continued. Harry and Hermione found a cozy couch to one side of the room. Hermione looked into Harry's eyes. "Having fun?" She asked. "Now i am." He replied and bent forward to give her a kiss. Ron twirled Lavender onto the couch beside them. "I'm going to get a drink." He said after clearing his throat. Hermione giggled. "Don't let me stop you." and with that she kissed Harry again. Hermione snuggled up to Harry. She traced her finger along the collar of His shirt. His emerald green eyes stared into her chocolate pools and he smiled. She buried her face into his neck. She smelled his scent. It was intoxicating. It was like Sherbet mixed with sweat and a hint of magic. Smelling him made her head swim. Feeling so relaxed and at peace she wished she could live in that moment forever. Ron came back and gave Lavender her drink. "Get a room" He commented to the entwined couple. Harry laughed. "You're just jealous." Lavender blushed. The music flowed and the couples danced Harry and Hermione just cuddled. When again the music faded they stayed on the couch. "Harry" Hermione said at last. "yeah." came the reply. "I'm happy." "So am I." Hermione waited a moment longer then stood up. Stretching she turned and grabbed Harry's arm together they walked up to the common room. It was as silent as a tomb. Hermione looked at the clock, it was 3:30am, they had stayed an extra hour and a half in the Dungeon. "Come." Hermione called and lead Harry up to their apartment. Harry tiptoed into the room he slipped off his robe and shirt Hermione couldn't help but stare. His six pack gleaned in the light of the fire and his broad protective shoulders were much more defined than she thought. He looked at her uncertainly. Nodding Hermione undid her hair and watched as he took off his pants. He stood there before her in his boxers, Exposed and nervous. Hermione moved towards him and lifted up her hair. Harry took the ribbon laces of her bodice and slowly unlaced them. As her back was revealed to him he noticed there was no bra strap. Slowly and tentatively he reached out and unzipped her skirt. It slipped to the floor with ease and she side stepped out of it. Harry took in a deep breath as Hermione slowly turned to face him. Her heart was beating so loudly that she couldn't hear herself think. Harry was watching her with a rapped expression. His eyes shone tenderness and his mouth promised light loving kisses. Harry felt drunk at the sight of her. she stepped forward and hugged him. Hermione had fireworks explode in her brain as she felt the scintillating touch of flesh on flesh. Carefully Harry lay her on the bed. he crawled in beside her and hugged her close. Hermione opened her mouth to speak but could only sigh. Turning her head towards him they engaged in a passionate kiss before both slipped into a blissful sleep. The noon day sun illuminated Harry's face as he slept on Hermione's shoulder. The blanket was lying across Harry's waist and his hand was resting on her breast. Leaning forward she kissed his forehead. He woke. Looking into her eyes he grinned. His hand moved in little circles and Hermione moaned. Moving up next to her he kissed her lips. "Harry, I've been thinking." Hermione moaned through kisses. "I want to give myself to you." Harry stopped kissing and stared lovingly at her. "Are you sure?" He asked "yes." with that she pulled the covers over their heads and sunk into their passion. Later Hermione lay back in the bath. With a sigh she leaned back and thought about that morning. There love making wasn't deep and intense. They spent most of the time playing and exploring with each other. The air was filled with laughter and nervous excitement. Hermione sighed again. She was in love. Afterward Harry held her until her tummy started grumbling. With a kiss and the promise he wouldn't be long he left to get some food for them both. Deciding she needed to get ready for the day Hermione climbed out of the bath. It was then that she realized how cold it was. Pulling out her dark blue denim jeans and long sleeve black knitted turtle neck sweater. She got dressed. Harry returned 5 minutes later while she was doing her hair. creeping up behind her he slid his hands onto her hips. "Hey, You look beautiful." He said smiling. "Hey." she snuggled back onto him. "I put the food on the table in the lounge." "ok, coming." The house elves had out done themselves. It seems Harry told Dobby that it was a special occasion. They had sent up hot pumpkin soup with crusty bread for starters. A braised steak and onion pie for main and chocolate coated strawberries with cream for desert. All of it came on silver platters with a golden pitcher of iced pumpkin juice and two crystal goblets. "Harry it's amazing." Hermione gasped. "So are you." He commented. they sat down to eat their meal when there was a knock at the door. Harry apologized to Hermione and answered the door. Ron stood in the door way with a frightened look on his face. "What's the matter Ron?" Harry asked. "They got Sirius." He stammered.