Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I own only the plot and my devilish mind.

A/N: Thanks for the feedback on the last one. I'm really, really sorry about the late update. But I couldn't make this chapter right no matter how hard I try! So finally I came up with this. Hope you like it…*hopeful*

THE MAGIC OF LOVE

By: Katrina Six Love is in the Air

Pretty soon, as the days dragged on, the sight of the Ravenclaw prefect and the Slytherin snob were no longer as surprising as the first time when Ginny Weasley stepped in the library to see the two conversing in a civilized manner. While wild rumors spread throughout the school, Harry and Hermione were not much perturbed in their daily meetings, for McGonagall, upon thinking that the two would encourage school spirit, had merely said that Hermione was educating Harry in the ways of proper etiquette. Not exactly convincing, but rather so in comparison with the popular claims of Imperius Curse.

Hermione usually talked to Harry about school life, and vice versa, for nothing much seemed to be happening lately. The mysterious attacker had apparently stopped trying to "get rid of" Hermione and all was calm. Perhaps too clam sometimes. The Quidditch dispute blew over and the rematch was set right after Christmas vacation, coming up next week. Hermione still couldn't believe that so much could've happened in the last few days, and everything was still a big mystery to her. At least classes are well for me, considering that I've taken them once before, she noted with a smile, glancing down at the Potions essay she'd completed six years ago. Snape seems rather disoriented…

"Almost Christmas, Hermione," said Harry, looking out across the grounds, covered with a thick blanket of snow. "Kind of different, celebrating it without Ron and his family."

Hermione nodded, sighing as she remembered the world she missed so much, her heart panging painfully. No matter how much research she did, none of the books seemed to be…well, informative. In those neat pages, none of the paragraphs included anything abut warped worlds and stuff. "I wonder if Ron ever found out that we're missing," she mused aloud, thinking that their best friend weren't that dense.

"Well, if he did and told Dumbledore, nothing seems to be happening right now, 'Mione," observed Harry. "But don't worry. If there's a way in, there's a way out."

"Only one thing, Harry," said Hermione. "We aren't the ones who brought ourselves in. Someone else did, most likely the mysterious attacker or whoever told him or her to get rid of me. And even that might not be certain, because they might just be programmed this way. I'm certain Voldemort's behind it somehow, and he's a very strong dark wizard. You are strong too, Harry, I know that, but we don't know anything about…well, anything."

Harry patted her hand reassuringly. "Hey, no worries," he said. "We will. I still have my Invisibility Cloak, and I'm planning on sneaking into the Restricted Section sometime soon. By the way, would you by any chance be free on Christmas?"

"Well…no, actually. Since my whole team is staying for Christmas, I need to call a team practice. Come to think of it, how do you hold a team practice?"

Harry looked thoughtful. "Hmmm…well, you get some charts they don't understand and use complicated words till they decide to just take off to get away from you."

I can use my Trigonometry notes. "That simple, eh?" said Hermione lightly. "I wonder why you always looked so annoyed at your fellow teammates back in our days at Hogwarts."

"They actually understand the charts, that's what!" Harry said indignantly.

"Why do you need to see me on Christmas?" Hermione asked curiously.

"I was just wondering…" replied Harry very vaguely, and he suddenly jumped up. "Oh man! Potions with Snape! Got to go, Hermione!"

Hermione stifled a grin. "Oh, good luck with whatever potion you'll be brewing."

Harry smiled at her. Hermione felt her heart pounding. Actually, it has always been pounding since that kiss, she thought, her cheeks flushing unconsciously as she remembered the sweet sensation of the kiss. I know Harry didn't talk about it…and he probably thinks it's just one of those pecks…but it's so different for me. It's different than anything I've experienced, and ever since when I'm with him- "Hermione?" said Harry. "You spaced out."

"Did I? Must've been thinking about home."

Harry grinned. "Hey, don't worry, as I said, keep the optimism up!"

And then, on the pretense of leaning to pick a book in front of her, Harry brushed Hermione's cheek very quickly. When he stood up, his cheeks colored slightly, but it must've been from the heat. Man, the heater's acting up, Hermione thought. She watched Harry disappear out of her sight and sighed. I want to go home, she told herself firmly, but a voice spoke up. 'Or do you? What about Harry and Christina?'

Quickly, Hermione slapped the thought away.

~*~

Soon, another week had flown by. Hermione was tired of the stupid, monotonic school life. Yes, she liked it the first time. Six years ago. She'd enjoyed being with the Gryffindors, with Harry and Ron without suspicion, with Ginny and talking about their crushes, and even losing chess to the Weasleys. Christmas would soon prove to be boring. Hermione grumbled to herself on Christmas Eve, rather unlike herself, as she tried not to think of the world she left behind.

Time for bed, Hermione thought to herself, reluctantly getting out her stuff for the shower, but she must've said it aloud because all three girls in the dorm stared at her, giving her weird looks all throughout. She could see the question marks on top of their heads, even. However…

A snowy white owl had soared into the room and landed on her bed, looking around curiously while waiting for Hermione to devote some attention onto her. Hermione blinked in surprise at the owl, and her mouth opened in surprise. "Hedwig?" she whispered, stroking the owl. Although the owl, obviously not the real Hedwig, flinched at her touch, she stayed stationary as Hermione ran her hand gently over the top of her head.

Unfortunately, she wasn't the only one who noticed the arrival of an unfamiliar owl.

"Hey, pretty owl," said Padma, looking at the owl curiously.

"Looks kind of like Potter's," spat Lisa Turpin, crossing her arms over her chest. "Hermione, what does the note say?"

Oh right! Hermione had been so busy rejoicing over the fact that she'd seen another one of her "friends" that she forgot that Hedwig must've been here for a reason other than to pay a visit to her. As she untied the note, she quickly said, "It's probably from my boyfriend."

"Ooh…do we know him?" Mandy was suddenly interested.

Hermione fidgeted with the note as she tried to think. That was the downside to lying. She needed a real person to satisfy those Ravenclaws' curiosity. Wildly she tried to think. Ronald Weasley? I would've actually told the truth if only Ron wasn't so dense back when I was REALLY fifteen. Viktor Krum? That's just too far-fetched; besides, I don't even know if this Hermione ever even held such a relationship with him. In her head, she went over a million names, but none of them worked. Either too impossible, young, or just…impossible! Finally, she paused upon one name she'd never considered before. Draco Malfoy. Since he somehow had become this world's version of Harry Potter…and since…why not? "Draco Malfoy," lied Hermione.

"You lucky gal!" cried Lisa enthusiastically. "His gray eyes are soo…sexy!"

Hermione forced a grin. "Aren't they?" she said, and then she said in a confiding tone, "You know, actually we aren't going out. I mean, I have a crush on him, and I wrote him this note…and he's probably getting back to me." She held it to her chest protectively. "You aren't going to read it!"

"Aww…" cooed the three girls, but each returned to whatever they were doing out of respect for Hermione's privacy, although Mandy threw her a jealous look.

Hedwig quickly brushed off Hermione and soared off into the air. With a sigh, Hermione looked at the letter. Or rather, the note. Very, very short. Meet me at the Quidditch field. Harry. "Oh gracious, he's not trying to teach me how to play Quidditch, is he?" muttered Hermione quietly. But in her head…well, it's Harry. He's not going to let me fall. Hermione quickly forced herself to squash away the thought that she might fall into his arms again. He is your best friend, she told herself firmly.

Nevertheless, Hermione eagerly dug out her cloak and started to head out. "I'm off to the library," she announced, ready to give more lies.

"Hermione, Hermione," Lisa said with a smile. "If you want some quiet snogging sessions, by all means go ahead!" She winked. "We aren't stopping you."

"But it is late," said Padma in a worried tone.

"No worries! I'm only going out for a couple of minutes I believe."

Although Hermione had her suspicions about Padma, she didn't know whether she should nail the girl who had been exceptionally friendly to her or not. She hoped it was only her imagination, but she did keep her guard against Padma. With a sigh at those recurring unpleasant thoughts, she ran down the stairs, out of the castle, and into the night. It was snowing gently. After a few crunching steps in the snow, Hermione made her way hurriedly to the Quidditch field, where a lone figure stood, awaiting her arrival.

"Hey, I'm going to give you a few lessons for your team tomorrow," Harry said, straight to the point, as he conjured up a few charts. Somehow, he managed to keep the area they were in lit up by a mysterious light source. "This can be easily explained by trig ratios, but let's do them the real way. Besides, I am not too fond of Muggle mathematics, seeing how Dudley slaved over his homework."

He pointed to the black dots. "They are the opposing team," he began, using his wand to guide Hermione. Hermione, still panting after walking so fast, stared in disbelief at her best friend, who had begun talking about the weirdest Quidditch terms she'd ever heard of. "You see, Cho Chang is very quick, but in order to catch a Snitch and ensure a victory you must do the work too. Not to mention that she's going up against me, and I'm awfully good."

"You are helping me to beat you, then!" said Hermione with a smile.

"Anything for you," teased Harry, continuing. "Your Beaters may stop me, but I'm too fast. So the main work is still on the Chasers. There are some moves you can use, but given your skills-"

Hermione laughed. "Or my lack of skills, shall we say?"

"That too," Harry nodded with a grin, "but in either cases you must have some hands-on experience."

Hermione looked at the Firebolt on the ground. "But Harry, the most I can do is what I did at the last match," she protested. "You're going to laugh!"

"It's not like I'm not going to laugh anyway," said Harry with a shrug. "It's either now or the day of the rematch." He paused thoughtfully. "And your teammates aren't going to be thrilled that their captain suddenly became a very lame player!"

Interesting sense of humor he has, Hermione thought, glad for the disguise of the darkness as she climbed on the broom gingerly. And to her great surprise, Harry climbed on behind her, and carefully put his hands upon hers. He must've read her mind.

"I'm not letting you break my broom by zooming around, you know," said Harry, as he helped Hermione kick off into the air.

For some strange reason, Hermione wasn't that scared of flying anymore. She was vaguely aware of the boy sitting behind her, his arms so protectively engulfing her, nearly in his embrace. She stifled a content sigh as she tried to concentrate on the Quidditch terms Harry was muttering. He's your best friend! She told herself, as she heard rather distantly Harry talking about turning the broom with a strong grip on one hand and a slight push on the other.

"Take your hands off the broom, and try to steer using your legs," came Harry's voice. "That will give the crowds the impression that you can actually play."

"Cut the Malfoy remarks, Potter!" laughed Hermione nervously, as she hesitantly lifted her hands off. Instantly she staggered, and had to grip the broom tightly again. "I can't do it."

"Try," urged Harry, slowly taking the hands off the handle. "If you fall, I won't get you hurt." His voice was softer and in Hermione's imagination somewhat sweeter. "I will protect you."

Hermione did as she was told, and she managed to keep her balance, but as she tried not to fall, she was aware of Harry's arms on her waist, keeping her erect. She felt dizzy, but not because of the height or even Quidditch. Because of Harry.

"Oh Merlin!" she cried as she fell a second time, but this time into Harry's arms. A place where she had always found sanctuary in.

Hermione didn't sit up immediately, and instead of helping her back up Harry's arms were tightly around her now. The snow was falling thicker…such a scenario…and Hermione unconsciously turned on her broom, and with a strange impulse laid her head on his shoulder.

This is heaven…she thought, when Harry didn't flinch at the touch. This is really heaven. Hermione sighed softly as the two stayed airborne, not talking. She never felt this with anyone before, not even Krum…sure, he was attractive all right, but she'd always felt uneasy around him. And Ron? He was too submissive, like the other boys she'd dated. It was only in Harry's arms that everything felt right. And she remembered all these times in the past when they embraced each other. She'd always felt safe. Just having him near…she felt safe.

"Do you mind?"

Harry's voice held a hint of worry. Of course not, thought Hermione, and with a bitter jolt she realized that it was Harry…her best friend…her "platonic" best friend…the young man who was still semi-married…with two hundred fan clubs…how could he ever fall for her? He's just trying to comfort you, Hermione. Get a grip! Still dazed however, Hermione pulled herself out of Harry's embrace. "No, but I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I got carried away. Umm…let's go back to Quidditch…"

"But I got carried away more," said Harry, cutting her off. He then leaned over, pulled her close to him, and placed his lips upon hers firmly.

All thoughts of anything else melted away, and this kiss felt better than the last. It was still pure and innocent, but the passion was so much stronger. Never mind that it was Harry Potter she was kissing. Never mind that they were still on a broomstick! Hermione only wanted this to last forever. She put her arms around him and pulled him closer to her, and both closed their eyes to enjoy the sensation. Harry abruptly broke the kiss after a moment, his scarlet face visible even in the brewing snowstorm.

"Don't apologize," said Hermione, disappointment flooding all over her. "Please, Harry, I beg of you…I'll stay practicing Quidditch till midnight, but don't ruin the moment." And in her heart, she'd added, I've waited for this ever since I hugged you at the Sorcerer's Stone. Perhaps it was not love then…but I'd wanted to hug you forever…never letting you go…

"I promise I won't," said Harry, kissing the top of her head gently. And Hermione thought she heard something else, but all thoughts were flung out of her mind as they pulled close for another kiss.

Oh God…Hermione whispered internally as she desperately held onto Harry. If not forever, just for this moment. She was aware of how well she seemed to fit in his arms…no matter what…no matter what happens when we get back…I'll always be thankful for this…if not forever… Tears fell out of her eyes. It hurts. It really hurts, that all of these aren't real at all... When they broke for air, Harry brushed the tears out of her eyes softly. "Don't cry," he said. "I've always cared for you as a friend…" Please, stop! Hermione opened her mouth to protest, but Harry held up a hand so that he could finish. "But now, I want to care for you as something more."

"I'm not Christina Paterson, Harry," said Hermione softly, forcing the words out. "I'm just your best friend. It's okay. After all, it's just a couple of kisses between two friends…" Shut up! It sounds so darn cliché! And you know that's not how you feel at all.

"It's the Love Potion that caused me to fall in love with Christina. Apparently it doesn't work in a different dimension." Harry was stroking her hair. "Hermione, it's true that I always saw you as a friend, but during this period, we've been together all the time, and I find myself craving for more and more. Sometimes I even wish for the attacker to attack us…because that's when we're together the most…. It's true that it's just some kisses between two great friends, but…even best friends can become something more…. You're here for me whenever the other people's hatred for me overwhelms me…and you're here for me when I need some consolation…and if you want, I'll be here for you. And Hermione…I've always known this in my heart…if Christina Paterson had never convened in my paths, you and I, we could've been so much more."

Hermione grinned. "Thank you, Harry," she said. "I realized too that I love you…that I've always loved you…and that having known you has been the best thing that had ever happened to me…besides knowing Ron of course." She pulled closer to him. "I don't care about the past…but I just want to be assured…that we can be well-off in the future as well…"

"I promise," said Harry.

No more words needed to be exchanged after that. The long kisses the two shared said everything that needed to be said. Snow fell thickly around the two, but all they were aware was each other…their warmth…the new love that had sprung between them…

Meanwhile…on the ground…

Padma Patil laughed as she finished snapping the photos. "Tomorrow, it will be all over the school," she said, cackling. Turning to the person next to her, she said, "Tell the Lord that Part I is completed."

A/N: Mmps…oh, if anyone thinks this is the end for the romance plot, you're wrong! ^^ The next chapter is the one where the romance and the suspense plots would merge together! That is, if I can pull it off. Oh, and the ending…the suspense is supposed to be growing…

Now, review and tell me how you like the fluff…the kisses…as I've never really kissed a guy, I'm just writing out what I hope to be doing with my crush. *suggestive* So…anyway, yeah, feel free to flame me about the kisses if you want, but I've always imagined the romance between Harry and Hermione to be relatively pure.

~Katrina

Immense thanks to:

Eternal Queen-glad you do!

E. C. R. Potter-what Padma's going to do with the pictures is obvious-you guessed it-and it's going to be found out why in the next chapter, although I suspect this chapter pretty much gave it away. *red-faced at her obvious plot* Hey, at least you said H/Hr's kiss is wonderful! ;P

VipyGirl831-hey thanks!

SummrMagic-I'm glad you like it! =) Always nice to hear new flatteries lol.

wildgoldowl-ooh thanks, extremely happy you like the Dumbledore part…. What's going to happen next…you'll see…*wink*

Stargazer Pisces-thanks! ^^

ChristinaLupin01442-oh you're so lucky-I'm jealous too! My dad won't let me preorder it! So I'm camping outside the bookstore no matter what! At least your dad's the nice sweet Remus!

sarah-I need to torture them a little before they do and make them fall in love first! Have patience!

Kate-it's Padma, as you can see in chap 5. I promise to update ASAP.

FlowerBySea-no, your English is great. Anyway, I'm glad you find you got addicted to my fanfic *evil cackle* and I'm flattered you think I'm talented. The ending won't be coming for another ten chapters ^^ but I promise there's no sex. Lol.

I-am-crazy-4-dan-oh I'm very happy you like my fanfic. ^^ JKR better put H/Hr in the fifth book…or else!

depth-well, that's basically why the camera's involved…plot/romance development, but I actually didn't plan it at first.

Angel-Wing-thanks for the wonderfully flattering review *grins* and I'm glad you don't find the email updates annoying.

If I missed anyone, tell me and then murder me after I add you, okay? =)