Harry looked up at Hermione. His mouth was dry. He felt that funny feeling in his stomach again.

"Harry?"

Hermione was looking at him.

"What's the matter?" Her beautiful features were transformed into a look of concern. "Is something wrong? You tell me, now. What is it?"

But Harry couldn't do it. He just couldn't. How could he tell her? He couldn't look into those pretty golden eyes anymore.

Harry stumbled up to the boys' tower.

But that night, still fully dressed, lying wide awake in his bed, Harry was lost in thoughts. He was crazy over Hermione. He had to talk to her. He just had to!

Jumping out of bed, Harry grabbed his wand

"Accio girls in Hermione's dormitory!"

All the girls from Hermione's room came whizzing through the door, and landed in a mess on Harry's bed.

All of them, though, Harry noted with satisfaction, were still asleep.

Silently, Harry crept up to the girls' room.

Hermione was there, sleeping in bed. Her long eyelashes curled over her shut eyes, and her breathing was low and even.

Harry raised his wand, and put a silencing charm on the walls, and a locking charm on the door.

Harry walked over to her bed. He touched her, gently. His fingers traced the hem of her school robes. She, too, had gone to sleep still dressed.

Harry touched her cheek. Hermione's eyes fluttered open.

"Harry? What-what are you doing?"

"Ssh." He put a finger to her lips. She looked up at him, her golden eyes holding sudden realization.

Harry gently pulled away Hermione's school robes. They revealed a beautiful body, shining in the moonlight.

Harry slowly took off his own robes.

Hermione looked up at him without a trace of fear or disturbance.

Readying himself, Harry climbed on top of her.

"And you went the whole way?"

Harry nodded.

"Clothes off and everything?"

Another nod.

"Oh my god."

Ron and Harry were sitting by the fire in the Gryffindor common room. Harry had just recounted last night's events to Ron, and he was sitting back in his chair now, feeling like there was a huge load off his chest.

Ron was shocked. Amazed. Silent. Speechless. And totally, utterly, jealous.

"I can't believe you did that. Hermione Granger, the school's most beautiful, luscious, sexiest, most gorgeous babe. Wow."

Harry was feeling pretty proud of himself, and he didn't have that shaky feeling when he looked at Hermione anymore.

Ron grabbed Harry's arm.

"But, Harry."

"What?"

"You do know about-that thing, right?" Ron gave a shaky smile.

"What thing?"

"You know that- thing." Ron was looking very uncomfortable.

Harry shook his head and smiled.

"No idea what you're talking about." Ron sighed. "I'm sorry it's me who has to tell you this, Harry. But Hermione has a terrible secret. I can't believe she never told you."

Harry stared, totally unprepared for what Ron was about to say next.