Disclaimer:  I do not own the characters of Harry Potter.  They are the property of   J. K. Rowling.

Harry bolted down to the hospital wing and nearly threw the door off its hinges. Madam Pomfrey scowled at him as he raced in, but he just ignored her.

"Where'd Hermione go?" he gasped, noting that her bed was empty, and her things were gone.

"That stubborn girl! She insisted on leaving; there was nothing that I could do."

"Sounds like Herm, thanks!" Harry flew back out the door.

Harry raced up to the Gryffindor tower and nearly ran over several students on his way up to the dormitories. He burst into Hermione's room, and she snapped around with a screech.

"Harry, don't you knock!" she gasped.

It happened that she was in the middle of changing, and all that covered her body was just a button-down shirt and her lingerie. Before she could object, he slammed the door and swept her off her feet. Harry was laughing his head off, and Hermione was getting dizzy.

"Put me down, you dope!"

"Sorry, but I'm just happy!" he piped up.

"I can see that; now tell me why?"

"I'm back, Herm, I'm back to stay!" Harry said with a huge smile.

"What are you talking about?"

"Minister Fudge reinstated me at Hogwarts!" The smile on Hermione's face could have outshone a star.

"Harry!" she cried and threw her arms around him, "You're really back to stay!"

"Yup, you're stuck with me, sweetheart."

"You'll have to work really hard to be ready for exams, but I'll help you study."

At that moment, Harry's eyes darkened, and Hermione felt herself melting under his intense gaze. She knew this look from him; she'd seen it several times during the night they'd spent together.

"Hermione, I see something that I want to study right now." He cupped her cheek in his hand and bent down to kiss her lips.

Within a second, her arms were around his neck, and she was lost in his arms. Hermione pressed up against him, and they both groaned as their injuries interrupted their intimacy.

"Oh Harry, we can't do this now; I look horrible!"

"Hush," he quieted, "you're beautiful, my Hermione."

Without hesitation, Harry picked her up and laid her down on her bed. With a snap of his fingers, the door locked and was sealed magically. No one was going to walk in on them this time.

Harry claimed her mouth in a heated kiss; he'd waited ages to kiss her like this again. Hermione was powerless under his spell and clung to him desperately. His tongue swarmed around her mouth, dueling with hers in a lovers' dance, and his fingers began undoing her shirt. Unfortunately, Harry let a little too much of his weight down on her, and Hermione let out a groan of pain.

"Um…" Harry immediately broke away, and he saw her close her mouth trying not to moan in agony. It was then that he decided.

"Sweetheart, we need to stop; I can't do this to you. I know you want to, but you're hurt badly." He moved off of her body and lay down next to her.

Hermione turned towards him with tears in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Harry, I'm sorry that we can't be together."

"Hush, my love, there's no need to apologize. Don't worry, our time will come; I promise you."

Harry gently wrapped his arms around her, and Hermione carefully settled herself into his embrace. She situated herself so that her ribs wouldn't hurt and laid her head on his shoulder.

"Harry, can I ask you something?"

"Sure Herm, anything." She looked up at him with her big, brown eyes.

"Well, I was wondering…would you like to come to my house for the summer?"

"You mean stay with your family?"

"That would be implied, yes," Hermione giggled.

"Hmm," Harry's eyebrows crooked up as he thought about it, "I'd love to – if your parents wouldn't mind."

"I don't think they would. I'd already sent a letter to my mom asking if a friend could stay with us for the summer. When she'd agreed, I'd admitted that it was guy not a girl, and she'd immediately asked if it was a boyfriend."

"What'd you say?"

"I told her that it was my boyfriend, and I felt that she and my dad should meet him. The next thing I know, my mom says yes. So, you can come if you want. You think your aunt and uncle will let you?"

"Are you nuts? Do you how happy they'll be to be rid of me for the summer? I can go to their house for the first couple of days, then you and your parents can pick me up."

"That sounds great. I know that my parents will love you – just like I do." Hermione nuzzled his neck playfully.

"I hope not like you, or I'll be in serious trouble!" Harry chuckled.

"Hey!" she gasped, and her head popped up, "Get your mind out of the gutter, Potter!"

"Yes mom."

"Don't start with me, love, you know you can't win an argument with me."

"Sure, I can, I just have to shut you up." Before Hermione could say anything, Harry covered her mouth with his. He caressed her cheek while drinking from her sweet lips.

"Harry…" Hermione sighed as he kissed her neck, "…I'm gonna regret saying this, but I need to get dressed. We have a lot of work to do if you're gonna be ready for final exams." The young man lifted his head from her neck and smiled tenderly.

"Okay sweetheart," Harry gave her one last kiss and helped her to sit up, "I wait for you down in the common room."

He reluctantly let Hermione go and unlocked the door. Giving her a soft smile, Harry exited her room and headed down the stairs.

Hermione took a deep breath to clear her head then dug through her drawers looking for a skirt to wear to dinner. She quickly finished dressed and grabbed her Gryffindor robes off her chair. Nearly bouncing down the stairs, Hermione headed for the common room to meet up with Harry.

"Thank God that's over!" Ron groaned as he, Harry, and Hermione exited Snape's dungeon. They'd just finished their last exam – Potions. It had been brutal this time and had bordered on cruel and unusual punishment.

"Oh c'mon, Ron, it wasn't that bad. I actually found it rather easy," Hermione said with smile.

"You would, Herm, your brain's a bottomless pit when it comes to information. Us normal people ain't so lucky."

"At least, we're done with exams, Ron."

"Harry's right! Besides, aren't you forgetting the special ball we're having tonight?" Ron perked up at Hermione's reminder.

"No, I didn't forget. Guess I was just preoccupied. Besides, I haven't seen Lavender all day anyway."

As if fate could hear his words, Lavender came out of the door leading to the astronomy tower, and she smiled brightly at seeing her friends.

"Hi handsome," she cooed softly and pecked Ron on the lips. The young man blushed slightly as Harry and Hermione tried to keep a straight face.

"I missed you," Ron whispered in her ear. Lavender giggled happily and nuzzled his neck.

"Jeez Ron, and you complain about Herm and I," Harry mock groaned and smacked his hand against his forehead.

"Buzz off, Potter, I'm busy right now!" his best friend said with a sarcastic tone.

"All right, you two, enough squabbling. So Lavender, did you find a dress for tonight?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, I found one when we went to Hogsmeade a few days ago. How 'bout you?"

"I'm all set. I never got a chance to wear mine yet." Hermione's eyes turned towards Harry, and he knew what she was talking about.

'Oh man, if she's talking about the dress I'm thinking about, this is gonna be a great night.' Harry smiled slyly, and his girlfriend winked at him.

"Okay, what gives? Why are you two grinning like Cheshire cats?" Ron asked with his arms crossed.

"Just a personal joke," they both said at the same time.

The whole wizarding was in an uproar when news of Voldemort's demise circulated throughout the world. There had been celebrating, celebrating, and more celebrating. It had been going on for a week now, and it seemed to not have even gotten started yet.

At Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore had arranged a ball for the students and professors. It was to celebrate the ending of the Dark Lord's reign, a way to make up to the seventh year students for ruining their graduation, and unofficially, to welcome Harry Potter back to Hogwarts.

When Minister Fudge had wanted to publicly thank him for defeating Voldemort once and for all, Harry had immediately declined it. He didn't want to make a spectacle of himself in front of all the students. He was modest by nature, and the last thing he wanted was for everyone to think he was a snob.

Although they weren't used to such a large venture this late in the year, the house elves did not complain and immediately went to work preparing the lavish meal for the party.

Harry and Ron sat in the Gryffindor common room waiting for their dates to come down the stairs. Harry had chosen a pair of black dress slacks, black leather shoes with a white trim along the sides, a black turtleneck, and a green sweater. He'd also put in his contacts for the evening so his green eyes shown brilliantly in the firelight. His dress robes hung loosely around his shoulders as he leaned up against the wall. Ron decided to go with a pair of dark khaki pants, brown boat shoes, a white button-down dress shirt, and a black vest. The sound of footsteps coming down the stairs drew the young men's attention, and Lavender entered the room.

"Wow!" Ron's jaw hit the floor.

She was dressed in a slinky, red dress that could match Ron's hair color exactly. She had on red high heels and a dark shade of red lipstick that made her lips look quite enticing to a certain young Weasley.

"Hey you," Lavender teased and shut his mouth for him.

"Uh…uh…hi…gosh…you look…I don't know what to say!"

"Then you like it?" Ron's eyes glittered mischievously.

"I love it, and I love you." He caught her lips with a soft kiss, and Lavender wrapped her arms his neck.

"Hmm, that was nice, but we'd better wipe your mouth off," she laughed, noting that Ron's lips were now quite red with her lipstick.

"You look great, Lavender," Harry said with a friendly smile.

"Thanks," she replied and blushed.

"Anybody miss me?" Harry's eyes lit up when he recognized the voice, and he turned his head towards the stairs.

There stood Hermione in that same tight, black dress. She was supposed to have worn it to the Winter Ball, but she and Harry decided to stay in that night. She gracefully descended the stairs, and Harry extended his arm.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart." Her cheeks flushed slightly, and Hermione kissed him lightly.

"Thank you, you look quite dashing yourself – and Ron too."

"Damn Herm, is that really you?" Ron gawked. He'd never seen Hermione in a skirt that was less than knee-length before.

Hermione had straightened her hair so it ran down to her waist. A slight amount of blush adorned her face, she had on a soft, pink lip-gloss, and her dress robes hung around her shoulders. By now, the bruises on her face and arms had healed – thanks to Madam Pomfrey -, but she still had a small black and blue mark on her left ribs.

"Hey Hermione, I thought you were wearing heels with that dress?" Lavender asked.

"I decided not to; I don't dance well in heels." Instead, she'd gone with a pair of black flats to go with her dress. Her eyes turned towards Harry.

"You will dance with me won't you?"

"Of course, I will. I don't know how good I'll be, but I'll try." Hermione smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Don't worry, love, you'll do fine. C'mon let's go."

Linking her arm through his, the couple headed out the portrait hole with Ron and Lavender right behind them.

Just as they exited the portrait hole, they ran into Lupin and Sirius.

"Hello Harry," the two men greeted.

"We brought you something." Reaching into his robes, Sirius pulled out a familiar item and tossed it towards Harry.

"My broom!" he gasped and clutched his Firebolt tightly. "But how?"

"After the battle, we found it among the snake's remains. It had a few smoke marks on it, but it wasn't damaged."

"We also found your sword, Harry," Remus added.

"My sword?" he asked confused. "You mean Godric's sword; it made it too!"

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore put it back in his office for safe keeping."

"This is great!" Harry said happily.

"Well, we'll see all of you downstairs then." The two men headed down towards the Great Hall, and Harry turned towards his friends.

"Hang on, I'll be right back."

He raced up to his room and put his Firebolt underneath bed, smiling brightly at him it back when he'd thought he'd lost it for good. Nearly flying back down the stairs, he found Hermione waiting him and took her hand. Together, they followed Ron and Lavender down to the ball.

The quartet approached the Great Hall to hear the party had already started. The tables had been removed to make room for the students to dance, and instead, they ran along the side walls for students to sit down at. Once again, the Weird Sisters had been invited to play at the ball, and everyone was enjoying the music.

Harry escorted Hermione to the Gryffindor section of seats and held out her chair for her. Smiling warmly, she took her seat, and Harry dropped into the chair beside her. Ron and Lavender immediately headed for the dance floor, and Hermione poked Harry in the side.

"Hey, wanna dance?"

"Sure." Harry stood up and extended his hand.

"Miss Granger, may I have the pleasure of this dance?"

"It would be an honor, Mr. Potter."

The two entered the fray of students dancing just as a fast rock piece was coming to an end. The next song was slow and soothing, and Harry silently thanked the band for helping him out.

Without hesitation, Hermione stepped into her lover's arms, and she felt him wrap her in his embrace. They would not be separated tonight. Her arms came up around his neck, and she laid her head on his chest.

Harry could feel several pairs of eyes on them. Hermione had left her dress robes on her chair, and he could see quite a few guys eyeing her with lustful eyes.

"What is it?" Hermione asked softly as they begun to sway around the floor.

"Nothing. Just every guy I see seems to be undressing you with their eyes." She could feel him tense and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Relax Harry, don't worry about it. Besides, you're the only one who has permission to undress me," she cooed.

"Don't tempt me, sweetheart, it's gonna be hell just getting through tonight. Between you and how you look in that dress and how much I've missed you, it'll be a miracle if I survive this." Hermione giggled into his chest.

"I'll make you a promise, love. If you can last for half the ball, I'll give you something special."

"Why only half?" She lifted her head, and Harry groaned at the desire burning in her brown eyes.

"Cause that's all patience I have left."

"Well, for now, let's just enjoy this."

Harry buried his face in her hair, and Hermione rested her face in the crook of his neck.

At the front of the Great Hall, the professors sat at their customary long table. Professor Dumbledore had a small smile on his face as he looked at the crowd of students dancing and celebrating. His sharp eyes easily picked out Harry and Hermione. They weren't that hard to miss; they were emitting a powerful aura; and it had nothing to do with magical powers.

Everything was back to normal – as it should be. Harry had finally found himself in all this turmoil, and in the process, fallen in love with a wonderful girl. It was indeed a joyous night. Deciding that he could use a little fun himself, Dumbledore rose to his feet attracting his colleagues' attention.

"Minerva, would you like to dance?" Professor McGonagall stared at him like he was out of his mind.

"Are you serious, Albus?" she gasped.

"Certainly. I may be old, but I can still cut a mean rug. Shall we?"

"Well…I…I guess it couldn't hurt."

The students were quite surprised to see the headmaster on the dance floor, but they parted and allowed the professors to dance.

Harry was trying hard to keep a straight face, but his chest rumbled with unreleased laughter. Hermione opened her eyes, and she looked up at him in surprise.

"What's so funny?"

"Turn around, Herm."

Hermione turned her head to see Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall swirling around the Great Hall. She too had a hard time controlling her laughter.

"Now, there's something you don't see everyday!" Ron chirped as he and Lavender approached.

"Yeah, now I know that Dumbledore's in a good mood," Harry laughed.

The ball was indeed wonderful. Halfway through the evening's festivities, fireworks lit up the night sky, and everyone watched them through the transparent ceiling. While everyone was occupied with the light show, Harry and Hermione slipped out of the Great Hall and towards Gryffindor Tower.

By the time they made it through the portrait hole, it was nearly impossible for them to keep their hands off each other. Hermione's hands were buried in Harry's wild, brown hair, and his arms were stroking her sides while his lips dueled hungrily with hers.

"Na uh!" Hermione danced out of his arms and turned around to face him. Her eyes were blazing with desire, and her lips curved into a seductive smile.

"Come on."

She led him up the staircase to her room and pressed herself up against the door. She beckoned him to her, and Harry followed like a lost puppy. Hermione dropped her dress robes on the floor, and Harry slammed the door shut.

"Lochanus!" At his command, the doorway was once again sealed with a magical lock. Taking one long stride, he enveloped his lover in his arms.

"Hermione, you're breathtaking."

"This is our night, my love. Make me yours again, Harry."

Groggily, Harry lifted his head from her neck and huffed into the pillow, trying to catch his breath. He looked down at Hermione underneath him. Her eyes were still closed, and sweat gleamed on her skin. He brushed a few stray locks out of her face and brushed her lips with his.

"Hmm," Hermione sighed and slowly cracked open her eyelids. She found herself staring into the most beautiful pair of emerald eyes in the world. Draping her arms around his neck, she giggled at his messed up hair.

"We're getting good at making up for lost time, aren't we?"

"The longer we wait, the sweeter it is." He kissed her softly once again.

"Well…" Hermione curled a lock of his hair around her finger, "…I'd say we've waited long enough don't you?" His eyes lit up with a passionate hunger.

"Absolutely." Harry began caressing her, starting another round of lovemaking, when Hermione suddenly flipped him over.

"Uh uh…this time…I'm on top." Her wicked smile and nude body made Harry's mind swim with countless images of what she could do to him.

Hermione's smile widened when she felt him regaining his hardness inside her. Good, his fire was just as hot as hers. Using her calf muscles, she pushed herself up then used her weight to drive back down onto him.

"Oh Hermione…you're so good," he groaned as she slowly began to ride him.

"It's my turn to please you, my hero." Harry watched her with lust-laden eyes as Hermione carried them off into oblivion once again.