Disclaimer: As usual, I must say that I don't own any of the characters, just having a little fun with them, that's all!

December 25

Christmas day was lovely, just lovely! All of the staff members were there and about 10 students. Harry was one of the ten. I must say I was surprised to find out that he stayed at school over the holidays. I was sure that he would be spending it with Ron and his family. It seems that he always has spent Christmas at school. I wonder why?

We all ate like pigs. Who could resist such delicious fare? After supper, Harry and I played Wizard's Chess. He slaughtered me 2 matches to 4! I had an excuse, which he didn't buy, I might add. It has been many years since I played; since my dad died. I asked for a rematch. Harry laughingly accepted.

It had become quite late and we decided to call it a night. As we left the Great Hall, Harry suddenly said 'wait!'. I turned back to him and asked what was wrong. He didn't say a word, he just grinned and pointed upwards. My eyes followed his finger up and what do you think I found? The biggest bunch of mistletoe I have ever seen in my life! He stood there, still grinning and beckoned me with his finger. My legs seemed to have a mind of their own and I found myself standing before him, very close before him! I couldn't speak. I just stood there like an idiot! Finally Harry said, 'I think you owe me something, Professor.'

Believe me dear Diary, I have never had such a hard time in my life! It was all I could do not to throw myself at him and shove my tongue down his throat. He stood there waiting, still grinning, with those green eyes of his twinkling devilishly. I did the only thing I could do – I leaned up and pecked him very chastely and teacher-like on the cheek. I smiled weakly and turned to walk away. He grabbed my arm and pulled me back! He had stopped smiling. He said, 'I owe you too, Professor'. He stared at me briefly, and then with his eyes half closed he leaned in. He kissed me ever so softly, just at the side of my mouth. As he pulled away, he let his lips barely graze mine. He whispered goodnight and he walked away.

Oh my gods!

P.S. That mistletoe was definitely not there earlier in the day. I am sure of it.

December 26

Dear Diary, I am beside myself! I don't know what to make of yesterday evening's events. As I said, the mistletoe was not there earlier in the day so that means Harry put it there. Why? Has he picked up on some vibes from me? I thought I was keeping my feelings very well hidden but maybe I haven't been doing a very good job. Does he realize that I want him? Has he decided to tease me, to get back at me for being a pervy teacher? Merlin, I wish I knew what was going on in that head of his. Maybe I don't want to know; perhaps I wouldn't like what I saw.

I have to get this thing under control…for my own good.

Here I am back again for the second time today. I was a little scared to see Harry today – didn't know what he would say. Turns out he said nothing about 'it' at all. He was as always, just dear, sweet Harry. Dear, sweet Harry beat me again at Wizard's Chess, 4-0. My mind was not on my game, obviously!

Something just occurred to me. What if Harry was and is waiting for me to reprimand him for making advances to a teacher? I am such a git sometimes! I should have told him off, gently of course, right afterwards. Should have told him that it was inappropriate. Too late now! I don't want to bring the subject up with him. Let sleeping dogs lie. I wish the rest of the students were back so that things can get back to normal.

January 5

Thank Merlin classes have started once again and I can bury myself in my work. There has been no sign of anymore from him. Good!

January 9

Went to a Quidditch match again this afternoon, even though I swore I wouldn't ever go again. The 'Trio' begged and cajoled until I finally gave in. I made sure that I sat next to Hermione. I was glad that I did attend. It was a good match and I guess I have to say that I really do enjoy the game for itself and not just for the 'player'.

It was a little on the chilly side today, so after about 30 minutes Harry got up to fetch us all some hot cocoa. He came back with 4 cups and gave us each one. He stood over me and said 'here you go, Professor' and extended the cocoa in my direction. I looked up at him and he just stared back, the slightest grin crossing his lips. He had the strangest look in his eyes, a look that shook me up pretty good. Instead of returning to his seat beside Ron, he plopped himself down next to me instead! I don't know if it was the cold (I expect it wasn't) but I began to tremble. Harry noticed! He moved closer and muttered something about keeping me warm!

He has to be teasing me, testing me. What other explanation can there be?

I swear to you, NO MORE QUIDDITCH!

January 13

I went on a fishing expedition of sorts today. Hermione came down to the greenhouse to give me a hand with the latest arrival of specimens. I asked her what she thought of me. She replied that she liked me very much. I thanked her and said the feeling was mutual. I then explained that since this was my first teaching assignment, I wanted to know how I was as a teacher. She laughed and said that I had nothing to worry about. I was excellent in the classroom. Thanks Hermione! I ventured a little further and inquired if she had ever heard any of the other students say anything about me, Ron or Harry, perhaps? She just said that everyone had pretty much the same opinion as she; I was definitely well liked, adding that I was very easy to talk to. I wanted very much to ask her straight out 'what has Harry said about me?' but I didn't dare. I feel like I'm the one in school, like I'm the one with the school girl crush. Silly way for an adult to be acting! I am afraid that it isn't just a crush, however.

So much for fishing! Didn't get so much as a nibble! I better sell my rod and reel; I suck!

January 25

I have been successful in avoiding any extra-curricular activity with Harry. The students are overloaded with work and I am as well, so that doesn't leave much room for anything else. It seems sometimes during class that he is staring at me, but I have never actually caught him at it. It is funny how sometimes you get a feeling that someone is watching you. I have been very careful not to do the same to him. It does happen sometimes that our eyes meet during the course of a lecture, but that happens with a lot of students, not just Harry. I always make sure that I move on quickly, even though I want to stay and get lost in his gaze.

February 10

Haven't seen Harry outside of the classroom at all, and I guess I should be happy about that. I am not happy. I am quite miserable to be honest with you, my dear Diary. It isn't fair! I thought whatever was going on in my head about him would be over by now. It is not. The fantasies are just as strong and even more vivid than before. I still think of him in that bloody towel even though it happened months ago. My heart beats faster just at the sight of him. Perhaps I should perform a selective memory charm and erase those thoughts from my mind. I would certainly sleep more peacefully at night if I did, but would I be able to do it? How could I banish such a delicious image to oblivion? An image that has brought me, along with a great amount of torment, a great amount of pleasure. How could I possibly erase the feeling of his lips against my cheek? Oh Harry…

February 14

Valentine's Day…the day for lovers…the day to be depressed…

Headmaster Dumbledore asked me to go into Hogsmeade with the 3rd years, just to keep an eye on them. I didn't have to stick with them; he just wanted me to be around in case any of them gets into a little trouble. It seems that this crop of 3rd years is a trifle immature and the probability of mischief was quite high. I didn't mind. A day away from the school was a welcome change. The day didn't turn out the way I expected.

I was strolling down the main street, or perhaps patrolling might be a better term. I had broken up a dispute between two girls and had sent them back to the school as punishment. They were none too happy with me! I watched them walk back down the street and satisfied that they had obeyed me, I turned to continue my way further into Hogsmeade. I crashed into someone. Mumbling my apologies, I looked up into green eyes! Harry! He just laughed, and said no harm was done. He inquired as to why I was in town- I replied that I was on school business as a chaperone. He looked strangely disappointed. He asked if I minded if he tagged along. He had been with Ron and Hermione, but he had decided not to be a third wheel. 'A young couple in love doesn't need someone tagging along behind them do they?' he said. I put myself in Hermione's place – I wouldn't have wanted him there either!

I reluctantly and happily agreed that he could stay with me. We walked all throughout Hogsmeade, stopping in all the shops, just to keep an eye on the kids. We talked and talked and walked and walked until it was time to return to Hogwarts for the evening. Harry helped me to round up the students; he has a knack for dealing with them, always patient and kind. It was also quite obvious that some of the girls had a major crush on him. He was very sweet to all of them. I heard two of the girls giggling and whispering about how dreamy Harry is. I concur with them 100%.

Once back inside the school, he thanked me once again for letting him spend the afternoon with me. He hesitated briefly, and then put his hand on my upper arm. He began to speak, 'I just wanted to say that I…' A booming voice cut off his words, 'Oi, Harry mate! You coming?' It was Ron. Harry looked at him and then at me and called back that he would be right there. He sighed, said thanks and left.

Bloody hell! What was it he was about to say? Talk about bad timing!