A/N ok if there is anyone who is reading this story, I now give you chapter 5! enjoy

Harry sat under a large oak tree by the lake, today was the first day in months that he had truly enjoyed himself. As he grabbed another sandwich from the basket dobby had packed he saw how utterly beautiful lavender was when she laughed and was most unexpectedly flooded with a feeling of guilt.

What's wrong Harry?

It's silly really but I just feel so terrible

Well that's not exactly the emotion I was hoping for, is it something I've said or done?

Well yes

WHAT!?!

But it was too late, and before he could say anything she was running towards the carriage.

Forgetting everything he ran towards her nearly knocking her down in the process

Please Lav, I am so sorry! Merlin! I am such a stupid git! I didn't mean it that way, what I meant was I felt badly because I've never noticed how great a person you are! Please Lav don't cry!

I don't know what's wrong with me! Sometimes I say the stupidest things and I know . . .

Harry!

Yes, he answered sheepishly

You're right; you are a stupid git, so before you stick your other foot in your mouth I suggest you kiss me right now.

As you wish

I wish I could say that the kiss was something that was timeless; a kiss to put all others to shame, something that was earth shattering and mind blowing but that was not the case.

For a brief moment Harry wondered why all his kisses came from someone who was in the midst of crying.

It wasn't bad by any means; it just felt as though something was missing. Deep down Harry knew it was because she wasn't and never would be Hermione. Looking into lavenders eyes he could tell that she felt more then he probably would ever feel. Harry realized with great sadness that lavender was probably his only chance at happiness, he refused to delude himself into believing that if he waited long enough Hermione would suddenly wake up and decide that she truly loved Harry and they would live happily ever after.

He didn't want to be alone and finally there was someone that wanted to be with him. He knew that she wasn't "the one" but she was kind, smart, funny and most of all she wanted him. He knew that in time he might be able to forget about Hermione and learn to really love lavender. Harry realized it was time to move on and be happy.

Harry? Is everything all right? You seem a little quiet.

Of course I'm fine, more than fine; you've made me realize something

And what pray tell is that kind sir?

Not once today have you asked one of those silly fan girl questions, you've talked and listened to me like I was any other guy, you are so beautiful and you chose to spend the day with me, when you could have been with any other guy, my feelings for you are more then just friendly and I want to and hope you want to be more then just friends . . . what I mean to say is lavender brown will you do me the great pleasure of being my girlfriend?

Before Harry had a chance to even look up lavender was upon him once more, kissing him feverishly.

Lav Hun, I'm going to take that as a yes

Yes, yes one hundred times over yes!

That's great luv, I'm so happy!

Hey, what time is it?

Merlin's beard! We better hurry up before we miss the last carriage!

Once back at Hogwarts the new couple walked towards the tower hands together when lavender turned to Harry and said. . .

Harry love I need to go talk to Parvati

Ok, I need to find Ron and Hermione anyway; do you want to meet for dinner?

That sounds great! I'll be at the door

After a quick kiss goodbye she was gone, leaving a very guilty and torn looking young man

All too quickly he found himself at the portrait hole, he stood there for a moment trying to grab hold of that ever elusive Gryffindor courage, he took a deep breath and walked over to the couch . . .

Hey guys how's it goin?

Fine mate, how'd the date go?

Yeah Harry how was it? Did you have fun while she tried to read your palm?

I'd thank you not to take that tone when speaking of my girlfriend Hermione!

What? You and lavender brown? You sly dog!

When? Why? Are you sure about this Harry?

Today, I like her and I'm positive

Well congrats mate! I knew you had it in you!

Yes congratulations Harry, I hope you and lavender will be very happy together!

At that Hermione stood up and quickly left the room leaving a very confused set of young men.

News of the new "golden couple" spread like wildfire, the two seemed genuinely happy together. Each day Harry felt a little better about his choice, and he was truly enjoying the time he spent with lavender, it was very comfortable and safe. For the moment Harry felt somewhat complete as if everything would finally work out, that was until the nightmares began

But these weren't the regular Voldermort is coming kind of dreams, in these dreams Harry was always reaching toward something, something he couldn't quite reach, leaving him with a feeling of great emptiness and sorrow.

Once again Harry found himself awake in the wee hours, he went down into the common room and began to study when he suddenly caught sight of something curled up on the couch by the fire, it was her, the last person he wanted to be alone with, she looked so peaceful as she slept, he didn't want to wake her but he knew she needed to get to bed. . .

Hermione

Hermione wake up you need to get to bed

Five more minutes mum

Your mum's not here luv, you need to get to bed though

What? Oh Harry, hi . . . how long have I been here?

Long enough to find out that the head girl always asks mummy for five more minutes of sleep

What are you doing up Harry? Is everything ok? Did you have a nightmare?

Well yeah, but I'll be fine

Want to talk about it?

Not particularly

Ok, fine . . . what do you want to talk about then?

Us . . .

What about us Harry?

Why do we fight so much? Why can't I stop thinking about you?

Why is it that when I kiss my own girlfriend I feel as though I am betraying you?

Please Harry, No!

We can't do this!

Why? Why not Mione?

Because you have lavender and I have Ron, and that is how it is, she screamed

It doesn't have to be like this!

Yes it does Harry! And we just need to deal with that

I love you but I could never hurt Ron

But you have no problem hurting us in the process?

We are stronger than he is!

Is that what you really want mione? Do you really want to deny yourself happiness?

I am happy! I love Ron and he is all I need!

If that's what you really want?

It is!

Goodnight Hermione

Goodnight Harry

I'm sorry. . .

But he didn't hear for he left the room before she could see the tears rushing down.

A/N aren't they both so stubborn? I love this, I am really getting into the hang of writing! yay me!! any hoot please review, it would mean ever so much to me, and the first chapter is completly new so if you haven't yet you should give it a look! don't forget to review-review, it'll make you feel better