Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or anything Harry Potter-related. Unfortunately.
Winter Break, Chapter One
A pair of brilliant emerald eyes stared curiously over the top of Great Wizards of the 19th Century and slowly traced the features of his best friend, Hermione Granger. The eyes of course belonged to none other than Harry Potter. It was their sixth year at Hogwarts and Harry had received quite a shock when he saw Hermione. She had grown into a beautiful young woman over the summer break. He often found that he felt the need to search her face and features for the old Hermione that he had known; the ridiculously clever, book-smart, slightly annoying Hermione. This Hermione was a complete stranger. She was poised, beautiful, and elegant.
Hermione glanced up from her Goblin Wars of the 18th century essay and startled Harry out of his reverie.
"What's wrong?" She asked curiously, a look of slight concern crossing her face.
Harry mentally shook himself and replied, "Er...nothing."
She continued to frown for a moment before dipping her quill back into the inkwell and continuing to scratch away at a parchment that was already trailing on the floor. Harry tried to focus on his own homework, but something made his eyes drift towards Hermione every time he tried to concentrate on Martin Luther Figg Jr., the acclaimed author of "So You Want to Pass Your O.W.L.'s".
He stood up. "I'm tired of working. Want to take a walk?" He asked hopefully.
Hermione threw her quill down and rubbed her eyes. "Good idea... this essay is driving me mad anyway."
They went out the door and Harry stared fondly up at the Burrow. It was nearly 3 in the morning. He had offered to stay up to "study" with Hermione. Though he had no intention of doing that.
"It's beautiful here isn't it?" Hermione said, staring appreciatively at the snow-covered trees.
"Yes you are. I MEAN...er," he said, eyes wide with horror at what he had said.
Hermione giggled. It was another habit that she had picked up over the summer and it was one that Harry found particularly fascinating. She smiled up at him and said, "Aww you think I'm beautiful?"
Harry recovered quickly and said "Of course I do. You're my best friend, aren't you?"
Hermione's smile faltered for only a moment before saying "I would hope so," and walking closer to Harry. She shivered on purpose.
"Are you cold?" He asked with concern and put an arm around her in an attempt to warm her.
They sat down by the Weasley's pond and watched the full moon glint on the water. It was a perfect night. Harry watched, fascinated, as Hermione's breath was expelled in silver vapor. He stared, entranced, at her lips. He had never really taken the time to examine her lips before. They were tinged pink and full-looking. An odd feeling stirred inside him. He recognized it as the same feeling he used to feel when he watched Cho Chang's hair rippling in the sunlight. He leaned closer to get a better view.
Hermione turned to him, startled by his sudden movement. Their faces were only centimeters apart. Her heart felt like a battering ram against her rib cage and her breathing became quicker. She stumbled for words.
Authors note: I hate to leave you on a cliffhanger, but I'm not going to write a second chapter unless people like this one. Please be nice. People seem to mention "flaming" a lot it sounds bad, so whatever it is don't do it to me. Remember, this is my first publicized fanfic.