Okay, I lied. Mandi has been speeding thru these so I'm going to go ahead and put up this chapter. I'll just wait till I've heard from both of you before putting in Chapter 36. I've been debating a long time over whether or not to change my story rating to R. I've mentioned before that I had originally written some "adult" content in the story, especially the next few chapters. So, I'll let you, my 2 faithful readers, decide what you want. If you want me to go R let me know in a review for this chapter and you'll find a nice, more explicit surprise in the next chapter. If you want me to stick with inferring, let me know and I'll stay the course. No votes? Guess it'll be up to me then...just don't say I didn't warn you...

Chapter 35:

Harry kept looking at the door. Time didn't seem to be moving forward at all. He forced himself to think about something else. Giving up after just a couple of minutes, Harry got out of bed and sat next to the window. He could see the ground shining from a dusting of snow; it seemed to be sparkling like a jewel. For the hundreth time, he checked his supplies. He'd packed his bookbag the day before. He had his Invisibility Cloak, a small box containing Michelle's present, and most importantly, the key to Hagrid's hut. He scanned the grounds one more time then gave up waiting. Creeping through the room, Harry silently reached the door and went down the stairs. It was only 11:30. He suppressed a laugh when he spotted Michelle sitting on one of the couches near the fire.

Seeing something moving to her side, Michelle peered to her left and saw Harry. She rose and met him, a sly smile on her face.

"Got tired of waiting then?"

"I had to make myself stop checking the time every few seconds." He pulled the cloak out of the bag. "It's early, but if you're ready?"

Michelle stepped up next to him, "Let's go."

Harry draped the cloak over the both of them. Getting through the school was easier than Michelle thought it would be. Because Harry was several inches taller, Michelle walked right next to him under his slightly extended arm. They only had to pause once to let Madam Pomfrey go by on her way to the hospital wing. Once outside, Harry waited till they were well clear of the school before lowering the cloak and putting it away. It took a moment for Michelle to figure out where they were going. She'd never gone to Hagrid's at night, but once she could make out the edge of his garden, she knew where they were on the grounds. She stole a glance at Harry.

"Don't tell me there's a bunch of people waiting for us at Hagrid's."

"I certainly hope not. That'd ruin everything." Harry smiled nervously.

Reaching the door, Harry used the key and let them in. Michelle stood still as he used his wand to light the fire. Once she could see, she walked around examining as much as she could of her surroundings.

"Where's Hagrid?"

"He's away for the weekend. Dumbledore sent him to meet with our favorite French giantess. Hagrid gave me the key so I could come down and feed Fang while he was gone." Harry set down his bookbag and hung up his coat. Michelle watched him closely as he came over and eased hers off her shoulders. He hung it up as well, before going over to a door. Opening it, he called out Fang's name and the huge mass of slobbering dog came to him. Fang's tail wagged as Harry gave him a friendly petting behind the ears. He filled Fang's food and water bowls. That task finished he went into the room Fang had exited. Michelle moved closer and paused in the doorway. Her stomach did an anxious flip when she peered in and saw a huge bed practically taking up the entire room. Harry lit another fire in the bedroom fireplace. He motioned over to the bed.

"Why don't you have a seat?"

Michelle had to climb up into the bed it was so high up off the floor.

"I'll be right back." Harry left the room. She could hear him locking the front door and talking to Fang. She caught bits and pieces of the one-way conversation...enough to understand that Fang would be spending the night in the main room on the couch. Harry came back in, one hand behind his back. Michelle craned her neck trying to see what he was hiding. He shut the door and hopped up onto the bed beside her.

"So..." Michelle watched his expression, trying to figure out what he was thinking.

"So." Harry replied calmly.

"What's in your hand?"

"Pardon?"

Michelle paused. "The hand you've been keeping behind your back...what's in it?"

"A surprise."

"For me?"

"Maybe..."

"Maybe? Is it a prize? Do I have to do something to win it?"

"Depends on what you're going to do..."

Michelle slowly eased herself onto Harry. Straddling his hips, she leaned in and kissed him softly up his neck and along his jaw. She positioned her face directly in front of his, brushing his mouth with just the hint of a kiss.

"Do I win?"

Before he could answer, her lips fell on his caressing them slowly. She pulled away just enough to let him speak.

"You definitely get the prize..." his voice dropped off and Michelle could see the subtle change in his demeanor. She eased back some more as he brought a small box from behind him. He held it out in the palm of his hand.

"Happy Birthday Michelle..."

She carefully unwrapped the box. She lifted the lid and for a moment saw nothing. Tipping it towards the light of the fire, she could see something shining inside. She pulled back a layer of paper to find a silver chain. Lifting the chain, she pulled it from the box and could finally see it was actually a necklace. Hanging from the necklace was a small green gem. She cradled it carefully in her fingers as she examined it.

Harry held his breath waiting for Michelle to say something. He watched her face as she studied the necklace. She seemed happy, but until she spoke he wouldn't know for sure. Michelle lowered her head, her hair covering her face.

"I didn't know what to get you..." he spoke softly, unsure of what to say. "I wanted the gift to be special. It was my mother's. My father gave it to her when they were at school. After they were killed, Dumbledore sent Mrs. Figg to the house and she put a few things away for safe keeping. She thought I might want it one day..." his voice trailed off. He was just about to apologize for not getting her a real present when Michelle looked up. Her face was open; her eyes sparkling like the gem as they filled with tears.

Michelle's lip trembled as she struggled to speak.

"It's perfect." She hugged him tightly, her wet eyelashes moistening his cheek. He could feel her fighting to not cry so he didn't say anything as he held her. When she released him, she gave him a shy smile.

"Help me put it on..." She moved off of him and turned her back to him. Unhooking the necklace, she handed it to him. He lowered it in front of her and waited as she moved her hair to one side before clasping it. She faced him again, sitting up straight.

"How does it look?"

Harry didn't take his eyes from hers, "Beautiful..."

She blushed and shifted nervously, "Thank you..."

She reached out and touched his hand. She stroked his long fingers absently, not sure of what to say or do next. Harry could hear his heart pounding in his head. He knew what he wanted to do, but wasn't sure how to get started. He didn't even notice he'd begun to lean in closer to Michelle. Still holding his hand, Michelle leaned in as well. Everything was moving slowly, as though they'd never kissed before and were afraid of making a mistake. Harry kissed her softly, raising one hand and running his fingers along her cheek. He slid his hand behind her neck to cradle her head. Harry held her face close, each kiss becoming more intense than the last. Michelle quietly moaned as he simultaneously lowered her to the bed and eased his tounge into her mouth.