Rated:
A/N: Edited the chapter a bit (all the stuff that made me cringe) and added a few more things but not too much.
Enjoy!
Chapter 4: Do you want to fly on my broom with me?
Harry, Ron and Hermione were walking down the corridor to their Transfiguration class. Everything was better now as Harry and Ron became friends again. There wasn't much talk now about Harry and Hermione thanks to the help by Lavender as she stirred up another rumour that Malfoy was cheating on Goyle with Crabbe. The trio walked into the classroom and sat in their usual seats at the back of the room. 'Before we start the class today, I shall inform you about an upcoming event that most of you should attend to.' came Prof. McGonagall's stern voice. A sea of whispers came upon the Gryffindor 7th year students.
'There will be Christmas ball on Christmas night just like the Yule ball in the previous years except there won't be other schools attending it. The same rules abide to this ball and everyone is expected to be in their best behaviour.' Prof. McGonagall announced. 'Dress robes will be worn and nothing else shall be an exception.' Prof. McGonagall said resolutely.
'Lucky Fred and George bought you new dress robes or you'll end up looking like you're wearing a women's lingerie.' Harry said to Ron and chuckled. 'Shut up Harry.' Ron retorted half-laughing and half-frowning. The whole class started to copy down some notes on the board. But as Harry got halfway through writing, he ended up gazing at the place where Hermione sat. He found looking at her quite fascinating actually. Harry noticed little things that she did like how she tilts her head to the left when she writes and when she pauses she picks at the quill then writes again. 'You're looking at her again.' Ron teased as he saw his best friend gawking at Hermione. 'Shut up Ron.' Harry retorted and blushed. 'I'm just telling the truth.' Ron said and laughed. 'Shut up.' Harry repeated.
Hermione looked up at the board and sighed. Suddenly she felt the vivid green eyes on her. This was the third time that day that Harry was staring at Hermione. 'Oh, why does he have to be so god damn hot?'
'With his dark brown hair, his intense gaze and his winning smile that leaves every girl completely breathless.' Hermione thought dreamily and felt a jolt in her stomach that told her come back to earth. She blushed as she caught his eyes. 'Just smile, wave, do anything, now you've done it now he knows that you've been looking at him!' Hermione thought and nervously smiled back. Harry smiled and turned red at the same time. Hermione felt her legs weaken as he did this. Suddenly the bell rang and the class ended. 'Phew, saved by the bell.' Hermione mumbled under her breath as their gaze ended not that she didn't like looking into his charming eyes for the whole day but she just felt uncomfortable that she might do something stupid.
After dinner that night, Harry decided to go out, practice on his Firebolt and get some fresh air.
'Where are you going Harry?' Ron asked as Harry got up from his seat.
'Flying.' Harry simply answered.
Hermione finally finished her potions essay at the library. 'Hope that's enough for Prof. Snape.' She commented loftily about her work. She packed up her things, slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out of the library. Hermione decided to reward herself by taking an enjoyable moonlit walk around the grounds of Hogwarts. 'Oh, isn't the starry sky so picturesque, I wish I could be in the sky!' Hermione exclaimed blissfully. All of a sudden, she saw a scarlet figure flying across the sky. Hermione broke into a run towards the Quidditch pitch. As she entered, Hermione realised that it was Harry flying on his broom.
Harry was doing very dangerous flips and loops on his broomstick. He was sure that he would break the sound barrier soon as he flew even faster until he saw a person at the bottom of the Quidditch pitch staring up at him. Harry abruptly halted as he realised that it was Hermione. He lowered down to where Hermione was.
'Oh, damn now he's noticed me, I should've hidden myself and just watched him!' Hermione thought stupidly as she saw Harry go down from the sky to her level. 'Good evening Ms Granger, now what is a lovely lady doing out at this time of night?' Harry teased. 'The same question goes to you Mr Potter, what is a handsome gentleman doing at this time of night?' Hermione answered. They both went very red as there was a very awkward silence between them only broken by the rustling of leaves.
'So, do you want to fly on my broom with me?' Harry asked nervously. Hermione looked at him dumbfounded. She couldn't believe her ears. Did he just offer to ride with her on his treasured Firebolt?
But of course she's always wanted to ride his broom (wink, wink).
'Umm, ah, but d- don't you remember that I have phobia of heights?' Hermione stammered.
'That was a stupid thing to say!' She thought. 'Oh-come on Hermione, just this once, I'll hold you tight!' Harry pleaded. 'Oh my GOD!' 'He just said he'll hold me tight!' Hermione thought completely taken aback. 'Sure, ah okay just this once.' Hermione answered barely coolly. 'Great, come on hop on!' said Harry delightedly. Hermione hesitantly lifted her leg over the broom and onto it then she gripped the Firebolt tightly. Hermione felt Harry place one hand on hers and put his other arm tightly around her waist. 'Are you okay?' Harry asked affectionately.
'I'm fine thanks.' Hermione replied. 'Okay, we're going to fly now.' Harry whispered to Hermione.
Harry kicked off from the ground vigorously. Hermione fell back on Harry's chest as he did this.
Harry couldn't say he didn't enjoy this but had to say 'Umm-Hermione, you know the trick to steering a broomstick is to sit up.' Harry said carefully putting Hermione back to position. 'Oh- I'm really sorry!' Hermione apologised and blushed harshly. 'That's okay Hermione, I'll guide you.' Harry whispered seductively, his hot breath travelled down her neck. This sent an electric shock through the whole of Hermione's body. Hermione closed her eyes as he did this.
'Are you okay?' 'Open your eyes the view is beautiful!' Harry exclaimed gleefully. Hermione sheepishly opened her eyes and yes, Harry was right the view was beautiful. She smiled broadly as she felt a new feeling that came over her. Hermione gripped the broom ever so tightly and motioned it to go higher; she wanted to be as far in the sky as she could. The stars were bright that night and the moon had a vibrant shine with the outline sapphire blue causing an unusually eerie feel. At the bottom you could see the whole of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade the little lights were twinkling before their eyes.
'You're a natural Hermione.' Harry commented. 'I had good teacher.' Hermione said credulously. Now it was Harry's turn to blush. Suddenly Hermione looked too far down and felt very nauseous. She let out a shrill cry. 'Hermione!' Harry shouted worriedly then scooped Hermione's legs with his arm and cradled her.
'You're such a baby!' Harry teased when everything calmed down (they were still in the same position).
'A baby, I already told you that I was afraid of heights!' Hermione retorted in indignation. 'Alright, whatever you say BABY!' Harry said teasingly and started to tickle Hermione. 'Stop it Harry!' Hermione cried out loud after having a fit of giggles. 'Fine, I'll stop.' Harry said disappointedly. It ended up a little awkward as Hermione lay motionless in Harry's arms.
They both stared into each other's eyes. Harry looked into wide amber eyes and Hermione looked into intense blue, greenish eyes. Harry lowered his head and Hermione tilted hers sideways. Their lips barely brushed against each other as they both pulled back nervously.
'Err- maybe we should go back to the common room, it's getting a bit late.' Harry muttered apprehensively.
'Yeah, I think we should.' Hermione replied reverently. The broom slowly descended down to the ground as they landed lightly. They both walked back to the Hogwarts castle silently but not an awkward silence at that but a comfortable silence with their hands occasionally bumping into each other. As they reached the portrait of the fat lady they had to say the password 'Glumbumble.' The portrait swung open to admit them in. The common room was empty except for Crookshanks Hermione's cat who was purring lazily while lying down on the couch by the fireplace. 'I had a great time flying with you tonight.' Hermione expressed ecstatically.
'Just make sure not to look too far down again.' Harry said.
'Well good night Harry.' Hermione bided and thankfully embraced him.
'Good night Hermione.' Harry replied gratefully as they let go. Hermione smiled at Harry and ascended up the staircase leading to the girl's dormitory with Crookshanks trailing along with his tail waving around loftily.
That night Harry didn't have a nightmare, instead he had a peaceful dream.