A/N: Heya thanks again for reviewing. I am really happy people are reading my story.

Dr Huff Puff: Don't worry I haven't forgotten about the fact that the bet is a date with Lockhart. Things are going to become a bit more complicated (and hopefully more interesting as well) soon though.....keep reading and see :)

Grace in the Heavens: I love Lockhart too, he's my favourite HP character, don't really know why either – he's just.......amusing – even though he's changed a bit in this story....hmmm maybe I'll have to write in a bit of the old Lockhart...what do you think?

Chapter Six
A Confession and A Kiss

Lockhart didn't seem himself tonight Hermione thought. He barely looked at her and while he hadn't reverted back to his Snapish manner he was different to their last meetings. Hermione had been anticipating seeing him again, had not been able to think of anything else since that look his eyes had revealed. Now she was confused. He seemed distant and detached tonight.

"Miss Granger" said Lockhart's voice rather sharply "I asked you a question".

"Sorry" said Hermione looking up at him and trying to smile. Lockhart did not meet her eyes.
They discussed some routine things about the charms discussion group and then he stood up.

"I think that just about covers everything" he said. "Thank you for your input. I doubt that we will need to continue these meetings. We have everything quite well organised now. If I need to ask you anything it can be via owl or after class".

Hermione stood up also. She felt sick. "What was wrong?" she wondered "Have I done something wrong? Maybe I just imagined that look in his eyes, and he doesn't feel anything for me". But she knew what she had seen.

"What's wrong?" she blurted out. Then felt a blush sweep across her cheeks.

There was a silence. Lockhart was looking over to the window his expression unreadable.
Suddenly Hermione thought "This is it. It's now or never".

She took a deep breath.

"Um...I was...I was wondering if maybe..." she started. Lockhart looked back at her and suddenly she couldn't speak.

Turning, she opened the door and ran out of the room slamming it behind her.

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Lockhart stood there, fixed to the spot, his emotions whirling. What had Hermione been about to say? He hadn't wanted to end their meetings but he couldn't let himself be attracted to a student, this job was his last chance. Still, every time he tried to push the thought of Hermione away he was incapable of dampening his feelings. They were too strong. Suddenly pushing all his confused thoughts aside he opened the door and ran out after her.

The dark corridor was empty.

"Hermione" he called not caring if anyone heard. There was no answer. Turning to the right he raced down the corridor.

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Hermione sat by herself on a small stone bench, her thin robes wrapped around her to try and keep out the bitterly cold wind. She was on a small balcony that led off a disused meeting room near Lockhart's office. A few trees, now bear of leaves, in large ceramic pots were the only other things on the balcony with her. She had discovered this place at the end of fifth year and often came there to think about things while she sat on the stone bench. Recently she had enjoyed the nearness to Lockhart's office, feeling somehow closer to him when she was there. Tears slowly dripped down her face as the freezing air stung her cheeks. Her sobs were carried away by the wind.

"It's all over" she thought. "I'll never be able to face him again. Why did I act so stupidly, and the way he looked at me, like he hated me. He must have realised I liked him and now he can't stand to be around me because he doesn't feel the same way. "

Lockhart frantically looked up and down for Hermione. Passing a door that was slightly ajar he thought he heard the sound of the wind. Pausing he pushed open the door. The room was dark and small but some light came from glass doors on the rear wall. They were half open and gusts of wind whirled through. Moving to shut them he noticed they led to a small balcony. Someone was sitting out there.

Lockhart walked out onto the balcony. Through the wind he could hear Hermione's sobs. He sat down next to her. Hermione turned a shocked tear streaked face towards him.

"You must be freezing" he said. Taking off his long cloak he wrapped it around her, holding her in his arms for a moment.

"But....but..." Hermione started and then stopped. Lockhart's eyes behind his glasses were deep and warm.
"What did you want to ask me back there in my room?" he asked.

"It doesn't matter now" Hermione sniffled, turning he face away.

Lockhart reached out with a hand and gently lifted her face towards him.

"It matters to me" he said softly.

"I....I think I love you"

Lockhart held her gaze, looking deeply into her brown eyes that were filled with both fear and longing. Almost hesitantly Hermione reached up and with one hand took off his glasses. The intensity of his blue eyes was overwhelming, as they looked at her with what she recognized as an intense desire. Lockhart slowly reached out and putting a hand behind her head he gently pulled her face close to his. Their lips met and suddenly he was kissing her with abandon, wanting to taste all of her, reveling in the softness or her lips, moving his tongue over hers. Hermione responded, her hands moving through his hair, pulling him closer, seeking out every part of his mouth, her tongue pushing against his, firmly, and then softly moving over his lips. Finally, breathing deeply and their hearts pounding, their lips parted. Lockhart wrapped his arms around Hermione and pulled her close to him, shielding her from the wind.