Author's Note—To my reviewers—y'all are amazing! Thank you! I'm in the process of editing…feel free to e-mail with ideas/comments!

Ron and Ginny returned to Hogwarts as planned, and Harry made me promise not to tell anyone—especially them—what had happened. I agreed readily, it would have caused more trouble than it was worth. However, it was nearly impossible to keep quiet because Ginny always made references to her experiences with Harry at the lake, reminding me of my confusion. And I didn't like Harry, but after his behavior at the lake, I couldn't help but hope something more would come of it.

Sure enough, the next time Ron had a detention for mouthing off Snape, Hedwig brought me another note:

Hermione—do you want to go to the lake tonight? You can sit in my lap again…Harry

Remembering the safe feeling I had with Harry's arms around me, I happily put down my scroll for Herbology and agreed. I told Ginny I had to meet with Professor McGonagal, and left quickly for the lake before she could notice I left my transfiguration books behind. I had no time to change out of my ratty old tee shirt and jeans.

We met at the lake, but as it was approaching summer, the air was sticky and filled with mosquitoes. Again, Harry played Snake on my phone, beating my highest score with a whopping 918. After twenty minutes or so, Harry interrupted our chatter by asking me if I would walk him to Dumbledore's office because he had to relay a dream about Voldemort. I agreed, glad to move into the cooler castle.

When we arrived at the gargoyles at the entrance to his office, Harry asked, "How about a good-bye hug?" I practically ran into his arms, internally praying to feel safe again.

After five minutes, we were still hugging, and I felt his hands slide down into the back pockets of my jeans. Startled, I pulled away slightly. Harry whispered, "Is that okay?" I nodded.

Harry's voice shook me out of my daze. I heard him asking, "Will you kiss me?"

Already knowing the answer, I replied, "Where?"

He laughed and said, "Hermione, you are the smartest witch of our year. I think you know where!"

"No, Harry, I can't." Since Harry was one of my best friends, I was naturally crazy about him. I desperately wanted to give him anything he asked for, but as I knew he wouldn't really want this, I refused.

Sounding like an adorable five-year-old, he continued to beg. "Just one? Just a small one?"

I continued to decline by reminding him, "Harry, it's just your hormones talking. As soon as you go back to your dorms, you'll regret everything. I'm not one of those girls, Harry; I'm not Ginny or Cho."

"I promise I won't regret anything! Plus, I can't think of any other girl, Hermione—only you."

My eyes filling with tears, I looked down to notice his hands had traveled to my chest. Harry began to kiss my face, exclaiming, "I like it when you cry, Hermione."

Startled, I asked, "Why?"

"Your tears taste good!"

I laughed through the tears in my throat, and began kissing his neck.

Suddenly remembering we were standing directly in front of the entrance to Dumbledore's office, I pulled away. "You should go."

"I know," he said, sighing.

I walked away saying, "I'm sorry for everything, Harry." Sobbing, I returned to the Common Room and went to bed, hoping no one would notice my blotchy face and red eyes.

After a while, my crying subsided and I pulled open my bed curtains to see Hedwig tapping impatiently on my window. I untied the note from her leg and watched her fly back to the boys' dormitory.

Hermione—Thanks for refusing my pleas. Believe it or not, I've never kissed anyone—that includes Ginny-- and I don't really want you as my first. Also, I'm sorry to have tried to push you into something you didn't want. By the way, Ron and I want to know when you're free to study for exams with us. —Harry

For a millisecond, I was furious. How dare he play with my emotions like that? Was I merely the girl he had right in his palm, to be used for academics and physical romance?

Then I remembered that I was talking about Harry, my best friend. He didn't mean any harm; he simply got caught up in the moment, just like I had.

I'm still editing…but you can review anyhow!