Chapter Three

Hermione was giddy after reading the note that Harry had given her after their potion's lesson. Of course she was going to meet Harry tonight. She would have to find something nice to wear. Harry has seen Hermione at her worst, and he always made her feel good about herself, but she wanted to look great for him. Tonight is the night, she will tell Harry how much she loves him. She has hoped for a love like this for a long time. Even though George had taken her virginity she didn't ever really love him. Harry is the one that she had always loved.

She had always known, but never wanted to admit it to herself. She wants to be with someone that will love her, be with her no matter what, and always stand up for her. Harry had always stood up for her, and she knew that if they somehow became a couple he would still.

Throughout the rest of the day Hermione started to remember all of the fantasies that she had dreamt up of she and Harry. One night she had a dream of their encounter on the rug by the fireplace… funny how they had their first night back at Hogwarts there. Her dreams feel so real to her.

It felt like we were really there. Like he was really kissing my neck, and caressing my body. I hope that someday that can really happy. That it will be a memory, not just a long lost dream of my imagination. Me, the lovesick girl that daydreams all the time.

The evening was approaching fast, Hermione planned to tell Harry in the Great Hall that she would meet him tonight. After dinner I will have to run upstairs and get my out fit ready. I am so excited for tonight!

As time got closer to the wonderfully planned evening Hermione was getting more nervous. Harry was as well, but he was doing a great job at hiding it. Hermione has just got done with her last class of the day and was going around the corner to enter the Great Hall, she bumped into Harry accidentally. He turned around and smiled, " Just the person I was looking for." Hermione laughed, " Well good then, glad I found you. In regards to the little note that you wrote, I will be there at 8. I was also glad to hear that you had a good time last night. I did as well." Harry was pleased with Hermione's greeting. Harry realized that he was looking in Hermione's eyes, and quickly looked away. Hermione noticed, and thought that it was cute.

" Shall we pick a seat Mr. Potter?" " Yes, I think we shall."

Harry could tell that Hermione was nervous for some reason, he couldn't think of why. Maybe he was making her feel uncomfortable, but she seemed to be having a good time. Ron could tell the something was different between Hermione and Harry. He wasn't sure exactly what it was, but he was going to find out!

Harry and Hermione had a wonderful dinner. Full of conversation of how their day had been. Although neither of them mentioned how nervous they were for the rest of the planned events this evening. Before they knew it time was up. Hermione made a quick dismissal for the door, but Harry caught up to her.

" Why are you taking off so fast?" " Well I just have some things to do before tonight, that's all. I will be there, so don't worry… I know how your mind works sometimes Harry." The smile on her face reassured Harry. " Would you like some company on the way back to your room?" Hermione pretended as if she were pondering his question for a response, she was just biding time.

"Certainly." They trailed off together towards the Gryffindor common room. Ron caught eye of this, and secretly followed them back. Harry as the night before said his goodbye's until later at the end of the steps. This time he added something new, he gave her a kiss in her hand. She smiled with agreement and went upstairs to her room.

" WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL I GOING ON?" " Ron, what are you doing?" " Seeing what in the hell it happening because no one tells me anything anymore. What is going on with you and Hermione?" " Ron, nothing yet.. b-b-ut.."

"Don't give me that mess! She's the one isn't she? The one that you are going to tell that you love. I can't believe this has everyone gone mad on me? Christ, I should have known this was coming. Look who is left all alone, the Weasly red haired boy!" " I'm sorry Ron, I haven't told her yet, but I am going to, I didn't tell you … well I don't know, I was worried you would tell her. I didn't want to freak you out either. Please don't be angry with me." " Whatever, I see how this is going to be, forget it, I don't want to talk about this anymore. I am going upstairs I suggest that you leave me alone."

With that said Ron stormed off, and made a scene in his room. Well I guess I don't have to worry about Ron anymore.

Harry let Ron cool off for a while, but went upstairs to change his clothes. God, I am such a nervous wreck, I think everything will be alright, but you never know sometimes Hermione can surprise you. Ok, deep breath, everything is going to be fine.

Meanwhile.. Hermione was rummaging through her clothes, and all of her other belongings. Ginny happened to walk in and see the mess that surrounded Hermione.

" Hermione forgive me for asking, but what in the world are you doing? Did you lose something.. what?" With a bit of a sigh, and desperation in her voice she replied, " Ginny, well alright you are my friend so I am going to tell you….. Harry and I are going to the bridge tonight, I am going to tell him that I am in love with him. I am so nervous, and I can't seem to find anything to wear, I am going crazy!" Ginny just laughed at this new found side of her friend. " Hermione relax, sit here on the bed, I will pick something out for you, and trust me you will look great… promise! As for you and Harry, I always thought that you had a thing for him, but I just kept my mouth shut, and figured that if you wanted it to it would come out in your own time."

This made Hermione feel more at ease, not as if she were running around like Nearly Headless Nick. They sat on the bed and talked, as Ginny went through all the different combinations for Hermione to wear for her big evening. After the grooling process and long girl talk they had everything together. Ginny had picked out the perfect little outfit for her dear friend. It was a light green and blue shirt rimed with little sequins, and a light pink skirt, that was much shorter than all of her other skirts, but Hermione agreed this would be the best time to take it on a night out. Hermione was very pleased with everything, and now that she was ready she was feeling a bit better, at least she wasn't walking down there stark naked!

Harry felt as if he had a giant butterfly in his stomach that would not cease. He gave a glance to Ron across the room as he was getting ready to take his leave. Ron gave him a look that showed he wished luck, but said nothing. Harry waved, and made his way out the door, and down the stairs. Harry was in a hurry to make sure that he got to the bridge before Hermione, he wanted to make sure that he made a good impression.

As Hermione worked her way across the yard, she could begin to see a figure standing on the highest part of the bridge. Where the best view was located. All of a sudden her mind started racing.

Whew, alright here goes nothing, I am doing this tonight no matter what. I look great, which is surprising for me to think, but well let the truth be told.

Hermione was about a foot away from Harry when he asked her to have a seat. She was a little surprised, but complied with the request. She was surprised to turn around and see a blanket lay out on the ground opposite her. Harry just smiled as he noted her surprised glance, and simply stated , " Well I wanted to make sure you were comfortable, I mean it's nothing like the rug by the fireplace, but it should do." Hermione simply gave a raised eyebrow smile, and positioned herself on the blanket. Harry stood there for a moment, unsure of what his first move should be. He decided to have a seat next to Hermione and just approach the subject.

" Hermione there is something that I have to tell you, I have wanted to tell you for a long time but I didn't want anything to be weird, but I feel I must finally let it be out in the open." Hermione quickly piped in, " Harry there is something that I must tell you too, and I have also wanted to for quite sometime, but as you I didn't want things to change, for the worse,"

Harry was glad to hear these words from Hermione, he was then pretty sure that the letter that he had found had been somewhat resent.

" Is it alright if I go first Hermione?" " If you wish, but I have to tell you this tonight." "Alright, it don't think it will take that long.. well for starters I have been realizing how I truly feel for you, and well I realized that I have been ignoring how happy I am when I am with you, how you always seem to be on my mind, even in my dreams. To put it simply…. Hermione Granger I am in love with you. I hope that you don't get angry, I don't want to lose our friendship, because I cherish it very much, but I would love to share so much more with you than that. ……. I also found this letter outside of Snape's class today. I only read it because my name was on it, I was very glad to read what was upon the page, and I was hoping that this was a recent letter, and you still felt this way."

There was hardly a pause when Hermione spoke, " Harry I came her to tell you the same thing tonight, I am in love with you as well, and would love to have something much more than a friendship with you. As for the note it is very recent I wrote it about 3 days ago. I am so happy that you feel the same way, I was so nervous, and…"

Hermione's words were cut short by a sudden kiss from Harry. I can't believe that I am doing this, everything has worked out, and I am now kissing her! This turned out better than I imagined!

OH my god, I was so not expecting that, god he is a good kisser, I wonder how far this will go, and if he was planning all of this.

Harry and Hermione had a long passionate kissHermione had been kissed many times, but never like this, and she was glad that this night was becoming better than she thought. Harry finally pulled away and stared in Hermione's eyes, and the trailed her body with his eyes. " Hermione, you look so beautiful, I don't believe I have ever seen that skirt before." Harry had an evil yet intriguing grin on his face. " Well, I was saving it for a special time." " I see, that was a nice kiss wouldn't you say?" " Yes Harry I would, I do….so now what, I mean we are both in love with each other, does this mean we are a couple now, or what?"

" In my mine we are. " Hermione giggled, " Alright then."

" Harry I have to know, did you have this all planned?" " Hmm… I had some plans…" as Harry whipped out a basket full of all different things. Hermione noticed some drinks, (couldn't see exactly what), some candles, and among other things the invisibility cloak.

" Harry what exactly do you plan on doing out here?….You even brought the invisibility cloak. I'm just curious." " Well, I just thought that we could have a good time, and if we run late into the evening, we have the cloak to sneak back in so we won't get caught. I also brought the map, that you insisted I turn in, but I didn't listen of course." " You never do! In this case though, I am glad that you didn't."

With that said, Harry grabbed Hermione laid her on the blanket and climbed on top of her. Hermione was surprised by the sudden change in Harry, but she liked it. Harry began kissing her neck, and working his way down to her lips. Hermione was taking all of it in, and she loved it!

Harry began running his fingers through Hermione's hair, he gently used his hand to close her eyelids and began to lightly kiss them. Hermione had never had someone kiss her eyelids, but it was a sensation that she was learning to love. She couldn't believe after all of the different occasions in her head of she and Harry that it was actually happening.

It felt so different doing something like this with someone that she loves.

Harry was enjoying himself, he had for so long wanted to be with Hermione, he thought about it all the time. Now it was happening… FINALLY!

Harry stopped kissing Hermione's eyelids and ran his fingertips along her jaw line. He whispered in her ear, " I love you Hermione." This felt so perfect, for once in her life Hermione was not worried about anything. " I love you too Harry".

Hermione began to run her fingertips up Harry's shirt and along his back. He was obviously loving it, the look on his face said it all. He had the biggest grin Hermione had ever seen cross his face. He had matured so much, and didn't look like a little boy anymore. Hermione noticed that briefly as she lifted Harry's shirt off, and over Harry's head.

Harry began to kiss Hermione's exposed stomach, as his hands began to run up her shirt. It had been so long sense Hermione had received any attention of this kind, but it was the best she had ever felt. Harry was raising Hermione's shirt above her head, revealing her lacy blue bra, when there was a SNAP in the trees behind them.

" Harry, what was that?" " I don't know, lets go!"

Both Harry and Hermione quickly put their missing articles of clothing on, grabbed everything and shoved it in the basket. " Hermione, I think we should put the cloak on."

" Me too."

They put the invisibility cloak on, and raced back to the Gryffindor Common Room. As they ran by the trees they saw nothing, but had their minds set on the task ahead of them. Getting back in their common room without being seen, and without whatever was in the trees finding them.