Chapter Eight – Fireflies

Harry lay in his sleeping bag, staring up at the roof of the tent. From outside he heard the chirping of crickets and buzzing of flies. Beside him lay Adam who was snoring rather loudly. It wasn't because of Adam's loud snoring that Harry couldn't sleep it was because of Hermione.

He kept remembering her fire illuminated face and his heart seemed to flip inside his chest. He was trying to sort out what to do. Every time she was around it was just the best thing. He felt like he never wanted to be away from her and when he was, he longed for her presence. He liked the way her skin felt, the sound of her voice, the twinkle in her eyes when she got an idea. The way her eyes furrow on her forehead when she's concentrating very hard. He liked everything about her. There was no denying that.

It was there, laying in his sleeping bag, that Harry realized how he felt about her. He liked her. More than as a friend. He felt more at ease now that he'd sorted out how he felt about her. No more staying up late wondering why it was his heart reacted in a funny way towards her and whatnot. The only problem was… How was he going to let her know? He couldn't just come right out and say it… They'd been friends for nearly three years now… He couldn't just do that and she was already confused about something.

He jumped slightly when he saw her head poking through the tent flap. He couldn't really see her, but he knew it was her.

"Harry?" she whispered. "Harry? Are you awake?"

Harry sat up. "Yeah, I'm up."

"Come on, I wanna show you something." She said and disappeared. Harry got out of his sleeping bag, slipped on his shoes and emerged from his tent.

Hermione smiled at him. She couldn't help but stifle a laugh at his already messy hair. She took his hand and dragged him away from the tents. Harry didn't bother to ask a question, he was just glad he was with her. They entered the forest and walked through the clearing.

She dragged him to a dark area and sat him down on a log. Harry looked around. What was so exciting about being in a dark place at this time of night? His eyes widened as many things popped into his head. Surely she didn't… No way. Of course not! It was just wrong. Even though, Harry began to feel himself sweat.

"Hermione?" he gulped.

"Shh…" she said.

Just then, the whole area began to liven up with buzzing. Harry looked around to spot where the noise was coming from. Little by little, small bulbs of light were floating in the air. They were flying around them in huge clusters. Harry could now see Hermione's face. She was smiling as she looked around her in awe.

"Just in time," she turned to him. "I used to come here a lot when I went camping with my parents… It's beautiful isn't it?"

Not as beautiful as you… Harry thought. He returned her smile. "Yeah, really beautiful."

"What'd you think the time is?" she asked. There was something in her eyes that told him she knew something he didn't.

He glanced his watch. "About… Twelve AM."

She smiled up at him. Unexpectedly, she leaned across and kissed him lightly on the cheek. She tried not to blush as she looked at him again.

"What… What was that for?" Harry asked. He was trembling now.

She looked surprised. "You… You forgot?"

Harry was now more confused than ever. "Forgot… Forgot what?"

She laughed. "Your birthday you silly goose!"

Harry laughed. He'd forgotten about his birthday. He shook his head. He couldn't believe he'd forgotten his own birthday. He smiled as she hugged him.

"Happy birthday Harry," she whispered.

Harry looked up at the fireflies flying around them. He smiled. This was the best birthday he'd ever had. He hugged her, hoping that somehow she'd get a clue about how he felt about her now. As sad as he was, he pulled away.

"Thanks Hermione," he smiled and they sat there, not caring if it was cold, not caring if they got bit by mosquitoes, or were starting to worry people. All that mattered was then and there. All that mattered was them.

Author's Note: Well, another two chapters up! Thanks so much for the reviews and for taking time to read my story! Appreciate it a lot. Well, thanks for reading and don't forget to review!

MarauderWormtail89