All throughout the day, Harry had been as nervous as hell. It helped a little when Hermione owled him and said that she would agree to meet him. He was definitely happy when she did agree after all the trouble he had gone through to get things ready, although she was well worth the work. He just hoped that she would like what he did.
Hermione examined herself in the mirror. She had owled Harry earlier and asked what she should wear since their destination was a surprise. He sent back a message that said that whatever she wore, she would be beautiful in, but that maybe a dress would be best.
She immediately left work extra early and did some shopping. After trying on what seemed like at least fifty dresses, she finally decided on a dark blood red colored dress that had one shoulder to it. As soon as she put it on, she knew this was the one. The saleswoman seemed to think so too since she gasped when Hermione walked out of the fitting room with it on.
"Whoever he is honey, he is going to melt when he sees you in this dress!" the saleswoman said, "And I'm not just saying that to make a sale!"
"Thanks," Hermione smiled back. "I hope he likes it as much as you."
"I'm sure he will."
She had showered and after a quick drying spell, pulled her hair back on the sides and fastened it in the back with a dark red rose pin. She added a bit of makeup and gave herself the once over in front of the mirror.
"I do look rather pretty if I do say so myself. I just hope Harry feels the same."
Hermione apparated out of her flat to the Leaky Caldron. Tom appeared to her left.
"Mr. Potter is waiting for you outside miss."
"Thanks Tom."
Hermione made her way to the front door and stepped out onto the sidewalk. She turned and found Harry waiting for her. She smiled. He looked amazing! He had on a dark gray suit with a crimson tie. His hair was combed slightly, although it still would not stay down. Hermione giggled to herself.
As soon as she stepped out and Harry first caught sight of her, the air just seemed to leave his chest. Merlin she was beautiful! She had on the most gorgeous red dress he had ever seen. Words just couldn't describe how he was feeling at that moment.
"You look…so beautiful." Harry stammered.
"Thank you, so do you. It seems we like the same colors." Hermione said pointing to his red tie.
"Yeah" Harry answered. " But the color looks better on you."
"Don't be so sure." Hermione smiled. "So what are we doing tonight?"
"Well" Harry started, "First is dinner, after that I'll tell you more."
"Ok" Hermione agreed. "Where are we going? And how are we getting there. I know we are not taking you broom."
"Of course not, we are in muggle London now. It's muggle everything tonight. No magic. Just you and me. I don't want anyone distracting us from one another tonight. No Ministry of Magic business, no Quidditch fans. Just you and me. Ok?"
"That sounds perfect Harry. It will give us some time to talk."
Just then a black limousine pulled up alongside the curb and a driver stepped out.
"Just in time" Harry said as the driver opened the door for Hermione. He slipped into the seat next to her.
"A limo Harry? My… aren't we pulling out all the stops tonight" Hermione smiled.
"Nothing is too good for you." Harry stated looking at her.
Hermione smiled and looked out the window at the city that was gliding by. She loved muggle London. She made a mental note to herself to spend time in it more often. Finally the limo stopped in front of a large hotel. The driver stepped out and opened the door. Harry got out and extended his hand to Hermione and helped her out of the limo. They walked in and Hermione gasped. The lobby was stunning! Hermione knew that this was a very exclusive and expensive hotel. Harry caught Hermione's look and smiled.
"Nothing is too good for you, remember?"
"But Harry, this place is too much."
"It's one of the perks of actually having a lot of money. I can use it to spoil my favorite person in the whole world."
"I don't need to be spoiled Harry." Hermione sighed.
"I know you don't need it, but you definitely deserve it, especially after how I acted. That's what tonight is about. I want to make up for what I did."
Just as Hermione was about to say something, a man appeared.
"Mr. Potter. We have been expecting you. Right this way please. Everything is all set up."
"Thank you. After you Hermione" Harry said extending out his arm.
Hermione nodded and she and Harry followed the man. He led them through the hotel restaurant to a little room off of the back.
"This is where I leave you. When you are ready, just let me know."
"Thank you" Harry said slipping the man a tip. He turned to Hermione. " Here we go."
Harry opened the door and Hermione's hands flew to her mouth to cover her gasp. Candles lighted the room. Hundreds of them! On the floor were rose petals everywhere. She could barley see the floor underneath them. The air even smelled of roses. In the middle of the room was a table set for two.
"Harry" Hermione stammered. "This is beautiful!"
Harry grinned. "I thought you would like it. Shall we sit down?"
They walked to the table and Hermione sat in the chair Harry had pulled out for her. Then taking his seat, he stared into her eyes. Her beauty was overwhelming.
"What are you thinking right now?" Hermione asked.
"A lot of things actually." Harry confessed. "For one, how beautiful you are."
Hermione blushed.
"Secondly, how lucky I am that you agreed to be with me tonight. I need to apologize for over reacting to uhm, your friend, and for not trusting you. I regret that the most, not trusting you. After everything that we have been through, I should have known better. I was scared. I was so happy that we had finally admitted to one another our feelings and it felt so incredible holding you and kissing you. Then when you got that letter, I just felt like the rug was pulled out from underneath me. I know I went to far. I'm so sorry Hermione."
"I accept your apology Harry. I'm glad that you realized that you could trust me. That's so important to me. I felt the same way you did. I was so happy and then it was like everything just disappeared. I never would do anything intentionally to deceive you."
"I know Hermione. I'm so sorry I put you through that." Harry sighed. "Can you forgive me and let me back into your life? I want to be there for you. I love you Hermione."
"I love you too Harry. I want you there in my life. I know that we have been and always will be the best of friends. Now, I want us to be more."
"We will be. No, I take that back. We are more than friends. So much more!"
Harry stood up from the table and held his hand out to Hermione. She took it and stood to face him.
"I love you so much Hermione." Harry whispered as he softly caressed her cheek.
"I love you Harry."
He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. Their faces were inches from each other. Hermione could feel her heart racing as Harry brought his lips softly down on hers. Oh Merlin, this is incredible, she shuddered.
Harry ran his hand up and down Hermione's back. He intensified the kiss. Hermione responded by opening her mouth and letting Harry's tongue find hers. The heat was rising in both of them. They were losing themselves to their emotions. Finally Hermione broke way and stared breathlessly at Harry.
"This night has been amazing."
"It's only just begun" Harry whispered and once again found Hermione's lips.
A/N Thanks for the reviews. Keep them coming! I read every single one of them and they help to make my day! You guys are great and I promise updates will be soon!