Chapter 16

Walking out of the Gryffindor commons to visit Hermione, Harry almost ran directly into Katie. She snaked an arm around his and tugged," Go for a walk with me Harry?" He had been waiting for the opportunity to get to know her,'alone', so he jumped at the chance. "Sure let's go!" He cried enthusiastically as they started to walk towards the castle grounds.

He being in his 7th year, and a Prefect at that, didn't have as many boundaries as she did. He pulled her in the direction of the great lake. It was beautiful from the outside, but after his 4th year he knew not to jump in without a good reason. Even with an old tireswing set out over the dock everyone knew better then to temp the dangerous feat.

As they walked down the stone steps on the path to the lake, Harry's hand slightly brushed hers. He caught her inquistive eye and jerked it back suddenly blushing. She smiled and pulled it back, placing her hand in his, fingers entwined.

He relaxed and smiled back, he was giving any Weasley a run for his money with the blush he had going. It had creeped up his neck to his ears and if that wasn't enough to cause embarrassment, her next comment topped it off.

"Harry do you like me?" Katie asked out of the blue and watched Harry as he started to choke. She slapped his back a few times to get him to respond all the while laughing. He calmed and started to stammer a bit. "I...um...I guess...I mean,yeah...I mean,yes, yes I do." He puffed out his chest a bit as the courage came.

She was beaming. "Good because I like you too." Harry was grinning from ear to ear. He was ecstatic to say the least. Harry brought forward his wand and mumbled something. A long stem white rose sprung from the top. He grinned sheepishly and held it out to her. "I've always wanted to do that, but I never had anyone special enough to do it for.

She grinned and accepted the rose."Thank you."

They had arrived at a spot at the lake. A tall boulder sat there with a few small ones in front low enough to sit on. Harry knew from other housemates that this was refered to as the 'kissing rock'. Everyone came out here for a good snog without being pestered by anyone. The boulder kept away any prying eyes from the direction of the castle.

They sat down on one of the small rocks, still holding hands, the rose in Katie's right hand. Harry was looking out at the shimmering waters, checking to see if any of its many inhabitants were spying on them. Seeing none in site, he deemed it safe for privacy." Our you ready for tonight? I can't wait to hear you sing.I bet your amazing."

She turned her head so she was able to look straight into his eyes. "No Harry, your amazing." She leaned forward, and figuring where this was going, Harry did too.

The kiss took his breath away. He had never felt like this when he had been with Cho. Her kiss made his heart do a little pitter-patter. He pulled her closer to deepen the kiss. His tongue dancing with hers. This was his first 'real' kiss. The one that counted at least. He was entranced now, not wanting to be anywhere but here, not caring about a thing. That was until he heard a loud,'tut,tut', coming from his left.

He and Katie jumped away from each other. "Mr. Potter, even though YOU are a prefect and aloud to roam around the castle grounds, Miss Adams is not. Twenty points from Gryffindor. Also, fraternizing is not aloud here at Hogwarts, fifteen points apiece from Gryffindor!" Harry had stood, fist balled in anger as Snape smirked at him.

"Now if you want to add a month long detention to that, be my guest, and use those fists of yours." Harry hadn't realized he had his fist clenched at his sides and released the grip of them. He could feel where his fingernails had dug into his flesh.

"No professor, that will be quite alright."

"Then I will take the assumption that you will be escorting the young lady back to your tower then?" He didn't wait for an answer, his black robes rippling behind him, as he stalked back up to the castle. When he was out of view he took Katie's hand, gave it a quick kiss, and they walked back to the castle.

They were almost up the bank when they ran into Ginny and Jared. "Having fun you two?" Ginny asked suspiciously as she eyed their joint hands. Ginny herself, was latched onto Jared's arm as if for dear life.

Harry blushed not making direct eye contact with either. Katie smiled and stepped forward."We were, that is until Snape happened along."

Ginny cringed at the name of the old goat's name." Yeah, I see what you mean, but forget about him, we have things to do." Katie peered at her curiously." What things?" Ginny stepped forward and pretended to knock on Katie's head." Uh hello? Last minute rehearsals? Warm up? Do you recall any of these?"

Katie's eyes grew wide and she looked over at Harry." Oh my! I forgot all about it, I'm sorry Harry, we'll have to wait until later before we continue are conversation." She gave him a wink. She leaned over and gave him a peck on the cheek as Ginny began pulling her away.

Harry glowered at them as they walked away. Jared was still standing there staring at him. Jared laughed," I know, isn't it frustrating? Just as your getting all cozy and ready for a good snog fest, something or someone comes along to ruin your fun?"

Harry just nodded in agreeance. Jared continued," No matter where we go to hide, Ginny's brother, Ron, seems to have a hoaming beacon on her person! He somehow figures out a reason to stop us and take Ginny away somewhere!" He pulled his hair slightly as he vented.

Harry had to chuckle at that. Ron was surely keeping his promise. He wasn't going to let anyone manhandle his young sister. Ron had also owled the twins with news of Ginny's new 'friend' and was sent a bag of interesting items to help. They had told him it was to 'keep em' honest'. Harry shook his head at the thought, he surely didn't want to be in Jared's shoes!

"Come on dude, let's go play some chess or something while we wait."Jared motioned for Harry to follow him. At the sound of the word 'chess' Harry caught up with him. "So...do you follow quiddich?

It was the beginning of a new friendship. If Ron let Jared live that long.