Disclaimer: I'm not J.K Rowling. Therefore I need not say it again.

A/N: I know the italics seem kind of random but I've put the most personal/inward thoughts in italics to differentiate from thoughts at the time and the thoughts of Hermione's recounting. I can't really explain my mind on paper so I hope you get what I mean. And if not, I hope you enjoy the story anyway.

As I stood at the top of the marble staircase nothing could wipe the smile off my face. I looked toward the bottom of the staircase to see Viktor beaming up at me. It was everything I could ever dream for. The guy standing at the bottom was different, which saddened me, but by the end of the night, I was determined to be absolutely smitten with Viktor and forget all about the scar faced green eyed monster I once knew.

"You look beautiful." Viktor whispered in awe when I reached him. He pinned a pink corsage on my dress and kissed me gently.

"You ready?" I ask eagerly.

He looked at me with confusion. "No sweetie, we have to wait until all the other couples are seated. We make an entrance and take the first dance. I thought I told you."

Clearly he hadn't. He could tell by the look of fear in my eyes. "Who's we?" I ask tentatively.

"The contestants and their dates"

I could've murdered him but I figured it wouldn't go down too well with Dumbledore. Not to mention every witch in London.

"I can't dance"

He seemed shocked, "Everyone can dance. You'll be fine, I promise" he reassured me.

I decide to let it go. "I'll chide him after I make an idiot of myself" I tell myself. I then make the mistake of looking over at the other couples. Inevitably enough I see Harry. With Parvati. Great…what is he, desperate? I suppose I'm just jealous to see him in the arms of another girl. I quickly turn away. It hurts to even look at him.

Viktor sees him too and takes me by the hand. I look up at him and smile. Deep down inside, I wish that was me on Harry's arm.

"We're ready to go" Viktor tells me and leads me into The Great Hall. Everyone is watching us. I catch sight of Ron with a girl who looks strangely like Parvati. He gives me a quick thumbs up. I smile gratefully at him. Viktor then smiles his beautiful smile and tells me to "Just follow him"

I will admit dancing is not as hard as it seems but I was relieved when it was all over and the other couples began to ease their way on to the floor.

The evening started out perfectly. But me being Hermione Granger am prone to bad luck. One dance with Fluer Delacour and Viktor was under her spell. So once again, I am left stranded and forgotten. I thought Viktor was different, but it turns out he's just as I suspected. I should have known better than to trust him, but that's the way it goes. I am beyond caring how stupid I must look. I must've sat at that table for hours just staring into nothingness. Harry was with Ron for most of the evening so that option was out. Just as I was about to leave, I heard a painfully familiar voice in my ear.

"May I have this dance?"

Great. Just the person I wanted to see. Harry.

"Why should I dance with you?" I can't believe he expects me to forgive him and fall helplessly into his arms. This is so typical of him.

"I deserved that" he admits, "Please 'Mione.?"

He's so cute when he begs... and at least he admitted that he was a jerk…kind of. I reluctantly hold out my hand.

Harry leads me onto the dance floor. The moment I feel his arms around my waist I am drowning under hisspell. The heat of his body against mine comforts somewhat. I tremble as he touches my face gently. I find myself lost in his eyes. I desperately want to refuse him because I know the power he has over me…but I cannot. He does something to me that I am powerless over. Why do I let him do this to me? Why can't I fight back? The silence between us is awkward. But, in a way, just being in his presence makes it all worthwhile.

"You look beautiful" he tells me, pushing a lone strand of hair behind my ear, "And your teeth look different somehow."

I smile, "I charmed them. Please don't tell my parents though."

When I look into his eyes, I feel safe. How can I throw away something that's roots are endless?

Suddenly, I have the urge for answers.

"Harry why didn't it work?" I have to know.

He sighed. I could tell he's been dreading this question, "I was a fool Hermione," he answered. He was ashamed. I could see it in his eyes. I feel a sense of regret now for resenting him the way I did. I never realised how much this has hurt Harry. My heart aches for him. He's hurting just as much as I am. Maybe even more…

"I shouldn't have let you get away."

"I have been selfish Harry" I admit, "It never occurred to me how much this has hurt you. I am so sorry for the way I treated you. And I do miss you. I miss feeling your arms around me in winter to keep me warm and I miss the taste of you kiss, the smell of your hair. But, what if we don't work out and the same thing happens again?"

"Please don't feel bad Hermione. This mess is entirely my fault. I am so sorry 'Mione." I watched as he leant down towards me. My heart raced. "Do I want this?" I thought frantically. His lips met mine and we shared the most beautiful and delicate kiss. "Oh yes, I want this."

The very floor beneath my feet seemed to shake, "Oh Harry" I utter breathlessly. And then, I was his.

"Come on, we should go. It's getting late." He said, taking me by the hand. I snapped back into reality and realised that the majority of the school had already gone to bed.

When we reached the top of the staircase he whispered a soft, "Goodnight" in my ear and headed towards the boys dormitory.

"Harry wait" I spoke up.

He turned to face me, "Yes?" he asked, his eyes bright with curiosity.

"I had a really nice time with you tonight." I smile at him.

He smiled and walked towards me, "I'm glad. I've missed you 'Mione." I slipped my arms around his neck and nuzzled him gently. I smile as his scent fills me. I can feel him shudder ever so slightly. Before I knew it, his lips were on mine. His kiss filled my whole body with warmth, despite the winter cold outside. I wanted nothing more than that kiss to last forever.

When at last we pulled away, Harry whispered to me, "I love you Hermione. I'll never stop loving you."

And that was the moment I knew we'd be together forever.