Chapter Four.

Disclaimer: They're not mine and they never were.

I waited nervously in the entrance hall. Parvati is practically jumping out of her skin and to be honest, it's really annoying me. Can't this girl stand still for five minutes? I try to block it out.

My attention is drawn elsewhere. I see Hermione standing there with Krum. She looks completely terrified. Nothing was holding me back from walking over to her, wrapping my arms around her waist and whispering sweet nothings in her ear…except of course the fact that she hates me and would probably hex me if I went anywhere near her. I don't see him trying to calm her down. She has terrible stage fright. The idea of dancing in front of three wizarding schools is probably killing her. She looks over and I catch her glance for a moment. Although she turns away quickly, I cannot bring myself to do the same.

Even while we are dancing I cannot look away. Parvati tried her hardest to hold my attention. I think I upset her sitting down after one dance and refusing to move. I didn't feel like celebrating that night. She eventually got fed up and went off with a wizard from Durmstrang. I didn't even notice she was gone until ten minutes after she left. Quite frankly, I didn't care. I couldn't find Hermione on the dance floor. I saw Krum dancing with Fluer DeLacour and I knew somewhere there had to be a crying Hermione.

My train of thought was broken when Ron sat down next to me, "What happened to your date?" he questioned me.

"She got fed up with my Hermione watching." I reply.

"I might've known. Everyone knows you still love her"

I sigh, "Yeah everyone but her." I steer the conversation elsewhere, "What about your date?"

"Eh, what can I say? She was a snob." He said, unruffled.

"Haha, must be a Patil thing" I scoffed.

"Hey Ginny!" Ron called out to his younger sister.

She stood at the end of the table we were sitting at, "Hey guys, where are your dates?"

Ron rolled his eyes, "Bad blood." He muttered, "So what's up my little sis, you having fun?"

"Tonnes!" she replied, her eyes brightening, "Neville's having a little down time. He spun me too fast and we went crashing into Dumbledore and McGonagall. He'll be back soon though."

"Ha! Sounds like our Neville." Ron laughed.

"He's a sweet guy though." Ginny blushed at the thought of what she just said.

"Ooh, do you have a crush?" I teased her, smiling wickedly.

"Maybe…" she trailed off, "Wanna dance Ron?"

"Sure babe." He turns to me, "Duty calls."

"Have fun guys!" I call after them.

Now is the perfect time in pursuing my investigation. It didn't take long for me to spot her sitting alone. She'd been crying…

Before I know what I'm doing, I'm standing behind her. I'm getting closer. I lean down and whisper in her ear, "May I have this dance?" and step back really quickly because I know I've made a terrible mistake. She'll probably look at me with contempt and tell me she never wants to see me again. Then it really would be the end. No more hanging on to a lingering thread of hope that maybe she'll forgive me for being a total jerk.

Well, she did look at me with contempt.

"Why should I dance with you?" she challenged me.

"I deserved that," I admitted. I suppose I was being a little insensitive just waltzing back into her life and expecting forgiveness. I probably should've thought this through. "Please 'Mione?" I resorted to begging, which is always an embarrassing alternative. Thankfully, it worked.

She reluctantly accepted my hand and I led her to the floor. I wrapped my arms around her waist. It was a strange sensation being so close to her again. I felt the heat of her body against mine. It comforted me somewhat. Her heart beat steadily against mine. I could feel her sweet breath against my chest. Her scent blew me away. She smelt beautiful. She looked beautiful.

Awkward silence. She must've been thinking. If only I could have heard those thoughts, I'd have been more prepared for what was to come.

"Harry, why didn't it work?"

The question I'd been dreading most. "I was a fool Hermione," I couldn't even bring myself to look at her. "I shouldn't have let you get away." There was no excuse for the way I had treated her. I only wished there was some way of making it right…

"I have been selfish Harry. 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?"

How can she possibly blame herself? It was all my fault. Everything was my fault. She was needed. I needed her more than life itself. I knew I had to apologise. I had to show her she was needed. And so, I leant down, and pressed my lips delicately against hers. I pulled her as close to me as possible. I never wanted to let go.

"Oh Harry!" she uttered breathlessly when we had parted. I don't think I've ever done that to her before. It was a nice feeling.

I looked around to find that the Great Hall was nearly deserted. I decided it was best to take Hermione back to the dormitories. It was getting late.

I didn't want to push anything so when we reached the top of the staircase I whispered a soft, "Goodnight" and made my way towards my dorm. I so desperately wanted to kiss her just once more but I thought that it was enough for now. But when I heard her sweet voice behind me calling out my name softly, I was filled with such warmth, I had to have her. I smiled and turned back to her.

"I had a really nice time tonight Harry."

I smiled and stepped towards her. I knew a chance had arisen and I was not letting it pass by. "I'm glad. I've missed you 'Mione" I confess. She then slinks her arms around my neck and nuzzles me gently. I shudder softly. I could feel her smile in the dark. I begin to plant soft kisses long her neckline tracing up to her lips and before I know what I'm doing, I plant my lips upon hers one more time. I feel her pull my body closer to hers. I suddenly know that she needs me as much as I need her.

When we parted I knew was the time to tell her. "I love you Hermione. I'll never stop loving you."

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