Hermione loved the weekend more then she ever thought possible. All week she had been stuck in a hot, itchy, new uniform that seemed impossible to get used to. While the long skirt and sleeves did a good job at battling the cold, Hermione had broken out in heat pimples because the fabric just did not breath. Luckily a nasty tasting potion had taken care of that particular reaction and the rest of the time she only agonized about being too warm instead of the small bumps that had broken out all over her body. Somehow she wish that there hadn't been help for her predicament because then she would have been able to stay in her old uniform.

To top things off, as the weekend drew nearer Hermione continued to get more nervous about her date with Albus. Hermione had never felt this nervous before. Sure she had felt nervousness about other things, like classes, exams, and the war with Voldemort but this feeling was completely different. When she saw Albus in class her heart seemed to beat just a tad faster. Her mouth would go dry and her hands would become a little sweaty. And her stomach felt like she'd been living on a boat the past few months.

She didn't understand these feelings. She'd never felt like this towards anyone. Even when she had gone out with Krum, she hadn't reacted like this when she saw him. Where had they suddenly come from? She thought of Albus as a really close friend, as close as Harry and Ron. But she knew she didn't see him as just a friend anymore. Holding onto his arm in the hall, as they went to class, made her hot and cold at the same time.

While she did her best to explain her feelings to Valloriey, Hermione felt like her friend couldn't fully understand as she'd never had those feelings before. The first time Hermione mentioned that she had butterflies in her stomach, Valloriey went and brought her some toast too munch on, thinking that she was just getting sick. When the butterflies persisted she had even prescribed going to the health center for a pepper up potion, which Hermione quickly refused. Hermione wished there was someone for her to talk to who could give her a bit of advice but she was out of luck and would just have to figure things out as they went along.

What she needed to worry about now was what to wear.

None of her clothes were appropriate for the time period, Hermione knew that. But she didn't really care. Somehow, she figured, what she wore would not affect the future, at least too much. So after going through everything she had brought with her, she settled on a red halter-top that had glitter sewed into it. Every step she made in that top left a trail of red sparkles in her wake. Over the top she wore a black sweater, to keep herself warm, and to cover a bit more skin. In the castle she could get away with her muggle clothes, she didn't know yet how'd she be perceived outside the school's walls. She wore a black ankle length shirt and black flats on her feet. Looking at herself in the mirror, Hermione was happy at how she looked. While it wasn't the most modest outfit, it still worked well and could be made to look more demure if necessary. She left her hair down and put a clear gloss on her lips. She was ready.

Albus met her in the common room and nearly gasped when he saw her. She looked beautiful and he thought for the millionth time that he was the luckiest guy at Hogwarts. He was always amazed at the clothes she worse. So many of her outfits were bright and full of life. Many of the girls wore bright colored dresses in their free time but those were usually the children of wealthy families. The other girls' worse plain dresses in dark blues and blacks and even some just continued to wear their uniforms. But Hermione's clothes were made up of every color under the sun. If he hadn't known that she was a muggleborn, he'd think she was of the wealthiest pureblood families in Europe.

Taking her arm, he smiled bright to her and they headed out of the common room to the entrance, where they left for Hogsmeade. When they arrived a little while later they headed for The Three Broomsticks.

A young woman with fine black hair seated them. She had a crooked smile bit it seemed to work on her face. Upon seeing Albus she brushed brightly and kept looking at the floor, which made the walk to the booth interesting as she kept bobbing her head up to see where she was walking and then back down to avoid Albus' gaze.

"Order anything you want, Hermione." He smiled at her and she felt her heart melt.

Smiling back she murmured, "Thank you."

After a few moments of mulling over food ideas, the girl who had seated them came back and took their orders. Silence then ensued.

'She's nervous,' Albus though as he watched Hermione. Little did he know was that Hermione was thinking the same thing. They'd had no problem talking before, why start now?

Hermione had her hand folded neatly on top of the table and slowly Albus reached over and put one of his hands on hers.

"I'm.. I'm really glad you came out with me today," he stuttered. "I was worried that you would say no. I know how many of the men in our year have tried to ask you out already. I was afraid that maybe you fancied one of them." He looked down at the table not meeting her gaze.

"I don't fancy any of those other boys. Really Albus, if I did I wouldn't be here with you." She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and he looked up to her. "I'm thrilled that you asked me."

"Well I fancy you quite a bit Hermione. Forgive me for being so open about the subject but I have liked you for quite a while."

"I know… I fancy you too."