The next day Harry found himself at Andromeda's house for his weekly visit with Teddy. The little boy would be a year old in just one months' time. Harry watched him pull himself up on the edge of the couch and take scooting steps towards him. He babbled and smiled before grabbing Harry's leg. Harry picked him up and bounced him on his knee. Teddy squealed and his light brown hair turned a dark black. "He sure seems to take to you," Andromeda said.

Harry smiled, "He's getting so big."

"That he is. You'll be at his birthday party right?" Andromeda asked. "It's just a small family gathering with a few friends. You're welcome to bring Hermione and Ron of course. I think I'll invite the whole Weasley family. They were close to Remus and Tonks and might appreciate the invite."

"I wouldn't miss it. I'm sure the Weasley's would love to see how he's doing." Harry said. He came by every weekend to spend a few hours with Teddy. He visited with Andromeda and often let her run some errands by herself while he watched Teddy for her. Harry knew that one day Teddy's care may fall entirely to him. That thought scared him more than he cared to admit. However, he didn't anticipate that happening for quite a few years. Andromeda was a young grandma at only 56 and she had plenty of life left in her to keep up with her grandson for a few years. Harry could tell she adored the boy and that he was well cared for. Harry helped financially and came by as much as he could manage. "He's such a happy little guy."

Andromeda smiled, "That he is."

"How are you doing? Anything you need or that I can help with?" Harry asked.

"You are so good to us. I am holding up well. He can be a bit exhausting but now that he's sleeping through the night things have evened out. I think we are good. Though I may need a bit of help decorating for the party as we get closer."

"I can do that." Harry bounced Teddy extra high and was rewarded by a giggle and more babbling.

"How are you doing, Harry?" Andromeda had turned on her mothering voice.

Harry smiled at her concern. "I'm doing well. As well as can be expected I suppose."

"Hmmm, that doesn't sound very encouraging, Harry," Andromeda confessed. "Anything I can do to help?"

Harry sighed, "I don't think so. Things have just been a bit…complicated lately."

"Girl troubles?" Andromeda asked.

Harry gave her light chuckle, "Nothing gets by you, does it?"

Andromeda beamed at him, "Not much son. So, whose this girl? I know you broke it off with Ginny. You aren't regretting that are you?"

Harry shook his head, "No, that was for the best."

They watched Teddy pull out a box of toys and dump them on the floor. "So, who are you stewing over then?" Andromeda asked with a raise of her eyebrow.

Harry sighed deeply, "It's Hermione."

"Ah, I always thought you two would get on well. Did you finally realize you might want her to be more than a friend?"
Harry turned a bit red and threw himself into the back of the couch, "I'm not sure… I mean yes, maybe. It's complicated."

"The way I see it, you either want more or you don't."

"I wish it was so easy." Harry confessed. "I've liked her for a long time. I thought I was satisfied to be her friend. I stepped aside for Ron and got used to being the friend."

"But?" Andromeda pushed.

"But, the last few times we've hung out there has been this…electricity between us. I've missed her."

Andromeda smiled, "Well, that sounds encouraging."

Harry sighed, "I guess, but there's something else. I'm worried about her. She and I…. we…"

Andromeda waited a moment but when Harry didn't continue she said, "Is something wrong?"

Harry nodded solemnly, "We ran into a dangerous man a few weeks back. Unbeknown to us, he cast a bonding spell on us. We don't yet know much about it, but it's not good. Hermione has attacks where she just collapses in pain. The only thing that seems to help her recover from them is my touch."

Andromeda's eyes got big and she said quietly, "Harry, I…I'm so sorry. You can't get a break can you?"

"It would seem not," Harry confessed.

"Well, that is a complication. Are you worried your feelings are being affected by the bond?"

Harry had not really considered it. "I…I don't think so. I mean I've always liked her. And the bond seems to only affect Hermione."

"So, you're worried it may affect her feelings for you?" Andromeda asked.

Harry took pause to consider. "I'm not sure. She hasn't acted any differently. She seems a bit hesitant to allow me to comfort her actually. It's not like she's jumping into my arms or anything. So, maybe it only affects her physically."

"Hmmm, than what is it that has you so troubled? I mean a bond is serious, to be sure, and I hope you find a way to reverse it. But it would seem to me that if you two decide to move forward with a relationship it would not be a bad thing, even with the bond hanging over your heads." Andromeda reasoned.

Harry sighed, "I don't know how Hermione feels about me. I don't want her to think that if I want more than her friendship that I'm just taking her on as a charity case because of this damned bond! What if she doesn't want more than my friendship? What if I mess this all up? On the other hand, what if we are forced into something more just to keep her safe and healthy? What if the bond requires us to…"

"Get married?" Andromeda finished for him. Harry nodded solemnly. "You don't want to marry her?"

Harry stood and started pacing, "I don't know! This is all so new. I think I may be falling in love with her, but marriage is a huge leap considering I have no idea how she feels about me. I didn't plan for any of this!"

Andromeda said calmly, "Harry, sit down." Harry took his seat on the couch and rubbed his hand through his hair in an exasperated way. She continued, "Sometimes the things we don't plan for are the things that end up being just what we need. Harry, if the bond between you didn't exist, if you had nothing holding you back or pushing you forward, would you want to peruse a relationship with Hermione? Do you want to be more than friends?"

"I…Yeah, I think I do." Harry confessed. He let that thought settle on him. He did want to be more. He wanted to hold her. He wanted to be the one she turned to for comfort, or a laugh, or even a good bit of banter. He wanted to make her blush, and smile and run his fingers into her curls. He wanted all those things. But he was still scared. Scared of rejection. Scared of hurting her. Scared of not being what she wanted. "I… I just don't want to mess things up."

Andromeda gave him a sympathetic smile, "Then I suggest you make a full effort. It seems to me you better find out how she feels about you, and then, if she agrees to move forward, you better make sure she knows full well that you love her for her. Then if the bond forces you guys to make the marriage leap she will know you aren't doing it solely out of pity or duty. No woman wants a man to love her just because he feels obligated to, no matter how good he treats her."

Harry thought that through. She made it sound simple but he knew it was anything but that. He sighed and said, "Well, thanks for the advice. I…I'll take it under advisement."

Andromeda gave him a nod and pat on the shoulder, "In the meantime, you should get some rest. Whether or not you decide to date Hermione, you had better treat her with care. She's no china doll, and she's got plenty of spirit, but I suspect that girl has quite a fragile heart hidden under all those book smarts."

Harry smiled and nodded. He knew that was true. Last night's events had confirmed it. She had wept openly, and Harry suspected her tears had been for more than just the circumstances of the bond. Had she grieved for her parents, her lost friends, her ended relationship with Ron? Had she let herself cry for all the pain and injustice of Malfoy Manor? He wasn't sure, but his gut told him she tried to look past it, bury it, and hold her head high. But last night…last night she had let him in. She had let him see her weep and had let herself feel the heartache inside. He had no doubt she had needed a good cry. He never wanted her to have to cry alone. If crying was what she needed he was going to be there to hold her and make sure she knew that her tears didn't make her weak. "Thank you, Andromeda. I appreciate everything you are doing for Teddy… and for me."

"Of course dear, I consider you family. I know you don't have many people to look to. I am always here to listen and my advice usually isn't so bad either." She winked at him as she pulled him into a hug.

Harry played more with Teddy and made dinner while Andromeda gave him a bath. They had a pleasant meal together. Harry threw a delighted Teddy in the air as a way to say goodbye to the boy. As he set the child down and put on his jacket Andromeda walked him to the door. "Harry, you have a lot of love to give, and you aren't a bad chef either! Hermione would be a fool not to want you. Good luck son. Let me know if I can help."

Harry smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks. I'll see you next weekend unless you need me before then." Andromeda nodded. Harry patted Teddy on the head and stepped out on the porch to apparate home.

By the time Harry had showered and settled in for the night it was quite late. He was lying in bed attempting to quiet his thoughts when he felt something warm against his skin. Sitting up quickly he looked down and saw the coin against his chest glowing red. His heart leaped into his throat. As fast as he could, he dressed and apparated to Hogwarts. He ran as fast as he could through the grounds. When he reached the castle he sprinted to Hermione's chamber. His lungs were heaving, and he quickly said the password. The door flew open and he hurriedly began a frantic search for Hermione. The first person he saw was the Headmistress. She was bent down near the desk. "Professor?" Harry said as he moved to her. "Harry, thank goodness," McGonagall breathed. Harry came around the desk and his heart dropped. Hermione was on the floor convulsing violently, the desk chair was on its side. Her breathing was strained and erratic. He dropped to his knees and cupped her face gently in his hands. The affect was immediate. Her body went limp as she exhaled deeply. He gathered her more fully into his arms. She was pale but her eyelids fluttered open. Her voice was weak and shallow, "Harry…"

"I'm here. I'm here. It's alright. I've got you." Harry reassured her. Her eye lids were already closing again.

"Please,…don't go." She breathed out in nothing more than a whisper.

Harry tightened his grip on her and kissing her forehead said, "I'm not going anywhere." He got a weak grin from her. He turned to the Headmistress, "How did you know?"

"The portrait," She indicated the picture of a milk maid in a field of flowers on the opposite wall, "Her picture is also in my office. She told me Hermione had collapsed and I came running."

Harry nodded, "That's smart."

"Indeed. Ms. Granger was not too happy about the idea but I'm glad I persisted."

"Me too." Harry said.

"Come, we need to take her to Poppy," McGonagall rose.

Harry looked at Hermione. Her eyes were open but droopy. "Can you walk?"

Hermione gave him a small nod and he helped her up. "I should be fine," She said softly.

Harry gave her a nod but kept his arm around her waist as they walked. They made their way quickly through the corridors. McGonagall said, '"It occurs to me that having you apparate here and then you having to sprint across the grounds is not the most timely way for you to arrive. I will have my Floo available to you at all times should you need it. My office is far closer to Hermione's chambers."

"Thank you Professor. I appreciate that." Harry responded. Hermione suddenly swayed against him and he supported her more fully. "Whoa, you alright?"

Hermione's voice was a breathy whisper, "I'm just tired." They took two more steps and Harry felt her knees buckle. He easily scooped her up. His concern grew when her body trembled in his arms. "She's having aftershocks again."

McGonagall's face tightened and she drew her eye brows together. "Poppy can give her something for them I am sure."

McGonagall pushed open the infirmary doors and called for Poppy. The nurse arrived looking a bit sleepy but jumped into action when she saw Harry and the bundle in his arms. "Put her here," Poppy instructed as she indicated a bed.

Harry placed Hermione gently on the bed but continued to hold her hand. Poppy approached and raising her wand, did a diagnostic scan. "She seems alright. Her breathing is a bit shallow and her pulse is a bit fast but nothing to worry about." Just then Hermione's body tensed and she curled herself into a ball, facing Harry, as her muscles quaked. Harry heard her moan slightly and he put his other hand on her head to calm her. She wasn't truly awake but she managed a quiet, "Thank you" to Harry. The shaking lasted a quick few seconds before Hermione seemed to relax again. "How many aftershocks has she had?" Poppy asked.

"That was three," Harry offered up.

"She was in the throes of her second attack when Harry arrived," McGonagall confessed.

Harry felt the blood drain from his face. She had suffered two attacks. He hadn't gotten there fast enough. Guilt wracked him and he looked to McGonagall for an explanation. "She was convulsing when I arrived. It ended and I could tell she was hurting so I reassured her you were on your way Mr. Potter. Shortly before you arrived she had another attack. It seems the attacks keep coming until you touch her." Harry nodded his understanding. "You got there as fast as you could. Do not blame yourself."

Harry nodded again but he felt angry with himself, angry at this whole situation. Hermione's eyes were closed and she appeared to be resting peacefully, but he wondered for how long. "Can you give her anything for the aftershocks?" he asked without looking up.

"Yes, I can give her a potion that is used for those who have suffered the Curciatis curse. It helps heal and relax the nerves and muscles. It should stop the aftershocks. If it works, we might be looking at a bond that was fused with that curse."

Harry closed his eyes and laid his head on the edge of Hermione's bed and breathed deeply. He felt McGonagall's hand on his shoulder, "This is not your fault Harry. We will continue to do all we can for you both. The Auror's will find Mr. Benton and when they do, we will fix this."

Harry nodded but he wasn't prepared to speak. He watched Pomfrey gently wake Hermione and pour the potion into her mouth. She swallowed easily and quickly fell back asleep. Harry stayed with her. There were no more tremors. He watched her sleep and tried to figure out what to do. He hated seeing her in pain. If she was going to experience the Curciatis curse with every attack, there was no telling the damage that could be done to her body over time. They needed to find Atticus. He itched to fly out the door and go searching himself. Knowing Hermione would want to see him when she awoke, he stayed in his seat. He had just touched her the day before. Clearly his touch didn't ward off the next attack. He was only useful to her in the throes of her pain. Harry put his head in his hands and grabbed his hair in frustration.

Sometime in the early morning hours Hermione awoke to find Harry sitting in a chair next to her, fast asleep. Her heart beat faster knowing he had stayed with her. He didn't look very comfortable but she didn't want to wake him. She moved her limbs to test them. They felt strong and she didn't notice any aches or pains. That was a good sign. She remembered the stabbing pain of the attacks and how scared she had been. She vaguely remembered Harry arriving and walking with him down the hallway before her memory went blank. The coin must have worked. He had come. He had stayed. Suddenly Harry shifted and rubbed his eyes before looking toward her. He immediately sat up and took her hand. "Hermione, you're awake! How do you feel?"

She smiled at him, "I feel good. Tired, but good. How are you? That chair doesn't look like a very good substitute for a bed." She couldn't hide the yawn that surfaced.

Harry rubbed his neck, "I suppose you're right. I'm just glad you're doing alright. I was so scared." Harry moved to the edge of her bed and sat down. He took her hand and raised his other hand to her face, "I'm so sorry I wasn't here faster Hermione. I'm so sorry."

Hermione searched his eyes. They spoke to her of guilt, regret, worry and exhaustion. Quietly she said, "Harry, you did your best. I knew you would come, and you did. You stayed. You're here now. Please don't feel guilty. You blame yourself for far too much."

Harry sighed, "I don't like to see you hurting."

She smiled at him and then sitting forward wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. She was aware that he smelled like pine and fresh air. "I know, but you made the hurting stop, Harry. I'm fine now."

Harry enjoyed the feeling of her arms around him and pulled her closer. He rested his head on top of hers and took a deep breath. Her honeysuckle smell calmed him. His body warmed from her touch. Sighing he said, "I'm not sure if I'm sad or if I'm raging mad." Harry pulled away and took her shoulders in his hands, "I'm torn between wanting to spend every moment with you so I can be here when you need me, and rushing off to hunt down Atticus in hopes we can resolve this."

"Harry, I-"

"I know, I know, you'll say neither one is a good idea." Harry said with a smirk.

Hermione gave him a side smile, "You know me well it seems. I won't tell you not to help the Auror's find Benton. I just ask that you don't take any unnecessary risks. As for being with me all the time…"

"Yeah, it's impractical, I know." Harry conceded.

Hermione nodded, "Yes, it is. But I deeply appreciate the thought." She smiled at him and said softly, "Let's not talk about it right now. Come lay down. You look exhausted and I can hardly keep my eyes open."

"You don't mind me squeezing in?" Harry asked.

She shook her head and tiredly responded, "Not at all." He rose from his chair and she hesitantly asked, "Will you hold me?" She blushed lightly and looked away from him. Harry moved away and Hermione feared she had upset him with her request. She found however, that he had moved to the opposite side of the bed. He was soon cuddled up behind her. His arm snaked around her waist and he pulled her into him. Her heart beat wildly from his nearness. She was molded into him and could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest. She took a deep, steadying breath and let her eyelids close. His voice reached her on the edge of sleep. "I'll hold you anytime you want."

Harry heard her breath deeply as she nestled into him. He was surprised to find he didn't feel nervous, only calm. He felt her squeeze his arm in response to his words. The warmth of her body set his blood pumping. He closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.

A couple of days had passed and Hermione was working on organizing texts in one of the classrooms. Her thoughts were somewhat scattered. Hermione had turned a brilliant shade of red when Madam Pomfrey had discovered Harry snuggled up in bed with her the morning after her attack. To Hermione's surprise, Harry had simply laughed and given her a quick kiss on the cheek before quickly departing for the Ministry. He had promised he would see her in a few days. That quick kiss on the cheek had made her pulse race. She had felt this before…this undeniable connection to him. Was it the bond? Or was she truly in danger of caring for Harry the way she would a lover? The very thought made her blood pump and she shook her head a bit. She had always admired Harry. Truthfully, she had always found him rather attractive. The fact that he now had a very muscular frame and had matured a great deal couldn't hurt either. Her mind took her back to over a year ago when Harry had taken her hand while in their small tent, and led her in a dance to help her relax. She remembered how her hands had tingled and her stomach had flipped at being in his arms. She had quickly pushed those feelings away in favor of Ron. Now, though…Hermione considered the months she had spent away from Harry. They had been busy, and stressful. She couldn't say she had been very happy despite the good work she had been doing. Thinking on it more, Hermione realized that she had been happiest when she and Harry began seeing one another on their little lunch outings. She had started to feel…a sense of being whole. She had smiled and laughed for the first time in months while in his presence. Even now, she was anxious to see him again. That night he had spent in her chambers was burned into her memory. He had been so close to her. She had half expected him to kiss her. Had she wanted him to? She wasn't sure. There was certainly something between them. Did Harry feel it too? She had thought she had been in love with Ron, but this new feeling was something entirely different. Her thoughts seemed to scatter when Harry was near her. It was rather concerning, yet, thrilling too. Get a grip girl, she told herself as she placed another book on the shelf. It was nearing dinner time and she needed to finish up.

Hermione heard the classroom door open, and as if he had been summonded by her thoughts, Harry appeared with a grin on his chiseled face. "Hey, can I help?" He asked as he approached.

"Harry! What are you doing here?" Hermione was surprised to see him. She tried to breath steadily as her heart betrayed her by thumping loudly in her chest.

Shrugging he replied, "I told you I'd see you in a couple of days. This is the second day since I last saw you, so here I am."

He acted like that explained everything and Hermione gave him a smirk, "You didn't leave your training early did you?"

Harry rolled his eyes playfully at her, "No. I am keeping my promise and I haven't skipped out on my training." He moved to pick up some books and assist her in placing them on the shelves.

"Good. So, what brings you here? Really?" Hermione asked with a look of suspicion.

Harry smiled wickedly at her, "Can't I come see my friend without a reason?"

Hermione saw through his comment and she suddenly became frustrated. "Harry Potter, you aren't checking up on me are you? I can take care of myself. I can't count the number of times the Headmistress has checked in on me or asked how I'm feeling today. I'm perfectly fine you know." Hermione raised her eyebrows are him and placed her hands on her hips.

Harry suddenly grew a bit serious as he said sarcastically, "Of course you are. No reason at all for me to worry. No reason I'd want to find time to be close to you as much as possible. I mean, it's not as if you've been cursed or anything." He watched his words hit her and saw her scowl before he saw her shoulders slump.

Hermione could tell he was a bit put out with her and she sighed, "I'm sorry Harry. It's been a long day. I didn't mean…I just…I'm not used to people looking out for me I guess."

Harry moved to her and placed his hands on her shoulders and moved them down her arms. Her back was nearly up against the bookshelf. He spoke gently, "I know. I'm sorry too. I didn't mean to be so sharp. I just worry. I know my being here doesn't prevent anything from happening to you. I just want to be close by if I can, to help as soon as possible, should another attack hit. If you'd rather I leave, I will." Hermione looked up at him with pleading and tired eyes.

The thought of him leaving tied her stomach in knots. She quickly looked up at him and said, "No. No, I'd like you to stay. I…I've missed you." Her cheeks turned warm against her will at her admission.

Harry sucked in a breath as he watched her cheeks flush ever so slightly. He moved his hands down her arms and cupped her hands in his. He needed to lighten things up or he wouldn't be able to resist kissing her. "Missed me do you?" Harry said with a teasing smile. He watched her blush deepen. She looked at their joined hands and felt her face turn to fire, but she didn't pull away. Harry took that as a hopeful sign. He brushed a curl back from her cheek and felt her breath shuddered at his touch. "I missed you too."

Hermione's heart leapt at his tender touch and soft words. She finally tore her gaze upward and was pierced with his emerald eyes. She wasn't sure what to say, "Harry, I…we…we can't spend every minute together." Instead of being upset and pulling away, she was surprised when he simply nodded and traced her jaw with his finger.

"I know. But every couple of days isn't asking too much is it? I care for you Hermione. I… I always have. I want to be with you." Hermione bit her lip. Harry averted his eyes and continued while looking at their joined hands. "I understand you may not…your feelings may not be…" Goodness he wasn't sure how to go about this.

Hermione felt her pulse quicken and she could feel him struggling for words, "Harry, I care about you too…more than I realized." Her heart rate increased at her confession and she bit her lip nervously again.

Harry traced his finger over her lips to smooth them, "Do you know how adorable you are when you do that?" Hermione looked surprised. He wasn't sure if it was from his touch or his declaration.

Hermione blushed furiously and felt her breath catch. He was far too close for her to think properly. His voice drew her attention again. "I can hardly resist the urge to kiss you when you do that."

Hermione's face blazed with heat and Harry moved his face still closer to hers. She could feel his breath on her cheek. She was all too aware of her palm against his firm chest. Her thoughts felt jumbled but one thing was clear to her in that moment. She didn't want him to stop. She managed to respond quietly, "Maybe you should stop resisting."

Harry breathed softly, almost in awe of her permission to proceed with his desire. She was frozen in place, almost holding her breath. Her eyes were steady even if her breathing was anything but. He gave her a smile before pushing her gently back against the bookcase. He had one hand near her head, pressing against a shelf behind her. His other hand was wrapped around her waist. Harry slowly leaned into her whispering, "Perhaps you're right." He felt her shudder. His mouth was brushing hers. Then he felt her move to meet him and their lips connected. It was a slow, gentle kiss. Harry felt her hand move from his chest to the back of his neck. She tasted like vanilla and honey. When they pulled apart Harry looked into her eyes and found she looked quite dazed, if not a bit nervous as well. He watched her breath deeply as she licked her lips.

Hermione's head was spinning. That kiss. That kiss had been…perfection. Her skin was on fire. He had held her so tenderly. He hadn't pushed or demanded. She had rose to meet him and she found herself longing for more. She was also filled with a good bit of nerves. This was not something she had anticipated. What if it ruined everything? Did he find her attractive because of the bond or could she count on this as something genuine? She was at a loss for words. She simply stared at him.

Harry could almost see the wheels spinning inside of her head. He put his hand to her cheek and spoke gently, "Let me guess, you are wondering if I'm compelled to be attracted to you because of the bond?" Hermione's eyes got a bit bigger as his guess struck home and she simply nodded. Harry smiled at her. "I can assure you that my feelings are strictly my own. For a long time I simply told myself you were not interested. Ron was the one you wanted. I contented myself to be your friend Hermione. I was fine with that. But these last few weeks…all I want to do is be with you. I worry about you, I think about you, I want to make you laugh and hold you when you cry. This bond…I know it makes things complicated. But it's not the reason I kissed you. I kissed you because… because you're the most amazing witch I know. You are smart and beautiful and full of life." Harry watched her blush as she looked down and avoided his eyes. He gently put his hand under her chin and made her look up at him. "You are Hermione. And…" Harry swallowed and said, "I don't know where this will lead us or what will happen. I just know that…I think I've been falling in love with you for quite some time now." Harry's heart was pounding and he swallowed as he let his words hang in the air between them. He tried to read her face but she wasn't giving much away. Her brown eyes sparkled with tears and he wasn't sure if they were good or bad ones.

Hermione blinked back the tears that had unexpectedly started to pool in her eyes. She watched Harry breathe deeply. He looked tense. He had just left his heart on the table for her. His words had washed over her and made her pulse quicken. She was scared, but she wanted to trust him. She had no reason not to. He had always been there for her. She realized Harry was anxiously waiting for her to respond somehow. She licked her lips and tried to search for words but was finding it difficult. "Harry I… I never knew. You never said…" She twisted her hands nervously, took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. "Harry…I have realized the last few weeks…I want this, I want you. But I'm scared, so scared. What if this doesn't work? I…I can't lose you Harry." Hermione bowed her head as a couple silent tears ran down her cheeks.

Harry's heart hammered in his chest. She had not rejected him. She wanted to be with him. His heart broke to see her feeling so unsure and scared. He was surprised by her words and as he watched her head droop and saw the glisten of tears on her cheeks, he began to comprehend her fears. She had lost too many people. She already felt a bit removed from those she had once considered close friends, and now he was asking her to risk their friendship for the chance to be more than friends. Of course she would hesitate. He stepped to her and she leaned her head into his chest. Harry wrapped his arms around her, " I know I'm asking you to take a risk on me…on us. But you won't lose me Hermione. Not ever. No matter what happens between us."

She pulled back a bit and looking at him pleadingly replied, "How can you say that? Everything would be different. It wouldn't be the same."

Harry gave her small smile. He reached to wipe the tears gently from her cheek. "It would be different. But somethings would always be the same. I will always be your friend Hermione. Even if you decide I'm not the man for you. My friendship will always be yours. It is possible however, that this could very well turn out better than either of us imagine." He gave her his most bewitching smile, "Especially if that kiss is any indication." Harry watched her blush deeply and was rewarded when her mouth turned up in a grin that was innocent and playful.

Hermione found herself succumbing to his piercing gaze. There was comfort in the way he spoke about them. He seemed sure. He seemed confident. He seemed determined to make her happy. It had been a long time since anyone had expressed such interest in her wellbeing. She took a steady breath and reached for his hand. "I hope so…" raising her hand to her lips she continued, "I…I think I'd like to find out."

Harry saw her hazel eyes dance with light. He could hardly believe what had just happened. His hand tingled where her lips had touched him. Harry quickly pulled her into a hug and whispered, "I'll go as slow as you need me to." He kissed her lightly and then stepping back, he said, gesturing to the room, "But we had better finish this room up rather quickly if we want to be in the Great Hall in time to eat dinner."

Hermione gave him a musical giggle. "I am rather hungry."

"Well, with my help you'll be done in no time." Harry said as he began using his wand to set desks in neat row.

A short time later, the two approached the Great Hall hand in hand. Hermione stopped short, dropped his hand and asked, "Should we…Keep our relationship a secret? We are bound to get a lot of questions."

Harry eyed her carefully, trying to determine what she wanted, "If you want to I will. But I don't fancy sneaking around trying to hide. People are bound to talk anyway. I for one am tempted to shout out to anyone who wants to hear that I am entirely yours." Harry swiftly pulled her to him and planted a soft kiss on her cheek.

Hermione chuckled lightly and smiled broadly. She gave him a playful shove and said, "Alright then, here we go." She grabbed his hand firmly and proceeded through the doors.

I am sorry for the wait on this update. It is rather long though. This chapter did not come easily and I am still a bit unsure about it. Any comments, reviews, criticisms would be wonderfully appreciated. Please let me know what you think!