AN: I own nothing.

Man, I am on a roll! Getting excited!

Enjoy!

As Hermione and Neville walked through the field, past the Burrow wards, up the lane and into the park, they took turns asking one another questions. Granted, they had yet to broach anything serious, though, keeping the conversation light and friendly as they talked.

Hermione learned Neville's favorite color was red, he loved Italian food, he didn't care for firewhiskey, his favorite holiday was Christmas, he had had a dog named Cookie when he was younger but it died in his second year at Hogwarts, he got eight O.W.L.S along with eight N.E.W.T.S, and was working at The Leaf Canopy greenhouse in Diagon Alley.

Plus, he had adored the photo Hermione gave him. Something she would have known even if he hadn't said so, based on how his face lit up when he opened it.

In turn, Neville learned Hermione didn't have a favorite color but preferred warm, dark colors to bright pastels, she loved French food, she was excellent at cooking, she had taken and mastered muggle self defense, she played football on a team before Hogwarts, she took daily medication for a thryoid condition, she got nine O.W.L.S and eleven N.E.W.T.S, and was an intern at St. Mungos, hoping to be a Healer in the Maternity Ward.

Entering the park, the two went to the far west side and sat on the swings. For a moment, neither of them said anything. Neville sat holding onto the chains as he stared off into the distance while Hermione watched her feet making marks in the sand.

"So, we should probably discuss the big things, too," Hermione said. "Like...children. I don't know how many you'd like, but I firmly draw the line at five, law or no law."

"Ha! Five's a good number for me. I always thought about four, though. You know, two boys and two girls," Neville said, smiling. "I know you're staying at the Burrow, but once we're married, we'll have a whole wing of Longbottom Manor, so you won't have to worry about that."

"A...wing?" Hermione asked in surprise.

"Yeah," he nodded. "Our part will be on the east side, while Gran stays in her wing on the west side. It's sorta like a flat, though. There's a living room, four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a study. We also have a library, but it's part of a shared common area of the house, so it's downstairs. There's also a small kitchen while the larger kitchen is downstairs, again in a shared common area of the house. As is the dining room, by the way."

"Wow," Hermione said. "I totally forgot you live in a manor," she said, shaking her head and chuckling. "Just out of curiosity, where is it?"

"Stratford-upon-Avon. Or rather, a few miles outside it, anyway," Neville said.

"Oh, that's a lovely town. I've been there a couple times with my parents," she smiled.

Once again, the two slipped into silence, neither knowing what to say to the other.

"I'm sorry if you're disappointed you got matched with me," Hermione asked quietly, looking back at her feet.

Neville turned to look at her with wide eyes. "Merlin, Hermione, why would I be disappointed?" he asked.

Hermione shrugged. "I know I'm not the type of girl you'd usually go for, Neville."

Neville furrowed his brow as he looked at her with confusion. "Type of girl? What do you mean by that?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, sighing. "Come on, Neville. I am well aware I look nothing like Luna or Hannah. And, besides looks, I'm not free spirited like Luna, or outgoing like Hannah. I'm bossy, I prefer reading to partying, and..."she said, trailing off when Neville stood suddenly from his swing.

"Hermione, stop right there," Neville said, holding his hand up. "Yes, in the past I did date two blondes, but that's just a coincidence, I swear. I actually prefer brunettes, if it helps. And, I already know you're bossy, but I find that endearing, really. You wouldn't be you if you weren't bossy," he said with a small smile. "To be completely honest, I'm glad I got matched with you, Hermione. I've fancied you for years actually," he said, shrugging. "I just hope you aren't disappointed with me."

Hermione was in a daze from Neville's declaration. She knew he had a crush on her long ago, but as far as she knew, he'd gotten over that. Shaking her head, she looked at him as he stood in front of her and looked down at his shoes.

"Wait...why would I be disappointed, Neville?"

"You're Hermione Granger. You deserve someone great. Not fumbling, bumbling, Neville Longbottom. Which let's face it, I am," he said.

"Neville,' she sighed, 'I'm not disappointed. I'm glad it's you, too," Hermione smiled. She took a deep breath before saying, "I had a big crush on you during our fifth year, but you were dating Luna, so I pushed it aside," she shrugged.

Neville looked wide eyed at her as she said that. "But...but you dated Viktor Krum! Why would you fancy me?" he asked in a confused voice.

"There wasn't any one reason, Neville. I just did," Hermione said. "And...can I be honest with you?"

Neville nodded. "Yeah, sure."

"Viktor was a fluke. I dated him because he was the first guy who liked me. Plain Hermione Granger. He didn't need my help with homework, or finding a book in the library. He just thought I was pretty. And, to a fourteen year old girl, someone thinking you're pretty instead of smart is a big deal. Believe me, I don't normally go for guys like him," she said.

"Oh," Neville said, a bit stunned. After another few moments of silence, he said, "So, I'm no expert, but I think we'll be alright, Hermione. I mean, we've both felt an attraction to one another before, we're already friends, and we have a lot in common. I really think we'll be okay," he said, smiling.

Hermione laughed as she shook her head. "I think you're right, Neville," she said. "Now, would you be so kind to escort me home?" she asked in a teasing voice.

"It would be my pleasure, Miss Granger," he said, holding his arm out. "Shall we?"

Hermione giggled as she stood and took Neville's arm. "We shall."

As the two walked, both of them felt relieved that the other wasn't feeling disappointed with the other. It made them feel a lot better about the marriage law, and their future together. The mood between them was lighter, and not weighed down with doubt.

It made Hermione happy to know her future married life was already off to a good start, and Neville felt better knowing he had already solved a dilemma in regards to their marriage.

"Would you like to go on a date with me, Hermione?" Neville asked as he pulled her to a stop in the field in front of the Burrow.

"Sure," Hermione smiled, squeezing his arm. "When?"

"Uh...this Friday okay with you?" he asked as he looked at her.

"Sounds great," she said.

After she agreed, Neville couldn't help himself. Cupping her cheek in his hand, he leaned down and placed a chaste, but passion filled, kiss on her full lips. There was a part of him that wanted to start dancing when he felt her kiss him back.

Putting his forehead against hers as they separated, he smiled at her.

"I'll owl you tomorrow," he said.

"Alright," Hermione said. "And just so you know, Neville...the attraction is still there," she whispered, staring him in the eyes.

"Good to know," he whispered back, smiling.

Needless to say, two people went to bed that night with goofy smiles on their faces, both looking forward to Friday night.

Review please.

Little bit of info - William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Til next time!

XOXO - Onyx Obsidian