Harry had put a lot of effort into looking nice for Hermione. His naturally unruly hair was now sleek and stylish. Harry transfigured his baggy hand-me-downs into fitting outfits (which he should have done long ago). He even learned a spell that made his body smell good and stop prespiration.
As Harry waited on his date in the common room, he paced by the stairs leading up to the girls domitory. The young wizard began to worry that she had forgotton the date and gone off without him. As he was about to leave he heard foot-steps coming down the stairs. When Harry turned around, his worries whisked away and a new feeling emerged. Hermione looked gorgeous but yet the same as she always looked! Her chocolate brown, curly hair tumbled below her shoulders in its usual way but it seemed that there was a little less frizz. Her dark brown eyes seemed to sparkle and a bright smile was embeded on her face.
"Shall we be off then?" Harry asked.
When the two friends arrived in Hogsmead, their first destination was The Three Broomsticks. They both ordered a butterbeer and settled down at a small table for two.
"So, Harry, what was the real reason you asked me to the Yule Ball? I mean, besides the fact that I helped you with the tournament and was a good friend. Honestly, you could have asked any girl and she would have said yes," Hermione probed.
Harry took a long sip out of his butterbeer, nearly finishing his drink. "I have come to see what a wonderful woman your becoming. I don't wan't to ask any other girl!" Harry said abrubtly and slightly out of character.
Hermione took and equally long sip of her butterbeer. "Harry James Potter, are you saying what I think your saying?"
"Hermione, I'm saying that I am enamored with you. I love how you fuss at me to get my homework done. I love the way you tuck your hair behind your ears when your studying really hard, or reading a book. I love when your close to me because your hair smells of honey. I love being around you and I love the way you make me feel!"
"Oh, Harry. I never picked up that you liked me that way. I have always been attracted to both you and Ron. It's just that I thought you could do much better than me so I let that dream of you and I pass. Ron was always giving me hints, so I thought that maybe he and I were meant to "give it a go" but thats a NO now." Hermione sighed a little.
"Well, I'm glad your through with Ron now... At least as a boyfriend... Because I was thinking maybe you and I could, well, you know..." Harry began. "May I court you?" Harry asked with a much more masculine tone.
"Yes," Hermione squealed as she ran to the other side of the small tabel and gave Harry a Hug