Disclaimer: Rowlings owns Harry Potter
Snow fell like sheets on the scenery of mountains and cottages. Mr. Granger parked the rented van by the main lodge to check in. Harry chanced a peek over at Hermione and his breath was taken away. She was a picture of perfection. She gazed out the window with a serene expression, a small smile curving the ends of her lips. He glanced down at her hands, elegantly crossed on her lap.
For the first time, he noticed how her hands were well manicured and the fingers were long and narrow with the nails perfectly curved. Her cheeks had a reddish tint adding to her beauty, though he guessed, it could be due to the chill in the van. Harry wiped his hands on his pant legs. He wanted to reach out and touch her hand again. To feel the small warmth of it in his grasp but the close proximity to her parents kept him restrained and apart.
She turned to face him as excitement lit her eyes, "I can't believe we finally are here! It has been a while since I last skied." She beamed at Harry and he couldn't keep the smile from forming.
"From the looks of it, skiing must be easy." Harry claimed cockily, puffing out his chest in hopes to impress her. Hermione raised an eyebrow before letting out a short snicker.
"You really think so? Have you ever skied before, Harry?" She inquired, already knowing the answer.
"No, but how hard can it be? You just slide down a hill and while doing fancy moves. Can't be that tough." He mustered, suddenly studying the lodge instead of her.
"Right…" Hermione chuckled. "Just promise me you won't go and hurt yourself." She quipped. Harry just smirked confidently. "We'll start on the bunny hills."
"Bunny hills are for kids, Hermione. Don't worry, I can ski any slope you can." Before Hermione could voice her concern, her father returned and started the engine. The van drove toward the housing lodges.
Once parked, Harry and Hermione immediately hopped out of the van. Her father fumbling with the keys to the condo and her mother fretting over the luggage, they managed to slip away unnoticed. Crunching over the fresh snow, they stopped just before a rocky ledge, where the mountain dropped off and the heavy clouds almost drifted into the cliff side. Staring out over the ledge they both drank in the view in a moment's peace. "It's so beautiful here." Hermione commented to the approaching mists.
"Yeah." Harry thought getting caught up in the moment. "Just like you." He glanced over at her again, and began to shiver, just now realizing his light old jacket was not really as warm as he needed.
Hermione eyes revealed shock, "What did you say?" She had to make sure what he said wasn't just her imagination.
"Ummm, I didn't say anything." Harry began to lose his nerve. Hermione obviously wasn't going to let it pass.
"What did you say, Harry?" She pressed. Harry couldn't believe he blurted out what was on his mind.
'Damn, I didn't mean to vocalize my thoughts. Nice going, Harry.' He took a step back.
"Kids!" A voice behind them yelled. "The door's open!" With a relieved smile, Harry darted inside the lodge.
Throughout the rest of the evening, Harry avoided being alone with Hermione. He managed to stay near her parents, stoking the fire they had started. Hermione looked annoyed but didn't say anything. 'I don't think now would be a good time to confess. I'll just wait until she is in a better mood.' He thought grimly. Harry played a game of chess with her father to help pass the time, having some small talk.
He had hoped that Hermione would get tired and retire to her room. 'If I have to, I will keep playing this until tomorrow!'
"That was a good challenge. I haven't met too many young men who know how to properly play chess." Mr. Granger chuckled.
"Yeah, Ron taught me a lot at Hogwarts."
"Not too bad at all. It's getting pretty late. We should hit the hay for an early day of skiing." Mr. Granger stood up. Harry helped him put away the chess board and pieces then wished the Grangers a good night. Seeing Hermione was not going to move with her eyes on him, Harry knew he had to quickly make his escape.
He was not going to allow himself be cornered by her. He stood up and quickly made his way to his room. "Harry." Her voice was quiet but held volumes.
"Sorry, Hermione, but do you mind if we continue this tomorrow? I am really tired." He faked an exaggerated yawn. Hermione wasn't buying it. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot, a stance that dangerously screamed downright sexy to him. Covering his blush, he turned his back to her and started to walk away once more.
"Fine, but do not think that I have given up on this. You will tell me what you said, Harry Potter."
'Uh oh, that tone of voice! I am in trouble unless I figure something out. I can't exactly confess like this. I want the moment to be perfect! I will just have to stall.' He clenched his jaw. "Night." He called over his shoulder.
"Night, Harry." Her voice growled behind him.
AN: Thanks for all your reviews. Seriously, reviews give me a lot of inspiration! Please don't stop sending me them. The more I receive the faster chapters will appear. I would also like to say thanks to THEDICTIONATOR for allowing me to post my story. Read her stories too and please review. She tries very hard to bring happiness to you as well.
How will Harry's first ski lesson be? Will he show Hermione what a true man he is in hopes to stealing her heart? Or will Harry once again experience problems?