Chapter 3 – The First Step
From this day on, they met for coffee every Sunday in Dufftown and afterwards took a stroll through the forest if the weather was fine. Each Sunday they had this first moment of awkwardness where neither knew how to proceed but they overcame that obstacle quicker with each passing week. Slowly, they started to become friends and talked about other topics than Potions and Hogwarts. But whatever they did, they were always careful, guarded, like walking on eggshells. She was afraid she might move too fast for him, and he was still debating if what he had agreed upon was justifiable.
"What was your last dream?" Hermione asked him on one of their walks. "If you'd like to tell me?"
He thought about it for a moment. "I dreamt I was on a stony island, all by myself."
"A nightmare then?"
"Not necessarily. It was quiet and peaceful but after a while the loneliness was overwhelming. I didn't even have a book with me," he tried to joke to lighten the mood, but she was still looking at him seriously, waiting for the rest of the dream.
"And then?"
"Then," he sighed and decided to tell her, "you came along in a boat and brought me my favourite books."
She laughed at that, but he saw the blush anyway.
"We sat together on the beach and read the whole time."
Her laugh turned into a content smile. "I'm honoured by being present in your dreams." Her smile grew mischievous, so he quickly stopped her by saying casually:
"I guess, I've been a frequent visitor in your dreams."
Her embarrassed look and blush were enough to answer the question and they continued in silence.
One or two minutes later, he suddenly felt her hand in his and looked at her surprised, but she stared straight ahead, trying not to show any emotion.
Another minute later, she finally spoke: "You're letting me?"
"Yes," he whispered, amazed by the feeling of her soft small hand in his calloused big one, so sublime it warmed his whole body. "I believe it is a step in the right direction," he admitted and was rewarded with her dazzling smile and her thumb caressing his hand the rest of their forest stroll.
A/N: I know this chapter is very short, but don't worry: there are still more than fifteen chapters to go :) Thank you all for liking, following, and reviewing this story; it is very much appreciated!