A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

-oOo-

Chapter 8

-oOo-

October 31, 1996

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hermione was looking herself up and down in the mirror. Tonight, was the second school dance she had ever been too. It had been decided to be a fun night and to go with the more Muggle traditions of dressing up in costumes.

The Headmistress had decided to cancel the last class today and all Friday classes tomorrow to allow everyone to 'let their hair down and have fun'.

She turned. She was in a much slinkier dress than she would normally wear. It was torn around the hem and one of the straps was hanging down. She could see most of her trim legs. It clung to her flat stomach and showed off her modest breasts. It didn't expose anything she didn't want to, but she wasn't sure it was proper for school. If they had been out of Hogwarts, Hermione probably wouldn't have cared. She wore much less to the beach or when she put on her short jean shorts.

"You need to make your skin look a little paler and sickly. Zombies are not as flush," Parvati told her.

Hermione gave a critical eye. "Do I have to look so much like one?"

"Dean will like it," Lavender assured her.

She looked towards her dormmates. Lavender was in a black dress that hugged her body. She wasn't surprised Harry liked the girl so much. Lavender's chest was easily twice the size of her own, with wider hips and a pretty face. She put on the straps of the black wings to go with the 'dark angel' costume. They flapped some once they were on and she gave a nod as she straightened out her dress. "You think Harry will like this?"

Parvati giggle. "I think he's going to want you out of that."

Lavender gave a mischievous grin. "If he plays his cards right."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She wasn't a prude, but for weeks now the two of them had been going on how Lavender should just jump Harry and how Parvati was jumping Ernie. As she thought about it, she had a small smile come to her face. In the last month, Hermione was rather enjoying how Dean and her were getting along. She had even enjoyed his wandering hands in the last week or so.

"What are you so pleased about?" Lavender put to her.

"Just thinking of the shocked look on Harry's face when you try to jump him," Hermione teased. Lavender's smug look grew a little red.

Parvati laughed. She was wearing white stocking with a white fury one-piece. The rabbit ears on her head were moving like she was using them to hear. Her body was a little straighter, and her chest between Hermione's and Lavender's. She was a pretty girl. "Merlin, Hermione, I love you," Parvati said with a grin.

"I'm not sure Harry and I are quite ready for that," Lavender told her.

"Oh, please. You want a good shag with him," Parvati put to her friend.

"I'd rather my first time be a little more romantic than just a shag, thank you," Lavender shot back.

Hermione had thought that she had had sex with Seamus last year... apparently Seamus had exaggerated.

"We both know you aren't a virgin anymore," Parvati burst Hermione's bubble.

"It was one time, and it wasn't that good," Lavender said, her face showing what she thought about losing her virginity. "Harry, I don't know, he's just..."

"Makes you feel special when he kisses and touches you?" Hermione asked.

Lavender gave a genuine smile. "Yeah. I don't want to push him, but Merlin, his hands are learning fast. His mouth too."

Parvati giggled while Hermione felt her cheeks heat a little. Deep down, she still had feelings for Harry, but she was getting over them now, and Dean was helping her. "Alright, you slags. I want to have a good night with Ernie and you two need a good shag."

"I do not," Hermione said incensed. Both her dormmates giggled at her outburst.

"Who is the slag? You slut," Lavender accused her best mate.

Parvati shrugged her shoulders. "It's just a bit of fun. Besides, Ernie is a good shag. I hope to make it number four tonight. Plus, he's like this long," Parvati said, holding her hands a good seven inches apart.

Lavender laughed and Hermione shook her head. She could never be that loose, but Parvati was seventeen now, like her, so it shouldn't be a taboo to just have some fun.

Lavender looked a little smug. "Harry still has him beat. I still can't swallow all of him in one go. Maybe if I was to lie on a bed and tip my head back..."

"Alright, I don't want to hear that. He's still my best mate," Hermione said, grabbing her beaded bag and marching for the door. Lavender and Parvati broke down into fits of giggles. They were still whispering and giggling with each other when they walked down to the Common Room.

Harry, Dean, Seamus, Ginny and Colin were waiting for them. Harry was in an old fashioned, turn of the century, suit with top hat, cane and long coat. Hermione had to admit he looked really good. There was a slight tinge of jealousy to see Lavender bounce up to him and throw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a passionate kiss. She didn't miss the desire in his eyes to see his girlfriend.

When her eyes fell on Dean, the jealousy fell. The dark skin boy was in a similar outfit. Where Harry was still bulking out, Dean was fit, taller than she was, with a smirk that held mischief. His eyes went up and down her body and she liked the desire in his own eyes. It wasn't the lewd looks that Seamus was giving her, or the way Ron would size up many girls like they were a piece of meat... though he had stopped doing that now he was with Susan.

She gave him a smile as he bowed to her. "My lady undead," he playacted.

She giggled at his antics. That was another thing. Dean brought out this side in her she hadn't known she had. "Oh, hush," she said playfully.

Ginny looked a little sad. Lavender had confronted her about a week after Harry's love potion poisoning. The girl admitted she had bought it, then chickened out. When they found out it had been Romilda Vain that had taken it and used it, Lavender was about ready to kill the raven hair girl. Harry had to calm her down and it was only when the DMLE had sent Harry a letter about the charges and to see if he wanted to press any for potential line theft by the affected house, had Lavender finally calmed down. Harry didn't press any additional charges. He was too noble that way, but Romilda and her family were forced to pay two-thousand galleons for the DMLE fines. Being a minor meant she did not have to go to Azkaban, since the potion didn't cause any harm to the relationship between Harry and Lavender. If she had succeeded in stealing Harry, the fines would have been much worse. Hermione still wanted to find a way to ensure Romilda stayed away and didn't really trust Ginny anymore. She was being nice because of Ron. Most of the group didn't know the details, though Parvati gave Ginny the same look Hermione did.

Ginny was in a more princess costume. It looked nice on her. "Can we get going? I am meeting with my date soon."

"I'm glad I'm a free agent tonight," Seamus said. "You are all too serious."

He was dressed as a pirate, while Colin was in a highland Scots kilt and shirt.

"Padma is supposed to be dressed like me, just a cat instead," Parvati said.

Seamus looked her up and down and smirked. "Sounds like fun."

Dean held out his arm and she took it. "Where is Ron and Neville?" Hermione asked.

"They left about ten minutes ago. Something about panty raiding the Hufflepuff girls," Seamus commented with a smirk.

Most of them chuckled. "Is it really raiding if you are already betrothed," Parvati put to them.

"Well, Ron and Susan aren't yet," Ginny countered.

"Neville did have a pair of Hannah's knickers in his pocket the other day," Seamus added.

"I don't need to know that," Ginny said with a scowl.

"What colour where they?" Lavender asked.

"Black," Dean replied. "A little lacy too."

"Did you all see them?" Lavender put to Harry.

"Only after the berk took them and Neville had to chase him," Harry said, nodding to Seamus.

Seamus rubbed his elbow. "He didn't have to tackle me."

"You were being a berk," Dean told his friend.

"Are all boys like this," Hermione asked, not really wanting an answer.

"Many," Lavender agreed.

"Oi! I'm not like that," Harry complained.

Lavender smirked. "So, if I gave you a pair of my knickers...?"

Harry's face looked a little abashed. "I wouldn't brag."

Lavender looked like she liked his answer and pecked his cheek. They were almost the same height, so it was easy for her.

They bantered back and forth as they walked down to the Great Hall. It was supposed to be a fun night for everyone, so the entry hall and the courtyard outside the main doors were full of stalls. Games, treats, a few vendors... all of them to provide fun for first through seventh year.

When Hermione had sent in the suggestions to Headmistress McGonagall, she hadn't expected this. All year, the Hogwarts staff had been very accommodating to what was going on and changing the culture to be more inclusive.

"I want to try out some of those games," Dean said next to her.

"Sounds like fun," she agreed.

Seamus stuck with them as they were joined by Ernie, Susan, Hannah, Ron and Neville. Susan was in a dress that looked as form fitting as the one Lavender was wearing with fairy wings. Hannah was much the same, but hers were blue, compared to the green Susan was wearing. There didn't seem to be any great organization besides them all being shuffled into the Great Hall. Round tables were scattered through the hall. A few tables of food, drinks and treats were along one wall. A wooden dance floor had been added to the center of the hall and led up to a stage where the Head table usually was. By now, much of the school had gathered in the Entry Hall or Great Hall.

"Oh, I like this," Hannah commented.

"You are dancing with me tonight," Parvati ordered Ernie.

Harry gave a nervous chuckle. "I've only ever learned the ball dancing we needed for the Triwizard Tournament."

"I don't think we are going to be doing ballroom dancing tonight. That is the Weird Sisters banner," Lavender said excitedly.

"Brilliant," Susan said.

Hermione laughed internally to see the apprehensive looks on Harry's, Ron's and Neville's face. Seamus looked thrilled. "This is going to be a good night."

It was just about seven when they were all in the hall. McGonagall had walked up onto the stage and put her wand to her throat. "Can I have your attention please?"

Everyone looked up to her.

"Thank you. I won't keep you long. Welcome to the first Halloween Dance. It has been more than fifty years since we had an event like this. I see most of you have gotten into the spirit of the night. It is nice to see so many dressing up," she said with a smile. It didn't hide her usually stern demeanor, but she looked more approachable.

"As you have all seen, some stalls and other activities have been provided. There is food available here or in the courtyard. About eight, we will have the Weird Sisters... " she could say anything for a moment as the hall erupted in cheering. The Headmistress have an indulgent smile to her students and went on when it calmed a bit. "Yes, I am sure you are all excited. All I ask tonight is to ensure everyone follows the normal rules, especially the older students."

The eye she put out to the crowd had a few smirking.

"Now, enjoy yourselves and curfew is extended to a half-hour after the Weird Sisters are done."

Hermione was shocked, as were a few around them. There was more cheering, and the night had been kicked off. "I want to go get some food and check out the stalls," Dean told her.

"I'm going to go find Brocklehurst. Did you see what she was wearing," Seamus put to them.

"You're a pig," Parvati put to him. He winked at her before walking off. Dean chuckled as he shook his head. "He really is," Dean agreed about his best mate.

"Why don't we all go check it out. I want to be in here for the Weird Sisters," Susan put to them.

As a group, like many others around them, they wandered out. Nearly three hundred students made a crowd in the space things had been set up. She laughed as Harry and Ron were dragged off to a photo booth. Dean leaned down and whispered into her ear, "You want to try the ring toss? Maybe I can get you one of those dolls," he put to her.

She looked over and saw a stall with a ring toss. A crowd was already around it and egging people on. There were some beautiful porcelain dolls and other sewn animals up there for prizes. "I bet you can't do it," she told him, playing along.

He wagged his eyes. "Let's find out."

They made their way over, their group slowly dispersing as they all went their own way. Dean tried four times. No one was having much luck getting the big prizes. Hermione suspected some charms or hexes. After putting a galleon down for the fourth time, he had a really determined look on his face. "It shouldn't be this hard."

Hermione had been watching him and a few others. "Try to hit that red on in the back. Throw it more level. It seems to be bouncing the rings to the front," she told him. Many were trying to go for the red to get one of the large prizes. But, if he could get all three rings on a blue one, it would count as a red bottle.

He looked at her for a second before turning back to the stall. A group next to them gave a disappointed groan as the girl missed the red bottle again. Dean threw his first ring in a more level path. It bounced off the red and onto the blue bottle before it. Dean's smile at her was brilliant.

"You are the brightest witch," he said. It sounded more a compliment, making her inside squirm a bit. He threw his other two and they all bounced back onto the blue bottle. "And we have a winner," the older man running the stall said. He was smiling, but his eyes were looking a little beadily at her. Dean must have seen it too because he stepped to shield her. "What one you want, luv?"

She blinked for a moment. Luv? "How about that one," she said, pointing to a porcelain doll that was dark like Dean. The man gave it to them and then shood them away to let others play. Dean chuckled and gave her a peck on her lipc. "That was brilliant."

"If you paid attention, you could see the pattern. I'm sure there are hexes on some of the bottles, but he had to leave some way for people to win, otherwise the Ministry wouldn't give him a permit," she replied.

Dean nodded. "Makes sense. When did you come across that?"

"When I was looking into breeding and how magical businesses work while trying to save Buckbeak a few years back. I thought if I could get Hagrid a breeding permit, it might save Buckbeak," she replied.

"You really are brilliant. Oh, Seamus," he said. She followed his eyes to see him with an arm around Meaghan Jones.

"What's wrong now?" she enquired.

He shook his head. "Meaghan has already shot him down like six times. He only wants to go out with her because there is a rumor she likes to deep throat."

"Oh," Hermione said. "He really is a man-slut, isn't he?"

Dean laughed. "You have no idea. Come on. I bet Harry and Neville will be more fun to hang out with."

She smiled at him and grabbed his tie before they walked away. He gave her a questioning look before she pulled him down to give him a longer kiss than normal. "Thank you," she told him.

"For what?"

"Not trying to get into my knickers the first night," she told him. Perhaps Lavender and Parvati were getting to her more than she thought.

Dean's smile definitely had her insides flutter some. "Hermione, I know some people say I am as bad as Seamus, but I'd rather take it slow and make sure we both want it than force myself on you. Besides, who else am I going to talk about becoming a solicitor in a few years?"

"Thank you," she said again. Maybe she would find a broom closet or something to drag him into and give him a little more of a peak tonight...

-oOo-

Elsewhere at the party...

Ron was feeling flush with heat. Susan and him had been dancing with everyone for the last hour or more and he needed a break. Susan looked just as hot as him... well, she looked hot, in a different way, in the barmaid outfit...

The song ended and they all stopped jumping or grinding with each other. Hannah laughed at something Lavender said to her. Susan's chest was heaving a little and her smile was wide. "You want to get a drink or something," Ron asked.

"Merlin, yes," Susan yelled over the crowd. It looked like most fourth-years and up where out on the dance floor. She took his hand as he pulled her through the crowd to the tables and picked up two butterbeers for them.

She giggled as they tried to find a clear path outside. He wanted the cool night for a few.

Once they were free of the crowd, he walked with her out onto the stone bridge that was just past the courtyard. There were a few other couples hiding around the pillars or just talking as they leaned against the railing. He led her to a clear spot, and she sidled into his side.

"Having fun tonight?" he asked her, popping open a butterbeer and handing it to her.

"A lot, actually. We should find a way to do this more often," she told him, taking the butterbeer and taking a big swig. He did the same, feeling thirsty.

"Yeah, I could do that. Maybe Harry and Lavender know some places around London when we are home over Christmas?" he offered to her. She gave him a big smile and he pecked her on the lips. As he did, he felt his nerves starting to build a little. She nuzzled his nose before he pulled back.

"I would really like that if we could go out like that," she told him.

He nodded. "So, you still want to be together over Christmas?" he asked her.

Her face became a little concerned. "I was hoping so," she commented.

He let out a long breath, put his butterbeer on the railing and reached for his pocket. "How about if we were still together over Easter? I bet we could go home and find someplace to dance then too."

Her concern became more pointed. "Please tell me you are being serious."

He sighed again. "Well, I know you said you wanted to see the Bones line go on. I talked with my parents last weekend, and they have agreed to either let me take on the Bones name, or to merge our lines as a minor branch."

Her eyes were wide. "You would do that?" she asked incredulously.

He pulled back just a bit. "You said you wanted to know by Halloween. Well," he said, his hands feeling a little clammy. He would have preferred to just date Susan for now, maybe do this in a few years, but she had been right. It was less than two months now before the Ministry would make their minds for them. He backed up just enough to get on one knee. Susan's hands went to her mouth. "Susan Anna Bones, would you marry me?" he asked quickly before his courage gave out.

He held out the box and opened it. Harry had offered Ron to go through the Black jewelry. Ron swore he would pay Harry back some day. They had gotten permission to go to see his parents last weekend and Harry had gone to Gringotts, Ron tagging along. He had no clue how much the diamond ring was worth that he was offering Susan at the moment, but he doubted it was cheap. He had fought Harry on it for a few minutes before Harry told him he was thinking of just melting all it down for the jewels and scrap metal.

It made Ron realize Harry wasn't over Sirius death yet.

He felt a little guilty about taking the ring. Technically though, Ron did have Black blood in him. It was four generations back, but was it really taking something he didn't own if he was technically family to the Blacks, on the Prewitt side? Besides, Harry really wasn't going to use it. He had taken a ring from the Potter jewelry though. Tonight, they were both going to propose to their girlfriends and go see the solicitor this week if they said yes.

Susan stood there frozen for a moment, and he started to get a little nervous. "Susie?"

She suddenly squealed. "YES!"

Throwing herself at him, he just barely kept them up right as she hugged him and started to kiss him. Someone wolf-whistled from nearby and Susan giggled as she pulled back just a bit.

"Way to go, Weasley!"

It sounded like Katie.

He gave a thumbs up as Susan took the box. "Put it on my hand," she told him giddily.

He smiled at her, taking the ring out and she had to point out the left ring finger when he tried to put it on the wrong one. "Oh, Auntie will be so pleased!" she said, lunging to hug him again and kiss him.

Ron was shocked for a moment, before he stood up, lifted her up and spun her around. She laughed at his antics.

Her smile widened and she hugged him hard when he stopped. "We should go find somewhere private. I promised to show you what Hannah did when Neville asked."

His eyes widened and he hugged her tighter.

She had dragged him into a room near Ravenclaw tower. There were screens in two corners. When she pulled him around one, there were blankets on the floor. "What is this place?" he asked.

She cast a quick 'scourgify' on the blankets. When she looked up at him, she looked a little shy. "Hannah told me some of the upper years have a few classrooms set up like this. The teachers and prefects never check them for some reason. I think it's the wards," she said, pointing her wand as a few rocks with runes on them.

"Really? How come I never knew about this?" he asked, looking at the setup. He noticed some candles and empty bottles on some shelves.

She came up to him, her hand slipping into his. "This is one of the Hufflepuff places. I don't know what Gryffindor does. I heard the two rooms in the upper dungeons would be used tonight."

Her face was a little red. He liked it, pulling her in and giving her a kiss. She wrapped her hands around his waist, and they were soon snogging. He liked how she grabbed his bottom, and he was allowed to run his hands wherever he wanted. She moaned as he kissed down her neck.

It wasn't long to have her pushing him down onto the blankets. When she did, she straddled his legs. Her dress had ridden up and her knickers were against his bulging pants. It was hot. What she did next was even hotter and he felt himself press hard into her knickers.

She looked a little shy, but her hands went to the hem of her dress, and she slowly pulled it off. He was breathless to see her large breasts pop out with no bra and to have her only in her knickers now. He rushed to get his shirt off. She leaned down, her chest pressed against his as they danced their tongues around each other. After a few, she broke the kiss and sat up again. He groaned with pleasure and pain as she rocked back on him with his dick caught in his pants. She looked a sexy as hell, her large breasts exposed to him, and made the experience totally worth it. "You promise to let me know if I am doing this right?"

"What are you doing, Susie," he asked, hoping it was what he was imagining.

She bit her lip, slid down his legs and moved to undo his pants. He helped her remove them and his boxers when she started to tug them off and she just stared at his cock for a moment when it was out. He felt a little self-conscious with how she looked at him. "Do you mind if I touch you?" she asked.

"No," he told her.

Her hands were soft and so much better than his own hands. She explored his length before she started to find an easy pace that was soon driving him crazy. He wasn't sure if he would last long, his eyes closed and his head back until he felt something wet and warm wrap around the head of his cock. He opened his eyes to see her looking at him, her big brown eyes giving him a look that had him grow harder as her lips were wrapped around his cock. "Oh, merlin," he said.

She released him. "Is this alright?"

"More than alright. Is this what Hannah did to Neville?" he asked her.

Her face reddened a little. "I will try to swallow," she told him before moving her head down again. Ron couldn't keep his hips down as she did what she did, and it wasn't long before she was gagging.

"Susie, I'm so sorry," he said, feeling that that had been the most brilliant thing, but feeling a little guilty at her reaction. After a moment, she made a show of swallowing what was in her mouth and then licking her lips. "It wasn't bad," she said, a little cringe on her face. "Just surprised me."

"You don't have to do that again, if you don't want," he told her, hoping anything but.

After a moment, she moved up to kiss him. "If you liked it, I will do it again."

His smile was huge. "It was brilliant. Want me to kiss you down there too?"

She bit her lip again before nodding. They started to kiss heavily again, and it wasn't long for her to be totally nude before him. He liked that her muff matched the hair on her head. Her soft skin made him tingle wherever it touched him. Her chest was raising and falling from the heavy snogging they had been doing. Susan was not a skinny girl; she wasn't anywhere close to fat either. She was healthy with wide hips. Her stomach was firm. Her body really was an hour-glass shape. Looking down at her, he said, "Susie, you are beautiful."

She had looked a little unsure until he said that. After a second, she reached up and pulled him down for a kiss. His cock brushed the hair of her muff and they both groaned. She stopped after a moment. "I'm not ready to have sex yet," she told him.

Having them both naked against each other it was hard for him to think straight, but he nodded. "How about I return the favour then?"

She bit her lip and then nodded. Ron took his time kissing down her body. She spread her legs and sighed when he put his hand between them. He rubbed her, not knowing what else to do yet. This was the farthest they had ever gone. When he finally made it between her legs with his lips, she smelt musty from all the dancing they had been doing. It was a smell that he found he liked.

She moaned as he kissed her thighs, then the mound with her red hair. Ron stopped for just a moment to look at the folds and the way they clung together. Between looking at her slit, then up to her breasts and to meet her brown eyes that looked so sexy, he found this would probably be his Patronus memory for the rest of his life.

She was panting a little and watched as he leaned down to kiss her folds. "Let me know what you like," he told her, then he used his tongue to lick from the bottom to the top of her folds. She closed her eyes, and her mouth was half open. Her chest stopped moving for a moment as though she was holding her breath. "I like that," she said after a moment.

Ron smiled and did it again, just licking the top of her folds. She let out a contented breath and then moaned when he pushed his tongue in further the next time. She spread her legs a little wider and her slit opened some. He liked the hot pink inside and the way it glistened. Using his tongue more, he pushed it in further and slowly went the length of her slit again. Susan moaned even deeper. His cock was rock hard to see her reaction. He would have to relieve himself again later if she didn't.

He continued his ministrations on her, repeating anything that had her squirm or moan again. She soon had spread her legs at far as she could, and he wrapped his arms around her thighs as he figured she liked it when he licked and then sucked on the nib at the top of her slit.

Doing that shortly had her panting and putting a hand over her mouth so that she didn't make too much noise. Merlin, he was so hot to see her like this that he did all he could to make her scream out. When she fisted his hair to pull his face in more, her legs started to quiver, and she cried out like he had never heard her. Her whole body shook as he kept licking, sucking and kissing.

"Stop," she panted after a few, pushing his head back. She giggled. "Stop," she squealed when he flicked his tongue out and just caught the top of her nib. He wanted to lick and suck on her more.

He looked up at her, uncertain he hadn't done something wrong. Her chest was heaving, her other arm was over her eyes, a smile was on her face. "Oh, Merlin! Is that how it was when I sucked you off earlier?"

"I don't know. That was brilliant. Did you like it?"

She giggled again. "Merlin, Ron," she said through her pants. "That was the best thing ever."

He gave her a big smile, not caring his face was slick with her juices. "Well, if you want me to do it again, " he told her, leaning down to kiss her mound. She shivered.

"Not right now, but, Merlin, yes," she told him, finally taking her arm off her eyes and looking down at him. "Merlin, I love you."

Neither of them had said that yet. He wasn't sure what he was feeling for Susan was love yet, but it was turning that way. When he met her eyes again, they were gleaming in the light of the candles. OH! Bloody hell! he thought. He had gone this far; mind as well go all the way. He kissed her mound again, enjoying the way her body quivered. "I love you too," he said, realizing he meant it.

Susan took him into her mouth again when she saw how stiff he was after giving her her first real orgasm of her life. He wondered back a little after curfew, a huge smile on his face. That night he decided he would never regret asking Susan to be his wife. He also found he wouldn't put up with Seamus trying to suggest things about Susan. Ron didn't want anyone saying those things about her. A few punches were thrown at each other... even if he had to agree with Seamus some. Her mouth was brilliant. He really liked her taste. He also really liked her moans when he returned the favor in the classroom they had found.

Ron finally went to bed with a smile, and a black eye.

-oOo-

Elsewhere at the party…

Harry watched Ron pull Susan off the dance floor. He knew what Ron was probably going to do, and his nerves shot through the roof. Lavender was laughing at something Parvati and Hannah were saying. Neville just shook his head to say he had no idea what was going on.

Thinking this would be a good opportunity, he moved in. "Do you mind if I steal my girlfriend for a few," he asked them.

"I would stay away from the normal spots tonight. I hear there is a nice, abandoned classroom or two on the sixth or seventh floor," Parvati suggested.

"Will you stop tonight," Lavender said with a pointed look.

Hannah pulled her over for a moment and whispered something into her ear. The look Lavender gave him was quite heated and he felt himself stir in his trousers. "I have my own plans, thank you," Harry told them, pulling Lavender off towards the gardens that had been planted during the Triwizard Tournament and kept up since then.

Hannah and Parvati giggled as they walked away. Neville just shook his head. He didn't think that Hermione and Dean were nowhere to be seen.

"Where are you taking me?" Lavender giggled. Harry's insides squirmed.

"To the gardens."

"And what do you plan to do with me in the gardens?" Lavender asked in a sultry tone.

Merlin! She wasn't going to make this easy! "Wouldn't you like to know?"

She giggled as he pulled her along. "I wouldn't mind feeling your tongue again," she said, making Harry almost trip. She didn't need to say where... Harry still swore he tasted her from the other night in the Room of Requirements. Worse was having to sneak by Hermione on patrol with Hannah. Lavender kept wanting to giggle at the way his breath brushed her neck while they hunched under the invisibility cloak. The look Hermione gave their way didn't convince him they hadn't been found.

"Just come along," he told her. There were other couples out in the cold, and it took a moment to find a spot that wasn't occupied. When the got there, Harry was realizing that there were no warming charms like there had been for the Yule Ball a few years ago.

After casting one on the bench they found, Harry took Lavender's hands into his. He was so stupidly nervous, and she was looking at him, as though expecting what he might have to say. After a deep breath and slow exhale, he said, "Lav, do you like me?"

She gave a little giggle. "You know I do."

"I know, I just had to hear it again," he said. He was already bollocksing this up. "Lav, I met your mother in Hogsmeade this week."

Her eyes went a little wider and she calmed down. He went on before she could get going. "We had a long talk over dinner."

"Is that why you blew me off Monday?"

"Yeah."

"And what did you and mum talk about?"

Harry smirked. "Oh, you know, the usual. Some baby pictures, you missing a few teeth. The weather," he said, and she gave a very unimpressed look.

Harry laughed. "What do you think we talked about?"

Lavender bit her lip. "Harry, please don't string me out on this. I am nervous enough already about everything and unless you are breaking up with me, you better have some really good news."

Harry reached towards his robes as Lavender shivered. He took a box out of his pocket and then started to take off his dress robes.

"What are you doing?"

"You're shivering in that dress," he told her.

"Well, there are ways you can warm me up," she said a little saucily. Finally managing to get out of his robes, Harry put them over her shoulders. She grabbed the sides and pulled the robes around her.

"How about later," he said, pecking her lips.

She had leaned closer, looked to want more. When he didn't kiss her again, she pouted. "Are you trying to be mean? First you worry me with something with my mum. Now you don't kiss me?"

"I'll kiss you all you want if you say yes," Harry said, his nervousness throwing out anything he wanted to say about this. He had taken the box and opened it. Her eyes widened a bit and looked down to the gold ring with a sizable ruby in it with a few diamonds on the band.

"Oh, bloody hell. What I mean is..."

"You mean it?" Lavender whispered.

"Yes, I mean it," Harry replied.

She looked up to him. He had expected her to jump all over him, knowing Lavender. She searched his eyes. "Harry, I only want to say yes if you really want this and feel... I want to know you love me."

Harry blinked back at her for a moment. That was not what he expected from her. Harry had never had anyone ever tell him they loved him, and he had never said those words. He felt for Lavender. He felt for her more than anyone he had ever known. It wasn't just about the way they messed about, but it was something deeper. She was a kind person with a good sense of humour that didn't care about barging into a situation she thought needed her intervention.

He liked when they went flying together. Even more when she wrapped her arms around his midsection when she flew with him.

Lavender liked to move.

She was smart, but not bookish.

She also never pushed him into doing anything he didn't want.

But was all that love?

Lavender was still looking into his eyes. She took a breath before saying, "Harry, I think I've really fallen in love with you. I feel you have too, but I need to know this is about us, not the stupid law. I'm sorry, I didn't realize I felt like this until now."

Harry nodded. "Lav, you know I've never really had much love in my life. I'm not sure I love you yet, or if what I am feeling is love. I know I like you. I know I wouldn't have gotten my grandmother's betrothal ring if I didn't want to find out what this was," he replied.

She looked a little shocked. "Your grandmothers?"

"Ron and I went to Gringotts last weekend. I really wouldn't ask if I didn't want you," he told her.

She worried her lip for a moment. "You don't know if you love me or not yet?"

Harry searched his emotions for a moment. "I know I don't want to lose you. I know I enjoy seeing you every day and feel silly for missing you even when we have to say goodnight, even though I know I will see you first thing in the morning. I know I like you more for who you are... with or without clothes," he said with a little cheekiness. Merlin, they had gone farther than he thought he might in just about three months.

She gave a little smile. "You're not bad looking yourself."

Harry chuckled with her.

"Look, I know this may not be the most romantic proposal, but I would like you to consider it. Please," he begged of her.

A smile came over her face. "You know, you've been a good boyfriend after I trained you up some. I think this is the first time I can say you didn't meet the grade," she said. Harry thought it sounded like she was going to break up with him and his heart dropped. That was until she took the hand holding the box in both of hers. "I can deal with you failing every once in a while, as long as you act like you most of the time. You are a very sweet and caring person, Harry. Would you put it on my finger?"

Harry blinked. "Are you saying yes?"

She rolled her eyes. "No. I just want to see how it looks. Of course, I am saying yes," she said, starting to look very excited. "You have to promise me one thing."

"What is that," he asked as he took the ring out of the box, and she held out her left hand.

"You have to tell me you love me before we get married," she told him as he slipped the ring on her finger, " because I have fallen in love with you."

Harry smiled and leaned in to kiss her. After a sweet kiss, he leaned his head against hers. "I promise," he told her.

They shared a few minutes of quiet, before Lavender started to shift and squirm. "You want to tell Parvati, don't you?"

Her smile was wide. "Yes," she said eagerly.

"Go ahead. I get you afterwards," he told her.

She squealed in delight, got up and started to rush towards the Great Hall again. Harry got up to follow. Stopping and turning, she looked back at him exasperatedly. "What are you waiting for? Let's go!"

Harry laughed and took a few long steps to take the right hand of his fiancée. They would have to go see the solicitor this week. In the meantime, he was getting ready for the screams of delight that were soon to come.

As they walked back into the door, she stopped long enough to peck his cheek and whisper, "We are so using the Room again soon."

Harry had a goofy grin as he was dragged back into the hall.