Here's the second chapter! Oh ok so there's some time skip here. There's the first night and the next morning, but then it skips three weeks. Just to let you know! And mentions of the future fifth week too.

Oof I just realized that would I forgot to have them celebrate Hermione's birthday, and Harry's belatedly. So, I'll have them do upcoming ones!

Oh yes, no houses in this fic!

And no names for other professors besides Dumbledore, since Harry and Hermione will hardly speak to them at all. And they aren't important to the story. But you can tell from the brief description, I think.

If I didn't mention before, this is also inspired by Annabelle's Wish! As well as Thumbelina! Ooh and the song from High School Musical soundtrack, I Can't Take My Eyes Off You!

I don't own Harry Potter. That belongs to J.K Rowling and various publishing companies including Scholastic Corporation, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Raincoast Books, or any other company that has to do with the movies or merchandise.

The Sweetest Thing We've Found – Chapter Two

Harry and Hermione waited for the large doors to open. The boat ride had been peaceful, since they had one all to themselves. They were huddled closely together, nervous and excited all at once. It was a bit strange to them to be entering their first time in school during nighttime, technically. But they then put it out of their mind, as they felt this magical life would be much better than their previous homes. They couldn't wait to learn about magic! To know what their bodies were capable of beyond normal human limits!

Now they were at the back of the group of first years, waiting to be admitted into the Hogwarts castle properly.

An elderly woman then opened the doors and said a thank you to the man in front of the kids. She said to enter. It took a bit, since the hoard of kids tried to get through the doors at once. The large guy then said for everyone not to rush. Harry and Hermione stood holding each other contentedly.

Once inside, the two immediately noticed the focal point of the entrance. Harry and Hermione looked at the grand staircase. It was long and headed straight up. It looked to be such a grand one for a mansion or something. It was that large. There were also multiple flames lit. Sconces holding them up were jutting out from the stone walls.

The woman led the gaggle of children down hallway after hallway, taking multiple twists and turns that were confusing. Hermione whispered to Harry that maybe there would be a map somewhere. He hoped she was right.

But at the start of another hallway there seemed to be ones that zig zagged and ones that went horizontal as well. Both Hermione and Harry paused while the rest of the people went on. Both their mouths dropped open, since they could see it from where they stood. Hermione and Harry kept looking up and up, following the multiple staircases with their eyes. The structures continued as far as their eyes could see.

Hermione supposed once a person got higher, they could see more of how many levels there were.

Harry marveled that they were moving. Seemingly on their own too. He looked around for a person casting spells. Nope. There was no one. So, they were moving all by themselves! Plus there was no dust or debris falling down either! Awesome!

Hermione wondered how much magic it took to move those big stone staircases. Not only that, but the sounds were verging on quiet and not deafening. She could spot multiple levels moving at once. Magic was amazing!

"Are you seeing this?"

"Yeah, I can't believe it."

They were both caught up in wonder, that they missed what was being said by the woman and future students. So much so they were almost left behind entirely, and rushed to where the last kid was turning the corner. All the while discussing their observations with each other. And while holding hands, of course.

The two quickly noticed children heading to tables. There were four very long ones that were assembled in the room. There were tall bay windows all along the walls, and many sconces with lit flames just like the hallways. Harry and Hermione went to the middle of the second table. Just as they were sitting down, the headmaster then clanked his glass lightly for attention. Harry turned in the direction of the podium but not before opening his legs, one dangling on each side. Hermione then settled in between them with her back to his chest. Harry then wrapped his arms around her stomach. They then both looked up at the headmaster.

"Good evening everyone. I trust you had no complications getting here. Welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I'm Professor Dumbledore. I hope you all have a wonderful time here. Now a few rules…"

After he explained them, he introduced all the teachers. And then finally the old wizard said a few more things.

Harry and Hermione tried their best to listen to the man as his speech went on. They paid attention to Dumbledore's name and the rest of the teachers at least. But for the rest of the speech, it was touch and go.

It was hard when he kept smelling her hair. Citrus once again filled his nose, and this time it made him think of oranges which made him think of food. Which ultimately made his stomach grumble with hunger. He heard his Hermione giggle softly, with him joining in too. This made Harry smile more. She had a lovely giggle. All her happy sounds were a joy for him to hear, honestly. It made him happy that she was in good spirits. Harry also loved the feel of her hair too. It wasn't dry or splitting, but moisturized and healthy. He wondered if she'd tell him the name brand or where she got it.

It was hard for her too, since she kept playing with his hands. It was pleasantly surprising since even though he wore no lotion, his hands still felt soft. They were warm too, with her rubbing them occasionally. She had a suspicion that since he was abused, he wasn't allowed outside much. Which meant no roughness on his hands. And as far as she could see, no scars or bruises on them either. Hermione was surprised but grateful nonetheless. Still, she had some lotion she bought in her suitcase that she'd offer to him to use if he wanted.

While this was going on, Dumbledore kept the pair in the corner of his sights. Not that this mattered or that they even noticed him, for they had tunnel vision when it came to each other. Now that was a sight for sore eyes, young love. Not a magical soul bond, but it might as well be with how the two feel about one another.

Soon he finished talking and then dinner was served.

After eating their fill, both Harry and Hermione felt very good about this school if the food was enough to go by. But their opinion soon changed as night progressed.

Their will was to be tested.

Harry and Hermione both stared at the two pairs of stairs leading to separate dormitories. The first led to the boy's side and the second led to the girl's side. For many students, there was no problem with this. But for the two who were all but bound together now, it was a feeling they didn't like and didn't want to deal with. Both Harry and Hermione felt like they were being ripped apart.

Clutching onto their special person, Harry and Hermione wished with all their might they didn't have to go and separate.

Hermione turned to Harry and engulfed him in a big hug. She launched at him with such force that they both rocked a bit, before getting hold of their footing just fine. Hermione guessed her and Harry couldn't go against the rules, as they were there for a reason. And she supposed they couldn't break them or else they'd get in trouble. No matter how much she wanted to.

Harry tried hard to mold himself to her. He didn't want to leave her at all. But it wouldn't look good for them to sleep in the same bed. There were gendered dorms for a reason. And he definitely didn't want Hermione to get in trouble for him.

"Good night, Harry. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Bet on it, Hermione. I'll try and be the first face in here."

Nodding, she quickly let go of his hand and rushed up the stairs, lest she change her mind and stay.

Harry watched her go, with a hollow feeling in his chest. He listlessly went up to his own dormitory.

She did her nighttime routine, but with no concentration or extra care. Just to be able to say in her own mind that she did them. After, she got in bed. She buried herself under the covers, trying to get adjusted. But she was unable to get comfortable, tossing and turning for almost an hour.

Barely able to brush his teeth and get changed into his pajamas, Harry sighed unhappily once again. It felt like his body was moving so slowly, like every limb took extra energy to move. Plus, he felt cold without Hermione cuddled up to him. But he also chalked that up to being in a castle with no running electricity.

As he got in bed, he still felt cold even as the heavy down comforter was tugged on top of him. He thought it was amazing. Having never experienced such pleasures before, he didn't know how he would adjust. But he would try his hardest. He now owned a full set of clothes that fit him! Even though it was just his uniform. Still, that made Harry happy.

Though he felt this way, it wasn't all encompassing. Harry still felt the emptiness that came from not being around Hermione. Try as he might to calm down and sleep, Harry was unable to.

Plus, it was kind of freaky with no light nearby. At the Dursley's household, there was the hall light that would be turned on when it was dark. So whenever one of the three would get up for a midnight snack or a glass of water, they would be able to see. Not that any Dursley ever allowed Harry out of his cupboard for anything at night (other than the restroom). Most times though, he would stare at the light coming through the crack into his tiny little room.

So being in totally darkness now was strange. He wished there were some light of some sort. But besides the fireplace, he didn't see where he could get any. It wasn't like he knew enough magic to light the torches. Or could even reach them, since he was small.

Come to think of it…

Maybe a fire could help ease his mind and help him relax, while he was Hermione-less.

Harry was up and out of bed in a flash, putting on socks and slippers before hurrying out of the large bedroom. Making sure to grab a pillow, just in case.

Down in the common room, Harry would have thought he would feel a little better now that he was on a couch next to the fire. But he didn't. So he sighed loudly. Well, at least his body was warmer…

Huffing softly, Hermione sat straight up. That's it! She had to get out. She lifted the comforter off her body and searched the floor next to her bed for her slippers. Tugging them on over her socks, she carefully made her way out of the sleeping chambers.

Hermione felt a little silly now. Harry would probably be asleep up in his dormitory by now. She took a moment to wonder if his bed was as comfortable as hers was. She hoped he liked it, if that were the case. As much as she thought hers was great, she couldn't sleep without him.

She sighed loudly, wringing her hair in her hands.

Suddenly Harry's head popped from over the back of the couch. Hermione's eyes widened with giddiness of seeing him once again.

"Harry!"

"Hermione!"

Using the cushion, he leapt up and over the couch he was lying on once he saw her (clearing it and the slim table behind it too). He was just thinking about her, when she appeared! A huge smile graced Harry's features and he rushed towards her. Reaching out his hands and arms, he scooped Hermione up in a big bear hug. Harry made a soft cooing sound that he breathed into her hair.

She eagerly embraced him back in a bone-crushing hug, repeating his name over and over.

The two were so close together. Harry slightly leaned forward and was dipping her, while Hermione leant backwards and into his arms. They were both at a slight angle, but neither really cared. She had no fears of falling (even though she felt only her tip-toes touching the floor through her slippers). Not when Harry held her so tightly.

"Oh Hermione, I'm so glad you're here!"

"Oh Harry, I've missed you!"

Harry backed up with further into the common room. He kept doing so until he felt the couch, then sat down on it with Hermione in his lap.

Hermione felt Harry's baggy clothes. Honestly, they didn't even look like they were made to fit him. They were far different from the winter pajama dress she was wearing (given by her parents, only because they didn't want to fall out of social graces with friends). And there was no warmth provided in the common room other than one fireplace.

"Harry? Are you alright wearing those? Are you cold?"

His eyes were like molten as he looked at her. His smile couldn't be stopped. But neither could hers, even if it shrank a little from her concern. But her eyes still shone with intensity. Like she was looking into his soul.

"I don't prefer them, to be honest. But I'm not cold anymore. I was when I got upstairs, but down here with you by the fire? Not a chance."

She smoothed down a wrinkle that appeared on the fabric.

"Good. I'm glad you're not chilly. But we should look into getting you some better pajamas."

New things that were just for him? What a miracle! No longer would he have to put up with hand-me-downs from a relative that he hated. Harry nodded his head rapidly, so appreciative of Hermione.

"Yeah, I'm ok with that. I can't wait!"

"Great! I promise we'll have fun too."

"Any moment with you is good for me, Hermione."

That earned him kisses on his nose, cheeks, and ears.

"Thank you, Harry! It's so wonderful to be here with you again."

He verbally agreed with her and hugged her tighter. Harry then tried to get them both comfortable by switching his position and having them lay down instead of sit. But then Hermione had an idea it seemed, since he saw her eyes light up again.

She kept her legs on his lap and twisted her upper body to the side so that she saw the back of the couch. There was a table with a stack of blankets on it. She pulled out a thick and fluffy one (seemed like fleece and faux sherpa). It seemed like it would nicely insolate her and Harry. Hermione managed to snag one, when she squeaked in surprise. She felt pressure on her skin through her pajama dress. Something that gently pushed the into her stomach before backing away.

She looked down at the boy who was now her everything.

Harry didn't look sorry at all. He smirked at her.

"I couldn't resist kissing your cute little tummy."

Hermione was blushing and smiling while she cocooned them inside the blanket (with the faux sherpa side facing inward). She admired the view of Harry and her being under the blanket together. She could feel the heat slowly coming off his body, with how close they were in their small space. Hermione felt much more content than she was earlier alone. She hoped that he was feeling better now, too.

She bit her lip before releasing it and smiling hugely.

"Oh don't worry. I liked it! I was just surprised. No one ever touches me so casually or frequently like you do."

At this, Harry was now concerned.

"Really? Not even your family?"

"No. They're more distant, if anything. They usually just ignore me most of the time. Except when we're around others. The only reason I have new clothes is because a friend of theirs was starting to ask questions."

Harry then held her tightly once again to his chest.

"I'm so sorry you've had to go through that. But don't worry! You'll never have to feel unwanted like that again. Not from me."

He waited a bit before asking a question for affirmation.

"Is it ok then? That I touch you?"

"Oh yes please, Harry! I love it when you do. Feel free to do so whenever you want."

"Great! You can touch me all you'd like too, Hermione. Your hands are so soft and wonderful."

Harry then held up both of hers and began kissing each finger. While he was doing that, she leaned forward a bit to pepper his face with kisses. Starting with his jaw then working her way up to his hairline. Placing her last one on the spot that had healed on the train.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Both their voices were so relaxed and happy. It helped them finally become tired and at peace enough to rest.

Harry and Hermione both wiggled and scooched on the sofa until they felt they were in solid positions for sleep. As well as putting a Harry's pillow under his head. Though it was big enough that she could share if she wanted to.

Hermione's head was laying in the crook of his neck, her body all stretched out on the rest of him. He was reveling in feeling all of her on his body this time. Unlike when he was on top of her on the train earlier. Having her on him was just as awesome! Harry noticed how her breathing slowed to an even rhythm and felt his own match hers after a heartbeat. But she was still awake due to her eyes being open.

Harry watched Hermione gently take off his glasses before putting them on a small table next to the arm of the sofa they were on. He thanked her for doing so.

After a while when they thought the other had drifted off to sleep, they pleasantly surprised each other by speaking.

"I'm so glad I came down here. Sweet dreams Harry."

"I am too. Nighty-night Hermione."

The kids didn't know it yet, but they were both thinking of saying those three big words to one another. But since the two of them were each nervous, they had decided to wait a bit before doing so. And Harry and Hermione reached an unconscious unknown agreement. They wanted to say the words when not falling asleep.

Sighing with happiness, Harry and Hermione both drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

If Hermione could wake up to this sight, she'd be the most happiest person on the planet. Harry was so cute when he was waking up! His eyesight was blurry, but quickly zeroing in on her thanks to the glasses he just slipped on. Both eyes up instantly. She chuckled and smiled brightly.

She began rubbing his ears with her sleep-warm hands. She felt his body shudder in delight. Both her and Harry were still bundled up in the thick blanket while still in the same position they were in last night. Hermione felt her body was still relaxed and that had she had her full weight on him. But it looked like he still didn't mind, so she planned to stay there.

"Good morning, handsome."

"Right back at you, beautiful."

Hermione felt her heart skip a beat in her chest. She could feel it inside her. She had to let it out. Heck if it was too soon. She couldn't help her feelings nor did she want to. She was sure about this, about Harry.

"Harry?"

"Yeah?"

Hermione tried to think. She always liked plans and tried to forge one now. But her mind kept on repeating one phrase over and over. So for the first time in her life, she spoke from her heart and did not rely on anything else.

"I love you."

She felt him stop breathing and his body become still.

Harry felt his eyes become large.

What did she say? What? She said what?

She loved him?

His heart sped up before he took a deep breath. He still couldn't respond, shocked within an inch of his life. He kept staring into her eyes. They kept on shining, just for him.

As he prolonged the silence, he started to think. Here was this incredible girl and she said she loved him. He wanted to respond back. He wanted to more than anything!

Hermione was feeling antsier by the minute. She leant her forehead on top of Harry's.

"Sweetie? Are you ok?"

Was he? He felt a mixture of emotions.

"Was it too soon?"

This got him to talk, finally.

"No, I'm ok. Better than that. You really love me?"

"Of course. I know it's only been since yesterday that we've met but I'm confident this is how I feel about you."

Harry's lip wavered a bit, and he cleared his throat.

"Oh thank God, I was scared I was the only one. I love you too. I care about you so much already."

Hermione let out a pretty little high-pitched squeal, shaking her tiny fists in front of her chest. She then dove down and hugged him fiercely. Able to get her hands under him and around the back of his neck.

Leaning back from his face, her eyes locked with his. To Harry, she was so adorable. He felt himself bending up at his waist until he could reach her.

Harry and Hermione's lips met in a tender kiss.

They both gasped but didn't part. Not closing their eyes, Harry and Hermione stared at each other.

"Hermione?"

She kept her head pointing down a bit, not looking him in the eyes. Though he could see her cheeks turn red like a cherry. She then hurried and mushed her face into his chest. He heard her hum and squeak in his chest.

That wasn't what Harry expected.

"Are you ok? Did we do it right? I don't really have much to go off of, considering the one time I saw the Dursley's kiss and they yelled at me to go back to my cupboard…"

"Oh, Harry. I'm more than alright. That was my first kiss, which I am kind of am surprised I kissed you like that. I didn't know I had it in me to be honest!"

Her honey eyes looked into his turquoise ones.

"But are you ok, Harry? You don't need to think of that, I'm sorry. Don't worry. I'll help you create better memories that involve kissing than the one you saw. I'll do my best to help your life become one filled with joy and love!"

Harry's heart pounded. He leaned in with his lips puckered and kissed her again.

"Thank you so much, Hermione. That'll be wonderful. I don't deserve you."

"Yes you do, Harry. You are worthy of all of me, just as I am of you. Your heart is so pure. I can't wait to experience life with you."

"Me too, Hermione. You are so incredible. I'm so happy to go through life with you as well."

They basked in their special glow together.

"Hermione?"

"Hmm?"

"Will you go out with me?"

"Yes I'd love to be your girlfriend, Harry!"

"Awesome! I'll be the best boyfriend, I promise!"

Hermione then shifted off of him, to his confusion.

"Come on, love. We should get ready for the day. I'll hurry and we can meet down here afterwards. Sound good?"

"Yeah."

This time their separation was manageable. Or at least, they rushed everything and didn't think about it too much. For both were focused on doing their every bit of their routines as fast as possible, in order to finish and see each other again.

Harry and Hermione landed in the common room at the same time, both with the supplies they needed for their first day of school. They headed out hand in hand.

Three weeks passed by. Days filled with their newfound love for each other. Harry and Hermione were as happy as ever. They set a new routine of falling asleep together and waking up the same way. Saying 'I love you' every chance they got (neither minding that they talked about it more than any other topic at school).

That didn't mean they didn't try in class. Both were trying their best to succeed. But the magical-born kids seemed to have a leg up and could perform better than they themselves could. Harry and Hermione noticed it as time went on. Though they didn't let that fact get them down.

As they weren't aiming for the top spots in their classes, Harry and Hermione's methods were trying to have a lot of fun along the way and to not take it too seriously. Currently, in their charms class, Harry and Hermione were behind other kids. But it didn't much matter to them. They kept trying to get the new levitation spell down regardless.

Harry was first to get the spell right. It was on a Monday of the third week. Both celebrated his success for the rest of the day.

Finally at the end of class on Friday the same week, Hermione was able to get it! She squeaked and crushed Harry in a hug, who held her just as tight. None of the other students noticed, as the last few kids headed out the doorway. And so did the tiny white-haired professor.

"Harry, I did it!"

Her boyfriend couldn't contain himself. Hermione squealed with happiness and surprise as he picked her up. Twirling around and around until both children got dizzy. Harry set her down before kissing her. As they parted, they were still smiling.

He gave her a thumbs up and a huge smile.

"Way to go, Hermione! I'm so proud of you!"

She wiggled and threw her arms up in the air.

"Yes!"

She then started doing a victory dance. Harry joined her. Both laughed to their hearts content, ending up needing to take a breather and sit down on the two-person seats at the desk they claimed as theirs. They held hands through it.

"So how did it feel for you, Hermione?"

"It was strange at first. I think the reason I've had trouble up until now was the wand felt disconnected to me. Like I wasn't imagining it connected to my magic, and was trying to force it through. But I've been thinking about what you told me earlier this week. How you should try and see the wand as an extension of yourself, like a hand for example."

Hermione kissed Harry. Separating, she tried to express her gratitude.

"Thank you for the advice, Harry."

"I'm glad it worked. Even though we're new to magic, that's how I see it. Plus, intent too. Anything else that you remember?"

Hermione tapped her chin with a finger.

"Well, practice sure has helped. Hmm what else? Oh and saying the incantation helped the magic become smoother. As opposed to the choppiness of me trying before. I'm wondering something though."

"What's that, love?"

"Does saying the proper words help your magic become smoother like it does for me?"

Harry thought on this for a moment.

"Well, yes and no. It helps to know what stuff is called. Sort of like the final step in a recipe or a interchangeable ingredient. I was able to do the spell alright, without the words. I think I'm able to do it easier if I don't get bogged down with all the technicality though."

Hermione clapped her hands together.

"Ooh! That's brilliant, Harry! Even though I myself like that aspect of learning, I think you're a different type of learner! I'm so glad you know that about yourself!"

"Yeah. It helps to practice a lot, I guess. Even though we're still behind, I feel like we've done great so far. With getting down our first spell and all."

"I feel the same! We've done good for ourselves, especially for being first years at doing magic. And don't worry. The teachers here seem like they're going by the book, so they won't deviate from any spells we need to learn. And as long as we turn in good essays and do good on both the practical and technical parts, we'll still pass all our classes."

Harry was so grateful to have a girlfriend like Hermione. She could tell what he was worried about. He leaned in a hugged her.

They then got up and gathered their belongings before leaving the empty classroom.

They walked until they came to the changing staircases. Both focused on other things, the two kids forgot about one very important detail about the stone steps.

Hermione was rambling her thoughts on the book they skimmed during the start of class when the teacher told them to take notes on theory (before changing topics and doing practical charm work). And how in two weeks from now – during their fifth week – they'd turn in their first essay. Plus she put Harry's fears to rest about how hard it would be (he had been imagining high school or college level standards).

Harry was so happy, seeing Hermione excited.

His mouth came forward and kissed her lips again. Being careful as always, to not graze her with his glasses. He was already addicted, ever since their first one together. Even though this kiss (like all the others) was brilliant to Harry, he failed to notice what she was starting to do just a minute before. Which was try to levitate her books into her bag.

Nonetheless, Hermione gave her all kissing Harry. She forgot about everything else.

They were so into it, that they both didn't even notice their bags drop to the floor as their arms came to wrap around each other.

After separating, Hermione gasped as she saw two of her books not in her bag but on the stairs in front of them. Harry heard the last one fall and land on the ground. Wincing, he looked behind his shoulder.

He was worried. He knew how much she liked to read, and that she would get worried without them. There were only three but still…

He bit his lip and looked at her, trying to convey his sorriness. What if she got mad at him? Harry didn't think he could handle if Hermione did that.

"Oh man, Hermione. I'm sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!"

She shook her head, smiling. Hermione's voice was gentle as always so far when she talked to Harry.

"It's alright, Harry."

Harry felt calmer and less worried. But still, he felt like he should help fix it.

"Don't worry, Hermione. I'll get them for you."

He took off up the stairs in front of the two of them, picking up each textbook as he went. One was on the fourth step, and the other was balancing precariously on the last step (ten more steps up). He could hear the gratitude in her voice behind him, sounding a mite distracted.

He couldn't see but she was already looking at the mess on the floor.

"Alright, Harry thank you! I'll be right there, just let me get the rest of my things."

Hermione grabbed her satchel she had dropped. Stuffing her things into it, she stood up with it. Only to gasp in shock when she heard a loud rip.

She looked at her ruined bag and let out a disgruntled sound. An ink pot had fallen and sprung open, and two quills lay near it. There was another text lying on the ground near her feet, while the rest were still in her bag (though why they hadn't fallen out as well, was a mystery to her). Finally, there was her class schedule lying on top of her book, it barely making contact with the ground.

Really, was it too much to expect for the satchel bag to reasonably hold all her books? She would've thought being infused with magic helped with the weight it could store in it.

Her heart pounded with fear as she then heard Harry yell to her in a surprised and slightly panicked tone. Never what she wanted to hear from him.

As she sought him, all thoughts flew from her mind. She was frozen in her crouched position. Never noticing her bag once again fell from her hands.

Harry was standing on the stairs, trapped on them. The only way off them (the steps that he could keep going up) was now connected to the other side near the exit door, with the previous end now cut off from her side.

Harry saw Hermione start to cry. No no no no! She was suffering! Harry felt his heart pounding with anxiety and adrenaline and stress of his own. He had to get back to her! He called out to her once again, raising his voice a tiny bit so it could carry over to her. And so she could also focus on him and not her fear, hopefully.

"Sweetheart, can you do something for me?"

Hermione meekly answered back, trying to be brave even though she was scared. She rose to stand up.

"Uh-huh."

"Can you step back and to the side?"

Hermione's tears flowed faster. She closed her eyes and shook her head no.

"I can't, Harry! I don't want to be farther from you! I'm not strong enough."

Her small body trembled a bit. Her voice cracked a bit at the end, breaking with the overwhelming emotions she was experiencing.

Harry felt his heart ache from the fear and longing he imagined Hermione feeling. But then he shook his head, as he thought about something she said. He knew that she was strong. He too didn't want to be away from her even more, but for his plan to work she needed to do it.

"I know you, Hermione. You are strong. You're my brave girl. Such a good girl, Hermione."

Seconds were passing and Harry still felt no movement from the stair he was on. Time to speed this up. He tried to keep his voice encouraging as he spoke.

"Can you take some deep breaths and step back a couple steps, for me? I promise I'll get to you. I'll be there in a flash."

Confused but doing as he said, she backed up and took two deep breaths. Telling herself that everything would be back to normal soon. She wouldn't believe anything else.

"Is it moving, Harry?"

"No but it'll be alright, Hermione."

The two kept eye contact the entire time.

One…

Harry ran, using all of the stone he was able to, even up until the last section that his shoes could touch. He leapt off the last stair, feeling himself become airborne. It would be a mighty shame if he miscalculated and ended up plummeting straight down. Because he and Hermione were already multiple flights up and it would seriously injure him. Or flat out kill him.

He barely even gave that train of thought any time to hatch though.

Two…

Harry was halfway there. He could see Hermione, as he was getting nearer and nearer. The shock turned into fear for him, as her fingers made indents in her beautiful cheeks.

Three!

Harry crashed into Hermione's embrace, which she only had a second to open her arms for. But she did so, and he landed there. His feet skidding a bit on the stone, sending them both backwards a bit. But not into the wall, as Harry's hand shot out steadying the two of them.

Both were breathing hard as if they ran a marathon.

It took just a second for Hermione to process what just occurred. As soon as she did however, she began running her hands all over Harry. He stood there letting her do as she wanted, his own arms surrounding her like a vice. Once Hermione was finished with her assessment, she squeezed him tightly.

Their standing soon turned into Hermione sitting on her butt and Harry kneeling on his knees between her legs. He could feel her shakes passing through into his own body.

Hermione couldn't talk currently. For all she was able to do was let out loud wails. Her voice echoed in the empty part of the castle they were at. She couldn't help herself, and her actions didn't even register in her mind. All her stress, fears, and relief (that was growing slowly now) manifested and was let out all at once.

This set Harry off and now he too began wailing. Things could've gone horribly wrong! He could've died! Then Hermione would be all alone in the world! He felt snot begin to drip out of his nose.

It was a while before either of them could form sentences of coherency. Their little chests filled with heat, both from stress and their love for each other.

"Please don't ever leave me, Harry. I couldn't bear that."

Her voice came out warbly, since her throat now felt clogged and mucus-slicked because she was bawling.

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I promise I'll never leave you. I won't."

Harry kept speaking into the side of her head, simultaneously trying to mold his face into her fluffy hair. This only made breathing harder (especially with a leaky nose), but he didn't care. He felt his own tears fall into her strands, but couldn't get himself to stop. His thoughts were muddled, and all he could do was try and feel Hermione.

"Oh my. Dear children, what happened here?"

A kind yet sad and concerned voice sounded behind the pair. Not that anything broke though the noises. So Albus walked until he was in their line of sight.

Harry was the first to spot him. The action caused Harry to jolt and jump in place a bit, and Hermione to burrow into him further. Harry and Hermione shook and looked up to see the Headmaster standing there. The old man came closer and crouched down before the pair. The kid's wails simultaneously pitched even higher. Now he was going to separate them both in two different detentions for causing a disturbance and being late for their next class!

"Come, let's get you both to Madam Pomfrey."

With his wand, the wizard casted magic at them and lifted their bodies into the air while standing up.

Albus waved his wand again and their bags and rest of their school supplies were under the same spell too. Nodding to himself, he looked at the two and proceeded to walk to the medical wing.