February 13th, the day before the St. Valentines day ball. This is two weeks after chapter 2 and one year before chapter 1.
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"Where are we going Harry?"
"Shh, someplace special." He continued pulling her along as they climbed yet more stairs.
The last two weeks had been very different with Harry. Now they walked together everywhere holding hands. That simple act still amazed her, she had hoped for so long for that contact. After the first few days of being hounded by the entire student body everything had almost settled back down again. They were frequently seen holding hands, walking arm-in-arm, or hugging. No one had yet caught them snogging, and actually they had not yet kissed. She had at first thought that was strange but then recalled that Harry's first kiss had been rather traumatizing. Once again she was waiting for him to make the next move, content in the affection he now openly displayed.
They had stopped walking; she looked around and recognized the seventh floor corridor where the Room of Requirement was located. She was about to ask again when Ron's whispering voice came out of nowhere.
"What took you so long?" His head appeared in mid-air. He was apparently wearing Harry's invisibility cloak.
"Sorry Ron, she took some convincing when I wouldn't tell her where we were going." Harry whispered back. "Anyone around?"
Ron looked down quickly, apparently at the Marauders map. "Naw, Filch is chasing Peeves on the first floor and Mrs. Norris is in the dungeons. Get on with it, Harry"
"What's going on?" She whispered.
Harry turned to her, smiling, "you'll find out in a minute. You trust me don't you?"
"Harry, you know I do, I am just curious." She bit her lower lip to keep from asking again.
Harry started pacing in front of the Room of Requirement, thinking of whatever he wanted the room for. Ron winked at Hermione and covered his face with the Invisibility cloak. She thought she saw him blushing, what would Ron be blushing for? Just what had Harry planned?
Soon the door appeared and Harry quickly opened it and glanced inside. Apparently he was checking it before allowing her to see. He grinned broadly and whispered "perfect."
When he opened the door she gasped at the sight. "Harry, it's beautiful."
He came over to her and took her delicate hand in his "Not as beautiful as you!" She blushed as he pulled her into the room, calling out to Ron "Try and stay awake mate."
She heard Ron whisper "Got it mate." As the door closed, it looked like a door into a bungalow.
She turned around to admire the scene Harry had wished for. It was a beautiful beach scene, sunset was just happening, sending a bright red glow over the palm trees and sand. The sound of the waves crashing onto the beach was mesmerizing. Harry was kneeling and trying to lift her leg, she suddenly realized he was barefoot and was trying to help her with her shoes too. She quickly lifted her foot and he removed her shoe and stocking, and then repeated it for the other foot. When he stood he once again took her hand and pulled her towards the beach. She finally found her voice "When did you learn that the Room of Requirement could do an ocean Harry?"
He looked at her and grinned sheepishly "Just now actually."
"Oh" and with that they both laughed quietly, neither wanting to disturb the tranquil scene. They walked down to the beach and with their arms around each other's waists walked along the shore. "This is very nice Harry, thanks." She hugged him with her arm around his waist as they walked. He was working himself up to something he needed to say so she just tried to be encouraging and remind him she was there for him, whatever it was about. She leaned her head onto his shoulder.
He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Well you see I don't think I have been showing you how much I love you Hermione. I mean I know we should have probably kissed by now and all…"
"Harry, I feel your love for me in everything you do, like carrying my books and walking me to class, or just helping me take my shoes off. I know what you have been through; I wish I could take it all away and make your life happy."
"You do, when I am with you like this I can forget about all my troubles and just concentrate on you. I want to make it official Hermione, will you be my girl?"
"Of course Harry, I always have been."
He let out the breath he hadn't realized he was holding and sounded very relieved when he spoke. "Whew, I was so worried you would be upset or something."
She stopped walking and turned to face him. "Harry, I understand you are unsure how to treat me as your girlfriend. Honestly there is nothing you could say or do, that would ever make me want to leave you. There is nothing that will keep me from your side because I know you love me as much as I love you. Just be honest with me and tell me what you feel."
"I could never lie to you; I just find it hard to talk about how I feel, even with you."
"Ok, now tell me why Ron is guarding the door?"
"Oh, well I told him I wanted to be alone and undisturbed with you for two hours, I think he drew his own conclusions though."
She raised her eyebrow at that "And just what does he think we are doing?" She teased.
Now it was Harry's turn to be embarrassed. "Well um, he thinks were going to shag actually, he is planning on stunning anyone who tries to open the door." He looked away from her but she turned his head back and smiled before she spoke.
"What did I just say Harry, there is nothing you could say or do, that would drive me from you. If you want to shag, kiss, or just sit and watch the ocean it's alright with me." She hugged him tightly to reassure him he returned the hug crushing her tightly to him.
"It's not that I don't want to, I just don't feel comfortable with that yet."
"Alright, how about a kiss then?"
"You're not crying are you?"
"Nope" she giggled "all dry here."
"Oh, good" and he also laughed briefly before they both became serious.
She wrapped her arms around his neck then pulled him down and quickly kissed him on the lips. Just a peck, but that little taste gave Harry the courage to bring his lips back to hers. They kissed very slowly, each unused to the sensation, learning from each other. Finally they pulled apart smiling. "Well was that alright?"
"I can't believe two kisses could be so different."
"I'll take that as a yes then" once again she giggled.
"Oh, yes definitely." He pulled her back to him and they kissed deeply while the sun finally set.
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A/N Once again I'm between chapters on Summer so here is another installment of Secret. Just waiting for my second Beta to finish the chapter of Summer before I post it. Unlike Summer, I am trying to be G rated here and let them gradually work into their relationship. Chapter 20 for Summer of Despair and Hope should be up this weekend. As always I hope you enjoyed the fluff
Gol