The morning came to find Harry in bed by himself. Hermione had gone in to work, but not before leaving him a plate of breakfast on the bedside table. Harry smiled and thought of how to return the favor.
That evening when she got back, Hermione saw that Harry looked dressed to go out.
"Going somewhere?" she asked.
"Not without you," he replied. Then he playfully covered her eyes. "Come with me," he said and walked behind her to the bathroom.
"Harry, what are you doing?" she giggled.
Then, she noticed a most pleasant fragrance. He uncovered her eyes and her mouth fell open. The bathroom had candles at the corners of the tub and there was already a bubble bath drawn. The whole room smelled like a florist shop and had a soft, warm glow.
"I put a charm on the water so that it wouldn't get cold and the bubbles wouldn't pop," he said timidly.
"Thanks! It looks wonderful. I haven't had a bubble bath in a while," she said and dipped her hand in the bubbles. "I'll just get my clothes ready."
"Well, I'll leave you to it and see you when you're through. Take your time," he said and went to wait for her in the living room.
He was just beginning to wish that he hadn't told her to take her time when the door opened. Hermione came out and Harry found that the wait had been worth it. She was wearing a pretty midnight blue dress and her hair was down in silky smooth waves. He wasn't sure what she'd done with her makeup, but she looked stunning.
"Wow," he said.
Hermione giggled. "Ready to go?" she asked.
"Umm…yeah sure."
They had the best time ever, conversing and laughing as they enjoyed their food. When it was all over and they were back at Harry's place, they were still in high spirits. Once they were both changed for bed, Harry let her pick a DVD out of his collection and made popcorn. As they had done the night before, they just lazed around on the sofa together. They had just gotten comfortable; Hermione was propped up on her elbow in Harry's lap, when Hedwig came flying through the window at bullet speed, landed on the edge of the popcorn bowl that was on the coffee table, and helped herself. Harry jumped and Hermione laughed so hard that she nearly rolled off his lap.
"Hedwig!" Harry shouted in surprise.
"Oh, Harry, give her a break. How often does she get treated to popcorn?" she said giggling and reached out to pat the owl. Hedwig looked like she was enjoying the attention.
"I think she knows your animagus is a bird," he chuckled.
"Probably," Hermione answered, "She's a smart girl. Aren't you, Hedwig?"
The three of them enjoyed themselves until the movie was over. Harry realized that it didn't really matter what he was doing anyway as long as Hermione was there with him.
"Ready to go to bed?" Hermione asked, "It's getting late."
Harry felt his heart do flip-flops. "I suppose so," he answered.
She got up and took his hand. Good grief, was this an invitation for him to stay with her again? He decided he'd soon find out. Indeed, she did hold his hand all the way to the bedroom and left a place for him as she climbed in under the covers. It still took a second for it all to register with him. When Hermione patted the spot next to her, though, there could be no mistake. She wanted him to stay.
-->