Long Time Coming

Lady_Ivy

Rating: PG
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 30/09/2004
Last Updated: 10/10/2004
Status: completed

My response to the Impatience and frustration challenge on Portkey. (One Shot) Harry and Hermione finally confessed their feelings for each other, and are about to share that wonderful first kiss when...

Chapters

1. Long Time Coming

1. Long Time Coming

This is my response to the “Impatience and Frustration” Challenge on Portkey http://talk.portkey.org/index.php?showtopic=10902

This is the first story I've ever posted here so if you have the time, review!

Challenge Requirements

Harry and Hermione finally confess their love for each other and about to seal it with their first kiss, until that moment was ruined when someone walks in on them. A month passes and they still have yet to make that first sweet kiss. They are always interrupted by someone, be it Dumbledore calling Harry, Ron bugging Harry for more quidditch practice, students unknowingly disturbing them, and other whatnots. It's as if the entirety of Hogwarts conspired against them. How long can Harry and Hermione take this? Will they finally lose it and snog at the great hall, perhaps during class, or after a quidditch match? You decide.

Requirements:

1. Takes place in the span of a month.

2. The 'kiss' should be big, the climax of 1 month of waiting. It should be the centrepiece of the story.

It's Fluff. Serious fluff.

Disclaimer. No, I don't own the characters, they belong to JKR. No copyrights infringement intended. (Translation: Don't sue me, I have no money)

Long Time Coming.

This is it.

He repeated the short mantra to himself as he looked around for her. Long time coming, oh yes it was.

As he neared the library, he felt is breath begin to quicken, he was now so close, he could feel her presence.

And surely, as he entered the place, he could see a head with bushy brown hair working among several books and pieces of parchment. So, taking a deep breath he made his way towards her. As he became closer to her he could hear clearly the sound of a quill furiously scratching a piece of parchment and her lips soundlessly mouthing the word hat without a doubt were the ones on the parchment. So, not wanting to interrupt her, he just sat quietly next to her and waited for her to acknowledge his presence, as well as for him to gather his courage.

Now came the tricky part, to tell her of the reason he had come to the library to look for her.

But how did you get around to that subject?

So, how was your day? Seems like lots of homework, huh?... yes, I'm in love with you… yes, that wouldn't cut it.

Suddenly Hermione's quill fell from her fingers and a flustered Hermione looked up tp where he was seating.

Silence… and staring…Lots of staring.

“Uh… I…”

“Time go back to your common rooms, children” Madam Pince “it's late!”

Mentally cursing everything, Harry sighed “well, never mind then”

Frowning at his tongue tied friend she asked “are you alright Harry? You can tell me anything, you know?”

“I know…” he said as he helped her gather her belongings “so…shall we go?”

Visibly frustrated, she nodded her agreement, and they left the library, walking in silence side by side.

She was the one to break the silence “Harry?”

“Yes?”

“I know you didn't come to the library just to walk me to the common room” she said, and waited for his answer. After not hearing anything, she continued “Are you going to make get it out from you? Because I can, you know?”

He sighed and the look he gave Hermione made her heart begin to race “you're right” he said turned around to face her “I need to talk to you” he said, looking quite flushed.

Hermione's heart thumped wildly against her ribcage. Could it be?

They stopped walking in the hallway, and after taking a deep breath, Harry began “Hermione…er you see…” He was fidgeting nervously and she was beginning to get impatient

Just say it. Her mind screamed at him, because she needed to know now, specially after seeing him like that.

“You know we have been friends for so many years and …” He glanced at her and it was clear now. “I'm…” he was interrupted when she pushed him to the side of the hallway just before a bottle of ink landed where they had been just talking.
Two extremely annoyed voices cried at the same time “Peeves!”

-*--

The laughter of Peeves was heard approaching them, so quickly Harry stood up from his spot on the floor and both he and Hermione made his way to other corridor as quickly as they could, so Peeves would leave them be.

“Are you alright” Harry asked as they began walking to the common room again.
“Yes” Hermione said quietly “are you?”

Harry nodded, and they continued to walk in silence. He knew she was waiting for him to say something, to continue what they were talking, but he just couldn't find a way how, he had become so tongue tied he didn't think he would be able to speak coherently.

The silence surrounding them became unbearable with every step they took. In fact, those steps were the only thing that sounded, along with some sighs from both of them, and a few times that Harry cleared his throat attempting to speak, but didn't say a thing.

The common room was closer and closer now, and no word had been exchanged between the pair since their run in with Peeves, so Hermione stopped and said “Well, I think we're safe from Peeves around here” She turned to Harry expectantly, waiting for him to get her point.

He did, taking a deep breath he answered “I guess you're right” Harry looked around “Well… The thing is Hermione…” he looked at her and couldn't help the tiny smile that came to his face when he saw her, biting her lip nervously, waiting for his words, giving him a small assurance on what he was about to do “…what I was trying to say is that…I'm in love with you Hermione” he looked at his feet, which seemed to have a life of their own “and I don't know if you feel the same, but I just wanted you to know…” he ran a hand through his hair and looked up to her, waiting for the inevitable rejection.

He suddenly was smothered with brown hair as Hermione threw his arms around his neck “oh Harry” She exclaimed smiling happily “I never thought you'd say that… and to me!” She let go of him just enough so she could face him “I'm in love with you too Harry Potter”

I'm in love with you too, Harry Potter. He could not thing of words more beautiful than those. I'm in love with you too Harry Potter. His smile grew broadly as he was closer to the girl he dreamed of than he ever thought he would. His hand cupped her face and she leaned into his caress, and he leaned towards her, as what they expected for so long was about to became a reality.

“What is going on here?!” The couple jumped apart “what are you to children doing out of your rooms at this time” Filch glared at them “Planning something perhaps? Pranks?” Mrs. Norris meowed loudly next to her owner. And Filch squinted his eyes at the couple “you sure look guilty to me…”

Harry spoke “we came this way because Peeves was on the other hallway” He began explaining.

“Yes, he threw a bottle of ink at us, so we took this way” Hermione added for him.

Filch was about to say something when Peeves was heard not far away, and the two Griffindorfs looked at Filch like saying “See?” Filch expression changed to sad, because it seemed like Harry and Hermione had a solid story.

“Fine, go to your common room, don't go anywhere, I'm watching you!” Ficlh said and dismissed them with a wave of his hand, watching as they told the password to the portrait lady and entered the room, only then he turned his attention to his other problem “Peeves!!” he yelled at the Poltergeist who was laughing as he created chaos, as always.

The common room was full of people and the conversations and everything else that normally was entertaining, today was completely annoying to two people who had just walked in, and were expecting it to empty, so they could… talk.

“Hiya Harry! Hermione!” Ron's voice greeted them “Where were you?”

“Library” an obfuscated Harry answered. Ron looked at him funny but didn't say a word.
They sat on the sofas on the room, waiting in vane for everyone to clear the room, but it seemed that no one wanted to go to bed.

Hermione was getting testy, already having gone off on a class mate who had innocently asked a fact about some homework they had. The poor girl had walked away not knowing just what had happened.

“I'm going to bed” She announced and, after getting her belongings, she went to the girls dormitories.

Harry sighed as he watched her go, this wasn't exactly working out as he expected it would. If things had gone his way, he'd be with Hermione right now, probably snogging or something of the likes. And she would not be that mad.

“What is wrong with her?” Ron asked, “did she get a bad mark?”

The sound that left Harry's mouth was much close to a growl than an actual word and he stood up “I'm going to bed” he echoed Hermione's word from earlier and began walking. After changing into his pyjamas he jumped into bed, only to discover, he was not sleepy at all.

He could still hear faintly the noise downstairs, and how when he realized that the common room was slowly vacating, he made decided to pretend he was asleep, as to avoid any questioning about his and Hermione's behavior earlier.

With his eyes closed, he listened as his roommates got ready for bed. He felt that Ron moved the drapes on his bed, as if to check on him, and after thinking he was probably asleep turned away.
Once everything in the room was quiet once more, Harry was able to stop pretending to be asleep.

He was moody now, of course he was, and seeing Hermione stalk off to the girls rooms earlier didn't help at all. She certainly looked upset, he would even dare to say mad at….

A thought lightened up his mood. She was not mad at him… she was mad at the…well, situation. She loved him too! A smile grazed his face. It was alright, he'll see her in the morning and everything would be right in the world.

--It seemed that Harry was right, Hermione only appeared by the Great Hall when the students ere getting ready to leave for their classes, so all she managed to get was a Toast before they had to hurry to their class.

Harry did everything he could to try and listen to McGonagall's lesson, but he couldn't focus, at he just kept stealing glances of his brown haired best friend. As always she seemed to be quite concentrated looking straight ahead. He began to go through the day's classes mentally as he looked for a small space of time so he could talk to Hermione.

But soon the class ended, and then the other, and the other… and still no Harry/Hermione quality time.

As he and Ron walked over to the Common room, Harry was quiet, as he knew he'd be facing Hermione once more. Would they be finally alone?

He told the password and his heart began to beat rapidly as he entered the Common room.
But she wasn't there.

Harry hid his disappointment as fast as he could, but apparently that was not fast enough. “Are you alright mate?” Harry turned to see Ron's questioning gaze staring right at him.

Harry tried his best to look innocent “Yes, of course I am, why wouldn't I be alright”

“Alright then” Ron said “I'm just going to go this way…” He walked away facing Harry, with a look the clearly said “backing away from the crazy now”

Harry sighed as he let himself fall on an available chair; nothing had gone his way at all for the whole day.

Inside the girl's room Hermione was having quite doing her best job explaining a few charms to Ginny.

“Well… and this one will prevent this morning accident from happening again” Hermione looked at Ginny “and I don't understand why you didn't take that” She looked at the feminine toiletry on the redhead's hand.

Ginny shook her head “No offence, but unlike my dad I don't really feel that much for most muggle objects” She dropped the pad on the bed “I don't see how that would possible work” she turned to Hermione “do you use them since you found those charms?” After Hermione's negative nod “Thought so”

Hermione sat on the bed “But if I hadn't been on the room, then you would have had to use them, now don't you”

“well, yes, but I heard you in the common room with…” Ginny's eyes widened “Ooh”

Hermione Looked at Ginny, silently asking what was that “Ooh” and glancing at the door. She could go downstairs; Harry would be there, no doubt about it, but… Things were still so unresolved, and she honestly didn't know just what was happening now, and if there was something Hermione Granger completely loathed, was not knowing what to do, it made her feel completely helpless.

And helpless lead to insecure, and insecure…. It was better not going in that path.

It would be a lie for Hermione to say that she was paying attention today at class. Well, she was in fact doing her work, and answering, but it had almost an automated response from her. In reality, she had spent her entire day thinking up what ifs worst case scenarios.

What if he doesn't want to kiss me?
What if he regrets what happened?
What if…

Hermione was so lost in thoughts that she didn't quite notice when Ginny left the room, giving her a sympathetic look. She could see what her friend seemed to be going through. For a girl so in control, falling in love had to be the most frightening experience. And looking at Hermione, it was clear the girl was terrified.

Especially falling in love with the “Boy-who-lived”

And especially since the “Boy-who-lived” was her best friend.

Hermione didn't know when or how it happened, when was the exact moment she stopped seeing Harry as a friend, but as something deeper.

Was it the time she couldn't stop smiling after seeing him so happy after a quiditch match?
Or maybe it was when he was just goofing around one day she was so cranky, with the only purpose of making her smile.

Or maybe she had fallen the minute she met him on that train, and it took her this long to realize.

What she did know, was that she had fallen helplessly in love with Harry Potter, and that it scared her to see how one boy could change her view on life.

--

Hermione had not slept at all that night. Overanalyzing does have some down point, and lack of sleep was certainly one of them.

Seeing the disheveled girl walking down the stairs was a clear sign to everybody, to just stay out of the way.

Harry was already at the great hall, having breakfast with Ron when Hermione appeared. He still hadn't told Ron about what had been happening with Hermione, and he also just could not understand for the life of him why Ginny was grinning like a mad woman.

“Merlin, what happened to you?” Ron unfortunate question only produced a glare from the brown haired girl. “What?! Well, you do look…”

Ron's word were cut off by Ginny “Aanyway, it's a lovely day, now isn't it?”

Harry looked at the redhead siblings with a confused look on his face . What was going on?

When Hermione entered the room, he could not help but smile, but was taken aback by the look on her face. Did something happen to her?

As the trio walked silently to their next class, Harry couldn't help but think about Hermione, her expression was frankly… unreadable, and despite Ron's nervous attempt to lift the mood, nothing happened.

Soon they reached the dungeon, for their next class, Potions. Harry sighed, as if not knowing what was happening to Hermione wasn't bad enough, he now had to endure two hours of endless ribbing by Snape.

Dee-lightful.

As soon as they arrived they settled on their accustomed placed, surrounded by everybody's friendly banter.

The loud sound of the door slamming close, alerted everyone that the Potion Master had arrived, and immediately the classroom was completely quiet.

“Today” Snape began 2we're going to brew a potion called Flightus” he looked around the class before continuing “could anyone tell me the effects?” No one even bothered to do anything, as Hermione's hand shot up almost like a reflex “Yes Miss Granger”

“It's used mostly to make thing as light as a feather”

Snape had what could only been called as a smile on his face as he said “Actually Miss Granger…. That is wrong” a Common gasp was heard in the room, “You are describing the Fetherum potion”

Hermione eyes were huge as she realized of her mistake. Snape gad an amused grin as he continued “This potion is used to make you fly at your own will, without the aid of a broom, and you can control it freely, alright Miss Granger?” A few snickers were heard from the area where the slytherins were sitting.

Hermione was still in somewhat of a shock, so it was not clear whether she heard Snape's last comment.

Harry looked at her, and touched her hand trying to comfort her as best as he could, without making Snape aware of it, as he went on about the instructions.

Unfortunately, he did “…and now, if Mr Potter is done staring as Miss Granger, we can begin” Laughter was heard all around the classroom, and was silenced quickly by one glare from Snape.

Harry was about to talk back to Snape, but the professor saw right through it and stopped him before he had a chance of speaking “I don't remember giving you the word Mr Potter, ten points from Gryffindor” He was about to turn around when Harry Stood up defiantly “Potter! You will try Mr Longbottom Potion at the end of this class” Both Neville and Harry paled at this, and Snape continued “Alright then, you can continue, remember, no helping, is that clear Miss Granger? Although, considering today, I don't know it would be much help…” he turned to the class “Begin!”

Hermione was valiantly holding her ground as she gathered the ingredients necessary, as Harry approached her; she gave him a brave smile, although her eyes were watering. He didn't get much of chance to talk to her, because Snape watchful gaze was on them making sure, nobody wasted time.

As the class progressed, Harry could only watch helplessly as Neville brewed his potionand was beginning to panic as he compared the greenish substance on Nevilles cauldron with the purplish on …. Everyone else's. Harry gulped and thought “I'm dead”.

Meanwhile, Hermione was double, and triple checking every instruction on the text book, trying to make sure that she wouldn't slip up, not wanting to give Snape another chance to take a jab at her.

After a while, Snape looked up fro his desk “Alright! You should be done by now, Potter! To the front of the class and take a flask of Neville potion”

After Doing what the professor told him, Harry stood in front of his silent classmates as he looked at the liquid inside the flask, it was still very much green and it was slimy… very slimy.

“What are you waiting Potter!” Snape's voice interrupted him “drink it” As Harry drank the questionable potion, Snape continued “If Mr Longbottom brewed the potion correctly, Potter will be able to fly at his own will, if not, which is the likeliest option, Mr Potter will became invisible… one part at a time”

Hermione looked at Harry, wishing that the potion would work correctly (despite the off colour of it) and that Harry would do as the potion was supposed to do, so that would finally shut Snape up.

Harry stood in front of the class as all his classmates stared at him expectantly, then…

His head disappeared.

The Slytherin erupted in laughter, and all Gryffindors groeaned.

Snape's voice was once more heard “well, it seems, that Mr. Longbottom didn't follow the simple instructions…. Fifteen points from Gryffindorf” He looked like Christmas had come earlier “Mr Potter should be back to normal in about… three hours” Harry's head became visible again at the same time that his left leg disappeared, a scowl clear on his face “Class dismissed”

Harry walked sullenly to the next class as he tried to read the book about it. Of course he was quite stared at, considering that the book was floating in front of him, and changing pages on its own, and of course… his hands were invisible. He came to a sudden stop when he found the page “bloody hell” he muttered, and he turned to his expectant friends “I'm stuck like this for three hours…at least”

“At least?” Hermione asked, thinking she had heard wrong. Harry showed her the book “oh”

A surprised professor McGonagall saw a boy, a girl, and one headless boy enter her classroom “oh my” she said as Harry's head appeared and his torso went missing.

“Flightus potion went wrong” informed Parvati.

“Alright then” The professor said as she walked back to her desk, still looking at Harry, as another appearance/disappearance took place.

After that class was over, it was clear that it would take more than three hour for Harry to wear off the effects of the potion. As they walked to their next class, Harry heard it.

A giggle.

But not just a giggle; Hermione's giggle. First, she was not the giggling type. That was why a giggle by her should be on Hogwarts a history and all main media should be alerted.

Amused he turned to her “What?”

“Uh…” She giggled one more time “Your…bum is missing”

Harry looked down and groaned, not only his Bum was missing; it was the whole…pelvis area.

“Sorry” Hermione said as she tried in vain to hide her smile. “I'm sure it'll pop out any second now” more giggles ensued.

Harry smiled as he watched her face light up as she finally let the laugh she was hiding out.
Since he hadn't been around her very much for the past days, he had missed it.

Her smile

Her laugh.

The way her eyes sparkled when she was amused.

He also couldn't forget the defeated look in potion's class; it made him want to hex the light out of Snape and just hold Hermione right there.

As Hermione walked to Arithmancy, he stood on the spot for quite a few minutes, until Ron pulled him along Trelawney's classroom.

He an Ron were soon done with the fake translation of the fake dreams, and Harry was soon zoning out. His mind going straight to her…

The know-it-all with bushy brown hair that held his heart on the palm of her hand.
It didn't worry him at all, losing himself like he had, because, for once, it felt right

She had been there for him so many times

Helping him

Staying at his side

He needed her, like he needed air. And now he wanted to be there for her.

He wanted to tell her that it was ok to trip on the road, because now, he would be there to make sure she wouldn't fall down.

*-*

At the Quiditch pitch, the team was preparing the match against the Ravenclaw house team, which would define the winner of the Quiditch Cup.

It was an awful day, rain was simply pouring on them, but they didn't want to cancel the practice. Especially because the game was so close and they felt like the needed every bit of practice they could get.

Despite the fact that he hadn't really had a chance to be alone with Hermione for little more than three weeks now, almost going for 25 days, Harry thought ruefully. But he also knew that his team-mates would have his head if he even dared suggest the idea of leaving when a match of this importance was coming up.

Ravenclaw was not going to be an easy win, especially since Ravenclaw ad been undefeated for the whole season, and not even Slytherin, with their foul play had been able to get by the amazing defense that the Ravenclaw team had placed in front of them. Apparently Cho Chang was one hell of a strategist when it came down to her team, as she was the new captain.
Yes, Cho Chang could be vicious when it came to Quiditch.

Harry hoped that the pretty Ravenclaw held no animosity towards him, after the failed “relationship” the two of them briefly had the previous year.

Back then…. He just didn't see it; he wasn't able to understand what he did now.

Them, Cho and him… it just wasn't true, he never…ever felt something even comparable to what he felt whenever he was with Hermione.

It had taken him quite a bit to see, but once he did, it was like a blindfold had been taken from his eyes.

It was barely the beginning of the school year, and they had been already swamped with homework, and He, Ron and Hermione were working on it, better said, she was working on it, and he a Ron were zoning in and out of their work, the result being that she was done ages before they were. And there was nothing more that the boys wanted to do than go outside and take advantage of the day outside.

Surprisingly, they finished, although it took much longer than it should, and the boys were about to go outside when Harry turned around and watched as Hermione settled back on the table and got out her quill, “What are you doing?” he asked her.

“I'm just going to check you work” She had explained “just go, I know you want to go outside!”
Harry didn't quite know what possessed him to do it, but before he knew it, he had walked over Hermione and gave her a kiss on the cheek as he muttered thanks. When he realized what he had done he looked at a flustered Hermione and he stuttered a goodbye as he left the common room with a sniggering Ron.

It seemed to be then when was finally able to see. Of course things didn't work out with Cho! It wasn't timing, or lack of experience as he first thought.

The only problem was that she was not Hermione.

That day he had walked around in a daze, thinking of everything she was to him.

Because, Hermione wasn't just the girl who checked his and Ron's homework. Oh no.

She was the girl who had never broken a rule, but broke plenty if it meant helping him; the girl who believed him when nobody else believed him when he told them he hadn't put his name on the goblet of fire, and helped him through his tasks. Supporting him so many times, so many that they were too much to list.

How could he have been so blind? When all the answers were right there?

It was so…

“Harry, watch out!” Harry didn't have much time to identify the source of the voice when he realized that a bludger was coming right at him, thankfully he ducked it just in time.

He encountered Ginny's face after he gained control of his broom once more “Are you alright Harry?” Harry simply nodded “next time try to focus on the game…” She flew closer “I don't think Hermione would appreciate it if you got smashed by a bludger because you were too busy daydreaming” the Red head smirked at Harry's shocked face, and flew away, to continue with the game.

Harry realized that Ginny was right, and that it would be probably best for his life to keep the Hermione daydreaming to a minimum, at least for now. So, after running his hand through his soaked hair, he began to survey the pitch once more…

*-*

Away on the library, the subject of the daydreaming was quietly working on her homework. As Hermione wasn't exactly what you could call a quidditch fan…or even a Quiditch enthusiast, she'd rather leave them alone and do something she enjoyed, such as…homework.

But it surprised her how she had ended in a table just by a window. And not any window, but a window that gave her a view from the Quiditch pitch. Granted, it was not the best view, but she could glance now or then and see from far away the players.

And that was exactly where Hermione was looking, from her position, she could barely make out the flying figures, well…except for the Ron and Ginny… That red hair was unmistakable.

She found Harry right away. Since he played seeker she could easily spot him surveying the pitch.

Except, there was no surveying, And Harry was just simply floating around. Even though Hermione didn't care much about Quiditch, she knew this much: floating still on the path of dangerous things (namely bludgers) just can't be good. Especially with the nasty weather they had.

And surely enough, she had to suppress a yelp as she saw a bludger heading for Harry, and during one split second she went through fear, expectation, relief, and anger, What was he possibly thinking? She knew that he knew better than that.

She saw from her spot at the window as another team-mate walked over Harry and talked to him, judging from the Red hair, it was a Weasley, was it Ginny or Ron, she wasn't quite sure, but at least it seemed that someone was waking him up before he hurt himself.

After watching for a while longer, Hermione picked up her things and walked to the common room. Once there, she settled on one of the chairs by the fire and opened a book, leaning back as she studied by the comfort the fire and the silence gave her.

Not after long, the room became louder and louder, as the students began to return to the common room from all parts of the castle; and Hermione put down her book as she looked around the room, She knew that the Quiditch team was going to be there soon, and, she wanted to see him.

Right now.

She sat on the couch, her legs folded beside her, so she wasn't seating on them. She had turned the couch, so she was half facing the fire, giving her a far better view of the room.

After a while, she heard people coming in, and the Quiditch players entered the room, looking tired, and soaked to the bone. It seemed that they were pretty satisfied with themselves, Hermione noted, and they all walked towards their respective rooms. Harry entered the room talking to Ron, and she didn't have a doubt, by the look on their faces that they were discussing Quiditch.

From her spot, Hermione was able to watch Harry from the moment he entered, he was soaking wet, like the rest of the team, his black hair was flattened by the water, and his trademark scar was hidden underneath his hair, which was stuck to his forehead, due to the water.

His robes were heavy because of the water weight, and it left a wet trail on the floor as he walked by.

Of course wet robes had one advantage. Wet robes, meant clingy robes. And that, was not a problem to Hermione. Nope, no problem at all.

Harry was about to disappear from her sight when he stopped, almost as he knew he was being stared at, and he turned around. Her eyes locked with his, and she couldn't help but me amazed at the astounding shade of green his eyes were; that, combined with the way he looked back at her, was enough to make her melt into a puddle of Potter-induced-goo. Now who would have thought, huh?

Harry was downstairs just a few minutes after, freshly showered and in dry clothes and he just walked straight to Hermione, falling into another of the seats near the fireplace.

“Hi” That was his simple introduction line.

Hermione smiled, “hi” She leaned onto her hand “so, how was practice?”

“It was alright” He said “nothing out of the ordinary” he shrugged.

Hermione raised an eyebrow “Really?”

Harry's response was a tentative “yes” and then, after the amused look on Hermione's face “You were watching?” Her face told him the truth.

“You scared the hell out of me for a minute there” she told him “What were you doing?” Her face looked quite serious.

His face took on a flirtatious look as he answered her “You see, I was thinking of a girl, have you seen her? She's about this height” he placed his hands at what was Hermione's height “Brown eyes and brown hair, and the prettiest girl I've met” Hermione's only answer was to answer profusely, and if she still thought that Harry was regretting whatever it was that could happen between them, that thought went outside the window at his words.

Harry looked around the loud room and continued “Hermione, there's nothing else I want to do than kissing the life out of you, but I'm not about to kiss you for the first time with an audience” he told her, and Hermione nodded, understanding completely, Harry extended his hand at her, “So, would you like to go for a walk with me?"

"Why yes, I think I do" Taking his hand, a smiling Hermione stood up, and together, they began to walk out of the common room.

“This couple of weeks has certainly been …interesting, haven't they?” Harry chuckled at Hermione's comment.

“That's the understatement of the century” Harry said and then it was Hermione's turn to laugh.

Silence fell between them, as they both began remembering every event happening the previous weeks, stopping them from spending time alone.

“It does seem that way, doesn't it” she said and as a small smile appeared on her face, she shyly linked her fingers with his.

He smiled at the contact and took a step near her, and smiled brightly as her, just when they were blinded by a bright light.

“Oh come on!” Hermione protested and began rubbing her eyes, trying to get the color spots away, movement echoed by Harry.

“Eep!” The author of the interruption, Colin squeaked and Harry sighed.

“Colin..”

“I'm sorry Harry” Colin began apologizing, “I didn't mean to scare you both, but…”

“It's ok Colin” Hermione sighed, “It's late anyway, I'm just going to go in”

Harry groaned as Hermione entered the Common room again, but he knew he couldn't take it out on Colin, even if he was somewhat guilty of the frustration he now felt.

*-*

Hermione entered her dorm, and was pulled the drapes of her bed open, when she found a pair of eyes staring at her.

She yelped in surprise firtrst but began to clam down once she saw who it was. “Ginny!” she scolded “Don't do that!”

The red head rolled her eyes and threw her legs over the border of the bed, “It's not my fault you're so jumpy” she said “So?”

“So what?”

“You…and Harry, I saw you two leaving the Common Room together” Ginny grinned “So, what happened?”

Hermione narrowed her eyes at the girl “why are you asking that?”

Ginny rolled her eyes, “Come on Hermione, its obvious!” she paused when Hermione paled a little bit “well, to me at least, I know you too for years now…so”

Hermione plopped down on the bed and hid her face on her hands “am I that transparent?”

“you both are sort of clear when it comes to each other” Ginny said “Harry got nearly hit by a bludger today, and you want to know where he was looking at?” Hermione looked up at this, and Ginny continued “he was looking far away towards the library, with a goofy look on his face” Ginny gave her an amused smile “and if that's not you, then I don't know what it is”

Hermione smiled slightly at Ginny's words, which confirmed the flirtatious conversation he had had with Harry by the fire on the Common Room. “Well, if you were trying to cheer me up, then it worked”

“Come on! Give me the details, details”

“Sorry to disappoint you Gin, but there are no details to give”

“What?!” Ginny had a bewildered look on her face “how can there be no details?”

“Nothing happened” Hermione informed her “Colin happened”

Ginny rolled her eyes “What did he do now?”

“You mean besides blinding us with that bloody camera?” Hermione shook her head.

The read head couldn't help but chuckle “He's not a weird boy, you know? But sometimes he gets just a tad out of control” she scooted a little on the bed, giving Hermione room to be comfortable. “Now, I want all details of what HAS happened so far”

*-*

It had done her really good to talk to Ginny that night, Hermione realized, being friends with two boys left her little time to just be…a girl, and with the upcoming match against Ravenclaw, the whole Quidditch team was missing for long amounts of time.

Hermione and Ginny had talked and gossiped for quite some time that night, and Hermione realized how much she missed those talks they used to have when she stayed at The Burrow, just eating some sweets from Honeydukes, and talking.

To be honest, Hermione was still tired, since she hadn't gone to sleep until very late on the night, even after her chat with Ginny was over, as she stayed awake on her bed, just… thinking.

*-*

The truth was that Harry didn't quite understand just why he had to be at the pitch practicing as well. It was not as if he could practice to see the snitch better, it was one of those things you just did or didn't.

So there he was, just flying around catching the snitch again…and again…and again. He made a point of pay attention this time though, not wanting that incident with the bludger to repeat itself.

The match was just a couple of days away, and the team was beginning to feel nervous. Ron, who had been appointed the captain, had placed all his extensive Quidditch expertise in developing new strategies, trying to find ways to avoid the Ravenclaws from having any chance to score.

Harry sighed as the team began to descend, knowing that Ron probably had another change to do to the game strategy. After landing safely, he approached his team mates.

His extremely tired team mates.

Ron ran a hand through his hair “Well, I think that the planning is going to work well… we can't close out eyes though” he took a look at the team, who looked at him expectantly “bloody hell, just go!” he rolled his eyes at the bright smiles that greeted him the moment he uttered those words “Just be sure to be in top shape for the game tomorrow alright?”

A while later every student was at the Great Hall eating supper, the Quidditch team was seated together, talking in hushed conversations about tomorrow's game. Ron was telling each player what he thought they should do. He stopped after he felt a presence stand besides him. “Hello Ronald” Ron turned around only to find the face of Luna Lovegood staring dreamily back at him.

“Er.. Hi Luna”

“I wanted to wish you good luck for the game tomorrow” she began, “although is against my own house…” and without finishing the sentence, Luna walked away, humming a melody dangerously close to `Weasley is our king'

Still somewhat confused about the recent exchange, Ron turned back around to face his friends, who where in return barely containing their smirks. “Um, as I was saying…” Ron began once again…

*-*

After supper, all the students returned to the Common Room, and the tea was getting more and more annoyed at Ron's insistence of discussing Quidditch.

“Ron” Ginny groaned “I think we get it” she told him “I think we got it just around the first or second time you told us, we were corrected of any mistakes we could have had around the sixth time, and memorized it just around the tenth” Ron ears reddened “rest a little” the girl patted his brother on the shoulder and walked away.

Harry grinned as Ron sat down on one of the couches, seeming that he was going to take his sister's advice, but Harry just knew that he was simply going over the strategy on his head.

“He's really nervous, isn't he?” He turned abruptly when Hermione appeared next to him, and gave her a bright smile.

“He is, I think is the fact that he is the captain, and it's the first year he's captain”

Hermione nodded “I couldn't have thought of everyone who knew more Quidditch than he does” she paused “Now, if he put That effort in school work…”

Harry laughed, knowing fully well that the girl sitting next to him was probably the only reason he and Ron made it every year. “I can honestly think that Ron would not be Ron if that happened”

Hermione scowled, but Harry could see that she didn't really mean it, and soon a smile broke through her face. “Honestly Harry, sometimes I wonder what would happen to you two if I didn't make you study” Harry was about to say something but Hermione interrupted him grinning widely “you'd be completely lost, I'd bet”

Harry grinned, amused at Hermione's playfulness and he was just about to answer to her, when someone else sat down in front of them. Ron, who was completely obvlivious to the looks being exchanged between their two friends, greeted them.

“hi Hermione!” he said and then turned to Harry “So, Harry, could you help me practice a little bit…”

Harry turned towards Hermione, who in return shrugged. As much as they wanted to be alone at that moment, they did understand that this was a big thing for Ron, so Harry stood up “alright then, I'll go get my cape”

As the boys were about to leave, Hermione piped up from behind the book she was reading, “Don't get in trouble!” She told them, “Take the map” Harry and Ron froze at Hermione's advice, which blatantly told them to break a few rules. Harry looked at her with an amused look on his face and Hermione shrugged. “What?”

Ron nudged Harry “I think she might have a fever” They were startled when a pillow flew their way.

“Just go already!” She told them, “Before I regret ever having this conversation”

Without needing more prompting, the boys fled the common room, and headed for the room of requirements.

*-*

Hermione sat with the rest of her house, waiting for the moment where the match would begin. Neither team was on the pitch and the people were beginning to get restless.

From her seat, Hermione could make out at the distance, Luna Lovegood sitting distractedly, wearing a ridiculous hat. “Again with the Lion Hat” she mumbled, amused.

The noise grew about ten times, when the teams began to enter the pitch, the line up for Ravenclaw completely unknown for Hermione, nor did she give it much thought. Then, the Gryffindor team came out.

The new announcer, a Hufflepuff boy, began calling out the members of the team “Now, entering the Pitch, Gryffindor, “Beaters Jack Sloper and Andrew Kirke, Chaser Katie Bell, Angelina Johnson and Ginevra Weasley” Hermione was completely sure, she saw the red head growl at the use of her full name “…Keeper and Captain Ron Weasley, and their seeker Harry Potter!”

Everyone cheered loudly for their team, and after the hand shake between the captains, they kicked off the ground and the game officially began.

Apparently Ron's constant pestering had worked, and Gryffindor seemed to be playing almost flawlessly.

“Ravenclaw is on possession of the Quaffle, and …. Weasley makes an amazing save!”

Hermione sighed in relief as well as the rest of the Gryffindor students, and looked up to glance at Harry, who was flying idly, surveying for the golden snitch. Ravenclaw's seeker, Cho Chang, was tailing him carefully, not letting him out of her sight.

Despite her dislike of flying, and how it scared to see her friends do it, Hermione had to admit it, Harry was a graceful flier, it was something of instinc to him, and as she watched him, she couldn't help but smile.

He kept diving and rising to get Cho off his trail, and the girl fell for it every time, almost growling when she realized that it was a trick, but nevertheless, still remained close to Harry.

Harry laughed whole heartedly as he kept on flying around, never stopping looking around for the golden snitch, that was when his eyes caught her. A smiling Hermione looked back at him, and he couldn't help but smile.

“I was right, wasn't I?” He was startled to find Cho Chang flying idly near him.

“What?” Harry turned around to face the other seeker.

“You…Hermione” she said “I was right” she laughed at Harry's blush “It was clearly obvious she was irreplaceable to you Harry” She smiled when Harry chuckled “I mean, Come on! I was your… Hmm, whatever it was we were” she shook her head, mildly amused at the conversation. “and she always came first”

“Yeah, I guess she always did” he ran a hand through his hair. “It only took me about….six years” He paused a bit as Cho laughed “and well… sorry for being an insensitive prat when we… you know?” he blushed slightly.

Cho grinned, completely and utterly amused “nah, don't worry Potter, no hard feelings” she shook her head, clearing a strand of shiny hair from her face “But I'm still going to win today” she grinned cheekily and took off. Chuckling slightly Harry took off as well, he was not going to lose this match.

“And Apparently Cho Chang spotted the Snitch, and….She's diving for it!” t he announcer called and Harry turned towards Cho,

“Oh no you don't” he muttered as he leaned forward on his Firebolt, flying as fast as it was humanly possible. He caught up with the other seeker quickly and both of them flew behind the tiny snitch, as it made its last attempts to get away from the seekers.

“And it's a battle between Cho Chang and Harry Potter!” The announcer called “This could be over in a blink of an eye!”

Hermione watched expectantly, any moment now, come on Harry, you can do it. Her heart was beating faster than ever, as she watched Harry flying faster than she had ever seen before, and considering that she had seen him fly since they were on first year, that was a lot. Her knee bopped up and down nervously as she watched the game unfold in front of her.

Harry was just so close, thankfully the snitch had made a turn that favored him, and the whole place became so quiet, you could possibly have heard that dropped needle everyone talks about.

“… And Harry Potter caught the snitch, Gryffindor Wins the match and the Quidditch cup!” He barely finished when his voice was drowned in the cheering from all of the people in Gryffindor house.

Hermione jumped from her seat, her hands up in the air and then, she began to make her way to the pitch, as fast her legs carried her. It was a more difficult task than it seemed at first, as almost Gryffindors had the exact same idea, and ran to the pitch to congratulate their team.

Harry spotted Hermione as soon as she was down on the field, but lost sight of her when he was swarmed by his house mates and drowned in “Great game Harry!” “Awesome catch mate!” and some more phrases of that sort.

He craned his neck to try to see where she was, but the crowd of people was pushing him further and further away.

He managed to get away after a few minutes of struggling against the crowd, ending up right on the sides of the Quidditch pitch.

Now all he had to do was find her.

Hermione had gotten away from the crowd just in time before the crowd became unbearable. So she looked as people walked by, and when she thought that it was not crowded enough to not be able to walk, but crowded enough to not walk back on her own, she began walking.

She took her time walking, looking around, just feeling the breeze and basically enjoying the scenery, which was something she hadn't done in a long time.

It was then when she felt a hand clasp on her mouth and as an arm snaked around her waist, she as pulled behind some bushes. Her eyes widened in fear and she responded in the only way her brain allowed her to, elbowing her attacker right in the stomach, elbowing hard. Very hard. It worked, because she was released in an instant and her attacker fell on the floor coughing and gasping for air.

It was then when it became her turn to gasp as she saw it was Harry, and he was had an unhealthy shade of purple on her face. Immediately, she kneeled down besides him. “Oh Harry, I'm so sorry” she apologized “are you alright?” she slapped herself on the head, “of course you'd not alright, you're purple, and purple is a healthy color of skin” she paused “except if the twins slipped you something, then it probably normal in that odd way of theirs…” she stopped when Harry Stopped coughing for air, and started chuckling at her rambling.

He sat on the ground, and she did the same too, “Well, Moody would be proud” both of them chuckled as their remembered the man's constant advice of vigilance.

“Are you sure you're ok?” she asked, still somewhat worried about him.

“Yeah, I'm fine” he said “but that was one great hit”

She blushed “you startled me”

“if that was you startled, I don't want to make you mad…ever”.

They both chuckled and he moved closer to her, Hermione smiled brightly, but frowned when she saw that Harry was looking around them, as if he was looking for something. “Uh… Harry?” she asked “are you expecting someone?” she raised a eyebrow at him.

He blushed slightly, “actually I'm just waiting for someone to came here and give us some ridiculous interruption” Hermione laughed, remembering all too well, everything that had happened during the lasts weeks.

She bit her lower lip as she looked around as well, “so, what do you think?” she asked “are we safe?” Her eyes twinkled as she turned to him.

He grinned at her, “I think we might be”

“Good, because I don't want to wait anymore for this” she said and pressed her lips to his.

Harry's eyes widened as his brain began to process the fact that she was kissing him. Kissing Him. On the lips. Him. At last. But it didn't take much time for him to respond eagerly to her. One of his arms fastened around her waist, and the other cupped her face, feeling her silky skin oh her cheek against his hand, relishing in how it seemed that she fitted oh so perfectly against him, and how her lips appeared to be custom made to his lips.

She was going through a hurricane of emotions as well, feeling the pent up emotions of frustrated encounter for over a month finally find release. She shuddered as his hand traveled up and down her back barely a touch, but she felt light headed, she felt…happy.

They had to pull away, to catch their breath, and as they looked into each other's eyes, neither of them could help the smile that appeared on their faces. She blushed slightly and leaned her head on the crook of his neck, resting comfortably against him.

Harry cleared his throat “well…that was…pretty bloody amazing.” He felt Hermione laugh against his neck and smiled. He kissed her neck, feeling content “I love you” he mumbled against her skin.

She pulled away from him, just enough to be able to look at him on the eyes “I love you too” she said as smiled, and Harry seized the opportunity to kiss her one more time, and he chuckled at the glazed look on her eyes as they pulled away.

Looking away at the castle she spoke “I guess we should probably get back there sometime soon” Nodding, he stood up, and after helping her up, he wrapped an arm around her waist and directed them to the castle. She looked at him, surprised that he seemed to not care that people would see them “Harry” she began “are you sure that… this… you know they're going to talk”

“And…?”

“well, nothing but, I thought that you might care about what they said and…” she was silenced by his lips on hers one more time.

“Love, the only thing that people would probably said its that it was about time”

She chuckled, knowing he was right. “I guess you're right” she smiled “long time coming”

See? Completely and absolutely fluff.

This was my first fic (just in case you didn't quite notice) so If yo have the time, please review, it will make my day.

Now, I'll head to working on my first long fic….. untitled! (I'm working on the title, I swear)

Lady Ivy

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