A/N: Hi all. Once again I am overwhelmed by the support my story has received. You are all very kind and I appreciate all of your reviews. I hope you like this one.
Harry and Hermione spent the rest of the holidays going through some of the hardest work that Harry had ever experienced. He found that Hermione was a brilliant teacher and he found the concepts came quite easily to him, even though when they first started, he didn't have the faintest idea about what arithmency was. He found that the application of arithmency was fascinating, all to do with the energies involved in performing magic, sort of physics for magic. The more he associated it with practical application, he figured the easier it was going to get for him. Hermione was surprised in spite of herself. She had seen Harry apply himself before and had been impressed, especially when he learnt the summoning charm in fourth year. This however, was something completely different for Harry to learn as it contained concepts that he had never encountered before. It really was akin to learning a new language. They had managed to cover an enormous amount of work in the time that they had before they went back to school and Hermione found that Harry could grasp the new concepts so easily that she found it somewhat scary. The more and more Harry learnt of arithmency, the more respect Hermione found herself having for her boyfriend.
During their off times, they enjoyed each other's company and explored each other in very intimate ways. Harry could see every detail of his girlfriend's body by just closing his eyes and he knew exactly how to please her and what really got her fire going. He knew now that he could just give her one look and it would make her melt, or smoulder quietly for hours, until she couldn't handle it anymore, where she would nearly drag him up to their bedroom for some fun. Hermione found much the same about Harry. She knew him with an intimacy that she would have found astounding before these summer holidays. She too knew every thing that made Harry burn with desire. She loved teasing him as much as possible throughout the day, just doing enough to leave him smouldering beneath the surface, and then when night came and they were alone, he was almost feral with the ferocity of his passion. She loved it when he was like that though. She found that she loved moments when she just left him speechless though. Like a few days ago when she had come down late, due to a late night of studying each other, to find her parents already gone to work and Harry sitting outside, watching the sky. She took a banana from the bowl of fruit and walked out, greeting Harry with their customary good morning pash. She sat beside him and asked him whether he had slept well, peeling the banana. He started replying when he saw her place the banana in her mouth and bite off a chunk. The mental image that Hermione eating that piece of fruit made was mind boggling to say the very least. He found all of a sudden his mouth was dry and he could not speak to save his life. He had also apparently forgotten the skill of breathing as well as he gaped at Hermione and she continued to eat her banana, completely unaware of the effect she was having on Harry. After about thirty seconds of silence, she looked up and saw the look on his face. She arched her eyebrows in question at Harry and he just continued to gape at her, his mouth hanging open slightly. She began to giggle as the look he had in his eyes was hilarious. She began to go through her mind exactly what she was doing when he had gone quiet and it was as if a light bulb went off inside of her head as realisation hit her full and square in the chest. She completely lost control then and found herself rolling about on the floor, laughing so hard that she could barely breathe. Harry watched her stunned for a moment and then realising why she was laughing, started laughing too. After about thirty seconds, he too was rolling about on the ground, the tears rolling down his face as he clung to Hermione and she hung onto him, the tears wetting her cheeks as well.
Eventually they both calmed down and lay there, gasping for breath, their arms wrapped about each other. They looked into each other's eyes and began to snicker again, but quickly got control of themselves before they could have another fit. They walked back inside, hand in hand and began to walk to their study area i.e. the living room. Hermione lightly punched Harry on the arm, grinning and said mockingly "Mr Potter! I can't even eat my breakfast without you thinking of me doing something obscene to you!"
Harry couldn't help grinning and answered, saying "Well it's not my fault if you are so good at being obscene with me." He kissed her on the lips and grinned in victory when he saw the stunned expression on her face and sat down and flipped open his arithmency book, preparing to start for the day. He suddenly found himself without the book and a soft weight settling in his lap, with her lips glued to his, kissing him with a passion and urgency that he hadn't felt before coming from Hermione. When they broke apart, all Harry could do was gaze at Hermione with a stunned expression on his face. She smiled at him and whispered before getting up "Gee Mr Potter, you say the nicest things to me." With that she sat opposite him and started going through her notes where they had left off the day before.
Soon enough it was August 31st and Harry and Hermione were packing their belongings. They continually kept passing in and out of each other's bedroom as it seemed their possessions had migrated because of their proximity to one another as well as the fact that they spent so much time in each other's rooms. Hermione had also procured Harry's old quiditch robes, which were now too small for him, but fit Hermione perfectly. She took to sleeping in them at night, instead of wearing her nightdress. She loved them because they had the smell of Harry so ingrained in them that she doubted the smell would ever go away. She found, that surrounded by his smell, that she always felt safe with his robes on. Harry thought it was cute that she wore his robes and was touched by how attached Hermione had become to wearing them. He doubted that if she was allowed to wear them during the day, she would ever take them off.
They finally both collapsed onto Harry's bed, their trunks fully packed and Hedwig stowed away in her cage, ready for the trip tomorrow. Hermione rolled on top of Harry and placed her legs on either side of his hips. She leaned down, giving him a slow kiss and said "I love you Harry Potter. I have for so long and will continue to forever."
Harry smiled, he loved to hear her say that and responded "Love you too 'Mione, Always have, always will."
They lay there, their foreheads touching, their eyes centimetres apart and smiled at each other. "You know I want you to marry me someday, you know." Harry said matter-of-factly.
Hermione froze, not sure if her ears had heard what she thought they did. "You want to marry me someday?" She almost squeaked, her eyes filling with tears. Harry wasn't sure if she was crying for happiness, or if she was very upset with him, so he just went with the truth again and nodded, smiling somewhat worriedly at her. She flung her arms about him, sobbing into Harry's chest and he held her and stroked her back and ran his hands through her hair, soothing her. When she calmed down enough, she looked up and whispered "Just don't wait too long to ask me, ok?"
He nodded, smiling in relief that she wasn't mad and kissed her deeply, not ever wanting to let her go.
The morning came quickly and Harry and Hermione came downstairs, ready for the day and the inevitable questions that would fly towards them about their relationship. Harry's eyes were slightly puffy and he looked like death warmed over at such an early hour. Hermione kissed him, saying "Good morning, love."
"Humph." He mumbled and Hermione giggled, touching his cheeks and said
"Not a morning person are you?"
He shook his head and she led him to the table and piled some breakfast on his plate. After getting some food into him, he started to wake up and he smiled at Hermione, grateful that she understood him so well. They quickly finished and Ellen and Jim helped them load their luggage into the car and they set off for King's Cross Station. They arrived at the station with plenty of time and Jim went and got them trolleys for their luggage. They walked into the station and walked between platforms nine and ten. Hermione hugged both of her parent's goodbye. Harry hung back not sure what to do and Jim came over and shook hands with Harry, saying "It's been great to have you over for the summer, Harry. I'm pleased to have gotten to know you so well. Look after my little girl this year, ok?"
Harry smiled and affirmed that indeed he would keep an eye on Hermione, two if he could help it and thanked Jim for his hospitality this summer. Ellen then grabbed Harry and drew him into a tight hug and gave him a kiss on the cheek, saying "You're welcome to come over anytime you like Harry. I consider you one of the family now. Take care of yourself, ok?"
Harry felt touched by her words and nodded, hugging Ellen back, saying "Thankyou Ellen, I have felt so welcome at your house. This has been the best summer of my life." Ellen smiled at this and Harry and Hermione turned and walked to the barrier. Making sure that no one was watching them, they leant their trolleys against the wall and all of a sudden they were through and on the platform. They walked around to the end of the train and helped each other load their luggage into a compartment. They placed Hedwig and Crookshanks onto seats, saving their places and went outside, looking for their friends, holding hands. They met up with Hannah Abbott and Ernie McMillan, who greeted them both and congratulated them on getting together. They both asked Harry about the DA and Harry affirmed that they would indeed continue with the group. They both seemed pleased. Harry then saw two red heads in the crowd and pointed them out to Hermione. They both smiled and saying goodbye, headed over to Ron and Ginny. Ginny squealed and hugged Harry and Hermione tightly and pulled Hermione aside, saying that she had to tell her all the details about how she and Harry got together. Hermione grinned despite herself and promised that they would indeed get together later and she would tell her everything. Almost everything, she amended to herself. Harry greeted Ron with the man's handshake and grinned at each other. Harry and Hermione helped Ron and Ginny put their things in the same compartment they were in and they settled down, chatting. Jinni and Hermione began talking excitedly to each other, Harry could only pick up every fifth word, so shrugging to Ron, and they began talking. Ron apparently had a wide selection of WWW merchandise in his trunk and was full of ideas as to how they could get the Slytherins with his purchases. This reminded Harry about the bag of goodies that he had been given by the twins and reminded himself and Ron that they had to go through it later, as the twins had hinted to him behind their hands that there were a few experimental products that they had thrown in and he should owl them and let them know how they went. He promised to with a quick nod and a wink. Hermione reminded Ron severely that he was a prefect and was thus expected to act responsibly in public. Ron's ears turned a bit pink and he scowled but nodded his head glumly, only catching Harry's eye when Hermione turned back to Ginny and winked saying in a low voice "Just means I can't get caught, that's all."
Harry chuckled at this, but was saved from replying wen Neville longbottom came in and joined them. They all greeted him enthusiastically and He blushed deeply, not used to such friendliness. He sat down next to Harry, who asked him how his summer had been and he smiled, saying that his gran had been so proud of him for his help in the department of mysteries that she treated him well all summer, complimenting him and even went and bought him a new wand. He pulled it from his pocket and showed them; proudly saying that it was dragon heartstring, thirteen inches long and made from oak. Harry clapped him on the back and congratulated him, as did the rest of the group.
The train began to move off and Ron and Hermione stood, saying that they had to go to the prefect's meeting. Hermione bent and kissed Harry softly, prompting catcalls from Neville, Ginny, Ron and Seamus and Dean, who had just come into the compartment. Blushing slightly, Hermione made her way past the boys, followed by Ron. Seamus and Dean took their seats and they both began to tell the others about their holidays. They listened to Seamus describing the old warlock they had stay with them and how he had had many adventures he told them about. Dean had stayed with Seamus for the holidays, so he added in small details from time to time that Seamus missed out on. Luna then joined them and seated herself in the corner after greeting everyone and took out her copy of the Quibbler and began to read. Harry was used to this by now and didn't mind, but Seamus and Dean gave her an odd look, before continuing to tell everyone about their holiday. Harry listened with as much interest as he could muster, but he missed Hermione. He began looking at the door every five minutes, hoping she was going to come back soon. The lunch trolley came by and He bought a whole stack of food for everyone, saving some things for Ron and Hermione. Neville looked at him with a small smile on his face as Harry returned to his seat. When he sat down and gave Neville a questioning look, He leaned over and whispered "So, what's it like to be in love?"
Harry looked surprised for a moment and Neville chuckled, saying "You have been looking lost ever since Hermione left. It must be wonderful to feel that way about someone."
Harry nodded, looking thoughtful, and then he began to speak to Neville in a low tone
"I've never really had love in my life before now, being brought up by the Dirzley's, I felt more like a stinky pair of socks most of the time than a boy. When I first came to school, I found through my friendship with Ron, Hermione and you guys a little bit of what it was like to be liked. It was a completely foreign feeling to me as all I had ever known when I was younger was loathing, or total disregard. When I found Sirius in my third year though, I found someone who I cared for and saw as a father figure. I loved him like a father and a brother and I'm pretty sure he loved me back, from the way he always put himself in danger, even at the department of mysteries, where he lost his life to save me. I think it was because of this love, that I realised what I had with Hermione was similar, but so much stronger. I gather all of you guys could see it; from the reactions we've seen of the news that we're a couple. I didn't see it for what it was though, until I lost Sirius. It changed my perspective and I began to wonder how it would be if I lost my friends instead of Sirius, which came close for you, Ron and Hermione. I tried to think of how it would be if I had lost Hermione when Dolohov cursed her and I couldn't imagine it. Such pain and despair overwhelmed me that I felt as if my heart was being torn in two. It was then I realised I would do anything to save her and protect her; anything at all. I can't envision my life without her in it, as it would be meaningless to me. Does that answer your question?"
Neville looked at him for a long moment, his face thoughtful, and then he nodded and clapped Harry on the back, saying "You of all people deserve happiness, Harry and I wish you all the best."
Harry smiled at this and gave Neville a quick hug. Everyone, who had been listening, unknown to Harry cheered at this and came over, clapping Harry on the back and wishing him well. A sob from the door made Harry look around. Ron and Hermione stood in the door and from the look on their faces; they had been standing there while he had spoken. Ron looked completely stunned and in almost awe at Harry's words. Hermione had tears streaming down her face and she rushed to Harry. He took her in his arms and rocked her slowly as she put her head against his chest, sobbing. Harry asked her softly what was wrong and she responded "Harry, I now know how much you feel for me. I never knew someone could love me as much as you do. It makes me so happy!"
Harry smiled and hugged her tighter to him and continued rocking her until she had calmed down. She then sat up, wiping her eyes and smiled at Harry. He smiled back and Ron came over and sat next to them and clapped Harry on the back, saying "You two do deserve each other. I even knew this when I had feelings for Hermione back in fourth year. That was more the reason why I got so mad at you Hermione, rather than my own feelings for you. That's why I never told you about my feelings, because I knew you were destined for each other, once you got your heads out of the sand, that is."
The whole room erupted into laughter at this and Harry and Hermione hugged Ron. He hugged them back for a moment, and then his ears going a darker shade of scarlet, he went over and sat next to Luna Lovegood and began talking to her about her summer. Harry and Hermione were both shocked by Ron's forwardness and marvelled at how much he had grown in the last year in maturity.
They spent the rest of the trip talking and laughing. It was only towards the end of the trip that Harry wondered where Malfoy was, since he usually made an appearance to jeer at them or make some snide comment. Hermione informed them all that he wasn't in the prefect's meeting, as he had been replaced as sixth year prefect by another sixth year Slytherin. There was a good deal of chuckling about this. Then Neville spoke up, saying "I saw him earlier when I was trying to find you guys. He seemed to jump when he saw me, I think for a moment he thought I was you, Harry. I don't think he's ventured out of his compartment all trip."
Everyone laughed harder, hearing this and everyone congratulated Harry once again for managing to break Draco's jaw. Harry tried to look modest, especially when he saw the reproving look Hermione gave him, but inwardly he was smiling to himself.
It was dark as usual by the time the Hogwart's express made its way into Hogsmead station, and everyone made to get off, Harry picking up Hedwig's cage and Hermione holding the wicker basket containing a very peeved Crookshanks. Neville kept Trevor firmly in position under his hat as they made their way to the carriages drawn by the Thestralls. Harry patted the one pulling their carriage and grinned when he saw some of the odd looks he got from other students. Hermione, after placing Crookshanks carefully inside, came back out and tentatively moved her hand to where Harry's was and lightly ran her hand along the Thestrall's neck. Harry took her hand and gently guided it over the neck and head of the animal, explaining how it looked, letting her feel the features that he was explaining. The Thestrall sat motionless, enjoying the attention. They both eventually made their way into the carriage and shutting the door, they began their bumpy journey to the castle.
They arrived shortly after and Harry helped Hermione from the carriage, she smiled her thanks as the others piled out. Once they were all there, they proceeded together to the great hall. They sat down together and chatted animatedly about their hopes for the new defence against the dark arts professor. Snape sat in his usual spot and glared at Harry, who glared back in return. Something contorted Snape's face when he did this and Harry was pleased to see Snape turn away from him to begin conversation with Professor Flitwick, who was propped on several cushions in order to reach the table. Harry felt a hand slide into his and he smiled at Hermione and kissed her lightly. This elicited gasps from a lot of the surrounding tables, but Harry didn't care. He was sick of hiding his feelings and sick of the public scrutiny that he received. He just hoped that Hermione could put up with it better than he had in the past. She had gone a soft shade of pink when she had heard the gasps and animated conversation that surrounded them after their kiss.
Everyone then silenced as Professor McGonagall walked in carrying a low stool and the weather beaten sorting hat of Godrick Gryffindore. She sat the hat on the stool and walked over, opening a door to a side chamber and leading a long line of very nervous first years to stand before the teacher's table. They too stared at the hat and it began to sing its usual song of welcome to the students, explaining about the four great houses and what ideals each of the founders saw in their pupils. After about five minutes it finished to loud applause from the students. Harry joined in with them, glad that this year the hat was not warning them about standing together as one, as it did the previous year. The students were then sorted into their respective houses and Harry noticed, with pride, that the majority of students were sorted into his house while the Slytherins only gained about five students at the most. The other houses gained about 10 each, but Gryffindore gained in excess of 25 students. Dumbledore magically enlarged the table to accommodate the new students. He smiled down at them all as he opened his arms in welcome and the hall quieted, waiting for his speech to begin.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. I trust you are all well and have had plenty of time this summer to forget what you learnt the previous year. I have a few start of term announcements before we can tuck into our wonderful feast. The dark forest is forbidden to all students." He paused here to gaze significantly at Harry and Ron, who felt their faces getting hot. Hermione giggled behind her hand and Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he turned back to the rest of the school, continuing.
"Our new defence against the dark arts teacher could not be here tonight, but I am assured that he will be here in time for his first lesson tomorrow. Ah yes and Mr Filch has informed me that most items that may be procured from Weasley Wizarding Wheezes are forbidden. Now everyone, tuck in!"
With that the platters in front of them filled with food and they all tucked in, all talking about who was the new teacher for defence against the dark arts.
When the last piece of treacle tart had faded from the platters, leaving them sparklingly clean, Dumbledore sent them off to bed. Hermione and Ron helped the fifth year prefects to guide the first years to Gryffindore tower and Harry raced ahead, already knowing the password, to get to his trunk. He raced up the stairs to the dormitories and reaching his room, he opened his trunk and quickly found the invisibility cloak and, stuffing it under his robes, and he walked back downstairs in time for the entrance of the others. He sat in a chair as the prefects gave the first years the usual talk about not giving out the password to other houses and directions as to where their beds were. After they trooped off, Ron sat down in a chair opposite Harry and Hermione sat down next to Harry and placed her hand on his lap. Surreptitiously, he took the cloak from under his robes and passed it to her under the table. She took it calmly, not evincing any emotion about what she was doing and managed to carry on a conversation with Ron all the while. They were soon the last three in the common room and Ron rose to his feet, yawning and bade them goodnight. When Ron was out of sight, they both leaned toward each other and kissed, their tongues meeting and intertwining, their hands caught in each other's hair. They broke apart, oxygen being the main reason and Hermione said in a low voice so she wouldn't carry upstairs
"Harry, I want our first time to be special, not something rushed into because we can now. I want it to be romantic and filled with love."
Harry smiled at this and nodded, agreeing completely. He knew that the first time for a girl did hurt, from his own research. Taking her hands in his and looking deeply into her eyes he whispered softly, so only she could hear "Me too, love. I don't want to rush into it either. I want it to be special and right for us. I want you to feel so completely loved. I have an idea, but it will take a while to organise. Are you willing to wait?"
Hermione nodded, a single tear sliding down her face, so happy and relieved that Harry was so understanding. She kissed him softly and rose, saying "I will need to get changed, so I'll see you upstairs, ok?"
Harry nodded and rising to his feet, made his way upstairs. He stripped down to his boxer shorts and slid between his warmed sheets, waiting for her. She came in five minutes later; the only sound she made was the click of the latch as she closed the dormitory door. He watched as the curtains surrounding his bed slid aside and slid back into place again. He took his wand from the bedside table and muttered a sealing and silencing spell, then smiled as Hermione's form appeared in the moonlight. She smiled back and slid in between the sheets, snuggling into his warmth and kissing him deeply, her hands running up and down his chest. He returned the kiss with a fervent passion and ran his hand lightly up her side and lightly cupped her breast in his hand, tweaking the nipple, hearing her moan into his mouth. His hand slid lower and he gently massaged her through her panties. Her hips jerked forward of their own accord and she kissed him harder, her legs sliding apart, willing him to do more. He slid the fabric aside and entered her with one finger, sliding slowly in and out of her, her whimpering muffled between their lips. He then felt her hand slide under his boxers and she took hold of him in her soft, small hand. He moaned himself, not able to stop it and she smiled, kissing him more deeply. They both moved their hands in unison, their excitement building as each found the spots and techniques that elicited spasms of delight from the other. Finally, able to bear it no longer, their hands flew in rhythm with each other, their minds whirling, their moans now constant as they kissed, their lips mashing together, their tongues engaged in a furious battle. They both cried out in unison as they both crested the wave at the same time, their bodies convulsing with the force of their explosions. They both collapsed back to the bed, gasping and cuddled together, after casting a quick cleaning spell on each other. Hermione lay with her head on Harry's shoulder, her fingers playing lightly with the hair growing on Harry's chest and whispered "I love you Harry, now and forever."
Harry repeated the same to Hermione and they kissed tenderly, their eyes closing as they drifted off, safe in each other's arms.