Its Just Pretend

It was not even barely seven o clock in the morning and every student in Hogwarts were fast asleep in their warm beds....except one. One student was in the deserted library with her nose stuck in a book as she frantically began to travel her eyes over the informative words. It's not surprise who this student was, because only seventeen year old Hermione Granger would be up this early cramming for an important test. It was a test over Arithmacy and normally she would have been prepared, however her two best friends, Ron Weasley and Harry Potter made her join them for a late night dip in the lake. It was against the rules, dangerous and beyond absurd....that's why they did it. Those two were bad influences on her, she thought with a yawn. She found herself smiling though as she recalled their late night adventure.

"Guuuuys, what's this all about?" Hermione whined as they walked out on the grounds towards the lake. "I have a test tomorrow!"

"Oh, relax Mione worse could happen is you get a B," Ron said as he rolled her eyes.

Harry snickered at his comment, but let out a grunt when Hermione elbowed him in the stomach. "Jeesh, so sensitive."

"Seriously, what are you two dragging me in this time?" she asked.

Harry threw a friendly arm around her. "Don't worry, Mione...it'll be fun," he said with a wink.

"Sure it will," she muttered.

"Last one in is a rotten egg!" Ron yelled as he started to run to the lake, stripping off his robe on the way before running into the lake like a madman with only his boxers on.

Hermione's jaw dropped as she watched Ron collapse into the water. "Oh....my god."

Harry chuckled and then grabbed her arm. "Let's go join him."

"Are you insane!" she said as she resisted his tug. "I'm not going in there, especially when Ron's half naked!"

"Oh, where's your sense of adventure, Herm?" he challenged. "It's not like you're gonna see us naked."

Hermione blushed and hoped that it was too dark for Harry to notice. "Well, I for sure am NOT going in there in my underwear and bra!"

"Then swim in your clothes," he said with a wink before he trotted off towards Ron as he stripped as well, diving head first into the water.

"I cannot believe I'm friends with these two idiots," she muttered as she walked towards the waters edge and then put her hands on her hips as she watched the two splashing each other. "You're gonna wake someone up with all that noise, ya know."

"Don't worry, we set up a soundproof charm around the lake, so no one can hear us....now get in here, you're missing all the fun."

"I'm more of an observer, thanks," she said with a sigh. She had on her robe and underneath just a plain white tank top and boxer shorts that she stole from Harry last summer when she had aparrated in his room to visit with him. She ended up staying the night, because it was almost three in the morning when they finished talking. He had led her a pair of his boxers shorts to sleep in and a T-shirt, which she ended up keeping.

"Hermione, come on in...the waters great!" Harry said with a goofy smile.

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. He looked ridiculously cute. His messy black hair was wet and sticking out in every direction and random water beads traveled down his bare chest that reflected well from the moonlight. Hermione blushed again when she realized she was staring. "I don't know guys."

"All right that's it," Harry said and then started to stalk out of the water towards her.

Her eyes widened when she realized he was coming after her. "Harry, no...don't even think about it," she said as she held up her hands.

"Either come in on your own, or go in by force," he told her.

"All right, all right," she said as she caved in. "I'll come in just...stay away." She let out a sigh as she flung off her robe and tossed it on the grass.

Ron let out a cat whistle. "Lookin sexy, Mione!"

"Oh shove it Ron!" she laughed as she walked towards the water and then dipped her red painted toe in the water. She shivered. "That's cold!"

"It's not that bad," Harry said and then his eyes traveled down her body. "Hey, aren't those mine?" he asked mentioning her boxers.

"No, they're MINE now," she said with a smirk as she slowly walked further into the water. She stopped when she was only knee deep right where Harry was standing. "It's too cold guys."

"No it's not, just leap in all at once, it's not as bad," Ron said as he pushed some of his wet hair out of his face.

"Allow me to help," Harry said when Hermione hesitated. He heard her shriek when he bent down and lifted her up and cradled her like a baby. One arm was under her knees and the other around her shoulders. "Let's do it this way."

"Harry!" she shrieked as she put her arms around his neck. "Let me go!"

"Let you go?" he asked with a grin when he was waist deep. "Okay."

"No! No, don't let me go!" she shrieked as she flared her legs and held on tight to Harry.

"Mione,...Harry can't breath dear," he choked when she practically clung to him.

"Just drop her, Harry," Ron said with a roll of his eyes.

"I can't she won't let go!"

"Here, this will do it," Ron said as he walked up to them and then began to tickle her sides.

Hermione yelped and her body flinched as Ron began to tickle her until she finally had no choice but to let go and fell into the cool water. She came up sputtering profanities to both of them, while the guys just laughed at agitated wet Hermione. "Look Harry, we get our own personal wet T-Shirt contest," he teased as he nudged him causing Harry to chuckle.

Hermione gazed down to see her sheer white tank top that was plastered to her chest which made it quite clear she was sporting a baby blue bra. She wasn't embarrassed, but splashed Ron anyway. "Ron, when did you become such a pervert!"

"When I hit puberty," he said with a shrug before diving under the water again.

"See? Aren't you glad you decided to come in now?" Harry said with a cheeky grin.

"What do you mean decide, I was forced!" she corrected as she flipped her hair to the side, ringing out her hair.

"Aww, poor Mione, whiny," Harry teased as he poked out his lip.

"All right you are going down," she said as she started to charge at him, but Harry just laughed as he grabbed her wrists keeping her at bay. She looked determined when she tried to hook a foot under his leg to trip him, but failed miserably as Harry tripped her instead and dunked her under water.

"Is that all you got?" Harry asked getting cocky.

She attacked again and this time she managed to grab his shoulders trying desperately to push him down. Harry then wrapped his arm around her waist and lifted her up against him before tackling her back into the water. She resurfaced pushing back her wet hair as she stood there out of breath. "You suck Harry."

"Giving up so soon?" he asked with a grin.

"You don't stand a chance, Herms," Ron said who was on the sideline enjoying the show.

"You could help me you know," she spat back at him.

"No way, it's too much fun watching you get dunked," Ron stated.

Hermione went after Harry for a third time...and a fourth...then fifth, but every time he had some other clever way into throwing her back into the water. Finally, she had enough and she held up her hand out of breath. "Okay...that's it...I'm done. You win."

He let out a laugh. "Well, I'll admit, you got spunk," he said with a wink.

"Are we going in already?" Ron whined. "We were just....OH SH!T!" Ron jumped when he felt something rub his leg. "What the hell was that? Something touched me!"

"Relax, Ron...it was probably just the giant squid," Hermione said.

Ron paled. "You know what? I'm getting tired anyway let's go."

Harry and Hermione watched in amusement when he ran past them in the water and on to dry land. Harry chuckled as he followed him and he was only waist deep when Hermione leapt on his back. Not expecting it he tumbled backwards off balance before finally falling into the water with Hermione.

"Yes!" she cheered as she held up hands in triumph. "I did it! I tackled Harry Potter! I am such a....ahhh!" Hermione was so into celebrating she didn't see Harry come up behind her, so he was able to lift her off the ground, throwing her over his shoulder. "Harry!"

Harry just grinned as he carried her onto the land, holding on to her legs while her waist was toppled over his shoulder. "You looked tired, just thought I'd carry you."

"I don't need you to carry me!" she shrieked as she slapped his wet bare back.

"Course you do...Ron grab her robe will ya?"

"Sure!" he said cheerfully and fully enjoyed walking behind Harry so he could mess with Hermione all the way tot he front door. He pulled her hair, tickled her side and even gave her a wet wily, which involved licking his finger and then sticking it in her ear. He enjoyed her cringing and shrinking immensely. Harry eventually had to put her down when they got to the door, so they could hide under his invisibility cloak. The three stifled giggles the whole way there, trying hard not to laugh when they had to pass Snape in the hallway. They dropped off Ron at the Gryffindor common room, before Harry and Hermione went to the Head Boy dormitories. Once they were safely in the common room, they took off the cloak and Hermione immediately shoved him playfully. "Why do you guys always pick on me?"

He chuckled. "Cuz we love ya," he said as he leaned in and gave her a friendly kiss on the forehead and then nuzzled her wet head with his hand. "Night Mione...thanks for taggin along, it was fun."

She couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah it was...see you tomorrow Harry."

Hermione smiled at the memory one last time before finally pushing it aside to study. She had read the same sentence in the past ten minutes. She needed to study and forget about her night. She just hoped that they had another adventure soon.

She had been studying for almost an hour when she finally looked at her watch to see that it was almost breakfast time. She was about to close her book when she felt a presence looming behind her. A pair of large hands gripped the arms of her chair and she felt someone breathing down her neck. She had a feeling who it was. "Hello there, Mione."

She rolled her eyes. She was right. "I told you not to call me that," she said stiffly as she slammed her book closed. The only two people who were aloud to call her that were her two best friends. Everyone knew that. But Mr. Cocky Hufflepuff couldn't get the picture. Parker Remmington thought he was god's gift to women. He was every woman's fantasy...except Hermione and that was the only reason why he tried to persue her. No matter how much she pushed him away, he would just come after her more. Every other girl thought she was crazy for turning him down, but they were just silly girls with crushes who couldn't see past the exterior he created. Sure he was good looking...but he was also crude, selfish and cocky. She hated that.

"Parker, leave me alone," she said with a sigh as she got up from her chair.

Parker took this advantage by trapping her against the table with his body. "Why fight it, Hermione. I know you want me."

"I'd rather mug down with Snape," she said in disgust as she tried to push him away.

"Come to the Yule ball with me, Miss Granger."

She sighed. He really couldn't take a hint. "Um...sorry, already going with someone else," she lied.

Anger flashed in his eyes. "Who?!"

"Er....I..."

"You're not going with that Potter are you?"

"Um....yes...yes I am," she said as she lifted her chin up at him.

"Are you two together or something?" he asked as he grabbed her wrist when she tried to leave.

"Let go you're hurting me and it's none of your business who I'm seeing. Maybe I am dating Harry." She saw the look of shock in his eyes and it made her say the next thing that came out of her mouth. "In fact...I AM dating Harry Potter." As soon as she said it, she wish she could take it back. Why did she say that? Oh man he's gonna kill me!

"Fine, date him for all I care," he said as he pushed away from the table away from her. "You'll eventually get over him and realize you want me instead."

"Keep dreamin," she muttered as she stocked out of the library. As soon as she was out of view she nervously bit her lip. Harry was not going to be pleased.

Hey guys! Thanks for all the support! Just a few things though. This is a really fluffy fic. No action, suspense or danger. So if you don't like just fluffy stuff, don't bother reading it. Secondly, I did write and finish this before book 5 was out, I've been posting on forums since I've been writing. I just discovered portkey a few months ago and have had trouble getting on her. Someone asked if I could revise it to fit into book 5, but there's really no point. I don't mention a lot of stuff that's irrelevant, plus I have a job and plus three stories I'm working on, so I don't have the time.

Anyway, enough of that. I hope you enjoy this fanfic as much as I enjoyed writing it. Since it's already done I'll try and update once a day...if I can. I'm house sitting Wed and Thursday so don't expect any updates then. But look out for them, because they will be pretty frequent. Take care!

Harrys Mistres(aka: Margaret)

Hermione entered their private common room to find that Harry still had not yet woken up. The late night dip in the lake must have really worn him out, she thought with a smile as she threw her cloak over the back of the couch before ascending up the stairs leading to both of their rooms. Instead of going right, where her room was located, she turned left until she stood in front of Harry's door. She took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

No answer.

She knocked again, this time a little harder.

Still no answer.

She finally turned the knob and opened it herself, peeking her head in and smiled softly at the site of Harry. He was still asleep. He was sprawled out on his stomach with the sheets bunched down to his waist, revealing his well defined shoulders and back. His right foot poking outside of the covers so she leaned down and ran her nails over his foot.

Harry groaned as he jerked his feet back under the covers shifting tiredly under the covers. Hermione giggled. "Harry wake up," she finally said.

"Uuuuh, go away," he groaned sleepily as he turned his head the other way.

"Come on, get up...you're wasting the day away." With that said she walked over to his window and flung the drapes away, letting in the bright rays of sun.

Harry flinched at the brutal sunlight. "Herms, why are you torturing me," he said as he pulled the covers over his head to block the light. "Go bug Ron."

"I don't need to talk to Ron, I need to talk to you," she said as she knelt on his bed beside the big lump he created.

"We can talk later at a decent time."

"It's almost nine!"

"We went to bed four hours ago," his voice muffled under his cocoon of blankets.

"So? I've been up till six."

"Well, you're insane Mione, everyone knows that."

Hermione slapped the hump causing Harry to grunt. "Wake up!" she said as she flew the covers off of him.

"Hey, for all you know I could be naked under here," Harry said as he kept his eyes closed and buried his face in his pillow.

Hermione froze. "You're not are you?"

"Maybe...maybe not...now go away."

Hermione sighed and instead of going away she leaned up on her knees and straddled the small of his back and took a seat a little to hard on his butt, causing him to groan out a laugh. "I'm not going anywhere." She playfully ran her nails on his bare back. "Come on, wake up and talk to me."

"Mmm, you keep doing that and you have my attention," he sighed in heavenly bliss. "You're nails are nice and long."

"If I keep scratching your back, you'll talk to me?" she asked as she started to use both hands, traveling them up and down his back.

"Mionie, if you keep doing that I just might marry you...little to the left..."

She smiled softly. "Well, maybe later...but for right now all I need to do is talk."

"Okay," he sighed. He would definitely start making a habit out of this. Damn, what a way to wake up.

"I went to the library earlier this morning to study," she began as she started to run small circles all over his back. "First half hour were a flop, because I was too tired from last night to function."

He chuckled under her. "What a blast though right?"

"Yes and we should definitely do it again." She stopped scratching his back and then started rubbing his shoulder when she felt a tight knot. Hermione believed that Harry approved when he let out a strangled moan. "You must have slept on it wrong, this knot is huge."

"Stress...Quidditch game coming up," he muttered. "Go on...you were studying..."

"Right...I finally got to study for a good hour and...well....Parker showed up." Hermione immediately felt all his muscles underneath her hands tense up like stone. His eyes flew open before he suddenly flipped over onto his back to look up at Hermione who was now straddling his front.

"What?" he finally said and sat up. "Parker came up to you..."

"Yeah, he...."

"Did he touch you....or hurt you?" he asked frantically as his hands traveled over her face and down her neck, searching for any marks he might have left on her.

"Harry, he didn't hurt me," she said softly as she grabbed his wrists to stop him. "He may be a pompous ass, but he's not violent."

Harry grabbed her hands and squeezed it as he looked up at her. "Now he's not....You thought that about Krum and....and, you found out you were wrong in the worst way..."

Hermione heard the crack in his voice, knowing that the memories of Victor was just as hard on him. "That was a long time ago, Harry. Thanks to you and Ron, he can't touch me anymore."

He closed his eyes as he shook his head. "I never want to see another bruise on you ever again."

"You won't...as long as your around I know I can't get hurt," she told him firmly, hoping it would calm him down. "Parker doesn't want to hurt me...he may want to try and get me in bed, but..."

"He touches you and he dies...if I ever see him lay a finger on you, he dies."

She smiled softly and couldn't help but laugh. "You're like my personal bodyguard."

"I'm your personal best friend....someone hurts you I take it personal." He sighed as he tried to calm down and then rubbed her arms with his hand, urging her to continue. "Go on, Mione....what he do?"

"He just cornered me, that's all and...he asked me to the Yule Ball."

"What did you say?" he asked as he rested his hands on her hips. She was still straddling him, sitting on his thighs but since she weighed nothing he hardly noticed.

"I lied....told him I was going with someone else already," she said as she tried to avert her eyes away from Harry's.

Harry noticed this and was worried. He knew she was nervous about something. "Aaaand?"

"He um...asked if uh...I was going with you."

He studied her guilty face. "Herms....you told him no right?"

She looked down and bit her lip and only looked at him when he lifted her chin up with his finger to force her. "Ummm..."

"Moine...please tell me you didn't..."

She winced. "I'm sorry!" she finally said with an exasperated breath. "I didn't know what to say!"

"How bout no, someone else?!" he yelled and then groaned in frustration as he gently pushed her off him so he could get out of bed. "Dammit, Mione you KNOW I was gonna ask Veronica..."

She sighed at the mention of his recent crush on the sixth year Ravenclaw. "I know but..."

"I was going to ask her today!" he exclaimed as he paced the room What am I suppose to do now?"

"I...I'm sorry, I...I panicked! I knew he wasn't going to leave me alone if I didn't say something! He hates you! He's jealous of you, that's why I said yes."

"I don't care two $hits about him, Hermione....I'm your friend yes and I'll help you in any way...but this! I really want to ask Veronica!"

Her heart fell to the pit of her stomach. A small part of her was hoping he'd agree to pretend...just pretend they were going out for a few days. "You're right," she finally said. "I got myself into this mess by telling him we were dating and..."

"Dating?" he asked suddenly. "Didn't you just tell him we were just going to the ball?" Hermione swallowed her tongue and looked at him shyly. "Hermoine!"

She winced. "I KNOW! I'm horrible!" she yelled as she crawled out of bed and stood in front of him. "I'm sorry, I really am...I don't know why I said it. Look, just forget I said anything about it, I'll just..." She let out a sigh. "I'll just go talk to him and tell him the truth and..."

"No, you're not even gonna stand in the same ROOM with that guy let alone talk to him," he refused angrily as he ran his fingers through his jet black hair. "Ugh...okay...fine...you win. I'll...pretend we're dating...BUT...we break up at the ball. I at least want a dance with Veronica."

Hermione saw him pouting in the middle of his room and she couldn't help but smile. She ran up to him and flew his arms around him. "Thank you! Thank you!"

Harry stumbled backwards a little as he lifted his arms away. He finally gave in and wrapped them around her. "I'm still pissed at you ya know," he said even though there was a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"I know, I don't blame you," she sighed and then looked up at him. "It'll be a piece of cake, I mean the worse we have to do is hold hands when he's around...we can handle that right?"

"Yeah, we can handle that," he told her with a grin and then hugged her again when she laid her cheek back against his chest. "We'll have to tell Ron about this, or he'll flip his $hit if he thinks we're actually dating."

"Yeah, but only Ron. We need to make it realistic and hopefully it'll get Parker off my back for awhile."

"Or for GOOD," he muttered and then kissed the top of her head. "I need to get in the shower. Wanna join me?"

"Harry!" she laughed as she pushed him away.

"Hey, we're pretending right? Might as well practice"

"You're horrible," she said as she pushed his head playfully loving the feel of his warm laughter traveling over her. "I'll see you downstairs."

"Later Baby!"

"Bye, bye Harry Poo!" she teased as she blew him a kiss before finally leaving him alone.

Harry chuckled. Maybe this won't be a bad thing after all.

Hey guys! Here's chapter 3:-) Don't forget, I'll be housesitting, but I'll update chapter 4 tomorrow morning before work if I can.

Harry was dressed and ready for the day and was waiting for Hermione to come down and Ron to join them. He had got in touch with Ron, using a certain spell that they conjured up in order for them to keep in touch since they now lived in different dorms. They would write letters to each other and then summon the letter so it would magically appear in the person's hand. He had written to Ron to tell him to come to their common room before breakfast, so him and Hermione could explain their little plan. Not that Ron would care anyway, he was completely crazy about Julia Ann Evans, a sixth year Gryffindor who was a year below them. Ron never gave her a second look until his sixth year when he first saw her during the Sorting ceremony.

"Harry, who's that...talking with my sister?" Ron asked in a daze.

Harry looked up to see Ron staring at someone, completely frozen in the process. He turned to see Ginny and a cute girl with long glossy black hair that was straight as a board and a smile that could warm any man's heart. "Wow...I don't know, but she sure is cute."

"Back off I saw her first," Ron said quickly as he playfully shoved him.

Harry looked back at him and couldn't help but laugh. "Go for it, by all means."

"Who are you guys drooling over now?" Hermione asked with a roll of her eyes.

"The blue eyed beauty talking to my sister," Ron managed to say as he rested his chin against his hand and stared dreamily at her.

Hermione blinked at his expression and then turned to the girl. "Oh, that's Julia."

"Who?" they both asked.

"Julia Ann Evans," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Honestly guys, she's been here since our second year, she's in Ginny's class."

Ron blinked. "You're kidding...why haven't I noticed her before?"

"Probably because she's changed, she didn't use to look like that. I mean she was always a cute girl but she's definitely grown up."

"I wonder if she digs redheads," Ron said with a sigh, causing both Hermione and Harry to share a look of amusement before laughing.

Apparently, Julia DID dig redheads and one in particular. Ginny had told Ron she had a crush on him since the day she came to Hogwarts. Ron eventually asked her out and they had been together since. They were attached to the hip. Harry was happy for him, for one thing he liked Julia a lot and could tell she would fit easily in their gang, and for another it finally got him over the stupid crush he had on Hermione. He didn't ever have to listen to his constant whining about her with other guys anymore. Now that he had Julia, all he cared about was that Hermione dated the right guy. He was just as protective of Hermione as Harry was.

"Hey," Hermione said with a smile as she walked into the common room.

Harry looked up to see Hermione freshly dressed into a pair of jeans and a nice orange fitted sweater. She wore her hair straight today and could tell she put on a little make up. "Hey, you changed."

"Yeah, I had to take a shower to get all the Parker grime off me," she teased as she sat next to him, drawing her knees up towards him.

Harry shifted up in his seat to turn to her. "Well, you look great."

She blushed slightly. "Thanks...had to look good enough to be on Harry Potter's arm."

He let out a laugh. "Yeah right...whatever. It's ME who doesn't deserve you....every single guy in Hogwarts has some kind of plan to try and snag you."

"And how would you know this?" she asked amused.

He shrugged. "I might have overheard some Ravenclaw guys talking about you." He sighed. "Let's just say, I was very close to going over there and beating the crap out of them all."

She winced. "That bad huh?"

"Yyyeah, but they ARE guys, I mean...Ron and I talk about girls like that, so I can't blame them really, ya know? I mean, they aren't attached to you the way I am."

"Aww, you're sweet," she said as she ruffled his hair.

"Hey, hey," he said as he pulled her hand away. "Don't mess up the hair, okay?"

She let out a laugh. "Whatever, like you can ever tame that thing...besides I like it better when it's messy." She then ruffled his hair again making them both laugh.

"Guys?" Ron called out.

"Yeah, in here Ron," Harry said with a laugh as he pushed Hermione away.

"Hey, what's so funny?" Ron asked as he sat down in one of the chairs.

"Nothing...thanks for coming by," Hermione said with a smile. "You won't believe the mess I got myself into."

"Um...excuse me?" Harry said.

"US....mess I got US into," she corrected with a roll of his eyes.

"What happened?" Ron asked.

"Well, I went to the library to study this morning and...."

"And what..."

"Parker showed up," Harry finished for her with resentment in his voice.

Ron's eyes clouded with anger. "What?" he hissed.

"Now Ron...."

"I'm gonna kill him," Ron said and stared to stand up, but Hermione reached out to stop him.

"Ron, sit down...you're not gonna kill anyone," Hermione sighed as she tugged his arm.

"Oh yeah? Watch me..."

Harry sighed. "I already did the death threats man, they don't work...might as well sit down."

"Fine," he grumbled as he sat back down. "What happened?"

Hermione sighed with relief. Sometimes it was just too tiring to have two overprotective male friends. "He didn't hurt me, he just cornered me and asked me to the Yule Ball."

"Guy can't take a hint," Ron muttered.

"I know..believe me, I know," Hermione said. "I lied of course and said I was going with someone else and....he asked if it was Harry and I said....uh

"Loud mouth here tells him yes," Harry finished for her a second time and did his famous pout.

"You what?" Ron asked.

"Oh, it gets better....she then tells him we're dating."

"Are you insane?" Ron asked.

Hermione let out a sigh. "Yes, apparently! Jeez.." She then slapped Harry's arm. "And why are you being a jerk again, you agreed to pretend."

"I did yes, but I can still pout!"

"Wait, agreed to what?" Ron asked curiously.

"We are going to date until the Yule Ball...just pretend though," Harry told him. "Hopefully, that'll get Parker off her back."

"What if he keeps pursuing her AFTER ya'll break up?" Ron asked.

"Then we stick to her like glue until graduation," Harry said firmly.

Ron nodded. "Good plan."

"Guys, I don't need a bodyguard!" Hermione exclaimed. "I can take care of myself." She turned to Harry. "All I need you to do is pretend we are dating and we can break up at the Yule Ball so you can have your precious time with Veronica, okay? Now, if you'll excuse me I'm going to breakfast."

Harry let her go as far as standing up, before he grabbed her arm and yanked her back down. "You're not going anywhere while you are pissed at me."

"I'm not pissed at you," she said unconvincingly.

"Yes you are....if we are going to do this right, going out there while we are fighting isn't a convincing way to do it, Mione."

"Wow...you guys are good," Ron said as he blinked. "You even fight like a couple."

"Shut up, Ron," Hermione said.

Harry sighed. "We'll meet you at breakfast...I gotta cool this one down."

Hermione replied by hitting him with a pillow. Ron winced as he stood up. "Good luck...I gotta go meet Jules anyway. See ya around lovebiiiirds."

Hermione started to pounce at him, causing Ron to flinch and stumble backwards. Harry, fortunately for Ron's sake, was holding her back. "Get out of here before she starts baring claws."

"Have fun with her," Ron laughed before finally leaving the room.

"Mione, calm down," he said gently as he pulled her on his lap. "It's okay...I know we seem like jerks, but we're just trying to protect you."

"I don't need protection," she said even though she was already relaxing in his arms.

"No doubt you are a strong woman and could probably kick me and Ron's asses anytime," he said causing a chuckle to escape from Hermione. "But we love you, Mione...we'd do anything for you, you know."

She sighed as she leaned back against him. "I know."

Harry placed his chin on her shoulder. "Are you okay now?"

She took in a shaky breath as she tilted her head resting her temple against his. "Yeah, I'm sorry I snapped. I don't like this any more than you do."

"Listen Mione, pretending to be your boyfriend isn't going to be bad at all, come on...you're acting like it's gonna be open heart surgery or something. We're going to have fun with this okay?"

She smiled slightly. "Okay."

"I'm still not convinced," he said and poked her in the ribs.

She giggled as she flinched. "Okay, okay....just don't tickle me."

"Deal," he said with a smile and then slapped her legs as he leaned up motioning her to do the same. They grabbed their cloaks and got situated before Harry grinned and held out his hand. "Ready to go, love?"

She smiled and slipped her hand in his warm one. Funny, whenever Harry held her hand in any way, whether it was for comfort or any other reason....she always felt safe. She gave him a friendly squeeze. "Ready as ever."

Chapter Four

Harry and Hermione walked hand in hand down the corridors as they made their way to the Great Hall. Harry had looked over at her to see her biting on her bottom lip. He smiled as he squeezed her fingers. "It's gonna be okay, Mione."

"I know," she said a little too quickly.

Harry stopped right outside the double doors and turned to face her. "I mean it Herm...if we want to do this we have to go in there with confidence. We smile and pretend we are a happy couple in love, okay? That can't be too hard right? We love each other right?"

She had to smile. "Yes, you know I do...but not in..."

"That way, I know," he finished for her. "That's why it's called pretend. Didn't you ever use to play it as a kid?"

"All the time."

"Exactly, so you should be a pro at it." He then surprised her when he lifted their joint fingers and kissed it. "Relax."

The feel of his lips on her skin made all the nerves and anxiety melt away. She sighed in content. "I'm ready."

Together, they walked into the Great Hall with happy smiles plastered on their faces as they gazed at each other. They noticed people pointing and whispering at them as they walked by, but neither were surprised. "Gossip always travels fast here at Hogwarts," Harry said with a slight smile.

"Apparently," she muttered.

Harry just chuckled as he put an arm around her and pulled her next to him, before kissing her temple. Wow, Hermione thought. He was good at this.

"Morning," Harry said with a smile as they sat across from Julia and Ron.

Julia's eyes grew wide. "So...it IS true?" she asked and then squealed with delight when Harry and Hermione both nodded. "Oh, I'm so happy! I always thought you guys would be adorable together."

Harry blushed. "You did?"

"Yes...speaking of which," she said as she turned around to her boyfriend, flipping her long raven black hair that remarkably matched the color of Harry's. "I win the bet."

Ron paused with the fork full of eggs in mid air. "Huh?"

"The bet..remember?" she said smugly.

Ron dropped his fork when he remembered about the bet they made at the beginning of the school year. Julia was quite certain that Harry and Hermione would end up together, Ron of course laughed at the thought. She wanted a little wager on it. "But..but...this doesn't count!"

"What bet are you talking about?" Hermione asked.

"That you guys would end up together, he didn't believe it."

"It doesn't count!" he said and then flinched when Harry kicked him under the table. He bit his lip to keep from grunting but scowled at Harry.

"Why exactly does it not count, Ron?" Harry said between his teeth.

"He's just trying to get out of it," Julia said as he rubbed his back. "It's okay, Ron...I'll go easy on ya."

"What exactly was the wager?" Hermione asked.

"He's my slave for a whole week," Julia said with a grin.

"What kind of slave...like sex slave?" Harry teased with a laugh.

"Please, I'm not that kind of girl," Julia said as she tilted up her chin.

Ron snorted a laugh. "Could of fooled me or do you not remember the other night when you..." She didn't allow him to finish. She shoved her elbow in Ron's ribs right when he was about to sip on his pumpkin juice. "Argh...Jules!"

She giggled when it spilled down his shirt. "You get what you deserved."

Feeling sorry for him, Hermione murmured a cleaning spell and the stain disappeared. "Thanks Mione," he mumbled and then glared at Jules. "I think we should see other people."

"We'll see other people after my week," she said fully knowing he was teasing. She then kissed him quickly before standing up. "But right now I gotta go to class. See you guys later."

"Bye Jules," they all said randomly as they watched her walk away.

"This is not fair," Ron hissed quietly once she was gone. "I completely forgot about this bet! I need to tell her about you two so I don't..."

"No way," Hermione said before he could finish. "You are the only one that can know. Think of it this way, when she knows the truth, SHE can be your slave for a week."

Ron grinned slyly. "I always did like the way your brain worked, Mione."

"It's a gift," she said with a shrug and the three of them shared a laugh.

The laughter didn't last long. The presence of man walked up behind Harry and Hermione, looming over them. Ron looked up and by the look of his face they knew who it was. "You can't honestly expect anyone to believe this little game you're playing, do you?"

Harry turned around and stood up, sheltering Hermione behind him. Harry towered over Parker by an inch and Ron stood up on the other side of the table, on the verge of hurdling himself over the table if Parker started anything. "Course not, Parker," Ron said. "You're so full of yourself it must be difficult to believe that a smart girl like Hermione turned you down.

"I'm not here to talk to you, Weasley," Parker said.

"News flash," Harry said. "You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us."

"How noble," he smirked.

"Just go away, Parker," Hermione finally spoke up as she stood up behind Harry. She tried to step around, but Harry reached around and grabbed her wrist, silently telling her to stay behind him.

"You heard the lady," Harry said. "Hermione is with me, Parker. The sooner you realize it the better."

"So what....you go around holding hands and I'm suppose to believe you're dating?" He let out a laugh. "Anyone can do that. Sorry, I'm not buying it." He looked at Hermione. "I don't know why you're pulling away for me, Mione..."

"Don't call her that," Harry hissed between her teeth.

"I can call her whatever I want, you don't own it," Parker said getting defensive. It really did tick him off when his ego had been deflated.

"Yes we do," Ron said and finally had enough of his $hit. Gasps and shrieks filled the room when Ron stepped up onto the bench then walked over the table, silverware and glasses clinking together, before he landed next to Harry. "Leave her alone, Parker. I mean it, or I'll hex you to the next dimension."

"Fine...I'll leave," he said and then looked at Hermione. "You can't hide behind your bodyguards forever, Hermione...we will finish this."

"You touch my girlfriend and you die," Harry said firmly as he gripped Hermione's wrist more firmly.

Parker gave him a smug look before he turned and walked away. Hermione let out a sigh as she pressed her mouth against his shoulder, closing her eyes as she sighed. Harry immediately turned around and pulled her in his arms, coaxing and soothing her as he ran his hands up her back. He could barely hear the girls in the room, sighing and awing at the sight of them. "Are you okay, Mione?" he asked.

"Don't worry, Mione...he's a chicken $hit...he's not worth it," Ron said as he placed a hand on her shoulder while she was still in Harry's arms.

She finally leaned back and gave her two best friends a small smile. "What would I do without you guys?"

"I think the correct statement is, what would WE do without our Hermione," Harry said as he pushed back strands of her hair, caressing her cheek.

Hermione then smiled up at him, before sliding her arms round his waist bringing him back to a hug. Ron wrapped an arm around her as well, gently rubbing his back as her two best friends comforted her.

Every girl in the Great Hall was wishing that they were in Hermione Granger's shoes.

Chapter 5

The trio eventually sat back at the table to finish their breakfast, once everything died down. Harry could tell Hermione was still bothered by Parker. He wished he could do or say something that make her laugh or even just smile. He sighed as he looked down at his half eaten blueberry pancakes, topped with whip cream. He grinned to himself, as he dipped his finger into the white cream and dabbed it on his nose.

He cleared his throat and turned to her. "Hey Hermione?"

"Hmm?" she murmured as she stopped picking at her food and turned to him. She immediately pressed her lips together as she held back a laugh. "Harry," she tried to say in a serious tone.

"What?" he asked innocently. "Do I have food on my face or something?"

"You know very well that you do," she said as she felt the rumble of laughter threatening to escape.

"I do? Where?" he asked as he wiped his mouth.

"I don't see anything on his face," Ron said.

Hermione turned to see that Ron had a big glob of jelly on his cheek. "Ron," she said sternly.

"What?!"

She looked at both of them, trying hard not to laugh, but they looked so ridiculous she finally busted out laughing. "You guys are nuts," She giggled and then reached over to wipe the whip cream off of Harry's nose.

Harry grinned. "There she is...she's back."

"Mission accomplished," Ron said as he wiped the jelly off.

"Such dorks," she laughed as she stood up. "Come on, we're gonna be late for Hagrid's class."

The grabbed their books and headed out of the Great Hall. Harry reached over with his free hand and grabbed Hermione's as they trotted down the front steps towards Hagrid's hut. Hagrid's large form stepped out of the hut and grinned brightly at Harry and Hermione. "The two of ye are finally together I see," he beamed. "I remember when your Mum and Da, finally admitted their feelings...took them forever yes they did..."

"Er thanks Hagrid," Hermione said as she felt herself turn red. Why did everyone think we'd get together? She never thought it would be this way, she expected their close friends to be completely shocked. But they weren't. They were the complete opposite.

They had Care for Magical Creatures with the Hufflepuffs, so Parker was near, glaring at both Harry and Hermione whenever he had the chance. Harry held onto her hand, giving her a slight squeeze of reassurance that he was there. Hermione smiled and rested her head on his shoulder while they continued to listen to Hagrid talk about Stinkywinks. These animals were a ball of fur, who's weapon of defense was a high stench of odor, similar to the skunk, but the smell was ten times worse. However, they give off pleasant smells if they are comfortable or trust a person. It all depended on the person, since Stinkywinks are a good judge of character. You can't be fake with them.

Hermione, Ron and Harry took a Stinkywink to play with, who were in fact cute little animals that almost looked like rabbits, except their ears were shorter, tail longer and had no whiskers. "Mmm, I smell cookies...exactly the kind of cookies my mom bakes," Hermione said as she buried her face in the fur.

"I smell Julia's perfume," Ron said slightly confused as he patted it's head.

"Stinkywinks have their own smell for each person," Hagrid began to explain. "They sense yer favorite smells. That is...if they like yeh, that is....yeh don't want to know what they do to yeh if they don't like yeh..."

"Harry what do you smell?" Hermione asked.

Harry looked puzzled. "Um...I smell...er...i don't know what it is...it smells good though."

"How can you not know? You had to have smelled it before?" Hermione asked confused.

"I guess I have, but didn't realize it," he said as he took a whiff. "It smells wonderful...some kind of rosemary scent and..."

"Uuuuugh!"

The three suddenly turned to see Parker stumbling off the grass just when a Stinkywink fell to the ground and scampered over to Hagrid. "Ew! Parker smells!" a Hufflepuff shrieked as she waved a hand in front of her face.

Everyone giggled when Parker looked like he was about to gag. "Get those things away from me...that thing bit me!"

"It bet ye?!" Hagrid asked. "What you do to it? It never bites....unless it's been provoked...nasty bite too, yeh'll be smellin' like that for a few days."

The trio stifled giggles as they looked at Parker's angry face, before he finally stalked off. They definitely enjoyed their class today, and finally were dismissed and they made their way back into the school. "So it IS true," a teasing voice said as they rounded the corner.

They looked up to see Draco grinning. "Hey Draco, and YES it is true," Harry said with a roll of his eyes.

"Bout time...."

"We did, right...we've heard it already," Hermione sighed.

"Hmm, hey Weasly, where's your sister?" he asked as he adjusted his books in his arms.

"I dunno, you're going out with her, you should know," he grumbled.

He grinned. "Still get under your skin do I?"

"No," he said unconvincingly. "Go bug Ginny."

"No, I'd rather bug this Weasly, a lot more fun," he said with a laugh.

"Draco, stop teasing my brother...that's my job," Ginny said as she appeared from around the corner.

"There you are, sweetie," he said as he kissed her on the cheek. "Where were you?"

"Just in the library, have a test on Arithmacy," she said as she held Draco's hand.

"Ugh, speaking of which, I have that next," Hermione said and turned to Harry. "I'll see you in Potions."

"Okay, good luck on your test," he said and then leaned down and kissed the corner of her mouth.

She blushed slightly. "Thanks," she said sheepishly before she turned and walked away, practically floating.

"See you guys later," Draco said before he pulled Ginny along with him.

"Hmph," Ron grunted as he pouted.

Harry shook his head. "Still haven't forgiven him for saving your life last year?"

"No....he only did it, to earn my trust so he could date Ginny," he grumbled.

Harry chuckled, because he knew that wasn't the reason why he saved Ron's life....well, not the only reason. Draco had done a 180 last year and completely changed, thanks to Ginny. She for some reason saw some good in him, and managed to spill it out. When they faced Voldemort at the end of the year, they had thought Draco had betrayed them, because he was standing by Voldemort's side that night. Ron was furious at him, and started to charge at him, so Voldemort raised his wand at him, preparing to say the death curse. He would have succeeded too, if Draco didn't knock Voldemort down with his body, catching him off guard. Truth was, he didn't betray them...he betrayed Voldemort. Risking his life, he pretended to be faithful to him, to keep the ones he loved safe. Namely Ginny. Ronald Weasly owes Draco his life. And although he was grateful, he never would admit it to Draco.

"You like him, you know you do," Harry snickered.

"I do not....ugh...okay, so he's definitely changed...for the better, but I don't have to be friends with him."

"Right...of course," Harry said not buying it. "Let's book it to Divination, we'll be late."

"Greeeat, another hour of listening to that wacko," he muttered as they made their way towards the Astronomy tower. "Thank Merlin it's Friday, that's all I have to say. I'm spending the entire weekend with Julia."

"When do you NOT spend time with Julia?" Harry asked amused.

Ron scowled. "Shut it, Potter. You're just jealous that you don't have a girlfriend."

"Oh, as a matter of fact Ron....I DO," he corrected with a grin.

"Hermione doesn't count," he said as they started climbing the long flight of stairs.

"Shut up someone will hear you," Harry hissed.

"I think it's so funny that people think your dating," he said quietly. "If they only knew....how you liking it by the way?"

He shrugged. "It's not bad...makes me feel good to know I'm helping Hermione. She's been through enough with Victor, I don't want her to go through that again."

"Ugh, don't ever say that name in my presence," Ron said as they finally reached the ladder that lead to the class.

"Tell me about it," he said as they climbed the ladder together.

"Good of you to join us," Trelawny said and then grinned at Harry. "I just knew you two would get together...it was destiny."

Harry blushed furiously when the whole class giggled at her remark. He quickly sunk low in his chair. He was still amazed at how fast news traveled here at Hogwarts.

Hermione had a smile plastered on her face as she left her Arithmacy class. She nailed it. There wasn't one question on that test that she did not know. Taking a late night dip with your best friends the night before, must really do the trick. She giggled softly to herself as she trotted up the steps to meet Ron and Harry before Transfiguration. She found them at their usual meeting spot just outside the class room. "Hey guys!"

Harry turned and grinned at the sight of her. "Hey smiley face, I take it the test went well?"

"Fabulous!" she said happily and then leaned up to kiss his cheek....just for show of course, since there were people around. "How was Divination?"

"Nothing special," Ron muttered.

"Yeah, she was still her quirky self," he said as he linked fingers with hers...a habit he was already getting use to. "We better head on in, looks like McGonagall is about to start."

They sat in their usual spots which were more towards the middle of the classroom. They didn't have assigned seating, but usually the way it worked was, the seat you choose on the first day, was your seat for the rest of the year. Hermione was sandwiched in between the boys, sitting straight up in her chair as she began her notes. Harry leaned slightly back in his chair and decided to give the people that were sitting behind them a show, so he placed his arm against the back of her chair and started to run his fingers through her long flowing hair.

Hermione jumped slightly at the first contact and turned around to see Harry grinning at her. He gave her a wink, which made her blush slightly so she quickly turned around so he wouldn't see. He was definitely going out of his way to convince people they were dating. She thought that they would just hold hands really, that was it. But he did other things for her as well. Like kissing her cheek or putting an arm around her, pulling her safely to his side. Or this....running his fingers casually through her hair while they listened to McGonagall's lecture on how to turn mice into pocket watches. For the first time, she actually found it difficult to concentrate.

After class, they went to lunch and thankfully weren't approached by Parker. Julia joined them for lunch, giving Ron a quick kiss as she sat down next to him. They told her what happened to Parker and she laughed a long with him. "That guy is such a git," she said as she speared her salad. "He thinks he's like the hottest thing in this school, which is such a crock. I can name three that are hotter."

"Really huh?" Ron asked as he took a break from shoveling food in his mouth and turned to her. "Who's that exactly?"

She grinned. "Well, you...of course," she said as she kissed his cheek. He blushed. "Then...Harry of course."

Harry grinned. "Why thank you, Julia," he said with a wink.

"Who's the third?" Ron asked.

"Draco."

"Draco? You think Draco's...HOT?"

"Hell yeah," she said casually and took a bite of her salad.

"I have to agree with her," Hermione said as she raised her hand.

"What?!" Harry asked shocked. "All those years you hated him?"

"I might of hated him, but I do have eyes, Harry," she said with a shrug. "Don't worry though, you're cuter."

Harry opened his mouth, but closed it when he felt himself turn red.

Chapter Six

The door to Hermione's bedroom slowly creaked open, to reveal a pair of mischievous green eyes. The boy with raven black hair snuck into his best friends room, quietly closing the door behind him. He held something behind his back as he crept closer to her four poster bed. He grabbed one of the posts and used it to lift himself up on the bed. Standing over Hermione, he positioned his bare feet on either side of her hips.

She must have been in a deep sleep, because she didn't even budge when she shifted with the mattress as he moved. She looked so peaceful lying on her back, her head tilted to the side, that he almost didn't want didn't want to bother her....almost. He then dropped on his knees, straddling her as he pulled his hand away from his back. "Wake up Mione!" he yelled.

Hermione jerked awake, and her eyes flew open and she blinked when she saw who it was. "Harry! What are you..."

SPLAT!!

Hermione yelped as she felt something cold and wet hit her face. She was frozen in shock as Harry was still straddling her while he grinned in triumphant. "Prepare....to die Potter."

"I get enough death threats from Voldemort, thanks," he said with a snicker. "Snow looks pretty good on you."

She scowled. "Why you little...wait, did you say snow?"

He laughed. "Yep," he said and reached over to grab a small patch of snow that that was melting across her cheek. "See? Snow!"

Her eyes grew with excitement. "Snow? This is snow? You didn't make it or anything?"

Harry grinned brightly. He knew how much Hermione loved the snow. "I got it just outside my windowsill. Go take a peek."

"I'll be mad at you later," she said quickly as she sat up and pushed him off.

Harry laughed as he fell to the side while Hermione dashed to her window. "It snowed over night," he told her.

"Oh! It's beautiful," she said as she pushed her windows open. The cool crisp air swept over her face....strands of her hair danced around her. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Harry looked back at her when she turned to face him. "Beautiful," he agreed, never leaving her eyes.

Hermione smiled and quickly looked away before he could see her blush. "It started snowing early this year."

"Yeah, a few weeks earlier than usual, it wasn't that cold when we went swimming."

"Ha," she said dryly. "That's only because you performed a warming spell on the lake, and even with that it was pretty cold."

"Why are you still griping about that, you KNOW you had a good time...I mean..."

SPLAT!

Harry's words were stopped when a snowball hit him in the face, coming right from Hermione. She giggled happily as he stood up, flinging the show off of him. "You laugh now...but there will be no laughing soon...get dressed and meet me downstairs. Prepare to eat snow."

Fifteen minutes later, Harry stood up from the love seat by the fire when he heard Hermione trotting down the stairs. He grinned at her beaming face...he loved seeing her happy. "Ready to go, Granger?"

Bundled in her gloves and scarf, she tilted up her chin, challenging him. "Ready as ever, Potter."

"Good," he grinned and then helped her with her cloak before they headed out the portrait hole.

Hermione shocked at first when he grabbed her hand, but then soon remembered that they were pretending. She had almost forgotten.

Once outside, the sounds of laughter and yells filled the air as couples and friends at Hogwarts were having their own Saturday morning fun in the snow. They kept walking with smiles on their faces, each sneaking glances at each other, wondering when they were going to break free and continue their battle.

They were almost by the lake when they finally held their gazes, before finally busting out laughing and ran away from each other. The battle had begun.

Harry made the first snowball and threw it relentlessly towards her and it hit the back of her head. She heard her gasp and then suddenly spun around and had her wand in her hand. His eyes widened when several snowballs she had made floated in the air and was heading his way. "Oh crap!" he said as he ducked his head from the blows. "That was playing dirty Hermione!"

"Sore loser," she spat and then yelped when a snowball hit her stomach. "That the best you can do."

"Is that a challenge, Granger?" he asked as he straightened and put his hands on his hips.

"Take it as you want it, Potter," she said snootily.

"Fine...I will....you better RUN!"

Hermione's eyes widened when he started after her. She let out a laugh as she turned and started to run farther away from the school, breathing heavily as she ran as fast as she could. She could hear him catching up on her, and knew it was only a matter of time before he grabbed her. She was definitely not as fast as Harry. Even without a Firebolt, he was fast.

"Gotcha!" he said as he grabbed her arm and spun her around right before he shoved some snow at her face.

"Why you little!" she grabbed some snow and then reached up and rubbed it in his messy hair.

"Woah that's cold!" he yelped as he did a little dance when some snow slipped into his shirt. "Okay...okay enough...I'm out a breath."

She giggled. "That was fun...I haven't had a good old snow fight in awhile."

"Me either," he said as he turned around to brush some of the snow off his back legs. He then jumped when a snowball hit his arm. "Hey! I thought we were done."

"It wasn't me!" she said innocently as she looked around. "It was..."

"Hey Potter! Granger! Up for a couples war?"

They turned towards the familiar voice to see Draco standing behind a tree, with a giggling Ginny behind him. "You are ON Malfoy!"

Draco grinned, but his smile fell when a snowball hit the side of his face. "Ahh! Weasly!"

Ron chuckled. "Better not leave us out!"

"This is war!" Draco said. "Everybody has ten minutes to built a fort...then it's go time!"

"You're going to be eating snow, Malfoy!" Ron yelled as him and Julia started their fort.

"You wish Weasly! I've got not only the prettiest Weasly on my team...but the smartest!" he yelled back. "Our fort will have nothing on you!

"Smartest? Next to my Mione!" Harry called as he stopped building to talk some trash. "Sorry Ginny, but you got no chance!" He then ducked down quickly to avoid a snowball coming from Draco. "That's cheating!" he yelled and then scooted next to his partner in crime. "How's it coming, Mione?"

"I'm using magic to hold it together...I came up with a spell that will have the snowballs fire back if they hit our fort," she said as started to pack some of the snow together.

Harry grinned. "Brilliant! I could just kiss you!"

Hermione gave him a half smile, even though her insides danced. "Yeah..well, maybe later, but right now we got a fort to defend. You start making snowballs, the more we have in advance the better."

"I'm on it Captain Granger!" he saluted and then quickly started to make a pile of snowballs.

"Times up!!" Draco's voice yelled. "Time for war!"

Then, moments later...snowballs started to fly.

Chapter Seven

The three couples were giggling happily as they made their way back to the school after the battle was over. They never really announced a winner, but Harry and Hermione both knew that they overtook the fight. They definitely worked good as a team.

Once they were inside the protection of the warm castle, they shook off all the snow from their cloaks and jumpers. "I need to de-thaw," Ron shivered as he ran his fingers through his hair to shake out some snow.

"Me too," Harry sniffed. "Let's go to the kitchen and see if Dobby can whip us up some hot chocolate."

"Sounds good," Draco said as he helped get some snow off Ginny's back. "From what I remember, Dobby always made good hot chocolate."

"You guys go ahead, I'm gonna run to the bathroom," Hermione said as she took off her scarf. "Have Dobby make me a cup, I'll join you in a minute."

"Okay, hurry back," Harry said as he leaned down to kiss her cold cheeks, still flushed from the cold.

Hermione gave him a quick smile before she turned and headed down the corridor, towards the closest bathroom. Once inside she disappeared inside one of the cubicles and was in the middle of pulling off her cloak when she heard voices coming into the bathroom.

"Are you sure it's not just your jealousy?" a feminine voice she recognized as Gretta Hillborn who was a sixth year Hufflepuff.

"Don't be silly Gretta?" another familiar voice said. Kirsten Robinson was also a Hufflepuff and good friends with Gretta, and also had a mad crush on Harry. Everyone knew that. "Parker is right, it's obvious they are pretending. Quite sad really, that Hermione has to use poor Harry like that."

"I don't know Kirsten, they look happy to me," she said uneasily.

"They're friends, Gretta. Course they are happy, but Harry would never see Hermione that way...I mean come on...who would?"

Hermione felt her heart drop as she felt tears start to swarm in her eyes. She bit her lip and kept listening.

"Parker likes her."

"Parker thinks of her as a challenge, that's all. Harry is too good for Hermione...she's so...boring."

"That's not very nice, Kirsten, I've talked to her before and she's pretty nice."

"Nice is boring," she stated. "Come on, let's go see if we can find Harry. I saw him a second ago and he was alone."

"You're hopeless, don't you ever give up?" Gretta asked.

"Never...I always get what I want," she said with a laugh.

Hermione closed her eyes as their voices faded, replaying the hurtful words in her mind over again as she exited the cubicle. She had never heard anyone say such hurtful things to her since that time in first year when Ron badmouthed her without knowing, causing her to cry in the bathroom for hours. The tears threatened to come up and she tried to keep them down, but knew that she had no chance. Suddenly, she didn't' feel like much company and instead of turning right towards the kitchen, she turned left towards her common room.

"Here's another cup...s-sir," Dobby said nervously as he held out a cup to Draco.

He smiled, as he quickly reached out to grab it. "Thanks Do..." He stopped and frowned when Dobby flinch and his suddenly movement. "Dobby, how many times do I have to tell you. I'm not like that anymore. I won't hurt you."

"I...I know sir," he said. "I apologize sir."

"Don't apologize, Dobby...I'm the one that should apologize for how I treated you while I was growing up." While he talked, he felt Ginny place a comforting hand over his, knowing how much he hated himself for his unforgivable behavior.

"No, s-sir...there's no need sir! You are friends with Harry Potter now sir! You are good! It's your father who..." He trailed off and shuddered.

"Well, you never have to worry about him again, thanks to Harry," he assured him. "And neither do I."

As soon as Lucious found out that Draco betrayed him and Voldemort he banned him from their home. "You are no longer a member of this family," he had told him. "You are no longer my son! Get out of my house!"

He had no where to turn to...or so he thought. The Weasleys had taken him under their roof, a gesture that completely shocked him considering how he treated them in the past. Mrs. Weasly had sensed his nervousness being under their roof the first night, so she simply said, "You saved our son, Draco. You love our daughter. The past is behind us and your future his bright. You are now always welcome at the Burrow."

For the first time in his life, he actually felt like he was a part of a family.

"How bout another round for my girlfriend, Dobby?" he asked as he grabbed her empty cup and handed it to Dobby.

"Right away sir!" he said and then trotted off to the kitchen.

Harry looked at the clock that was hung up above the kitchen sink. 'What could be keeping Hermione?" he asked worriedly. "She should have been here by now."

"I'm sure she's fine," Julia told her. "Maybe she got sidetracked or something."

He shook his head. "No...somethings wrong, I can feel it." He then stood up and grabbed his cloak. "I'm going to go look for her. I'll see you guys later."

Julia sighed as soon as he was good. "Soul mates...how romantic."

Ron blinked. "Huh? Soul mates?"

"Didn't you hear him? He said he could feel it. Only her soul mate could do that."

Ron let out a laugh. "You're such a mushy romantic," he said as he sipped his drink. "Harry just has these senses about things, that's all."

"Whatever you say," she said. "But I think they're soul mates."

Harry walked over to where the girls bathroom was and lingered by the doorway, looking for Hermione. Lavender came out of the bathroom along with Pavariti, so he quickly walked up to them. 'Hey, was Hermione in there?"

"No, she wasn't," Lavender said. "I actually saw her a few moments ago, she was heading towards your common room."

"She actually kind of looked upset," Pavariti added.

"Upset?" Harry asked quickly. "I'm gonna go see what's wrong, thanks girls."

"No problem," they both said.

Harry trotted towards their common room, quickly mumbling the password (silver lilies) before stepping through the portrait. He walked into the common room to see Hermione's figure lying on the couch facing the fire. He walked slowly towards her, careful not to give away his presence. Her shoulders were shaking as she sniffled and sobbed quietly. His heart broke in two at the sight. He hated seeing her cry. It was the worse feeling ever. He'd rather face Voldemort again, then to see her cry. "Mione?" he finally said softly as he made his way to the couch.

Hermione gasped as she sat up. "Harry? What are you doing here?" she asked as she began to wipe her tears away.

"You never came to the kitchen," he said as he sat down next to her. "I was worried."

"You wasted your trip...I'm fine," she said unconvincingly.

"Do you honestly expect me to believe that," he said softly. When she didn't answer he reached over and tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him. He could see her red puffy eyes were glistened with tears. "Oh baby...why are you crying? You know I can't stand to see you cry."

She sniffed as the tears crept up again. "I'm...sorry," she sobbed as she started to loose herself again.

"Shh...it's okay," he said as he pulled her to him, comforting her the best way he knew how. She buried her face in his chest, clutching handfuls of his sweater with her hands as she started to fall apart. Harry pressed her closer to him and ran his hands over her soft hair, pressing his lips against the top of her head. He breathed in deeply, catching her scent, which smelled oddly familiar. And wonderful. "Please tell me why you are so sad, Mione. Please."

"I'm...I'm sorry," she said again.

"For what?" he asked as she felt herself start to relax against him.

"For pulling you into this...for making you pretend," she sobbed softly.

Puzzled, he gently pulled her back so he could look at her. "What's this? Why are you all of the sudden apologizing to me? I told you I don't mine, I'm actually having a wonderful time with you."

"You don't deserve this....I'm not good enough for you, I..."

"Wait," he said suddenly angry. "Just back the hell up for a second...what's this crock about you not being good enough for me? What happened? Who told you that?!"

"No one did, I..."

"Don't lie to me, Hermione," he said and then shook her lightly by the arms. "Who told you that? What would make you think such an absurd thing?"

She looked down at her lap. "I overheard...some girls talking...in the bathroom." She sniffed as she wiped away a tear. "They were saying how I'm not good enough for you, that obviously Parker's right and how you and I are just pretending."

Harry cupped her face and made her look at him. "Who was it?"

She sighed. "Kirsten."

The anger inside him doubled. "Christ," he hissed as he stood up suddenly and paced by the fire. "Kirsten? That idiotic blonde who has been following me around like a puppy for the past two years?" When she nodded, he cursed again. "Hermione, why the hell did you take her seriously? You're smarter than that."

"I don't know," she sighed. "It just hurt. She called me boring Harry, no one has ever said something that hurtful to me before, not even when Ron said those stupid things about me during first year."

"Mione...baby, you know she's wrong," he said as he walked over and kneeled in front of her, placing his hands on her knees. "You are not boring. You are a beautiful, bright and loving witch. You're adventurous...brave and of course fun. Do you think Ron and I would let you hang with us, if you were boring?"

Hermione could hear the teasing in his voice and couldn't help but smile. "I guess not."

"Of course not!" he said as he reached up and cupped her face again, brushing away a tear with his thumb. "You are not boring. You are wonderful, and I love you. So does Ron, Julia...Ginny, and hell...even Draco!" This caused her to laugh which made him smile. "That's more like it."

She sighed. "But Harry....were not fooling anyone so far. Parker won't back off....once he starts to smell descent again, he'll be right back to where he was."

Harry leaned up and sat down next to her. "Then we start getting serious," he told her. "We need to pull off a scam of a lifetime, Hermione, and I think you know what we need to start doing."

She swallowed hard. "You mean? Kiss?"

He let out a shaky breath. The thought even terrified him. "Yes. We need to kiss."

Chapter 8

Hermione let the information sink in for a moment, before finally answering. "Okay...we'll...kiss the next time we see Parker," she agreed.

Harry bit his lip. "Er...actually, I think it would be wise if we do it now."

She blinked. "Now? But...no one's around, we're alone."

"Exactly....I mean, think about Hermione...the first time we kiss...it's going to be awkward, right?"

"Er...yeah, I guess."

"Right, well...we don't want to kiss for the first time in front of Parker, he'll see right through us if we're awkward and clumsy. See what I'm saying?"

"Yes...I guess your right." She sighed as she shifted to him. "So...it'll kind of like be practice."

"Right...practice," he agreed as he felt his heart start to hammer loudly against his chest. He was about to kiss Hermione. He was really about to kiss Hermione. The girl he knew since he was eleven. Bloody hell this is weird.

"This isn't Quidditch you know."

"I know, I know," he said with a sigh. "We have to though if we want to pull it off."

"Okay," she finally said. "I'm game."

Harry took a deep breath as he shifted in his seat next to Hermione. He gave her a quick glance as he scooted closer to her. He cleared his throat, so did Hermione and they both shared another look while they waited to see who was going to take the first move. "Well?" Hermione finally asked. "Are we going to kiss or what?"

"Yeah, I'm,...working up to it," he said nervously. "Give me a break, I'm about to do something I never thought I'd do with you."

"I know it's awkward, but like you said...we need to do it," she told him as she shifted towards him.

He nodded as he swallowed the lump in his throat. "Er...maybe...we should stand up," he suggested as he stood up and let out a hand to her. She took it and stood up in front of him, her heart skipped a beat when he looked into his eyes. He really had beautiful eyes, she thought as she found her self getting lost in them.

Harry finally took another breath as he stepped towards her, lifting his hands, hesitating before he finally framed her face softly. He licked his lips before his lips started to drift closer to hers until finally they met for a soft gentle kiss. Harry felt her began to melt right away and through the ringing in his ears he could hear a soft sigh escape her. He quickly drew back and studied her dream expression. "How was that?" he asked unsure.

She couldn't help but smile. His nervousness was so darn cute. "It was nice," she finally said. "Although it only lasted half a second."

"Right....okay, I can do that," he said and before he could back out he leaned down and kissed her again, this time pressing harder against her full mouth. Wow. Her lips were really soft....like satin. Wait a second...he wasn't suppose to be enjoying this, it was just Hermione. It was suppose to be like staging and motions....not feelings. Then why was his lips starting to tingle and his heart jump to his throat?

Hermione moaned softly against his mouth as she hesitantly lifted her hands to his chest. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, she wanted him to pull her closer to him so she could dwell into his warmth. As if he could read her mind, she felt him step closer to her as one arm left the side of her face to wrap around her waist, pulling her up against him. Oh goodie. Her hands started to travel up his chest before circling her arms around her neck, pressing her body tight against his. He muffled a moan against her mouth and if her mouth wasn't occupied at the moment, she would have smiled.

God, her body fit perfectly! He gripped handfuls of her shirt at the arch of her back as he all of the sudden slipped his tongue between her lips tasting her fully. Merlin she tasted good! More. He plunged again, causing them both to moan both in pleasure and in shock as the effects on the kiss started to overtake them.

Hermione finally gasped as she pulled a part, both breathing heavily as they gazed at one another. "You just gave me the tongue," Hermione informed him.

Harry couldn't help but laugh at the way she said it. It was if she was saying some intellectual fact or definition she read from one of her books. "Yeah, I did," he finally said still grinning. "That's what I usually do when I kiss a girl."

"Wow. You're a good kisser, Harry."

"Why thank you...same to you, Hermione," he said not really believing they were discussing this just after they experienced a full blown make out fest.

"Well....I guess that's it then," she said quietly even though she was dying to kiss him again. "We broke the ice and all."

"Yeah," he said with disappointment. "But..."

Hermione's ears perked up. "Yes?"

"I mean...we could always...practice more...wouldn't hurt you know? The more comfortable we are..."

"The more convincing we will be," Hermione finished for him and agreeing with him so it would give her another excuse to kiss him.

"Exactly," he said, silently congratulating himself for coming up with a reason. Which was a good one...I mean it wasn't like he wanted to kiss Hermione for no reason...was it? "Practice," he finally said again. "Just practice."

"Right," she said as her eyes flickered down to his lips. "Just practice."

Harry's mouth swooped back down hers, yanking her back to him as he kissed her hard, desperate to get all of his frustration out of him. He had no clue he had been missing the scent of a woman...the feel of a feminine body pressed up against him....the feel of soft lips glued to his. Merlin, he missed it. It had been ages since he kissed a girl. The kiss grew more passionate...more desperate as tongues and lips met in a fury and hands explored and groped. Harry's hands were wandering up and down her back while Hermione's fingers were lost in his unruly black hair.

Hermione was flying...as if she was riding on Harry's Firebolt, soaring through the air. She wasn't close enough...not by a long shot so she started to hike up her right leg up to his lip. He groaned into her mouth as one hand snapped around to snatch the back of her knee tugging it to bring her closer.

Lips still locked, they stumbled and fell onto the couch. Hermione fell on her back, while Harry quickly followed, landing completely on top of her. Harry finally left her bruised lips only to kiss her jaw line and down to her neck. Hermione gasped when his mouth captured her ear. "Oh...wow...Harry that's my ear," she said as she her heart fluttered.

"Thanks for the anatomy lesson, Mione," he tease as he lifted his head away so he could look down at her. "That was one hell of a practice."

She smiled softly. "I'll say."

He chuckled before he leaned down and kissed her softly. "We better go," he finally said. "The guys are probably wondering where we are."

She nodded. "You're right...and who knows...maybe we'll run into Parker," she said with a wink.

He grinned. "If we're lucky."

They were both heading out to the portrait when it swung open and Ron and Julia almost ran into them. "Hey there you guys are!" Ron said as they walked in. "We were wondering where you guys were."

"Oh...sorry," Harry said nervously as he tried to tame his hair with his hands. "We were just...um..."

Julia giggled and Ron looked confused. "Harry why are you blushing....and Hermione why is your hair all messy?"

Julia rolled her eyes. "You can be really thick sometimes, Weasly," she exasperated. "Can't you see they've been makin out?"

Ron blinked and then studied his two best friends. They were both beet red, their hairs were out of control and their lips were pale and bruised. Sure sign of kissing. "Bloody hell."

"Why are you making such a big deal over it?" Julia asked annoyed. "That's what people usually do when they are dating."

"But...but...."

"Ron, why don't you come to my room," Harry said quickly as he grabbed his arm. "I still have to give you back that Quidditch book I borrowed from you."

"Yeah...okay," he said taking the hint and followed Harry up the stairs and to his bedroom. "What in the world is going on here, Harry?!"

"It's not what it seems, Ron," he told him trying to calm him down. "It's a long story."

"Tell it then," he said as he sat down on his bed. "I mean, you guys aren't...?"

"No...no course not," he said quickly. "We were just....practicing."

Ron eyed his friend suspiciously. "Practicing?"

Harry sighed and told him all about what happened in the girls bathroom. "We were just getting the first kiss out of the way, Ron, so it wouldn't be awkward to kiss in front of Parker."

Ron was angry, but not at his friends. "I swear I'm going to curse that witch bimbo, Kirsten...never did like her."

"At least she doesn't have a crush on you," Harry muttered as he finally plopped down next to Ron.

"So...you guys are really going all out aren't ya?" he asked with a grin.

"We have to if we want to make it believable," he said as he leaned back on his hands. "She's my friend and I know she'd do the same for me if it was reversed."

"I have to know," Ron said after a moment of silence.

"What?"

"Is Hermione a good kisser?" he asked curiously.

Harry grinned. "I never kiss and tell, Ron."

"Oh come on, since when?" he asked. "I'm just curious is all, I for sure know I'm never going to kiss her....that be, too weird. How did you get through it? Was it like kissing your sister or something?"

"I don't have a sister."

"You know what I mean," he sighed.

Harry pondered on this for a moment before finally sitting back up. "Actually, it wasn't, it was actually....nice."

"Nice," Ron repeated. "Just...nice?"

Harry got up on his feet. "All right it was more than nice," he said. "It was amazing."

Ron's eyes widened as he stood up as well. "Amazing?! Kissing Hermione??"

Harry nodded. "Yeah...it was one of the best kisses I've ever had, Ron."

"Wow," he said thunderstruck. "What are you going to do about it then?"

He looked at him puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, is this really just pretend?"

He let out a laugh. "Of course it is, Ron, don't be silly. It's Hermione."

"Who just gave you the best kiss of your life," he reminded him.

"Ron, don't be ridiculous, I'm not going to ruin my friendship with Hermione just based on one amazing, wonderful mind-blowing kiss, all right? It was probably just because I haven't been with a girl for so long, I didn't realize how much I missed being with one."

"Maybe," Ron said still not convinced. "Well, just enjoy it I guess while you can. You two can just be hook up buddies till the Yule Ball...no strings attached."

Harry chuckled. "Not really, we'll only kiss if they're people around," he said although for some reason he was dying to kiss her again. Man, he really did need to get out all his sexual tension. "Let's go back down, before Julia gets suspicious."

"Okay, let's head to lunch I'm starving, we missed breakfast due to the excitement of the snow."

"Yeah so did we come to think of it," he said as they walked down the stairs finding the girls giggling about something on the couch.

"Hey guys," Julia said as she got up to greet her boyfriend. "Where's your book?"

"Book?"

"The one you were going to get from Harry?" she asked looking at him strange.

"Oh...I....he uh..."

"I let Dean borrow it, I forgot," Harry lied quickly for Ron.

"Oh, I see...well ready for lunch?" she asked.

"You bet," Ron said as he kissed her quickly before grabbing her hand and walked out of the common room.

"Everything okay?" Hermione whispered to Harry as they slowly followed.

He squeezed her hand in reassurance. "Everything's fine, he understood."

She let out a breath. "Good, I was nervous."

"What did you and Julia talk about, huh?" he asked playfully as they hung back from the other couple.

She grinned. "What do you think? We talked about you of course."

"Me huh?" he said not surprised. "Only good things I hope."

"Of course," she countered back. "I..."

Harry stopped short all of the sudden. "Shh....hear that?"

Hermione opened her ears and then heard muffled voices. "Yes....it sounds like Parker and...."

Harry looked at her. "Kirsten," he said with a scowl. "Come on."

Together they walked to the corridor where the voices were coming from. Harry slowly peaked around the corner but flew back quickly when they saw them. He motioned Hermione to be quite and listen by holding up his finger to his mouth. When she nodded, they both leaned as far as they could, straining to hear their words.

"We need to somehow prove it's just a scam," Parker's voice said. "I WILL take Hermione too that ball, I don't know WHY she's refusing."

"Please...she's just using Harry to make you jealous," Kirsten said. "Of course she likes you....and Harry doesn't like Hermione, that's ridiculous."

Hermione could feel Harry tense up so she rubbed a soothing hand up and down his arm for comfort, but continued to listen.

"We shouldn't talk about this here," Parker said suddenly. "Why don't we meet somewhere tonight...not in the common room."

"How bout the Astronomy Tower, in the abandoned classroom?" Kirsten suggested. "Say ten?"

"See you there," he said stiffly.

They heard their footsteps disappear and then Harry finally turned to Hermione. "This is perfect....Hermione, do you know what that classroom is for?"

"Sure, students go up there to make out."

"Right....don't you see it's the perfect time to make our move...they don't know we overheard them so...."

"So, we show up before ten," she said catching on with a smile.

"And they catch us kissing...oh, the looks on their faces will be so priceless!"

She giggled excitingly. "You're a genius, Potter," she said and then leaned up and gave him a loud smacking kiss on the mouth.

Harry blinked before he finally smiled. "Why thanks, Granger," he finally said. "I learn from the best."

He then grabbed her hand and they both walked off towards the Great Hall.

Neither of them couldn't wait until tonight.

Harry, freshly showered, was digging through his trunk for his favorite rutty old jeans. He hurried as fast as he could so he would meet Hermione in the common room on time. He finally found the pair of faded denim jeans and quickly slid them on, tugging them over his hips. He grabbed one of his simple white shirts and pulled it over his head and straightened it while he padded over his mirror. He ran his fingers through his damp hair, hoping it would settle, but as always it was still wild and messy.

"I've known you for seven years now and you're still silly enough to believe you can tame that thing," his mirror said back to him.

He sighed. "Yeah...I know."

"You look fine, dear," she said.

Harry grinned. If the mirror could wink, she would have with the way she said it. "Thanks," he finally said and then turned away and slid on his flip-flops and before finally walking out of his room. He stopped short when he saw Hermione's door open and then step out as well. He smiled brightly at the sight of her. She looked so adorably sexy with her skimpy white tank which showed off a sliver of her midriff, along with a pair of light pink drawstring pants. "Hey there," he said with a grin.

"Hi," she said as her stomach dropped. He looked gorgeous...absolutely gorgeous. He reminded her of.....lazy sex. Wow...did I just think that?

"You ready to go?" Harry asked. "We don't want to be late."

"Yeah, let's go," she said and then took his outstretched and hand and together they walked down the stairs, through the common room and out the portrait door. "It's weird not needing the cloak now that we are Head Boy and Girl."

Harry chuckled. "Very weird...but nice. It's nice to know I can take away points....oooh, hey we might have to take away points to Kirsten and Parker tonight."

Hermione chuckled. "Good idea," she said as they made their way up the stairs to the tower. Their footsteps echoed as they walked down the empty corridor to the old oak door at the end of the hall. "This is it," she said as they both opened the door slowly and peaked their heads in.

"Good, they're not here yet," Harry whispered as they walked in and closed the door behind them.

Hermione looked at her watch. "We have about seven minutes until ten," she told him.

Harry looked around the abandon classroom. Their was a desk up front and desks and chairs over the room just like any other classroom. Two high windows were on the far wall, allowing enough moonlight for them to see and also giving the room a very romantic setting. "Where should we go?" she asked. "That window seat?" he suggested.

"Sure," she said as she started to get nervous. "That's fine."

"Come on." Harry led her over to the window seat which was narrow but long and had fluffy cushions on top. Harry sat down and looked up at Hermione who was still standing. "What's wrong?" he asked concerned.

"Nothing," she said quickly. "I just...I don't know I'm nervous all of the sudden. It's...I don't know..."

"Awkward again?" he asked.

She shrugged. "Yeah...a little."

"C'mere," he said softly as he tugged on her softly until she placed both knees on either side of his hips and straddled his lap. "They could walk in any minute." He ran his fingers softly over her neck, pulling back her hair before burying his face against her skin and kissed it. "The awkwardness will go away once we start."

Her eyes fluttered closed when he kissed her skin and her fingers dove into his hair, still damp from his shower. His lips traveled up her neck and over her jaw line before he finally kissed her. Softly and gently. That was all it took for every tense muscle in her body to turn to putty. She literally melted against him as he continued to coax her with his sweet kisses, before she finally opened up her mouth to him. His tongue crept slowly into her mouth, massaging it with her own in a lazy, leisurely motion. He smelled intoxicating. Like fresh Irish soap. She moaned softly and pressed her body closer to hers, silently letting him know that she was no longer nervous.

He groaned back in response when their bodies pressed tightly together. His fingers dove into her hair as he turned the kiss from gently to fierce. Their was no more tenderness...in either of them. Only raw passion, which they were both caught up in they almost didn't hear the door open. Luckily, Harry had opened his eyes for a split second to see Parker and Kirsten's stunned faces. He pulled a part breathlessly, in which Hermione let out a whining moan. "We got an audience, Mione," he said softly as he licked his lips...her taste lingered.

She turned around to see them. "This isn't a show you know...we were here first."

Parker stood frozen. "But...but..."

"But what, Parker?" Harry asked. "Look, sorry we beat you here, but you're just going to have to find another place to snog with Kirsten."

Kirsten scowled at the both of them. "Let's go Parker!"

"Wait...one more thing," Hermione said before they could go.

"What?" Parker hissed.

"The only thing worse than interrupting a guy and a girl making out....is interrupting Head Boy and Girl making out....you're out of your common room after hours. Ten points will be taken away from Hufflepuff....each."

"That's not fair! You're out late too!" Kirsten cried.

"We're Head Boy and Girl," Harry reminded her. "We pretty much have all the freedom we want. Now...if you two don't mind, I'd like to finish where I left off with my girlfriend." Harry didn't wait for a response....he immediately turned Hermione's head back towards him and kissed her again. They both tried hard not to laugh when they smiled against their lips, but the laughter was soon turned into strangled groans as they got back into their kiss. They heard the door close but Harry continued to kiss her deeply as he slowly began to shift until he was pressing her back onto the cushions.

"Mmmm...Harry...they're...gone," she said between their kisses as all his weight was sinking her deep into the soft cushion.

"Little longer," he breathed against her mouth. "Just in case they come back. Merlin, you taste good."

She didn't argue. He tasted just as good and felt just as wonderful. Harry left her lips to give them both a break and started to kiss her neck again. She gasped softly when he started to lightly suck on her skin. "Ha--Harry what are you doing?" she whispered even though she prayed he wouldn't stop.

"Giving you a hickey of course," he said with a hint of amusement in his voice. "If that won't shut people up, I don't know what will."

She smiled she let his teeth and tongue do it's magic. Harry was the best pretend boyfriend ever. Her smile soon began to fall though as she began to realize.....a part of her wished it wasn't just pretend.

It was well past midnight, when Harry had finally departed Hermione and was now fast asleep. It took him awhile to fall asleep, because thoughts of Hermione kept running through his head. When they had said their good nights, the last thing he wanted to do was crawl into his lonely bed. He wanted to be with her. And that had scared him. He wasn't suppose to have these feelings with Hermione. His best friend. The girl he had known since his first day here at Hogwarts. He had closed his eyes and thought of the tiny, bushy haired girl that he once knew...tried to think of her as his friend...just his friend.

That didn't work. Instead of her bushy hair, he thought of how soft and silky it felt between his fingers. Instead of her small, bony frame, he thought of how well her body had developed and how wonderful it felt pressed up against him. Her mouth...in which he once thought was only useful for silly grins...but now he knew that her mouth had many more talents. That was what took Harry so long to fall asleep. He didn't know what to think about it.

Outside, dark clouds swarmed overhead and lightening streaked across the sky in a flash. Soon, sheets of water came pouring down, banging against the windows and thunder echoed overhead. Harry didn't mind thunderstorms...and didn't hear it either because he didn't even flinch when a loud boom of thunder shook the windows.

However, Hermione who was just across the hall gasped in fear as her body flinched awake. Her heart raced and her breath quickened as she slowly sat in bed. Her room flickered when lightening flashed again and she jumped a second time when thunder stirred. Once in her life, thunderstorms never scared her. She did in fact like storms. Last year, horrible events changed that. She was taken by one of Voldemorts followers right in front of Harry, but he was powerless to stop because he had used her body as a shield. He had no choice but to watch her go as he pointed his wand at the Death Eater's face but kept his eyes on her. They were filled with sorrow and pain and hers were filled with fear and pleading for help.

He Apparated her into the forest, blindfolding her and pulling her through the trees. Her face was cut and sliced by deadly branches and thorns, his grip on her wrist was so tight that she had started loosing feeling in her fingers. The thunder and lightening had started then and soon she felt drops of water on top of her head, on her face and skin before finally it started coming down fast and hard. After being dragged in the rain and mud he finally had thrown her to the side, landing on hard rock. "Potter will eventually try to find you....and then, Master will have his revenge. You make good fresh bait."

She remembered how scary his voice was and how she feared for Harry's life more than her own. She heard him close something and then silence. She tried to take off her blindfold but her hands were tied behind her back by magic. She was trapped. So she laid on her side as the thunder and lightening still raged outside. She didn't know how long it was when Harry finally found her. Hour..two, two days? She didn't know. He had held her, rocked her gently assuring her that it was it was all over and he was here for her. He had won the battle again that night, but not the war.

Hermione threw the covers off of her and slowly made her way out of her room and through the dark hallway to Harry's room. She crept the door open to see him sound of sleep which wasn't surprising. He would sleep through anything. He was lying sprawled out on his stomach with the sheets bunched down at his waist as he breathed deeply. She hated to wake him, but she knew that she would never fall back asleep by herself. "Harry," she said softly as she walked over to his bed and peered over him. "Harry."

He stirred and suddenly lifted his head from the pillow. He blinked up at Hermione trying to get her into focus from his blurry sleep. Once he could see her clearly, it only took one look into her scared eyes to realize why she was here. "Oh, Mione," he said softly as he quickly sat up and held out his arms. "C'mere."

Hermione went without any hesitation and crawled into his bed, clinging to him tight as he laid her down on the bed. She sniffed back her tears as she snuggled closer to his comforting warmth. The storm still raged on, but she didn't hear it anymore. Not when she was with Harry.

"You all right, Mione?" he asked pulling her closer as he ran his fingers soothing up and down her arm that was draped over his chest.

She nodded. "I am now," she whispered.

"I hate him for putting this fear in you." His voice cracked with emotion as he closed his eyes, trying not to picture that night and how he found her. He swore to himself...when he was holding her while she cried that the next time he met Voldemort...it would be the last. Coming after him was one thing, but using someone he loved and cared for like Hermione was a whole other story.

"It's silly really," she said as she shifted closer to him. "To still be afraid of storms like some little girl."

"Baby," he soothed and kissed the top of her head. 'It's not silly. Not at all. You went through a dramatic and traumatizing experience. No one expects you to get over it overnight. If you were terrified of being alone during storms for the rest of your life, it would still be understandable."

"I don't know what I would do without you, Harry," she said sleepily as she started to feel sleep take over her.

His heart skipped. "I...It's me who can't live without you, Mione," he said as he turned his head so his cheek rested on the crown of her head. "I need you so badly. I always have and always will."

Hermione didn't answer. She had finally fallen back into a blissful sleep.

************

"I guess I should get going before everyone wakes up," Ron whispered to his girlfriend who was snuggled up against his side.

Julia lifted her head and peered out of the curtain to glance at her clock. "It's still early," she said.

"I know," he said as he sat up. "But it's better if I go now before your roommates wake up. I don't think I'd like it if my sister caught me in here."

Julia snorted a laugh. "Yeah, if she's HERE."

Ron looked at her puzzled. "What's that suppose to mean? Course she's here."

"Or snuggled cozily in the bed of a certain Slytherin...or maybe Draco is just two beds down."

Ron scowled. "That's not funny, Julia."

She giggled. "Oh Ron grow up. You're sister has, it's about time you do too."

"She's my little sister, Jules. I don't care how old she is or how grown, she's still my sister."

"I know..and it's cute you are so overprotective of her," she said and kissed him on the cheek.

"Check to see if she's out there."

Julia sighed and then poked her head out to see her other two roomates sleeping, but Ginny's bed was covered. "She has her curtains up like me," she said. "So it either means she's not there or Draco's there."

Ron took a deep breath. "I'm not gonna think about it, I'm not gonna think about it." He then started to look around for my clothes. He found his jeans bundled up at the end of the bed and his boxers were under the covers somewhere. "Help me look for my clothes will ya?"

"Oh, here's your sweater," she said as she picked it up. "Can I wear it?"

"No," he said as he snapped it away. "Just another thing you'll steal and I'm running low on sweaters."

She giggled. "You are so cute in the mornings," she said as she got up on her knees and knelt behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist while he fiddled with his clothing. "You're hair is the best, it sticks out everywhere...almost as bad as Harry's."

He grinned as he threw on his sweater. "Yeah, only difference is I can tame mine."

Julia helped him straighten his sweater. "Are we going to Hogsmeade today?"

"Yep. I'm going to go and shower and get dress, then maybe go wake up Hermione and Harry." Once he had his boxers on, he finally slid out of the curtains to slip on his jeans. He leaned back in to give her a kiss good bye. "See you in a bit."

She leaned up and kissed him again. "Okay."

"Love you," he said and gave her one last final kiss.

Julia smiled against his lips. She loved to hear him say that. "Love you, too," she said back.

Ron gave her a smile before walking quietly to the door, scowling at Ginny's covered bed on the way out. He quickly went to his dorm room and over to his bed as he laid back down. It was too early to get ready, so he decided to take a short nap before hopping in the shower. Neville's snores however kept him up, so he finally gave up and went to grab his shower things out of his trunk and went off to get ready for the day.

He was shocked and happy to see that Julia was on her way to the prefects bathroom as well, so of course they took advantage of this scenario since they were the only ones up this early. His shower, obviously, lasted a little bit longer than he thought so by the time he got back to the dorm room, his rommates were waking up getting ready for the Hogsmeade day as well.

Once dressed, he decided to go over to Harry and Hermione's common room to see if they were awake yet. He went down to the common room, passing first and second years who were unable to go to Hogsmeade, and out through the portrait door. Harry and Hermione's room wasn't that far from the Gryffindor tower, it was only a few staircases down and one corridor over to the left. He said the password, which Harry and Hermione tells him so he could visit whenever he wanted.

The common room was quiet. The only thing that made any noise was the crackling of the fire roaring with life in the fireplace. He placed his cloak on the back of one of the couches and made his way up the stairs, deciding to wake up Harry if his lazy arse was still in bed. "Harry, are you...." His words were cut off at the sight of his two best friends cozied up in bed together. Hermione was on her side, her back pressed up against Harry's bare chest as his arm was securely wrapped around her as if he was protecting her from all the evil in the world. He blinked as he walked closer to them. He saw that Harry's fingers were linked with Hermione's and Harry's face was nuzzled deep into Hermione's hair. "Bloody hell."

Harry stirred and slowly began to wake up. His stretched his tired body as his eyes started to flutter open and then blinked as soon as he saw Ron standing over them. "Ron?" he asked, his voice still tired from sleep.

"Harry, what is Hermi...."

"Shh!" Harry said as he put his finger to his mouth. "Don't wake her up, she had a hard night last night."

"What?" he whispered. "What's wrong? Why is she in your bed?"

"Ron, you can't be surprised, did you not hear that storm last night?"

"Storm?" he asked now understanding. "There was a storm? No, I didn't hear it."

"Well, unfortunately, Mione did so she came and woke me up. She was terrified."

Ron's eyes softened as he looked down at her. "Poor thing, that night must have been awful for her."

"I don't wish to talk about it," he grumbled. "Why are you here?"

"Oh, just seeing if your going to Hogsmeade today, breakfast is starting in a hour."

"I forgot it was a Hogsmeade weekend," he said. "Sure, we're coming. Let me wake up Hermione and then I'll meet you at breakfast."

Once Ron left, he looked down at Hermione and almost didn't want to wake her. He also knew she would hate it if she missed out on a Hogsmeade visit. "Mione," he said softly as he ran his hand gently up and down her arm. "Wake up."

"Mmm," she said sleepily as she shifted onto her back and then turned towards him, wrapping her arm around his waist as she buried her face in his chest.

He smiled softly and couldn't help but realize how much he enjoyed waking up next to her. Her scent was the first thing he noticed when he woke up...then it was her warmth and how good she felt against him. Now, he found himself wanting to kiss her awake...slowly and gently. He couldn't though. It was just pretend. And they were alone. "Come on, Mione....rise and shine."

She yawned and stretched her body, arching up against him. She didn't see Harry look up at the ceiling trying to fight off a moan. "Harry?" she asked sleepily. "What time is it?"

"Time to get up," he said and kissed her on the forehead. "Hogsmeade visit today."

She nodded as she yawned again. "Okay, just...give me a minute."

"How are you feeling?" he asked as he propped himself on his elbow so he could look down at her.

"I'm fine," she assured him. "Thank you for last night."

"It wasn't a problem at all. Anything I can do to help you."

She smiled. "Did you sleep good?"

"Like a baby," he said with a grin. "You're better than a teddy bear."

She giggled. "You're pretty snugly yourself, Potter." She then leaned up and kissed the corner of his mouth. "I'm awake now, I'm going to go get ready."

"Okay, I'll meet ya downstairs in an hour?"

"Sure thing...see ya then."

"See ya," he said softly as he watched her leave. As soon as she closed the door behind him he fell back on his bed with a heavy sigh. He was definitely in trouble. "I think I need to take a COLD shower this morning."

Yep....he was in trouble all right.

A/N: Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for all the great replies! I love it! Also, just wanted to point out again, so everyone will understand. This fanfic IS complete. I finished it a long time ago, so as much as I appreciate the suggestions and ideas, this fic is already finished. That's also why I update almost every day. Normally, I'm not THAT good at updating as frequently. Anyway, hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! I'm going to go over to my parents in awhile, watch my Cowboys play and eat turkey and stuffing! Until next time, enjoy!

Ooooh, hey check this out!" Draco said with excitement as he grabbed a piece of wrapped candy from the shelves of Weasly's Wizard Weezes. He turned to Ginny and held it out to her. "Take one!"

Ginny backed away from it warily. "What is it? I had to grow up with half the stuff that's in here."

"Well, supposedly if you take it, you'll kiss the first person you see."

Ginny laughed at her boyfriend who was bobbing his eyebrows up and down. "No thanks, I can kiss you without the stuff."

Ron took it from Draco's hand and looked at it. "How could I forget Sweet Kisses," Ron said with a sigh. "I was unfortunately their guinea pig."

Draco chuckled. "What happened?"

Ginny giggled at the memory. "He kissed one of our pigs."

Draco laughed. "Ah, man...Ron that's classic."

"Yeah, well just wait until they try a new product on YOU!" Ron warned him. "You're part of the family now, so just be ready for something."

Draco grinned. "Yeah, thanks for the warning."

"Hey guys, you ready to go to Three Broomsticks?" Harry asked as he walked up to him. "I've already got a load here, I don't need to buy anything else."

"I'm ready," Draco said and then looked around. "Where are Fred and George? Are they coming?"

"Hey, we're over here," Fred said who stuck his head out from one of their center pieces of Canary Creams."

George stuck his head out. "We can't make it, it's too busy."

"Come on guys, join us," Ron said. "The rest of the staff can handle it for half an hour."

"Yeah, come on," Draco said. "My treat."

Fred and George looked at each other. "A Malfoy? Buying OUR drinks. We have to take advantage of this, George."

George nodded. "Definitely."

Draco laughed as he pulled his girlfriend to his side. "Let's go then."

The huge table at Three Broomsticks consisted of, the twins, Ginny and Draco, Ron and Julia and Harry and Hermione. They sipped on butterbeers while they laughed and joked about the twins upcoming inventions about their store. The girls talked about the Yule Ball and what they were going to wear, while the guys discussed Quidditch and decided to make a bet on the Gryffindor/Slytherin game that was going to take place next weekend.

"You're going down, Potter," Draco said.

"You wish, Malfoy. You've yet to beat me, thank you very much."

"You better beat him, Harry," Ginny told him. "He'll never let me hear the end of it."

"We got a little bet going," Draco said while Ginny blushed. "If I win I get to..."

"No, no, no, no," Ron said cutting him off. "Ginny's blushing...therfore, I don't want to hear what the bet was."

"Speaking of bets," Harry said with a grin. "How's Jules treatin ya?"

"Like a slave," Ron muttered as he scowled at his girlfriend.

"You weren't complaining last night," she said smugly and Ron's ears turned pink.

The table was filled with laughter then, but cut off abruptly when someone nearby made his presence known. "Well, well, well....what have we here."

Draco looked up and his smile dropped when he saw his father standing behind Harry. He immediately felt Ginny's hand grasp his under the table, squeezing it hard to assure him he wasn't alone. Draco was about to tell him to leave, but someone already beat him do it.

"Why don't you leave us alone, Mr. Malfoy," Harry said calmly. "You're not welcome here."

Lucious ignored him of course and glared at his son. "I must say Draco, that I thought I'd never see the day when you would associate yourself with lowlife trash such as the Weasleys. Why don't you go ahead and dye your hair red."

Draco calmly stood up and walked over to him, standing eye to eye with him. "Don't ever say anything disrespectful to my family ever again."

"Family?" he asked with a nasty laugh. "You must be joking. You're family...the Weasleys?"

"He wasn't."

Draco and Lucious turned to see who the owner of the voice was. Draco blinked when he saw Ron glaring at his father. Ron stood up and stood next to him, sizing down Lucious. "You don't scare us, Lucious. You never did. You mess with Draco, you mess with all of us."

Legs of chairs scrapped against wood as Fred and George stood up as well and walked over to them. Harry and the rest stood up shortly after, swarming around Lucious. The rest of the Three Broomsticks were quiet as they looked upon the scene before them. "Leave...now," Draco told him.

"That is no way to speak to your father," he sputtered in anger.

"I no longer have a father!" he yelled back. "Get out! Leave me alone and if you dare place one finger on Ginny or any other Weasly I will kill you."

Lucious stared at his son. His angry eyes burned into his, but Draco never blinked. "You're a fool, boy. You chosen your path and it's the wrong one. Now you'll pay for your horrible mistake." He then whipped around, his cloak flinging behind him as he stalked out of the shop.

Draco finally let out his breath he didn't know he was holding and immediately turned to Ginny who enveloped him into a hug. "Ginny," he croaked. "I...I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," she soothed. "It's over now. He can't hurt you."

"Yes he can...in so many ways and it scares me."

"He won't hurt you," Ron said.

Draco pulled away from Ginny and turned to Ron. "I'm not worried about him hurting me. I'm worried about who he will hurt to get to me."

"We won't let that happen," Harry told him. "You're on our side now, Draco. And you know from experience that we always win."

"Good is stronger than evil, Draco," Ginny told him. "Remember that."

"As long as I'm with you, I'll always remember," he said and pulled her back into a hug, kissing her softly on the lips.

********************

The weekend was over and school had started again. Harry and Hermione were closer than ever and had every student in Hogwarts convinced that they were not only dating...but soul mates. They were that good. When they were in public, they acted like the perfect couple. The cuddled, held hands and kissed. When Parker or Kirsten was around they would subtly pull into a quick make out session if the time was right. However, when they were by themselves or with just Ron, they acted like they were only friends.

Ron was more and more convinced that eventually they were going to realize that playing pretend had nothing to do about it. He didn't tell them of course, he kept that information to himself. He noticed though...the way Harry looked at her when he thought no one was looking. He noticed that their kisses were way too passionate to be fake. He was getting so use to seeing them together, he couldn't see them going back to being just friends.

It was now Wednesday and the gang had a big Potions test the next day. Ron, Harry, Hermione and Draco had studied in the library after dinner until ten, then finally split up to their separate dorms. Harry still needed help on certain things and of course Hermione offered to help. That led them into Harry's room on his bed, lying on their stomachs with their books laid open on the foot of his bed.

"I'm going to fail this test," Harry grumbled as he tried to remember all the ingredients to the Lazy Potion.

Hermione sighed. "No you're not," she assured him. "You're going to do just fine, you know all of it. You're thinking too hard."

"That's just it...my brain can't think anymore."

Hermione shut her book and tossed it on the floor. "Then that's the sign to quit while you are ahead."

"I can't quit, I need to study more," Harry said as he shook his head. Hermione didn't listen. She slammed his book and took it away. "Hey, give me that!"

She grinned as she held out his book away from him. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were acting more like....me."

He scowled. "Ha ha, very funny," he said and led out his hand. "The book please?"

Hermione sat up on his bed and put the book behind her back. "No. It's time to quit."

"That's it," he said and then lunged for the book, tackling a laughing Hermione on her back as she held the book out as far as she could from him. "Okay desperate time calls for desperate measures."

Hermione flinched and busted out a fit of giggles when he started tickling her ribs. "Harry...stop," she laughed as she dropped the book onto the floor and squirmed under him.

The book forgotten, Harry laughed as he continued to tickle her sides. "Not until you say Harry is the best wizard ever."

"You wish!" she said and then yelped out a laugh when he moved his hand just above her knee and squeezed it. Hermione was very ticklish. "Ah...ah....okay...Harry...is the..."

"Beeeest," he encouraged her as he loomed over her.

"...Best...wizard....ever,....ah...okay, stop I said it, I said it!"

Harry laughed as he finally let up on her. "That'll teach you to mess with me, Granger."

Out of breath, Hermione smiled up at him. "I'll be sure to remember that," she said and then casually pushed back some strands of his bangs that fell over his face. "That was fun."

He smiled softly and tried to ignore the slight twinge in his heart when he looked at her. "I needed a break that was for sure....so I guess I should be thanking you."

"Hey, what are friends for," she said as she couldn't help but notice how right it felt when they were together like this.

"Yeah," he said softly. "Friends." He then shifted until he was laying partly on his side, his stomach and pelvis were pressed against her. "You know...if we were really dating...I would kiss you now."

Hermione smiled at the slight teasing in his voice, but her heart still went pitter patter. "Would you now?"

"Oh, definitely...I mean it's the perfect setting, don't you think?"

She nodded. "Uh huh."

"Hmmm....well, unfortunately," he said with a shrug. "We're not."

"Yeah...too bad, huh?"

"A shame," he said with a sexy grin.

Seeing him smile almost made Hermione forget about everything. She was this close to reaching up and pulling him down for a kiss. She let out shaky breath as she sat up. "I better go."

"What?" he asked startled as he placed a hand on the other side of her preventing her to go. "Why?"

"It's late," she said and tried to sit up again and this time got off the bed, but Harry grabbed her wrist before she could leave.

He waited until she turned and looked at him. "Tell me the real reason."

She gave him a pleading look. "Harry..."

"I didn't do anything wrong did I?" he asked with worry in his eyes as he turned to sit on the edge of his bed. "I didn't make you feel uncomfortable or anything?"

"No, of course not," she said as she lifted a hand and touched the side of her face.

"Then why are you leaving?" he asked as he reached up and grabbed her hand. "Stay here tonight."

She took a deep breath as she tried to hold back her new and unfamiliar emotions. "I can't....it will be too real."

"Is that such a bad thing?" he asked as he felt his pulse quicken. What was he doing exactly? Was he stepping across the line? Did he want to actually quit this game and make it official? He didn't know what he wanted exactly, but he knew he didn't want to be without Hermione tonight.

"No," she finally said as she shook her head. "It would be a bad thing." She then leaned down and kissed Harry softly on the mouth, lingering for a moment before pulling away. "That's why I should go."

Harry sat there, too stunned to speak as he watched her slowly back away and then turned and walked out of the room. What exactly just happened?

I'm back! With a very fully tummy! My Cowboys played horribely:-(. BUT I had a great Thanksgiving......and ate some delicous PUMPKIN PIE! Yum! Anyway, since it's Thanksgiving I thought I'd update for ya one more time, BUT....I'm gonna warn ya, it IS a short chapter. So no complaints on the length please, I do believe I spoil you with frequent updates as it is. I'll post the next part late tomorrow:-)

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Harry woke up in the middle of the night from a loud thunder clap that practically shook his windows. He sat up in his bed and heard the rain and the lightening flicker outside. He immediately thought of Hermione and wondered whether or not she would sneak into his room like she did last weekend. He knew she wouldn't though, even if she were dying to, he knew she wouldn't walk in his room after what happened.

So he would go to her.

He flung the covers off him and got out of bed. He only took the time to grab a pair of his gold and crimson red plaid pajama pants and tugged it over his boxers. Barefoot and bare chested, Harry stepped out of his room and jumped slightly when another loud bang of thunder echoed through the night sky. He walked to Hermione's door and slowly crept it open, sticking his head inside expecting to see her up in bed scared to pieces. He blinked when all he saw was an empty bed.

He sighed and closed the door and headed downstairs to the common room. She was sitting on the couch, her knees were drawn up with a blanket wrapped over them while she gazed in the fire. "Why didn't you wake me?" Harry asked softly ending the silence.

Hermione didn't turn around, it was almost as if she knew he was there all along. "I didn't want to wake you."

Harry stood their for a moment, with his hands buried in his pockets rocking back on his heels. All you could hear were the crackling of the fire, Crookshanks gentle purrs from where he was curled up on one of the empty chairs and the rain beating against the windows. Harry finally walked over to the back of the couch behind her. "Are you okay?"

"I had a nightmare," she said softly, her head slightly bent. "I was back in the cave....that night. Reliving it over again and then the storm woke me up."

Harry sat up on the edge of the couch and swung his legs around so they were on either side of her. He placed his hands on her shoulders as he slid down between the couch and Hermione, wrapping his bare arms around her in comfort. Hermione didn't resist, she immediately leaned back against his chest as his warmth enveloped her. Harry rested his chin on her shoulder. "You should have come to me, Mione. You don't have to be alone."

She sniffed as she snuggled against him. "I didn't want to...."

"Wake me, yeah so you told me," he said as he lifted his head and looked up at her. "Is that the real reason?"

Hermione looked into his eyes and the storm outside was forgotten. He always had such a strong affect on her. She always felt safe when he was near, no matter what the consequences. "Harry," she pleaded softly. "I don't know what happened up there."

"I know," he said softly and placed his lips against her shoulder, which was exposed from her overlarge T-shirt that had once belonged to Harry. "Whatever it was, it kind of scared me a little."

"Yeah?" she whispered and then felt him nod his head. "Me too." She then tilted her head until her temple was resting against his. "What now?"

He didn't say anything. All he did was lay down on his side and brought her down with him. His arms still wrapped securely around her, the blanket was now tangled up in their legs and their bodies were pressed up against each other leaving no spaces between them. "Now...we go to sleep," he told her and brushed his lips against her cheek.

Hermione's eyes fluttered close. "Hmmm...and in the morning?"

"We'll worry about it when the sun rises." He placed his hand over hers, linking their fingers together. "Good night, Mione."

She squeezed his hand as she felt herself drift off to sleep. "Night, Harry."

Spoiled! Ya'll are all spoiled! *sigh* And that's partly my fault, cuz I LOVE to spoil my readers. Here's another chapter, I hope it's LONG enough for you people out there that rate my talent on the length of my chapters, instead of quality. ANYway, thanks for all the support! Hugs and kisses!

***********************

Hermione let out a tired moan as she felt herself begin to wake up. She sensed Harry's warmth right away and snuggled closer to him, wrapping her arm around his waist and buried her face in his chest. She had turned to him in the middle of the night, her legs tangled with his.....his arm wrapped around her with his fingers buried in her hair. He smelled heavenly. The musky male scent was intoxicating and she breathed deeply sighing in content while her eyes finally flickered open. She smiled softly as she lifted her head up and propped it up against the heel of her hand so she could watch him sleep.

She loved to watch him sleep. His chest moved in a steady rhythm as he breathed with his lips slightly opened. His unruly hair fell over his forehead so she reached up and swept it out of the way. He moaned as he shifted in his sleep, smacking his lips while his arm around her tightened. His eyes soon opened and green eyes met brown. The corner of Harry's eyes crinkled when he smiled at her. The sight made Hermione's heart drop to her feet.

"Morning," he whispered as he slid his hand up and down her side.

"Good morning," she said in return.

"Is it time to get up yet?"

The corner of her mouth lifted. "Not quite."

"Good," he said and then moved until he was copying her position. "How'd you sleep?"

"Just fine. You're better than a sleeping potion."

He laughed softly. "Right back at ya." His smile lessened a bit as he looked at her while he lifted his hand to run his fingers through her hair, tucking it behind her ear. "I liked waking up next to you."

"Right back at you," she said teasingly repeating his words.

"Mione...."

"We didn't plan for this," she said in a hushed tone.

His eyes softened. "Of course we didn't, Mione. Things like this are never planned."

"Well....what about Veronica?"

He blinked. "Veronica? What about her?"

She sighed. "Come on, Harry....you like her. I have to ask, I mean....you've liked her forever."

"Liked," he told her. "Past tense. The more time I spent with you, the less I thought about her."

She swallowed the lump in her throat. "And now?"

"Now?" he asked as he cupped the side of her neck, his thumb swept across her cheekbone. "Now, I don't even give her a second thought."

"Harry, I...I don't know when it changed....I don't know when it changed from pretend....."

"To real?" he finished for her. "I think it just did."

His eyes flickered to her lips as his head bent towards hers. His lips touched hers in a soft gentle kiss as they both began to melt. Hermione sighed as she reached up and touched his cheek with trembling fingers. He pulled back but only for a half of second, before coming back from more. He felt her lips part beneath his, which was her invitation to continue farther with the kiss. Something he was well aware of and accustom to. He had kissed her so many times now, that he knew what she liked and when to do it. His tongue slid slowly between the seam of her lips, groaning softly at the first taste of her sweet mouth.

Her back arched against him as she kissed him back, their tongues collided in a slow sensual passion, perfect for lazy mornings such as these. She felt his hand travel down her side of her breast to her ribcage, over her hips and then curved to the back of her thigh before gripping her leg and pulling it over his hip. It brought them even closer together and they both moaned in approval as the kiss never broke. Her fingers were lost in his hair, as he rolled her on her back pressing her deep against the mattress with his weight.

Harry still couldn't get over how well they fit. It was a perfect match....it was as if Hermione was made especially for him. And him only. That thought made him turn the kiss up a notch, thrusting his tongue more fiercely in his mouth as he became more desperate. He started to move against her and Hermione quickly sped up with him, matching his speed and soon they were both lost in each other.

So lost in fact, that they didn't even hear the portrait swing open. Their eyes were closed, their lips were joined, and everything else was oblivious. They didn't even notice that Ron was standing behind the couch....looking at them with a look of complete shock on his face.

Ron stood their...he didn't know what to do. He knew his eyes were seeing his two best friends making out in a passionate embrace....alone....but his mind didn't believe it. What the hell? When did this happen? It was bound to happen, but how come they didn't tell him? He still didn't know what to do. Should I stay? Should I say something? Or just go?

Ron's eyes widened when Hermione let out a desperate moan while Harry had his face buried in her neck. Well, that answered his question. He should just....go. He quickly spun around and fled their common room undetected. He would just have to confront them later.

"Harry," she mumbled between kisses as she cupped his face and gently pulled him away. "We should probably head down now."

He sighed. "That time already huh?" he asked.

"I'm afraid so," she said with a slight smile.

Harry leaned down and gave her one more kiss. "All right then...I'll meet ya down here."

"Okay."

"Hey," he said softly before she could move. "Is this what you want? I mean...are we really going to try this?"

"This is exactly what I want, Harry," she told him as she touched his cheek softly.

He sighed in relief. "Good, because I don't want to pretend anymore."

"And neither do I," she said and cupped the back of her neck and pulled him down for another kiss, this time it lasted longer as their lips teased and caressed.

It took them a lot longer to get off the couch finally, but they still managed to meet back down in the common room in time. He greeted her with a kiss and he smiled while doing so, knowing that this was real. He took her hand, kissed her fingers before they finally made it out of the portrait hall. At the Great Hall they found Ron sitting by himself so they made their way to him and sat in front of him. "Hey Ron, where's Jules?"

"Studying," he said while he kept on eating.

Hermione studied Ron and knew right away that something was bothering him. "What is it Ron?"

"Nothing," he said unconvincingly.

"Ron," Hermione said. "You don't honestly expect us to..."

Ron's fork clattered on his plate and looked over at his two friends. "So how long?"

They both blinked confused. "How long what?"

"How long has it no longer been, just pretend?" he asked annoyed. "Few days? Week? Was it ever just pretend? Was it ever just..."

"Wait a minute," Harry said quickly interrupting his ranting. "What are you talking about?"

"I saw you two...this morning," he said and saw both their faces turn red. "On the couch?"

"You...you saw us?" Hermione asked. "But...we didn't even hear anyone come in."

He let out a harsh laugh. "Well, that doesn't surprise me, you two could have been in the middle of the Great Hall and not notice anyone the way you two were going at it."

Harry felt him self flush with embarrassment. "Ron..."

"How could you have kept this from me? I'm your friend, did you think I'd be mad."

"Would you?" Hermione asked.

"Would I what?"

"Be mad...if we were together."

He sighed. "Of course not, why would I? I think it be great. I'm peeved that you two didn't tell me."

"Ron, we didn't tell you, because you never gave us a chance," Harry explained. "It just happened last night."

Ron paused and studied them to see if they were lying. "Last night?"

"Yes, Ron," Hermione said. "Last night. We would have told you today."

"Oh," he said awkwardly. "Er....Sorry, I just kind of...assumed that..."

"It's okay, Ron," Harry assured him. "We're just relieved that you're okay with this."

"I'm fine with it. As long as you guys are happy."

"We are," Harry said as he shared a look with Hermione and smiled at her before he leaned over and kissed her gently.

"Aww, come on guuuys," Ron whined. "You're not gonna be one of those annoying couples that kiss in public all the time, are you?"

Harry pulled away and grinned at his friend. "What? You mean like you and Julia?"

Ron's ears turned pink. "We are not like that."

Just then Julia sat down next to him. "Hey sweetie," she said and greeted him with a long kiss.

Harry and Hermione stifled a laugh. "I rest my case," he muttered before he took a bite of his eggs.

Ron gave him a sarcastic scowl. "Let's go before we're late for Hagrid's class."

Hermione and Harry joined hands and Ron kissed Julia good bye in the hall way and the three of them made their way to Hagrid's hut. They played with Stinkywinks again and their smells got stronger the more time they spent with them. Harry's unfamiliar scent was getting stronger, but he was still confused on what it was. "I just don't get it," Harry said puzzled as the Stinkywinks were put back in their cages. "It smells wonderful and familiar...but I can't put my finger on it."

"Don't worry, Harry, it'll come to you when you're not thinking about it," Hermione said as she looped her arm through his while they walked back to the castle.

Harry stopped short suddenly. "Hang on..."

"What is it?" she asked puzzled.

"I can...I can still smell it?" he said as he turned to her. "Why do I smell it, I'm nowhere near the Stinkywinks."

"Maybe the scent is nearby?" she suggested. Harry looked at her and then suddenly pulled her in his arms and nuzzled her neck. "Harry," she giggled. "What are you..."

"It's you," he said as he lifted his head to look at her.

"What?" she asked with a laugh.

He smiled brightly as he playfully pulled her back and nuzzled her neck again. "It's you....you're perfume...you're scent, that's what it is!"

She laughed. "Really? All this time?"

"Yeah," he chuckled and then kissed her neck before pulling away. "I was too blind to notice....or uh...my scent was off track...you know what I mean."

She laughed as she leaned up and kissed him. "You're pretty cute, you know that?"

He gave her a lopsided grin. "Cute huh? How cute?"

"Very cute," she said as she circled her arms around his neck. "Downright precious."

He snorted in disgust. "Precious? Hell no, I'm too manly and masculine to be precious...I'm more...handsome and sexy."

She chuckled. "Yeah, okay Harry," she teased as she finally turned and walked towards the school.

"Hey," Harry pouted as he followed her. "I sensed a hint of sarcasm there."

"Me? Nooo!"

"Smartass," he muttered.

"What was that, dear?"

"Nice ass," he said with a cheeky grin. "I said you have a nice ass."

She looked at him sternly trying not to laugh. "Uh huh...sure you did."

He laughed as he grabbed her hand while they walked inside. "Okay so maybe I used another term before ass....but you do have a nice one at that."

"Gee...how romantic," she teased. "You really know how to sweep a lady off her feet."

He smiled and leaned down and kissed her. "I do my best."

What's up guys! Okay, since I got a whole bunch of replies today I'll post again tonight. And after this chapter, there's one more, than the Epilouge. The Epilouge is nice and long, too. I'm also working on a NC-17 story which will be kind of like a long one shot. Maybe like 3 chapters. It's called, "A Night to Remember" so be looking out for that. I'm hoping to have the first part of that posted by tomorrow, but can't make any promises. Thanks again for all your support!

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The days flew by and Harry and Hermione became closer as a couple. The only times when they were apart was during their classes they didn't share or Quidditch practice which Hermione sometime attended. Parker seemed to finally back off, but so his ego wasn't bruised he started saying rude and nasty things about her. Everyone ignored him though and stood up for Hermione. The only person that hung around Parker was Kirsten, who was still jealous and angry at Hermione.

Hermione loved it. She had never been so happy and she knew it was because of a certain boy named Harry Potter. He was everything she ever wanted in a boyfriend. He was kind and compassionate towards her. He treated her with respect and never acted like he owned her in any way. He made her laugh, he made her feel desired and wanted. He made her feel beautiful.

The weekend came and the Gryffindor/Slytherin match finally took place. The game was long because Draco and Harry both put up a fight in finding the Snitch. The Gryffindor Chasers were better though and had a large lead. Draco had definitely improved over the years, Harry could tell after two long hours had passed. It was close, but in the end Harry finally pulled through and caught the Snitch.

The day of the Yule Ball was finally here and Dumbledor allowed another visit to Hogsmeade for last minute shopping. Harry, Ron and Draco were sitting at a table at The Three Broomsticks, while the girls were off doing girl stuff. So the guys decided to go out for some butter beers and do some male bonding.

"I have to tell you, Potter," Draco said with a grin. "It was the first time I actually didn't mind loosing to you."

"Really, why's that?" he asked even though he had an idea by the look on Draco's face.

"Let's just say I didn't mind loosing the bet with Ginny," he said with a chuckle. "Man, it was great, she..."

Ron slapped his hands over his ears. "Ahh! Don't want to hear it!"

"Oh come on, Ron grow up," Draco said.

"She's my sister, Draco I don't want to know if she...."

"Is she a good kisser?" Harry asked.

"Harry!" Ron exclaimed.

"What? I want to know."

"I could kiss her all day and all night....incredible," Draco said before he took a skip of his drink.

Ron grumbled and pouted.

"What about Hermione?" Draco asked. "How is she on a scale from one to ten?"

"Eleven," he answered with a grin.

"See, this really sucks for me," Ron interrupted. "Because I can't really talk guy talk with you, since you are dating my sister and Harry here's dating Hermione who I THINK of as a sister."

"Get over it, Ron...just forget who we're talking about," Harry said.

"So have you and Hermione slept together yet?" Draco asked casually.

Harry choked on his drink causing a chuckle from both his friends. "Excuse me?" he asked as he wiped his mouth. "I certainly don't think that's any of your business."

"Harry...I'm disappointed...this is guy talk, usually in guy talk, the two hot topics are, Quidditch, girls and sex...last two are kind of run in the same topic."

"I'd have to agree with, Draco on this one," Ron said.

"Fine," Harry said as he started to get embarrassed. "Then the answer is no...not yet, we're taking it slow."

"Don't you think you've waited long enough?" Draco asked. "I mean, how long have you two waited for this? Two years?"

"More like seven...but we didn't realize it until now," Harry said with a sigh. "I honestly don't know when we are going to take that next step and that's how I like it. I don't want to plan it...when it's meant to happen, it'll happen."

"Aww....that's so sweet it brings a tear to my eye," Draco said as he wiped away an invisible tear.

Ron chuckled softly, but also gave his friend some slack. "Don't worry, Harry we know what you're going through. With Julia, we took it real slow and didn't rush. When the time was right, it was special...for the both of us."

"Yeah," Draco agreed. "The first time Ginny and I took that step was the night I got released from the hospital, after the battle with Voldemort." Draco saw Ron stiffen at the corner of his eye, but was grateful he kept his feelings to himself. "It was special, because we both realized how close we came to losing each other. It seemed the right time."

Ron cleared his throat. "Well...as you can see, Harry. It'll happen when it happens."

"Since when did my love life become the main topic of the conversation?" he asked causing all three of them to laugh.

Draco finally held up his beer. "A toast...to being manly men..."

Ron held up his glass. "To guys night out...."

Harry held up his with a grin. "And to our beautiful and sexy girls who know how to show us a wild and crazy time."

"Here, here!" they both said and the three of them clinked their glasses together.

****************

Harry stood by his mirror, looking at himself as he fiddled with his robe and hair to make sure he looked all right. He was nervous. Funny, he didn't think he would be, but he found that his stomach was in knots. He took a deep breath. "Okay, Harry....just relax. It's just the Yule Ball and it's just Hermione."

"Just Hermione?" his mirror asked him. "The girl you've known since you were eleven? The girl you've always loved? The girl that means everything to you? Just Hermione? The girl who..."

"Okay, okay I get it," he interrupted. "I'm nervous enough as it is. How do I look anyway?"

"You look like Harry."

Harry grinned. "Good answer," he said and then turned away from the mirror towards the door. "I gotta go before I'm late."

"Have fun, dear," the mirror called out before he closed the door. He walked down the stairs and wasn't surprised to see that Hermione was still getting ready. He spent the time waiting, by pacing the floor by the fire and didn't stop until he heard a squeak from the stairs. He looked up and his heart literally fell to the pit of his stomach and his jaw dropped to the floor. She looked absolutely breathtaking. He forgot to breath just looking at her. "Wow," he finally said as she made her way down. She was draped in a periwinkle robe and her long flowing hair was pinned up at the top of her head, minus a few curly tendrils that caressed the sides of her face.

"Hey," she said with a smile as she walked up to him.

"Hi," he said smiling brightly. "I'm afraid to touch you....you look so exquisite I don't want to mess you up."

She laughed softly. "I promise you, I won't break and I promise that if you don't touch and mess me up later tonight, I will curse you myself."

His brows rose. "Oooh, is that a threat?"

"You better believe it, Potter," she said and then leaned up and kissed him softly on the lips. "Mmm....you smell nice."

"I do? Well, I figured I might as well shower for you, I mean it IS the Yule Ball."

"How sweet," she teased. "Always kind and generous."

"Always," he said and then held out his arm. "Shall we? We're suppose to meet the rest of the gang at the doors of the Great Hall."

"Certainly," she said and then looped her arm through his and together they walked out of their private common room.

The halls were slightly full of different couples heading to the Ball and the music could already be heard from a distance. It grew louder the closer they got to the Great Hall and when they arrived at the double doors, a crowd was swarming near the door as they waited to get into the ball. "Hey guys, over here," Ron said who was waiting off to the side with Julia.

"Hey," Harry greeted with a smile. "Jules...you look nice, tell me again why you're with Ron?"

Julia giggled when Ron playfully pushed Harry. "Because I find him absolutely adorable."

"There, hear that?" Ron asked Harry smugly. "I'M adorable."

"In a cute dorky way," Julia finished.

Harry and Hermione hooted with laughter and Ron scowled at his girlfriend. "Hey! You're suppose to think I'm dashing and charming."

She grinned. "I do Ron," she said and kissed him gently. "I think you're perfect."

He smiled softly. "Okay, where is Ginny and Draco, I'm ready to take my girlfriend out on the dance floor."

"They're they are," Hermione said when he saw their faces emerge from the crowd.

"Sorry we're late," Draco said. "We got...um...."

"Sidetrack," Ginny finished for him and Ron could have sworn she was blushing.

"Yeah, yeah, let's just go," Ron said as he clasped his fingers with Julia.

The six of them made their way through the crowd until finally they were inside. Tables and chairs were scattered all over the room, but there was a big enough space left in the middle. Snowflakes were falling from the ceiling and firelight decorated the room to add a little romance effect. "It's beautiful," Hermione whispered and then turned to Harry. "And I'm so glad I get to spend it with you."

Harry leaned down and kissed her. "Ditto," he said with a wink. "Now let's dance."

"I could dance with you all night," Harry whispered in Hermione's ear as they swayed gently to the music.

"Really?" she asked amused. "You always hated dancing."

"Not anymore," he said as he nuzzled her neck. "I thoroughly enjoy dancing with you. Gives me an excuse to get close to you."

She sighed as she wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing their bodies closer together. "I like it, too," she said dreamily as she laid her cheek against his broad chest. She loved being near him. His comforting warmth and masculine smell was such a reassurance to her that he was there and safe.

"What's going to happen when schools over?" he asked as his hands lazily roamed up and down her back.

"I don't know. As long as we're together, I'll be happy."

He smiled brightly. "We will be....I promise."

"Excuse me," Ron said to them, causing them to pull apart. "Can I cut in? I'd like to dance with my best friend."

"Aww," Harry said as he held out his arms to Ron. "Of course I'll dance with you, Ronnikens."

"Eww, not you!" he exclaimed as he pushed him away, causing everyone to laugh. "I would like to dance with, Mione."

He chuckled. "Suit yourself," he said as he allowed him to take Hermione. "I'll just have a go with Jules then."

"Just keep your hands where I can see them," Ron told him as Harry pulled a giggling Julia in his arms.

"Same goes, buddy," Harry said teasingly and then smiled at Harry. "It's time for you to know how a real man can dance."

Julia yelped in surprise when Harry dipped her dramatically and then yanked her back out. "Wow," she laughed. "You really know how to treat a girl."

He smiled and then twirled her around. "I try my best Miss Evans," he said with a wink.

"Mione's a lucky girl," she told him when they finally settled down and started to dance.

"I love her very much."

"Have you told her that yet?"

"Sure tons of times."

She shook her head. "No, I meant since you've started dating. And I know about how you two pretended at first....Ron told me."

"Oh...well, no I haven't," he said with a sigh. "I'll have to tell her tonight. I know she knows I love her, but..."

"It's different when she hears it," she told him. "It's very special when a girl hears those special three words."

He nodded. "I know. And I'm sorry we lied to you, we just...."

She held up her hand. "Don't apologize, I understand. I actually find it even more romantic that it started out as just pretend. It finally opened your eyes, didn't it?"

"It sure as hell did," he admitted. "I'm almost angry at myself for not seeing it sooner."

"Don't worry about the past, Harry. You're with her now and you have a promising future with her."

"Thanks, Jules," he said and then gave her a hug. "I love you, too...you know that right?"

She smiled. "I know...I love you as well."

"Okay, I'd like to have my girlfriend back please," Ron grumbled as he eyed his best friend and girl hugging.

Harry grinned as he pulled away. "Sure thing, Ron....I'm missing my girl anyway."

Hermione smiled as he walked back into his arms and welcomed his kiss. "Miss me?"

"Yes...longest three minutes of my life," he whispered and then kissed her lips. "Wanna get out of here?"

She closed her eyes and felt chills run down her spine when Harry pressed her tightly against him. Their foreheads touched as they both felt the longing for each other take over them. She finally nodded. "Yes....let's head back to the common room."

His heart skipped a beat in anticipation. "You read my mind," he said and then kissed her quickly before grabbing her hand and leading her out the dance floor.

He had a feeling that neither of them would forget tonight and what they shared.

Hand in hand they made their way to their common room. The closer they got, the faster their pace excelled. Finally they were at the front of the portrait door and Harry quickly said the password and pulled Hermione inside. Harry made it as far as the common room before he finally couldn't take it anymore and yanked Hermione in his arms. She met him halfway and accepted his eager lips when they joined with hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck and leapt up on her toes as her lips parted for him.

Harry sighed as his fingers dove into her hair, pulling out all her pins so it could fall freely. Never leaving her lips, he started backing her up towards the stairs. Hermione and Harry both muffled a giggle when they stumbled and ran into the wall. They used the wall as a guide as they slowly made their way up the stairs until they finally reached the top. Harry spun her around and pressed her back against his bedroom door as he fumbled with the doorknob, pressing his hips against hers to give her a slight preview of what was about to happen. As soon as he turned it, they fell into the room never breaking apart. Harry sipped at her lips as he led her towards the bed, moonlight shone through the windows helping them find their way.

Together, they fell onto the bed, Hermione on her back and Harry collapsed on top of her. Harry sighed in content when he finally had Hermione where he wanted her. Ever since he saw her walk down the stairs, all he could think about was her and him in his bed. Screw the Yule Ball, he had thought. Let's just go straight to the bedroom. His waiting however was worth it, he enjoyed being with her tonight. He enjoyed having her by his side and dancing with her closely all night. Though, having her here...in his bed all alone was heaven. "Hermione," he whispered against her mouth before kissing her again. "I..."

Hermione met his urgent kisses as her slender fingers slipped into his unruly black hair. "Hermione," he heard him say again sensing the urgency in his voice. He left her lips and traveled his own down her neck. "Mione," he whispered as he stretched out his body, letting all his weight press her down into the mattress. "Mione, I love you."

Hermione's breath caught in her throat and she lifted his heavy head with her fingers so she could look into his eyes. "What?" she whispered as a her surprised eyes started to brim with tears.

He grinned softly and kissed her. "I love you," he said again as he lifted a hand and pushed back her hair. "I've loved you for so long. I...I'm so sorry I didn't realize it sooner."

"Harry," she sighed. "I was just as blind and just as in love with you. Ever since I met you on that train, I think I've been in love with you. You're my everything."

He looked at her adoringly before he leaned down and let his lips meld with hers. He was kind and gentle and took his time as he continued to coax her with his slow intoxicating kiss. He felt her hands start to fiddle with his dress robe, dragging them off his shoulders and he knew....he knew right then, that this was their time.....their special moment.

He tossed the robe aside, before working on getting rid of hers as well. He took peeled of her clothes, slowly, piece by piece, until she was finally lying gloriously naked beneath her. "You're beautiful," he whispered against her mouth, giving her a gentle kiss before he trailed his lips down her jaw over her throat. He made sure he explored every soft curve of her with his mouth and his hands were everywhere, as were hers.

She felt her start to tug away at his clothes and couldn't help but smile at her eagerness as she fumbled with the buttons of his shirt. With a little bit of his help, he was finally caught up with her and she didn't waste a second and her hands started to move everywhere. "Hermione," he whispered as he positioned himself between her legs. He couldn't wait any longer. "I love you.....I need you."

"Yes," she cried as she lifted her hips in invitation. "I need you, too....please, Harry."

He knew she was a virgin, as was he, so he didn't want to hurt her. He took his time, slowly entering her inch by inch and he had to grit his teeth to keep from loosing control. He laid still, buried deep within her, whispering soft words of love, raining kisses all over her face. She leaned up and kissed him softly, urging him to continue and slowly they began to move as one.

Later...much later, while Harry laid on his back with Hermione snuggled up against him sound asleep. Harry finally felt whole...he felt complete. He knew as long as Hermione was with him, he could conquer anything. Even Voldemort. He knew the time would come when he would face Voldemort again and it would be the last and final time. When that time came, his friends and his soul mate would be his strength to get through it. "I'm fine," he said to himself and kissed the top of Hermione's hand. "Everything will be fine."

The end!

Okay, Epilogue will be coming later today! It's nice and long than that's the end! Thanks again SO SO much for all your support! I'll be posting more of my other stories too, so don't you worry!

OK guys, here it is. The Epilogue just like I promised. This story is done....no sequels will be written, I'm already writing too much fanfiction at one time as it is. Thanks again for all your great replies! Enjoy!

**********

Epilogue

Harry slowly felt himself begin to wake, as he listened to the sounds of birds singing outside and the steady clicking of the ceiling fan slicing through the air. He squinted his eyes and glanced at his bedside clock. He was about to get up to go to work, but then remembered it was Saturday and thankfully rolled back over pulling the covers over him

He blindly reached for his wife and pulled her back against him, burying his face into her soft hair. He loved sleeping in with Hermione. He cherished it every chance he got which wasn't much because....

"Eee!!"

Harry jumped at the exciting voice down stairs and then cursed softly in his pillow.

"They came! They came!"

Harry groaned when he heard footsteps thunder down the stairs.

"Where's mine?!"

"Gimmie mine!"

"I'm the oldest, give them to me!"

Because they had kids. Sleeping just didn't exist anymore in the Potter household.

"Letters from Hogwarts must have arrived," Hermione's muffled voice said from under the covers.

"Yep," Harry yawned. "Every damn year. Just a matter of time until they come wake us."

Sure enough, the sound of footsteps trotting up the stairs echoed throughout the house and then the door swung open. "Here we go,"

"Mum! Dad! It came! I got accepted!" eleven year old Lilian Potter exclaimed.

"Dad, I made Head Boy," James said holding up the badge.

"And I made Prefect," Kingsley said afterwards holding up hers as well.

During their ramblings, Harry and Hermione slowly sat up in the bed trying to keep up with their excitement. "Congratulations," Harry said to his kids.

"We're very proud of you," Hermione said sweetly.

"Look!" Lily said as she crawled onto the bed. Her bright green eyes were wide with excitement. "See? Here's my letter!"

"Let's see," Harry said as he took the letter and Lily crawled between her parents, resting her cheek against his arm while he read. "Dear Miss Lilian Elizabeth Potter, We are pleased to inform you that you have been excepted to Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry." He looked down at his beaming daughter. "Baby that's great," he said kissing her temple while he nuzzled her brown hair.

"Come give your mother a hug," Hermione said as she held out her arms.

Lily giggled as she leaned into her mother, accepting a kiss on the cheek. Lily stayed snuggled between them as she watched her older brother and sister show of their badges.

Kingsley, still dressed in her pajamas with her long black hair pulled up in a messy ponytail, shuffled over to her mom. "In the letter, it said that this badge belonged to you."

"Did it now?" she asked as she examined the badge. "That's lovely. Still in top notch I see."

"I'm so excited," she said with a giggle. "I'm going to owl Justin.

Kingsley rushed passed James who was rolling his eyes at her at the mentioned of Justin Malfoy. "Why does she have to be so boy crazy?" he asked his parents. "It really gives me a headache."

"She's not boy crazy," Hermione corrected her only son. "She's Justin crazy."

"I'm going to go owl Jason and Connor," Lily said mentioning her two best friends, Jason Weasley and Connor Malfoy."

"Great," James muttered. "Not long until I have to watch after her, too."

Harry chuckled. "Let's see the badge son."

"It's not a big deal," he said shyly as he gave it to his father. "Just a badge."

Harry smiled. He was definitely his father's son. He was just as humble as he was. "Well, it's great and we're both very proud of you."

"Thanks," he said with a smile as he ran his hands through his chocolate brown hair he inherited from his mother. "I wonder if Jeanna got Head Girl. That would be really cool."

Hermione smiled at the mention of Ron and Julia's oldest daughter. "You two are very close."

"Well, yeah mum I mean, we've only known each other since the day we were born," he said getting embarrassed and stuffed his hands in his jeans pockets. "She's my best friend."

"Hmm....just a friend?" Harry asked curiously.

James blushed. "Jeez Dad, do we have to go through this again? I told you, Jeanna is just a friend."

"Okay, if you say so," he said and then handed him back his bad. "Go on and Owl her, we'll be down in a minute."

"Okay...thanks," he said and then tirades out of the room and moments later the sound of his door slammed close.

Harry sighed as he looked at Hermione. "Ten kisses says, he and Jeanna get together by the end of the year."

She chuckled and kissed her husband. "You're on...I say by Christmas."

"Daddyyy," a tired voice said as their door creaked open.

Harry looked over to see his four year old daughter stagger sleepily towards him. "There she is," Harry said with a grin. "My only child that seems to have inherited my sleeping genes."

Ashley Benton Potter was dressed in her favorite pajamas which were soft pink and decorated with magical Pegasus's. Her curly raven black hair, identical to her fathers were up in pig tails high above her head and she rubbed her sleepy green eyes clutching her favorite stuffed animal in her small hand. It was a rundown, ragged Hippogriff that Ron had given her the day she was born. She always slept with it. "I'm sweepy," she whimpered as she held up her hands.

Harry leaned down, picked her up from the floor and her little legs straddled his hips as she leaned against her Daddy's chest. Harry kissed the top of her head as he rubbed his hands up and down her back. "You're a sleepy girl?"

"Uh huh," she said with a nod.

Hermione smiled softly at the sight as she reached affectionately caressed her daughter's cheek. Ashley was definitely a Daddy's girl and she wouldn't have it any other way. Ashley was definitely not planned and was a shock to both her and Harry when she found out she was pregnant. They thought they were done after Lily, but apparently not. They couldn't have been more pleased the day she came into the world and Harry Potter absolutely adored his little baby girl. "I'm going to go down and fix some breakfast," she said as she leaned over and kissed her husbands cheek. "You two stay in bed and relax for a bit."

"Mommy," Ashley said as she lifted her head. "I want pancakes."

"You do?" she asked with a smile. "With chocolate chips?"

Ashley smiled for the first time. "Yeah."

"You got it, baby," she said with a smile.

"I want chocolate chips on mine too," Harry whined as he poked out his lip.

"Only if your a good boy," she said with a wink as she got out of bed.

Harry's chest rumbled with laughter as he watched his beautiful wife throw on her robe and gave him one last wave before she left him alone with Ashley. "Did you're brother and sisters wake you up."

"Yes," she pouted as she sat up. "They were really loud, Daddy."

"I know....they don't know how to sleep in like we do," he said and then playfully yanked her down beside him, covering them both up with the blankets.

Ashley giggled as she snuggled closer to Harry. "I love you, Daddy."

Harry smiled softly and let out a happy sigh as he kissed her forehead. "Daddy loves you, too."

"Daddy?"

"Hmm?" he asked as he closed his eyes.

"This summer...since I'm turning five, will you teach me to fly on a real broomstick?"

Harry sighed. "I see what you're doing now, buttering me up huh?"

She giggled. "Pleeeease Daddy?"

Harry sighed. "I don't know sweetie, your training broom is so much safer, it doesn't go higher than five feet. Daddy would seriously have a heart attack if you went any higher."

"I'm a good flier Daddy," she said. "When I go to Hogwarts, I wanna be a Seeker."

"You do huh?"

"Yeah, just like you and James," she said with a smile as she looked into his identical green eyes. "You are the best Seeker Daddy, just like Grandpa was."

Harry smiled softly. It always hurt to know that his parents never knew their grandchildren. He knew though that they were watching over them. "I'm sure you'll be the best Seeker at Hogwarts when it's your time." He nuzzled her head playfully. "And since I'm the best Dad ever, I'll take you up on my broom today...how's that?"

Her green eyes grew wide. "Really?! Oh thank you Daddy!" she giggled as flew her small arms around Harry.

He returned the hug. "You bet. Now...let's go downstairs and gorge ourselves with pancakes."

"Yes!" she exclaimed as she got up and started jumping on the bed, fully awake now.

Harry held out his hands and she jumped into them giggling as he spun her in a circle before placing her on his hip. Together, they went downstairs to join the rest of the Potter's.

*****************

It was a tradition between the Potters, Weasleys and Malfoys, that they all get together for a big shindig cookout the night before they had to make the famous trip to Kings Cross. Every year they switch off and the Potter's were the hostesses this year, which meant one thing to Harry. Stay out of Hermione's way.

He loved her. He loved her to death, but when they had guest arriving or if she had a party to plan, Hurricane Hermione was coming through. So Harry steered clear of her, careful not to do anything to upset her. James was just as terrified of his mother, as Harry...for some reason the boys were always the ones to do something wrong and send Hermione through the roof. It started three days before the cookout and Harry had to make sure to warn James the night before.

He knocked on his son's door and entered when he heard a muffled response to come in. "Hey James," he said as he peeked his head in the door.

James was on his bed and glanced up from a piece of parchment he was reading. "Oh, hey Dad."

"Got a minute?" he asked with his brows rising.

"Uh, sure," he said as he folded the piece of parchment. "I was just reading a letter from Jeanna."

"Ah," Harry said as he closed the door behind him. "Is she excited about making Head Girl?"

"Very excited," he told his dad who sat down on the edge of the bed. "You know we get our own common room and everything...no more roommates, just Jeanna."

"I know," he said with a grin. "Your mother and I stayed in that room our seventh year."

He grinned. "Yeah, where you two finally got together, right?"

He nodded. "Yes, that was a very eventful year. Found the girl of my dreams, fell in love, proposed...."

"Conquered the Dark Lord," James finished of the list with a sarcastic smirk.

"Oh yeah....that too," he said with a chuckle as he shook his head. "Listen, James...the reason I came in." He sighed and placed a hand on his leg and looked deep in his eyes. "Your mother is starting to plan for the cookout tomorrow."

James' eyes widened. "What?! But it's three days away!"

"Shh!" Harry winced as he held up his hands "Merlin, do you want your father to sleep on the couch?"

"Sorry," he whispered as he bit his lip. "She scares me when she's like this though. Last time, she yelled at me for an hour, just for leaving my shoes in the hall. My shoes!"

"I know, believe me, I know...I've had to deal with her longer than you have, buddy," he said poking his chest with his index finger. "You think she's bad NOW...you should have seen her when I met her first year. Mental that one."

"You can say that again."

He sighed happily. "And she's all mine."

James grinned. "Yeah, I wouldn't trade for the world. Thanks for the warning, Dad. I'll be sure to stay on my toes the next few days."

"You do that," he said and then placed a hand on top of his son's head and shook it gently. "Night, son."

"Night, Dad."

************

It was the day of the cookout and Harry managed to get through two days without releasing the beast in Hermione that lived deep with in her. He even scored major points last night when she finally came up to bed tired and looking like a wreck from the very long day. He had a bubble bath waiting for her with scented candles scattered and floating all around the room and an iced bottle of wine set up on the marble slab of the tub. He grinned brightly when he remembered the look on her face when she walked into the bathroom door.

"Harry," she sighed as she went over to him and hugged him. "This is too much."

"You've been working all day," he soothed as he kissed her softly. "It's time for you to relax."

She sighed heavily. "Okay," she whispered as she let him begin to undress her.

"This is your time...I told the kids not to interrupt, they are in their bed quite as a mouse....no interruptions." He dropped her shirt on the floor and kissed her mouth sweetly. "You take as long as you want."

"Wait," she said when he started to leave. "Where are you going?"

"Your time, remember?" he said trying to be good. He wanted to join her, but knew she would like some time to herself.

"My time? So, I get to do whatever I like?"

"Of course," he said and then looked around the room. "Why did I forget something? Candles, wine? Oh crap...flowers, I should of gotten flowers, let me just go get my wand and...."

"Harry, Harry," she said cutting of his ramblings and pulled him gently to him. "I don't want flowers," she said unbuttoning his shirt. "I want you."

Harry grinned to himself as he placed his feet on the coffee table stretching out. Merlin, did that woman set him off the edge. Harry had eventually caved in and mumbled a silencing charm between their sweet kisses while they both eased into the huge marble Jacuzzi. He had treated her with an awarding back and shoulder massage, raining kisses all along her neck and shoulders before she finally turned to him and they both got what they wanted. By the time they were done, most of the water ended up on the floor. It was sheer heavenly bliss. Harry sighed...

"Harry James Potter!"

Harry slapped his hand over his face in distraught. Aw, crap...I was so close.

"Get your feet off the table!"

Harry jerked his feet off and slammed them on the ground, cursing himself for being so careless. "I am SO sorry, Mione."

"Ugh, now I have to clean the table again."

Harry winced. "Is there anything I can do....Honey?"

She scowled. "Yes as a matter of fact, you can go down to the stables and fetch Kings and James, tell them to get to the house and get ready.

"Sure," he said as he got up quickly and kissed her on the cheek trying to butter her up, before he ran through the kitchen and out the swinging door that led to their back yard. He trotted down the pebbled path towards the base of the small hill their house was nestled on and headed towards the stables. When Harry had bought the house, the stables were already there, because Muggles had owned the house before them. He was going to tear it down, but Hermione begged him to keep it for horses. Apparently, Hermione had a huge liking of horses when she was little and it never died. Today, they had over seven horses...a few magical ones, but most of them were normal horses.

Harry let out a hand in greeting to Gerald, their stable hand who he hired the day they got their first horse. He was an old wizard with a simple life and a amazing love of horses. "Gerald, where are they?"

"Out with Goliath and Raine," he said as he took a break from grooming Ashley's gray speckled pony, Sugarbear.

Harry sighed. "She just had to take Raine, again didn't she," he said as he walked over to the fence and put a foot up, waiting until they came over the hill. He could hear the distant sounds of hoods pounding the earth and sure enough a second later he saw a white and a black blur flying over the hill. James' horse, Goliath was a muscular sleek black horse that had a bit of magic in him. He ran like he did anyway....that horse loved to run.

Beside him was Kingsley on top of Raine, her body was pressed down flat against the horses neck, with her black hair flying behind her. They were coming up on a fence and Raine flew across the fence, as well as Goliath, which landed on the ground with thundering hooves. Raine however never landed, her wings finally stretched out and she flew hovered over the ground continuing the race in the air. Raine wasn't an ordinary horse....Raine was a Pegasus. Thanks to Hagrid, Kingsley got Raine for her seventh birthday.

"You got her a Pegasus!" Harry exclaimed when he saw the young Pegasus frolic around his very excited and giddy daughter. "Hagrid...we can't keep a Pegasus!"

"Of course yeh can," he said as he beamed. "She came with a magic 'arness, see." He held up the white harness that shimmered in the light. "Ye put this on er and she becomes invisible. Use it whenver, it's perfectly safe, it is."

Harry had relented at first, but seeing how happy Kingsley was he couldn't tell her no. It turned out to be a good responsibility for her, since she had to follow a lot of rules, such as always put the invisibility harness on when she was free to graze and to give her special attention more than the other horses, since Pegasus' were very sensitive and affectionate. She loved Raine and vice versa. No one could ride her, but Kingsley. Raine let Kingsley take someone up with her, like Ashley or Lily, but no one else could ride Raine alone.

Raine had finally landed and they trotted the rest of the way towards the paddock where Harry was waiting for them. "Hey dad!" she said breathlessly. "Did you see her? Wasn't she wonderful?"

"You look great on her, Kings," he said and then patted Goliath's nose. "And this one here rides like he believes he can fly, don't you boy?"

Goliath flew his head up and down as he pounded the ground with his foot. "Do we have to come in, Dad?"

"'Fraid so, Mother's orders. The Malfoy's and Weasley's will be here in a few hours. Leave your horses for Gerald to attend and head on up."

"It's that late already?!" Kingsley shrieked and then flew off of Raine and handed the reins to Gerald "I have to go get ready for Justin! Thanks Gerald, bye!"

James sighed as he climbed off Goliath and crawled under the fence, leaving the horses for Gerald. "So are they dating now or something?" Harry asked as they walked up back to the house together.

"Dad, they have been dating pretty much since they could walk," he teased with a chuckle.

Harry paled. "Don't tell me that, I don't like to know that my girl is dating now."

"Get use to it...she is the most popular girl in school, guys fawn over her all the time." He patted his father's back. "But don't worry, I watch out for her. It's a big pain in the arse for me, let me tell you. Kingsley gets annoyed of course, having an overprotective brother hanging over her head."

"That means your doing your job," Harry muttered. "So keep it up."

"I will. So how's mom doing?"

"She'll be fine when they get here....yelled at me a second ago."

He grinned. "What you do?"

"Put my feet on the table," he grumbled.

James gaped at him. "Dad? Are you nuts? That's a major violation!"

"I know, I wasn't thinking," he sighed and shook his head. "But listen, you go on up ahead and get ready, I'm going to the field to make my self scarce and do some flying."

"Okay, see ya dad," he said and then trotted towards the house, while Harry went over to the field to go hide from his wife for awhile and escape in the air.

*********

The Weasley's & Malfoy's arrived just in time, to Harry's relief, since Hermione turned back to her sweet self the moment the cookout started. The kids ran straight to the backyard to hook up with the Potter kids, while the grown ups lingered in the living room. "Let's go head out to the deck," Harry suggested. "There's a cooler full of drinks and I need to start the grill anyway."

"I swear Harry, this house gets bigger every time I visit," Ron said as they walked out on to the deck that overlooked the stables and Quidditch pitch.

"Ha, that's big talk for someone who has an indoor pool with a built in waterfall,' Harry said as he fished out a bottle of Muggle beer.

Ron blushed sheepishly as he caught the bottle Harry tossed to him. Like Harry, Ron use to play professional Quidditch and just a few years ago they both had finally retired.

"How are things at the Ministry?" Harry asked Draco.

"Just fine," he said leaning back in his chair as he draped an arm across the back of Ginny's chair. "Raids out the wazoo, but good." Like his father Lucious had been, Draco was one of the Goveners at the Ministry. However, unlike his father, he was well liked and respected by his colleagues.

"Hey mom?" Kingsley asked with Justin standing next to her. "Can we go ride?"

"Sure, but no riding Raine, Kings," she told her. "She needs some rest."

"Okay, we'll take J.J and Ladybug," she said then grabbed Justin's hand. "Let's go."

"Lead the way," he said with a grin and followed his girlfriend to the stables. Justin Malfoy was like a young clone of Draco. He had the same blonde hair, the same deep gray eyes and the same killer smile that would make any female melt into a puddle of goo. He shared a smile with Kingsley, lifting their join hands as he kissed her fingers. "We're gonna have fun this year, K.P"

Kingsley grinned at the use of her nickname. "We sure are."

"Where are you two going?"

Kingsley and Justin stopped short to see James and Jeanna sitting on the small slope of the green grass. "We're going to go riding, even though it's none of your business, James."

"I'm watching you Malfoy," James warned, half teasing.

"I'm shaking in my robes, Potter," he said back as they continued their way to the stables.

"Why are you so hard on him, James?" Jeanna asked with a smile. "You like, Justin...at least your sister is dating someone you like."

"I know," he said with a grin as he leaned back on his hands so he could look at her. "I just like giving him a hard time." He watched her long deep red hair blow in the wind....she really did have beautiful hair. "Have you had a good summer?"

"Yeah," she sighed as she scooted closer to him and then rolled onto her stomach so their faces were closer. "I missed you though."

"Yeah? Even when you were in Paris around all those gorgeous Frenchmen?" he asked mentioning her trip to Paris.

She laughed. "Especially then, Frenchmen may be handsome, but most of them are way too arrogant for my taste. I missed my sweet and humble James Potter."

He smiled sheepishly as he felt himself turn red. "I missed you too," he finally said and then laid on his back and scooted down towards her. "C'mere."

Jeanna happily snuggled closer to her best friend and placed her head on his chest and rested her arm across his waist. Oh, how she loved this boy. "James?" she asked as she watched the sun start to sink behind the distant hills.

"Hmm?"

"I love you," she told him as she snuggled closer. She could have sworn she felt his heart skip a beat under her ear and then she felt him reach for her hand and squeezed it before he placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"I love you, too Jeanna," he said huskily and then cupped her cheek gently and tilted her face towards him. "I've tried to deny it for so long."

"Me too...I was afraid you would never feel the same way, I almost didn't tell you."

"I'm glad you did, because I know it would have taken me a lot more courage to say it." He then shortened the distance between their lips slowly, making sure it was what she wanted before they finally touched...mouth to mouth. James caressed her lips with his in the most gentle fashion, silently telling her how much she meant to him. When he kissed her...everything else around him stopped. He then remembered what his father said when James asked him that certain question.

"But Dad...how do you...I mean, how do you know she's the right one for you?" he asked him, desperate for some advice on his girlfriend, Angela.

Harry looked at his troubled son. Aw, young love. "Look son," he said to him as he sat down on the couch next to him. "Let me ask you a simple question. When you kiss Angela, does the world slip away from you...does anything else matter from that moment on, except how Angela feels close to you? Do you have any other coherent thought running through your mind, besides Angela?"

James pondered on this and then shifted uncomfortably. "Er...at Kings Cross last month, when I was kissing her good bye....I was thinking how I needed to track down Jeanna so I could say good bye."

Harry grinned and let out a chuckle. "Son...when you're thinking of another woman when you're kissing your girlfriend...she's definitely not for you."

His father was right...everything else slipped away, nothing else mattered. All he cared about was Jeanna and how he would die if she stopped doing that thing with her tongue. He knew...that Jeanna was definitely the one for him.

************

Harry grinned as he leaned onto the wooden railing in amusement. "Hey, Ron...come check this out," he said with a chuckle.

Ron got up and walked over to Harry and his jaw dropped. "Harry....you're son is mugging down with my daughter."

"That's my boy," he said with pride.

"Hey..watch it," Ron scowled. "That's my little girl."

He swallowed back a laugh. "Sorry," he said and then walked back down to sit next to his wife. He kissed her softly and grinned at her. "Told you it was a matter of time."

"That you did," she said and kissed him back. "We both lost the bet though....ten kisses each?"

He grinned. "Tonight," he said giving her a quick peck to seal the deal.

Harry smiled as he settled back in his chair and took in his surroundings. He was with his best friends in the whole world, watching the sun set as they sipped on their drinks and talked about anything and everything. His eyes switched over to the Quidditch pitch at Ashley and Michael Weasley, who was five. They were flying on their toy brooms, laughing and giggling as they chased each other around the field. He smiled. Ashley was right, she was going to make an excellent Seeker. He then hlooked over to his left, where Lilly was with Connor and Jason and the sight looked so very familiar he almost laughed. Lily was lying on her stomach, her nose was stuck in the newest edition of Hogwarts: A History, while the two boys were playing a game of exploding snap. Another famous trio was about to enter Hogwarts and he knew they would do the original trio proud.

Life was good. He had the woman he loved by his side, he had his friends and his children and was lucky enough to watch them grow up year after year. He shared another look with his wife and then leaned over and whispered, "Did I mention how glad I am that we played pretend all those years ago."

"Only once or twice," she answered back teasingly.

"Just making sure," he said and then kissed her. "Love you, Mione."

"Love you too, Harry....I always will."

He smiled softly at her. Yes...life was definitely good.