Maybe it's intuition
but some things you just don't question
Like in your eyes, I see my future in an instant
And there it goes,
I think I found my best friend
I know that it might sound
more than a little crazy
but I believe...
Savage Garden, I knew I loved you.
Hermoine sat in her office, scanning a document absently. Harry's peculiar behavior the past week had roused her curiosity…he was up to something and she wanted to know what. He had been very quiet, very secretive and often hid in his office for hours on end. He got jumpy when she mentioned the topic of dining out and he got defensive easily. She would catch him sending letters all hours of the night and not returning till early that morning.
She was so immersed in her thoughts that only the sound of an owl furiously tapping on the frosty window brought her back down to earth. Hastily she took off the green envelope from the bird and gave it some water. Ever since she got that letter from the `stalker', her mail had been stopped and searched at the Ministry. Harry had insisted on it. Though she wasn't happy at the state of her mail by the time she received it, she could tell Harry was upset about the letter and that this made him feel a little more comfortable about the fact that he couldn't watch her every moment, so she put up with it.
The owl hooted gratefully as it took off back into the blistering winds. Hermoine hardly noticed the gust of snow-laced wind that was scattering the papers across her office. She read the note quickly, it was inadequately short.
Love,
There is a surprise waiting for you at home. After work, head home and it will be ready by 4 p.m.
Dearest,
Harry.
Hermione's brow furrowed as she re-read the letter. If anything, her curiosity was roused even more.
~*~*~*~*
At 4, Hermione rushed home to her apartment. As the day had passed, she grew more and more curious to what Harry planned. During the day she had gone to lunch with Ginny, who was a wonderful listener, and returned back to her work and found a gorgeous crystal vase filled with 11 beautiful white roses without thorns. There was a no note but Hermoine knew who it was from.
Upon arriving at her apartment, Hermoine's barely contained excitement bubbled over and a high pitched squeal escaped her when she saw a box laying on her and Harry's bed. It was wrapped in delicate silver wrapping, tied with a white ribbon. On top rested the twelfth white rose and a small, light pink envelope. Hermoine beamed ear to ear as she hurried over and picked up the envelope. Nimble fingers slit the paper excitedly.
Dear Hermoine,
You've been working hard lately and I've decided to take you out for some fun. I know you've notice my peculiar behavior but I wanted it to be a surprise. First, you have to play a little `game' and follow the clues I give you. Hopefully it will be fun and make you smile.
Inside this box are your first surprises. I had a little help with them so I hope you like them. Please wear them tonight. Normally I wouldn't care what you'd wear but this is a very special occasion. We have much to celebrate, some of which you will find out later.
All my love,
Harry xoxo.
Hermoine placed this aside and carefully unwrapped the shiny parcel. Her excitement was eating away at her and her bones were tingling. The wrapping was so beautifully done that she didn't want to ruin it. Hermoine gasped; inside the box was the little black dress she had wanted for some time now. Every time she passed this little boutique on the way to lunch she would gaze at it longingly at it. She never did bother to check the price; she knew it would be too expensive even for her salary.
Hermoine gazed fondly at it as she pulled it carefully from its box; the material slid out as if she pulled water from a stream. Without hesitation she pulled her clothes off and changed her undergarments. She slid into the dress and fondly looked at herself in the mirror. It amazed her how it hugged her body carefully, showing her favorable features and covering the flaws. The low, drapey V-neck shoed just the right amount of cleavage so it was sexy, not trashy. The straps crossed in the back and left her arms bare. The dress hugged her hips and hung down to her knees. It was loose and flowy and light. The only jewelry she wore was her charm bracelet she had been putting together since she was little and a pair of diamond studs. She did her hair plainly; she left it down and curly. Next to the dress in the box was a pair of pencil thin, pointed closed-toe shoes.
Hermoine slipped on her shoe and felt a piece of paper in the toe. She pulled it out and finished putting on her shoe before reading it.
Hermoine,
By now you have finished getting dressed. At exactly 5:45 the charm I placed on the shoes will activate. They will take you on a short walk to our favorite spot. There, a familiar friend will be waiting with your next clue. Good luck! I suggest you grab a jacket, its cool outside.
Love you,
Harry.
Hermoine checked the watch on the wall. She had two minutes. She grabbed her long, white coat and pulled it on. She waited nervously by the front door when suddenly a slight tingling in her shoes alerted her to the activation of the charm. Her legs began moving of their own accord, leading Hermoine right down to the first floor, outside and up the street. The pace was light but steady. As she walked, she passed several couples strolling along enjoying the pretty snow decorated streets and shops. Little bistro's and café's were lit up with small, blinking Christmas lights and gave the street a friendly, movie-like appearance. Hermoine recognized her path; she was heading to the park around the block from her and Harry's apartment. It was confirmed when the tingling slowed to a stop as she crossed into the park. She looked around, unsure of what to do. As if on command, the wind blew slightly and two lines of small candle flames lit up, lighting a path. Hermoine smiled, knowing that it was Harry's doing. She followed the path, watching her step. The candles led her to an ancient, large weeping willow that sat on the bank next to the stream. Hermoine recognized it as the place Harry had finally asked her to be his girlfriend-officially.
Boldly she strode in and was taken aback. It was well lit; floating candles and fireflies illuminated the vast space the branches made. Her eyes were drawn to the large carving in the trunk of the tree; Harry had carved their initials in it on their 5 month anniversary. A disgruntled meow came from out of the canopy of the tree. Slowly a ginger-furred figure slunk down and landed lightly in front of Hermoine. Hermoine bent down and fondly scratched Crookshanks behind its ears.
"Crooks, what are you doing here?" she said. Her fingers hit a small bell and a ribbon. Hermoine found the ribbon tied to a small pink envelope. She untied the ribbon and opened the envelope, waiting for Harry's next instructions.
Hermoine,
So, having fun yet? I thought this place was a decent place for you to remember. It was a walk down memory lane for me. Can you believe it's almost been a year since I carved that tree? It's gone by so fast and I've been enjoying every minute of it.
Your next clue is to follow the candles. They are going to take you back to the road, near a telephone booth. I have arranged for a friend to come and pick you up to take you to your final destination. Be warned, I have instructed them to blindfold you. I don't want you to ruin your surprise. You will meet the taxi at 6:45 and arrive at 7:15. I assure you, you are in good hands.
See you soon,
Harry.
Hermoine smiled ear-to-ear as she put this note carefully inside her jacket pocket. She hurried to leave and get back to the candles. This time, they led her in a different direction. As she walked, candles lit up her path as she approached but extinguished once she had passed them. Hermoine had barely arrived at the phone booth before a sleek, black limo pulled up. A tall, grey haired man exited the car and hurried around the front to open the door for her.
"Good evening, Miss Granger. Could you turn around so I could blindfold you?" He asked, brandishing a long silver scarf. Hermoine nodded and turned around, shutting her eyes. She felt the cool silk slide over her face, covering her eyes but leaving the rest of her face open. He guided her into the car and shut the door carefully behind her. Hermoine sat and waited as he got back inside and started the car. After a moment or two he pulled away and some music filled the back seat. She recognized it as her favorite singer, Cyndi Lauper.
She let her mind wander to the surprise that was awaiting her at the end of her drive; it was amazing of what she could think of. She imagined wild clubs, romantic restaurants, and long moonlit strolls. She imagined Harry all dressed up, ready to greet her with a dozen roses and chocolate and her favorite novel.
She felt the car stopping and her stomach dropped and flopped excitedly. She couldn't wait to see where she was or more importantly, Harry. It had been nearly a day since they had sat and talked together, and almost two weeks since he hadn't been paranoid. Her car door opened and someone grabbed her elbow, gently leading her out of the limo.
"Hello, Hermoine." A familiar voice said, the voice she knew was solely Harry's.
"Harry!! Take this blindfold off of me. I want to see you."
" Not yet honey, patience." He took her hand and led her along a cemented walkway, to her final surprise.
Hermoine felt the air change from cool to warm and she could tell they walked into a building. From the echoing of her heels she could tell it was large and sparsely furnished. Harry kept leading her along through several doorways, finally pausing in a smaller, warmer room.
"This is it. Close your eyes. I'm going to take your blindfold off." He said. She closed her eyes and felt the silk being removed from her face. She waited until he spoke again to open her eyes.
"Go ahead, open your eyes." He said, stepping away. Hermoine obeyed, opening her eyes. The sight before her made her gasp.
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