Unofficial Portkey Archive

Chapter 6

Harry took Hermione's hand and lead her down to get some breakfast. She they got down to the kitchen everyone looked up and Hermione and gave a relived smile.

Mrs. Weasley was the first person to speak. "How are you dear? We were so worried about you yesterday."

"I'm fine Mrs. Weasley, I was just upset and needed a friend to talk to. I'm okay, really."

She looked skeptically at Hermione, shrugged, and looked over at Harry "Would you like some breakfast? We were just about to eat."

Before Hermione could respond Harry told her "We would love some breakfast. what are we having?"

"Acutely, I'm not that hungary," interjected Hermione. As soon as she opened her mouth she felt Harry's hand squeeze hers. She looked at him and he had an expression in his eyes that said, you-are-eating-whether-you-like-it-or-not. "Perhaps a bit of toast then," she said after meeting Harry's gaze.

When they sat down at the table, Hedwig, Pig and another owl flew into the kitchen. Harry picked you Hedwig and gave her some food. She affectionately nipped him on the finger and gave him the letter. He saw his name written in green letters and saw the Hogwarts seal on the envelope. He opened it and it read:

Dear Mr. Potter,

You have been selected as Head Boy for your graduating class. This is a major responsibly and is not to be taken lightly. The prefects will be the same as last term with a few adjustments. This letter also contains the books and essentials you will need for your seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please respond by August 29.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonnagal

Deputy Headmistress

Across the table Hermione was reading her letter and was very pleased by the news. It read:

Dear Ms. Granger,

You have been selected as Head Girl for your graduating class. This is a major responsibly and is not to be taken lightly. you will be working closely with the Head Boy, Harry Potter this year. The prefects will be the same as last term with a few adjustments. This letter also contains the books and essentials you will need for your seventh year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please respond by August 29.

Sincerely,

Minerva McGonnagal

Deputy Headmistress

Ron saw the look in Hermione's eye and asked her "Hey Herms, are you okay? You look like you just swallowed a glow stick."

"Of course Ron, you silly git. I was just selected as Head Girl," Hermione said who was positively glowing.

Everyone got up to congratulate her. Mrs. Weasley told everyone that she was going to make a special dinner in order to celebrate.

"Who's the Head Boy," wondered George?

"I bet it's Malfoy. His father probably bought his son the title," said Ron sardonically.

"As it just so happens, I know who the head boy is," interrupted Hermione.

"Who?" everyone asked at the same time.

"Me" said Harry who was just as excited as Hermione.

Mrs. Weasley had tears in her eyes and said she was proud of them.

"But I don't understand," stated Harry. "I don't have the highest marks and I hardly understand what is going on in the classes."

"Dumbledore needs someone he can trust since Voldemort is alive and well. It is obvious that he can trust you," exclaimed Hermione matter-of-factly.

"Would you please stop saying his name?" Ron said as he shuddered.

"Fear of a name only increases the fear of the thing its self." Hermione stated in her know it all tone.

Ron snorted and mumbled something along the lines of "smart ass."

Later that evening while Mrs. Weasley prepared a feast for celebration, Harry wanted to talk to Hermione alone. He brought her out to the garden and wrapped her hand in his. The was nervous. He was planning to ask her out, but he was terrified she would say no. What is she doesn't like me? What if she doesn't really in love me and just said that because she loves me as a friend? Oh bloody hell Potter, get a hold of yourself. Oh....not the best choice of words right now. Just ask her out and get this over with." While Harry had been talking to himself in his head, he hadn't heard Hermione call his name.

"Harry?"

"Harry?" she said a little bit louder to get is attention.

"HARRY?" she finally screamed after two unsuccessful tried to get his attention.

"Hmm... what Mione?"

"You brought me out here. You told me you wanted to ask me something." she waited a few seconds before asking, "Are you all right? You looked a little flushed."

"Oh yeah, I'm fine." Harry cleared his throat and readied his courage. "Mione you know I love you right?"

"Of course I do. I love you too." She smiled that smile that would make any man melt into a marshmallow.

"Good" Harry said relieved. "I was wondering if um... you would like to be my girlfriend?"

"Oh Harry." Hermione kissed him and said "Does that answer your question?"

"Oh yeah, I think it does." He kissed her again and went they walked back hand in hand to the Burrow.

When they got back they announced that they were know a couple. Everyone smiled. They all knew he had been in love with her for a long time.

Ron smirked at the new couple and said "It's about damned time. We have been waiting for this to happened for the past three bloody years!"

"RONALD WEASLEY!"

"Sorry mum." mumbled Ron.

Chapter 7

There month was up. It was September 1st and the entire Burrow was up and getting last minute things packed. they made it to kings crossing station at 10:55.

"Hurry now or your going to miss the train!" Mrs. Weasley shrieked to everyone. "Ron, Ginny you go first." "Hermione, Harry come on dears time to go." They ran through the barrier and landed at plant form 9 3/4. They got all their stuff on the train and said good bye to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

When they were settled on the train, Hermione snuggled into Harry's chest and reread Hogwarts, A History.

"How many time are you going to read that book?" Ron asked in an exasperated tone. "How many times have you read it already? Ten, eleven?"

"For your information", Hermione objected, "It has only been seven."

Ron snorted
"Well excuse me Herms, seven times. What do you do, read every other page so when you got back to read it you have to read it again you read only the even pages?"

" Oh please only, an idiot would do something stupid like that." She said looking pointedly at Ron. Harry nearly choked on his chocolate frog before she said "I read this book because it has some every interesting facts."

"But haven't you already learned the facts? I mean you have read it ten times." asked Ron with a furrowed brow.

"Seven." interjected Harry

Ron looked at him like he was a traitor to his cause. "Oh sod off. Your only taking her side because if you don't you won't get your evening snogging session."

"Ron!' Hermione blushed furiously at his comment.

"Ahh. So I see there is some truth behind that statement. So tell me my dear Herms, tell me all the nastily little thing Harry does to you." Ron looked at Harry and winked. He then turned to Hermione who if possible had turned even redder.

"Harry, please take your best friend out side and beat some sense into him." Hermione said into Harry's shirt.

"Oh I see how it is, when he says something that annoys you, he is my best friend, but when he helps you get what you want he is your best friend." Harry said with a slight smirk on his lips.

"Precisely" Hermione said with a sweat smile.

"Hey, what am I a cocker spaniel?" Ron interrupted there little interlude.

Chapter 8

They arrived at Hogwarts. Harry always thought as the castle as home. Then he released that he felt this way for one reason. Hermione was there. He felt like everything was exactly the way it should be.

However he worried. Voldemort had been quiet this summer. Too quiet. He had lost everyone he had ever loved to Voldemort. In fifth year Harry thought he had lost Sirius. In the middle of sixth year a big black dog bounded into the common room and went up tap Hermione. She immediately recognized it as "Snuffles." She ran up to get Harry and he and his god father had had a heart warming reunion.

Hermione led Harry into the Great Hall for the start of the year feast and the sorting ceremony. He looked over her and smiled. She took him in her arms and gave him a kiss.

"So Potty has gotten himself a girlfriend." Drawled someone from behind them. Sure enough it was Draco Malfoy.

"Sod off Malfoy, I don't have time for your bloody games."

"No, you wouldn't, since you spend all of your time snogging the mudblood. So Granger and Potter, Hogwarts golden couple have finally found each other. So how long have you been shagging her Potter? I hear the quiet, shy types are the most wild. So tell me is that true?"

Harry was about to lunge at Malfoy when Hermione reached out and slapped Malfoy across the cheek and hard as she could.

"Fuck off Malfoy. Remember Madam Polmfry taught us the castration spell. I'm very close to using it."

"You wouldn't dare." Malfoy look terrified at the prospect. Harry seemed very happy with these turn of event.

Hermione drew her wand from her robes and muttered a spell that threw Malfoy up against the wall. He couldn't move from that spot, almost as if inviolable chains were holding them there. "Watch me." Hermione said in a voice that told Malfoy he was playing with fire. "I promise you Malfoy, if you come near me, I will personally make sure you will never sire an heir. Then I will remove the reason you wear a loin cloth. You want to take me up on that threat try me, because I promise you, I will go through with it." Fire blazed in her eyes and she reversed the spell that was holding Malfoy to the wall. And walked way.

Harry ran after her calling her name. When he entered the Great Hall he saw Hermione sitting at the Gryffindor table with Ron, Ginny, Dean, Seamus, and Neville. She sat down next to her and took her in his arms. She looked up at him and smiled.

"I'm so proud of you Mione. You handled that very well."

"Thanks Harry, I just can't stand him, he annoys the hell out of me."

"I know the feeling. Anyway, lets forget about about Malfoy."

Just as he said that Dumbledore held up his hands for silence.

"Good evening, welcome to a new year at Hogwarts. I would like to make a couple of announcements. First a note to all first years the Forbidden Forest is hence the word forbidden in strictly off limits." As he said this he looked at Harry, Ron and Hermione. They looked away guiltily and turned red. "Next I would like to introduce our new head boy and girl for this year. Harry Potter and Hermione Granger would you please stand up?" Everyone in the great hall (except the Slytherins) clapped and whistled. Dumbledore continued, "There will also be a new course this year. For seventh year students there will be an advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts class to the selected few of you.

"And lastly I would like to introduce two new people this year. One is a transfer student from America who will be joining the seventh years." Everyone turned to the doors of the Great Hall which were opening. "Everyone I would like to introduce Olivia Bennett."

A girl about 5'4 with blue eyes and black hair walked into the great hall. Every male eye was on her. She walked with beauty and grace. She sat down on the stool and put on the sorting hat. Everyone wanted her to be in their house. When the hat yelled out "GRYFFINDOR" the great hall broke into applause, and Olivia sat down next to Harry.

"Hi, I'm Harry" Harry introduced himself.

"Hi, I'm Olivia Bennett, but, my friends call me Livvie."

"This is my best friend, Ron Weasley, and this is my girlfriend and love of my life Hermione Granger. "

"Harry! You'll scare her away before we even get to know her." Hermione scolded.

Livvie laughed and said, "Oh it's no problem really, my best friends back in America became a couple in fifth year and I had to live through the same thing."

Hermione decided she liked Livvie right then and there. Then Hermione asked "So what classes are you taking this year?"

"Of course that is what Herms would want to know so she can make up a study schedule up for you nine months before the N.E.W.T.s" Ron said good naturally.

"And this coming from a guy that almost didn't pass the potions OWLs." Hermione told him. "And stop calling me Herms, you know I hate it."

"Hey, I didn't flunk the OWLs!" protested Ron.

"I said almost, you ass. If you want to argue with me at least make sense and don't put words in to my mouth because 95% of the time you are wrong." Hermione glared at him.

Mean while Harry and Livvie were choking on their food. Harry knew from experience not to get into the middle of a Hermione-Ron argument.

Livvie asked Harry "Do they always do this or is it a one time thing?"

Harry looked at her and said, "Most people don't even notice it anymore it happened so often. Other times, if they don't have an argument people ask if something's wrong."

Hermione poked Harry in the shoulder. "It is not an argument, it is a heated discussion."

Harry snorted. "Heated discussion my ass, you nearly bit his head off."

Hermione looked at Harry with arched eyebrows. "Are you siding with him?"

Harry knew he made a mistake. "Uh...no of course not dear, you know I love you, and would never side with Ron over you." When Hermione smiled he let out a breath that he did not know he had been holding.

Livvie looked over at Ron. He's so cute. I love guys with red hair, that has always turned me on. How tall is he? 6' 2'' , 6'3''? God, I hope he isn't taken, she thought to herself.

"So tell me how long have you two been a couple? You seem so much in love."

Hermione looked over at Livvie and smiled. "Thanks, we have been going out for about a month." At Livvie's look of surprise Hermione laughed. "I know, everyone at Hogwarts knew we were in love before we did. It took us a long time to figure out the feelings we had for each other."

"I'm just really surprised. My best friends have been going out for two years and it took them that long to get as comfortable as you two are in a month." She looked over at Ron and smiled shyly. She turned to ask him. "So has anyone stole your heart yet?"

Ron returned the smile. "No, no one has stolen Ron Weasley's heart yet." Are you up to the challenge? he wanted to add but kept it to himself.

"Good, then I might just be up for the challenge." returned Livvie.

Harry and Hermione looked at each other and smiled knowingly. Just then the doors opened again and someone walked in. Harry looked up and saw Sirius Black and Remus Lupin walk through the doors.

Dumbledore raised his hands again for silence. "My last announcement for this evening, is to introduce two new teachers at Hogwarts. The seventh years may remember him from third year he will be the new DADA teacher. May I also present Professor Remus Lupin." A loud applause echoed through the great hall. "Some if you may know him and some may not, he will he the teacher of select DADA course. May I present Professor Sirius Black." The great hall became dead silent.

Hermione, Ron and Harry all exchanged looks. Livvie looked and them and asked "Isn't he the wizard that betrayed your parents Harry? He also killed thirteen muggles with one curse. Why did Dumbledore hire a murderer?"

Before Harry could speak. Ron interrupted him. He explained everything that happened in third year. When he was finished she looked over at Harry with a horrified expression on her face and covered her mouth.

"Oh god, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to call him a murder right in front of you, but my parents told be that he was. I would never have said anything I'd known." She looked about ready to cry.

Harry looked at her and smiled wryly. "I know you wouldn't have, a lot of people think that he was responsible to for the death of my parents. Hell, until four years ago I thought so too.

Livvie looked at him and smiled too. Then she turned to Hermione and said "Oh you asked me what classes I am taking. I have Ancient Runes and Advanced Healing."

Hermione looked at her in awe. "You are taking healing? I have always been fascinated with that process. Is it terribly interesting?"

"Oh God" Ron groaned. "Please don't get her started. I will be forever grateful."

"Oh do shut up Ron!" Hermione yelled.

Livvie laughed. "No, I don't take healing for the fun of it, I'm a healer. I was born with the powers."

Ron looked at her in amazement. "Really? I always thought healers were supposed to be all brains and no beauty?"

Livvie flushed. "I wouldn't think those rumors are true. My mother is a healer and she is much more beautiful then me."

Hermione interrupted their conversation. "You two are making me sick. You just meet her Ron and you are already hitting on her, have you no shame?

"I have shame, just not when it comes to hitting on beautiful girls."

"Ronald Weasley I cannot believe you just said that." Hermione exclaimed

"Herms you are starting to sound like mum. If you had red hair I would have sworn she was standing next to me."

"And you are a chauvinistic, arrogant pig."

"That may be so, but I still have my shame."

Livvie and Harry were enjoying this little interlude and were shaking with silent laughter.

Hermione glared down at Harry "Remember what Ron said to us on the train about getting you r evening snogging session?"

"Yes" Harry said innocently.

"Forget it." And she stormed out of the great hall.

"Hermione wait."
Ron and Livvie were laughing so hard they were practically rolling on the floor.

Livvie looked at Ron and said "I think he's in the dog house."

"No, Hermione doesn't have a dog house, he'll be in the pig pen."

"The what?"

"Don't ask, it's Herms's thing."

"Wait, Harry calls her Mione and you call her Herms, why?"

"When Harry first kissed Hermione it was in the middle of sixth year. He is the only one that calls her that. It his little pet name for her. During intimate moments he'll call her that. I call her Herms because that is my pet name for her. I also call her that because I know it annoys her."

"You are so mean. Hermione absolutely hates that name, I can tell. "

Ron looked and her some more and thought to himself I love than black hair with those blue eyes. I wonder if she has a boyfriend.? Yeah, she's beautiful, she's defiantly taken.

They were walking back to the common room when Livvie asked, "So Ron, I heard some kids talking about something called Hogsmeade. What's that?"

"Oh, it's an all wizarding village. We go there every weekend. It has shops and food places. It's really nice, most people love it."

"Sounds nice. Since I'm new here, would you like to go with me and show me the ropes? I could really help getting around school too."

"Your wish is my command, my lady," Ron said as he helped her through the portrait hole.

"Why thank you kind sir," Livvie smiled warmly up at Ron, her baby blues twinkling.

Harry and Hermione were having a heated discussion about school and their evening snogging session when Ron and Livvie walked in.

"I did not side with Ron." Harry exclaimed to Hermione.

"Yes, you did, even when you knew I was right, " Hermione scolded him.

"I only said that to Ron because I wanted to get him off your back."

"Oh, Harry that so sweet." Hermione looked at him with a smile. Then all of a sudden her smile faded and she said, "It's also a load of bull shit."

"It is not," Harry said as innocently as possible.

"Harry James Potter, don't you dare give me that look. You know your not as innocent as that."

"What look? And I am completely innocent," Harry argued.

"Oh really, that why your hand what up my shirt last night," Hermione said with a smirk.

Harry blushed furiously and looked toward Ron who had just walked in.

"Oh that was too much information Herms." Ron said with a sour look on his face. "Harry if you feel her up, keep it privet."

"Ron, Harry was not feeling me up. Where did you get a ridiculous notion like that?" Hermione exclaimed.

"You just said his hand was up your shirt."

"I said his hand was up my shirt last night, that doesn't mean he didn't have a purpose being there."

"Harry if you want your girlfriend to be in one piece you better get her out of this room" Ron said with a glare.

"Like you could take me," Hermione said with a smile.

"I could and I would princess"

Hermione smirked stole a glance at Harry who was about to interrupt and said to Ron
"Bring it on, but don't blame me when you are sprawled on the floor wish you could go to the hospital wing."

Ron walked up to Hermione and flicked her on the nose. Harry groaned. He knew how much Hermione hated people to flick her nose.

Hermione kicked Ron in the shin. He yelped and pulled her hair. Hermione was about to lung at Ron when she felt a strong arm go around her waste and catch her in mid air. She was dragged back and slung over Harry's shoulder.

"Harry, Harry put me down," Hermione shrieked.

"I don't think so, I'm taking you to bed."

"Oh Harry, I definitely like the sound of that." Hermione said and Harry groaned.

"Your going to kill me Mione." Harry said as they walked out of the portrayal hole to go find the Head boy and girl dorms.

As they walked into the common room, they looked around and show it was a miniature Gryffindor tower.

Harry placed Hermione on the couch and covered her body with his. He looked into her eyes that looked like pools of chocolate. "God I love you" Harry murmured and kissed Hermione deeply. In response she moaned and arched her back to get closer to Harry.

When she felt Harry's tongue on the seam of her lips and opened her mouth. Harry's tongue thrust into her in and explored her mouth. He matted his tongue with her and she began the duel.

God if he can do this to me by just kissing me, I wonder what making love will feel like? God I can't wait. Am I ready? And I ready to make this decision while I am lying underneath the man I love and is kissing me the way not even some married people kiss? Come on Granger, get a hold of your self. Take control of the situation.

Meanwhile the same thoughts were going threw Harry's brain as well. He was terrified that he was pushing her too fast. Reluctantly he broke the kiss and looked at Hermione who was gasping for air underneath him. "Harry, Why did you stop?"

"Mione, if we don't stop know, I'm not going to be able to stop."

"Lets go check out our rooms, I hope they have desks.

Harry snorted and started laughing. He should have known that the first thing that she wanted to inspect.

They walked up to Hermione's room and opened the door. The room was decorated in powder blue. The king size bed was covered in silk sheets and toped with a feather comforter. Hermione looked in awe at her room and turned to Harry.

"What do you think? Have you ever seen a room that was as beautiful as this? When you look out the window you will be able to see the sun set." She walked all the way around the room and saw her things on the floor and Crookshanks curled up on the bed.

"Yeah it is," agreed Harry. "I wonder what my room looks like."

They walked over to the bathroom and opened the door. There was a shower stall and a bathtub that could easily fit three people in and Harry thought it was a perfect place to make love. Hold that thought Potter, not until Mione is ready. She needs to learn to trust me with her life before she can trust me with her heart , body and soul. I need to make her comfortable with me touching her before we can even think about making love. While Harry was thinking Hermione was having almost the exact same thoughts.

Harry doesn't think I'm ready to make love yet. Maybe he's right, maybe I'm not. My heart will tell me when it's the right time. Why do I freak out every time he touches me. This is Harry he loves you. Let him feel you, touch you, he won't hurt you. Come on Granger, stop being such a coward and face the facts you want him, your just to afraid to have him.

They looked at each other with desire in their eyes. Someday they both thought and the same time, Someday soon."

Hermione was the first to break the silent connection. "Looks like we share a bathroom, your room is just through that door," she pointed to a door that was on the opposite end of the bathroom. Harry walked over to it and pulled the door open.

His room was exactly the same as Hermione's but it was in a maroon color instead. There was a king size bed the the middle of the room and a huge window at the other end. He took Hermione's hand and brought her over to the window. He opened it and looked out side. He pulled Hermione in front of him and wrapped his arms around her waist.

She leaned against his chest and breathed in his scent. She loved the way his after shave smelled. She turned around in his arms and kissed him. She looked into his eyes which were turning into dark emeralds. She asked him "Harry please just hold me tonight. I can't stand to be alone anymore."
The look in her eyes told Harry everything. He picked her up and placed her on the bed. They both stripped to their underwear and got into the bed. Hermione curled up against Harry's chest and closed her eyes. As soon as she was about to fall asleep she murmured "I love you."

Chapter 9

Hermione woke up in Harry's arms. She felt so safe and she really didn't want to get up. She stretched out and looked up Harry and saw his big emerald eyes staring down at her.

"How long have you been awake? You should have woken me up we need to get down to breakfast."

"I wanted to watch you sleep, your beautiful."

Hermione blushed "Thank you."

"I need to shower and change. I'll meat you in the great hall okay?" Hermione said getting off the bed.

"Okay, see you in a few minutes."

Hermione walked to the door of the bathroom and opened it. Before she walked in she turned around and said "Harry?"

"What is it baby?"

"I love you."

Harry smiled and replied "Don't worry, I love you too."

Hermione smiled and walked into the bath room and shut the door.

Harry and Hermione sat down to eat breakfast when they saw Ron and Livvie sit down next to them. Ron and Livvie were engrossed in conversation about their lives.

"So," Ron asked. "Do you have any brothers or sisters?"

"Yes," Livvie replied with a sad smile. "I had a little sister."

"Had?"

"My mom and sister died during childbirth."

" Oh god, I'm sorry, it's none of my business. I never should have asked." Ron said with horror.

"No, its okay, it was a long time ago. I hardly remember my mother. I was four when she died. I live with my dad now."

"It must be really hard not having a mother, as much as my mum nags at me I can't image not having her around."

"Well, enough about my problems and sorrows. Any siblings."

"Your asking is Ron here has any siblings?" Harry interrupted their conversation. "He has more brothers and a sister then he know what to do with."

Ron glared at his best friend and turned back to Livvie. "I'm number six out of seven children. Five brothers and a baby sister."

Livvie's eyes widened. " Wow."

"That is an understatement. When you see the Burrow full, it's like living at a zoo. Everyone is running about and screaming at each other. The twins are constantly blowing things up and Percy is forever yelling at everyone to shut up. There is a moody sixteen year old girl, and an older brother that works with dragons and is always complaining about burns. Then the oldest brother works at Gringotts with the goblins." Hermione said with a laugh.

Ron glared at her and was about to say something until Livvie smiled and said "it sounds wonderful. I would love to have a huge family like that. I mean, I have my dad, but I would love to have that chaos at Thanksgiving and Christmas."

"You would?" Ron said with a hint of pride in his voice.

"Ron, if I can handle it anyone can," interjected Harry.

"Oh shut up." Told his best friend with a glare.

"Don't tell my boyfriend to shut up," Hermione yelled at Ron.

Harry groaned "Not again. Livvie, this will last all morning. Would you like me to show you to your first class while we let these two kill each other?"

Livvie looked nervously at Harry and asked, "Is it safe to leave them alone?"

Harry snorted. "They have been doing this for seven years and the worse that has happened is a first year got an eyebrow burned off in the cross fire."

Livvie laughed. "Okay then, I have Advanced healing first today, so I guess I need to go to the hospital wing."

Harry motioned for her to follow him.

"So Harry, how well do you know Ron?" Livvie asked.

"I've known him for seven years and he's my best mate. I hope I know him as well as he knows me."

"Is he single?"

Harry laughed and replied "Very." He looked and her and asked "you like him don't you?"

"I don't know, i just meet him, he seems really nice. I would really like to get to know him." She stopped "I would also really like it if you put in a good word for me." She asked him with a smile.

Harry laughed. "I'll do that. You know, Hermione likes you, talk to her, she's better at getting Ron to take her advice. I just offer it to him when he asks, she gives him advice when she thinks he needs it. And I will deny this if you repeat it, but he usually does need it."

"You really love Hermione don't you?" Livvie asks. Then she looks horrified and claps a hand over her mouth. "Oh god that was a really personal question. I'm usually not this nosy, it's just when I meet new people I want to get to know them. If I ask you a question that makes you uncomfortable please tell me. And know I'm babbling so I'll shut up."

Harry couldn't help but chuckle at her out burst. "Don't worry about it. Yes, I am very much in love with Hermione."

"Everyone can tell. I was in the Gryffindor common room and everyone was talking about you guys. Did you know they had a betting pool going to see when you guys would finally get together? They made a new pool last night about you two, but this time it is when you will be getting married."

"I heard of that betting pool. Please, don't mention it to Hermione though it would make her really pissed off, and you really don't want to do that the second day of school."

Livvie smiled "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks"

"The hospital wing is around the corner. I have to go make sure Ron and Hermione didn't do any permanent damage."

It was the longest day of his life. First he had double divination with Trelawny, then History of Magic with Binns and at the end of the day he had double potions with Snape.

"Trelawny, Binns and Snape in the same day," Harry groaned into Hermione's shoulder as they sat at the dinner table.

"I don't know why you are taking divination, it is a complete waste of time."

When dinner was over Dumbledore stood up. "This year we will have two extra balls this year for seventh years only. The first will be a Halloween Ball. The Head Boy and Girl and all the prefects will be given a country and you have to dress up in traditional clothing and dance to a peace of music from that country."

Dumbledore continued. "The Head Boy and Girl will be partnered together." he looked over at Harry and Hermione and asked " That won't be a problem, will it?"

"You might want to rethink that Professor, they will be snogging the entire time on the dance floor." Ron yelled. Harry turned and flung a fork full of mashed potatoes at Ron's head. As it so happened it landed strait in the middle of Ron's face.

Everyone in the great hall was roaring with laughter including Dumbledore.

"Know that we established that, the Head Boy and Girl will have Spain. The prefects must have a date and choose a country from the list that is posted outside. They will tell their head of house who there date is and what country you have chosen."

He let the murmuring die down in the hall and continued. "The next dance we will have is a Winter Festival, that will be held the day before you leave for Christmas break. Thank you for your time. Please everyone have a good night."

Hermione and Harry made their way back up to their dorms. They went into Hermione's room and started planning.

Chapter 10

The weeks flew by and Halloween was only a day away. Harry and Hermione had been spending time rehearing their dance for the show at the ball.

The night of the ball Hermione was so nervous. "What if I mess up? What if I trip and make a fool of myself?"

"Mione, calm down, I'll be holding on to you the entire time."

"Okay." Hermione took deep breaths and willed herself to calm down.

"Come on, time to go."

"Oh god." Hermione groaned.

They reached the great hall and the doors opened. They saw their entire year in the hall and Hermione gasped. "I have to dance in front of all these people?"

"Mione, we practiced so many times we can do the steps in our sleep."

When Dumbledore saw them enter the hall, he stood up. The great hall silenced.
"Good evening. I hope everyone will enjoy this cultural experience and is excited to see what the prefects and their dates have come up with." He continued, "The first group that will go is Padma and Ernie doing China."

They took the floor and started to dance. They were dressed in Chinese stile dresses. Padma had her hair pulled back in a high, tight bun. They picked a piece of music that wasn't the most pretty and they didn't know the steps very well either. Most people had to stifle their laughter and look away.

Once they were done, Dumbledore stood up again. "Our next couple to go is Hannah and Justin who picked Italy. Please give them a round of applause."

Hannah and Justin took their places. They danced better then Padma and Ernie, and they picked a piece that was easier on the ears to. The only problem, was that it looked like they were brother and sister and had no chemistry.

Next Pansy and Flint took they dance floor and danced to a piece by Bizet. It lasted for about 15 minutes when Flint dropped Pansy and she ran out of the great hall.

The next group took the stage and to everyone's astonishment and Ron's horror, was his sister and Draco Malfoy. They started to Irish step dance. They were completely in sink to each other and had the chemistry to go long with it.
Ron's face was turning purple by the time Malfoy gripped Ginny's waist and lifted her up. He was shaking with uncontrollable rage and it took Hermione, Harry and Livvie to restrain him from attacking Malfoy right on the dance floor.

When they were done everyone cheered and said they loved them together. When Ginny and Malfoy left, Harry let go of Ron.

"What the hell was that?" thundered Ron.

"Ron, come on, just forget it, it's our turn to go and we have to be good. You want to kick Malfoy ass don't you? We can get it by beating him in this stupid competition."

Over the least few weeks, Ron and Livvie had gotten to know each other pretty well. They had spend most of their evenings doing their homework together and practicing the routine. Then, two weeks before Halloween Ron asked Livvie out and they had been a couple ever since.

Ron lead Livvie to the dance floor. Ron and Livvie had chosen the Untied States and their country. As soon as the song started everyone started to cheer. The DJ was playing "You can Do it Put your Back into it." Ron and Livvie started freak dancing in the middle of the great hall.

Everyone was cheering widely and the teachers watched with amusement. As soon as the song was over Dumbledore stood up and silenced the hall

"Well, that was certainly enlightening. Now, we have the Head Boy and Girl doing a flamenco dance to a Spanish piece. Please give them a round of applause."

Harry lead Hermione out on to the dance floor and gave the DJ the single. Hermione stood about two feet away from Harry and twisted her head back and looked to her side.

As soon as the music stuttered the world fell away and only they existed. They music filtered through the great hall loud and clear. As soon as the first cord started Harry grabbed Hermione and pulled her close against him. He lead them in a fast rhythm. If he took a step forward, she stepped back, when he stepped back she leaded forward. It was as is they were battle for dominance.

Everyone could feel the fire crackling between Harry and Hermione. It was like they were on fire, but each step was adding fuel to the flame. They starred in each others eyes and danced. A hush fell over the hall. Everyone was entranced by their dancing. No one could move in fear that they would break the moment.

Passion flared through Harry and Hermione. They both knew something had just changed. The song was about to end when Harry lifted Hermione and started to drag her as part of the last part. The picked her up and dipped her. They were breathing heavily, but never breaking eye contact.

The song ended but no one moved. Suddenly the hall burst into applause and the spell was broken for everyone except Harry and Hermione. She got up and whispered into Harry's ear. "Meet me in your room in fifteen minutes." When he nodded she kissed him on the cheek.