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a/n: thank you 2 the ppl who reviewed the 1st chapter...plz keep reviewing...

"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," said Professor Dumbledore after the first years were sorted. He smiled warmly and looked around the Great Hall. "I'm pleased to see so many new and returning faces. I'd like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms professors, Professor Lupin and Professor Tonks. I do believe that is all for now, so tuck in!"

Many people cheered as food appeared on the golden plates, platters, and bowls that lined the table. Hermione talked with Luna, Draco, Ginny, and Harry. Ron didn't seem to be in a talkative mood that night. He spent a lot of time eating and looking at Hermione, though his gaze was somtimes distracted by Luna. He found himself thinking about how beautiful Luna looked in the candlelight, and how her hair shined. A few seats away Lavender Brown and Parvati Patail whispered while glaring at Hermione.

Harry's hand was constantly holding on to Hermione's. Some of her earlier nervousness had worn off, but it was still there. Harry could feel it. Holding her hand was a form of silent comfort. While she talked with Luna, Hermione pondered on the fact that Harry had been more distant over the last few days. She thought maybe he was getting tired of being with her, or was just hiding something. Either way, she didn't like it.

Dumbledore gave the usual warnings before sending them off to bed. Harry and Hermione walked to Gryffindor tower with their friends. Luna had been in Ravenclaw, but since her only friends were in Gryffindor she had asked to switch after the end of her fifth year. They all said good-night, then split up to go to their separate dormitories.

In the boys' dorm, they all changed and then gatherd by Neville's bed to talk like they did every year. "So, when are you going to carry out your surprise plan?" Draco asked Harry.

"Tomorrow night," answered Harry.

"What plan? What did I miss?" asked Neville.

The girls changed and climbed into their beds. Lavender and Parvati kept asking Hermione questions about Harry. She didn't answer a single question, and closed the hangings on her bed. "Nice," said Ginny. "Scare her on her first night."

The next afternoon, Lavender and Parvati cornered Hermione on her way to the lavartory. "What do you want?" asked Hermione in an agitated tone.

"We were just wondering if you noticed how distant Harry has been today," Lavander said in a sickly sweet voice.

"Uh..."

"It seems to me like he's keeping a deep secret from you," said Parvati, in the same sickly sweet tone.

"Like his hidden love for me," Lavander said. "He's been hiding it for years."

"I don't think--" started Hermione.

"Why do you think he basically ignored you this morning?"

"Face it, Granger," said Parvati. "How could he be in love with someone like you when there are people like Lavander out there for him? I mean, sure you're pretty. But, Lavander's gorgeous, and perfect for someone like Harry."

"She's right, Hermione," said Lavander in a faux symathetic voice. "You're just not enough of a woman for someone like him. I am, though."

"Um, excuse me, I need to, uh--" said Hermione, pushing her way through the human wall before her and running off to the bathroom. She shut the stall door behind her and started crying. She didn't know why their words hurt her so much. She had a feeling it had to do with the fact that Harry was keeping something from her.

A few minutes later, lunch ended. Hermione didn't leave the lavatory or go to her next class. After double potions (the class she missed) was dinner. "Hermione?" said Luna, tenativly stepping into the lavatory. "Are you in here?"

Hermione opened the stall door and came out. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying. "Hi, Luna," said Hermione slowly.

"What happened?" Luna asked, sitting down on the floor. Hermione sat beside Luna before telling her what happened. "Those to tramps! I can't believe them! Lavander's been after Harry since their fourth year. Every year he's turned her down."

"So, he doesn't like her?"

"No! Hermione, Harry's been my friend for years. He's never loved anyone as much as he loves you. Yeah, your relationship may seem to be moving fast to outsiders, but you care deeply for each other. Your relationship is moving at a pace comfortable for both of you. I know you love each other."

"I do love him."

"Oh, he wanted me to give this to you." Luna handed her a folded piece of parchment.

"Thanks." She opened the paper and recognised Harry's untidy scrawl immediatly. It read, "Hermione, please meet me out by the lake tonight at 10. Love, Harry." 
"So are you going to go?" asked Luna.

"You already read it?" Hermione said, laughing.

"Yea. You don't mind, do you?"

"No, but please ask next time."

"'Kay."


That night, at ten Hermione waited for Harry to show up. She was going to head back in, when she felt two arms wrap around her waist. He kissed her neck. "Hello, Harry," said Hermione.

"Hi, love," Harry replied as Hermione turned to face him. "Luna told me what happened today. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, now." Hermione pulled Harry into a hug. "Please promise me you won't leave me for Lavander."

Harry kissed the side of her head. "Mione, I would never, ever dump you for another girl. Especially Lavander. You're the only one for me. I love you."

"I love you, Harry." She pulled away and looked into his eyes. There was a michevious twinkle in his eye which showed that he had been planning something. "Is there a reason you wanted to meet me out here, Mr. Potter?"

"As a matter of fact, there is, Miss Granger," Harry replied. He pulled out his wand and waved it. Then, his Firebolt flew towards them. "I'm going to take you on a flight around the castle."

"I don't know," said Hermione, eyeing the broom wearily.

"What? Are you scared of heights?"

"No. I'm just afraid of hitting the ground really, really hard."

"Don't worry, Mione," he said, "I won't let you fall." Hermione finally agreed. Harry sat behind her and reached around her to hold onto the broom. Once they were high above the castle, he said, "See, it's amazing isn't it?"

"Yes, it is." She turned to face him as he stopped the broom. "Thanks for bringing me up here."

"Anytime, love." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a deep kiss.

They pulled apart when they heard Professor Lupin say, "It seems we weren't the only one's with this idea, Nymph."

"Professor Lupin, we--" started Hermione.

"We're not in class, and it's after hours," Lupin said. "Please, either call me Lupin or Moony."

"Have a nice night," said Tonks with a wink as she and Lupin spead off.

Hermione shivered a little. It was chilly up in the air. "Maybe we should head in," suggested Harry.

"Alright," said Hermione, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

Before they went into the castle, Harry stopped Hermione. "I got you something," he said. He pulled out a little, black, velvet box and opened it. Inside was a silver banded diamond ring. "It's not an engagement ring, but a promise ring," he explained. He took the ring out of the box, Hermione could see Harry's handwriting on the inside of the band. I Promise. "Hermione, I promise to always be there and to always love you."

Harry slipped the ring onto right ring finger. Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

The next morning, many girls looked at Hermione with envy as she walked through the corridors with Harry. Ginny and Draco were caught snogging in an empty classroom by Professor Lupin...twice. Both times he backed out, covered his eyes, and said, "I was never here." Ron was seen flirting Luna multiple times that morning. By the end of the day Ron and Luna were a couple and everyone knew it.

a/n: so, what do u think? kinda sudden end i kno...but, i like it...