Hermione Granger and the Two Lovers

Chapter Sixteen

"Hermione! That was brilliant!" Harry exclaimed when they left Defense Against the Dark Arts. Ron had stayed behind to ask Professor Lupin a few questions about the Order.

Hermione blushed. She looked up, into his eyes. His eyes seemed to call out to her.

Hermione stepped forward; she slowly tilted her head to the side and closed her eyes.

Their lips were inches away when Ron walked out of class, and asked, "Off to Charms?"

Hermione quickly backed away, blushing profusely. "Yeah," she stammered.

Harry and Ron nodded and headed up the marble staircase. Were her dreams coming true? Were Harry and her getting back together?

*~*~*~*~*

In charms class, Professor Flitwick taught then how to check for jinxes in common, everyday objects. He told them that many people, wizards and Muggles alike, have died from receiving jinxed items.

After Charms, the trio headed to the Great Hall for lunch and then to Potions.

In Potions, Snape gave Hermione a hard time for missing two weeks worth of classes. Hermione nearly broke into tears when Snape told her, "It's not my responsibility to make sure you finish your work. Furthermore, Ms. Granger, if you cannot complete the work by the end of the week, I will not accept it, and without the missing work, it will be quite difficult to pass your N.E.W.T. for this class."

*~*~*~*~*

The last class of the day was Double Transfiguration. Malfoy finally returned to classes, after spending Charms and Potions in the hospital wing, getting the boils removed.

McGonagall was only a bit more kindhearted than Snape, and told Hermione that she needed to finish the work by Monday.

After class, McGonagall stopped her as she left, reminding her to visit the hospital wing.

"I'll see you guys, later," Hermione told them.

"I think I'd fancy a chat with Lupin," Harry told Hermione and Ron as he walked in the opposite direction.

Hermione waved good-bye and headed to the hospital wing.

Madame Pomfrey checked Hermione over and told her she was free to go.

Hermione's mind wandered as she walked up the Grand Staircase.

Maybe this year wouldn't be as bad as she originally thought. Harry and her had been inches from a lip lock. Maybe is really would happen.

Just then, Hermione's foot sunk. She had stepped into the Sinking Step. She expected this from Neville, but herself, no way. Hermione muttered several curse words under her breath as she tugged at her leg.

"I thought ladies didn't curse," a familiar voice said behind Hermione.

"Harry, could you, er- help me out?" Hermione asked, while continuing tugging at her leg.

"Well, when have you known me to leave a damsel in distress, well, in distress?" Harry teased.

"Ha-ha," Hermione humored him.

Harry grabbed her hands and pulled her out of the step.

Hermione looked up at Harry. She hadn't realized how much Harry had changed since they had met on the Hogwarts Express. His shoulders had broadened and he no longer looked like the scrawny little boy she had known six years.

Hermione leaned towards him and tilted her head as she had outside Lupin's class...