She Walks In Beauty

SHE walks in beauty, like the night

And all that 's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes:

Thus mellow'd to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impair'd the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress,

Or softly lightens o'er her face;

Where thoughts serenely sweet express

How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow,

But tell of days in goodness spent,

A mind at peace with all below,

A heart whose love is innocent!

-Lord Byron

He hadn't even complimented her.

Her she was. At the Minister's Ball. Forget the fact that she had to cut her shift at the hospital early. Or that she had spent hours choosing her present attire. She had even worn make-up. Not to mention the ridiculous amount of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion she had to use.

And he still hadn't said a word to her. Men!

She had to admit though. He looked good. His black dress robes fit him perfectly matching his tall frame. He had lost his boyish awkwardness - that unsure quality - that had surrounded him in his teenage years. She didn't know when he had turned into a man. And when she had started to look at him this way.

She watched him talking with the Minister of Magic. And with each moment, the memories flooded her mind. They were best mates after all, weren't they?

He was over there. She was over here. If only she could stop glancing towards him every two seconds, she could then perhaps have a decent conversation with the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad members. She did need more case information about her patient Agatha Murphy who had gotten herself into a nasty situation last week.

Finally, almost reluctantly, she tuned into the conversation.

Then before she knew it, he was next to her.

“Hermione, may I have the next dance?”

Then he was leading her to the dance floor. Soon, he was lessening the gap between them, wrapping his arms around his back as they swayed to a slow song.

“Having fun?” she asked.

“Not really. I wish the Minister would just accept the tougher Auror training requirements. Apparently, his nephew is mixed in with the lot of new trainees.”

“Hmph… I think you're doing a wonderful job, Harry. The Minister may talk all he likes but everyone knows you're preparing a tougher breed of Aurors.”

Harry grinned. Hermione felt her heart flutter slightly.

“So how's Healer Granger? Did Lockhart try to kiss my girlfriend again?” Harry asked in a teasing tone.

“Harry!” Hermione said blushing.

“Sorry.”

“For your information, as you very well know, Lockhart was just very, very sick when he attempted it. You should feel sorry for him.”

“Or maybe he learned his lesson after you jinxed him into oblivion.”

“He sneaked up on me. Plus, it was a harmless Impedimenta - a hindrance charm.”

Harry laughed.

“I love getting you all hot & bothered.”

Suppressing a smile, she lightly smacked him on the shoulder.

“I will have you told Potter: That was the only romantic advance I have had in a century. And I am your fiancée.

“You're not even slightly concerned that a fifty-something year old man tried to kiss me! You're even teasing me about it.

“And today you didn't even comment on how good I look in these robes,” she finished saying slightly turning her head away from him in mock protest.

“You look okay,” he said twirling her.

Hermione audibly sighed.

“Okay? Thus, you prove my point. I bet you couldn't even say something romantic if your life depended on it,” she said.

He laughed shaking his head at Hermione's schoolgirl-like antics.

“Well, then try it,” she said smiling.

After momentarily looking upwards at the chandelier lighting the room, Harry turned towards her, bore into her eyes and sincerely pronounced, “Hermione, you look beautiful tonight.”

Her heart pulse quickened. But she persisted. A girl did have to indulge in some flattery once in a while.

“Hmmm… Both Susan Bones & Ginny Weasley already told me that. If they can say it, anyone can.”

Charmingly, his eyes turned a deeper shade of green as he launched into a deep breath. He recited whispering:

“The woman I love: `She walks in beauty, like the night, of cloudless climes & starry skies; and all that's best of dark and night, meet in her aspect & in her eyes.'”

Perhaps for a moment time stopped still. And all she could sense was her love for him. And her heart hammering against her chest. She believed him then. He loved her. She knew. And she was silent.

“Lord Byron does have an amazing effect. I think I've left you speechless.”

And slowly he captured her lips in a languid, scintillating kiss.

When they two parted again, she looked into his eyes propping her forehead against his.

“You beat Lockhart,” she said grinning.

“Oh Well! As long as it means you'll draw little hearts around my name in your planner,” he remarked mischievously.

Author's Note: I KNOW! I KNOW! IT'S ABSOLUTE CRAP! But I need to console myself before school starts. I'm willing to take any suggestions to improve the story. I'm probably going re-post with updates later on if you don't like this version.