AN: Third fic in the `Stolen Moments' series; the first two of which are Stolen Moments and Beside the Crackling Fire. This story is a bit longer than the other two because I decided to do it from both POV's. I hope you all enjoy it. Please review! Thanks.

***

The large wooden doors creaked quietly as Hermione pushed them open, and stepped out onto the stone steps. After closing them securely once more, she began to make her way down the stone pathway to her left.

As she walked, her thoughts seemed to swirl around inside her head excitedly.

She was going to meet Harry.

For the first time in nearly 2 weeks.

It had been hectic these last 2 weeks. It seemed that their teachers had chosen to pile the 7^th years with more work than they had ever been given since they began at Hogwarts.

N.E.W.T.S were closing in on them quickly. And so the teachers piled on the work. Leaving no time for secret meetings between secret lovers.

Now though, they had a break in the workload, and Harry had taken advantage of it. Sending Hedwig to her that morning.

The letter had been brief, as if he had hurried to write it. Only giving her the simplest of directions.

“Follow the stone path to the left of the front doors after you come outside. Follow it to the end; you'll know it when you see it.”

An excited shudder swept through her then as she thought of him. Anticipation started to spill into her in a rush that almost left her breathless. Her longing for Harry growing as her feet carried her along her path, gravel crunching quietly beneath her feet.

They were taking a risk meeting on the grounds.

Anyone could find them. But then again, Harry always had an uncanny knack for finding some secluded places. Places she doubted that anyone else but them knew about.

She let her thoughts spill over as she walked, thinking about Harry. Thinking of what life would be like once the war was over.

I hope that it is a happy life, she thought.

It was just as she was thinking she took the wrong path that she saw it.

The weeping willow stood majestically in front of her. The curtain of it is low hanging branches dusting the ground.

The simple beauty of it nearly astounded her. No words could possibly describe it. It was simply awe-inspiring.

And there, enchanted to float serenely was a piece of parchment, her named written on it in Harry's untidy scrawl.

Reaching for it, Hermione pulled it to her and unfolded it.

So you have found it. I knew you would. Now just push aside the curtain of the willow and join me. I will be waiting.

Love,

Harry

A smile lifted the corners of her lips as she read his words. His quiet confidence in her always seemed to make her feel special. Knowing that he believed in her that much sent a surge of love pouring through her. However simple a task was, she always knew he had confidence in her to complete it.

Folding the parchment again and tucking it away in her robes, Hermione stepped forward and slipped through the curtain of the willow.

***

Harry paced nervously. Sometimes pausing to glance at his watch, staring fixedly at it for some minutes, as if he was willing the time to move faster than it was.

He was anxious; waiting for Hermione always seemed to do that to him. Mostly because he was afraid. Afraid that someone would finally notice what they had been doing for nearly a year now.

He knew it was foolish to worry, but worry he did. They had kept their meetings staggered enough. And their meeting places interchangeable.

But sometimes he got scared. Like now, thinking that it would happen finally. Even though it never did. It was still a risk though. Especially meeting on the grounds like this.

He usually found some place OFF the grounds to meet her. He was not quite sure how he found the places he did, but he always did.

The last had actually been because of Remus. He had told Harry about a beautiful forest glade that seemed to stretch on for miles. The trees growing so tall they seemed to reach the heavens.

And hidden inside the forest was a thing of absolute natural beauty. Besides Hermione of course.

A beautiful secluded getaway. A clearing if you will, with a large basin that seemed to have been dug out of the very earth, filled with the clearest water Harry had ever seen.

He smiled as he remembered finding Hermione already in the water when he had arrived. Her beautiful skin shimmering with water as she swam. And then how they had made love in the water.

It had felt so good.

And he had craved that intimate contact ever since.

His dreams filled with it, images of their bodies joined in the most physical, natural and pleasing coupling.

He could almost hear those beautiful keening sounds she made, just for him, because of him.

That was something that still amazed him. She was his. That she loved him. For being him. For being `just Harry', rather than The Boy Who Lived, or, The Chosen One. But rather just, Harry.

He could still remember the first time he met her. The bossy, bushy haired girl that had come barging into the train compartment he and Ron were sharing; looking for a toad. Neville's toad.

Harry remembered Ron trying to turn Scabbers yellow. And how Hermione had bristled at it when it was obvious that the spell was not really a spell.

He remembered how Ron had been cruel to her later. Making her run off in tears, only to be trapped inside a bathroom later on with a gigantic mountain troll.

He and Ron had saved her that night. Securing their friendship forever.

And now that friendship between he and Hermione had grown into something more. Something beautiful, something he would always hold close to his heart, forever.

She had grown as well. Grown into a beautiful woman who gave of herself without a thought. This only made him love her more.

He wondered though, if things would be different if it was not all so secret. If they did not have to hide their love. Would it still feel magical?

The answer of course was a resounding yes. Harry had no doubt that his relationship with Hermione would be magic no matter what.

Would it be easier if they did not have to hide? If they were, free to show their love? Maybe. The thought of what the Daily Prophet or Witch Weekly would do though, sort of made it worth it in a way. However, he did still wish it were out in the open.

It would make it so much easier at least to deal with the utter morons and bleeding idiots who sought Hermione out. Stuttering and tripping over themselves in their attempts to ask her out.

He had had to restrain himself from launching himself at them and tackling them to the ground. Screaming at them that she was his.

He had refrained from doing so because he knew that Hermione would not have liked it and because it would have spoiled everything; effectively outing their secret.

It hurt though, to hide this wonderful thing. To not be able to shout from the rooftops that he loved this woman.

And hide it from Ron, his best friend. The best friend that had actually had the guts to ask Hermione out in front of him.

Of course, neither Ron, nor Hermione knew this, as Harry had been on the stairs leading down from the dorms at the time.

He remembered hearing Ron's nervous voice, as he had gotten closer to the bottom, something in him telling him to stay out of sight.

The next thing he knew Ron was blurting out that he would like to take Hermione with him to the next Hogsmede weekend.

And though he knew Hermione would say no, Harry had felt rage like nothing else consume him and for one wild minute, he had been on the verge of rushing into the room and punching Ron soundly in the jaw while yelling, “You can't have her! She's with me! I love her!”

Of course, he had done no such thing, but had remained where he was, silently seething; listening as Hermione said no to Ron in the gentlest way she knew how.

And when Ron had asked if it was because of someone else she fancied, Harry had both cheered her for telling the truth and lying at the same time, while denying that she fancied anyone let alone was with anyone, especially Harry.

“No, Ron,” she had said, and Harry could tear the despair in her voice at having to break Ron's heart, “there is no one else. I just….I…I don't feel that way for you. I love you very much, but only as my best friend. I'm sorry,” she had finished quietly, her voice catching a little, as if she was on the verge of tears.

“It….It's alright, Hermione. I understand,” Ron had said quietly. “I guess I was sort of at least hoping you'd give us a try. But I know you wouldn't do that when you didn't feel anything other than friendship for me. I'm…I'm glad you don't hate me for fancying you.”

“Oh Ron! I could never hate you!” Hermione cried and she had thrown her arms around him then, hugging him fiercely. Which was when Harry had decided to make his presence known, but not let them know he had heard.

Movement to his left brought Harry out of his reverie. Looking up, he watched the curtain of the willow tree he had found a few days ago part, and Hermione step through it.

***

Hermione's first thought as she stepped through the curtain of the willow was that she had stepped into a dream.

The sunlight that had been shining brightly outside was filtered and dimmed inside the willow's circle.

The boughs of the tree, which she couldn't see from the outside, were thick and gnarled, at least the size of Hagrid. And hung low, draping the living curtain around it, hiding the vast beauty of the tree itself.

The trunk, she noted, was short and while the thick, gnarled branches grew outward, stretching wide as if in a welcoming hug.

She didn't see Harry right away, as she was too busy studying the beautiful tree, so when she felt a hand rest on she shoulder, she jumped slightly. A tiny squeak escaped her parted lips, as she whirled around, wand in hand, and curse on her tongue.

“Harry! For goodness sake! Don't do that!” she snapped, stowing her wand back in her sleeve.

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly. “I didn't think you saw me, I was just trying to get your attention. I didn't mean to startle you.”

Hermione's face softened, “It's alright Harry. Just don't do it again, okay?”

“I won't I promise. Now come on, I want to show you something,” he said, taking her hand in his and twining their fingers together.

“What are you…?” Hermione started to ask, but Harry's fingers to her lips quieted her question.

“It's a surprise,” he told her, letting his hand drop back to his side. “Close your eyes,” he instructed.

“Okay,” she said, trusting him to lead her and not let her stumble.

Harry led her carefully, guiding her around any obstacles.

“Okay,” he whispered in her ear, his breath tickling her skin, “You can open them now.”

Slowly, Hermione opened her eyes, waiting a second or two for them to focus. When they did, she gasped at what she saw.

What appeared to be a two-seated porch swing hung suspended under one of the boughs that was, at it's lowest point, was still well above their heads.

“Harry…” Hermione breathed, “How…?”

“Hagrid actually,” he said, “And before you ask, I told him it was for me. That I needed a place to go when I needed to think alone. I didn't tell him about us. The part about wanting a place to think alone isn't a total lie either. I think it's rather peaceful out here. It really is a great place to think. Hagrid actually didn't know this tree was here. He thought the only willow on the grounds was the Whomping Willow. He promised me he wouldn't tell anyone about it. Let's hope he doesn't.”

“Oh Harry, it's wonderful! Next time you see Hagrid, you have to thank him again. It's perfect,” she said, letting go of Harry's hand and walking to the swing to get a closer look.

The swing itself was painted white, and a lavender colored cushion on the seat. The swing was just low enough that one could use their feet to push themselves back and forth while sitting comfortably.

“How did you get it to hang here?” she asked curiously after a few minutes.

“Easy, since Hagrid is so tall, he could tie the ropes there around the bough. And then I used a Sticking Charm to make sure it stayed,” Harry explained as Hermione studied the thick, braided robes that held the swing in place on the bough.

“Clever,” Hermione said, impressed. “Can I…?”

“Sit? Yeah, come on, let's sit down together,” Harry said, coming forward and helping her sit down before settling himself down.

Gently, Harry used his heels to push the swing back and forth, the rope creaking as he did so, but showing no signs of giving way.

They sat in silence for a bit, just enjoying being together after not having any alone time in 2 weeks.

“I've missed this,” Harry said finally. “I missed being able to spend time with you. There were so many times when I wanted to say bugger all our homework and just run off somewhere with you. But I knew we couldn't.”

Hermione nodded, “I know, I did too.”

“What's this?” Harry asked teasingly, “The Great Hermione Granger wanted to skiv off homework?”

Hermione raised her chin and said, “So? You the only one allowed to do that?”

Harry laughed at this. “No, it just surprised me is all. Usually you frown upon such behavior,” he said, his voice still teasing.

“Yes, well, I've learned there are more important things than books and studying,” Hermione said haughtily.

“'Friendship and bravery'?” Harry asked, remembering Hermione saying that back in first year.

“And love,” she added quietly.

Harry nodded, “And love,” he echoed.

They were quiet again for a few minutes until Hermione asked, “Do you think about the future at all?”

The question startled Harry at first and so he was quiet as he thought about it.

Did he dare even try to think about a future? Would there be a future for him? Everything was so uncertain now that they were at war. He supposed if he really let himself, he could imagine himself with Hermione, living in a small cottage somewhere, with an enormous backyard, and a willow tree like this one.

And children. Harry's heart leapt at the thought. How he wanted to be a father. To have little copies of himself running around, playing and laughing. Enjoying a childhood free of the worries, he had now.

“Yes,” he said after a few minutes, “I have.” And he proceeded to tell her about what he had been thinking about just then. Tears of happiness sparkled in Hermione's eyes when he mentioned children. Again, Harry's heart leapt. Seeing her reaction, he resolved right then to defeat Voldemort so they could make this dream a reality.

“What about you? Have you thought about the future?” he asked her.

Hermione nodded. “Yea, all the time. And it seems we think alike, because I've had those same thoughts. I want to have children with you someday Harry. When this war is over and we can live in peace. With no more secrets.”

Harry gave her shoulder a squeeze at her last words. “We'll have that dream one day,” he promised her.

Hermione merely nodded, knowing that he would keep that promise.

They sat and talked quietly some more until the sun started to set and they knew it was time to head back.

Heading along the path after Hermione had gone ahead of him, Harry reflected on their conversation. The future, he thought to himself, I hope it's as wonderful as I imagined it to be.

He knew if Hermione was in his future than it definitely would be.