===May 30 1999===
Harry sits with Ron in the Great Hall picking at his food. "Come on Harry, you've barely eaten anything in weeks." Ron says.
"Sorry Ron," Harry says as he nibbles a little. "I just don't have much of an appetite."
"You miss her that much huh?" Ron asks.
Harry nods. "I do."
"If I might have your attention please." Dumbledore says. The room goes silent as all eyes turn to him. "I've just been informed that thanks to the tireless efforts of Professor Sprout and her assistants Mister Longbottom and Miss Abbott the mandrake draught has been administered to all the petrified victims. They should be joining us in a moment."
All of the students let out a cheer and stand up. Harry's eyes dart around the hall watching. When he spots Nearly Headless Nick he knows the others won't be long. Sure enough the three students walk into the hall to a roar of applause. The crowd makes it so Harry loses sight of them for a minute, but then he sees Hermione's bushy hair as she runs to him and hugs him.
Harry hugs her back. "Hey."
"Hey." She looks up at him.
At that moment Harry didn't care about the consequences, he kisses her passionately in front of the whole school. Hermione kisses him back, the entire student body making wolf whistles and catcalls.
Dumbledore clears his throat causing the students to settle and the couple to stop kissing as they remember where they are. They blush heavily as they sit. "I see some of us are more excited to see our students back then others."
Everybody laughs. Harry holds Hermione's hand tight. "I missed you."
"From that kiss I would have guessed." Hermione says. "I can't believe you did that in front of everyone."
"I can't believe you went along with it." Harry says.
"Me either." Hermione says as they both sit.
"Glad to see you Hermione." Ron says. "Maybe now Harry will eat a decent meal!"
"Ron!" Harry exclaims. "Some friend you are."
"Hey mate, just looking out for your well-being."
"I appreciate that, Ron." Hermione says. "I owe you one." She then grabs a plate full of food and pushes it in front of Harry. "Eat!"
They all go up to the common room. Harry leads Hermione to their couch. "I got a present for you. Let me go get it."
Hermione nods. "Okay, I'll wait here."
Harry goes upstairs and gets a large stack of papers from his trunk. He quickly comes back downstairs and stands in front of Hermione. "Here you go." He says as hands her the stack of papers. "A copy of my notes from all the classes you missed."
Hermione squeals in delight. "Gimme, gimme, gimme!" She grabs the notes and starts reading over them. "You even tried to do them in my style."
"I figured it was the very least I could do."
"I really appreciate it, I won't feel like I missed as much now. Though I am a little disappointed that they canceled exams."
"I know you are." Harry says as he sits next to her. "If you'd like we could ask our professors for copies of the exam anyway."
"Let's do that."
"I can't believe the two of you are talking about taking the exams even though they're canceled." Ron says.
"You should consider it too Ron." Harry says. "Maybe they'd give you extra credit."
Ron thinks about it for a minute. "Would you two help me study if we convince them to do it?"
"Of course we would, Ron!" Hermione says. "You know you don't have to ask something like that."
"Sorry, just with you two dating I feel unneeded." Ron admits.
"Ron, I'm sorry if either of us have made you feel that way." Harry says. "You're still our friend. Don't forget that."
"Am I still needed too?" A slightly disheveled Neville asks.
Harry gets up and pats Neville on the back. "Thank you Neville, Dumbledore said you helped Professor Sprout with the mandrakes."
"If you want me to be honest, I just enjoy spending time in the greenhouse." Neville says. "So I was glad to help."
===May 31 1993===
"I can't believe you two managed to convince the professors to let those that want to do so take the exams as extra credit." Ron says as he, Harry, Hermione and Neville sit at one of the tables in the common room.
"It won't be that bad, Ron." Harry reassures him. "We'll all study together. We know what order the exams are in, so we only have to study for the ones we're doing each day the night before."
"Can I join this study group?" A female voice says from behind them. They all turn to see Lavender Brown standing there.
"Fine by me." Harry says as he looks to the others.
"It'll be nice to have another female as part of the group." Hermione says. "There's way too much testosterone here right now."
"If we studied in a neutral location I'm sure Hannah would join us too." Neville says.
"As long as I'm part of the group I'll go where you go." Ron says.
"In that case Neville, go ask Hannah to join us in the library." Hermione says. "I have a plan."
"Thanks Hermione!" Neville runs off.
"Come Harry, we need to talk to Professor McGonagall and Madam Pince." Hermione says. "Ron, Lavender, you two can head to the library if you want."
Harry and Hermione leave the common room and go to Professor McGonagall's office. "Hello you two." McGonagall says. "How can I help you?"
"It has come to our attention that students in our year outside of Gryffindor may want to study for the exams with us." Harry says.
"We were hoping you could help facilitate this."
"What exactly are you thinking?" McGonagall asks.
"Ron told us about magical tents that are bigger inside than out." Harry says.
"We were thinking two of them complete with facilities, each charmed to only allow specified gender in." Hermione continues.
"The whole thing will be set up in the library where we will be locked in come curfew. I'm sure one of the ghosts would be happy to supervise if you feel that's necessary."
"How do you think you're going to get Madam Pince to agree to this?" McGonagall asks.
"We were hoping you would tell her the Board of Governors wanted to see more cross house unity, and then say the whole thing was your idea."
"And if I refuse?" McGonagall asks in a tone clear she has no intention of doing so.
"I honestly hadn't thought you would." Hermione admits.
"You know I wouldn't refuse such a reasonable request."
#####
After dinner that evening Harry and Hermione, accompanied by their entourage of Ron, Lavender, Neville and Hannah, enter the library. Once inside they follow a narrow path of rope to a section of the library where two tents are set up along with a few tables. Madam Pince stands between the two tents waiting for them.
"Professor McGonagall informed me that this study group is open to students from all houses. I see almost all of you are Gryffindors." Pince says snidely.
"We distributed pamphlets to the other houses." Hermione says. "We're hoping they'll join us on future dates."
Pince nods. "Because of the exams you will be allowed to stay here, if you wish to continue your group next year I will expect everyone to leave in time to get to their respective common rooms by curfew except during exams."
"That sounds reasonable." Harry says.
===June 1 1993===
At dinner that night Hannah comes over to the group. "Hey, am I allowed to bring a friend to our study group?"
"Of course." Hermione says. "Just keep in mind this group is strictly for studying. Anyone who tries to use it for anything else will be booted from the group."
"Understood."
The group of Gryffindors leave the Great Hall and head to the library, once there they see Draco Malfoy and a couple other Slytherins in the study area. "This study group is open to all houses, right?" Draco asks.
"Of course, but do remember the intent is to study, anyone who disrupts that will be asked to leave." Hermione answers.
===June 4 1993===
"That was fun." Hermione says as she sits down in the middle spot of the couch in the common room. Harry sits to her right and Hermione immediately leans against him.
"It wasn't as bad as expected." Lavender says as she sits to Hermione's left.
Ron pulls one of the chairs in the room and sits facing them. "Only because these two drilled the whole year's course load into our heads every night."
Neville pulls another chair up near Ron. "I appreciate all the hard work they did. I'm sure the others do too."
Hermione nods. "Hopefully we can continue our study group next year, I see no reason why we can't meet at the library on a semi-regular basis."
"Hermione," Lavender says. "I'd like to apologize for the way I treated you last year, and then mostly ignored you this year."
"I should apologize too." Hermione says. "I know I'm not the easiest person to get along with. Harry is helping me with that."
"In exchange Hermione has helped me find my inner bookworm and know-it-all." Harry says. "Thanks to her I genuinely felt ready to take the exams this year."
Lavender looks at Ron. "Are they always like this when they're not studying?"
"Pretty much." Ron answers. "You get used to it." He looks at Harry and Hermione silently sitting there as if they can read each other's mind. "A little part of me is jealous."
"You want what they have?" Lavender asks.
Ron nods. "Not right now, but maybe in a year or two I'd like to have something like they do."
Lavender nods and looks at Neville. "Is that how you and Hannah are?"
"I don't think we're that close yet." Neville says. "Sometimes I swear those two are soulmates."
"Wouldn't surprise me."
#####
Dinner time in the Great Hall, with the extra credit exams over there was a very at ease feeling as everyone ate.
"May I have your attention please." Dumbledore says. The Hall goes silent and all eyes are on Dumbledore. "As you are all aware the Chamber of Secrets was opened again this year. What you probably don't know is that the problem was taken care of by some of our very students. To thank those students Lucius Malfoy, one of the Governors of the school."
Dumbledore moves and Lucius steps up to the podium. "Thank you Headmaster. I want to award medals for special services to the school to Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley."
"It's my understanding that Miss Granger figured out what was attacking our students and how. While of course Mister Potter defeated the beast. What most don't know is that Mister Weasley saved the Headmaster's life, there was a cave in and Mister Weasley pulled the Headmaster away from danger. So if you three will come get your medals and pictures taken please."
===June 9 1993===
It's right after dinner in the Great Hall. Lavender has officially made herself a regular in their group, usually sitting on the side of Hermione that Harry isn't while Ron is on the other side of Harry. Neville was with Hannah at the Hufflepuff table.
"Hermione, would you please take a walk with me?" Harry asks, his voice sounding a bit nervous.
"It's Wednesday, and it's almost curfew." Hermione says.
"Please?" Harry asks, looking at her wide eyed. "We'll be back by curfew."
Hermione rolls her eyes. "Fine." She gets up and takes his hand. "Sometimes I wonder why I love you."
Harry smiles as he leads her out of the Great Hall. "It's my dashing good looks,and the fact I saved you from a troll."
Hermione smiles slightly. "You're never going to let that go are you? You fight ONE troll for a girl and she owes you forever."
Harry chuckles. "I have to stick to my good suits." He leads her out to the lake where the sun is just starting to set.
Hermione lets go of Harry's hand as she looks at the sunset being reflected in the lake. "This is absolutely beautiful." She says.
"Not as beautiful as you are." Harry says as he kneels before her. Hermione gasps, raising her hand to cover her face as he continues talking. "Hermione, you mean the world to me. When you were petrified I realized just how dull my life is without you. I barely ate, I barely slept, I felt lost without you. The very thought of life without you scares me. As you know today is the last day we could cancel the marriage contract. So I couldn't think of a better day to ask you." He pulls an emerald engagement ring from his pocket and presents it to her. "Hermione Jean Granger, will you marry me?"
Hermione, tears in her eyes. "Oh, Harry, I can't believe you did this."
Harry stands concerned. "Did I do something wrong?"
Hermione shakes her head. "You did everything perfectly."
Harry looks confused. "So?"
"Yes, Harry I will marry you." Hermione says as she holds out her hand so he can put the ring on her.
Harry slides the ring on her finger, it magically changes to her size. "If I didn't mess up, why are you crying?"
"These are tears of joy." Hermione says. "I never thought this day would happen. As a little girl while the other girls were playing with their dolls I was reading. Even when I came to Hogwarts I had zero interest in having a relationship with anyone. Then I met you, and you have helped me find that side of myself. I love you Harry."
"I love you too, Hermione." Harry says then kisses her lightly.
Hermione smiles then looks down at her engagement ring. In a flash she sees her toddler self touching this very same ring. "Harry, where did you get this beautiful ring?" She asks, slightly pale from the vision.
"From my vault." Harry answers.
#Flashback#
===May 22 1993===
Harry comes into McGonagall's office. "Professor McGonagall."
"Mister Potter, what can I do for you?"
"I'd like your permission to go to Gringotts and get something from my vault." Harry answers.
"Might I ask what you're going after?"
"Last time I was there they mentioned that there was a vault of jewelry and such. I want to see if I can find an appropriate engagement ring." Harry replies. "I want to ask Hermione to marry me."
"Might I ask what you are planning?"
"Sunset, by the lake, the final day we cancel the contract."
"That sounds very romantic."
"Thank you."
"You should ask Professor Flitwick to teach you the charm to ensure the sun will reflect on the water and cast it that morning. It lasts 24 hours."
Harry smiles. "Thank you."
"Now, you are aware you don't technically need permission to leave Hogwarts, right?" McGonagall asks.
"Of course. I'd just rather someone know where I'm going though."
McGonagall nods. "If you can give me just a few minutes I could apparate us there, I have other business to attend to.'
"I can work with that Professor."
Harry and McGonagall walk into Gringotts."We'll meet back here when you're finished." McGonagall says.
Harry nods. "Sounds good." He walks over up to one of the goblins. "Pardon me, my name is Harry Potter. I would like to access my heirloom vault, please."
"You'll have to wait until someone is free to take you down." The teller responds pointing to a bench for him to wait onm
"Thank you." Harry goes and waits.
"Mister Potter, what are you doing here?" A familiar voice asks.
Harry looks up and sees Ragnok. "Executive Manager Ragnok, pleasure to see you." He says. "As for why I'm here, I'm looking to access my heirloom vault. The teller told me to wait here."
"What are you looking for?" Ragnok asks.
"I want to propose to Hermione."
Ragnok nods. "Somehow that doesn't surprise me. I know just the right ring. If you'd like, I can go get it for you. It would be quicker then waiting for an escort."
"I would appreciate that." Harry says.
#End Flashback#
"So then Ragnok went and got the rings for me."
"Rings?" Hermione asks.
"He got a set of wedding bands for us too." Harry says.
"Harry, don't you remember the story my mom told at Christmas?" Hermione asks.
"Of course." Harry answers then his eyes go wide as he looks at the ring. "Is that?"
Hermione nods. "I had a flash of memory when I looked at it. I remembered seeing this on your mom's hand." She looks at Harry. "My vision is coming true, I'm wearing your mom's engagement ring."
"I had no idea." Harry says.
"Now you do." Hermione sighs happily as they stand by the lake for a few minutes before heading back to the common room
"So are you glad you went on the walk with me now?" Harry asks as they walk.
Hermione nods. "I can't believe you proposed. I mean we were already technically engaged."
"I wanted to do it." Harry says. "It makes it feel official."
"It really does." Hermione says with a smile. "It really does."
As they enter the common room they see Ron and Lavender, who had been sitting in chairs opposite each other jump up. "We were afraid you weren't going to make it before curfew." Lavender says.
"You shouldn't worry about that." Harry says. "We have ways of getting through the castle undetected."
Lavender nods. "If you say so."
"You two have a good walk?" Ron asks.
They both nod. "Wait," Lavender says as she looks at Hermione's hand. "Is that an engagement ring?"
Hermione nods. "Harry asked me to marry him, and of course I said yes."
"We're only in our second year, why would you get engaged now?" Lavender asks.
Hermione looks at Harry who says. "Up to you."
"Let's sit, and I'll explain." Hermione says as she looks around the nearly empty room and leads them to their normal seats. "We'll do this the easy way." She reaches into her robes and pulls out her copy of the marriage contract handing it to Lavender.
"I've never actually seen one of these before." Lavender says as she reads the contract. 'This really does explain everything."
===June 12 1993===
"Remind me why we're going to see Moaning Myrtle." Hermione says as she walks with Harry.
"She helped me find the Chamber, she's my friend now." Harry says. "I'm hoping you two can be friends too."
Hermione nods knowing that any person he called a friend was special to him. "I'll try my best."
"Good, cause she's tasked herself with guarding the entrance to the Chamber." Harry.
"That explains why you told me to wear pants." Hermione chuckles.
They go into Myrtle's bathroom. "Myrtle, it's Harry." He calls out.
The spirit appears floating through the stalls. "Hello Harry, I didn't expect you to come back."
"I wanted to thank you for your help." Harry says.
"I should be thanking you. You killed the creature that caused my death." Myrtle says. "I almost passed into the beyond."
"I would understand if you did." Harry says.
"Thank you." Myrtle says then looks at Hermione. "Who have you brought with you?"
"This is my fiancé Hermione Granger." Harry answers.
"You're engaged?!" Myrtle asks, shocked.
Harry nods. "We are."
"I suppose I should congratulate you." Myrtle says coldly.
"Myrtle, it's okay if you have feelings for Harry." Hermione says.
"Really?" Myrtle asks. "You don't mind?"
"Of course not." Hermione says. "I'm not the jealous type, even if you were living I trust Harry."
"I'll keep that in mind." Myrtle says.
"Myrtle," Harry says. "Would you allow us to go into the Chamber?"
"Can I go with you?" Myrtle asks.
Harry looks at Hermoine who nods. "Sure." He walks over to the sink and speaks. "Open" the sink moves leaving the opening. "Would you ladies like to go first?"
"Sure." Hermione says before going down followed immediately by Myrtle. Once down they see that the whole area has been reinforced with large beams. The door into the chamber itself lays on the ground, the collapse having had taken off its hinges.
They all step into the Chamber proper and walk up to the massive corpse of the basilisk. "You really killed this with a sword?" Myrtle asks as she floats around looking at it.
"I did," Harry answers.
"I'm surprised you lived." Myrtle says.
"Pure luck." Harry admits. They search the rest of the chamber, inside the statue of Slytherin they find an area that might have been a study at one time, but everything in it has long since decayed.
With that disappointment then go back out the way they came in. Hermione looks up to the light from Myrtle's bathroom. "So what's the plan to get us back up?"
Harry pulls his shrunken broom out of his room and restores it to its true size. "Care for a lift?"
Hermione sighs. "Fine."