Harry walked into the Heads' common room one evening after duties to see the bushy brown hair of Hermione spilling over the couch's arm. He walked around the couch and smiled at the sight that was before him. She was asleep with a book lying open on top of her, still slightly grasping it. 'That's Mione'
Sitting down on the edge of the couch next to her, Harry picked up the book, marked the page, and set it on the floor. He looked back to Hermione and sighed softly. She looked so peaceful while she slept. He was smiling softly as he reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The slight touch of her skin against his fingers sent a tingling sensation through his fingers and slowly made its way up his arm. 'This is becoming too much! She's my best friend! I don't understand any of this. Why do I always think about her? Why do I feel so happy when I see her, even after the worst day? I can't fool myself with the usual answer of 'She's my friend, of course she makes me happy!' because I know that's not it, especially with becoming slightly excited and nervous around her. Also, always trying to hold on that second longer when she hugs me and finding myself staring at her for no real reason; constantly, purposely, grabbing for the same thing in hopes of brushing hands and feeling her warmth on my skin; losing myself as I watch her mouth move as she rants about everything and anything; longing to feel her lips on mine…Stop! She's your best friend! You can't think this way! It could ruin the friendship!'
He was now frowning as he gazed at her but, when she started to stir, he smiled once again, shoving his previous thoughts aside.
"Harry?" Hermione's quiet voice came to his ears as she opened her eyes.
"Yes Mione?" he smiled brighter.
"What time is it?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
"Late. You should get up to bed."
"Alright." She sat up and then looked to him questioningly. "What were you doing?"
"Oh! I-uh-I just got in from duties and saw you sleeping here. I was going to wake you," he answered nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.
She didn't seem convinced but nodded and scooted out from behind Harry and swung her legs to the floor. She then looked to him and smiled. Before she stood up, she hugged him and gave him a quick kiss on his cheek. "Good night, Harry," she whispered as she pulled away and headed her dormitory.
"G'night," he mumbled. He found himself wondering, yet again, what would've happened if he had turned his head slightly and brushed his lips against hers.
Harry sat there, for what seemed like hours, lost in his thoughts of Hermione before he shook himself and made his way to his dormitory. He collapsed onto his bed and drifted to sleep with Hermione's image in his mind.