Harry sat on his bed at the Burrow, looking out the window, lost in thought. How did this happen? He thought, Why am I feeling this way? The war was over, Voldemort was gone forever, but Harry couldn't help but feel bad. He felt like he was betraying Ginny. Harry had distanced himself from her for her own safety, but the war was over now, and he couldn't go back to her. He just didn't feel that way for her anymore. Instead, Harry found himself constantly thinking about someone else. Hermione had been his friend since their first year, so why was he feeling this way now? How come, every time that she walked by, he felt so happy, a happiness that a hundred dementors could take away? Harry put his head in his hands sighing.
Meanwhile, in Ginny and Hermione's room, Hermione had a book open in her lap. For once though, she wasn't reading. Her eyes scanned the same line over and over, but she never took it in. Instead she was thinking. Hermione's heart was torn. One the one hand, there was Ron- The boy whom she was destined to be with, who's parents thought of her as a part of the family, who was funny, loud and outrageous. But, on the other hand, there was Harry. Kind, sweet Harry. Hermione didn't know what it was, but every time she was near him, she felt safe, like nothing and nobody could hurt her while he was there. Whenever she needed somebody to be there for her, there he was. Hermione smiled at the thought of being in his arms. Ron was nice, but Harry was... almost perfect.
Hermione stood, letting the book fall to the floor. She needed to find him, be in his arms. She walked across the hall, to Harry and Ron's room. Hermione raised her hand, hesitating for a second before knocking quietly. "Harry?" she called.
Harry was jarred from his thoughts by the knocking. "Come on in." he said. Hermione opened the door, walking silently up to Harry. She sat on the bed next to him, putting her arms around his waist, laying her head on his shoulder. Harry's arms went around her in a hug. After the defeat of Voldemort, Harry and Hermione's relationship had grown slightly more intimate. When she just wanted a hug, he would give her one, no question. It was tearing him up inside that he could get so close to her, but not have her. "What is it 'Mione?" Harry asked, looking down at her.
Hermione smiled, "I just wanted to give you some company. You're always so introverted these days." its was true, Harry had become more withdrawn, retreating to his room whenever he got the chance. Whenever Hermione was with him, he always seemed to be quiet, thinking. Hermione kind of liked it. Harry was a nice alternative to the rambunctious Weasley twins and Ron. However, it still troubled her that Harry would act this way. She looked up at him, "Tell me what's wrong. Please, I don't like seeing you like this."
Harry sighed. He knew he would have to tell her at some point. "Well, It's just that it finally has sunk in. With Voldemort gone, I can be... normal."
Hermione put her head on his shoulder again. "Oh Harry, you've always been normal, at least to me you have."
"Yes, but now I can be normal to everyone else," Harry said, "I didn't want to be famous, It's just a hassle. Now I can live a normal life. I can walk through Diagon Alley without being run over with people who adore me for no other reason than I am lucky. I can live without the fear of Voldemort haunting my dreams, or killing my friends. I can even have a steady relationship, with somebody who doesn't just like me because I am 'The Boy Who Lived'" Harry laughed at this thought, and the Irony that he was saying this to the only girl he cared for.
Hermione was silent for a second, then said, "Well, do you like anybody right now?" She looked up at Harry, waiting for an answer. Harry however, was silent. He wanted to tell her how he felt, he really did, but he didn't want to lose her. He didn't want to freak Hermione out. "No, no I can't tell you that." he said.
"Awww, why not?" Hermione asked. She put on her best pouting face. "Please?" she begged.
"Because, it might... it might change things between us." Harry said.
Hermione let go of him, sitting straight up. "Well," she said, "If you don't want to tell me, I'm not leaving until you do." She smiled at him, thinking she had won.
"Well, be prepared to wait a long time." Harry said.
They sat there, quiet, for some time, with Hermione occasionally puncturing the silence, asking Harry to tell her. Harry would reply a stern, curt, "No" and Hermione would cross her arms. When Ron came in from outside, he found Harry and Hermione still sitting on the bed in silence. "Uhh, mate? We have to go to bed."
"Harry nodded, turning to Hermione, "Looks like your plan didn't work." Harry smiled triumphantly.
"That's what you think" Hermione said. She stood up, and pulled the blanket back on the bed, slipping under the covers. "I already told you, I'm not leaving until you tell me." Hermione replied, knowing she had won.
Harry looked over at Ron, who was smirking. "Looks like she's got you beat, mate." Ron chuckled. Harry was weighing his options inside. Either he told Hermione now, in front of Ron, who would never speak to him again, or he could just Climb into bed and sleep with Hermione, and make Ron mad. Harry frowned. Either way, Ron was going to get mad. Harry sighed. He closed his eyes, rubbing his face with his hands. When he opened his eyes, his mind was made up. With one last sigh, Harry climbed into bed and looked over at Hermione. "You just can't let it drop, can you?" Harry asked tiredly. "Nope." Hermione said, smiling. She turned over and faced the wall. Harry looked over at Ron, who was giving him a death glare, before sighing, and turning off the light. He lay awake for a bit, listening to Ron get into bed, and roll around furiously, before finding a comfortable position and falling asleep. Harry could also her the clam, peaceful breathing of Hermione. How did I get into this situation? Harry thought, before nodding off himself.
A/N: Alright, this is my first fanfic, so please tell me what I am doing wrong and what I am doing right. I wont be putting Author's notes at the top of the page, because I know that all of you guys want to get on with reading the story. Again, please tell me how I am doing. Thanks.