Chapter 3
Hermione brushed her fingers through her damped hair leaving it to dry on its own. She wasn't really in the mood to do another spell, even one as simple as that. Her shower had taken longer than she anticipated giving the nervousness pouring through her veins. Harry and Ron would be done talking by now and every fiber in her body told her Harry was downstairs waiting for her. Her hands shook tremendously as she made her way down the spiraling staircase. Hermione was ecstatic that he survived but when she told him about her feelings, she hadn't been thinking about what would happen if he did. Her guilt at the thought gnawed at her insides. It almost seemed she didn't expect him to still be alive. Well he was a bloody horcrux Granger so don't beat yourself up too much.
She shook away the thoughts with each step. She loved him. There was no doubt about that but Hermione wasn't sure where they were going to go from here, how their relationship would progress or even if Harry wanted a relationship. Ginny was waiting for him and compared to her, Hermione was sure what his choice would be. Her conversation with Ron had been short and to the point. He didn't want too be in a relationship with her if he didn't have all of her. The red head wanted everything she had to offer, not just pieces. They both knew that wouldn't happen given the fact that her heart was already given to the dark haired, greened eyes boy sitting before the bourgeoning fire.
Hermione's breath caught at the sight of him just sitting there. His shoulders weren't drawn with tension and he didn't look like he had a death sentence hanging over his head. For the first time in her life, Harry Potter seemed at ease. Unknowingly her lips curled into a tender smile as her heart expanded with love in her chest. This was what she wanted for him; to be alive, be happy and be loved. His eyes seemed surreal as the golden light flickered over his glasses as he continued to gaze into the flames. It was almost as if he was looking for something.
"Lost something in the flames Harry?" she asked quietly causing him to startle and spun around towards her. Hermione stifled a chuckled at his reaction. "You just defeated the darkest wizard of all time and you get spooked by just my voice".
"Well not all of us have to heart of lion", he teased smiling at her, "even of we are in Gryffindor. I was just remembering Sirius that's all, when he would chance just a few moment so that I could talk to him".
"Is that all you were thinking about?" she raised the question softly taking a seat beside him. He was telling the truth but Harry had that look in his eyes as if there was more he had to say but didn't quite know how. The tension in her body oozed a bit as their familiar companionship settled between them. "You know you can tell me anything right Harry?"
"I know Hermione", He replied taking one of her hands in his and interlacing their fingers. His touch sent tingles up her arms as her face heated. He was testing the waters so she let him. "The Snitch Dumbledore gave me had the Resurrection stone inside".
"You saw your parents didn't you", Hermione stated gently glancing at his schooled profile. The air seemed to crackle with emotions as he continued to hold her dainty hands. Hermione never quite realized just how perfect they fit together. "It brought back everyone you loved and care about that died didn't it?"
"Yes", Harry filled in, turning his head so that she could see into his gorgeous eyes and into his soul. "I saw my parents, Sirius and Lupin. I could only see them though, not touch. It felt like torture, seeing the people you longed for only to not be able to have something as simple as a hug".
"Oh Harry", Hermione gasped hearing the pain in his voice. She wished she could help him more but he needed to get this off his chest.
"It's ok", Harry assured her, "talking to them was enough at the time. They gave me the strength and courage I needed when mine failed me. I had to face Voldemort and die. Sirius said that they would never truly leave because they were in my heart". They shared a smile at his words because Hermione remembered Sirius saying the same thing when they rescued him third year, "but knowing they would be there waiting for me made it easier you know".
"Yes I do", Hermione said, giving into the pleasure on his thumb running over her knuckles. His callous touch ignited a fire deep within her. Now is not the time Granger! It was then, as she stared at his slightly tuned face, that Hermione saw the trickle of blood. She instinctively reached out, brushing her thumb against it. Harry gasped painfully at her touch and she realized it was a fresh wound. Merlin, did Ron have to take it that far?
"Harry what happened?" she asked, concern lacing her voice as she turned him around so she could have a better look. It wasn't very deep but his lips were swollen and red.
"Ron happened", he chuckled in response but sobered up when she failed to laugh. "I had it coming Hermione and Ron had to get it off his chest. I would have done the same thing in his position".
"But-"
"Don't worry we're fine", Harry appeased her cupping her wrist and holding it in place. "It's a bloke thing. Besides I think a slug is a small price to pay for falling in love with the girl you best mate fancied, don't you think?"
Her breath caught at his words. His green eyes held hers prisoner as they stared intently into hers. The truth of his words was reflected in his green orbs and Hermione found herself drowning in them. Her fingers twitched ever so slightly in his hands but Harry refused to let go.
"Are you?" she stammered and could have hexed herself. Her voice was barely audible but it seemed so loud in her ears as well as stupid. Hermione grimaced at her question, so much for being the brightest witch of their age. Harry must think she was an idiot. However his lips quirked into a smiled as he moved in, leaving a breath of distance between their lips. She could fell the warmth of his breath fanning her face as he spoke.
"Very much so Miss Granger", he whispered roughly against her lips. "I have never felt this way about anyone in my life and it's scary and exhilarating at the same time. There is no way it could be wrong Hermione. That night when we danced, I just couldn't stand to see you so hurt and alone like you were. My heart literally hurt for you Hermione. All I wanted to do was wipe away your pain, make you feel loved and appreciated. I never intended for my feelings to get brought up into the mix. The moment I met your eyes I wanted to kiss you. What started out as a simple dance meant so much more to me Hermione. I knew it was more just a passing fancy".
The intensity was back in his eyes as his gaze latched onto hers. She could literally feel the vibrations of his words washing over, enfolding her, keeping her safe. Hermione remembered that night as clearly as ever. She knew something had changed between them. It was more than just being on the road together and alone but she had pushed it to the far corner of her mind until last night. It took over her entire being because she knew she may never have the chance to truly tell him how she felt. How she feels. "Now the question is: Did you really mean what you said or was it just about the ending of the world kind of thing".
Silence filled with questions followed his words. Hermione could see the insecurities in his greens. The look tugged at her heartstrings for it reminded her of the boy she first met so many years ago. "I meant every word Harry", Hermione murmured placing a hand on his cheek as her thumb ran across his bottom lip tenderly, "I may have panicked and said them to you but I meant all of it and I'm not going to take it back. My heart belongs to you and it will always belong to you". Her heart fluttered at the softening of his eyes as they sparkled with warmth and love. It boosted her confidence and she smiled. "I love you Harry".
"And I love you Hermione and my heart is yours to keep forever", Harry murmured softly closing the distance between them as his lips captured hers in a heart stopping yet tender kiss. She could feel his love for her pouring into his kiss. A sigh merged with a groan as Hermione sank into the kiss and her body sagged against his. His fingers clutched at her hips, deepening the kiss as their lips danced with each others. It was amazing. Her entire body felt as if it was on fire all because of a kiss. She had never experienced anything like this before.
"That seems to get better and better every time we do it", Harry murmured, humor shining behind his eyes when they finally pulled apart. Hermione blushed at his words and gradually released her fingers that seemed attached to his shirt. It was now wrinkled from her tight grasp.
"We've only did that twice Harry", she replied good naturedly making his laugh out loud. The sound warmed her heart. She hadn't heard him truly laugh in a long time.
"That only goes to show how right this is Hermione", he said tangling their fingers together before pulling her along his lean form as he adjusted both their bodies effortlessly so that she was lying outstretch beside him on the old couch. For something that was relatively new, this felt natural to her as she snuggled into his arms when they settled down. Hermione just needed to have him in her arms, feel that he was there. They hadn't talked about everything but that was enough for tonight but she needed to say this.
"I couldn't believe it when he said you were gone", Hermione whispered into his chest and his arms tightened around her. "Even though I knew it was the only way for him to die, why you went to him. When he said those words Harry and I saw Hagrid carrying your lifeless body I just – I couldn't believe it. My mind refused to acknowledge it. It was too high of a price to pay".
"I'm sorry you had to go through that Hermione", Harry muttered softly into her hair before gently kissing the side of her forehead. He made her feel so special with just a simple touch. "I had to make him believe it. It was they only way".
"I know", she responded drawing circles on his chest.
"But it was you who got me through all of it Hermione", Harry continued softly. He began running his hand over her arms to her elbow in a soothing manner, "it was you who brought me back. After he hit me with the curse I woke up at Kings Cross and Dumbledore was there". She adjusted her position so that she could look at him. Letting him know she was listening. "He told me all about the horcrux in me and we talked for a while and he said I had a choice to come back or go on. It was my choice and I knew I had to come back to finish Voldemort. But it was you who truly bought me back Hermione. It was because of your love that I knew I had to come back".
Her heart melted at his words as he smiled down at her. Hermione reached up and tangled her fingers in his unruly locks after brushing a few wayward strands away. He needed a haircut "I'm glad I did Harry".
He bent his head and kissed her softly, letting her know just how much he loved her. Sometimes words weren't needed. When he pulled away, the humorous twinkle in his eyes deepened and said as if reading her mind. "Now I have other things to worry about like getting a haircut".
Hermione -
Don't ever let me give you a haircut again.
"I would be honored Mr. Potter, to give you a haircut", Hermione smiled remembering the time she asked him to promise to not let her do that again. They had both known at the time it had nothing to with the simplicity of a haircut and all about Ron. But now it didn't matter, he was hers as she was his and Hermione could give him as many haircuts he wanted.
