Harry felt as though the wind had been knocked out of him, felt like the world was crumbling beneath his feet. Even the idea of Ron and Hermione running away together was a tortuous idea that tormented his mind. He couldn't contain himself, and before he knew it he found himself bursting into the kitchen and interrupting their conversation.
"NO!" Harry shouted, breathless and emotionally as he reached for Hermione.
"Harry?" Whispered Hermione in surprise. "You were listening?" Her voice was darker now with the realisation that Harry had been eavesdropping.
"You cant l-leave me." Harry stammered as he cupped Hermione's face in his palms and stared pleadingly into her eyes. "Please don't." He couldn't contain himself and his emotions, and soon found himself shaking uncontrollably. He had completely forgotten about Ron's presence in the small and claustrophobic kitchen, until he cleared his throat.
"What's going on guys?" He asked cautiously, realising that this question was going to fuse and ignite his fears.
"Not now Harry." Hermione sobbed, as she hastily wiped a tear away with the back of her jacket.
"Not now?" Harry questioned, his voice raising in agitation and exasperation. "When Hermione? Will there ever be a time? Or will we constantly be keeping this façade up? Living and telling everyone lies?" Harry was fuming at this point, fuming purely as a result of desperation. He wanted everyone to know about him and Hermione, wanted them to be free to embrace and kiss whenever and wherever they wanted. The room was silent for moments, as each of them assessed the situation and how to approach it. Harry couldn't even comprehend what was going on through Ron's perspective. Just as the breathing in the room had maintained a constant rate, and everyone seemed to slowly be relaxing, Harry reached out and grabbed Hermione's hand. Much to his reluctance, she perplexed her fingers and caressed his with her own. Harry's heart warmed up, and he was just about to speak when Ron lunged forward and pinned him up against the kitchen wall.
