Author's Note: Sorry that this is out at a slower rate than usual. I started school again just a few days ago, so I've been busy catching up with that. I think I'm going to skip a year after this chapter, just to make some progress and such. Well, I really hope that you enjoy this chapter! I made a few alternate endings and I chose this one.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling does.
Nineteen Years - Chapter Nine
She belongs in his arms.
Hermione finally got back to reality and saw that she and Harry were touching noses and somehow inching closer with every passing second. She felt Harry's hot breathe on her and their lips were now centimeters away. Hermione closed her eyes, preparing for the life changing moment, when Pig flew into the library from the open window.
"Pig!" Harry exclaimed, trying to calm down the owl as it flew around as if it were on fire. Finally, Harry caught the owl and pulled a letter from its feet.
Blushing furiously, Harry opened the letter and read it aloud, "Dear Harry, Mum's wondering if we could come to Twelve Grimmauld Place for your birthday celebration. She made the huge mistake of trusting me and George to cook dinner, and it's taking quite a while to replace the burn marks and stains of ingredients on the walls, even with magic. From, Ron."
Harry chuckled and looked up at Hermione, and she gave him a nod. Quickly, Harry grabbed a quill and parchment and wrote their reply. Then he sent the letter off with Pig, who eventually found his way out the window.
"Er…Sorry about that…" Harry said, looking down at his feet.
"It's not your fault. I should, er, go and get some sleep, you know…" Hermione's voice trailed off, and they both felt uncomfortable at the moment.
Harry nodded and she walked out and into her room. Hermione couldn't believe what had just happened. You almost kissed Harry! Did she want to? Yes, she did. They were so close to kissing – she could have practically felt his lips against hers. It sent chills down her spine just thinking about it.
(From Harry's point of view)
Harry wished that he could tell somebody about what he had just did…well, almost did. He was so close to kissing Hermione, and he definitely would have if it wasn't for Pig. Harry wanted to tell Ron, but Ron would probably murder him. And he couldn't tell Neville – Neville just wasn't the kind of guy who you could talk about girls with. Dean and Seamus could probably care less. George! Harry thought. I'll tell George! It was perfect. He would go the Burrow right now and talk to him about it. Even though Ron was his brother, Harry thought, he wouldn't mind just listening. Putting on his Invisibility Cloak, Harry apparated into the Burrow. He heard Ginny screaming and running up to her room.
"Harry does love me, Ron!" Ginny exclaimed.
"Whatever, Ginny," Ron replied.
"Oh yeah, because you're totally an expert in the love department!"
"Shut up! Like you're an expert yourself!" Ron said sarcastically.
"I captured Harry Potter's heart – that proves that I'm an expert! He'll fall for me again, trust me. I'll just make him jealous, and Harry will come crawling back to me on his knees like a helpless puppy!" with that said, she ran up the staircase and into her room. He heard a slight Crack! Noise, which meant that Ron had apparated somewhere else; anywhere but near his little sister.
Harry couldn't believe that she would say something like that about him. Maybe she was just trying to make Ron mad. Not wanting to hold a grudge on it, Harry walked up to George's room, where the door was open enough for him to get through. George was sitting on his bed reading a magazine.
"Hi, George," Harry said, taking off the Invisibility Cloak.
"Bloody hell! Are you trying to kill me?!" George exclaimed, clutching his chest. "What was that?"
"This? Oh, it's just my something of my father's. I can explain later."
George nodded. "Er…not to sound rude, but what are you doing here?"
"I need to talk to you," Harry said. "No, I can't talk to Ron about it…it'll be the last thing I do."
"Hermione…" George muttered.
"Er, yeah, it's about Hermione. I…I almost kissed her," Harry said softly.
"You did what?!"
"I kind of…almost…kissed Hermione…"
"Mate, you're really scaring me now. First, you pop up out of nowhere wearing a cloak that makes you invisible, and then you tell me that you practically kissed Hermione."
Harry didn't reply.
"What happened?" George asked in curiosity.
"I told her something that I should told her before –"
"Like your undying love for her?" George laughed, and Harry couldn't help but laugh a little bit too; even if it was a nervous laugh.
"And then I felt really sorry about not trusting her, and she kept saying that it was alright with her and that I shouldn't feel sorry. I just kind of walked up to her, without even thinking about it. Then…I…we…But Pig flew in before I could do anything."
George took in Harry's words. "That's some interesting situation you have there, Harry."
"Wait…you won't tell Ron, right?"
"Nope, I promise."
"Thanks. I just needed to tell somebody – not that I don't want to talk to Ron, but he…"
"…loves Hermione, I know," George finished, looking down. "I'm not taking any 'sides' with this whole thing, but I'm warning you're going to face a whole lot of ugly when you guys become a couple…"
"Whoah, who said that we were a couple?" Harry interupted.
"You tried to kiss her, though, right?"
"Yeah, but –"
"And she didn't make any protest?"
"No, but she –"
"That's love, Harry. So shut up and go tell her how you feel."
"But George, I—"
"Go!" George said in a demanding tone.
"Okay, okay. Calm down!" Harry said. "And George?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks." With that, he apparated back to Twelve Grimmauld Place. George was absolutely right.
"Hermione?" Harry called her. "Hermione!"
"In my room."
Harry approached her door and opened it slightly. Hermione was writing in her journal, ignoring Harry's gaze.
"Yes?" Hermione asked.
"I…er…wanted to talk to you. You know, about before…"
"What about before?" Hermione said, in an upset tone.
Harry didn't know how to answer her question. What was he supposed to say about what happened before? That they almost kissed, but didn't want to mention it to each other because they were both too shocked and embarrassed?
"Listen, Harry, maybe you weren't thinking, and…and maybe I wasn't thinking either. Probably just hormones, right?"
Her words stabbed through Harry. Probably just hormones, right? No, it wasn't hormones. He had really wanted to kiss her – to show her his feelings that he had ever since the battle at Hogwarts. Was Hermione being serious? Did she really want an excuse for them almost kissing?
"No, Hermione. That's not the case at all. I…I was thinking, and it wasn't hormones," Harry replied, and he realized that his tone sounded more hurt than he had wanted it to be.
Hermione just sat there, staring at him. She was apparently in complete shock that Harry was serious. He walked out of the bedroom, thinking that Hermione didn't have any feelings for him at all.
(From Hermione's point of view)
Hermione couldn't exactly process what just happened. Harry really did want to kiss her, and he was thinking – no hormones were messing with him – he was completely sure about what he was going to do, and Hermione broke his heart. Smacking herself, she knew that she had wanted to kiss him…now more than ever, actually.
"Harry?" she called him. "Harry? Please come back!"
He didn't answer. "HARRY!"
Still no reply. He was ignoring her – he was hurt. Hermione broke his heart into a million pieces, like it had been so many times before. The poor guy; he just wanted to kiss the woman he loved, and Hermione couldn't even do that for him.
No. She was going to fix it, if it was the last thing that she did.
--------------------
(From Harry's point of view)
The Weasleys were going to be in Twelve Grimmauld Place any second now. Harry stood near the front door, counting down to the minute. He wanted to be on better terms with Ron. After all, the two were best mates for about nine years through thick and thin, who wouldn't want to rebuild their friendship?
A rather small Weasley crowd apparated into Harry's home.
"Happy birthday, Harry, dear!" Mrs. Weasley said, pulling him into one of her rib-crushing hugs.
"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley."
"Happy birthday!" Mr. Weasley, George, and Ginny said, walking past him and into the kitchen. Harry shot Ginny a glare while she passed him.
Ron stood with his hands in his pockets. "Happy birthday, mate."
"Thanks, Ron."
"How's life treating you?"
"Er…" Harry began, looking up at the staircase where Hermione was now walking down. "Not to well, actually."
Ron saw Harry look at Hermione, but didn't cringe in jealousy this time. Instead, he looked rather curious. "Oh?"
"Hi, Ron!" Hermione said, hugging Ron. "Glad you guys could make it!"
"Hi, Hermione. Thanks."
Hermione walked away and into the kitchen, completely ignoring Harry.
"Are you and Hermione –?"
"Uh…not…not really, Ron. We kind of had a…disagreement," Harry said, looking down.
"Do you want to…talk about it, mate?" Ron asked. Harry smiled at his friend's concern.
"Not really, actually. If you don't mind."
"It's alright. Hey, how about a game of Quidditch? I'm sure that George and Ginny would play, too."
Harry's face immediately brightened. He hadn't been on a broom in practically a year. "I would love to!"
They stepped out into the backyard, which wasn't much of a backyard for Quidditch. Mrs. Weasley came out and murmured a complicated spell, which caused the yard to grow the size of a Quidditch field. Harry tended to ignore Ginny, and she did the same towards him.
Despite the fact that Harry hadn't ridden on a broom in a year, he was just as good of a Seeker as he had remembered. Mrs. Weasley called them for Harry's birthday dinner, but they ignored her, having a great time. She actually had to run out onto the field and threaten to hex them if they didn't come down. The four suddenly 'regained their hearing' and returned to the ground.
"It's getting late, everyone! We have to start dinn – George, put that broomstick down before you poke someone's eye out!"
"Sorry, mum. I'm just trying to have a little fun with my dear little brother, here. Is that such a crime?"
Mrs. Weasley let out a sigh. "Just hurry up, you four. Get out of those clothes and into nice ones for Harry's birthday dinner."
Harry got changed and rushed downstairs, soon to be followed by George, Ron, and Ginny, who were also wearing cleaner clothes.
Mr. Weasley was sitting down while Mrs. Weasley was running around, setting the table (she refused Harry's request for him to help her). Hermione was sitting down with a suspicious smirk on her face, and the people Harry just played Quidditch with were now sitting, and Harry joined them. He wondered why the other Weasleys hadn't joined them, but he didn't mention it. They were probably too busy with their own lives, which Harry completely understood.
Everyone began chanting "Happy Birthday" as Mrs. Weasley brought out his birthday cake. It was delicious, as always. George and Ron began throwing food at each other, and Hermione and Ginny occasionally made small talk. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley kept asking Harry about his job at the Ministry.
"Hey," George whispered to Harry, making sure that nobody could over hear him. "Did ya kiss her yet?"
Harry shook his head and mouthed 'I'll tell you later'. George nodded slightly and returned to his food, while Harry received suspicious glances from Ron, Ginny, and Hermione.
Then, it was time for presents. Harry received a few posters from Ron, and items from George's joke shop; Ginny didn't get him anything. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley got him a few new robes. Hermione stood there, gesturing for Harry to follow her. He did, and she led him to the miniature library. After taking a deep breath, Hermione began speaking.
"What I said last week about us…you know…I didn't mean any of it. It's been hurting me inside to see you like this from just a few things I said. I didn't know how to react, so I said stupid things that I didn't mean to say. I want you to know that," she said, looking down with tears now falling from her brown eyes.
"Hermione…" Harry whispered, gently wiping away her tears. He could see the regret in her eyes as she looked away from him.
"I'm sorry that I didn't get you anything, I didn't know what you wanted! I tried –" Hermione began, but Harry cut her off.
"It's okay. I don't need anything."
"Are you…are you sure? Because I could –"
"Yes, I'm sure. Being with people I care about is all I need," Harry said, dropping his hand from her cheek.
But before Harry or Hermione could say anything more, George ran into the room.
"Mum's wondering where you…" his voice trailed off when he saw the two young adults jump apart from each other. "We have to get going. Ginny's not having the best time here…So, we're in the kitchen…" he winked at Harry and closed the door.
Harry yawned, not faking it one bit, and led Hermione to the kitchen.
"Sorry, Harry, but we have to go," Mrs. Weasley said with a hug.
"Well, finally!" Ginny exclaimed from the furthest end of the kitchen table.
"Don't have that attitude with me, Ginevra Weasley! Sorry again, Harry."
Mr. Weasley and George joined Mrs. Weasley, Ron wished Harry 'Happy Birthday' with a smile, and Ginny trudged past him with an annoyed face. After many of Ginny's comments and Mrs. Weasley's "Don't have that attitude with me!" the Weasleys apparated back to the Burrow.
Harry rubbed his eyes and looked outside of the kitchen window. The daylight had already turned over to night, and the half moon's vibrant white rays shone through the window. Harry stretched his arms up and said, "I think I'm going to sleep."
Hermione nodded with a small disappointed sigh, and Harry slowly trudged upstairs into his bedroom. Why didn't he kiss her in that room when he had the chance? He smacked himself as he slid under his covers. Instead of trying to fall asleep, Harry simply stared at the wall in front of him.
Suddenly, the door opened, revealing Hermione. She forced a faint smile and walked over to him. Without needing any words, she laid herself next to him, allowing Harry to wrap his arms around her waist. Hermione fell asleep almost immediately.
Harry always thought that she looked beautiful when she was sleeping. She was so calm, so peaceful. He loved how they didn't need any words – all they really needed was each other. Harry wanted to wake her up and kiss her until morning came, but somehow resisted. A part of him still knew that Hermione loved Ron, even if she couldn't be with him because she couldn't stand the heartbreaks and bickering. Was there a place in her heart for Harry? Did she really love him more than as a brother? She hadn't protested when they almost kissed. Harry held onto her tighter and slowly closed his eyes from the world. Eventually, he fell into what was the most peaceful sleep he ever had in his entire life, with Hermione in his arms.
(From Hermione's point of view)
Hermione woke up in the middle of the night, from a bird making noise outside. Realizing that it wasn't an owl, she closed her eyes again. Before Hermione could fall back asleep, she felt a hot breath on her neck and turned her head slightly to see Harry sleeping. Harry. She had fallen asleep in his arms. He didn't have his glasses on, and his bangs had been slightly pushed aside to reveal the famous lightning bolt scar. That scar always reminded her of the pain and suffering that Harry had to go through to defeat Voldemort. Quickly, she lifted her hand and pushed his hair in front of the scar so she wouldn't have to see it.
Harry began to stir from his sleep and his emerald eyes fluttered open. "H-Hermione?"
"Shh…it's the middle of the night. Go back to sleep."
"What were you doing with my hair?"
"Er…"
"Come on, Hermione. I woke up to you doing something with my hair. You can tell me," Harry said with an innocent smile. Hermione couldn't help but be honest.
"Your scar…I didn't want to see it…"
Harry nodded and kissed her cheek lightly. Hermione's cells were dancing with joy whenever he did that – whether or not it was flirtatious or just plain out friendly was the question.
"Good night, Hermione."
"Good night, Harry."
The young woman closed her eyes and gently touched the part of her cheek that Harry had kissed. With a huge smile, Hermione fell asleep in the place where she belonged the most…in Harry's arms.
Author's Note: Awww :) Now wasn't that just adorable? Like I said before, I might skip a year after this. Don't kill me for making them not kiss yet! I just want the romantic side of their relationship to build a little bit more. Please review!
