More Than Friends

Ch. 9 Dream or Reality

He's in love. He's in love. That's it. He's in love…With another girl.

Hermione reached the head's common room and collapsed against the door. She was panting. Of all things, he had to tell her he was in love with another girl right before the ball. She meekly walked over to the couch and lay down. She buried her face in a pillow and couldn't control herself. Tears started to form. She couldn't believe she was actually starting to think maybe Harry liked her even the tiniest bit and then this happened. She cursed herself for getting her hopes up and cursed love in general. I've been there for him ever since we were kids and yet he still doesn't notice me…Why? Hermione couldn't hold it back any longer.

She began to sob.


Harry reached the library and when he didn't find Hermione in her usual spots, he searched the rest of the library. She was nowhere to be found. He thought of the second place she'd be and headed for their common room.
When Harry reached their common room, he was heartbroken at what lay in front of him. Hermione was lying on the couch sleeping. Her eyes were puffy and her cheeks were wet. He guessed she was crying, but why, he didn't know. He knelt down next to her and observed her. She looked miserable and he hated it. He softly wiped away a remaining tear that slid down her cheek. At this gesture, her eyes opened. Hermione sat up and scooted over onto the furthest side of the couch away from Harry. Harry sat on the empty space next to her. Silence ensued and both friends stared into the fireplace waiting for the other to break the silence.

Harry was the first to break.

"Why did you run out?" He didn't turn to look at her; he didn't even look up. Hermione thought of running to her room, but instead decided to stand her ground and get the questions over with. Besides, she already lost her last bit of dignity and had nothing to save. She looked away from the fireplace and into her lap. When she didn't answer, Harry asked again.

"Why did you run out?" He looked up at Hermione who was as far away on the couch from him as possible. He moved closer to her and placed a hand on hers. She looked up at him and Harry saw her red eyes and swore he was gonna kill himself if he was the reason for her sadness. Once again, Harry asked Hermione, but this time in the most sincere voice possible.

"'Mione, why did you leave like that? Is it something I said?"

Hermione couldn't believe it. Is he really that thick?!

"Something you said? Something you said?!" She stood up, causing Harry to fall back on the couch. "Harry, how oblivious are you? You can't tell me you really don't know what that was all about back there." Harry stood up as well.

"I-I-I don't understand, I—"

"You mean to tell me you really don't get it?" At this point, Hermione couldn't control the words pouring out of her mouth and decided to let all her feelings and thoughts out. She knew after tonight, she and Harry would never be the same again, but it was too late.

"I like you, Harry." At this, Harry froze. I've liked you for some time now, but you just don't see it." Hermione turned away from Harry so her back was facing him; she couldn't bear to let him see how much it pained her to say this knowing he doesn't return the feeling. She sniffled. "I love you…"

Harry went into total shock. Did she just say she loves me? Hermione loves me?

"I know you must think I'm being silly and stupid, but I really do love you. You obviously don't love me back, so I understand if—"

Hermione was cut off when Harry spun her around and kissed her full force on the lips. He wanted to show her just how much he loved her back. Hermione, on the other hand, was in complete shock and turned to jelly at his touch. After a few seconds, Harry parted from her and looked down to see a completely shocked Hermione.

"W-Why did you just—"

"I'm not the only one who doesn't have a clue around here." Harry grinned and watched as Hermione furrowed her brow in confusion. "That girl I'm in love with…it's you. I love you, 'Mione."

Hermione's heart started to race one hundred miles per hour. This is a dream. He just said he loves me. This is a total and complete dream.

"What did you say?"

"I love you. And only you." Harry brushed her cheek with the back of his hand, only to be stopped by Hermione.

"Well, then what were you and Ron talking about back there? How come you said you're in love with someone else? I don't understand…"

"I only said I'm in love with someone else because I was the one who thought you didn't feel the same way about me. With me saying I love someone else, I thought you wouldn't be disappointed."

Hermione gave a small laugh. "So you mean to say, this whole time we've been in love with each other but were too stupid to see it?"

Harry leaned his forehead against hers as the two closed their eyes. "I believe that's the case, yes."

"This must be a dream."

"If it were, would this be the same?"

And Harry captured her lips once again. This time, the two kissed slower, savoring every sweet moment. Harry moved his hands to the small of her back and pulled her in as close as possible. Hermione snaked her arms around his neck and soon felt Harry's tongue licking her lips. She parted her lips and granted him access to explore the sweet treasures of her mouth. The two kissed until the need for oxygen pulled them apart.

Hermione's lips curved up into a smile. "No…that definitely wouldn't have been the same."

A/N oh...my goodness. yay! they finally get it! (dances around) but wait… the story's not over yet. XD