12.

"I think it's time for you all to head back to your Common rooms. He should be released tomorrow morning, so you'll see him then. Maybe you can come pick him up for breakfast." Madame Pomfrey reasurred the group of friends. Harry shattered the bones in his right arm, dislocated his left shoulder, suffered from a mild concussion, lost two teeth (in the back), and crack six ribs. But because of a variety of spells, several complicated potions, and a bit of magical therapy, Harry would be out after only two nights. Thing is, the healing process would be painful, since it would be done all at once. Healers had to be Floo'd in from St. Mungos to assist in the potion-brewing, medicine-administering, and bone-fixing. With all of that going on, Harry might have been way overwhelmed, so they put him in an induced-coma.

Ron, Neville, Ginny, Luna, and Hermione, were Harry's most persistent visitors, but just about everyone who attended the game came for a visit. Including a certain Ravenclaw.

Reluctantly, the crew placed more flowers and candy on Harry's bedside, and Luna and Ginny gave him a light kiss on the forehead. They drifted out of the Infirmary but Hermione lingered a bit longer.

"Ms. Granger, it is time to go." The Healer said firmly, but with a touch of sympathy. The girl was taking this harder than any of the rest of them. Thought Pomfrey. "Yes ma'am, but could just have one second with him. Just one." The bushy haired brunette bargained. Pomfrey sighed, then an "Mhm." later, she was gone.

She took a deep breath, then began:"Harry. I'm not sure if you can hear me, but I have to say this while I am feeling strong. You have been the most influential person I've encountered in my time in the magical world. You are extraordinary beyond belief, and I was intimidated by you since we first met on the Express that day. You have grown out of that hard-outer-shelled boy that didn't know who to trust, or how to love. I wish I could thank you every day for saving me from that troll in first year, and saving me from myself everyday. I use to cling to facts and numbers, because nothing in my life was ever really dependable besides my parents. But you and Ron's, and especially your's, friendship changed all of that for me. I learned to let people into my life without being afraid that they would try to hurt me. Ron is a splendid person and a loyal friend, but he hasn't quite passed the boundary of my inner circle. Harry, you are the foundation, the heart, and the main occupant of that circle. So I guess what I am saying is...I love you, more than 'best friends'." And with that she stood, placed the lightest of kisses right on his lips, and turned to leave before something stopped her.

"Mione'?" He had mumbled. She rushed over to him to see if he was awake. To her dissappointment, he wasn't. But she knew. She just knew. He had to have heard her. She left after that, feeling much better, and joyous that he would be awake and released tomorrow!

When she finally made it back to the Common Room, she bumped into Ginny on the way, and told her all about her feelings for Harry. To Hermione's surprise, Ginny wasn't fazed at all. She knew Hermione had felt something towards Harry, and was just waiting for her to realize it herself.

"But at least now I know why you told me to get over him!" Ginny teased her friend.

"Gin, you know it wasn't like th-" Hermione started quickly, but was cut off. "Hermione! Gods, I was just kidding!" Hermione sighed out of relief and gave her friend a grateful smile and a hug. "Tomorrow is the moment of truth, you know. If he heard you or not. I'm sure if you told him what you told me, he would definately ask you out!" Ginny gushed, which caused Hermione to blush. "Goodnight, Ginny." And they went to their respective dorms.