Chapter Twenty-Five

Hermione sank back down in the wing chair. Her knees couldn't support her. Her body was weak.She just stared down at her shoes, not even listening to Harry as he questioned her. She hadn't been able to say anything. Her mind had turned back as soon as the words had left his mouth. She could see it in his eyes; his love, his plans, his desire for her to reciprocate. In that flash instant, the entire world had opened up. And her stupidity had shut it just as quickly. Why couldn't she say it? Why couldn't she say she was IN love? She wanted to; oh, how she wanted to. But something was holding her back. Something just kept her tied down. She wanted free. She wanted to speak her mind. She was a headstrong woman and hated being told to reign in, to pull back, to not be in the forefront and seaming ahead. She hated to be tethered.

"What's this all about, Hermione?" She just shook her head, refusing to answer. "You've got to tell me, Hermione." Suddenly, a thought sprang to her mind.

"Why? So you can go comfort Ron with my pain?" Harry blanched, knowing he would have told Ron.

"No, Hermione, listen. What's going on with you and Remus?"

"Nothing," it was meant to imply that she was angry he would even accuse her of that. Instead, her voice spoke the volumes of the emptiness he felt. How she wished she could say that 'something' was happening.

"Hermione, I saw you...I, uh, I saw you that day with Remus in the spare bedroom." Her eyes flashed indignantly for a moment.

"Spying, were you?" He was entirely chastised for all his work he had done in Ron's interest. Hermione knew him far too well.

"Sorry," he muttered.

"Well, what do you think?" He could still detect the anger in her voice.

"I don't know."

"Waiting to see what Ron will tell you to say?" She stood quickly and made to leave. She just wanted to be alone.

"No, Hermione, don't be this way!"

"What? I understand. I understand far more than you think. I know Ron's first. Mates firsts. I get it, okay? So...just leave Remus and I out of this." She started to walk away from him again, angry with herself more than anything. Angry because she was tied to the ground. Angry because her only friend was acting this way. Angry that she couldn't say anything when she had the chance. Angry that she may have ruined the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to her. Angry that she was scared. Angry that she was afraid he'd never come back. Angry that she was frightened by the possibility of him hating her.

"I think I approve," Harry mumbled. She stopped dead in her tracks. She refused to turn and face the Boy Wonder who she loved more than anyone. He was the brother she had always wanted. That was why she hated being second in his life. All her life, she had dreamed she would have a brother to protect her and love her. She saw herself as his family. She didn't liked being pushed to the side. But, she had learned to accept that. As long as he and Ron were friends, he loved her too. But, when it came down to a choice, he always went for Ron. But now, to hear him say he approves, that he would bless them stopped her. That's all she wanted from him; his love, his approval. She didn't want to be easy, though. She would make him explain himself. She would hold firm. She wasn't a pushover and she refused to crumble down to him.

"You think?" she said coldly, waiting to see what he was going to say.

"I know. He's good for you, Hermione. He's just what I have always pictured for you. Well, except for the whole half lifetime age difference and all. Of course, you need a man, not a little boy. Maybe that makes more sense, now that I think of it. I probably should have added a few wrinkles on his face. You two are like peas in a pod. You'll sit around and be smart together. Get married and have a hundred little smart babies. And you'll grow old and die, probably still thinking of all the smart things you two did together. He's perfect for you, Hermione. He'll treat you right, Hermione. Better than Ron ever did," he admitted. She was in tears; he could see her head drooping and her shoulders quivering. He walked up behind her and laid her hands on her shoulders. She took a deep breath but didn't turn around.

"Do you really believe that?" Harry laid his head gingerly on top of hers, feeling her soft brown hair on his cheek. He had done her a disservice all these years. He had ignored her. He had used her. She was Hermione Granger, Smartest Witch of the Century, Number One in their class, Brightest Witch of her Age. He went her when he needed research done, or to bounce ideas about Voldemort or Draco. He went to her when he needed to know the answer to homework or when Finals was coming and he forgot the three main ingredients in a Forgetfulness potion. He would defend, yes, but just as a friend. He suddenly came to realize that all these years, she had loved him and he had never returned the favor to her completely. He brushed his lips across the crown of her head and she spun quickly and buried her face in his chest. He pulled her in tighter, closer than he had ever done before.

"I'm in love, Harry. I am so in love with him," she sobbed.

"I know, I know," she said soothingly as she cried into his old shirt.

AN: Reviews mean you get chapters! Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I know, I know. I was whiny and a crybaby. But, at least I admit to my faults and beg for you to enable me. I'm weak, what can I say? So, tell me how this went. Good, bad, otherwise? I think this story is coming to an end. I feel that these past two chapters have been the climax. Besides, pstibbons will be angry with me if I draw it out any longer.

Remember, all questions, suggestions, flames and outpourings of love are NEEDED.

Okay, I'm have a "Name My Muse" Contest. My muse is male and likes reviews in copious amounts. Submit a name and whichever one strikes my fancy is my muse's name and the winner gets a one-shot I will write according to all their demands. Or, if that prize doesn't strike your fancy, I will let you direct something in my story anyway you want. Though, if it's ridiculous, I will probably make it a dream... Ready? Set! Name!