Hermione and Harry walked along the coast of one of the many Australian beaches her parents had frequently visited. They listened as the waves crashed around them and watched as the seagulls dove into the water to catch their dinner for the evening. Hermione casted a sideways glance at her best friend; Her heart pacing rapidly.

She had promised herself that today would be the day she admitted her feelings for her best friend.. He deserved to know even if he didn't reciprocate her feelings. For far too long she'd kept her feelings at bay, but the way he'd been looking at her recently made her feel more courageous about her decision more than ever.

"You alright, 'Mione?" Harry asked her, his face tilted to the side as he placed his hands inside his tan shorts. Hermione broke out of her thoughts and shook her head, smiling kindly.
"I'm great." She told him as she placed a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. "Actually, can we talk? There's something I need to talk to you about."

Harry's face filled with curiosity, his emerald eyes twinkling. "Of course. You know you can always tell me anything." Hermione exhaled, hoping to the high heavens that his words wouldn't come back and bite her in the arse.

"Well, Harry, the thing is, I-" Hermione stuttered, her words for the first time in her life were failing her.

"You what, 'Mione?"

"Ugh!" She exclaimed, frustrated with herself. Hermione threw her hands in the air, turning her back to him as she tried collecting her words together. 'Why is it so hard to talk to him?' After giving herself a moment to compose herself, she turned and looked Harry directly into his emerald eyes as she folded her arms across her chest.

"For the first time in my life, I'm at a loss for words." Hermione laughed, while Harry stood there, perplexed, never taking his eyes off her. "It's so hard to explain all the feelings you make me feel.." She began, her voice becoming more dignified. "For the last six years it's as if my heart has been on overdrive and you've been the one behind the steering wheel."

Harry's jaw dropped slightly, his mind replaying her words over in his head. 'Did I hear her right?' "What are you saying?" He asked her, reaching out his hand and cupping her cheek in his palm. Hermione leaned into his touch, her heart swooning. Harry watched as her ember eyes fluttered shut, his own heart beating rapidly against his ribcage. Hermione lifted her left hand and placed it atop his as she spoke again.

"Touching you, you touching me..it sends an electric jolt down my spine." Her eyes slowly opened, wanting to look him directly in the eyes as her next words flowed smoothly from her lips. " I believe in a thing called love, and for Merlin's sake I've been in love with you ever since I was fourteen years old." She moved his hand from her cheek and placed it directly over her heart beat. "Just listen, feel the rhythm of my heart. It's only ever beat like this for you.."

Harry cast aside all the other sounds, completely focused on Hermione's beating heart as it mimicked the sounds of his own. Thump thump, thump thump, thump thump. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.. She was declaring her love for him, something he'd been too cowardly to do in the midst of not wanting to muck up their friendship.

"I believe in us," She carried on, clasping her hand over his. "I also believe we have a chance to make something of our lives, together just you and me. Hell who am I kidding, it's always been you and me." A small chuckle escaped her lips, causing Harry to smile.

"I want to spend whatever time we have left on this earth kissing you every minute, of every hour, of every day if you'll let me. And no one has made my head spin quite like you." Hermione finished, giving some time for her words to sink into her best friend's head.. Hoping she didn't make a complete fool of herself.

After a few moments, nothing was said. Hermione mentally kicked herself, cursing under her breath about what an utter idiot she was. As she began to turn away from him, she felt Harry's hand fall from the spot on her chest and wrap around her wrist; pulling her body closer towards him. Harry let out a chuckle, causing Hermione to look at him in horror.

"What the hell is so funny, Potter?"

"Nothing, nothing at all." He replied before crashing his lips upon hers. Hermione's eyes went wide, before fluttering shut. All it took was one kiss for fireworks to explode around her.. She had dreamed of this moment for as long as she could remember and now her dream was finally coming true. 'He's kissing me!'

Harry pulled back from their kiss and placed his forehead on hers. "Thank you."

"What for?"

"For being brave.. For admitting something I've been battling with myself for doing for ages."

Hermione's heart swelled with joy at his words. "You mean you-"

"Love you too? Yeah, I have for quite some time." He replied, kissing her forehead tenderly.

"So this is it? We're doing this? Together?" She asked him with hope filling her voice.

"I wouldn't have it any other way, for I also believe in a thing called love."