I can't help it. I've fallen in love. Hopelessly. One day I hope he feels the same way. But he doesn't know. I haven't even told him, much less had any kind of meaningful conversation with him. But those stolen glances tell me that maybe he is thinking of me too. If anything, the hell we went through has taught me that life is too short. Life can be hard. I'm going to fight back by loving hard. And I'm going to start with him. And I need to tell him now.

I need him in my life. I know I will give him everything he wants. When I do, I will get everything I want. I want to be full of him. He consumes my every thought.

I am looking at him from across the hall. I am hoping my eyes are conveying everything I feel for him. He arches one perfect eyebrow.

He knows.

How could he not? I feel like we've been doing this dance for years. I just want to feel him in my arms. I want to climb that tall slice of heaven until my lips find his, then lock my legs around his waist while throwing my arms around his neck.

Okay, today is not the day.

God, where is my Gryffindor bravery? Slinking out the door like the coward I am. Oh well. Reality would probably never come close to the fantasy of him. I need to go back to my room and regroup. I am in the hall leading to my Tower.

"Hermione! Wait…"

I turn around and he is striding towards me. Before I know it, my feet are walking me to him. We meet and am standing just centimeters apart.

"Need to tell me something?"

I look up at those lips, so full and tempting. I wonder how they taste? I hope I am about to find out.

"You already know. Tell me what you know."

"That you've fallen hopelessly in love with me. You dream about me every night and find all your waking moments consumed by me. You're done living a fantasy and have finally found the courage to tell me because you want to make this your reality. You can not live one more minute without me in your life. You will give me everything, your heart, mind, body...in fact, I know you are dying right now, for me to grab you and lift you up so you can finally kiss me with your full luscious lips.

"You're using your legilimency to read my mind, aren't you?" I should have known. But in the end, this is what I set out to tell him after all, and I was glad he finally knew.

"Not at all, I was actually telling you what I feel, in the hope that it matched exactly how you feel.

"Oh yes, yes it does! Everything, practically down to the words."

I stand on my tiptoes to reach his mouth. He puts his hands underneath me and lifts me up. I lock my legs around his waist, and throw my arms around my neck. I look into those beautiful grey eyes and see everything he feels for me. I know mine are reflecting back the very same thing. His nose nuzzles mine and I laugh a little. Then his mouth is on mine. Oh, those lips are so soft, and taste like Fuji Apple. Sweet, juicy, decadent. His tongue is poking out and I open up for him.

I will open up for him in more ways than one.