This is inspired by the Ed Sheeran song "Perfect". I do not own HP or the song. No copyright has been abused as I am making no money from this story. Thank you, hope you enjoy.

Dancing in the Dark

He looked over toward her. She looked so sad. His green eye searched her face, taking in her puffy, red rimmed eyes and salt stained cheeks. He had no idea how to help her.

She stood slowly and walked over to the corner. She needed something soothing, something comforting. She pulled out a small radio from her ever present beaded bag and placed in on the corner table. She hoped it would work but thought it should since radio waves should be able to penetrate the wards she placed to keep them safe. She was thankful she remembered the batteries. She turned in on and started to turn the dial until she was able to get a clear signal. It was a muggle station and as she listened she recalled the song and gently began to hum the melody. She resumed her seat, still tired and distraught but feeling somewhat lighter than before. Maybe, the music would be good for him as well. She felt so terrible for him. She knew he had suffered so much in his life. Contrary to what some might believe, her upset was more for him than herself. Everyone he cared about left him. Either voluntarily or not. His parents, his godfather, and now his best friend. She had refused to leave with Ron. She could never betray Harry like that. She knew she was his friend, but Ron was his best friend, she was just the consolation prize. But that didn't matter to her, she loved him and would never desert him, never.

He watched her as she got up and set up what looked like a muggle radio. He heard her start to hum lightly to herself. She seemed lighter now. He was glad of anything that would lift her spirit. He knew she must have felt betrayed, after all she was in love with Ron, right? If it wasn't for her sadness, he couldn't have cared less the git was gone. He didn't need another fair weather friend. He knew Hermione would never leave him. Still being here with him in this Merlin forsaken tent, on this doomed to fail mission, proved that beyond a doubt.

As he continued to watch her hum, her body swaying slightly with the music as she read, a sudden idea came to him. He got to his feet and slowly approached her, hoping not to startle her peace. As the shadow of his frame fell over the book she was reading, she looked up at him questioningly. He simply grabbed her hand and gently pulled her to her feet, leading her away from the table into the open space of the tent.

"Harry? What are you doing? I'm a mess right now."

He simply pulled her closer, swaying to the music and whispered underneath his breath "You look perfect tonight."

Not getting an answer, she decided to just enjoy the feeling of comfort and friendship and rested her head to his shoulder and closed her eyes. He likewise rested his cheek on the top of her head, finding comfort in the smell of her hair and warmth of the body against his. Just dancing in the dark with her in his arms was more perfect than he ever thought he would find in his messed up life.

As they both had their eye closed, enjoying the moment of peace in the chaos, neither saw the warm golden glow surrounding them. The tent faded away and they were soon dancing barefoot on a grassy meadow. Magic had heard the silent plea in each of their hearts.

As they danced, Harry, though unaware of the changed surroundings, let his mind wonder over his life with the girl in his arms. She was so beautiful and sweet, kind to everyone. His mind flashed to some of their moments together. It was almost like how your life flashes before your eyes the moment before your death. Only now he could see it as an outsider, from a different perspective. As he watched, he noticed the recurring theme. In every big moment of his life since her had met her, Hermione was there, always by his side, always believing in him. He suddenly realized what she was to him. She was stronger than anyone he knew. Brave and loyal, a women who shared his dreams and knew his secrets. Something he had never had with anyone else.

As they danced, the images changed. He saw them together fighting against all odds. Her face and features fierce as she battled the surrounding death eaters, watching his back as he battled Voldemort. He caught her in his arms, as she launched herself at him in celebration of their victory. "Darling just dive right in and follow my lead. Your heart is all I own and in your eyes, you're holding mine." Now he saw a future. Something he never imagined he might have. Hermione, her beautiful face alight with a smile, the one she only gave to him. The one she gave every time she saw him. Her eyes overflowing with love, her hands caressing her swollen belly. He pulled her close and kissed her slow.

As he slowly seemed to come back to himself he realized, it had all just been a dream. The music had changed but Hermione was still in his arms. In that moment he made a decision. He pulled away slightly, though she seemed hesitant to allow the separation. She opened her eyes as he gently cupped her chin and angled to face to his.

"I never knew you were the someone waiting for me. I was just a kid when I fell in love, not knowing what it was, but I will not give you up this time. I see my future in your eyes."