Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of his friends, Ms. Rowling
does.
Author's Note: Thank you guys! As the next chapters have a lot of action, I thought of not testing your patience anymore. Hail Harry & Hermione. Enjoy!!
takari4ever7 : You got it!
solar : Here you go!!
sew2100 : When did I even say so? But I guess now everyone knows its not Draco.(or maybe not!!)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~~*~*
Chapter 10: The Prophesy
Ginny ran all the way to the common room to find Ron and Harry. She found them sitting in the corner doing some homework, away from Hermione. She gasped for breath and handed the daily prophet to Ron and Harry.
Breaking News:
There was an attack on the Ministry of Magic and minister Fudge was killed. A dark mark was found hovering over the ministry. The whole ministry is under panic. However, the panel decided to have someone they can trust to be the new minister.
Despite numerous followers, the election council rejected Lucius Malfoy and elected Arthur Weasley as the new minister.
"Dark times like these, need good measures to protect the innocent and protect we will", said Mr. Weasley.
"Alright Ron!" patted Harry and Ron went all red. Soon the whole Gryffindor came around and congratulated Ron, Ginny and the twins. Hermione wished Ron but did not speak to Harry.
During dinner, Hermione sat next to Ginny away from Harry and Ron. Harry looked at Ron who couldn't say anything. Even he didn't understand why Hermione is so mad. After all Harry did apologize and it was not his fault that he hid the facts.
After dinner, Harry dully walked towards headmaster's office and stopped at the gargoyle.
"Pepper Mints", muttered Harry to walk onto the staircase and then into Dumbledore's office.
"Harry! How are you feeling today?" wished Dumbledore.
Breaking his thoughts Harry looked up to see all the members of the Order of Phoenix seated around smiling at him.
Sirius walked forward and hugged him tight.
"Alright there Harry?" he wished
"Alright! Sirius" Harry beamed back.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and asked Harry to sit down.
"Yesterday! We had a startling but a wonderful discovery." He paused.
"We discovered that the founder's prophecy is indeed true" finished Dumbledore.
"Albus! What does that mean?" asked Snape puzzled.
"As per the Prophecy, we found the leader of Order of Light", said Dumbledore looking at Harry. Harry was puzzled. McGonagall stared and Moody smirked.
Before anyone else can say anything, Dumbledore spoke again.
"There was an ancient prophecy. The four founders together using their powers saw into the future and wrote a prophecy. The Prophecy speaks of dark times and an order to protect the light in the world. It goes like this:
When darkness spreads across
Plunging the worlds into chaotic loss
When despair fills the hearts
Evil rises and laughs
Will arise six defenders
With their power they render
This world rid of misery
Darkness and Treachery
Enormous Power they wield
Tremendous magic they shield
Behold the children of Might
For they form the Order of Light.
Dumbledore concluded looking at each of them.
"They also mentioned that the leader of the light will master all the elements, including life, while others might only control 1 or 2 elements. There are several other factors that are less important." Paused Dumbledore. Everyone nodded firmly.
"What.what does this mean Professor?" asked Harry shocked. He never expected to be someone so..powerful.
"Harry! You are the leader of Order of Light. You are the defender of the Light. There are five more members in the Order. You must find them soon, so that you can complete the order and train them to realize their capabilities." Said Dumbledore smiling. Sirius was grinning ear to ear.
"You possess Wand less magic, Ancient magic, Telepathy, Mind reading. You are a Psychokinetic and Shape shifter. There are other things that we can find out soon. Others possess these skills but not in full" he finished smiling at an amused Harry.
"Great! Some more super powers." muttered Harry
"Mr. Potter! Great power comes with greater responsibility. Do not throw them away. There is a reason for everything", said Moody reading Harry's thoughts.
"You will continue training with Me, Arabella, Sirius, Remus and Severes. Please make sure it is a secret. Once mastering all your powers, you will be more powerful than Voldermort. That is another reason that might make him attack you before you are ready." Completed Dumbledore.
"Great! My friends already knew about the training and are now mad at me. You want me to keep more secrets?" grunted Harry.
"I know Harry! I know that they were sneaking on your training under your precious cloak. That is why I did not reveal about the prophecy yesterday. I know they will help you in every way they can. Keep faith Harry!" said Dumbledore.
Harry looked at Dumbledore amazed.
"Now Harry! I know it might be a difficult search of finding other members. Here, this is the crystal of elements. Only the leader can activate it. Once activated, any member who touches it will emit five different light shades, representing five Elements and thus you can find them." Said Dumbledore handing him a crystal.
Harry carefully touched the crystal and immediately a bright glow surrounded him and the crystal blinding others with light. After a few seconds, the brightness left leaving Harry and the crystal, which is emitting little light around.
"Harry! I am so proud of you." Hugged Sirius.
Harry thanked the Order again and left for the common room. 'One more trouble as if I have less. Where am I going to search for the members?' he thought as he slept.
* * *
For the next three days Hermione completely avoided Harry. He tried to talk to her, ran after her but she never gave him a chance. But in her mind her love towards Harry increased further despite her anger. She didn't know what to do. One side she wanted to talk to him, be there for him. On the other side she was still angry for Harry ignoring her and not trusting her.
'I love him so much and he doesn't even trust me. How would he then love me? What should I do? I can't talk to him, but wait.I want to.hell he doesn't care. Damn! Conscience' Hermione cursed herself.
Hermione was walking towards library thinking about Harry.
'How can I stop thinking about him all the time? Why in the world Harry Potter will love me? I mean, I am one of his best friends, but that doesn't mean that he'd like me. I am just a bookworm with a mass of bushy hair. I don't even look as gorgeous as all those girls that run after him. I also just screwed up my friendship with him. But.gosh.I still wish to feel him love me.oh...' She walked into Pansy Parkinson and dropped her bag.
"Oh.Sorry! Mumbled Hermione. Sitting down and picking her books.
"Watch where you are going mudblood! You disgust me", hissed Parkinson.
At the same time Her and Harry's picture from 5th year after Harry won the Quidditch cup fell out of her books.
"What is that? You fancy Potter don't you?" sneered Parkinson. This is her chance to hurt Hermione, which she immediately took up.
"Listen Granger, you are not even close to the least matching girl that Potter can get. Look at yourself. You are a looser, a walking disaster and a stupid know-it-all bookworm. You think Harry deserves you? I bet he pities you. Wake up and let him have what he deserves" Parkinson smirked and rushed past her pushing her away.
Hermione choked back her tears. Parkinson's words were still ringing in her ears. She picked her bag and walked, not towards library, but to her dorm. She threw her bag and dropped on the bed sobbing.
'She is right. I mean, Harry is famous. He deserves better. Why do I even fancy him? There is no way in the world that he will love me. I am just a bookworm...' she wiped her tears and slept the evening away.
Harry was in the library waiting for Hermione. He wanted to confront and apologize about hiding facts with her. He felt he couldn't possibly live further with her not talking to him. After a while he walked back to their common room where he didn't find Her.
"Ron! Did you see Hermione?" asked Harry
"No mate!" replied Ron.
Harry walked silently to his dorm. He crept on to the bed and closed his eyes to a silent sleep.
The next morning he didn't see Hermione anywhere during the breakfast. She did however run into Transfiguration class, but did not sit near Harry. She sat next to Ron. He knew something is up with her, but thought of asking her later. As soon as the class is over she stood up and ran to Arithmancy class, ignoring Harry calling her from behind.
"Ron! Why is she running away? I wanted to apologize for what I did, but she doesn't even give me a chance", mumbled a sad looking Harry.
"Don't worry mate. Atleast I hope I can talk to her."
Harry felt awful the next day. He was upset with himself and wouldn't talk to anyone.
Later that day, Ron got hold of Hermione after lunch.
"Hermione! What's wrong with you? Why are you running away from us?" asked her.
"Nothing Ron! Why would I run away from you?" retorted Hermione.
"Oh! Then it is Harry you are running away from. He did apologize for his doings and beside you knew that Dumbledore forbid him from telling anyone, right?"
'Damn! I never knew he can come back so fast' thought Hermione.
"Nothing Ron! I am just busy. I will see you later" and she ran past him.
Ron walked back to an expecting Harry. "Sorry mate!" sighed Ron.
Harry grimly nodded and stared at the direction she ran.
* * *
Harry has decided to confront Hermione somehow. He knows that she wouldn't sit in the common room if he were around. So he took his invisibility cloak and sat in a corner waiting for her to walk in.
As expected she walked down from her dorm, making sure Harry isn't there, she walked into a couch opening a book. Moonlight was draping her figure shadowing her.
'Oh! She looks so gorgeous. I wish I could sit next to her. I just wanted to feel her lips....' Harry quickly cam back to his senses and made sure there is no one around.
He quietly walked near her and pulled his invisibility cloak. He was standing behind her. "Hermione!" he whispered.
Hermione startled and whipped around.
"Harry! You gave me a fright."
"Hermione! Why are you running away from me? I did apologize to you and wanted to make it up. I told you that Dumbledore made me promise not to tell anyone. And I know this doesn't justify, but please, can't you forgive me?" asked calmly.
Hermione didn't know what to say.
" I don't know what you are talking about Harry. Why would I run away?" she lied.
"Please Hermione. I know you are doing it and I don't know why. But next time you are mad at me, please hex me or kill me than do this. I feel awful. That's the worst thing that can happen to me. You and Ron are my family. Please don't push me away" Harry said very sincerely.
The words stung Hermione like needles in her heart. She felt really foolish and angered with herself. She never thought of what her behavior might do to him. Emotions ran high and her eyes welled up with tears running down her face like a downpour.
This confused Harry. "Hermione! I am sorry if I upset you. I didn't mean to hurt you. I will leave you alone." before Harry can complete, Hermione jumped on him and hugged him tight, her tears wetting his pajama top.
"Harry.Oh.Harry! What did I do? Please forgive me. I was behaving the worst possible way and I can never forgive myself. I never meant it Harry." her voice was lost in sobs and she hiccupped due to heavy emotions.
Harry kissed her forehead and brushed her hair. 'Gosh! How I love her hair, her everything. I wish I can love you forever and ever.' He sighed
"Calm down Hermione. It is going to be Ok. We are best friends and will be forever" said Harry, wiped her tears.
'How calming his touch is. How soothing his words are and Oh! Harry I want you to be mine. I want you to be more than my friend. Merlin! If only I can say these words....' these mere thoughts brought more tears for her.
Hermione looked up into his eyes. They both were hugging close still. She wanted to break or make that night. She could not live another guilty day without knowing how Harry felt about her.
"Why Harry? Why do you care so much about me? I know we are best friends. But you really care about me, probably more than Ron." She paused.
"What?" Harry gasped, not knowing what to say.
"What is it with you Harry? Why do you not want to go out with Cho? Why do you spend time in library with me more often?" tears streaming down her face.
Harry got scared. She is asking him for an answer.
"Hermione.I...I" he stammered.
"Why do you stand by me all the time? Why Harry? Why?" Hermione pressed further.
Harry couldn't take it anymore. "Because....because I love you Hermione" he spat.
"Harry!"
"I love you more than life itself. You are the single most important one for me. You are the reason why I have hope in my life." He waited to breathe.
Hermione is speechless. Never in her wildest dreams she thought he'd love her.
"There I said it. Now I give you enough reason to hate me."
Tears poured over her red cheeks, drenching her robes. Hermione forgot to breathe.
Harry was taken aback, feeling that he was the cause of her grief.
"I am really sorry Hermione! But I needed to tell you the fact. I promise that I will not be in your life anymore. You memories are enough for me to survive for the rest of my life." he started to walk away from her, feeling very dejected.
Hermione suddenly jumped onto Harry again catching him off guard. Both fell onto the carpet as Hermione hugged him very tight.
"Harry....please don't. I love you too." She stammered between her sobs.
"Wha....what?" asked a shocked Harry. He couldn't believe his ears. "Harry! I love you so much. I love you more than anything. You are my world Harry. You don't know how I longed to hear those words from you. I was waiting to hear those for years. You made my life Harry." Hermione continued sobbing.
Harry was awestruck.
"Hermione! Is it...Is it true?"
"Yes Harry. I can't believe how lucky I am" Hermione laughed with tears.
Harry's eyes also gave in with happiness. "Me too Mione! Me too"
They both stood up and hugged each other for a few minutes. Harry looked into her eyes. Emerald green eyes stared into cinnamon brown ones. They locked their gaze and slowly their heads closed on. Their quivering lips met for the first time in their life. Explosions took place in their hearts as Harry pressed his lips onto hers.
Hermione felt herself weak in the knees and she gave in. Harry caught her and laid her on the couch. They continued kissing and Hermione's tongue rubbed his lips. Smiling, Harry gave in. Their tongues intertwined, tasting every corner of each other's mouth. That was the sweetest thing ever for her. They didn't know how long they kissed. Need of air broke their kiss. They took shallow breaths and looked at each other's eyes gleefully.
Being unable to control each other, they leaned for a more passionate kiss. Harry snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her into him while Hermione hugged his neck and pulled him closer. They continued kissing each other for a long time. No one wanted to give up. They longed for this moment for years and now it is happening. This was too much for Harry. Hermione on the other hand is giddy with happiness. The Harry Potter is in love with her, a bookworm. She couldn't believe that this is happening.
Hermione pulled back and looked at him.
"What is it Mione" whispered Harry, not liking her to pull back.
"I still can't believe it Harry, that you love a bookworm like me, leaving out all those pretty girls over me....." she was hushed up by Harry immediately.
"Hermione! You are the most beautiful person to me. Being smart is even more beautiful and I love every aspect of you. I like your hair, love your eyes. I like you for being smart, confident and best of all YOU. Don't let anyone else say different. You are the sweetest thing I ever saw and I am grateful to god for letting me be your friend. Best of all, you are not like all those girls who want to be with me for my fame and name. You were a true, loyal and brave friend. I love you always and forever and nothing can change it" finished Harry.
Hermione swelled with happiness. Her face lit up like a thousand suns dawning. Her eyes started raining again, out of sheer happiness.
"Oh! Harry. I so needed to hear that. You made my life." And kissed him even fervently.
Now it was Harry's turn for doubts. He loved her the most. But why did she love him so much?
"Mione! Why me? I mean you dated others before. I am not as handsome as some others. My hair is messy, I have glasses and I am a menace for all around me?" he was immediately silenced by another short but passionate kiss.
"Harry! Don't you dare think like that! You are the most handsome boy I can ever find. I like your eyes so much. They make me melt into a puddle. The funny glasses are the best as well. As far as your hair goes, I wouldn't have it any other way. It makes you look so cute. Above all, you are a wonderful person and a great friend. I don't care death for you Harry. I wouldn't loose you for my life. You can change nothing about it" Hermione said smiling.
"Oh Mione!" Harry couldn't take it anymore. After another passionate kiss of fierce fighting for supremacy, Hermione asked him. "When did you actually start loving me Harry?"
Harry scratched his head. "Mione! I always liked you. During our first year, when you helped me I loved your smartness. During second year, when you were petrified, I loved your dedication towards our friendship and I realized how much I missed you. In third year, I loved your boldness in helping me free Sirius. In fourth year, I loved your loyalty through the tournament. In fifth year, I loved your determination in helping free Sirius from the charges and all through, though I am such a thick head, I loved you all the way. I only realized it when you kissed me after the tournament." Said Harry smiling.
"What about you Mione?"
"How about the troll incident?" smiled Hermione.
"What?.. Wow! You could have said something earlier Mione. That would have saved so much trouble" accused Harry mockingly.
"Harry! I was scared of loosing your friendship. Besides I wanted to know your feelings too. I feel bad to use Ron in."
"What! Were you not in love with him?" Harry surprised.
"Of Course I love him as a friend. But don't you dare think otherwise." Warned Hermione making Harry shake his head smiling.
"What about you Harry? Why didn't you tell me? I have a reason to believe that you wouldn't like me as you are famous and handsome."
"Oh Mione! I hate being famous. But I was afraid of the same reason as yours. I at least wanted to be closer to you as friend than be away. I never thought you would love your best friend after you broke up with Ron."
"Enough is enough Harry. Let's not waste our time anymore. Show me your kissing power Romeo!" smirked Hermione.
"Is that a challenge?" mocked Harry and kissed her again. Hermione pushed him and crawled onto him kissing....
'HARRY POTTER IS ALL MINE!!!!!' shouted Hermione mentally.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Cool huh?
Author's Note: Thank you guys! As the next chapters have a lot of action, I thought of not testing your patience anymore. Hail Harry & Hermione. Enjoy!!
takari4ever7 : You got it!
solar : Here you go!!
sew2100 : When did I even say so? But I guess now everyone knows its not Draco.(or maybe not!!)
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~~*~*
Chapter 10: The Prophesy
Ginny ran all the way to the common room to find Ron and Harry. She found them sitting in the corner doing some homework, away from Hermione. She gasped for breath and handed the daily prophet to Ron and Harry.
Breaking News:
There was an attack on the Ministry of Magic and minister Fudge was killed. A dark mark was found hovering over the ministry. The whole ministry is under panic. However, the panel decided to have someone they can trust to be the new minister.
Despite numerous followers, the election council rejected Lucius Malfoy and elected Arthur Weasley as the new minister.
"Dark times like these, need good measures to protect the innocent and protect we will", said Mr. Weasley.
"Alright Ron!" patted Harry and Ron went all red. Soon the whole Gryffindor came around and congratulated Ron, Ginny and the twins. Hermione wished Ron but did not speak to Harry.
During dinner, Hermione sat next to Ginny away from Harry and Ron. Harry looked at Ron who couldn't say anything. Even he didn't understand why Hermione is so mad. After all Harry did apologize and it was not his fault that he hid the facts.
After dinner, Harry dully walked towards headmaster's office and stopped at the gargoyle.
"Pepper Mints", muttered Harry to walk onto the staircase and then into Dumbledore's office.
"Harry! How are you feeling today?" wished Dumbledore.
Breaking his thoughts Harry looked up to see all the members of the Order of Phoenix seated around smiling at him.
Sirius walked forward and hugged him tight.
"Alright there Harry?" he wished
"Alright! Sirius" Harry beamed back.
Dumbledore cleared his throat and asked Harry to sit down.
"Yesterday! We had a startling but a wonderful discovery." He paused.
"We discovered that the founder's prophecy is indeed true" finished Dumbledore.
"Albus! What does that mean?" asked Snape puzzled.
"As per the Prophecy, we found the leader of Order of Light", said Dumbledore looking at Harry. Harry was puzzled. McGonagall stared and Moody smirked.
Before anyone else can say anything, Dumbledore spoke again.
"There was an ancient prophecy. The four founders together using their powers saw into the future and wrote a prophecy. The Prophecy speaks of dark times and an order to protect the light in the world. It goes like this:
When darkness spreads across
Plunging the worlds into chaotic loss
When despair fills the hearts
Evil rises and laughs
Will arise six defenders
With their power they render
This world rid of misery
Darkness and Treachery
Enormous Power they wield
Tremendous magic they shield
Behold the children of Might
For they form the Order of Light.
Dumbledore concluded looking at each of them.
"They also mentioned that the leader of the light will master all the elements, including life, while others might only control 1 or 2 elements. There are several other factors that are less important." Paused Dumbledore. Everyone nodded firmly.
"What.what does this mean Professor?" asked Harry shocked. He never expected to be someone so..powerful.
"Harry! You are the leader of Order of Light. You are the defender of the Light. There are five more members in the Order. You must find them soon, so that you can complete the order and train them to realize their capabilities." Said Dumbledore smiling. Sirius was grinning ear to ear.
"You possess Wand less magic, Ancient magic, Telepathy, Mind reading. You are a Psychokinetic and Shape shifter. There are other things that we can find out soon. Others possess these skills but not in full" he finished smiling at an amused Harry.
"Great! Some more super powers." muttered Harry
"Mr. Potter! Great power comes with greater responsibility. Do not throw them away. There is a reason for everything", said Moody reading Harry's thoughts.
"You will continue training with Me, Arabella, Sirius, Remus and Severes. Please make sure it is a secret. Once mastering all your powers, you will be more powerful than Voldermort. That is another reason that might make him attack you before you are ready." Completed Dumbledore.
"Great! My friends already knew about the training and are now mad at me. You want me to keep more secrets?" grunted Harry.
"I know Harry! I know that they were sneaking on your training under your precious cloak. That is why I did not reveal about the prophecy yesterday. I know they will help you in every way they can. Keep faith Harry!" said Dumbledore.
Harry looked at Dumbledore amazed.
"Now Harry! I know it might be a difficult search of finding other members. Here, this is the crystal of elements. Only the leader can activate it. Once activated, any member who touches it will emit five different light shades, representing five Elements and thus you can find them." Said Dumbledore handing him a crystal.
Harry carefully touched the crystal and immediately a bright glow surrounded him and the crystal blinding others with light. After a few seconds, the brightness left leaving Harry and the crystal, which is emitting little light around.
"Harry! I am so proud of you." Hugged Sirius.
Harry thanked the Order again and left for the common room. 'One more trouble as if I have less. Where am I going to search for the members?' he thought as he slept.
* * *
For the next three days Hermione completely avoided Harry. He tried to talk to her, ran after her but she never gave him a chance. But in her mind her love towards Harry increased further despite her anger. She didn't know what to do. One side she wanted to talk to him, be there for him. On the other side she was still angry for Harry ignoring her and not trusting her.
'I love him so much and he doesn't even trust me. How would he then love me? What should I do? I can't talk to him, but wait.I want to.hell he doesn't care. Damn! Conscience' Hermione cursed herself.
Hermione was walking towards library thinking about Harry.
'How can I stop thinking about him all the time? Why in the world Harry Potter will love me? I mean, I am one of his best friends, but that doesn't mean that he'd like me. I am just a bookworm with a mass of bushy hair. I don't even look as gorgeous as all those girls that run after him. I also just screwed up my friendship with him. But.gosh.I still wish to feel him love me.oh...' She walked into Pansy Parkinson and dropped her bag.
"Oh.Sorry! Mumbled Hermione. Sitting down and picking her books.
"Watch where you are going mudblood! You disgust me", hissed Parkinson.
At the same time Her and Harry's picture from 5th year after Harry won the Quidditch cup fell out of her books.
"What is that? You fancy Potter don't you?" sneered Parkinson. This is her chance to hurt Hermione, which she immediately took up.
"Listen Granger, you are not even close to the least matching girl that Potter can get. Look at yourself. You are a looser, a walking disaster and a stupid know-it-all bookworm. You think Harry deserves you? I bet he pities you. Wake up and let him have what he deserves" Parkinson smirked and rushed past her pushing her away.
Hermione choked back her tears. Parkinson's words were still ringing in her ears. She picked her bag and walked, not towards library, but to her dorm. She threw her bag and dropped on the bed sobbing.
'She is right. I mean, Harry is famous. He deserves better. Why do I even fancy him? There is no way in the world that he will love me. I am just a bookworm...' she wiped her tears and slept the evening away.
Harry was in the library waiting for Hermione. He wanted to confront and apologize about hiding facts with her. He felt he couldn't possibly live further with her not talking to him. After a while he walked back to their common room where he didn't find Her.
"Ron! Did you see Hermione?" asked Harry
"No mate!" replied Ron.
Harry walked silently to his dorm. He crept on to the bed and closed his eyes to a silent sleep.
The next morning he didn't see Hermione anywhere during the breakfast. She did however run into Transfiguration class, but did not sit near Harry. She sat next to Ron. He knew something is up with her, but thought of asking her later. As soon as the class is over she stood up and ran to Arithmancy class, ignoring Harry calling her from behind.
"Ron! Why is she running away? I wanted to apologize for what I did, but she doesn't even give me a chance", mumbled a sad looking Harry.
"Don't worry mate. Atleast I hope I can talk to her."
Harry felt awful the next day. He was upset with himself and wouldn't talk to anyone.
Later that day, Ron got hold of Hermione after lunch.
"Hermione! What's wrong with you? Why are you running away from us?" asked her.
"Nothing Ron! Why would I run away from you?" retorted Hermione.
"Oh! Then it is Harry you are running away from. He did apologize for his doings and beside you knew that Dumbledore forbid him from telling anyone, right?"
'Damn! I never knew he can come back so fast' thought Hermione.
"Nothing Ron! I am just busy. I will see you later" and she ran past him.
Ron walked back to an expecting Harry. "Sorry mate!" sighed Ron.
Harry grimly nodded and stared at the direction she ran.
* * *
Harry has decided to confront Hermione somehow. He knows that she wouldn't sit in the common room if he were around. So he took his invisibility cloak and sat in a corner waiting for her to walk in.
As expected she walked down from her dorm, making sure Harry isn't there, she walked into a couch opening a book. Moonlight was draping her figure shadowing her.
'Oh! She looks so gorgeous. I wish I could sit next to her. I just wanted to feel her lips....' Harry quickly cam back to his senses and made sure there is no one around.
He quietly walked near her and pulled his invisibility cloak. He was standing behind her. "Hermione!" he whispered.
Hermione startled and whipped around.
"Harry! You gave me a fright."
"Hermione! Why are you running away from me? I did apologize to you and wanted to make it up. I told you that Dumbledore made me promise not to tell anyone. And I know this doesn't justify, but please, can't you forgive me?" asked calmly.
Hermione didn't know what to say.
" I don't know what you are talking about Harry. Why would I run away?" she lied.
"Please Hermione. I know you are doing it and I don't know why. But next time you are mad at me, please hex me or kill me than do this. I feel awful. That's the worst thing that can happen to me. You and Ron are my family. Please don't push me away" Harry said very sincerely.
The words stung Hermione like needles in her heart. She felt really foolish and angered with herself. She never thought of what her behavior might do to him. Emotions ran high and her eyes welled up with tears running down her face like a downpour.
This confused Harry. "Hermione! I am sorry if I upset you. I didn't mean to hurt you. I will leave you alone." before Harry can complete, Hermione jumped on him and hugged him tight, her tears wetting his pajama top.
"Harry.Oh.Harry! What did I do? Please forgive me. I was behaving the worst possible way and I can never forgive myself. I never meant it Harry." her voice was lost in sobs and she hiccupped due to heavy emotions.
Harry kissed her forehead and brushed her hair. 'Gosh! How I love her hair, her everything. I wish I can love you forever and ever.' He sighed
"Calm down Hermione. It is going to be Ok. We are best friends and will be forever" said Harry, wiped her tears.
'How calming his touch is. How soothing his words are and Oh! Harry I want you to be mine. I want you to be more than my friend. Merlin! If only I can say these words....' these mere thoughts brought more tears for her.
Hermione looked up into his eyes. They both were hugging close still. She wanted to break or make that night. She could not live another guilty day without knowing how Harry felt about her.
"Why Harry? Why do you care so much about me? I know we are best friends. But you really care about me, probably more than Ron." She paused.
"What?" Harry gasped, not knowing what to say.
"What is it with you Harry? Why do you not want to go out with Cho? Why do you spend time in library with me more often?" tears streaming down her face.
Harry got scared. She is asking him for an answer.
"Hermione.I...I" he stammered.
"Why do you stand by me all the time? Why Harry? Why?" Hermione pressed further.
Harry couldn't take it anymore. "Because....because I love you Hermione" he spat.
"Harry!"
"I love you more than life itself. You are the single most important one for me. You are the reason why I have hope in my life." He waited to breathe.
Hermione is speechless. Never in her wildest dreams she thought he'd love her.
"There I said it. Now I give you enough reason to hate me."
Tears poured over her red cheeks, drenching her robes. Hermione forgot to breathe.
Harry was taken aback, feeling that he was the cause of her grief.
"I am really sorry Hermione! But I needed to tell you the fact. I promise that I will not be in your life anymore. You memories are enough for me to survive for the rest of my life." he started to walk away from her, feeling very dejected.
Hermione suddenly jumped onto Harry again catching him off guard. Both fell onto the carpet as Hermione hugged him very tight.
"Harry....please don't. I love you too." She stammered between her sobs.
"Wha....what?" asked a shocked Harry. He couldn't believe his ears. "Harry! I love you so much. I love you more than anything. You are my world Harry. You don't know how I longed to hear those words from you. I was waiting to hear those for years. You made my life Harry." Hermione continued sobbing.
Harry was awestruck.
"Hermione! Is it...Is it true?"
"Yes Harry. I can't believe how lucky I am" Hermione laughed with tears.
Harry's eyes also gave in with happiness. "Me too Mione! Me too"
They both stood up and hugged each other for a few minutes. Harry looked into her eyes. Emerald green eyes stared into cinnamon brown ones. They locked their gaze and slowly their heads closed on. Their quivering lips met for the first time in their life. Explosions took place in their hearts as Harry pressed his lips onto hers.
Hermione felt herself weak in the knees and she gave in. Harry caught her and laid her on the couch. They continued kissing and Hermione's tongue rubbed his lips. Smiling, Harry gave in. Their tongues intertwined, tasting every corner of each other's mouth. That was the sweetest thing ever for her. They didn't know how long they kissed. Need of air broke their kiss. They took shallow breaths and looked at each other's eyes gleefully.
Being unable to control each other, they leaned for a more passionate kiss. Harry snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her into him while Hermione hugged his neck and pulled him closer. They continued kissing each other for a long time. No one wanted to give up. They longed for this moment for years and now it is happening. This was too much for Harry. Hermione on the other hand is giddy with happiness. The Harry Potter is in love with her, a bookworm. She couldn't believe that this is happening.
Hermione pulled back and looked at him.
"What is it Mione" whispered Harry, not liking her to pull back.
"I still can't believe it Harry, that you love a bookworm like me, leaving out all those pretty girls over me....." she was hushed up by Harry immediately.
"Hermione! You are the most beautiful person to me. Being smart is even more beautiful and I love every aspect of you. I like your hair, love your eyes. I like you for being smart, confident and best of all YOU. Don't let anyone else say different. You are the sweetest thing I ever saw and I am grateful to god for letting me be your friend. Best of all, you are not like all those girls who want to be with me for my fame and name. You were a true, loyal and brave friend. I love you always and forever and nothing can change it" finished Harry.
Hermione swelled with happiness. Her face lit up like a thousand suns dawning. Her eyes started raining again, out of sheer happiness.
"Oh! Harry. I so needed to hear that. You made my life." And kissed him even fervently.
Now it was Harry's turn for doubts. He loved her the most. But why did she love him so much?
"Mione! Why me? I mean you dated others before. I am not as handsome as some others. My hair is messy, I have glasses and I am a menace for all around me?" he was immediately silenced by another short but passionate kiss.
"Harry! Don't you dare think like that! You are the most handsome boy I can ever find. I like your eyes so much. They make me melt into a puddle. The funny glasses are the best as well. As far as your hair goes, I wouldn't have it any other way. It makes you look so cute. Above all, you are a wonderful person and a great friend. I don't care death for you Harry. I wouldn't loose you for my life. You can change nothing about it" Hermione said smiling.
"Oh Mione!" Harry couldn't take it anymore. After another passionate kiss of fierce fighting for supremacy, Hermione asked him. "When did you actually start loving me Harry?"
Harry scratched his head. "Mione! I always liked you. During our first year, when you helped me I loved your smartness. During second year, when you were petrified, I loved your dedication towards our friendship and I realized how much I missed you. In third year, I loved your boldness in helping me free Sirius. In fourth year, I loved your loyalty through the tournament. In fifth year, I loved your determination in helping free Sirius from the charges and all through, though I am such a thick head, I loved you all the way. I only realized it when you kissed me after the tournament." Said Harry smiling.
"What about you Mione?"
"How about the troll incident?" smiled Hermione.
"What?.. Wow! You could have said something earlier Mione. That would have saved so much trouble" accused Harry mockingly.
"Harry! I was scared of loosing your friendship. Besides I wanted to know your feelings too. I feel bad to use Ron in."
"What! Were you not in love with him?" Harry surprised.
"Of Course I love him as a friend. But don't you dare think otherwise." Warned Hermione making Harry shake his head smiling.
"What about you Harry? Why didn't you tell me? I have a reason to believe that you wouldn't like me as you are famous and handsome."
"Oh Mione! I hate being famous. But I was afraid of the same reason as yours. I at least wanted to be closer to you as friend than be away. I never thought you would love your best friend after you broke up with Ron."
"Enough is enough Harry. Let's not waste our time anymore. Show me your kissing power Romeo!" smirked Hermione.
"Is that a challenge?" mocked Harry and kissed her again. Hermione pushed him and crawled onto him kissing....
'HARRY POTTER IS ALL MINE!!!!!' shouted Hermione mentally.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Cool huh?