Can't Make You Love Me

By

Ponderer

Chapter Nine

          Hermione sighed as she sauntered into the kitchen the next morning. She had barely slept at all the night before after waking up from her dream. It had been difficult to think about, admitting her love for Harry and all. Yes, she loved him, but only as a friend. She was tired of questioning herself and being upset at Harry. It wasn't just his fault because she had kissed him back. The only way to solve all this was to talk to him and figure it all out. And that's what she was going to do.

          Ginny was in the kitchen wearing a red robe making some coffee. She turned when she saw her friend enter, already dressed in some borrowed clothes. "Are you going out?" she asked quietly, and Hermione assumed Draco must have still been sleeping.

          "I'm going back home. I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay here last night. It means a lot to me that you let me," Hermione said, smiling slightly. The red head grinned back, before embracing the elder girl.

          "Hermione, you know I'd do anything for you. But, are you sure you'll be okay? Do you want me or Draco to come with you?"

          "No, I'm a big girl and capable of doing this. I can't run away everytime something like this happens. Everything will be fine. Just don't be surprised if I show up here later on, okay?" Hermione laughed and Ginny nodded.

          "I'll be waiting for all the details."

          Harry was silently working in the library when he heard the door open. He looked up in surprise when Hermione walked into the room, leaning cautiously on the doorframe. "Hi," she said quietly as he stood from his spot.

          "Hi," he replied, not knowing if he should move forward or stay put. Hermione decided for him when she stepped into the room. She watched him carefully from the corner of her eye to see him staring at her. She sat down on the couch, placing her hands nervously in her lap. "Hermione… I just wanted to say…"

          "No," Hermione interrupted him, putting her hand up to stop him. "I want to talk first, okay?" He soundlessly nodded, and when she motioned him to sit down, he did next to her, a few feet between them. "What happened the other night was unexpected. It was something I've been thinking about since I met you. I know I should have told you a long time ago, but gosh, I feel so silly talking about this…" she laughed, running her hand through her hair.

          "Don't, just tell me," Harry urged her.

          "Well, but you must promise not to laugh. I used to like you back in fifth year. It wasn't a major thing, but I just thought more about you than anyone else. I tried throwing myself into other things, homework and hanging around with Lavender and such, and I forgot my feelings. And everything went back to normal," she explained and he cracked a smile. "You said you wouldn't laugh!"

          "I'm not laughing. Just, shocked is all. It's ironic actually because I really liked you that year as well. I did for quite some time," he muttered, looking down at his hands.

          "How long?" she asked.

          "Four years," he answered, smiling sadly.

          "Wow, Harry, if only I had known," she replied. "But, that was then. We can't still have feelings like that. Do you?"

          Harry looked at her in surprise. Should he lie and say he didn't have feelings, or should he tell her what he had wanted to say forever? It was an extremely complicated situation and he wanted to run, somewhere where it wasn't so hard. "I'm not sure," he explained. Hermione's eyes got wide as he watched her. "That kiss brought back a lot of memories Hermione. I don't know what to do about it but just, go on."

          "Maybe that's all it was though. Just remembering came with the kiss. Something the younger you wanted," Hermione started, but Harry shook his head.

          "Do you honestly think that? Hell Hermione, I thought you were smarter than that," Harry gritted out, standing up to pace the room.

          "What do you mean? You weren't the easiest to ever understand Harry, and you've been my best friend for years!" she exclaimed.

          "Maybe not, but you were also something that I never had. The only girl I ever truly trusted. You were number one in my heart Hermione. Still are. I can't believe you don't understand that," Harry said, shaking his head.

          "Harry… I don't know what to say…" she said a few moments later. "Or maybe I do. I've been thinking all this time what the effects of that kiss gave me. I was never so confused and it was the first time I couldn't go to a book or anyone else to figure it out for me. But what I wanted the most, was to come back to you. I couldn't explain it, but it was pure instinct that whenever something went wrong, I came to you to help me."

          "I can't help you this time Hermione. This is something you have to do on your own. I'm in love with you, all right? I don't need some damn book to tell me that. I've known simply because I see your smile, or the way you look at me. That's how I know I love you. Because you're you, and that's all I think about. If you don't think you love me, that's fine. Tell me to get lost, and I will. I can't make you love me. I want to, bloody hell do I want to, but I can't. I'm not that powerful," Harry yelled, standing right in front of her, watching some tears fall down her face.

          "Harry…"

          "No. Look, I'm sorry if this is hurting you and for kissing you. But I've waited years to do it. I'm not sorry that I enjoyed it and I'm not sorry for doing it. But, I won't do it again. I promise you that."

          "Harry?"

          "What?" he exclaimed.

          "Can you kiss me once more? I need to see something," she explained and Harry looked at her unconvinced. "Please?" she asked but didn't wait. Instead, she planted the most passionate kiss on his lips. He tried to pull away from her embrace, the feelings he was receiving were too intense and he knew he'd do something he would regret but she wouldn't let him go. Her grip on his shoulders were so tight, he thought she would strangle him. But, she let go, breathing heavily and stepped back.

          "So?" he asked, "what did you see?"

          "That maybe you can't make someone love you, when they already do," she whispered. Harry started to grin, and leaned in to kiss her back.

                          * The End *

Author's Notes: This is the end, regretfully. I wanted to keep this going, but I can't see where to lead it to. I know myself though, that I will most likely start a new story sometime this summer for our favorite couple, but I make no promises.

I'm sorry if this ending really sucked, but I really wanted to end this. It's rather short, and stupid, but it's over. Am I sad? Yes, because I had the best reviewers ever! I want to thank every single one because you were the reasons why I wrote this as long as I did. So, thank you!!!!!!!! I would also like to thank the writer of the song 'Can't Make Me Love You': Bonnie Rait. The song fit the couple perfectly and it's the most romantic, sad song out there.

Please, keep watching for me, because you never know what will happen next!

Thanks!

- Ponderer