This is a Harry Potter fanfiction, with plot elements borrowed from the Star Wars universe. I do not own the rights to either franchise.

This is a recreation of the execution scene on Geonosis in Attack of the Clones where Padme finally admits her feelings to Anakin, except this is translated in the Harry Potter universe. This is planned to be a two-parter with a bit of a surprise in the second (and final) installment. Enjoy.

"I'm so sorry, Severus."

The familiar, deliberate drawl of Lucius Malfoy reached the ears of his old friend Severus Snape, but they provided no comfort. The Master of Malfoy Manor, clad in his usual black with matching walking stick, slowly approached Snape, who was bound by a full body-bind curse and locked in a cage.

"Forgive me, Severus," continued Malfoy. "I tried to plead on your behalf, but Bella would not have any of it. The Dark Lord has made us all aware of the price of betrayal. The price of failure."

Malfoy was greeted only by silence. Severus could only look at his friend and mentor with a look of disappointment, perhaps even a hint of disdain.

"The best I could bargain for was a quick death, Severus. As for these two… rapscallions, they will not be so fortunate, I'm afraid," he said, gesturing towards an unconscious Harry and Hermione laying on the floor, battered and bruised.

Malfoy took a step closer to his old friend. "Severus, you were always a good friend to me. I will always remember you fondly. You're intelligent, industrious, and passionate, but sadly, your loyalty left a little something to be desired."

Malfoy's lip curled into a slight smirk. "Because of your efforts, Albus Dumbledore is dead, old friend. But why did you waste your time and talents on that old fool? Surely you knew that he had no chance of succeeding against the Dark Lord."

Malfoy's smirk gradually transformed into a sneer as he approached the unconscious Harry and Hermione. He gave them each a couple of swift kicks. "Get up," he barked. "A bailiff will arrive in a few minutes to escort you to the arena for your executions."

Malfoy turned around to leave the dark chamber holding the three condemned prisoners. "Farewell, Severus," he said, turning back one last time to face his old friend. "And good riddance, Miss Granger and Mister Potter," he added with a snarl as he stormed out.

Harry rubbed the back of his head, feeling sore from head to toe. He helped Hermione up from the floor, and grabbed her in a tender embrace. "I'm so sorry, Hermione," were the only words that he could think of at the moment. He paused. "I failed in our mission. Worse, I failed you. I always saw myself dying for you, not with you."

Tears filled Hermione's eyes. The pain and regret in Harry's voice was just too much for her to bear. Just a few short months ago, Hermione had already lost Ron, just like Harry lost Ginny. The Death Eaters had demolished the Burrow, and nearly all of the Weasley family inside it. Only Bill, Charlie, and George were left of the lovable Weasley household.

Harry could barely look at Hermione. The sweet, innocent, beautiful Hermione. She was beaten and bruised like Harry, but the expression on her face was not one that he had ever seen before. He had seen pain and anguish in her lovely liquid brown eyes before, but never defeat. Teardrops freely fell on her cheeks as she continued to embrace Harry.

"Harry," she squeaked between sobs, feeling utterly hopeless. It's now or never, she thought. "I know this isn't the best time to say this, but…"

Hermione looked away from Harry for a moment, knowing that it was so difficult for her to tell her best friend. Painful, even.

"I… love you, Harry Potter. I truly, deeply, love you," she whispered into his ear.

Stunned, Harry wasn't sure what to think. He knew he always loved Hermione, but he wasn't sure if he ever loved her that way. She was a very close and faithful friend all these years, but he always thought the love he felt for her was more of a protective love than feelings of romance.

Scrambling for answers, he searched his feelings, and discovered that deep down, he indeed loved her that way. Somehow, he always did. "Hermione," he began with a slight smile. "When I met you on the Hogwarts Express for the very first time, I wasn't quite sure what to think about you."

He tried to lighten the mood. With a laugh, he continued. "You came across as a bit bossy and omniscient." Hermione, still sobbing a bit, giggled, fully remembering their first rather awkward meeting as first-year students.

"But in time, I found out there was a lot more to you than being that prudish, bushy-haired bookworm. You are gifted in so many ways. You're incredibly intelligent, you're kind, caring, honest... and frankly, also the most beautiful person I've ever met. I'm incredibly grateful to have been your friend all these years. Until now, I wasn't sure if there was any love, other than a devotion to protect you from a fate such as this, but the seed was indeed planted. Like a tree, love takes time to grow and blossom. And in our darkest hour, it's in full bloom."

Harry smiled gently at Hermione. "I love you, Hermione Jean Granger. I love you with all my heart, and I always will." He held her tightly to his chest.

Hermione beamed at Harry, tears falling more than ever. The fearful tears however were fully replaced with tears of joy. "I love you with all my heart, James Harry Potter." Harry was very rarely called by his full name, and always went by Harry to differentiate himself from his father, but the way Hermione said it, it just sounded so… right, so… perfect.

Harry's lips tenderly met Hermione's, and they kissed deeply and passionately for the first time. To Harry, Hermione's kiss felt different than Ginny's kisses. Sure, Ginny had passion, but there was a certain… connection between Harry and Hermione that seemed to be lacking between Harry and Ginny. It's as if Harry and Hermione were supposed to have always been together.

The way Hermione felt about Harry's kiss, it was certainly different too. She missed Ron's affections, but the way Harry kissed her, there was something that it had that Ron's lacked. Again it was not an issue of passion, but something more meaningful than that. The way Harry kissed her, Hermione actually felt safe. Like, everything was going to be all right. If anyone could make her feel safe in this moment, it was going to be the Golden Boy himself.

They gently broke off, as Harry wanted Hermione to hear the encouragement with her ears and not just her heart. "We're not dead yet, Hermione," he whispered to her, gently stroking the side of her cheek. "I promise I'll find a way to get us out of this mess. And Professor Snape, too."

To be continued...