Harry was confused when Hermione left him at the feast. But he thought maybe she needed her sleep or needed to rest a bit. It was a big day for her. It was a big WEEK for her. And she even said that she didn't sleep well knowing he was motionless. She was probably tired.

Ah, the trusty fire. Once again. Harry was laying on his back on the couch, almost asleep when he heard the squeaking of the staircase yet again.

Harry sat up leisurely. He saw Hermione standing there in her pajamas. Just…staring at him.

"Hermione?" Harry said. She didn't say anything.

He got up and walked around the couch and leaned against the armrest.

"Hermione? Something wrong?" He asked once again.

She stepped off the last step of the stairs and slowly walked towards Harry, not looking at him. She looked off to the side. Harry stood up straight and took a few steps towards her.

She stopped right in front of Harry. She brought her arms up just a tiny bit and then stopped. She looked at her hands. She stared at the backs of them and then her palms. She then started to bring them up again.

She placed her arms around Harry's stomach, laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes. She let out a loud breath of relief.

Harry wrapped his arms around her and laid his head on Hermione's. They stood there in each other's grasp. Harry didn't know why she was doing this but he returned the loving hug. After about 10 minutes, Hermione, little by little, eased her grip around Harry's stomach. And finally let go and looked away from him.

Harry leaned his head to the side and looked at Hermione. He took her hands in his.

"What was that for?" He asked.

"An apology. I feel awful." She replied.

"An apology? Hermione. You don't need to apologize. You didn't do anything." He said.

She slid her hands out of his.

"Didn't I? I almost got you killed Harry!" She said as she sat down on the armrest.

"Hermione, that wasn't your fault."

"Yes it was. You always help me out even if it means you almost dying." She walked over and sat on the large window sill, looking up to the moon.

"It's just, you're always there for me. I feel bad because I'm never there for YOU."

"Hermione." He started but Hermione held up a finger to let her finish.

"You always save my life. From the very beginning, you saved me from drowning, you saved me from knives and Angel. She stabbed you yet you are standing here asking me not to apologize. I never do anything for you."

Harry walked over and sat down next to her.

"Hermione." He whispered.

"You have done more for me then any other person could do." Harry gazed at her with a soft appearance.

Harry looked in her eyes. Watching the moon's reflection in the melted chocolate. Hermione turned to face Harry. She huddled next to him and laid her head on his shoulder. Both were silent. After a minute or so, Hermione leaned back up and stared back out the window. Harry watched her.

"I'm so stupid for letting you do that. I should have just taken care of things myself. I shouldn't have dragged you into my problems." She whispered.

"Hermione." Harry said sensitively. She looked at him.

"Don't say that. You're not stupid. You are the smartest girl I have ever seen. You are so many things. Smart, confident, kind…(he said the last thing a little more quiet.)…beautiful."

Hermione tilted her head a little bit to the side with a hint of a questioning look on her face. Harry didn't know if she heard the last thing or not.

He reached up and pushed a piece of her hair behind her ear and placed his hand on the side of her face. Hermione put both of her hands over Harry's hand on her cheek and leaned into it. This was the most wonderful feeling she could ever experience, she closed her eyes. Harry took his hand and stroked her head. Following pieces of her hair. He stuck to a strand of hair that led him to her chin.

Hermione opened her eyes.

Harry put his other hand up to her face and slid it down to her chin. He slowly leaned in and she closed her eyes once more. He tenderly kissed her on the lips. Hermione was wrong, THIS was the most wonderful feeling she could ever experience. It was better then wonderful, it was amazing, incredible, remarkable, beyond belief…she could go on and on and on and on. She didn't want this moment to end. Neither did Harry.

He gently released and pressed his forehead against hers. Their noses almost touching.

"You mean so much to me Hermione." Harry said quietly.

"I do?"

"You mean the world to me."