Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
A/N: So, here it is! The final chapter! It's finally here! YAY! So, before you soak it all in, I'd like to warn you that it may be slightly disappointing. Anways, READ, ENJOY, AND REVIEW!
When dinner was over, Hermione and Ginny rushed back to the girls' dormitory. Hermione showered and dressed into the outfit that was chosen an hour prior. Ginny arranged Hermione's hair so that it hung loosely in soft curls and applied little make up, but enough to make her cinnamon-colored eyes stand out wonderfully. When Hermione was finally ready she could easily have been the most beautiful girl in Gryffindor.
Ginny insisted on accompanying Hermione to at least the door to the library, since she would be unwelcome at the table. The latter agreed, relieved that she wouldn't be walking there alone. Ginny was chatting excitedly about the meeting on which they were on their way to and made Hermione promise that she'd tell her everything as soon as she got back to the dormitory. Hermione politely listened to Ginny's chattering, but inside she was shaking like crazy. It was nerve-racking to think that in a few minutes, she would finally be meeting the man who loved her. Although, Hermione would never admit to it, she really hoped that it was Ron she would see sitting at that table.
In too soon of a time they arrived at the massive door to the library. Hermione gave her friend a hug for support and comfort and opened the large door like she'd done so many times before.
Hermione slowly and nervously made her way to her usual table. She ignored the heads of the boys turning to face her in awe and desperately tried to get herself to relax and did her best not to sweat and shake. As she inched closer and closer to what lay ahead of her she could hear her heart pounding in her ears. Her footsteps seemed to echo in the enormous library. Finally, although too soon for Hermione, her note-sender sat just around the corner from where she now stood, and she was too terrified to continue. Anxiously, she tucked her hair behind her ear and smoothed out her clothing. She inhaled deeply and softly closed her eyes before proceeding around the humungous bookshelf. She slowly counted to three and opened her eyes. A small gasp escaped her lips.
There he was, just like the note said. He was sitting there, casually reading a book with his fiery red hair tidier than usual and going very well with the outfit he was now wearing. His gorgeous blue eyes followed the words with deep interest. He seemed unaware that she was standing there, staring at him. She took the time to observe the man in front of her and happiness pervaded throughout her whole body, mind, and soul. It was her best friend sitting there, the one man she wanted it to be all along. Could this really be him, or was it just another chimera?
It took Hermione a while to find her voice, and when she did she hardly knew of the perfect greeting to use.
"Ron?" she managed to squeak out.
Abruptly Ron's eyes lifted and widened at the picturesque sight of Hermione. She was gorgeous and he immediately stood up. But what could he say now?
"Hi, Hermione." That was good enough he supposed. "I told you he'd come, didn't I?"
Hermione was too shocked, ecstatic, and nervous to think of anything good to say.
"It's you?" Hermione replied.
Ron's ears turned red. He stammered as he spoke. And as he spoke his eyes were glued down at his hands, afraid of meeting those cinnamon eyes of hers.
"Y-yeah. It is me. Look, I'm sorry for putting you through this. I understand I'm probably not the man you hoped was going to be sitting here. I know I am not the most intelligent male and am certainly not that special or talented in any way. Even though we scream and yell at each other on a daily basis I just want you to know that I love you. I love you, Hermione and I had to tell you. I realize that our friendship may very well be ruined, but I had to get this out into the open. I hope we can still be friends despite how I feel about you I promise that I will find some way to get over you."
Ron's ears turned even redder after his little speech. He looked up at Hermione and saw a puzzled expression. He couldn't read her this time. So, he became convinced that she didn't feel the same way and prepared to leave.
"I'm sorry, 'Mione. I really should go," he muttered.
Hermione could not suppress a smile.
"Ron," she said simply.
Apparently Ron didn't hear her and continued to leave.
"Ron," Hermione repeated.
"Yeah?" Ron answered suddenly, turning around and apprehensively lifting his eyes up to meet hers.
"Don't say that."
"W-what? Why?" he stuttered, thinking that there still might be hope for the two of them after all.
Hermione approached Ron and curled her arms around his neck.
"I wanted it to be you," she replied. When Ron looked at her confused, Hermione giggled and continued, "I love you too, you git."
Ron snaked his arms around the small of her back. He pressed his forehead against hers and he smiled his lopsided grin. Hermione laughed and leaned in to the kiss she knew Ron wanted to give her. Suddenly their lips touched and the world began to spin. The kiss was perfect: simple, yet sweet and passionate. The epitome of a perfect first kiss. It was only them, and it always would be. Until, of course, Madam Pince stepped in.
"Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley!" snapped Madam Pince. "There shall be no displays of affection in the library whatsoever! The library is a place of studying and reading, and since you two are doing neither, I suggest you leave immediately and come back only when you learn to keep your emotions to yourselves."
Ron and Hermione blushed and apologized sheepishly before hurriedly walking past the fuming librarian and exiting the silent library, ignoring snickers of, "Finally!" and "It's about bloody time!"
Ron and Hermione leisurely walked back to the common room, hand in hand and closer than either of them thought they would ever be. They whispered and laughed amongst themselves until reaching the Gryffindor common room. Ron wanted Hermione to stay with him a little bit longer, and even tried to bribe her with a kiss. But Hermione insisted that she best go to the dormitory since she had promises that she needed to keep. So, with many more kisses they parted, happy and complete.
A/N: So, what'd you think of it? Good, bad, so-so, what! I'm dying to know what you think. I'm sorry for those of you who are disappointed withthe ending. I tried to make it great. I really did. I certainly did my best. But I really hope you liked this fic. So, you know what to do. Review, please!
