A/N: Yeah, I posted another chapter; so sue me! Geez, a girl can change her mind! Anyway, this chapter was actually inspired by something I found on the net the other day. It's listed under IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT at the bottom of the page. READ IT! IT'S IMPORTANT!

Disclaimer: Not mine.

I'll Be There

Chapter 2

Hermione was curled in the corner of the sofa before the roaring fire in the Gryffindor common room. Her arms were wrapped around her legs and her chin rested on her knees. A letter she'd received that morning lay beside her on the floor. It had the crumpled look about it that said it had been re-opened at least ten times.

She was so still, it was as if someone had come along and frozen her so that she would remain nothing more than a sad- looking statue.

Hermione didn't seem to hear the thunder that rumbled overhead and it appeared that, in whatever world she was currently lost in, her cat didn't exist. She was in fact, so lost in her own thoughts that she failed even to notice the arrival of Harry. This puzzled him, as he'd managed to stumble down the stairs loud enough to wake the dead.

" 'Mione? 'Mione, are you alright?"

The only response that Harry could find, was Hermione biting her lower lip, although he doubted the action was in answer to his question.

Extremely bewildered and more than a little worried, Harry moved Crookshanks and sat beside her. " 'Mione?" he said again and, so as not to startle her, gently took her hand.

After such a long period with no visible movement, Harry was shocked when Hermione turned her head to face him. "Hi Harry. Couldn't you sleep?"

He shrugged and said, "The thunder kept me awake. It seems louder than normal somehow. I kept thinking about you to."

Hermione appeared surprised at this. "Me? Why on earth were you thinking about me?"

"You've been so silent today and when you said you wouldn't be going up to bed when it was already so late, I guess I got concerned."

She smiled softly and gently squeezed his hand. "Oh Harry. That's sweet but you didn't have to be so worried."

"Really? You have a way of hiding when you need help."

"I'm fine, I promise. I've just been thinking about something."

"All day?"

Hermione thought for a moment then said, "Yeah, I guess so."

Harry was silent. He wanted to know what she'd been thinking about but didn't want to pry. She'd looked so sad and lonely before he'd said anything.

Looking around the room, Harry spotted the crumpled letter on the floor. Picking it up, he asked, "What's this?"

Seeing what he held, she smiled and replied, "The reason I've been thinking."

Harry's face visibly fell. "Oh." Silently, he continued, 'Just great Harry; really subtle.'

Almost reluctantly, Hermione said, "You can read it, if you want."

Confused and still gripping her hand, Harry turned his eyes to the letter and read the neat rows of letters printed there.

My dearest Hermione,

I've written not only to ask after your studies and express a father's love but also to bring you good news.

You cousin Hannah is getting married! The wedding has been set for the start of July so you'll be able to attend and still make your friend Harry's birthday. Isn't it wonderful news? We're all so happy and I just know you will be too.

Hannah's fiancée, Brian, is a great guy, Hermione. He has the best sense of humour and owns a bank. You're going to love him.

Well, I won't keep you any longer. Write back soon.

Love, Daddy.

Harry looked back at his friend, now more confused than ever. "I don't get it. Why would this make you sad?"

Hermione frowned. "Who said I was sad?"

"No one, but I'm not stupid 'Mione. I know you. I could see it in your eyes, even when you were dead to the world. Now, are you going to tell me or what?"

Hermione sighed, knowing he wouldn't let her get out of it. "Okay, fine. The letter arrived this morning. Of course, I read it and at first I was really happy. Hannah is the older sister I never had. She's only twenty-one and we used to play together. Anyway, it got me thinking about my life."

Harry nodded. "Right, go on. I'm listening."

Hermione swallowed. "I was thinking, 'I'm seventeen and I've had a total of two boyfriends. Sure, one was alright, for all that he couldn't pronounce my name and the other went behind my back and cheated on me'. Do you understand what I'm getting at?"

"I think so."

"Yeah, so, I guess I wondered about my future. Look at me, Harry. I'm such a nerd sometimes. Would you believe the goal I set for myself at the start of first year was to read all the books in the library at least once before I leave?"

Harry laughed. "I didn't know that. And have you?"

Hermione looked insulted. "Of course."

"Of course. So, why were you so miserable? I don't see why you should be."

"Harry, I'm a witch and not a particularly pretty one either. Who'd want to marry me?"

"Me." He'd said it before the response had crossed his mind.

"You?"

Harry was shocked but couldn't deny that it was true. "Yeah, of course I would."

Now, Hermione was the one who was confused. "B-but, why?"

"Well, because you're smart, witty, fun to be around, you know practically everything about me, I can talk to you about things Ron would laugh at and, despite what you might think, you are pretty. No, wait, that's wrong. You're not just pretty 'Mione. You're beautiful."

Hermione stared at him in silence as a blush crept into her cheeks.

It crossed Harry's mind that he'd rendered Hermione Granger speechless and figured he should be proud of himself. Instead, he kept talking.

"Hermione, you shouldn't put yourself down. Who cares how many boyfriends you've had? They don't make a difference in the end. To me, you're everything a girl should be. I measure all girls by you and, so far, none can compare. I-I guess I love you Hermione."

Acting on impulse, Harry took her other hand and kissed it and its twin before inclining his head towards her and gently pressing his lips to hers.

Her lips were soft and tasted like vanilla; she smelt of strawberries.

Pulling back, Harry stared into her eyes. It was odd, before that moment, they had always been just plain, old brown. Now, they were two pieces of milk chocolate.

Harry kissed her eyes shut then kissed her again. He didn't think he could ever get enough of this. Ron had given her up for a Hufflepuff? What had he been thinking?

Harry finally drew away and pulled her into his arms. He rested his cheek against her ear and whispered, "My 'Mione."

Hermione shuddered. Who knew two innocent words could hold so much meaning? She had always taken pride in the fact that she could notice everything even remotely important. How could she have missed the fact that she loved her best friend more than she thought she did?

"Hermione?" Harry asked softly.

To her, her name had never sounded sweeter. She snuggled closer to him and rested her head in the hollow of his throat. She sighed.

Harry chuckled. " 'Mione? Say something. Please?"

"I love you."

Harry smiled gently then it left his face. "Hermione…"

She pulled back and, her hands on his shoulders, looked into his eyes. "I know what you're going to say Harry but first, let me say this. I do love you. I didn't realise I did until now, but I do. I know you have to go off and rid the world of Voldemort but I don't care. I love you now and I'll love you then, just, please, make sure you come back."

Harry saw in her eyes that she wouldn't be deterred. He sighed and smiled again. "Now that I have you waiting for me, I don't think I have much of a choice."

"You've got that right!"

Harry yawned suddenly. "I guess I'll be able to get to sleep now."

Hermione nodded. "Me too."

Drawing her to him as he had done all those months ago when she'd comforted him late at night, he lay back. She pillowed her head on his shoulder.

"Goodnight Harry. I love you."

"Love you to. Night 'Mione."

They fell asleep, as they had done so many times before, but it was different this time. It would be different in the morning when they woke up and different three years from that moment when they woke up together married. That moment changed the rest of the lives, and they would never forget it.

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A/N: I think that's the end now, who knows, I may add another chapter. Review, please!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Surfing the net the other day, I found this trailer that had been remixed by a Harry/Hermione fan. It was soooooooo good. I tell you, it had me in tears. I advise that you go and have a look at it. The link is on my profile page. If it doesn't work, I've got directions for how to get to it. LOOK AT IT! You won't regret it, I promise.