A/N: Prompted by Mini Saga Monday, Harmony & Co. 18+ 100 words or less that turned into more. A trope-y, little angsty then a bit of fluff ONE SHOT. No beta. A little something different for me.

Disclaimer: I own nothing

If the Horcrux Hunt went the Harmony Way

Hermione's sobbing is tearing Harry's heart apart. He wants to knock some sense into her. Repulsed at the thought, he tosses the evil locket on the table, knowing he would never hurt her. He thinks of how she's always been there for him, and how beautiful she is, inside and out. He was stupid to crush on Cho and Ginny, when she was right in front of him and now it's too late.

With another sob, he grabs her. He can't stand it anymore and snaps, "Damn it Hermione, that git isn't worth your tears!" Startled, by his harshness, she stops crying and stares up at him in confusion.

Seeing her shock, he pulls her into a hug. "I'm sorry. I just...I just hate how he's always treated you. And I hate...really despise myself for letting him do it. You deserve so much better."

She scoffs, relaxes into his so rarely initiated embrace. "Right Harry, who else would want the bushy headed, plain Jane, know-it-all?"

He sighs, knowing he's just asking for heartbreak and replies softly, "I would."

Her mouth forms an O and she looks up at him in surprise. "Harry?" He caresses her cheek, the tenderness in his expression answering her unspoken questions.

Not able to stand her stare, he releases her and turns his back to her, walking toward the table where he left the horcrux. He runs his hand through his hair. "I just wish I had realized it before you chose Ron."

She follows him, putting her arms around his waist resting her cheek on his back. "Oh Harry. I stayed didn't I? Not for the greater good. Not to be sure we find all the Horcruxes. Not for loyalty. Ron was right about one thing, I'll always choose you over him."

Harry turns around, hugging her, "But all the crying? If you don't...didn't. I don't understand."

"I never thought..."

Hermione blushes, and looks up at him, "Ron was, well, he acted jealous about Viktor, so I thought that he liked me. Then he left us and..." she pauses, biting her lip, looking down and her blush reddens more, "I know it's stupid, but...well I thought my only chance at having a relationship was over."

Harry gently tilts her chin up to look at him and sees the tears starting to gather again. Searching her face he asks, "You know that's not true, right?" Finally she nods. "I'm sorry that I made you feel that way." She shakes her head. He puts a finger over her lips. "Let me finish." She nods once and his hand falls to her shoulder. "I know I haven't shown or told you how much I appreciate you." She shakes her head again. "I want you to know how much I need you." She frowns a little. "Hermione, I'm not good with words. It's not just because your smart and clever and have always helped me with, well everything. You taught me how to care for people. How to love." He cups her cheek, and leans in, giving her time to pull away if she wants. Their first kiss is soft, slow and gentle.

Harry pulls back and rests his forehand on hers. Breathy he says, "I need you Hermione, so much. I swear I'll never intentionally hurt you. Would you, would you want to be my, well be with me?"

Hermione tightens her hold, "Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?" He pulls back, "Well yes, but 'girlfriend' just didn't feel like a good enough term for you."

She smiles and pulls Harry down into a kiss, pouring all her emotions into it. He's ecstatic. He knows they have a long road ahead, but is confident with Hermione by his side, they will accomplish all they set out to do.