Hermione's eyes fluttered open as the blinding light streamed in through her window. Her eyes scanned the room and she realized that she was the only person occupying the room. She stretched her arms above her as she sat up and checked the small analog clock that sat on her bedside table. Hermione gasped. It was twenty past eleven! Hermione was usually awake by seven or eight. She climbed out of bed and slipped on a dressing gown and her favourite pair of bunny slippers and padded out the door, down into the common room.
Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas were playing wizard chess by an open window and Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown were giggling over the latest issue of Witch Weekly.
"Hermione!" Lavender called out. Hermione turned to face her.
"You sure slept in." She said, bursting into a fit of giggles again.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know, Lavender. Do you know where Harry and Ron are?"
Parvati and Lavender shook their heads and turned their attention back to Witch Weekly. Hermione sighed and dashed back up to the Sixth Year girls domitory to get dressed. After putting on a pair of jeans and a cardigan, she left Gryffindor Tower, in the search of her best friends. She waved hello at Nearly Headless Nick as she passed him and greeted Neville and Luna on their way to the Great Hall.
"Hello Hermione!" Luna said pleasantly, in her usual dreamy voice.
"Hi Luna, Hi Neville. Have you seen Harry and Ron anywhere?" She asked.
Neville and Luna shook their heads apologetically and Hermione went on her way.
She decided to try the beech tree by the lake where they often went to study or just to hang out. As soon as she got close enough to see it, she saw two figures sitting under the tree's large branches. Hermione instantly recognized Harry's jet black hair and Ron's bright orange hair.
"Harry, Ron!" She called out. They turned and Harry's face lit up, smiling shamelessly.
Hermione ran down to them and jumped into Harry's arms. He hugged her tightly while Ron stood there awkwardly. He cleared his throat and Hermione and Harry let go of each other.
"Sorry, Ron.." Hermione said, blushing softly.
Ron shrugged. "S'okay."
The trio sat back down, with Harry in the middle. He put his arm around Hermione and they all stared out at the lake.
"We would have woken you, but the charm put on the girls domitory stopped up. And Ron didn't want to ask Lavender to go up for us, so we just thought you'd know to come here. Are you alright, Hermione?" He asked, pulling her hair out of her face.
She nodded sadly. "Yes, I'm fine. I just.. I can't understand why someone would do such a thing to Crookshanks."
Hermione struggled to hold back tears and turned away from Harry. He put both arms around her now and gave her a small kiss on the cheek.
"I'm sorry. It's okay to cry," He said.
Ron nodded. "Yeah, Mione, we're your best friends. You can cry in front of us if you want."
Hermione turned back around and nodded, a few tears slipping from her large, chocolate eyes. Harry clasped her tighter, pulled her into his lap and rocked her, as he had done the previous night.
"Uh, I think I'll leave you guys to it. I'll go hang with Neville for a while. Er... see you at lunch, yeah?" said Ron, standing awkwardly, trying not to look for too long at the sight before him. It was just too weird, seeing his two best friends being this... affectionate.
Harry looked up at Ron and smiled apologetically. "Alright. See you, Ron."
Ron nodded and climbed up the small hill that lead back to the castle.
"He felt too weird, didn't he?" Hermione asked, her breath tickling Harry's neck.
"Yeah. But he'll get used to it, we just need to give him some time. I mean, we did sort of spring it on him."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "Yes, we did. But I've always liked you, Harry."
He raised his eyebrows. "Oh, really?" He said flirtaciously.
Hermione simply nodded, her lips breaking into a smile.
"Well, I liked you ever since Second Year, when you were Petrified. I was so afraid that you would die or would be stuck like that forever. It really made me realize my true feelings for you." Harry admitted, turning slightly red.
Hermione's face softened and she gave Harry a kiss on the lips.
"You're too kind." She whispered, settling her head back onto Harry's shoulder.
Harry checked his watch and saw that it read ten to twelve. "It's nearly time for lunch. We should leave now," He said, slowly letting go of Hermione.
She nodded. "Yes, I suppose you're right."
She climbed off Harry and stood up. Harry stood too, and they left, fingers interlaced within each others.
A few days later, Hermione was rummaging through the library, trying to look for a book that would spark her interest. Lately, she had been finding books that seemed interesting but only captured her attention for a chapter or two.
She craned her neck to look up at one of the higher shelves, when two strong but skinny arms wrapped around her waist.
"Harry!" She shrieked, laughing.
Harry kissed her on the cheek and planted his chin on her shoulder. "Whatcha looking for?" He asked.
Hermione sighed. "I'm trying to find a book that won't bore me to tears before the third chapter. The books I've been reading lately aren't really what I'm looking for."
Harry considered this for a minute. "Maybe it's not the books." He said, looking away.
Hermione's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Harry released her from their embrace and took her hand instead. "Maybe the grief has finally become too much. I think you're having trouble concentrating because of Crookshanks and I know you miss him," said Harry, taking Hermione's other hand. "Come on, let's leave this place. We'll go somewhere and we can talk, alright?"
Hermione nodded. Harry lead her up to the seventh floor. "The Room of Requirement?" Hermione gasped.
Harry nodded. "Yup. I think we need it right now, don't you?" He walked past it three times, thinking very hard.
I need a place where Hermione and I can talk.
After the third pace, a small oak door appeared. Harry gave her a grin and they entered the room.
The room was quite large and was decorated very tastefully. The walls were a dark purpley colour and the creamy carpet was fluffy. A large window was in plain sight and showed a beautiful view of the Black Lake. Facing the window was a large, comfy couch, decorated with various cushions.
"Shall we?" Harry asked, giving her a flirtacious wink.
Hermione rolled her eyes, laughing. She took a seat on the couch. Harry sat down next to her. He put his arm around her and then pulled her closer to his body.
"Hello," He said, grinning stupidly.
Hermione laughed. "You're an idiot." She whispered.
Harry brushed her nose with his, still grinning. "Mione?"
She was staring outside the window, taking in the stunning view. "Mm?" She murmured, still transfixed. How had she never noticed Hogwarts' breathtaking beauty?
"I love you." whispered Harry.
Hermione's concentration broke and she turned to look at Harry. "Wh-what?" She stuttered, obviously caught off guard. Her heart was pounding.
Harry was still grinning. "I said I love you."
She nodded, now smiling. "I thought that's what you said. I love you too, Harry."
Harry slid down the couch so that he was lying on his back and pulled Hermione down with him. She leant her head on his chest and they lay there for what seemed a lifetime.
"Do you want to talk about Crookshanks now?" Harry whispered, playing with a curly strand of hair.
"No, thank you. I just want to be with you, right now." Harry let out a small chuckle and stroked her hair.
Eventually, the pair fell asleep, happily embracing.
Hope you enjoyed that! I know I haven't really revealed much about the Crookshanks thing, but in due course, you will find out :D Review please.