Later, laying down on her couch with her head on Fred's chest, Hermione felt safe. She didn't know how Fred managed, but it was like his mere presence sheltered her from everything.
"Where have you been all my life?" Hermione whispered, not thinking she would get a response, but Fred surprised her.
"I was waiting for you to notice me," Fred whispered back, making Hermione look at him with raised eyebrows. "That night on the roof wasn't the first time I saw you, but it was the first time I gathered enough courage to talk with you."
Hermione was looking at him now, trying to wrap her mind around what he was telling her. She already felt Fred was perfect for her, but she never would have expected Fred to say something like that.
"How could I have never noticed you before?" Hermione asked, looking at him with wonder in her eyes. "I would never be able to let you go if I saw you."
Fred shrugged, which was weird while they were laying down. "I guess I was biding my time, and gathering my courage. I always felt you were amazing, but a little intimidating if I'm being honest."
"You thought I was intimidating?" Hermione asked, giggling at the thought. "Fred, I'm the least intimidating person I know."
"You have an aura around yourself that makes you look a little terrifying." Fred pecked her lips, making her smile. "The day we met, I saw another side of you, one I was very much interested in getting to know better.
"You were like a beacon, calling me with your light," he said, caressing her cheeks, that Hermione felt were warm, "You're an amazing person, Hermione Granger, and I can't wait to see what else I'm going to learn about you as long we're together."
She felt the tears in her cheeks before she realised she was crying. Hermione always dreamed about someone declaring their affections for her like that, but Fred's declaration surpassed all of her expectatives. She knew she had to say something back, but her mind was a swirl of emotions.
"I know we aren't together for long, but I know I wanted to be with you for as long as you'll have me," Fred continued, not waiting for Hermione's reply. "And I hope I didn't just screw my chances."
Holding Fred's head in her hands, Hermione kissed Fred with all the feelings she had for him. She was trying to show Fred how she felt, even though she was having difficulty putting it into words.
"I want to be with you for a long time too," she said, when they finally stopped kissing. "You're such an important person in my life, and I'm so glad you decided to talk to me when you did."
Looking at Fred's eyes, losing herself in those amazing blue eyes, she knew exactly what she wanted to say to him.
"Fred," Hermione said softly, smiling at seeing the same feelings reflected in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, she said what was in her heart, "I love you."