A/N: I would just like to quickly mention two incredible reviews I stumbled upon today. One was written by 'FunCube' and another was written by a guest called 'Zeth'. These two wrote reviews which were literally my exact thoughts when I wrote chapter 16. I'm still blown away that I have such smart and observant readers and it's great to see that people understood and supported that chapter.

In that moment when Harry and Ron fight, I could have picked many different scenes for them to discuss. I was thinking of the Horcrux scene in the forest, and I was also thinking about Ron bashing. But I settled on that particular idea becuase I think that it's what the real Harry would do. At that moment in their fourth year, he didn't really understand his feelings for Hermione; he was confused becuase he never loved anyone. So when he realised that Ron might 'fancy' Hermione... he gave her up to keep the trio together and mostly becuase he couldn't decipher his feelings for her. I'm glad people understood that part of the chapter. I know Ron felt slightly out of character, which is why I'm donating the first quarter of this chapter to him since we never got the chance to see inside his head during the whole fight.

I'd also like to point out that I'll be jumping between perspectives in this chapter. I usually separate the scenes when I jump character thoughts, but there are too many emotions to cover in this chapter xD


Before I met you,

I felt that I couldn't love anyone,

That nobody would be able to fill the void in my heart,

But all that changed when I met you.

- Kieth Hank


Chapter 17: What is Right?

Ron was in his room with Ginny who was helping him pack. There was an awkwardness in the room and Ron decided to point it out.

"Are you sure everything is ok?" he asked.

Ginny nodded, "I guess it all just happened rather quickly… still a little surprised at the whole thing." She confessed.

Ron smiled and turned back to his drawer, "I know what you mean."

Ginny chuckled, "When have you turned so wise and understanding of everything? I mean, I did not expect you to be back so calm and happy. Did Harry confund you or something?"

Ron laughed, "I wouldn't be surprised if he did. No, I think it's the whisky. I'm pretty sure the whole thing will come back to me tomorrow when I wake up." He explained, folding a pair of jeans.

Ginny sat on his bed, "So, where exactly are you going?"

"Charlie's."

"Sounds like a plan. I don't know what to do."

Ron turned around to face his sister, "You don't have to do anything. The situation between you and Harry is not same as it is with me and Hermione. Things over here are a little more complicated."

Ginny smiled, "I guess your right. Harry was very sweet about the whole thing. I thought I would be angry… but I just couldn't. I think it's because I knew I would be in the wrong. But that doesn't explain why you're not all shapes of furious right now."

Ron shrugged, "I spoke with him… and I understood him. I also understood another thing…"

"Which is?"

Ron smiled, "Harry loved Hermione. He always has. He's loved her for longer than he knew. He just didn't know it. You and I both saw it between them. Everyone saw it."

Ginny nodded, "that's true. I feel guilty for pushing her away from him."

Ron sat down next to Ginny, "What do you mean?"

"I knew Hermione liked Harry for a while now… but I just chose to ignore it. I even went to lengths of asking her for advice on how to behave around him. And to my biggest surprise, she actually told me what to do… a year later, Harry started dating me."

Ron smiled, "I always said that Hermione knows Harry better than even he does."

Ginny gave a weak smile, "It just feels so unfair on both of them. They never had the chance to speak reveal their feelings because of what I did."

Ron patted her on the shoulder, "It wasn't just you, Ginny. I think I pushed them apart more than anyone else… all those years of jealousy and suspicion. I think it's good we realised it both before it was too late. Merlin knows if we never pushed them, they would have probably never revealed those feelings."

Ginny nodded, "I think you're right about that. They're both so reluctant from showing true feelings… I can easily imagine them trying to live a false life… not ever showing the truth. It's good they did."

Ron knew from the start that his feelings for Hermione weren't the same as Harry's; his feelings generated from jealousy, whereas Harry's were of genuine interest and attraction. Not that Ron didn't find Hermione attractive, but he never showed it. And on the day he first showed his true feelings… Hermione cried. Her evening at the Yule Ball was concluded with tears… and it was all thanks to Ron and his insecurities.

The same happened in the tent during the Horcrux hunt. Of course, Ron was under the influence of the locket, but those were his true feelings. He spoke of his suspicions straight to Harry and Hermione… and Hermione still chose Harry. All of this came to him in that hallway at Grimmauld Place; when he finally realised that Harry deserved Hermione more than Ron ever would.

Ron wasn't sure of his feelings… he was too scared to ever admit them. Even in the chamber of secrets, when they kissed for the first time… he didn't say what he felt. Because the truth was that he didn't even know. He knew it might be love, but now he also knew that it wasn't that kind of love; the kind of love which makes husband and wife… the kind of love which creates families.

Ron also decided that it was time to stop fighting the truth; he dreaded the idea of Harry taking Hermione from him. All those years, it was always Harry Potter, the boy who lived, the youngest Quidditch seeker of this century, the winner of the Triwizard tournament, the chosen one… the vanquisher of the dark lord. Ron didn't want Harry to have Hermione too, so he fought against it. But now he knew; Harry could have chosen anyone… but he chose Hermione… his best friend who never left his side, the person who always tried to keep him safe, the person who always admired and believed in him. Harry chose Hermione because she was the first person he ever loved, she was his soulmate. Ron finally understood that, and he was ready to accept it.

He smiled at his thoughts.

"What is it?" Ginny asked.

Ron turned to face her, "I think I finally broke my emotional range of a teaspoon. I think it's a decent tablespoon by now."


Harry was still sitting at the table, enjoying another glass of firewhisky. It was his fourth one, and he knew it was time to stop. He corked the half-empty bottle and placed the glass in the sink. He turned to see Kreacher standing right in front of him.

"Master should not drink. It is bad for Master's developing body."

Harry felt ashamed. He knew it he was still far too young to be drinking alcohol like that.

"I'm sorry, Kreacher. It was just this one time… I promise it won't be a regular thing."

Harry didn't feel drunk. He actually felt more sober than ever; his mind was clear and he felt as if he could manage just about anything at this moment. But he promised himself to not drink again for a long while.

The elf bowed to Harry, "Kreacher does not want Master Harry to make the same mistakes as Master Regulus did." He confessed and disappeared.

Harry's mind filtered the elf's words for a while before he heard another pop in the hallway. He also realised it was time to start thinking of protective wards around the house. People shouldn't be able to just apparate inside his house. But this time, he didn't mind as it was the only person he wanted to see right now.

Her eyes were puffy and red. He hoped he would never need to see her in this state again. He hoped the war would be the end of it. But he promised himself one thing; he will do all he can to make Hermione happy from now on, no matter what it takes. Even if it means he can't be with her.

"Hey" she smiled.

Harry was puzzled at her smile but responded with an equally wide grin, "Hey."

A lot of things were going through Hermione's head; Does he know? Does he feel the same? But she decided to wait until he answered those thoughts.

She approached him slowly, before taking hold of his hands, "Harry…" she began, but her voice was cut off by his sudden hug.

"I'm sorry, Hermione." He muffled into her shoulder, "I screwed everything up."

Hermione squeezed his hands, "Harry… I don't think you did… I think you actually set things right."

Harry pulled away at her words, even more puzzled than before, "You and Ron… are you?"

Hermione nodded, "I'm still a bit surprised by him. He took it so… differently."

Harry smiled, "I think he was surprised himself."

Hermione gave a weak smile.

"Hermione… I… there's so much I want to say… but I'm just so lost for words right now." He confessed.

She looked into his eyes, "I think I would just mumble the whole way through, to be honest."

They both laughed.

"What a day…" Harry sighed,

"Couldn't agree with you more."

Hermione knew her questions would have to wait until tomorrow. But her anxiety was starting to fade as seconds passed and yet, he did not let go of her waist. He was holding her differently, with no restrictions. She couldn't explain why, but she liked this new discovery.

They both stood in each other's arms for a good minute when Harry spoke again.

"I think we should both get some sleep."

Hermione nodded and led him up the stairs to the where they both stopped at each other's doors.

"Would you like to sleep with me?" Harry asked, his heart hammering.

Hermione smiled, "Are you scared I might get nightmares?" She asked playfully.

Harry shrugged, "I just need you close to me. I don't think I ever want to leave your side ever again."

Hermione's face burned at his words. She would never get used to this; It was too amazing. She took hold of his hand and looked him in the eyes.

"I would love to sleep with you." She whispered and kissed him on the cheek.

Her kiss did not help his beating heart as it started thundering in his chest. Harry smiled and led her to his bed on which they both collapsed and wrapped themselves in each other's arms under the covers. Neither of them bothered to change clothes.

"There is only one thing I can tell you without fainting today." He confessed.

"What's that?" she smiled.

Harry stared into her chocolate brown eyes for a long while before those words came to him. He knew it was time to reveal the truth. He didn't care about anything else anymore. He's been hiding the truth for too long.

"I love you, Hermione."

She gazed at him as he spoke, tracking his lips and eyes. She was shocked, of course. Both of her questions were answered, but millions of new thoughts rose with his words; Really? Since when? I love you too! And for the first time, she knew she could tell him the truth; there was nothing holding her back this time.

"I love you too, Harry."

He was also shocked to hear her words. It also seemed like he had a lot of questions himself, but all that could wait until tomorrow. Right now, all that mattered was that they were together and they both finally knew the truth. Finally.

They fell asleep in each other's embrace.


Harry was walking down the marble staircase. Memories were collapsing on top of him as he took each step. He finally reached the bottom when he saw the two of his best friends, now a couple. He took his steps gently as they saw him.

"Harry!" Hermione cried and stood up to face him.

"We thought you went to the forest!" Ron gasped in relief.

"I'm going there now." He informed.

"What!"

Harry passed them both without a word when Hermione grabbed his arm.

"What is it, Harry?"

He turned to face her. She looked beautiful, even with her bruises and dirty clothes. It was the one thing that never changed since the yule ball; Hermione was always beautiful in his eyes from that day.

"There's a reason I can hear them, the Horcruxes… I think I've known for a while… and I think you have too." He confessed.

Tears started to leave Hermione's eyes, "I'll go with you!" she cried.

"Kill the snake… then it will be just him."

Neither of them could speak anymore. They did the only thing they could, and hugged.

Her grip was tight around his arms, he felt safe in them. Harry wanted to relish this moment. He breathed in the smell of her hair. Somehow, it still smelled wonderful despite all the chaos she faced.

He wanted to tell her, right there and then. He wanted to confess his confused feelings for her… the things he felt in the tent. But Harry knew he couldn't do that to her. He realised it when his eyes fell on Ron who was looking at them both. They shared a quick glance which was enough of a goodbye. Harry knew he could only take one.

Hermione was with Ron, and Harry was walking to his death. He couldn't leave her with those feelings. He gave her a brief squeeze and started to pull away, only to realise that her grip was not loosening.

"Please don't go" she whispered.

Harry didn't respond. He couldn't. He feared that one more word would break him completely. He finally pulled away and looked deep into her chocolate brown eyes, admiring the beauty which she was.

He paced towards the entrance when he turned around one last time to see Hermione standing strong, Ron sitting on the steps behind her. He realised she stood at the very same spot in which he first saw her at the Yule Ball. Her beauty became even more noticeable with age. He gave her a final smile and turned to face the main courtyard, towards the forbidden forest.

It was only at the edge of the woods when he realised why he was smiling; Hermione was the first and last girl he ever hugged. That was a thought to die with, It really was.


Harry woke up in the middle of the night. His dream was already slipping away as his eyes made out Hermione right at his side. He looked around the room and realised that it was still very dark for it to be morning. Hermione's arms were tied around him and she was sleeping peacefully at his side. He smiled at her and rested his head next to hers.

"I love you" he whispered and placed a kiss on her forehead, before falling asleep.

Hermione woke up a couple hours later. Her eyes refused to open for a while, mostly because of the immense comfort she felt at that moment. Her legs were tangled with his and her arms were wrapped around his middle. His arms were gently pressed against her hips. She didn't want to get up, not yet; this was too good.

All those times they slept together, she couldn't help but feel guilty in the mornings. But for the first time, she knew there was nothing holding them back anymore. They were finally free of limitations and restrictions. Everything was okay now, she didn't have to hold back and she wanted to scream at the thought.

Her mind raced back to last night when they both said those magical words. She wanted to wake him and ask if he was being honest. But it could wait. Right now, she was just happy to be at his side.

She decided to remain in his arms until he started to stir awake. She waited for him to open his eyes. The moment she saw the emerald green, she smiled at him.

"Hey," He chuckled.

"Hey, yourself." She answered.

Harry rubbed at his eyes and looked at her again, "You're foggy."

She smiled and reached for his glasses. She placed them on his nose and leaned close to him, "How about now?"

Harry smiled, "Beautiful."

She tried to escape his eyes by hiding her blushing face in the crook of his neck.

They stayed like that for a while until Harry sat up, raising her up with him, "I think it's time for breakfast, right?"

Hermione smiled at him, running a finger over his wrist, "I don't even know what time it is" she laughed.

Her touch was like an electric impulse running through his body. How was she doing this? It was the first time Hermione has ever touched him like that… it was different… it was passionate… almost seductive.

"We could always just lie here all day." She joked, running her finger up his forearm.

Harry's smile faded when another wave of excitement pulsed through his body. This time, his body responded.

He shifted himself to the side and stood faced away from Hermione, his face red with embarrassment.

"Harry… are you alright?" Hermione asked.

No, I'm not! His head screamed as he stood up and paced towards his bedroom door, "I'm gonna go and see about that breakfast." He informed her and left the room in a hurry.

Hermione was almost shocked when she finally realised what happened. Did she really have that effect on him? Was he aroused at her touch? It seemed as if she would never have an end to these questions. She smiled at the image of his red face when he paced from the room. All she did was run a finger through his arm, but that was enough to make Harry Potter go insane.


Harry was downstairs, making tea while Kreacher prepared pancakes. He placed two cups of tea on the table when Hermione entered the kitchen, smiling at him. His face went red as he turned back to the counter.

"Good morning, Mistress." Kreacher bowed and turned back to the frying pan. It was always quite amusing when Kreacher cooked. Of course, he used all kinds of magic to make it easy, but Harry could never shake off his smile when he watched the elf prepare meals.

Hermione sat down and grabbed her cup of tea, "Good morning, Kreacher." She answered as she exchanged looks with Harry who sat opposite her.

"Kreacher, why do you call me Mistress?" She asked.

Harry raised his eyes to the elf, clearly interested.

The elf set the plates down in front of them and turned to Hermione, "Master Harry is the owner of the house of black, which makes him my master. Mistress Hermione is Master Harry's partner and life companion whom he loves which makes her my Mistress."

Harry and Hermione both blushed at his words.

"But, Kreacher. I never told you I loved Hermione." Harry answered, still fighting his blush.

Hermione felt like she could faint. Harry admitted that he indeed loved her. It wasn't a dream, he does love me! Her thoughts screamed at her.

"House elves have powers which wizards know not. We may be servants, but we have powerful magic. The moment I saw Master Harry and Mistress Hermione together three years ago, I knew. I could sense the strong bond between the two." The elf explained.

Harry laughed at the elf's words, "Seems like we really were the last ones to realise."

Hermione couldn't help but giggle at his words before they both dug into their breakfast.

Once they were both finished, Harry and Hermione cleaned up with Kreacher and retired to the living room where Harry lit up the fireplace.

"I never saw you as a pyromaniac." Hermione laughed.

"Hey, I just think it makes this place look ten times comfier." He argued and sat down next to her.

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, when Hermione turned to him, "I think—"

"It's time to talk." He finished, smiling at her.

Hermione seemed to have lost her voice.

"To be completely honest, I don't think I want to talk here." He confessed and took her hand.

"Where do you want to go?" Hermione asked.

Harry closed his eyes and before she knew, they were apparating.


They appeared on a cliff with a breathtaking view. Hermione instantly realised where they were.

"You remembered this place?" She asked, amazed.

Harry chuckled, "How could I forget?"

This was the place in which Harry and Hermione camped during the Horcrux hunt soon after Ron left. This was the place where both of their emotions almost led them too far.

"This is where I gathered the courage to dance with you… where I was able to make you smile… even when you didn't want to. I figured that courage would come back to me as we speak." He explained.

It was true. Harry always knew how to cheer her up, even in the darkest of times. It was the place where they nearly kissed. Merlin knew Hermione wanted to kiss him, but there was so much in the way. She couldn't have added that to their already overwhelming problems. Besides, she was already too good at hiding true feelings then.

"I hated seeing you the way you were…" he began, looking into the distance, "I felt so guilty for making you feel that way."

Hermione took hold of his hands, "Harry, I didn't cry because of you. I cried because of us, because of what happened to our trio.

"I was scared that was it… that it would never be the same. The anger I saw in you and Ron… it was so vicious. It was way worse than what happened in our fourth year. That fear came to me last night when Ron stormed out of the Burrow."

Harry smiled, "But we always found a way, didn't we?"

She smiled back at him, "I guess, we have."

They both admired the view when Hermione couldn't hold her questions any longer.

"When did you realise… that you felt different about me?"

Harry sighed, "To be completely honest, I'm kind of scared to tell you."

Hermione didn't know what to make of his words, "Was it long ago?"

Harry smiled, "It was between the first and second task during the Triwizard tournament." He confessed, looking down.

Hermione's heart skipped several beats as she gazed at him in disbelief.

"Fourth year? You loved me since you were fourteen..."

Harry slowly nodded, "I didn't know what it was back then. I never really got a chance to experience love the way you or Ron did. I never had anyone who loved me… not until now."

Hermione always hated the Durlseys. But now she hated them even more. Despite her thoughts, she smiled at Harry, which clearly confused him.

"I've loved you since our third year," She blushed.

Harry's lips parted slightly, as he stared at her in utter shock, "I don't believe that."

Hermione gave a weak smile, "It's true… I guess we're both very good at hiding feelings."

Harry had more questions. But now was not the time. He knew everything he had to for now. He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her closer to him, "All this time… we both felt all of this… and managed to hide it?"

"I just wanted you to be happy, Harry. Besides, I could never match Cho and Ginny. There were times when I wanted to tell you… but I just couldn't. I didn't want to break our friendship. I was scared that if I told you… you wouldn't want to be my friend anymore."

Harry almost gasped at her words, "Hermione… you don't even come close to Cho and Ginny…"

"I know" she gave him a weak smile, "I understand that."

Harry shook his head, "NO, Hermione! THEY are nothing compared to you!"

Hermione couldn't comprehend his words, "what?"

Harry smiled, "Hermione… you are everything to me!" he cried, "You're the brightest witch of your age, yet you don't realise the obvious."

"Which is?"

Harry brought her close, their bodies touching, "You are the most beautiful person I've ever seen… you drive me insane, Hermione. I don't want to spend a single day without you because you're the only person who understands me.

"I've never met a more loyal, loving, caring and amazing person in my whole life… YOU ARE EVERYTHING!"

Hermione was lost. She couldn't speak, she could barely breathe. Harry's words were ringing in her ears.

"Harry—"

"Someone once told me something…" He began, "It was after I escaped the graveyard… after Cedric… They told me that I would have to make a decision…"

Hermione tried as best as she could to hold to his arms, she was worried she might faint any second.

"They told me that I would have to choose… between what is right… and what is easy."

Her legs were starting to become weak, her grip on Harry was becoming loose.

"I chose easy at first… because it was simple… it was clear… but it felt wrong… it became tough with time… and I finally realised.

"Hermione… This is right, You are right! When I'm with you… everything feels right… I love you, Hermione!"

There was no way she could ever beat his words, so Hermione did the only thing she could at that moment and clashed her lips with his.

It was extraordinary. Her entire body pulsed with energy as her lips pressed against his own. She could feel her legs topple, but Harry's grip tightened; he was holding her up as she caressed his shoulders.

Harry was the one who deepened the kiss, running his hand across her back. It made her shiver as she whimpered into his mouth. This seemed to have only urged him to continue as he ran his hand back down to the small of her back.

They broke apart after what felt like hours. He was staring into her eyes as they both gasped for breath.

There was a slight pause when they both started to laugh.

"That… was…"

"Brilliant." Harry finished, "of course it would be… just like you."

His words sparked the fire that was only just put out. Her head screamed in desire as she pressed her swollen lips to his mouth again.

He was even more surprised that their second kiss was just as amazing as the first one. Would it be like this everytime? Harry asked himself.

And so they stood there, not daring to break apart. An hour passed before they finally apparated back to Grimmauld Place, both smiling like crazy.

Hermione couldn't agree with Harry more… This was Right… their love was Right.


There you go. Finally, huh? I hope you enjoyed that well-deserved fluff. I really enjoyed writing this chapter. For those who are worried it might be the end… worry not. There are more chapters to come ; )