“Hermione you’ve always been there for me, and I just want to tell you that not only do I appreciate all that you’ve done for me, but now I’ve fallen in love with you. I haven’t wanted to say anything before, because I was afraid that I would ruin our friendship, but the fact is that I… Ron! What should I say next?”
“How about ‘I can’t live without you’ or something”
“No, it’s so cliché. I want to do something special…How about this ‘the fact is that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about…’”
Ron nudged Harry in the ribs as Hermione joined them at the breakfast table.
“Can’t top thinking about what?” Hermione asked curiously as she sat down.
“Oi! Hermione, Hi! I mean I can’t stop thinking about….Quidditch! I mean the season is starting up… Nervous.” Harry stuttered nervously. Ron shook his head and laughed, so much for the plan…
Now, Harry was truly frustrated with himself. He had tried to spend alone time with Hermione all week, attempting to grab a chance to confess his feelings for her, before it was too late, but each time he wound up entranced by her or stuttering like he was at the moment. It wasn’t as if Hermione was intimidating, in fact Hermione had been acting quite similar for awhile now. Harry had planned that the day to confess was today, but as chances were Professor McGonagall had assigned a large bit of homework that wasn’t intended to be put off any time soon. Wistfully, he watched her eat her breakfast, her eyes intent upon the book she was reading.
Luna joined them at the table carrying an edition of The Quibbler, beginning yet another “stare at Ronald ritual” as Ron had dubbed it ever since they started dating. Harry acknowledged her, and then focused his attention back on Hermione’s focused eyes. ‘Beautiful…she’s just perfect. She is the right…’
“Mate? Harry? HARRY!” Harry jumped. “Sorry” He paused looking apologetic, “I was just asking if you wanted to join me in the library, unless Hermione wouldn’t mind-“
“Don’t you even finish that sentence!” Hermione shot out completely irritated. “In fact, I haven’t started mine yet, thank you.” And with a flourish she scooped up her book and headed for the library. Giving Ron a furtive look, Harry stood up and left. The last thing he heard was Luna scolding him.
“Hermione!” He called as soon as he reached the library. Madam Pince shot him a nasty look. Having the decency to blush Harry headed for their usual table. She was sitting there looking quite angry muttering to herself. Harry approached her with caution. “Hermione?” She looked up angrily, but saw it was Harry and gave a sad half smile.
“What? Are you here to copy my homework too?”
“You wound me.” Harry said playfully, trying to lighten the mood.
“Alright then go on Harry.” Hermione said dismissively.
“Would you like to work with me on our report” He asked a little shyly. Hermione raised eyebrows suspiciously, but they soon relaxed. She replied in a surprised voice, “You want to do that? With me?” She looked extremely touched.
~
Harry sighed. And looked at his watch. He looked down at the stack of books that he and Hermione had taken off the shelf. Flipping through the book he was reading (by Gwendy Gayle Baliog Hollanes *The Hippogriff Theory*J) he saw a picture that caught his eye. A hippogriff? Well Harry was quite certain that he knew everything about hippogriffs. Scanning the words, He was met with momentary shock. The symbol of Love? Without thinking he called for Hermione to see what he was reading. She peaked over her shoulder. Harry suddenly realized that their backs were now pressed together. While his insides grinned, he showed her that words that he just read. Hermione looked questioning, but she didn’t mention if she found that piece of information interesting. She then turned towards him.
“That’s appealing Harry, but that has nothing to do with our subject. Though, I did think it was interesting about the Hippogriff and it’s relation to Griffindor, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.” She gave him a funny look, hoping beyond every hope that perhaps…
“Well isn’t that funny,” Harry murmured “We’re both in Gryffindor, you said the sorting hat considering putting you in Ravenclaw, and to top it all off the sorting hat wanted to put me in Slytherin.” Harry immediately wished he kept his mouth shut. Now he regretted never telling her that little tidbit. He tried to ignore the image of a hurt Hermione, but it was to no avail. After finally turning to face her, he was rather amused to see how round her mouth was and her usual doe like eyes cloudy trying to sort over the information.
‘I wonder why he had never told me that… now, why is he looking at me like that…like he wants to…Get a hold of yourself, Hermione! Now what am I doing?’ They both noticed the position they were in. Glancing down, they were now holding hands and their legs were brushing. Harry began to play footsy with her, both of them enjoying the game with their hands still together. All of a sudden the game stopped mutually and they leaned forward about to kiss. No matter how much she wanted it, Hermione didn’t want to be hurt. She moved back as far as she could, but she was a prisoner of his eyes, she just couldn’t help herself. Neither could Harry. She was as tempting as ‘pumpkin pie’.* They both searched deep into each other’s eyes and then knowing that they both agreed they leaned in and kissed.
It was such a beautiful kiss. Both didn’t want it to end, but they needed to breathe and Hermione was turning a dangerous blue. Coming up for air, Harry sighed and took her hand, “Hermione I love you.” Hermione gave him a sweet smile, “Do you? Harry, I love you too.” The kissing began again. With more soft I love u’s whispered.
Stopping again Harry looked Hermione in the eyes, “It’s time for you to know about a prophesy about me and Voldemort.” When he finished, tears ran down her eyes. Kissing her triggered more tears, so now they were cuddling, holding each other trying to soothe both of their spirits. “Harry, you must know that I’m going with you when it’s time for the final battle. I want to fight with you.” Harry kissed her nose, “I know you must, but…” Hermione gave him a serious look, “Alright then, but I’ll have your back, you will not get hurt while I’m around”
“Deal.” They shook hands on it, then realizing that they had better means to make a deal, sealed their agreement with a kiss.
~
Waking up Harry looked around him alarmed, ‘was it all just a dream?’ Looking around he saw books? Lots and lots of books! ‘Why am I still in the library?’ The lights were off, Madame Pince must have forgotten about them. Them? He looked down at Hermione, they must have fallen asleep in each other’s arms. The night’s events came flooding back to him, the loving whispers, the in-between kisses, confessions, passionate kisses, troubles, more kisses, and promises of a life time of love. Shaking his head, grinning, who would have thought that they would confess to each other in a library? It was probably best, because Hermione confessed that she was more comfortable than any where else in a library, but then she confessed-Harry Grinned- that she now found a better comfort zone, when she was in his arms. He kissed her head, happily.
Who would have thought that Madame Pince actually had a soft spot for young love? Harry thought it was pretty decent of her to let them sleep together, especially with the sign on the door saying “SHHHH, people are sleeping”.
Who would have thought that this all started with just one book?
“I’ve got to buy that book the next time I get a chance.” Harry mentally noted as he held Hermione close while carrying her back to Gryffindor quarters, carefully trying to avoid the little dot on his map that read “Argus Filch”.
The End… the story leaves room for more though.
H/Hr forever! Rating-PG
I hope you enjoy this