Rainy Days : Challenge by summergirl

neni

Rating: PG
Genres: Angst, Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 19/08/2004
Last Updated: 26/08/2004
Status: completed

Harry gets locked out of his apartment - Hermione finds him soaked to the bone - can you take a bit of H/HR angst. . . ? :P My take on the challenge;)

Chapters

1. So write it down!

2. Of all the days...

3. Nothing compares to you

4. 4 little words

5. Realization at its best

1. So write it down!

A/N: Hello guys I'm back with a new story! This is a challenge that I liked and thought I'd give it a shot. Now here are the rules:

- -Harry and Hermione are living together. [Ron, or some other random roommate(s), can live with them too, if you want. It doesn't really matter, as long as Harry and Hermione are living together.]

- -Harry comes home after a day of work, and realizes that he left his keys inside when he left that morning. Of course, the door is locked. And the door has locking charms that Alohomora doesn't work on.

- -It starts raining. It can be a torrential downpour if you want it to be, but it can't be any piddly drizzle.

- -Harry must get semi-soaked, if you don't want to make him so wet that he's soaked to the bone.

- -Hermione comes home, and sees Harry sitting outside their front door.

- -If they have other roommates, they have to be out of town, or can't find Harry before Hermione does.

- -It must end in H/Hr. Obviously.

I'll need you guys to trust me on this way, and trust me when I say that I know where I'm going with it! I have it all planned out on paper but I've yet to write it on the comp:( But don't worry! I'm a fast typer and I know what I want to do with the story. The first two chapters will be setting up the plot so I'll need you to just hang in there! It isn't beta-ed or anything because my email has bashed out on me. I'm trying my best though! This is a bit short but I promise that the chapter will get longer as we progress! Enjoy! =)

DISCLAIMER: not mine… never will be… The words that I have used in the “letter” come from a Greek song. I haven't translated it or anything but I wrote the whole point of it. I added some things in there too!

“Just remember Harry that the key to relationships is trust and honesty. Î™f you have those then you shouldn't be worried!” Nymphadora (or Tonks as she preferred to be called) advised Harry.

“But how can I have been so wrong about someone I thought I knew? I mean I know that I love her, yet I can't find the words to explain to her how much she means to me! It's like my brain stops functioning on purpose because that's what she does to me, you know,” he told her with a small, sad chuckle. “I get all tongue-tied with her. It's just that-” he started but found that he couldn't continue. “Damn it!” he said in frustration as he banged his fist on the desk.

“It's what?” Tonks asked tentatively, as she made an ice pack appear out of thin air and offered to Harry, which he took graciously.

“I just can't believe how lucky I am to have found her. Sometimes I think that if it wasn't for her, I'd be dead years ago! I just need her so badly than I ever needed anyone else.”

“Sorry to bring back reality Harry,” she started, “but you know that you would have been dead if not for her!” Tonks informed him with a teasing smile and a wink. He chortled at that yet nodded nevertheless. “Listen Harry, you want some advice? It's not much but I'll tell you what I do when I find myself in a situation where I can't express myself. Write it down.”

Harry looked up at her in confusion but she held a hand up so that he wouldn't interrupt. “Before you say anything just try it. It might seem a bit childish but believe me it works! You'll feel like a heavy burden has been lifted off your chest. Just do me this favour hmm?” she finished with a pleading tone, and gave him the best puppy eyes she could master.

“Yeah okay,” he relented, swatting her arm playfully as she whimpered for the full effect, “now get out of here! We still have that report to hand in to Moody before 7 o'clock, and you know how cranky he gets when things aren't on time!” The young witch, who had an appearance of shoulder-length blonde hair with deep brown chocolate eyes, looked back at him with mock arrogance.

“Whatever Harry. Mad-eye Moody doesn't intimidate me! Why, I think I have time for a little private session with Remus, if you get my drift,” she informed him and just as she was about to give him a playful wink she was interrupted by-

“CONSTANT VIGILANCE!!” Tonks jumped at the shout and turned to find a red-faced Moody.

“Sssir! I was just about to get onto my reports sir!” she shouted as though she was in boot camp!

“Is that so Tonks?” he teasingly asked, “last I heard you were going to go on a private session with Remus,” he finished as Harry was trying very hard to suppress his laughter unsuccessfully, earning a glare from Tonks.

“Oh you misunderstood Moody! I was saying that my private session was merely an undercover mission and we had to go through the last minute plans! So I'd better go! Bye Harry!” she yelled behind her shoulder, as she was halfway down the hall before she even started to talk.

“I tell you Harry,” Moody started as he closed the door to Harry's office and taking the seat opposite him, “good Aurors are hard to find these days, though you and Tonks are probably one of the best.” Harry didn't even acknowledge that remark, which gave Moody the impression that something was off. “Is everything okay Harry? I heard about, you know…” he trailed off, not wanting to cause any unnecessary upsets.

“It will be,” Harry informed him with a new glint of determination in his eyes, “it will be when I get home. I'm sorry Moody; I'll bring by the report to your office by 7. Don't worry about me,” he told Moody with an air in his voice that made it quite clear that there was no use in conversing anymore. Moody slowly stood up and with a final look, left the room in silence.

`Okay Harry lad, this is your chance to write everything down. No holding back, just write what you feel and you'll have your angel back. I just have to believe that,' Harry thought as he took out a piece of parchment from the first drawer of his mahogany desk.

He let out a deep sigh and let his eyes travel around the room, finally stopping on a photograph of Hermione, Ron, Luna and himself. It was the day when they had just moved in their apartment. They had just finished moving all their things and had fallen exhausted onto the couch. Ron was lying down with his head on Luna's head; while Harry was massaging Hermione's feet and every once in a while one of them would turn towards the camera and smile. Ginny, who had helped them move, thought it was a perfect picture to christen their new apartment. He smiled at the memory, and with a new resolve he began to write down:

How did we get here? How could we have been so off? To tell you goodbye frightens and scares me. I don't want to go to sleep at nights without you. How could we not talk? How did we become two strangers? Without you I don't want to live. What life could I imagine where you're not in it? I don't want to lose you. I'd just disappear from the world. There are so many things that keep us together. How could I forget you? I hate the nights that come and you're away from me. I can't bear to look at tomorrow if I'm not with you. You mean everything to me. I could call you beautiful yet that would only be a fraction of a fraction of what I really believe. No one has ever made me feel like this and I want to thank you for everything that you gave me. In 3 very simple words, I Love You Hermione Granger …

A/N: I really hope that you liked the beginning! Feel free to comment on the rules and how you think I'm doing with this! Love you guys ;) neni =)

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2. Of all the days...

A/N: Thanks for everyone who took the time to review the first chapter! I'm glad that you like it! I hope I do this challenge justice!! :)

Euro: Yeah I have changed my username in the forum from Love's Fool >> neni =)

DISCLAIMER: not mine… never will be …

Harry apparated outside the apartment's door but had yet to open it. To be exact, he had apparated there 10 minutes ago, but was still contemplating whether or not he should just go in there and give Hermione the parchment. He had somewhere read that it's easier to write your feelings down and give it to the person, but it's more important to tell them.

“God!” he sighed in frustration as he ran a hand through his hair, “Okay, I'm going inside and we'll talk about this, whether she's ready or not,” and with that he made to open the door. He couldn't just apparate inside the house because there were protection wards set up so unwanted visitors would stay out. Of course, all those who were actually living in the house could apparate if they wanted to, but they only did that in emergencies.

FLACHBACK

Harry was sleeping on the couch in the living room when he heard a soft pop in the kitchen. He lurched upwards and his heart skipped a beat. `We only apparate if there is an emergency' he thought, and quickly rushed into the kitchen to see what was happening.

Inside the kitchen stood a lonely figure, which Harry immediately identified as Hermione. She stood in front of the sink, opposite her the huge window that had a view of Muggle London. Seeing as it was night, the lights from the city made it look as though it was magical. The way the small lights flickered and played on her silhouette made Harry's heart tug with love. A soft sob, however, pulled Harry out of his train of though, and looked up to see Hermione's shoulders trebling slightly. Before he even made a step forward, she started

“It's nothing Harry. Honestly, I'm alright.”

“We don't apparate inside the apartment unless there's something seriously wrong. Now please tell me what it is,” he pleaded with her.

“Harry honestly! It's just that … oh! I know that I shouldn't have apparated but I couldn't help it! There's a wild crowd of reports outside our apartment, waiting for me!” with that she turned around gingerly, and Harry could feel relief all of his body as there was a wide, genuine toothy grin plastered on her face. Before he could ask what the hell happened, she continued, “I've been appointed acting Minister of Magic! I'm the youngest witch with this title in over 500 years! Can you believe it?” she squealed and ran up to Harry's open arms. He twirled her around the room, thanking God that it wasn't anything serious…

END OF FLASHBACK

“Oh no!” he grumbled, “Damn, I've left my keys inside the house!” What was he to do? He couldn't apparate because if Hermione were to hear his arrival then she would certainly avoid him. `If she's inside, that is!' he added in an afterthought. `Maybe I could…' he trailed off as he reached into his black leather jacket and took out his wand from the inside pocket.

“Alohomora,” he softly whispered and waited. And waited… and waited … `Well I can scratch that idea!' he thought impatiently. `I guess the only thing to do is…' He pressed the doorbell and waited for his call to be answered, yet no one seemed to be home. “Of all the days…” he said furiously, and pressed his ear onto the white, wooden front door. No sound could be heard. “I'll just… wait then,” he concluded after his many failed attempts of going inside the apartment. Turning around, he leaned his back on the door and slid down to the floor. He tipped his head backwards and with eyes half shut, he watched idly as people came and went from the street. The good thing about their apartment was that it could be found in Magical and Muggle London, as it was on a corner that joined the two worlds. Seeing as it was close to the Christmas holidays, many people were up and about. Children holding their parents from their hands were chatting away excitedly about their presents, couples were passing with their arms intertwined, holding hot chocolate in their free hands. He could just make out the soft music in the background, which made him remember his most terrible night of all. The night where he felt the world disappear under his feet…

FLASHBACK

Hermione walked into the apartment whilst having the mail between her teeth and packages taking up both of her hands. She closed the front door with her left foot as she went to put the packages down on the floor. Just as she was about to succeed, a certain green-eyed man came up from behind her and placed a mistletoe over her head, causing her to jump in shock and lose balance, throwing down all the packages.

“Harry!” she screamed, “look what you've done!” she scowled, and bent to pick up the mess.

“Come on love, I didn't mean to scare you! I just wanted to get you in the Christmas mood with some mistletoe!” he informed her, giving her his best puppy eyes. She never could resist that. His face broke into a smirk when he saw that she had conceded and continued, “See? You never could resist my charm and thoughtfulness!” and ducked as she swatted him with her free hand. Her giggles filled the entire apartment and Harry thought how he wished he could have made her this happy every day.

“Come off it Harry! Just help me pick these packages off the floor and we'll get started with decorating the Christmas Tree”

“Wouldn't Ron and Luna want to help us?” Harry asked,

“They told me to go ahead with it because dinner at Luna's dad would take much longer than they thought. They said that they would be in charge of decorating the rest of the apartment though,” she informed him as they started to decorate the tree. Harry went over to the radio and popped a CD inside. The first few strings of music floated in the air, causing Hermione to turn around and give Harry a very seductive grin. “Well wouldn't you know, Harry Potter does know how to turn a girl on,” she finished, as the first words came on from the song Santa Baby. He went up to her and placed his hands on her hips. They were so close that they felt each other's hot and rapid breaths on their faces. He leaned in so that their noses touched, but just as they were about to kiss, Hermione pulled away. “Later boy,” she told him with a low, husky voice.

“God Hermione, you'll be the end of me!” he told her with a chuckle. They spent the next two hours decorating the tree and re-arranging the ornaments so that it could be just right. They sat back on the couch and stared at with satisfaction.

“I think it's safe to say that we just won Best Tree Decorators,” Hermione enlightened Harry, who he in turn, cuddled up close and brought his arms around her shoulders. She leaned her head on his chest and was content to listening to his steady heartbeat. He gently toyed with her auburn locks as she drew circles on his lap. Not a word was spoken during this time, as their silence said it all. He remembered reading somewhere that you could sit in silence with your best friend for hours, and when you left you would feel that it was the best conversation you ever had. Well that's what he felt now. He was stirred out of his thought when Hermione said something so softly, that he wasn't sure if she had even spoken.

“What was that love?” he asked, while playing with her fingertips.

“Do you love me?” she asked again, this time a little louder than a whisper. Harry felt as if the air from his lungs had vanished. Reason wasn't kicking in and he felt like he was about to panic.

`Of course I love you!' he thought, `I love you more than life itself! How could you even ask such a thing?' he wondered to himself. Of course, never telling her this must have played a major part. Just as he was about to answer she continued,

“I realize that we've been together for only a month, but it has been the best month of my life!” she told him as his mind urged him to say that it was the same for him. However, he stayed silent. “Harry; Darling,” she continued whilst turning around so that she could place a soft hand on his cheek. “I've been wanting to hear those three little words come out from your mouth for so long. I know that you're scared that everyone that you love will be taken away from you, but I can assure you that you're stuck with me no matter what! I can't stand being away from you, don't you see?” she pleaded with him, and her eyes held such promise and love that he couldn't tear his emerald gaze away from her. “Don't worry. All I'm asking from you is that you tell me how much I mean to you. Actions do speak louder than words, but sometimes I just need to her the words. I just need to know how much I mean to you. A woman needs to hear these things because then her insecurities will come into play…' she finished tenderly, while having a look in her eyes that showed that she was waiting for his response.

`Well tell her something you dork!' he thought… He wanted so much to tell her that he loved her, yet something always held him back. He knew for sure that she was the one, nevertheless he always had the fear that if he told somebody that he loved them, they would surely be taken away from him. He had told Sirius that he loved him mere months before he went through that cursed veil. He couldn't risk that. But was this fear more important than the angelic creation before him?

“That's a no-brainer Hermione,” he told her. She threw her arms up in frustration and got up from the couch to pace in front of him.

“But you still haven't told me those words.” She kneeled in front of him and took his hands in hers, despite the fact that they were colossal compared to hers. “Please Harry…for us?” she resulted in a plead.

Harry knew that it would be so easy for the words to come out. What better way was there to tell somebody that they loved them than in a time of comfort, need and an atmosphere of love? But it wasn't that easy for him. From a very young age he taught himself never to express himself. He learnt to keep everything to himself. However, when someone made such an impact in his life, he knew that he should show them how he felt, rather than tell them. To tell someone how much they mean to you is a very difficult thing, especially when you're Harry Potter. Yet the thing that confused him the most was that he knew what he felt in his heart and soul for her was very true. `The bottom line is,' he concluded in his thoughts, `is that I'm scared she'll be taken away from me…' however, he was abruptly taken out of his thoughts when Hermione stood up suddenly, yanking her hands out of his hold.

“Right,” she started with an expressionless face but with bright, shining eyes that he knew all too well, meant that she was holding back tears. He felt his heart tug at the sheer thought of that. “You silence says it all… I'm sorry Harry, but if you're not ready to tell me yet, then I'm afraid that we'll just have to-” she paused a bit, in hope that he was interrupt her, but carried on after a few moments of silence, “we'll just have to give us a break,” and with that she ran off to her room, leaving a very distraught Harry in the living room.

“But I do love you,” Harry whispered ever so softly, before putting his head in his hands as a new round of tears came flooding out.

The day after that night was awkward to say the least, and it had continued throughout the rest of the days. If they were to talk to each other, it would be simply small talk. This confused Ron and Luna, but who were they to pry in their private lives?…

END OF FLASHBACK

`I have been so stupid!' Harry thought to himself. He hadn't even finished his thoughts, when he felt a drop of rainfall on his head. Looking upwards, he noticed that the sky decided to tear open at that moment, causing torrential rain.

“Great,” he mumbled as he began to get soaked.

A/N: I know, this is a terrible place to stop this chapter isn't it? But unfortunately, (or fortunately, I dunno:p) this is how I split up the chapters! :P I'm really sorry if there are many mistakes in grammar/spelling, but until I fix my email, I won't be able to send it to my beta:( Hope you liked it though! neni =)

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3. Nothing compares to you

A/N: Okay so here's chapter 3 of this challenge! I hope you enjoy it:) Thanks for all the great reviews you guys!

DISCLAIMER : not mine … never will be…

A/N: There's a song in this chapter and even though I don't want to spoil the surprise, I think that if you download it while reading this chapter, the effect will be even greater! It's one of my favourites… Prince - Nothing Compares 2 U

Looking upwards, he noticed that the sky decided to tear open at that moment, causing torrential rain.

“Great,” he mumbled as he began to get soaked.

Any blue that could be seen a little over an hour ago was now completely covered with raging, dark, grey clouds. Lightning seemed to strike every five minutes, followed by the boisterous thunders that made Harry feel as if his eardrums were on the verge of breaking. Seeing as he was getting wet anyway, he got up slowly and walked over to couch-swing that was placed at their porch. He sat on it and opened both his arms at his sides, while he rested his head on the back and closed his eyes.

He could feel the constant raindrops falling on his face, and then trailing a path downwards like a gentle stream in the middle of a forest. His raven-coloured hair stuck to his forehead in thick locks, as his hand came up every now and then to clear the raindrops that pooled on his shut eyelids. His black-rimmed glasses were clutched loosely in his left hand.

`Harry you've been a fool. You've let a stupid phobia come in the way of something that was real and special. You've let Hermione go because you couldn't just tell her how you feel. Well that won't apply to me anymore.'

“I'll be damned if I let her walk away from me once more,” he vowed to himself as another crush of thunder was heard in the distance. He got up from the swing and went to sit outside their front door. Not that it would do any good as he was still getting soaked to the bone, but at least it wasn't as windy as it was where he was sitting before. He let his right hand travel down to his pocket where he felt a small velvet box. A memory flashed before him.

FLASHBACK

Harry woke up with an intense headache. Still lying in his bed, he pinched the bridge of his nose whilst trying to gather up his thoughts. He couldn't believe that it was already 2 weeks since that blasted night. The alarm went off and he saw that it was already 7 o'clock in the evening.

`I must've been more tired that I thought,' he thought to himself. He came home from work around noon and immediately went to have a nap. However, the smell of pumpkin pie was brought to his attention, taking him away from his thoughts. He went to have a shower before heading into the kitchen.

He reached the kitchen door but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw the person inside. He remembered the night when she apparated into the apartment and told him the news of becoming Acting Minister of Magic. The scene seemed to repeat itself as she was standing, once again, in front of the sink. The moonlight cast small lights in her hair that seemed to be dancing as she swayed from side to side. It was then when he realized that a song was playing on the radio. A song that seemed to be written just for them…

It's been 7 hours and 15 days since you took your love away.

I go out every night and sleep all day since you took your love away.

Since you've been gone I can do whatever I want, I can see whom ever I choose.

I can pick my dinner in a fancy restaurant but nothing,

I said nothing can take away these blues.

Cause nothing compares, nothing compares to you.

It's been so lonely without you here like a bird without its song.

Nothing can stop this lonely

Tell me baby where did I go wrong?

I can put my arms around every boy I see, but then they remind me of you.

I went to the doctor and guess what he told me, guess what he told me

He said girl you better try have fun no matter what you do but he's a fool

Cause nothing compares, nothing compares to you.

All the flowers that you planted mama, in the back yard all died when you went away.

I know that living with you baby was sometimes hard, but I'm willing to give you another try…

Nothing compares, nothing compares to you…

As the final strings of music disappeared in the air, he made a move forward but stopped in mid-step when Hermione turned around abruptly. Brown eyes met with green ones. His heart clenched in sorrow as he saw her red-rimmed, puffy eyes and her tear-streaked face. He was torn in two as he saw that she was too, but clearly discarded his hesitation when he saw that she began to sob uncontrollably again. With two giant steps he reached her and took her in his arms. She gave off no resistance whatsoever, which gave him the push he needed to encircle his arms around her waist even tighter. Hermione continued to cry her heart out on Harry's t-shirt but he wasn't complaining. He muttered a quick spell and the radio started playing the same song again. That did it for Hermione. She looked up to him and his heart went out to her, but he was sure that her look of hurt and love was mirrored in his own eyes. She went to pull away but he wouldn't let her, so he tightened his hold on her.

“Damn you,” Hermione screamed but Harry kept his position. She kept on repeating that sentence, but each time it became closer to a whisper. She kept pounding on Harry's chest yet he gave no notice of that; he merely concentrated on the way that she made him feel. The sense that he was home; that he was free; that he was just Harry. He knew he should say something, but he didn't actually know how to do it. Instead, led them down to the floor with his back against the kitchen cupboards with Hermione's head resting on his shoulder. He could feel her hot, unsteady breath on him but that was what calmed him down.

“Nothing compares to you,” he spoke softly as that part came up in the song. She looked up to him in surprise and he could've sworn that he saw a smile playing on her lips. She reached up and ran her long, delicate fingers through his jet-black hair as he cradled her cheek in his hand. Time simply stopped for the both of them and they felt that they were the only ones that were in the world. It was that perfect picture that your grandmother used to tell you when you were a child for your bedtime story. That perfect moment in time when you felt invincible. When the prince killed the evil monster and freed the princess or when the farm girl finally married the young prince… After what seemed an eternity in time, Hermione spoke up,

“Harry?” she whispered softly, and continue when she felt him nod, “Please tell me…” she trailed off as she felt him stiffen. He opened and closed his mouth several times before his resolve came back to him. He cleared his throat and ran his hand on her back, unconsciously drawing circles. She thrived on this, and drank his scent in. She never knew what to except from Harry Potter.

“I-” he began but Hermione never heard what he was about to say, because at that exact time Ron had decided to make an entrance.

“Can someone give me a hand with the shopping?” he called from the living room, causing Harry and Hermione to jump up and pull away from their intimate embrace.

`I'll have to have a little chat with Ron about his timing,' Harry vowed to himself before storming out from the kitchen, leaving a very baffled Hermione behind him.

`Did I do something wrong?' she thought to herself before running to her bedroom. She didn't know what to think of Harry's behaviour. She slammed the door shut that was heard all the way to the living room.

“Uhh- did I interrupt anything mate?” Ron asked Harry gingerly, but was left with that question hanging as Harry took the shopping to the kitchen. Ron, clearly confused at his best friend's behaviour, followed him into the kitchen but was greeted with the slamming of the door.

“Look I'm sorry! I didn't know you were having a moment with her! I'll just, go to my room…” he informed him but knew that it was useless. Harry listened to Ron's footsteps disappear and let out a sigh of frustration when he heard his other best friend's door close.

“I was this close,” he muttered to himself and kicked the fridge with such force that he created a dent. However, that was the last thing on his mind. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box. In it was a beautiful emerald ring shaped into an `H'. He held it between his thumb and index whilst turning it so that he could read, once again, the inscription he made for her:

Let me love you and you will have me for ever and a day

He was to give it to her on Christmas but his plans were thwarted. He was going to get her back even if it was the last thing he did! And with that resolve, he walked back to his bedroom.

END OF FLASHBACK

Hermione was snapped out from her daydream when she saw the figure that was sitting outside their front door. She could clearly distinguish his scar even from where she was. His messy, black hair was sticking onto his face from the rain while his hand was, apparently, holding something in his pocket. She wondered to herself what it could be, maybe it was something for her? She quickly discarded that thought as she promised to herself that she wouldn't do this. She couldn't continue this heartache that followed her day and night.

Stepping closer though, she felt all of her self-will walk out of the door as he opened his emerald green eyes and locked a gaze with her. She felt her breath get caught in her throat as she saw the intense look of hurt in his eyes. She knew that she was being ridiculous, but she couldn't help stop thinking the things that she overheard in the office 2 weeks ago “I can't believe how that Hermione Granger ended up with Harry Potter” “Maybe she used a love-potion?” “Does he actually love her?” were some of the things that plagued her thoughts at nights. The final straw, however, was when she asked Harry to tell her that he loved her but didn't that broke her heart into a million pieces.

Her train of thoughts was interrupted when Harry stood up. She could see that he was very, very soaked. No words were exchanged as she offered him her umbrella, which he went under with a grateful smile of thanks. She took her keys out from her bag and let them in the house. Harry closed the front door and went to go to his room when he was stopped mid-track,

“Stay put!” Hermione ordered. She pulled out her wand and cast a drying spell on Harry, “You wouldn't want to catch pneumonia, now would you?” she told him with a knowing smirk while he thrived on the fact that she was speaking to him. At least it wasn't small talk anymore, and for that he was extremely appreciative. “Plus, I don't want you getting the carpets wet!” she added with a teasing smile. He smiled back with the smile that drove her crazy. His million-dollar smile that earned him the title of “Most Wanted Bachelor” in the Witch Weekly. As if just realizing what she was doing, Hermione broke into an expressionless face and started to retreat to her bedroom. However, she was stopped when a firm hand held her wrist, not allowing her to go anywhere. Before she could turn around to tell him off, she heard him murmur,

“Please … we have to talk…”

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading :) neni =)

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4. 4 little words

A/N: Thanks you guys for the warm reviews that you send me:) It's greatly appreciated! Now umm… there will be one more chapter left so I hope you have enjoyed this story! neni =)

A/N 2: okay well I revised this chapter and cut out a few things, changed some grammar (the ones that I spotted! :P) … I take it you're not big fans of fluff huh?:P Well anyway, it's still romantic though I cut out the part with the star/wish coz many ppl didn't get it … to be short, he meant that she was the star and he was the wish … the wish came true because he found his home … well anyway… you don't have to read it again cz it's just same simple corrections. Thanks to the person who described Harry's speech as “bull” ;)

A/N 3: Okay one last note I promise :p uummm… I just want to say a REALLY big thank you to Lara for reviewing each and every chapter of all my stories! You rock girl ;) we girls have a little surprise for you guys *wink, wink* hehehe :P

DISCLAIMER: Not mine… never will be…

Before she could turn around to tell him off, she heard him murmur,

“Please … we have to talk…”

Harry led Hermione over to the couch and sat down. The silence that overtook them was deafening, yet Harry discovered that it wasn't as uncomfortable as it could have been. He tried to say something to break the silence but found that he couldn't. He was mesmerised by Hermione's eyes. They were looking up to him with such an intensity of hope and love that he couldn't believe how lucky he was, and how much of an idiot he had been that night. How could anyone be so incredibly dense as to not fight tooth and nail for such a wonderful person like Hermione?

`Sure,' his mind reasoned, `she wasn't exactly drop dead gorgeous but she was pretty. However, that wasn't what made him fall long and hard for her. No, it was the aura that seemed to vibe off her everywhere she went. She had an air of confidence that most girls seemed to be lacking. Her smile that seemed to be directed straight for his heart every time she smiled. The way she remained loyal to him no matter what even when Ron, in fourth year, doubted him. She was a living example of trust, friendship, love and loyalty. She understood him more than anyone else could, she knew what he needed, what he wanted, she even knew what he was thinking sometime, before he spoke it. This woman was one of a kind and he was one lucky son of a gun to have found her. And he wasn't about to let her go again.

A soft cough brought him out of his reverie, slightly shaking his head trying to clear up his thoughts. He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his hair. Before he started to express his feelings, Hermione cut him,

“Listen Harry, I know what you want to do,” she told him.

“You…you do?” he asked carefully, wondering if she was about to slap him silly for being so unbelievably stupid.

“Yes I do,” she replied, “and I want you to know that I don't want you to do it.” That was like a slap in Harry's face.

“Wha-” he tried to say but she held up a hand to let him know that she wasn't done.

“Let me finish Harry,” she said, getting up and started to pace in front of him. “You see, I don't want you to say some things just because you're afraid of losing me. Let me finish,” she mildly scolded him when she saw him shaking his head, “I know that I was a bit hash on you that night, but I can't help what I feel. You know I love you, Harry, and you know that I will always be there for you no matter what. Harry, you've been in my life since forever! I can't think of a single memory without you it in! Can't you see? You are my life, Harry! I can't live without you but I can't do this if you're just going to say something like `I love you too' just to get back together,” she paused for breath before starting again, “Harry… I know that you've gone through so much in your life. Hell, I've been with you from the beginning. I was the one who hugged you and reminded you that you were a great wizard just before you ran off to fight Voldemort for the first time. I was the one who was with you when you saved Sirius,” she winced slightly when she saw the hurt look on Harry's face that flashed by when she mentioned his deceased godfather, “I was there when you competed in the Triwizard Tournament. I could go on forever! But Harry don't you see? All those things that I've done to help you where because of my knowledge! And that morning before we … we broke up I was at the office and…” she trailed off while trying to restrain the tears that were surely to come pouring out any time now.

“What? You went to the office and?!” he asked with a hint of anger in his voice. `So this is what it's all about,' he thought, `she probably overheard some things at the office,' he concluded, and tried to hide the anger that was quickly building up inside of him. “Hermione, please tell me?”

“That morning…” she started but couldn't continue. The hurtful words echoed in her mind over and over again, causing the tears to stream down her face. Harry couldn't stop himself when he got up and gave Hermione a big bear hug. She circled his waist with a tight grip and hid her head in his chest. He ran his hand through her hair as he spoke soothing words in her ear. After a while Harry cupped her face with both his hands and gave her his famous penetrating stares. He nodded slightly towards the couch and they headed back there. They sat down with Harry cross-legged looking at Hermione who was in the same position.

“Would you mind if I had a go at what happened at the office?” he asked tenderly, getting a shaky nod from her. “I think that when you went to the office you overheard some things that shook your confidence and you couldn't get them out of your mind.” He stopped for a breather but also in the hope that she would refuse this story. He let out a small sad chuckle when he saw that she nodded in agreement, so he continued, “That night you came to me seeking for reassurance and help you make those thoughts fly straight out of the window. But I, being the idiot that I always am, didn't say what I truly felt for you, thus causing you to feel even worse,” he completed, getting up from the couch and stood near the window, watching at the people frantically walking around and shopping.

This was it. He knew that he wouldn't have another perfect opportunity like this one, and he wasn't about to let it slip through his hands. He felt the anger evaporate slowly as he counted up to ten and he let out a sigh of relief that he wasn't about to say something he would later regret. He cautiously walked back to her, kneeling in front of her and grasping her delicate hands in his bigger ones. He was silent for minute and then looked back at her. She took an intake of breath when she saw his emerald gaze shining brightly with unshed tears.

“Hermione, what I feel for you is… is… indescribable! I could talk to anyone about how wonderful you are but I'm afraid that I wouldn't finish in this lifetime. You mean so much to me that I'm afraid my heart won't take another heartache like the one I've been having for the past 2 weeks. Hermione … when I'm with you I feel like I'm home. I feel complete. It's like; I always knew that you were going to show up one day in my life but I wasn't prepared for it when you did. I wasn't aware of the great gift that you would offer me because if I had, believe me, I wouldn't act like a complete dolt!” he informed her with a sad smile.

He tucked a soft strand of hair behind her ear that had fallen in front of her eyes. She relished at his touch and he gently brushed away the tears that were pouring out of her chocolate brown eyes.

“How do you do that Harry? I have been so awful to you, yet here you are saying the most sweet things that I've ever heard. Harry I love you so much it hurts!” she told him but hushed down when she realized that he had more to say with his smile.

“During the time that we've been apart, I stayed up ever night looking outside the window with the radio on. Silly I know, but I was searching for you in the streets but I never realized that you were hidden in my deepest secrets. Hermione, you were always inside of me, in my soul,” he told her honestly, and she knew that he was speaking from the depths of his very soul. How could she not, as she was feeling the exact same thing?

“Oh Harry,” she breathed softly when she felt a finger silence her. She couldn't find the words to say what she felt so she just flung her arms around his neck, clinging onto him as though her life depended on him.

“You're the first thing I think about every morning and the last thing I think about at night, not to mention you occupy my mind in between those times too. I never thought loving so much was possible, but you proved me wrong yet again! So I would like to tell you one more thing,” he enlightened her and pulled away from their warm embrace.

`Okay Hermione!' she thought, `you are definitely dreaming now!' as she saw a blurred Harry get down on one knee.

“Hermione Granger, you are everything to me. I could go on forever but words fail me when I'm with you, so I'm just going to say something that isn't easily said,” He took a big breath and reached into his pocket, taking out a small velvet box. He opened it and held it in his trembling hand.

“Hermione Jane Granger, will you marry me?”

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5. Realization at its best

A/N: Here's the final chapter you guys!! I hope you like it because I've been sitting here for the past two hours trying to figure out an ending to this challenge. I think that I've kept to the rules okay. Oh and by the way, a number of you didn't like Harry's speech in the previous chapter so I took out a chunk of it, and corrected a few errors that I spotted. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it! neni =)

- -Harry and Hermione are living together. [Ron, or some other random roommate(s), can live with them too, if you want. It doesn't really matter, as long as Harry and Hermione are living together.]

- -Harry comes home after a day of work, and realizes that he left his keys inside when he left that morning. Of course, the door is locked. And the door has locking charms that Alohomora doesn't work on.

- -It starts raining. It can be a torrential downpour if you want it to be, but it can't be any piddly drizzle.

- -Harry must get semi-soaked, if you don't want to make him so wet that he's soaked to the bone.

- -Hermione comes home, and sees Harry sitting outside their front door.

- -If they have other roommates, they have to be out of town, or can't find Harry before Hermione does.

- -It must end in H/Hr. Obviously.

“Hermione Jane Granger, will you marry me?”

`I can't believe that he's actually asking me to marry him!' Hermione thought as her hands began to tremble. `Remember to breathe.' She had gone through all kinds of scenarios that Harry could have done, but of course being Harry Potter meant he wouldn't have gone for the most obvious answer. Of course she was overjoyed at the prospect of being Mrs. Harry James Potter, yet she didn't, in reality, grasp the fact of what was happening quite yet. Through bright, shining eyes and trembling hands she tried to assemble her thoughts that seemed to be in a jumble in her mind.

“Uhh, Hermione?” Harry asked with a hint of worry in his voice, “I don't want to rush you into answering but the floor is murder for my knee,” he told her teasingly, trying to lighten the mood. Hermione couldn't help it when an involuntary sob got caught in her throat, yet she smiled at his attempt at humour.

“Oh Harry! Do you honestly want me to answer now?” she asked him earnestly, her eyes telling him that she would do anything he asked.

“Hermione, I want you to do whatever you want. You want to answer now, answer now. You want a few days, take a few days! I'll be waiting because I'll be damned if I lose you again,” he told her sincerely. She stood up straight, wiping her tears on the sleeve of her shirt and tucked a loose strand behind her ear.

“Harry… you know that I love you,” she started, “but I can't marry you,” she informed him.

“I'm sorry. What?” he asked perplexed.

“I can't… marry… you,” she told him slowly and deliberately. Harry felt as if his heart was shattered into a million pieces. He could have sworn that he heard the pieces fall onto the floor. `I can't believe this is happening,' he thought, `this is definitely not happening!' `Believe it mate! She just refused your marriage proposal!' a voice that sounded eerily like Ron's told him. `Harry…' another voice which he could swear was Dumbledore's `I don't think that you told her what she really wanted to hear,' `What are you talking about? I just proposed to her and she let me fall flat on my face!' `Think about it Harry…'

He had to admit, there was a loophole here. One that he couldn't quite catch. `And I'm supposed to be the best Auror there is!' he thought to himself sadly. He got up from his pose of being down on one knee and started pacing in front of Hermione, who in turn stood opposite him, hands akimbo.

“Harry, can you please stop pacing?” she asked him exasperatedly when she realized that he wasn't going to stop anytime soon. He merely stopped to look at her, and then with a slight shake of his head, continued. She threw her hands up in frustration and went to sit on the couch. Leaning back on the couch, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and waited.

Harry suddenly stopped pacing and looked at her directly into her eyes. She was shocked when she saw a sudden twinkle in his emerald eyes and a wicked grin was plastered on his face. With colossal strides he made it to his bedroom and slammed the door shut.

“What just happened here?” Hermione wondered to herself aloud, sighing as she grasped the fact that she would never understand men. `God I'm so tired,' she thought and let her eyelids fall shut.

Hermione awoke to the doorbell being ringed. She looked at her watch and noticed that it was 6:30. Getting up, she passed the mirror and paused to fix her hair.

“It's fine dear,' the mirror told her, and she replied with a grateful smile. The doorbell rang again, making her pick up her pace and reached the door. `Wonder who that could be.'

Before she even had time to finish that thought, 3 people came inside wearing red robes, each carrying a dozen roses.

“Hermione Granger?” a short man with sand-kissed hair asked. She nodded slowly.

“Where would you want these?” the tallest one of the three inquired. He was really tall, 1.90m she imagined, with crystal blue eyes and smooth skin, and a boyish grin to go with the whole look.

“Umm… on the table will be just fine thanks,” she told them, pointing over to the wooden table with stainless steel legs. They placed them on it, and as they were about to leave Hermione asked,

“Excuse me, but can you tell me who sent these?” although she had a nagging suspicion who it could be.

“I'm sorry, we're not allowed to do that, and even if we were I couldn't because they didn't leave a name. However, they must really love you! They asked for the freshest flowers we had, even if it meant we were to go outside 2 minutes before delivering. And mind you, there has been torrential rain for the past 3 hours! Enjoy!” the same man told her and left with the other two.

“I wonder…” she thought out loud, and went over to the table to see if there was any card. On closer inspection, she saw that they were red roses, only the magical kind. You see, when the sender truly loves the person that they are sending these flowers to, they open and give off a wonderful smell. Needless to say, the room was already filled with an amazing scent. Hermione smiled to herself and let her finger outline the roses. A white card caught her attention and she immediately took it off and tore off the envelope. A single word was written on it.

YOU

“You?” she said, “What does that mean?” However, being the intelligent Hermione that we all know and love, she figured out that there should be cards accompanying the other two vases. Getting excited, she quickly found them and read the cards.

LOVE I

Hermione giggled to herself when she realized what it was saying.

“I love you,” she whispered, feeling butterflies in her stomach. She felt like a schoolgirl who had been asked out on a date by her crush for a year. She hadn't felt this way since she began to notice Harry in a different way. When they were alone in the Hogwarts library, she would accidentally brush her arm against his, her heart going at overdrive at his touch while her stomach was doing flip-flops! A second ring of the doorbell brought her out of her daydream, and she rushed to open the front door.

Expecting more flowers, she opened the front door with a wide, toothy grin. Instead however, stood a man of about 24 years of age. He was wearing dark blue jeans with a green shirt on top, and black shoes to goes with it. His hair, messy as always, was jet-black and his emerald green eyes were behind black-rimmed glasses, matching his clothing perfectly. In front of his chest was a single white rose, clutched in his left hand. With a smile that could only be described as a Colgate smile, he offered it to her.

“Harry,” she began, but found that words had failed her yet again! Her eyes began to water, and a lonely tear flowed down her face.

“I love you,” he simply said, causing her to break into more sobs as she flung her arms around his neck and pulled him closely, the rose being held in her hand. “I figured that I didn't make any sense before,” he started as he held her close. “I've been such a fool!” she snorted at that, though it sounded more like a weird cough as it was a mixture of laughter and crying, “But I realized it only moments ago what it took. I've been scared, yes; but I also knew that I needed you so bad. Please forgive me?” he told her with a sudden interest in the ground. She pulled away from him before answering,

“There's nothing to forgive,” she told him with a wink, “Love me?”

“Love you,” her answered, and gave her a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. Looking at her seriously, he brought his hands down to her hips as she brought her arms around his neck. He slowly bent down and captured her lips into a full kiss. He sighed with content as he felt her tongue run over his bottom lip and granted her entrance. Their tongues battled, and both were satisfied with the moans that the other was producing. Finally breaking the kiss, Harry rested his forehead on hers. He broke the silence after a moment,

“Come,” and led her over to the couch. He sat down, bringing Hermione with him to sit in between his legs, resting her head on his shoulder. He toyed with her hair as she locked her left with his, and with her free hand drew shapes on the top of his.

“You know what?” she asked, “I don't think Ron and Luna will be coming home anytime soon,” she informed him with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“I believe you're right Miss Granger,” he replied just as teasingly. “I don't think that there is anything better to do on a rainy day, than to spend it alone with your girlfriend.”

“Fiancée,” she informed him. Harry turned her face around, shocked at her sudden announcement. “Fiancée,” she repeated once more with a smile that could light up an entire room. Harry's face resembled a child on Christmas day whist opening its presents. Kissing her lightly on the lips he whispered,

“Race you to the bedroom?” As soon as the words left his mouth, they both flung from the couch and raced to his bedroom without a second thought!

A/N: well did you like it? Hope to hear from you guys soon! neni =)

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