Chapter Sixteen:
(Harry)
She was actually in my sitting room right now. I had imagined this for some time. I knew it would come eventually. Hermione could not leave something unsolved for long, it would begin to eat away at her, and I believe that is exactly what happened. The kettle in which I had put on to boil was now whistling and I grabbed my hot pad and poured the water into two identical saucers. I took out two lemon teabags from the cupboard and put them in the steaming water. I let them soak for a few minutes before taking them out. After I put the cups on a tray I added a few butter biscuits and sat down in my kitchen trying to figure out what exactly I was going to say to Hermione. My mind was reeling, I knew telling her the truth would be the best option, but I didn't want her to be hurt anymore now than I did then.
Deciding that I would tell her the complete and utter truth I grabbed the tray of tea and some biscuits and headed back into the sitting room. She turned her head and caught my eye. We smiled at each other, before that moment I didn't think it was going to be easy to talk to her, but as soon as she shot me that glorious smile, all my reservations dissipated.
I put the tray down and handed her a cup of tea, our hands brushed briefly and it was if I was struck by a tiny bolt of lightening. We both pulled back abruptly and smiled shyly at one another. I sat down across from her; she looked absolutely beautiful, how did I live without her all these years?
I relaxed into my chair, and sighed loudly. It was now or never.
"Well I'm sure you remember seventh year, and the defeat of Voldemort." She nodded her head urging me to go on. I cleared my throat and continued. " While I was in the infirmary I was visited by a certain Draco Malfoy. He then confessed to me that he and Ginny had been secretly seeing each other for a few months and that you knew." I looked at her, and she nodded once again. I went on. "I was quite mad when he first told me. But then he went on and told me that you had advised Ginny to break it off with him, which she did. I was proud that you did that, but what I heard next shocked me to the core." I stopped, it was beginning to get physically painful for me to remember the words Draco had whispered to me that night.
Hermione then stood up and came a knelt down next to me on the floor. She put her hand on my knee.
"Harry I can see that its killing you to tell me this, but…" Her chocolate eyes met mine. "…I need to know."
I nodded my head, took a deep breath and went on with my story.
" He leaned his head in real close to me and told me that he had loved Ginny, and now that was gone thanks to you. He told me right there that he was going to have you killed while I was in the hospital, so I couldn't do anything. I begged for your life, it was all I could do while lying in a bed. I remember him laughing at me, telling me he had been waiting seven years to kill you, but then his laughing stopped. He looked at me as if he had had an epiphany, then a smile crept across his face. He told me that I was to act as if you didn't exist. To do everything I could think of to hurt you. He said that if I did that he wouldn't hurt you." I felt a tear slip down my cheek, but a hand other than my own wiped it away. I looked down to see Hermiones' hand reaching up to touch my face again. Just then I was overcome with the urge to hold her fragile body in my arms. I gathered her up in my arms, in which she came willingly. I cradled her in my lap, while letting my tears fall into her lovely hair.
"I'm sorry Hermione, so sorry…" I whispered hoping she had heard me.
She began to shush me soothingly. I could feel a wet spot forming on my collarbone and knew she too was crying. I knew then that she had forgiven me and I could feel my heart bursting with happiness.
(Hermione)
I was sitting in Harrys' lap crying my eyes out, and all because everything that I had dreamed had come true. Harry hadn't become some horrible monster for no reason and I hadn't done anything wrong. I was elated; he had done everything to save my life. I lifted my head up and stared into his emerald orbs. I couldn't remember a time where I had wanted anymore in my life than to just kiss him right then. He obviously was thinking the same thing I was, because suddenly his head lowered down onto mine. His lips brushed mine so softly it took a moment for it to register in my mind that he was kissing me. We both deepened the kiss together, my lips parting and his tongue darting in to explore familiar territory.
Instantly I was struck with the feeling that this felt so right yet so wrong at the same time. That's when I remembered Michael. I was getting married to Michael. I pulled away from Harry quickly and stood up. He looked confused, but then a look of understanding crossed his face.
"Harry, I'm getting married. What just happened was wrong."
He looked me directly in the eyes. "Then why did it feel so right?" He stood up and inched closer to me. "Why for the first time in seven years did it suddenly feel like everything was right in the world? Like the planets were all aligned and like I wouldn't have to into work tomorrow because all the Death Eaters would have realized they were wrong and just turn themselves in. Why is it that the first time I feel completely happy in seven years was the first time I held you in my arms?"
I felt a tear escape my eye and travel down my face. Neither he nor I wiped it away but let it make the short journey down my face and drop to the floor.
"H…Harry…" I stuttered to get out. He moved so close to me that our bodies were touching. He then wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a soft and gentle hug which held so much meaning.
"Hermione, I will give you as much time as you need to come around, because I care about you. But let me let you in on a little secret." He leaned down and whispered into my ear. "You wont be marrying this Michael character, I promise you that."
I pulled away from him and noticed he was smiling at me. I couldn't help but crack a smile, as his was contagious.
" I'm sorry, but I have to get home Harry." I told him, regretting it instantly.
The smile stayed plastered on his face. "I'll walk you." He said.
I shook my head. "No I'll be apparating home, and I wouldn't want you Michael to see you or vice versa."
After that he left the room and disappeared into another room. A few minutes later he emerged carrying his coat. It seems he wasn't going to listen to me.
"Hey I just got you back, I want to spend as much time with you as possible. By the way, does Michael know you're a witch?" he asked sticking his arms through the sleeves.
I shrugged my shoulders. "Its not important to me if he knows or not."
Harry gawked at me. "You mean he doesn't know? Hermione I'm surprised at you." He said with mock sternness.
I rolled my eyes at him and smiled.
"I'll tell him when I'm ready to tell him." I said then began walking to the door.
Harry jogged over to me. "I thought you were apparating home?" he teased.
I rolled my eyes at him again. "I am, and you aren't coming."
He sighed. "Ok fine, but on one condition." He said holding up his index finger indicating one.
"What?"
He smiled at me. "Tomorrow you have dinner with me and Ron at the Three Broomsticks."
I winked at him. "Deal"
He leaned in a kissed my cheek. "See you at seven."
The last thing I saw before my world started spinning and I landed in the comfort of my bedroom was Harrys' smiling face and twinkling eyes.