As the year grew to a close, the seventh years were left in anticipation of their future. In just two weeks, the school year at Hogwarts will come to end, and that of course, meant that the seventh years were to graduate soon. All were excited that is except Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley. Hermione and Ron were too occupied in the thoughts of when their friend and rescuer Harry Potter would wake up. Just a week before Harry had taken out the biggest villain in the wizarding world and muggle (non-magical folks), Voldemort. No one knows what exactly happened except that Dumbledore found Voldemort's body and Harry's barely living one. Harry had not yet awoken from his encounter and this left many in a curious state as to what happened exactly. Ever since the announcement of Voldemort's final downfall, the wizarding world has been rejoicing and living without fear for the first time two years. All was celebrating that is except Hermione and Ron and of course Harry Potter.
Even though both Ron and Hermione spent a lot of time waiting on Harry to wake up, it was Hermione who you could not even get to leave Harry's bedside. Well with the exception of when Dumbledore made her, even that was not much. During this tough time, Hermione had come to realize that her feelings for Harry were more that just a school girl crush. Yes, Hermione was in love. She had come to the conclusion that if and when Harry awakes she would confess her feelings. Harry was her best friend and boyfriend. She felt like she had everything she could ever want. As she thought about when Harry and her first started dating, she let out a little chuckle. They started dating at Christmas time in their Sixth year. Yes, Hermione remembers it perfectly, just like it was yesterday.
****
The famous trio was celebrating at Grimmauld Place. Ron had gone to Diagon Alley for some last minute Christmas shopping. Hermione was helping Harry wrap his Christmas presents since after all guys just don't get along with paper that well and who wouldn't like a little alone time with their secret crush?
They were wrapping the last of Harry's present (with the exception of Hermione's of course) and Harry's hand brushed over Hermione's. A blush started creeping up each other's face. They both looked up and started to apologize, but they seemed to have gotten lost in each other's eyes. Then, as if some magical force was pushing them closer and closer, they came together and shared a long passionate kiss. After what seemed like an eternity, they slowly separated.
"Um…we are done wrapping presents. I'll go see if I can help anyone else." Hermione replied.
And so the game began. They both avoided each other for the rest of the week. Ginny noticed this one day and while they were at dinner one night and decided to bring it up. "What is it between you two lately?" Everyone stopped eating and looked at her. "I mean between Harry and Hermione." Everyone then turned to the two of them as they once again turned as red as Ron's hair.
"I don't know what you are talking about Ginny." Hermione replied after a moment.
Later that evening Harry saw Hermione reading in the den. He went in and said, "Hermione we can't avoid this forever. After we kissed, it's all I can think about. It's driving me mad."
"I know what you mean. I can't think of anything else either. I'm confused, though."
"I know what you mean, but after I thought about it, I know that I have feelings for you Hermione."
"Oh Harry, I think…that I have feelings for you too." As Hermione said this she looked deep into Harry's eyes. At that moment she really wanted to kiss Harry. No wanted was the wrong word, needed to kiss Harry.
Then as if some unknown force was pulling them together, their lips met. After a few minutes they broke apart needing air.
"So does this mean we are dating now?" Harry replied hopefully.
"I think so." Hermione replied with a smile.
*****
A week and a half had passed and Hermione could be unsurprisingly found sitting by Harry's bed waiting anxiously for him to wake up. "He looks so peaceful," Hermione thought. "So at peace, as if he has no worries in the world."
As she thought about how calm Harry looked, his eyes started to flutter open. At first Hermione thought she saw this only because she was so eager to see this happen. As if to confirm her suspicion she heard a slight croak, "Hermione?"
Hermione's voice was filled with excitement, "Harry! You're…You're awake!"
"I believe so." Harry responded thinking about his pounding head and his aching ribs. "How long have I been out?"
"A week and a half! School is over in a week Harry! Can you believe it?"
Just then Hermione jumped up and gave Harry a bone crushing hug. He withdrew in pain. He tried to cover it up, but of course you can't get anything past Hermione.
"Harry, oh my goodness! I'm so sorry. I better get Madame Pomfrey!"
"No….wait…I'm fine. There's something I need to tell you."
"What is it? What's wrong??"
"While I was out of this world, I was in another one. One without out Ron, Lupin, Dumbledore, and you. It was horrible really. The worst part wasn't about Ron, Lupin, Dumbledore, or anyone else not being there. The worst part was that you weren't there. It wasn't until then that I…. discovered I….well that iloveyou.
"Come again?"
"Hermione," Harry started gaining his Gryffindor courage. "I love you. I love you more than life itself."
Hermione tried to control herself, but this just made her day! Wait take that back, her life! Meanwhile, Harry is looking at her with a hopeful expression written all over his face. "Oh Harry! I love you too! I was going to tell you the same thing. Except for the fact that I didn't go into another world to figure it out." She smirked as she said this.
And there it was, that smirk, how Harry just loved it! He sat up really fast and grabbed Hermione and kissed her. It was filled with passion and love. How long they had kissed, they didn't know. How long they would have kissed, they didn't know that either because after some time Dumbledore cleared his throat. The two jumped apart. A blush creeping up both of their faces. "Ah, Harry I see that you are awake and…umm…well. I will just get Madam Pomfrey to examine you."
"So Harry," Hermione started off. "How are you really?
"Oh me? I'm fine." Harry responded not meeting Hermione's eyes. Hermione just rolled her eyes at this, and thought about how stupid buys really are.
****
It had been two days since Harry had awoken. Madam Pomfrey had insisted on keeping Harry in the Hospital Wing until the end of the year feast. Finally Harry was walking out of the Hospital Wing hand intertwined with Hermione's. Hermione started walking towards the Great Hall but Harry had other plans.
"Harry, what are you doing? The feast is about to begin!" Hermione began to protest.
"I know, but I need to go to the Astronomy Tower first." Harry replied.
"Why?"
"You'll see if you come with me." Harry responded knowing that Hermione was a very curious person and would come.
"Ah, Harry, okay, but you better be quick about it. I think the Head Boy and Head Girl should be at the feast."
Harry just smiled and patted his pocket to make sure everything was still in check.
As they made there way to the Astronomy Tower, Harry's heart began to pound and his palms became sweaty. Finally, they arrived at the Tower and the sun was beginning to set.
Hermione look around and found nothing. "Harry, I don't see anything here, what do you need to do?"
"Well," Harry began. "Hermione, first let me explain. While I was in the other world, all alone was the scariest thing I have ever had to face. It was worse than facing Voldemort and his Death Eaters alone without a wand. It was as if my worst fear had come true. I was alone…without you." Hermione's eyes started to tear up at this. "When I woke up, and you were there. I knew right then, that I loved you. I know we haven't been dating for two years and I know we aren't that old. But it wouldn't make a difference to me if I was 80, I know I would still love you more than anything else. I know that I love you and want to be with you for the rest of my life. So what I'm rambling on for is that I would like to know," Harry started to get down on one knee as he said this and as he did this pulled out a beautiful ring. "…if you , Hermione would marry me?"
The tears in Hermione's eyes started to fall freely now. She knew that it didn't matter how long she dated Harry, he would be the one she would marry. Why waste time? How could she say no? "Harry! Of course! You know I love you more than anything in the world!"
Harry slipped the ring on her finger and said "Well then my lady since that is done. I do believe we have a feast to interrupt."
"And I thought they were going to be shocked at you being awake!"
So the two set off again, but this time heading for the Great Hall. Several minutes later, they arrived at the entrance to the Great Hall. Harry looked at Hermione and smirked, "You ready Hermione?"
"As ready as I ever was."
Harry pushed open the doors to the Great Hall and all chattering stopped. All heads turned to stare at them. Ginny Weasley was the first to respond to the interruption and started running towards them the whole time screaming like a child. "OH my gosh! Hermione??? What is that you have on your left hand?"
Now how Ginny could see the ring from so far away was a good question. And to think that they were worried what the school would say about them being late.
"Well Ginny, I believe it is an engagement ring." Came Ron's voice.
Harry and Hermione glance at each other and said, "Surprise!"
The whole Great Hall burst into laughter with the obvious exception of Slytherin. A few 'about time' and 'I told you so's could be heard across the Hall. Everyone still seemed to look at Harry and Hermione so Harry did the only thing he could think of, he pulled Hermione in for a very long, uninterrupted, passionate kiss.
A/N: Hope you like this little one-shot! Leave me a review and let me know what you think! God bless!