All I Want for Christmas

A/N: This is my first attempt to write fan fiction of any sort. Plus, I don't have the knowledge that most of you do about Harry Potter, as I've only read fan fiction and seen the movies. I've tried to be as true to the series as I can considering my knowledge, but the story may be slightly AU. Please be constructively critical of my work. Thanks in advance for your kindness. Maybe I'll write more of these in the future if this one goes well.

Thanks to everybody who's reviewed my story. I really appreciate hearing from all of you. This story is definitely winding towards its conclusion, but we have a little unfinished business to take care of first. I do plan to write more stories in the future, including a sequel to this story, but my writing time over the next few months may be hindered by my classes.

At the suggestion of one of my reviewers, I'm going to ask people to include their guesses as to when Harry and Hermione are going to get engaged in their reviews. I look forward to reading your guesses. I will say that I will not comment on them, so as to keep you all guessing.

If any of you want to try to figure out where I'm going, you might want to read my replies to people's reviews, as I will occasionally drop a hint in there. However, be wary, I have been known to toss out some red herrings too. Speculate at your own risk.

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters in this story. All characters belong to J. K. Rowling.

All I Want for Christmas

Chapter 18: Bedside Realizations

Harry took his time getting undressed and crawling into bed. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he settled in between the covers and tried to get comfortable. I hope Hermione didn't hear me whispering in the hall. I don't want her to find out how I feel about her that way. I want to tell her to her face.

Harry stared up at the ceiling as he let his thoughts wander to the beautiful brown haired young woman in the next room. When did I fall in love with Hermione? It must have been a while ago on a subconscious level, but when?

In the Department of Mysteries? Possibly, but I don't think so. I think it was probably longer ago than that. It definitely scared me to death that it appeared that she might have been dead.

At the Yule Ball? I doubt it. That was the night that I realized how beautiful she could be, but I want to say that my love for her probably goes back farther than that.

When we had to part just before I faced Voldemort during our first year? That's probably too far back. I definitely wish that she didn't have to go back, but it was definitely for the best that she did. She might have been killed if she had faced Voldemort with me. That was a great hug she gave me just before she went back to help Ron, though.

So, it appears to be sometime between the end of our first year and the Yule Ball.

Harry got up and walked over to the window to see if that would help him solve his puzzle.

There has to be a logical point when I fell in love with Hermione, but when would it have been?

I don't think it was during the Triwizard Tournament, so it must have been sometime during our second or third year.

Could it have been while we were saving Sirius during third year? That experience certainly brought us closer together, but was it when I fell in love with Hermione? It's possible. I wanted to try to protect her as much as possible, which could be taken for evidence that I loved her. I was trying the whole time we were trying to save Sirius though, which would suggest that I had already fallen in love with her.

What happened before that which could have led me to fall in love with her?

Stumped, Harry walked back to the bed, but paused before getting in and ran his hand slowly along the side in realization.

Of course! Why didn't I think of it before? I must have fallen in love with Hermione when she was petrified second year! Not having Hermione in my life when I really needed her help must have led me to fall in love with her on a subconscious level.

Harry climbed back into bed and stared at the ceiling.

When should I tell Hermione that I love her? How will she react to my revelation? Has she figured out yet that she loves me too?

Harry sighed deeply and rolled on to his side.

As aggravating as Voldemort is, at least he's predictable. He'll go into hiding for a while and then come out and try to kill me.

Love is different. Love's unpredictable. I have no idea how Hermione will respond when I ask her to be my girlfriend. She could tell me that I've gone mad. She could say that she fancies somebody else. I have no idea who that could be, but you never know. I'd like to believe that I'd know if she fancies somebody else, but maybe she's been keeping that a secret from me.

Don't worry, a voice from inside his head told him, Hermione loves you too. You just need to work up your Gryffindor courage and tell her.

Who are you and where did you come from?

That's not what's important here. You're heart and both of your happiness is what's important here, the voice responded.

How do I know you're not Voldemort trying to play a trick on me?

Don't worry about that. I'm a friend to you, the voice responded.

How do you know that she loves me?

I've talked with her the same way I'm talking with you, the voice calmly informed Harry.

What's she doing right now?

If you needed to know, then I'd tell you.

I might go tell her right now if I knew that she's still awake.

Now isn't the best time to tell her, Harry. You know that just as well as I do. I know what you got her for Christmas, and I can assure you that she'll love it, the voice stated.

So, are you suggesting that I tell her tomorrow after we open our presents?

It is up to you to decide when to disclose to her how you feel. I'm only here to reassure you that you're on the right path, the voice informed him.

What is “the right path”?

That is another thing that you need to discover on your own. I will say this, though. What you have with her has been vital to both of you being here today. It will continue to be so in the future, however long that may be.

Why must you speak in riddles? You're talking like you're Dumbledore, but it doesn't sound like you're him.

The voice laughed. You're focusing on the unimportant again. Go to sleep. Don't worry about your relationship with Hermione. Things will work out.

I assume that means that you're going to leave me alone now too.

Silence followed.

Asking Hermione after we open our Christmas presents seems to be the logical thing to do. I remember she said that we'll open the presents first thing in the morning, so I should be able to sleep in a bit even.

Harry smiled, pleased at his decision. As he drifted off into a peaceful sleep he had only one thought on his mind.

I'm in love with my best friend, and she loves me back.

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