Disclaimer: If you really believe I own Harry Potter, then I have some great ocean front property for you …
A/N: This was written long ago for a Valentine's Day challenge at HHDA. I'm just in the mood to post something since my "Love of a Lifetime" muse has left for a vacation. I'm working on drabbles and such to get her back!! Please enjoy and please review.
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Harry Potter never liked Valentine's Day. For his entire life, no one loved him, so why bother with a holiday that revolved around love?
Harry walked into the Great Hall, depressed and thoroughly alone. He accepted the chocolate from the house elf dressed as Cupid at the door and headed towards the furthest corner he could find. What was there to celebrate? He was alone on Valentine's Day, same as usual and that was certainly no cause for happiness to him.
Taking a seat far from others, he observed the rest of the ball. All of the other students were dancing with their sweethearts, reveling in the holiday. And the hearts! Great Merlin, were all those red, shiny hearts necessary? The cherubs and the hearts and the sugariness of it all were just too much.
"Stupid card company holiday," he muttered to himself.
"Actually, Valentine's Day has a lot of history behind it," a voice said from behind him. "And I could tell you all about it if you would like," she added with a wink.
Harry smiled warmly. "Maybe later." He turned to face his best friend. "Happy Valentine's Day, Mione."
"Same to you, Harry. Now, tell me why Hogwarts' most eligible bachelor is sitting here in the corner all alone at the school's fabulously over-decorated Valentine's ball?"
He chuckled sarcastically. "Well, the most eligible bachelor had lots of invites …"
"But Harry didn't?
"Exactly."
She huffed. "Well, they don't know what they're missing."
Harry smiled. "Thanks, Mione. That means a lot to me."
She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Don't mention it. I mean every word."
"You always do. Hey, by the way, you look really nice tonight," he said.
"Why thank you! And you look quite handsome as well. Dress robes suit you."
Harry blushed. "I really like that shade of green on you, too."
Then he took a long look at Hermione's gown. That color was familiar. He saw it everyday in the mirror. But surely Hermione wouldn't pick a gown the same color of Harry's eyes on purpose … right?
And then he noticed the glitter. It must have been Lavender's idea to put the body glitter on her. But why did she have to put it right there … on her chest. He didn't want to stare at her cleavage, but the sparkling kept catching his eye.
"Lav's idea," Hermione said with a deep sigh.
"Oh, Hermione! I'm so sorry!! I didn't mean to look there, it's just that it was shiny and my eyes were drawn to them … the glitter, not your … oh bloody hell."
"Harry, it's ok. Seriously. That's probably the effect Lavender was looking for."
"You think?" Harry laughed. "So would you like to dance?"
"I would love to!"
Harry led Hermione to the dance floor and they immediately fell into a rhythm together.
"Thanks for dancing with just Harry," he whispered.
"Well, frankly, 'just Harry' is much easier to be with. I find Hogwarts' most eligible bachelor to be a bit high maintenance," she said with a giggle.
"Tell me about it!"
"I don't think I have to!" Hermione laughed, but then she turned serious. "Honestly, Harry. No one here knows what they're missing by not getting to know the real you."
"A danger seeking prat with a thing for saving people?"
"No, that comes with the 'Chosen One' package. Just Harry is the nicest guy I know."
"You always know how to cheer me up. You know that, right?"
She just nodded.
Harry began to concentrate, thinking of something to give to her. Suddenly, a perfect, thornless rose appeared in his hand. He tucked it behind Hermione's ear.
"Beautiful," he murmured.
She blushed. "Not me."
Just then, it occurred to Harry that he had said that outloud. And suddenly, he didn't care.
"Mione, I meant that. You look amazing tonight. Completely breathtaking."
"Harry, you don't have to say -"
"Let me finish while the Gryffindor in me is working. I think you're always gorgeous no matter what anyone else says. And I'm finally not scared to say it."
"Why would you be scared?" she asked timidly.
"I wish I knew. Being with you is the easiest thing I could do, and yet here I am challenged with every word that I'm trying to say."
Her face showed her confusion.
"You're so good with words, this would go easy for you. Hermione, what I'm trying to say is that my feelings for you are changing. In a good way. I think I'm falling for you."
"Falling for … me?"
"Is there anyone else?"
"Well, I mean --"
He put a finger on her lips. "It was a rhetorical question, Mione. There is no one else for me. Never has been, never will be."
"I don't know what to say."
"Well, you could start with you feel the same. Otherwise, my pride may force me to Obliviate you and remove this conversation from your memory."
"Oh Harry. Of course I feel the same. I feel like I've been waiting forever for this moment."
"We both have been."
"So you really mean it?"
"More than anything."
She smiled brightly, melting his heart. That smile would always be the end of him and he decided right then and there that there would be no better way to be defeated.
He leaned in slowly, giving her time to reject what was he was trying to do. Instead, she leaned in as well, shortening the distance between them.
And in a magic moment, their lips met in a powerful and loving kiss.
As the kiss broke, Harry sighed. Maybe Valentine's Day wasn't so bad after all.
"I love you, Hermione Granger," he said, holding his new love very close.
"And I love you, just Harry Potter," Hermione replied, snuggling into his embrace.