Chapter Seven: Unspoken
***Saturday Evening***
Harry went into Hermione's bedroom, and collapsed onto the bed.
Today was a great day, now time for sleep. Yawning widely, Harry lay his head on the pillow and almost immediately fell into a wonderful dream……
"Harry!" a lovely voice called out. Harry turned his head to find himself in the Gryffindor Common Room, the way it was the last time he had seen it in his final year at Hogwarts.
"Hello?" Harry called out.
"Harry!" the voice called again. Harry looked around the common room, but didn't see anyone around.
"Harry!" the voice was much closer this time. Harry turned around and saw Hermione.
"Hermione?" It was present day Hermione, but in her Gryffindor school robes, as was he. "Harry, I want to ask you something." She took his hand and set him into his favorite chair in front of the fireplace.
"What is it?" he asked curiously.
"How do you feel about me?" she asked with a smile on her face.
Harry faltered for a moment, and mumbled, "I love you." But Hermione didn't seem to hear him.
"What was that Harry?"
More loudly this time, He said, "I love you, Hermione."
She smiled, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I love you too, Harry."
Harry smiled, and Hermione started to lean in……
"Yuck!" Harry said out loud as he realized that Jiminy was now licking his face. Harry shoved Jiminy off of the bed, and swung around his legs so that his feet were now on the cold wood floor. His first thought was to find out what Hermione was doing, and if she was alright. He got out of the bed, and headed into the living room.
Hermione was still sitting in front of the fireplace, still pondering the accidental slip of emotion while Harry was sleeping. She didn't believe that he was even aware he had said anything out loud. She shook her head, and got up only to find Harry stretching in the doorway.
Harry looked at Hermione, perplexed. He couldn't read her expression, but to him it looked like nervousness, and disappointment. If only he knew how close he really was. Hermione realized what he was doing, and quickly cracked a smile.
"Hey sleepy head." She said in a falsely cheerful voice.
His heart fell. He was frustrated, and wanted to know what was wrong with her. He hated seeing her unhappy, especially when it was directed towards him. He looked into her eyes.
"'Mione," Harry started, and Hermione looked up, "What's wrong?"
Damn. I never could hide anything from him. I need to make up something……Failing to make up anything to lie to Harry with, she told him the truth.
"I heard you mumbling while you were asleep, but it was none of my business." Okay, a version of the truth.
Shit. I wonder what I said……
"What did I say, `Mione?" he asked. She mumbled in a low voice that wasn't exactly audible.
"Huh?" he questioned.
"You said you loved me." She said more clearly this time. He was shocked. He couldn't believe that had slipped out while he was dreaming of her. He wasn't sure how to answer.
"I just took it as you meaning you love me as your best friend." She said, looking deeply disappointed.
"Yah, um, that's what it meant." Is what Harry wanted to say, but he couldn't bring himself to lie to her. So he stood there, not saying a word.
"Okay." She said. Turning on her heel, she went back and sat in front of the fire.
Harry stood there angry at himself. No, wait, angry was an understatement of the century. He was positively furious with himself for not saying anything. Feeling absolutely horrible about how he just handled the situation.
"'Mione," he started to say, but was cut off by her voice.
"It's okay Harry. You don't have to say anything." She lied. Tears were slowly streaming down her face. She shifted slightly to hide them from Harry. He didn't notice.
"'Mione. I don't know what to do. I don't remember my dream at all." He lied. He kept replaying it in his head. She wiped her face, and turned to him.
"You really don't remember?" she asked.
"No." he lied once more.
"Okay. Let's just forget about it then. Alright?" she offered.
"Okay. It never happened." He agreed. She got up, and smoothed out her clothes.
"I'm tired. D'you want to go to sleep, or are you not tired anymore?" She asked.
"I need more sleep." He said hesitantly. He didn't want anything else to slip out while he dreamed.
They went into Hermione's room, and Hermione went straight for the bathroom, carrying her pajamas. Harry took off his shirt, and went over to her dresser.
She had been kind enough to give him a couple of drawers for his things. He opened one, and pulled out a night shirt and a pair of grey shorts. After changing, he slipped into the bed.
Hermione walked out of the bathroom in a t-shirt and shorts. She got into the other side of the bed. Turning to him, she kissed him on the cheek.
"Good night Harry." She said sweetly. He kissed her on the forehead.
"Sweet dreams `Mione." He whispered.
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