Tell Me

Yes, this is a very short ending, but it says all that needs to be said. I hope you've enjoyed the ride with me on a story that's taken extremely long to complete (it was 2006 when I posted the start of this story). Fluff abounds in this epilogue. They needed an emotional break after the whole Ginny situation.

This is the first ending to this story. I have another ending written out as well, and if enough people review saying they want to read the alternate ending, I'll post it as well. I will say, that it's even shorter than this one, but has it's share of squee worthy moments and humor.

Please read and review. Of course, constructive feedback is encouraged.

Disclaimer: I'll refer you back to Chapter 1 to save space and simplify things for those whom have already read it.

Tell Me

Epilogue: More Than Satisfactory

That evening in the common room, Harry went to the Room of Requirement to get away from all the curious students in the Gryffindor common room that were asking questions about what happened in McGonagall's office that morning.

Why can't people around here mind their own ruddy business for once. Don't they understand that I want to be left in peace? Only some of my friends get that I just want to be thought of as normal, especially Hermione. Merlin, I love her.

Suddenly there was a gentle knock on the door, causing Harry to jump. “Who is it?” he called out.

Hermione's gentle voice came through the door, “it's me, Harry. Can I come in?”

Maybe I'll be able to work up the nerve to tell her how I feel while we're alone.

“Come on in,” he called out to her.

The door softly opened and closed, and a minute later Hermione sat down next to him. “They were getting on my nerves too,” she said softly.

Harry took her hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze as he smiled at her. “Thank you, Hermione,” he said softly, “for everything.”

Hermione smiled shyly back at him. “You're welcome, Harry.”

She looks so beautiful in the firelight. I want to run my fingers through her hair right now, but I'm afraid she'd slap me.

Harry shyly looked at Hermione. “I was wondering Hermione…” he started to say.

She looked up at him curiously. “Yes?” she asked anxiously.

He looked down at his hands. “I was wondering why you decided to be so helpful to me over the years when it would have been safer to avoid me?”

Hermione blushed. “It was the right thing to do,” she said in a whisper.

Harry squeezed her hand. “I'm glad you did the right thing,” he whispered back.

“Anything for you, Harry,” she said softly as she leaned her head on his shoulder.

Where's my bloody Gryffindor courage? Harry scolded himself. It shouldn't be so ruddy difficult to ask Hermione to be my girlfriend. I love her, and if Ron is to be trusted, she loves me too.

Come on, Harry. Just open your mouth and let the words come out already!

Harry took a deep breath. “Hermionedoyouwanttogooutwithme?” he asked quickly.

Hermione looked up at him in a mix of confusion and bemusement. “Sorry, I didn't catch that,” she said gently with a half-smile on her face.

Harry groaned internally. After another deep breath he tried again, “Hermione, doyouwanttogooutwithme?”

Hermione tried to stifle a laugh. “Tell me, Harry. Are you trying to ask me to go out with you?” she asked giggling.

Harry blushed. “Umm…yeah, if you want to,” he stammered out.

Hermione blushed and smiled up at him. “I'd love to go out with you, Harry. I've loved you for years now.”

Harry looked at her in surprise. “When did you start fancying me?”

Hermione shrugged. “I suppose a part of me always has,” she said simply, “but I really realized it during fourth year when your name came out of the Goblet of Fire.”

Harry smiled guiltily. “I'll admit to thinking you were one of the guys until that year, and seeing you in your dress robes. Wow! You looked amazing.”

Hermione blushed. “I could tell you thought I was really pretty by the look on your face that night,” she admitted. “And that was part of the idea—to get you to notice that I was a girl.”

Harry blushed. “It definitely worked,” he admitted, “but which of your plans hasn't?”

Hermione kissed his cheek. “You're so sweet, Harry, but I've had plans fail before.”

“Like when?” asked Harry in surprise.

“That dress robes plan for one,” Hermione countered. “It didn't get your mind off Cho.”

Harry cringed. “Not one of my better decisions,” he admitted.

Hermione put her hand on his shoulder. “It's okay, Harry,” she said. “You've made up for it now.”

Harry slowly lowered his lips to hers for their first kiss. A few seconds later, he pulled back and grinned at Hermione.

“Well, that proves I was right about that,” Hermione mused out loud.

“About what?”

Hermione blushed and grinned at Harry. “That your kissing is more than satisfactory.”

Harry smirked. “I'm glad you think so, Miss Granger.”

Before Hermione could respond, Harry lowered his lips to hers again and proceeded to start a very delicious songfest.

-->