It was almost like old times. They were sitting in the Gryffindor common room in the dark. The fire was slowly dying out, but it still cast a fairly bright glow. They were tired, beyond tired, as the days events slowly began to take their toll. Ron was spending the night in the infirmary for overnight observation. It had to be well past two o'clock in the morning and here they were, slumped together, each fighting sleep so they could spend just a few minutes more with each other.
He sat there for a few minutes, her head was resting against his as they both faced the fire. He took a few shaky breaths (he loved the feeling he got when she was around) and then softly began to speak.
"Hermione, are you awake?" she didn't answer for a moment but then she lifted her head from his shoulder and smiled shyly.
"Sorry, I think I just kind of dozed off for a moment."
"Oh, I didn't mean to wake you." He said mentally kicking himself. She smiled as she shifted to face him more.
"No, its fine, I wanted to spend some time with you before we went to sleep." He smiled as he looked down at his hands which she was playing around with lightly. "You know, today was pretty scary. I thought for a moment-I thought we were going to lose Ron."
"I know, and I'm sorry that I've brought you into all of this…if you want to just stay here where it's safe-" she put her finger up to his lips, effectively silencing him.
"Harry, I don't know how many times we're going to go through this conversation but my answer is always going to be the same. No, I don't want to be holed up somewhere only slightly safer, I don't want to be away from the two best friends I've ever had, and frankly, I don't want to be away from you." She looked up into his eyes boldly. He held his breath. That was more than a friendly thing to say.
"Good, because I don't want you to be anywhere else." He was feeling bold. Maybe it was being back in the Gryffindor common room with all that Gryffindor courage, whatever it was, he was feeling brave. She smiled and he brushed her hair behind her ear as he leaned in slowly. Her smile faltered as she realized what he was doing. She leaned in slowly to meet him half way as their lips brushed against each other.
It was soft and deliciously sweet. It was so innocent, so perfect. They weren't worried about what the other was thinking or what would happen after they pulled away. They allowed themselves to live in the moment, if only for a moment, and simply enjoy each other.
They pulled apart and smiled nervously. He took his hand and threaded it into her hair as he pulled her back in for another kiss. This one was just a little more serious a little more emotional and much more passionate. He distantly felt her hands wrap around his neck and draw him closer to her. They reluctantly pulled away, breathing heavily.
"Merlin," he muttered as she gave him a disapproving, lopsided grin. "That was…" his brow furrowed was there a word to describe it? She smiled as she kissed his nose playfully.
"So does this mean-" She was interrupted by Ron walking through the portrait hole.
"Oh, you guys are already awake." Ron seemed thrown off by this fact for a moment before continuing. "I know where the next Horcrux is." Immediately his mind left thoughts of Hermione and moved straight to business. His face got serious.
"Really? Where?" Hermione asked just as intrigued.
"Wait, you mean Hermione hasn't already figured out where it is?" Ron asked incredulously. Hermione shook her head almost angrily.
"Where is it Ron?"
"Honestly, you two don't know? Hang on, let me just revel in this for a moment. Hermione, is this how you feel all the time?"
"Ron!" she cried out indignantly as she crossed her arms. She's so cute when she's angry.
"Alright, alright!" Ron said putting his hands up in defeat. "If you wanted to hide a Horcrux, in Hogwarts, where would you hide it?"
"Somewhere safe."
"Somewhere that people wouldn't find it." Hermione added in thoughtfully.
"The Chamber of Secrets?" Ron shook his head.
"The last time the chamber was opened was opened was by you, Harry. It hadn't been opened since the first time Riddle opened it. Myrtle would know if it had since then."
"The Room of Requirement!" Hermione called out triumphantly. His thoughts returned to their kiss once again as he watched her eyes sparkle and her lips break into a smile. He reveled in the memory for half a moment before Ron began to talk.
"Exactly! It makes sense, doesn't it?" Ron voiced his question towards Hermione.
"Well of course it makes sense! We should go now, while everyone is still asleep." He felt Hermione's hand weave through his as she pulled him off the couch with her. He didn't let go of her hand until they were through the portrait hole and he could feel his face tighten into a slight frown; they had a Horcrux to destroy.
The three of them rushed through the darkened hallways, their footsteps echoing hollowly against the walls. Once outside the room of requirement they began to pace.
I need a place to hide something. I need a place to hide something. I need a place to hide something.
The three looked at each other uncertainly before Harry pulled the door open. They were greeted by a plethora of hidden and forgotten junk. Piles upon piles of ancient, dusty old potion bottles and various gadgets were strewn about the room.
"Hey, Ginny said that she lost these!" Ron cried indignantly as he held up a pair of extendable ears.
"Come on, Ron, it's not here." Hermione said as she pulled his arm and exited the room. They closed the door behind them.
"Riddle must have seen how many people had already hidden things and he must have been more specific." Harry spoke to himself.
I need a place to hide a horcrux. I need a place to hide a horcrux. I need a place to hide a horcrux.
This time they were greeted by a dark and ominous hallway. Bathed in a deep purple light the gargoyles lining the walls almost seemed to be alive, then again, they very well could be. The three stepped into the room quietly, the large wooden doorway clanging loudly behind them.
"This definitely looks like the right place." Ron observed under his breath. Hermione felt a wash of fear run over her. She smiled as she felt Harry's hand purposely brush against the back of hers as he walked by. He stepped in front of them, something he almost always did: always the protector.
In the distance she could see it, bathed in a yellow light atop a pedestal sat the cup.
"That beaten up old thing? Voldemort's soul is in that tin can?" Ron called out bitterly.
"Ron, let's just get this over with and get it done." Harry walked cautiously up to the pedestal. Transforming a curtain tassel into a spider he dropped it onto the cup. The spider, seemingly unharmed, simply crawled along the tarnished cup. Harry promptly turned the eight-legged creature back into its original form and grabbed the cup. "Now what?" He asked turning to his friends, the cup dangling precariously in his loose grip.
"Well we can't risk trying to destroy it at Hogwarts. Who knows what could happen. We'd best to keep it for now and destroy it when we get back hom- to Grimmuld Place." Hermione awkwardly interrupted herself.
"That's a good idea. We don't want anyone knowing what we're up to, or getting hurt for that matter."
"Does this mean we can go to the kitchens and get something to eat? I'm starving!"
"Ron! Don't you think about anything other than your stomach?" Hermione cried exasperatedly.
"I don't know, I think a round of pumpkin juice could hit the spot." Harry agreed as they started to walk down the hallway, sealing the Room of Requirement.
"Well, I think I'm just going to go off to bed. It's been a long night and I'd like to get a few hours of sleep. Be good." She eyed them wearily before giving a great yawn and turning towards the Gryffindor wing. She could hear Harry and Ron talking about… something as they drifted further and further away and just before she turned the corner she sneaked a glance Harry who by chance had turned back to look at her.
"You kissed her didn't you?"
"Ron!"
"You did, didn't you?" Harry remained silent for a bit. "I have a right to know. I did talk you through it, you know." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yes, we did. Ron, I can't help it she is so perfect and everything just felt so right and-" Ron held up his hand.
"I didn't ask for details, and I don't want any, so please, spare me. The thought of you two going at it…" he shuddered.
"Ron, we were 'not going at it'."
"Who were you 'not going at it' with, Harry?" The tall baby-faced boy caught them off-guard for a moment.
"Neville, don't do that. You nearly killed me." Ron said clutching his heart.
"Sorry about that. How are you two, I haven't seen you in forever. The Prophet was saying you were going into hiding because you feared for your lives. I knew not to believe it but, well, where have you been? What have you been up to? Is it true you're working on defeating You-Know-Who?" Ron and Harry shared sympathetic looks.
"Neville, we really can't tell you. I'm sorry, but if anyone were to find out…"
"I understand Harry, but are you helping to defeat You-Know-Who?"
"Yes."
"Neville, what are you doing up so late anyway?" The boy smiled puffing out his chest and pointing to a badge.
"I'm a prefect. You know, you and Hermione were supposed to be Head Boy and Head Girl but when you two didn't show up, they gave the spots to a Ravenclaw and a Hufflepuff. It's too bad you didn't stay for this year. Can you imagine the kinds of parties we could have had in the Head suites?" Neville asked excitedly.
"Yeah Harry, think of all the fun you and Hermione could have had." He raised his eyebrows suggestively as Harry lightly nudged him in the stomach.
"Let's get some pumpkin juice." As the three boys walked down the hallway Harry couldn't help but think of how different things would have been if they had stayed at Hogwarts. Not to mention all the "fun" he and Hermione could have had.
A/N: As always, reviews are the way to my heart. Tell me what you think!