Disclaimer: I own none of the characters. *cries* They all belong to the amazing JK Rowling. I'm just borrowing them for a while - I'll give them back in one piece…promise!
A/N: I am soooo sorry that this story has been neglected. I have had a lot of stuff going on, but that's not really any excuse.
Hopefully I am back in the swing of things now, but we will see. I apologise if it doesn't go to plan.
Anyway, on the story…
Hermione stirred slowly and was in a very confused state; her pillow seemed to be moving. Opening her eyes she was shocked to find her head resting on Harry's chest and Harry's arms snaked around her waist.
<What the-?> but the events of the previous day came flooding back. Harry had been so upset by everything that had happened and they had both been so emotionally drained that when they'd laid down together they both fallen asleep almost instantaneously. Hermione turned her head and looked at the clock, it was 9.30. They'd slept for nearly 12 hours and Hermione was glad - she'd never felt so refreshed.
She lifter her eyes to Harry and sighed; he looked so peaceful. She wished she could take all his problems and worries away. She tentatively reached out and ran her hand through his hair, being careful not to wake him. She did this a couple of times before stopping and moving to get out of the bed.
"Mmmm, don't stop," Harry said, sleepily. Hermione smiled,
"Have to, it's time to get up," she replied.
"No," said Harry, and pulled her closer to him, "stay here, it's nice."
"That it is, but we can't stay in bed all day Harry. I, for one, need breakfast. And I haven't given you your birthday present yet."
"Consider staying here, my birthday present," smirked Harry.
"Nope," said Hermione as she wriggled fee of Harry's grasp. "Your present is in my room - I'll be back in a minute."
Hermione made the short walk from the guest room to her own and found a piece of paper stuck to the door.
H,
Came to wake you before we left but your bed hadn't been slept in. I think I can guess where you were - I think we need to talk when I get in.
Mum
P.S. I've not told your Dad.
Hermione groaned; when she had slipped into bed with Harry last night she had completely forgotten about her parents and their reactions. At least her Mum hadn't told her Dad. He'd have freaked out no matter how innocent the entire thing was. Taking the note off the door she slipped into her room to retrieve Harry's gift from the wardrobe.
When she arrived back in the guest bedroom Harry was sat up in bed, looking only slightly more awake than he had when she'd left him. He had, however, managed to locate his glasses and put them on.
Hermione held out the gift.
"Happy Birthday. Sorry I forgot to give it to you yesterday," she said. Harry smiled, and took the present
from her.
"S'ok `Mione. It's understandable; yesterday was a big day."
"Well, come on! Open it - I want to see what you think"
Harry ripped into the wrapping paper like a five year old on Christmas morning. When he saw Hermione's gift his eyes widened.
"Hermione….this is too much." Inside the package was a hand carved chestnut and ivory wizard chess set and
two tickets to the upcoming Chudley Canons match.
"It's fine Harry, honestly"
"But Hermione…"
"But nothing. And if you mention the cost again I shall be very offended."
"Now, that's unfair: that's emotional blackmail."
"Don't you just love it?" smirked Hermione and stuck her tongue out at Harry. Harry lunged at Hermione; tickling her, pulling her towards him.
"Stop Harry!" she begged between giggles, "please." When he did so she collapsed on top of him, breathing rapidly. He raised his hand and brushed it over her cheek,
"Hermione…" whispered Harry. He moved his head slightly until their faces were centimetres apart, exactly as they had been the previous day. The two teenagers seemed to stay that way for ever, until finally Harry closed that gap and their lips touched.
The kiss was phenomenal. Harry had never felt anything like it in his life. He wanted to stay like this forever. Soon though, the need for air was unavoidable and Harry was forced to pull away and take a deep breath. He looked shyly at Hermione and whispered,
"Hey. That was…wow!" Hermione sat up and moved off Harry
"Yeh, it was, but what exactly was `that'? Harry sat up and opened his mouth to reply, but was cut off by Hermione. "I mean I know what it was - it was a kiss, but what I mean is what does it mean? Was it a spur of the moment thing or had you being thinking about it for a while? Was it a sexual thing or an emotional thing? Is this a relationship now?"
Harry couldn't help but smile at Hermione…everything had to be analysed.
"Hermione, this is whatever you and I decide it to be. I can tell you that it wasn't a spur of the moment thing; I have been thinking about this for ages. I think I'm falling for you." Harry was surprised at the ease with which the words came. He'd been thinking about this moment for months and in every scenario he'd thought of he'd struggled with what to say. The fact that he was being so open with her about this confirmed to him that progressing their relationship was the right thing to do.
"Okay…so you want me to be your girlfriend?"
"What I want, is to know how you feel about me."
"Ah, well that's the million dollar question isn't it? Hermione joked. "I've been really worried about you since the end of term and I missed you far more than I missed Ron. I hadn't really given it much thought until your first night here when I finally came to the conclusion that there was probably more to my feelings for you than friendship." (Hermione blushed during that sentence and Harry made a mental note to ask her what exactly it was that had prompted this realisation) "But even though I had confronted my feelings for you I didn't dare dream that you would ever return them. I mean, you're Harry Potter - handsome hero, amazing sportsman and all-round popular guy and me, well, I'm just plain Hermione Jane, the bookworm," she continued, looking down.
Harry put his hand under her chin and lifted her head so he could look into her eyes.
"Don't you ever say that Hermione. You are beautiful, sexy, and gorgeous and your love of books has pulled me through a few close shaves in my time. There is nothing plain about you."
His words had lifted Hermione's spirits a little and she smiled it him,
"You've still not answered my question Harry?" Harry looked at her, obviously confused, so Hermione decided to clarify, "you want me to be your girlfriend?"
Harry's smile widened, "Of course I do. But do you want to be my girlfriend?"
Hermione leaned into Harry and whispered in his ear, "There is nothing I would like more," before kissing him and pulling him down on top of her.
--------------------------------
After Harry and Hermione had managed to untangle themselves from each other, gotten dressed and had breakfast they decided that it was time to open the letters that Sirius had left for them. Hermione brought it down from Harry's room and sat on the kitchen table.
"You should go first, Hermione," said Harry, quietly. Hermione sensed that Harry was just stalling; that he was putting off opening his letter to avoid facing whatever emotions it may dredge up, but she humoured him nonetheless and carefully picked up the envelope and took the parchment out.
Hermione,
If you're reading this then the worst has happened. And this is my chance to say to you things that I have put off saying for far too long.
First of all, I want to say thank you for when you helped me escape from the death eaters. I know I've said it before but I can never say it enough. You don't know what a hellish place Azkaban is and hopefully you never will. You helped me have the chance to get to know my Godson and for that you will have my eternal gratitude.
Now, speaking of Harry, I want to ask you a favour. Take care of him, please. I know I probably don't have to ask, but I need to make sure. You're his best friend, he trusts you more than anyone in the world; you are the one person he will confide in. And I know you will give him great advice and guide him in the right way - they don't call you the brightest witch of your age for nothing.
One last thing Hermione: Life is too short. Trust me, I know. Don't let fear stop you from doing the things that you want or need to do. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart; both yours and Harry's. You two are meant for each other: you might not be able to see it yet, but you will one day.
Take care
Sirius.
Hermione felt the tear run down her cheek before she had chance to stop it. Harry was looking at her, as he had been the entire time she had been reading Sirius' words, concern evident in his eyes and reached out his hand to wipe the tear away. Hermione gave him a shy smile, and whispered,
"Your turn," indicating the letter on the table. Harry looked at the letter and for a few seconds Hermione wondered if he'd changed his mind and decided not to open it after all, but after taking a deep breath for resolve, he picked it up opened it.
Harry,
If this letter has found its way into your possession then I guess I'm gone. I hope it was a good death; something courageous and not something daft like being hit with a bludger or falling off my broom.
I want to say sorry, Harry. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you when you were growing up, I'm sorry you had to live with your horrible relatives, I'm sorry that I'm gone now. But I know that you'll cope without me. I don't want you to be upset - I've tied up all the loose ends in my life. The main one was finding you, having you know I was innocent, and getting to know you. I have done everything that I ever wanted to do.
You are a fine young lad - I'm so proud of you and your parents would be too. To experience everything that you have and to not have given up is amazing - not many people would have been able to do the same.
I have a last request for you Harry: live. Defeat that b*****d Voldemort and live a full and happy life. Find a wife, (I would recommend a certain brown-eyed with a penchant for books - she loves you Harry she just doesn't know it yet. And I think you love her too), have some kids (name one of them Sirius! Only joking - I wouldn't wish that on anyone) get a job you love and live everyday to the fullest, because lets face it: you deserve it.
I'm sorry I'm going to miss out on the rest of your life; I reckon it would have been a fun ride.
Take care
Sirius
Harry put the letter back on the table and turned to look at Hermione. She had been watching him intently while he was reading.
"You okay?" she asked? Harry sighed,
"Surprisingly enough yeh. I mean obviously I'm upset but I- I don't know, I just don't feel the need to cry or scream or shout. To be honest I don't really feel like doing anything right now."
"That's understandable Harry, these past few days have been a rollercoaster - your body will need time to catch up. Let's just relax today - no training, no homework, nothing."
"No homework? Who are you and what have you done with the real Hermione Granger?"
"Oh ha ha, very funny!" she said sarcastically
"Sorry, couldn't resist that one. So if we're not doing any homework - what are we going to do?"
They discussed their options as they made their way into the living room, "I don't know we could just laze around - watch daytime TV, watch a film, sit and chat, read - whatever you want?"
"I think watching a film would be good - what do you have? Nothing too soppy though."
"What about `Lord of the Rings'? I love that film."
"I've not seen it, but I've heard it's quiet good."
"Oh Harry it's brilliant and we've got the extended edition DVD. It's got lots of extra bits in," Hermione said excitedly as she hunted for the DVD and put it in the player.
Harry took a seat on the couch and waited for Hermione to sit with him. She sat next to him and he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer.
"This okay?" he questioned.
"Of course it is; we're together now. But, I think we should keep it toned down in front of my parents. Dad sometimes still thinks I'm a little girl and Mum wants to have a `chat' with me about the fact that my bed wasn't slept in last night." Harry groaned but Hermione continued, "Oh I'm sure it's nothing to worry about but she might not believe it's as innocent as it actually was if she knew we were dating now."
"I think I can see where you are coming from there…I don't particularly want to have a run in with your father about my intentions towards you.
"Oh, I don't know, I'd find that quite amusing.
"Yeh, I bet you would. Now sssh, the film's starting."
A/N: I hope that the fact that Harry and Hermione are now together goes some way to making up for the fact that this chapter took mega-long. I didn't plan on them getting together this early, but don't worry there is still a lot of action to come. Promise.