Disclaimer: This fanfiction is based on characters and situations created and owned by J.K. Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Once Harry reached the Gryffindor common room, he bolted up the stairs to Hermione's dormitory. Upon opening the door, Harry saw Hermione lying on her bed, with her back to the door, clinging to her pillow as she sobbed into it. Her body was shaking uncontrollably as she struggled to catch her breath between sobs. Harry released his hold on the photograph scrunched up in his hand, causing it to fall to the floor. He ran over to Hermione's bed and knelt on the mattress right next to her.
"Hermione…it's okay, it's okay…," soothed Harry as her stroked her back comfortingly. Still sobbing, Hermione pushed herself up with her arms and turned to look up at Harry. Her eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were flushed.
"Oh, Harry…Ron just…," sobbed Hermione as she sat up on her bed, rubbing her eyes.
"I know - I heard what he said, the prat. He's a bloody git to call you that," said Harry as he brought his hand up to Hermione's chin. He lifted her chin up and met eyes with her. She's beautiful…even when she's been crying, thought Harry. He could see the hurt in her eyes, and wished nothing more than to make it all disappear.
"But I know that what he said isn't true, Hermione. You are nothing of the sort. The only thing that you are guilty of is being incredibly beautiful, even when your cheeks are flushed and your eyes are swollen," finished Harry with a slight smile, as he moved his hand up to wipe the tears off of Hermione's cheek.
"Harry…," sobbed Hermione as she plunged forward and enveloped Harry in a hug. Harry wrapped his arms around Hermione and held her to his chest. He shifted off of his haunches under her weight and fell sideways against the pillow and headboard of the bed, taking Hermione with him. Hermione ended up lying against Harry's chest in his arms, with one of her arms around his back. Harry shifted to a more comfortable position as Hermione brought her other arm from around Harry's back and snuggled closer to his chest.
"You don't have to say that to me, Harry," said Hermione as her crying subsided. I can feel his heartbeat - it's so comforting, thought Hermione as she rested her head on his chest. Harry smiled down at Hermione as he began to stroke her back again.
"Of course I do, Hermione. I'm telling the truth," spoke Harry softly as he stopped stroking her back. Hermione lifted her head up from Harry's chest and met his gaze, their faces only inches apart.
"You ARE beautiful, Hermione, inside and out," said Harry softly as he brought his hand up to caress her cheek. Hermione looked deeply into Harry's eyes as he gazed into hers. Harry slowly moved his hand from Hermione's cheek down to her neck. He lowered his head to meet hers and captured her lips in a gentle kiss.
A/N - Here it is, folks, the chapter you've all been waiting for! H/Hr ship gratification time! But what happens after the kiss? You'll have to wait for the following chapter to find out! In the meantime, review this chapter and let me know what you think! Your reviews are the 'fuel' for my writing 'engine'! Thank you again to all of my lovely reviewers - you mean so much to me!