What if...

A Stupid Sodding Bludger

Neville debated on whether he should disturb the snuggling couple, or leave them alone for a while. Transfiguration was, after all, their next class, and it just so happened to be ten minutes from now.

Now he couldn't decide whether he wanted to allow his friends some alone time together, or to tell them that they had a lesson. Naturally, Hermione would immediately jump up once a lesson was mentioned, leaving Harry to be the final reluctant addition to the group.

"So, you two heading to Transfiguration?" Neville decided on getting them to class. He could always lead them back here later. And physically force them to kiss. Every plan needs a plan B.

"Oh, Transfiguration!" Hermione chided herself, jumping up in excitement, followed by an extremely disappointed and reluctant Harry.

"Did you have to tell us now?" Harry mumbled annoyedly.
"Don't worry, Harry, I'll lead you two back to that spot." Neville reassured him. "Seeing as you clearly need Hermione so much." He mumbled as an afterthought. Harry had heard, and he blushed, knowing it was true.

"What?" Harry defended himself.
"You love her, don't you?" Neville asked, already knowing the answer.

Harry froze, trying to understand how he really felt about Hermione. He had observed love from afar- snuggling pairs by the lake, random teens snogging outside classrooms. Two very different displays of affection, and Harry could confidently say that he preferred the former when it came to love. Although, the thought of snogging Hermione did make him blush slightly.

It did feel nice when Hermione's head was on his shoulder, talking about Astronomy, with the occasional compliment towards his intellect that she just couldn't help but blurt out, such as, 'you'd already know that, of course, you're amazingly smart, but... b-but, uh...' then she would trail off, her train of thought compromised as a picture of Harry appeared inside her brain.

He thought it was ironic that the brightest witch of their age was calling him smart, and he liked Hermione, she was kind and sweet, so he never let her get away without a counter-compliment. Of course, that wasn't all Harry liked about Hermione- the list was quite extensive- but they were the most prominent, along with her fiery passion for learning that Harry couldn't not admire.

There was also that moment in the library before Neville arrived. Harry had no idea what Hermione was doing, but whatever it was, Harry didn't want her to stop. Her face was so close to his that their noses were touching, and it was a level of intimacy that Harry adored, almost as much as he adored Hermione. Maybe she just really wanted to connect noses. Slightly weird, but Harry didn't judge, it could be a magical tradition he didn't know about.

Entering the lesson quietly, Harry sat next to Hermione, sending a reassuring smile at her, silently telling her that she could do it. Hermione blushed and smiled back, knowing that if she failed, which wasn't likely, Harry would help her in any way he could.

"Today, we will be learning how to turn apples into dinner plates." Professor McGonagall announced. Harry raised his wand, ready to attempt. "Mister Potter, I have not yet shared with you the incantation, though I admire your enthusiasm." The professor deadpanned as Harry blushed.

Trying to memorise the incantation, Hermione watched with slight envy as Harry accomplished the task so quickly, the teacher hadn't even noticed yet. She huffed and tried to transfigure her apple, but it wasn't working.

"What did I say about intent?" Harry asked her gently, causing her cheeks to turn pink. "Just visualise the dinner plate and pile your magic on like you would with food on a plate." Harry advised, taking her hand softly and guiding her arm to perform the right movements.