Love, Hermione

Part 7

The whiplash caused by his statement dumbfounded Hermione.

"W-What?" she asked.

Harry guided Hermione's arms around his waist and he snaked his arms around her. He pulled her close and buried his face into her curls. She smelled like a combination of vanilla and a scent so distinctly Hermione.

"I was mad at myself for not realizing what I should have known before," Harry started. He closed his eyes and wished that he doesn't fudge up the next few words that left his mouth. "Because... because your letters was the confirmation that I needed to finally voice what I have felt for the past couple of years."

"What are you saying, Harry?" Hermione asked, pulling away slightly so she could look at him. There was a fire burning behind those green eyes and Hermione was warmed to her core as she held his gaze. A bubble of hope was rising in her chest and her mind raised to try and make sense of what he had said.

Harry took a breath and the words flew effortlessly from his mouth. "I love you, Hermione," he whispered. Hermione's eyes widened but she couldn't look away from Harry's face. She was captivated by his smouldering eyes. "I'm in love with you. I've always loved you. I was scared of ruining our friendship that I didn't say anything before until I got your letters and realized that you felt the same way."

Telling her was easy, Harry marvelled, and his hold on Hermione got tighter. Telling her felt so right. There was no trepeditation, no hesitation. Not only that, but all of this felt right. The feel of her body pushed against his. Their kiss from earlier (which he was looking forward to again). His hands clamped tight around her waist and her arms wound around his neck. Harry felt truly and utterly complete.

Hermione, meanwhile, felt so blown away by his declaration. That bubble in her chest burst and her entire body felt warm with hope and anticipation and happiness. This time, it was her who initiated the kiss. She stood on her tiptoes and pulled Harry's head to meet hers. There was no more doubt in her system. She knew with all of her being that Harry told her the truth.

Harry James Potter loved her, Hermione Jane Granger.

Her best friend loved her.

He was in love with her.

Harry was in love with her.

Happy tears pooled at the corner of her eyes but Hermione concentrated on their kiss. I love you so much Harry, Hermione thought as she molded her lips against his. She could feel his arms tighten around her, bringing her ever closer, and her hands clutched his already messy hair.

This was bliss. This was heaven. Harry returned her kiss with equal fervor. How could he be so foolish before? So blind? How could he not see that this beautiful witch was in love with his sorry arse?

"We were idiots," Hermione mumbled against his lips when they broke for air. "I should've known. I can't even fathom how much time we've wasted -"

"Shhh," Harry whispered and kissed her again. "No more. We know now and that's all that matters. I love you, Hermione."

"I love you too, Harry."

Their kisses were sweet and Harry's hand was snaking higher and higher up her back underneath her sweater. A second hand joined its twin and soon one hand was grasping her bare waist while the other was trailing up her spine. Hermione's mind went foggy and she busied herself by clutching onto his already messy hair.

Harry's mouth left her lips and trailed kisses down her neck. Hermione drew a breath in when he bit and sucked. Harry looked at the mark on her neck with satisfaction.