Mine Forever ( a Harmione fanfic )

Chapter 07

Harry walked onto the edge of the property where he could see the lake flowing and followed the lake upstream hoping he'd bump into Hermione, but apart from an occasional bunny or a fish, he didn't see a soul. "'Mione? Love? 'Mione? Are you there?" Harry's panicked voice rang through the patch of the land. "In here," came the familiar voice of Hermione from behind what seemed like a wall covered entirely with greeny runners. Harry followed the voice through the curtain of vines and got to the other side of it. 

Hermione was casually sitting on a garden bench, a book on her lap. "Typical 'Mione," thought Harry before rushing to her and kissing her forehead. "I was starting to get worried, you know," said Harry, engulfing her in his warm embrace, nuzzling his face in her luscious curls. 

When they pulled apart, Harry took a good look around the place. "Well, I hope you don't mind, but I repaired and cleaned up some stuff that was here, like these vintage-looking park benches all around," Hermione added sheepishly, looking for any signs of annoyance on Harry's face. On the contrary, he was amazed at the view that surrounded him. "It's a secluded garden, I could see why you decided to stop and read here. And, no 'Mione I'm not mad at you. Honestly, Thank you for restoring them." he added. 

Harry's eyes darted over at another pile of vines at the foot of a majestic willow tree that had its branches spread beautifully. He noticed what seemed to be a cement structure underneath the vines. "Diffindo," Harry said pointing his wand at the vines. The vines cut themselves and revealed what seemed to be a pond underneath. Hermione took her wand out and helped Harry in clearing the pond and cleaning the debris that had fallen in it. Within minutes, it was restored to its former glory. "Oh Harry, it's really beautiful. This place has the best view!" Hermione exclaimed. "The best view indeed," agreed Harry not looking over at the pond and the view around, but looking at his 'Best friend', his pillar of strength, the love of his life. 

Hermione blushed as she realized he was complimenting her. Not leaving a second for her thoughts, he quickly closed the distance between the two and gave her a passionate kiss. Harry's tongue slid on her lower lip asking for permission, which she gladly gave by opening her lips up and they continued exploring each other's mouths, their tongues fighting for dominance, which Hermione gave up giving Harry full control over. After what seemed like for the two of them, a blissful eternity, they parted ever so slightly allowing them to catch a breath, Harry lowered his head down so that their foreheads were touching as both their hearts were racing and lips twinkling at the intensity of the kiss that they just shared, not to mention, Hermione's face reddened like a ripe tomato. "You look so cute when you blush," Harry whispered still not letting her go, which made her blush even harder if that was possible. 

"Oh, I love you 'Mione! You've been my best friend through thick and thin and you've literally been my pillar of strength that kept me from falling apart, over the past few months. I know things haven't been easy for you either, but I promise, whatever happens going forward, I'll always be there by your side as you were there for me for the better half of my life. Darling, as cliche as this will sound, will you be my girlfriend?" Harry spoke getting Hermione out of his embrace and taking both her hands in his. Hermione's eyes glistened with tears that threatened to overflow if Harry spoke yet another word. "Oh 'Mione, did I say something wrong, I swear I-" he was cut off by her lips crashing on his, yet again engulfing him in her sweet embrace. "I love you too Harry! You've always been family to me. Always checking up on me and looking after me in both good and bad situations. In my highest, you've been the proudest and in all my lows, you've been the shoulder that I could cry on. Yes, I'll also be there for you as I did all these years. Oh, I love you so much Harry!" Hermione spoke after breaking the kiss, making Harry's eyes glisten with happiness, but, there was a question that she didn't yet answer. "Oh and yes Harry, I will be your Girlfriend, It'd be my greatest pleasure," she added quickly, noting the worry in his face.    

Harry took out something from his pocket, extended his hand to Hermione, facing his palm up. It was a thin, gold, infinity ring with a single line of diamonds. still glistening as new it was, a thin silver chain ran through it, making it a wearble necklace. "I found this among my Mother's belongings. I'm guessing it was a promise ring of some sort, although I have no one to confirm that right now," his voice hung in melancholy, but he regained his bearings and added, "Whatever it was, I'm sure she wanted it to fall in safe hands. I'm rambling aren't I?" Which earned a chuckle from Hermione. "What I wanted to say is, if you'll accept it, it'll be my promise that I'll be by your side through all the challenges life throws at us." he clarified. A lone tear escaped Hermione's eyes which Harry wiped gently with his thumb and she said, "Yes Harry, it would make me the happiest to accept this. But, do you really want me to have it? It's your mother's after all." Harry took the necklace and clasping it around Hermione's neck after brushing ways her curls momentarily, he said, "She'd be happy knowing I gave this to the love of my life." 

He and Hermione spent what seemed to be an eternity wrapped in each other's embrace, sat under the willow tree, looking at the pond which was now glistening in the sunlight. Then suddenly, they heard a 'Click' and when they looked at the entrance to the area, was George with a camera on his hand. "Sorry guys, you both looked so good and, I wanted to test out the new camera prototype which I was handed today," George said approaching the two. "Damn mate, this looks like a scene out of a book! As much as I would like to let you two love birds do whatever you've been doing, we have a bus to catch and a place to visit." He reminded, by the time he was done, he took out a small card from the camera and gave it to Hermione, who sqealed in joy. George has successfully developed a wizarding equivalent of a muggle polaroid camera. "Wow George, you really did make it work, didn't you? never would I have thought that you'd be able to make a prototype in such a short time." Hermione exclaimed while walking with both the boys back to the cottage. 

"Will I be expecting a niece or nephew soon?" Ginny asked upon seeing the trio arrive, smirking which made Hermione blush again and press into Harry's side hiding her face. They all laughed at all their antiques, packed their stuff up and went out leaving Harry to do the locking up. "I'll be back again," he whispered and turned around after locking the front door and heading out with the rest of the gang, hand in hand with Hermione, to the bus stop, where they would catch the bus to where Hermione's parents now lived.