It's a matter of time before it happens and yet Harry can't find it in him to tell her. Tell her it's her. Tell her that it's always been her.
It was a matter of time before he had to die. Had to die for the safety of his friends. For his family.
Of which family?
Of course he didn't have a biological family but the Weasley's will always be considered family . No matter what.
Harry was going to die. Everyone knew that. It was broadcaster through their minds by no other than Voldemort himself. The most evil wizard since Grindelwald.
Harry needs to decide. Decide whether or not to tell her. Tell Hermione that she was the one. Not Ginny.
Yes Ginny was some one Harry loved but the resemblance to his mother is too uncanny. He definitely loves her...as a sister.
Does she not love Ron?
'Of course she does' Harry thought. The signals towards him are undoubtedly true.
But...if you are going to die, would you not rather tell the person you love them, to then die know they will never know.
Harry did.
'I have to tell her' Harry thought tepidly. She would be heartbroken if she did reciprocate those feelings for Harry.
Walking down those steps in the gloomy, dark and damaged corridor towards where Hermione and Ron sat huddled together, had to be one of the most difficult things for Harry to do. To say good bye.
A few steps above them Harry stopped. Waiting. Just watching. Memorizing both his best friends features. He had to go.
"Hermione?" She looked up startled.
"Harry? We thought you had left" she cried in anguish, running up to Harry to give him a bone crushing hug.
Even though he could not breathe, harry savoured the moment. Relishing the hug.
"Ron?" Though it wasn't manly, in his mind, Ron also gave Harry a bone crushing hug. Harry also savoring the moment.
"Hermione, can I talk to you for moment...alone" Harry said the last word while looking at Ron. Silently asking for permission. Ron nodded, ever so slightly.
Harry gently took Hermione by the hand further down the steps. Just out of earshot from Ron. He may not hear but he definitely will see what it is Harry wants to talk about.
"Hermione..." he choked.
"This is hard for me to say. Especially now that I know what is about to happen. But just give me a second."
Hermione looks confused as if she really had to think about what he had to say.
'here goes nothing' Harry thought.
"I love you" Harry said quietly, almost timidly. Looking over at Ron, Harry was glad he couldn't hear. Harry didn't know what Hermione was thinking. Harry didn't even want to look. Knowing she may not return those feelings.
Looking back over to Hermione, Harry was startled to see silent tears.
Ron had no idea what was happening.
"I'm going to die. I think we have known that for a while now. And this may be my only chance to tell you that...you are the one I love. No one else. Not Ginny. Not Cho. You. I have for a year. Maybe, I don't know, but maybe even longer than that." Harry paused for a moment letting it sink in. He watched her face. That beautiful, angelic face. He would never forget it.
"I'm now going to leave you knowing that it was always you. Always." He needed to leave. It was only a matter of time. Leaning forward Harry stroked Hermione's face with his left hand. Keeping it on her chin. Pointing her face upwards towards his own. With his right arm Harry gently grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him. And in one, gentle motion, Harry captured her lips with in his own. It lasts only a few seconds. But those few seconds are what will comfort Harry in the next hour of his life. Harry gently pulled away keeping his lips touching hers.
"I love you, Hermione Granger."
Then he pulled away. Looked at Ron and gave a wave. He couldn't bring himself to give another emotional speech.
He turned back around to Hermione. One last touch of her face. One last loving look. Touch. And with one last breathless kiss, he left. Walking down the stairs to face his life long nemesis.
Hermione looked to Ron, tears rolling freely down her face. She wanted to follow. Needed to follow. Asking with her eyes, she asked for permission. Ron could only nod.
Running. Running as fast as she could all the way down the stairs of the gloomy, dark and damaged stairs, Hermione ran to catch Harry. She had to. Leaving Ron behind to mourn for his best friend. Alone.
"HARRY!" Hermione saw him. At least 50 metres away. On the bridge at the front of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"HARRY! STOP!" He had to. He just had to stop...for her.
Looking down at his feet. Harry stopped. He couldn't bring himself to look at her. She reached him. Touched his shoulder. He flinched. He looked away. Closing his eyes.
Hermione tenderly touched his face. Wiping his tears away. Harry kept his eyes closed.
"Harry? Harry, look at me...please." she begged.
He'd did. Slowly opening his eyes, he looked at her. Again remembering her beautiful, angelic face.
"I love you too" Hermione whispered.
In one sudden move Harry grabbed Hermione forcefully and smacked his lips against hers. Breathing heavily in the scent of her. Roses and the smell of just her.
He had to break it up. He needed to break it up.
Slowly backing away, Harry left. He never looked back.
Harry was walking through the forest. He felt like he had been walking forever. He was thinking about all of his regrets.
He waited to long to say 'I love you' to Hermione.
He never said he appreciated what the Weasley's had done for him.
He never said he loved Sirius.
He never said thank you for everything everyone had done.
It was now the end and he didn't have to think about it anymore. He had reached the clearing. Voldemort was standing on the other side. His death eaters just behind him. Nagini, his beloved snake, next to him. Hagrid next to him tied up in thick rope.
"Harry Potter..." Voldemort started with his snake lime voice.
"The boy who lived..." pausing for effect. 'Pathetic' Harry thought.
"Come to die..."
He could hear Hagrid in the back ground crying fat tears and shouting for Voldemort to stop and leave him alone. Harry ignored it and waited. He closed his eyes and waited for the inevitable.
And it came.
"AVADA KEDAVRA"
