That Ship Has Sailed

Harry & Hermione

Requested by: HermioneJane__Potter

Finals had kicked their butts. Many of the students were out, enjoying the night, spending time at the Three Broomsticks drinking butterbeer or flying through the air, enjoying the display of fireworks the Weasley Twins had started.

The trio, however, were sitting on the couch in the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry was fiddling with his new wand, Hermione was finishing her acceptance paper into a muggle college, and Ron was asleep, a book in his lap that he had been reading.

As the clock across the room informed them it was two in the morning, Harry sighed and sat up, "We should all just get to bed," he whispered into the room.

"I'm about finished," Hermione replied, scribbling her last few sentences before signing it and rolling up the paper again. Both looked over at Ron and heard a snore, deciding to leave him alone.

"Do you think you'll get accepted?" Harry whispered to Hermione, talking about her letter.

"I hope so," she replied, "I'd like to have something to fall back on in the muggle world, just in case my plans don't work out."

"Ron and I plan to travel a bit," Harry said, "Before deciding what to do."

"I know, he's told me all his plans."

Harry nodded slowly, falling silent. He then turned to Hermione and whispered so as not to wake Ron, "I'm glad you suggested we all finish out our last year here," he said, "Now that it's over, though, I don't ever want to leave."

Hermione rested her hand on Harry's knee, "It's all right, Harry. You need to find a way to let go of this place. Let go of the past and all that's happened and try to move on."

Harry sighed and shifted on the couch, "I still have nightmares," he whispered.

"I know," Hermione said, "Sometimes I can hear you yell from the girl's dormitory. Every time I wish I could go comfort you and tell you it's going to be all right."

"You wouldn't want to deal with me when I'm like that," Harry said quickly.

"Yes, Harry, I would. Are you forgetting that you were there for me last year when we were searching for those horcrux's and Ron left us?"

Harry shook his head, "I don't think I'll ever be able to forget."

"You've always been there for me and I'll always be there for you."

Harry lowered his voice even softer and glanced at Ron to make sure he was sleeping before he said, "You know, I always sort of thought you and I would end up together--but I'm happy for you and Ron."

Hermione looked over at the sleeping lump on the couch and smiled, "He's a great guy. I guess I've had a crush on him for a while..."

"But?" Harry asked.

"But I know what you mean," Hermione blushed, looking back at Harry.

Harry grinned sleepily, "Maybe if we kissed, we'd be sure."

Hermione blushed again and whacked Harry. He grinned and apologized, resting his hand on her leg and closing his eyes for a few moments. When he felt her move, he opened them to find her coming closer, resting her head on his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"What you suggested," Hermione said, leaning further still.

Harry's smile faded a little and his heart took over his actions. He moved forward as well, closing the distance between the two rather quickly. As soon as their lips connected, neither could control themselves anymore. Harry pulled Hermione onto his lap and she cupped his head in her hands, running her fingers through his hair.

Harry held her waist and kissed her like it was the last thing he'd ever get to do.

Ron stirred and moved, his mouth opening, then closing and the two froze, looking over. Ron's head fell away from them, landing on the arm of the couch and the book fell to the floor with a gentle thud.

Still, they sat, staring, waiting until they heard his soft snores again. Then, Hermione looked at Harry, "I'm sorry," she said, scooting off of him, "This is inappropriate--"

"Inappropriate my foot," Harry said, grabbing her arm, standing along with her and reconnecting their lips. He pulled away and said, "I felt empty until now. I thought I could never gain another good thing in my life. But when you kissed me--"

Hermione put her finger to his lips, whispering back, "Don't say it," she pleaded.

Harry shook his head, moving her finger away from his lips, "I have to."

"But if you do, I don't think I'll be able to go back to Ron without feeling guilt and shame for the rest of my life."

"Then you'll just have to choose," Harry said firmly, taking a step away from her, pointing from Ron to himself, "It's him or me."

Hermione stood for a moment, gathering her thoughts and thinking it over. It was a minute before she spoke again. She took a small step toward Harry, then looked back at Ron, "What am I going to tell him?"

"He's a big boy, Hermione," Harry said, taking her in his arms again, "Plus, you only kissed once. We've now kissed twice," he finished with a playful grin.

Hermione looked up at him with a fire in her eyes, "And I want so many more," she said, leaning up to kiss him once more.