As the chaos of the war settled, Harry and Hermione found themselves spending more time together, not as warriors but as friends rediscovering a sense of normalcy. Late nights at Grimmauld Place turned into quiet conversations by the fire, where Harry would talk about his hopes for the future, and Hermione would share her dreams of changing the world for the better.
One evening, while poring over books in the library, their hands accidentally brushed. It was a small moment, but it lingered. Harry looked up, his emerald eyes meeting Hermione's.
"You've always been there for me," he said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Hermione smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest. "And I always will be, Harry."
That night, as the stars twinkled outside, they shared their first kiss-gentle, hesitant, and full of unspoken promises. It wasn't about magic or destiny; it was about two hearts finding solace in each other amidst the storm.