I Will Be Here

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I'll Be Here

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Hermione really enjoyed moments like this. Even if it was what some would consider an ungodly hour. She was quietly reading a book, the steady breaths coming from Harry on the couch behind her from her seat on the ground, the ticking of the clock and the occasional crackle of flames her only company. It was a peaceful night in her opinion.

A little bit of movement distracted Hermione from the book she was reading. Peering back, her eyes were graced with the sight of Harry, finally having a sound sleep. Just earlier, he had come downstairs claiming that he couldn't sleep. Hermione knew why...he was worried again. Worried about everything that had and would come his way.

She squeezed his hand that she was holding...she had promised him that she wouldn't let go for the whole night. Her heart softened as she remembered the spark of relief that lit up his eyes when she had promised him that.

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

She just wished that all the weight on Harry's shoulders could be passed on to her...just to help him out. It pained her to see the troubled looks his face always had at night, knowing that he was pondering on things that normal teenagers aren't supposed to even think about. It hurt her deeply knowing that the fate of the Wizarding world greatly depended on him...and seeing him stress about that was just too much. He was always too busy fretting on protecting the world that Hermione wondered who would actually protect him?

Harry stirred a bit in his sleep, yet not loosening the grip on her hand. She didn't mind...she'd stay up all night for him. In fact, she thought to herself, she would protect him from anything. She would be his protector.

I will protect you

From all around you

I will be here

Her book totally forgotten, Hermione just observed her best friend sleep...being totally peacefully for once. She hoped that the night wouldn't end; just for his sake...a new day usually meant a new flood of worries for him.

Some people were just so ignorant when it came to Harry. All they thought about was the positive outcomes of being the Boy Who Lived. They only saw the glamour that came from being a super hero kicking bad guys' asses...but Hermione saw through that. She saw the misery he went through, all the sacrifices he had made. That's what made a difference in Harry's friendship with her...and Ron...there was always an unspoken understanding between the three.

This bond between us

Can't be broken

I will be here

Hermione's mind clouded over, as she thought of the events that would come.

Everyone always went on about the "war" that was sure to happen. It truly scared her at what Harry was going to come face to face with. If it were up to her, she would fight You-Know-Who herself...but Harry wouldn't allow it. He was willing to go after the Philosopher's Stone all by himself in first year for goodness sakes! That sheer determination and over protectiveness did nothing but grow throughout the years.

So she knew...she knew that Harry was going to face You-Know-Who by himself.

When destiny calls you

You must be strong

I may not be with you

But you've got to hold on

But for now, Hermione chose to dwell during these peaceful nights, when troubles weren't caving Harry's mind. It seemed that the only peace he got was when he was asleep. That is if he weren't having nightmares.

Hermione carefully removed his glasses one-handedly that he had forgotten to take off before dozing off. She really loved him...she truly did. But she didn't want to tell him. Not yet anyway.

Harry didn't deserve anymore complications in his life, and complicating a friendship as strong as theirs wasn't an opportunity Hermione wanted to jump at.

Though, whatever the feelings they had at that time or any other...Hermione knew that she would never stop loving him...

You'll be in my heart

From this day on

Now and forever more

She gave his hand another gentle squeeze, and the corners of his mouth perked up in the slightest. Hermione gave a small smile in Harry's direction, hoping that he'd know that she'd never leave him...ever.

For she loved him with all her heart.

You'll be here in my heart

She gave the lightest peck on his cheek imaginable. And not letting go of his hand, Hermione fell asleep on the armchair next to the couch he was sleeping on.

"I'll always be here for you, Harry," she whispered.

Always...

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The End

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