Mirror Mirror, On the Wall

Harry walked into the hospital ward and towards the room in which Hermione lay. He opened the door quietly.

"Who's there?" someone asked. It was Mrs Granger. "Oh, it's you Harry. Come in."

Harry stepped in and sat down on one of the seats. He looked at Hermione's pale face.

"Was she in pain Harry?" Mrs Granger asked suddenly.

"No. We had no idea what was going to happen." Harry answered. "Could I have a moment alone with her please?" Harry knew that was a lot to ask from Mrs Granger but she respected his wishes. She got up silently and walked towards the door.

"You know Harry," she said as she reached the door. "Hermione always spoke very highly of you. I am sorry we did not get to meet upon...other... circumstances." She left the room, closing the door behind her.

Harry moved his seat closer to Hermione. He took her hand. It was so cold.

"Um, Hermione. I know we don't really confess our deepest feelings or anything but there's a first time for everything. You've always been a good listener."

"You've been the best friend in the world Hermione. And I love you. I only wish I could have told you sooner."

He hastily brushed away the tears in his eyes.

"You said I had to talk to you and tell you what's on my mind. You've been on my mind. You always have been. I just never realised how much I loved you until I lost you."

He sat expectantly, waiting for some sort of reaction. Nothing. Harry sighed.

"I'd better go now. Goodbye Hermione."

And with his final words, he kissed her on the lips. Nothing at first but then someone squeezed his hand. He pulled back abruptly and watched as he saw a white light enter Hermione through the mouth. As soon as all of it was inside her, she squeezed his hand again. Leaning forward again, Harry kissed her again, but this time, the kiss was not only from Harry but also from Hermione. She put her free hand around his neck. Harry was just beginning to enjoy it when the door opening interrupted them and they drew apart quickly.

"Hermione!" Mrs Granger shrieked and she ran over and embraced her daughter and then was joined by her husband. Harry stood up to give them some room. Dumbledore also entered the room.

"How did you do it Harry?" he asked. Harry blushed but Dumbledore understood.

After a while, Mr and Mrs Granger left to give Hermione the time to thank Harry properly. Harry sat on the end of her bed.

"I want to say thank you Harry." Hermione said, sitting up and pulling Harry's hand into hers. "For saving my life."

"That's OK." Harry mumbled, smiling at her.

"Oh, and I heard everything." She continued, now taking interest in Harry's hand. "And you still have feathers in your hair you know."

Harry ran a hand through his hair. She was right, a few feathers fell from his head.

"What do you mean you heard everything?" Harry asked her.

"About us and me being a good listener." Hermione said, moving over towards him. "And we didn't get to finish something."

Before Harry could speak, Hermione put her arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss him. At the moment her lips touched his, Harry could have sworn he heard her say 'Thank You.'

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I'd like to say that after that moment, everything in Harry's world was right. Unfortunately, catastrophes at Hogwarts and indeed in the muggle and magical worlds bought their lives into a chaotic whirlwind. But that, my friends is another story altogether.