It's About Time

Chapter Three

"It's About Time"

"I have to tell her."

Ron repeated Harry's instructions all the way down to the library, the only place that Hermione could be. He saw her as soon as he stepped inside. She had her nose buried in a book called "Prefects Who Achieved Greatness". He sat next to her.

"Hi," he said.

"Oh, hi, Ron."

"Hermione, I was wondering if I could have that talk with you now."

"Sure, Ron. What's on your mind?" she asked.

"Well, I've been really blind for the past 6 years and I've only just begun to see. I know I've been an asshole with you at times and I'm sorry. It's just that I thought I could replace my true feelings with childish antics . I tried to convince myself that you were an insufferable know-it-all who annoyed me and not a beautifully, intelligent person who has taught me to be a better man. I can't keep denying it or ignoring it. It's beginning to eat me alive. Hermione, I love-"

"Don't say it, Ron," she interrupted. "I already know."

"But I want to say it, Hermione, because it's true. I love you, Hermione, I truly love you."

Ron moved closer to her and gently grabbed her face. He lowered his face to hers and kissed her softly. She returned the kiss.

They felt someone tap on their shoulders and parted. Madam Pince towered over them with raging fury. She pointed her finger at the door. Hermione whimpered and quickly picked up her book. They ran out of the library. Ron kissed her and took her hand as they walked to the common room.

As they reached the portrait hole, Ron stopped walking and once again turned to Hermione. He kissed her. She kissed him back never wanting to let go of him. When the kiss ended, Ron smiled at her wondering how on earth her lips could be so soft. They turned to the Fat Lady (who had been watching with interest) and gave her the password (Blast-Ended Skrewt).

"Whatever you say dears," she told them.

They ignored her and walked into the common room. They saw that Harry was sitting on the floor by the fire next to Ginny. They walked up to them still hand in hand. Harry looked up at them and smiled.

"So, Ron, I take it you told Hermione how you feel?"

"Yes, I did and I've never been happier in all of my life," Ron replied.

Hermione blushed. She sat next to Ginny (whose hair was looking extremely silky). The smile on Harry's face flickered. He looked rather panicky.

"Ron, I have something to tell you. You see, Ron, ever since last summer I couldn't help but notice that I was developing feelings for Ginny..."

"Harry, it's okay, but if you hurt her feelings, I'll kill you. I will kill you," Ron interrupted.

"I would never hurt her, never," Harry said.

Ron nodded and held Harry in a brotherly hug.

"Yes, well, now that that's all cleared up, I think we should all go to bed since you three have that match against Slytherin tomorrow," Hermione ordered in her bossiest voice.

She stood from the floor and gave Ron a soft kiss. She waited for Ginny (who gave Harry a rather long kiss) and they both disappeared up the girls' staircase. Harry and Ron remained in the common room for a couple more minutes discussing the strategy for the match the next day. After a while, they couldn't keep their eyes open and decided to go to bed, too. They picked up their books, wands, and ties and headed upstairs.

They walked into the boys' dorm and closed the door behind them. ("It's the lovers," said Seamus, as they walked in.) Everyone in the room changed into their pajamas and brushed their teeth. Before long, Neville's snores filled the air.

In his bed, Harry was smiling. He had never had a better night. He heard Ron's snores a few seconds later, but he didn't feel the least bit sleepy anymore. All he could do was think about Ginny. As he thought about her, he began to fall into an easy sleep. His mind adopted another dream this night. A dream that did not include Voldemort; a dream that only consisted of Ginny. He'd never had a more peaceful sleep.