Trials of the Heart

Getting no response from Hermione, Harry sadly let her go and walked back towards Ron. Hermione didn't try to stop him. She just watched his retreating back. Ginny came over to her, looking concerned. "Hermione, what's wrong?"

Hermione shook her head stupidly, not able to formulate words. Taking a wild guess at what was troubling her friend, Ginny wrapped her arms around Hermione and said, "I know. I can't believe it's time to fight either. I look at him and I see a little boy with the world on his shoulders. But you and I both know that he can take care of himself, and that there's nothing we could do to try and stop him from doing this." Hermione opened her mouth, wanting to contradict Ginny's statement, but instead a huge sob ripped it's way out of her throat, and she buried her face in her hands as the tears poured down her cheeks. Ginny gazed at her thoughtfully, and then gasped. "Hermione, are you...in love with him?"

Hermione looked up sharply. Ginny was peering at her like a hawk. "You always were too observant for your own good," Hermione tried to laugh. Ginny looked at her solemnly. "I..." Hermione started, and then sighed. "I don't know. That's why he walked away so dejectedly. He told me he loved me, and I didn't say anything back." Ginny looked at her with an incredulous look on her face. Hermione sighed again. "Go on, say it."

"Are you crazy?" Ginny asked her. Hermione grinned slightly and shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm not sure."

Ginny scowled and said, "Well figure it out."

Hermione watched Ginny's retreating back. She wondered how Ginny could pick up on her innermost feelings while Hermione herself didn't even know they were there. Hearing the big doors creak open, she turned and saw Ron walk through the door, followed by Harry. Hermione's heart leaped when she saw the familiar black head. Wow, she thought to herself as she clutched her stomach. Ginny was right. As Hermione let that sink in, she felt a grin pull across her face. She ran towards Harry and pulled him back to where she had been standing. Looking him in the eye she said, "You told me you loved me. Here's my response to that." With no further ado, she kissed him.

Harry pulled away from Hermione with a look of shock on his face. Hermione smiled. "I love you too." The look of confusion slowly melted off of Harry's face and he grinned like a maniac. He bent to kiss Hermione, but was interrupted by Professor McGonagall calling his name.

Harry groaned, pecked Hermione on the forehead, and walked over to their Transfiguration teacher. Hermione watched him go proudly, not even noticing when Ron walked up behind her. "It's about bloody time!" He said with a huge smile on his face. Hermione grinned back.

As Ron and Hermione watched, Harry nodded at Professor McGonagall and stepped up onto the Staff Table. After pointing his wand at his throat, Harry shouted, "Attention!" The buzz in the Great Hall lessened dramatically. Even most of the Slytherins shut up and looked at Harry. "As you are all aware, Voldemort has arrived in Hogsmeade." Hermione laughed inwardly at the perpetual shiver that went through the student body at Voldemort's name. "I would like the first and second years to go with Professors Sprout, Vector, and Firenze. The rest of you, please draw your wands and prepare to fight."

Harry leapt off the table, performed the counter charm, and headed over to Ron and Hermione. Hermione held out her hands to him, and he grabbed them, squeezing tight. Turning to Ron, Hermione let go of one of Harry's hands and held it out to Ron. Ron took it without a moment's hesitation, and all three comforted and prepared each other. Harry finally spoke. "No matter what happens, you guys will always be my friends, my brother, and my sister. Nothing will ever change that, and if I die, don't ever forget me."

Hermione looked at him like he was crazy. "What kind of friends do you take us for?" Ron demanded. Harry simply smiled and hugged Ron tight. Turning to Hermione, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. Hermione fought the tears that rose in her eyes. Nevertheless, the flowed down her cheeks unhindered. Harry smiled gently and brushed them away before pulling out his wand and thrusting his hand in the air. Ron and Hermione followed the suit, and every head turned towards them. Silence reigned, until finally Ginny stepped forward and raised her wand. Draco Malfoy stepped forward and raised his wand too. Harry looked at Malfoy and nodded. Every Gryffindor raised their wand, followed by Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and eventually Slytherin, though the latter with a great amount of reluctance. Harry nodded and lowered his arm. "Let's go."