On the Edge of a Cliff

Chapter one

Hermione dived forward and skidded against the damp grass. She pulled herself to the edge of the cliff and called down. The waves crashed against the rocks below.

"Harry!"

"I'm OK," Harry replied, though the evidence strongly suggested otherwise.

He was hanging off the edge of a branch. It had caught on the end of his pullover leaving him hanging like a puppet. Hermione gave a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness!" she breathed, "Here," she stuck out her arm. "Take my hand."

Harry crossed his arms stubbornly. "No."

"What?"

"No," He stated simply.

"Harry, we're talking real life danger here."

"So?"

Hermione rolled her eyes. Oh yes, she'd forgotten, this was Harry Potter she was having this ridiculous argument with.

"Why ever not, Harry?"

"I don't want to be around if it means being forced to watch you be all smoochie with that git, Malfoy."

"What!?"

"You heard me. I don't want to live if you're with him and not me."

Hermione threw her hands up in the air. "Typical. Just Typical. Trust you to bring up our relationship at a time like this."

"Well why not? It's not like there's going to be another time. So why not now? Do you love him?"

Hermione sighed.

"Harry, I hate to be repetitive but: what?"

"It's a simple question," said Harry, "Do... You... Love... Him. Malfoy. Do you love him?"

"Well... um... I guess..."

"You're not sure are you?"

"You confused me! I wasn't expecting it!"

"I don't want an essay answer. A simple yes or no will suffice."

"Harry, I-"

"If you're not sure," said Harry calmly. "You shouldn't be with him."

"And I should be with you?"

"Yes."

"Harry, that's selfish of you."

He shrugged. "Love's selfish."

"Look - Draco and I haven't discussed it."

"At least you're being fair."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, you haven't discussed anything with me either."

"Harry Potter, what is your problem?"

"It's unfair; that's what it is. You're being completely and totally unfair. All I've done is obey your wishes. You told us both to leave you alone - both of us. So I leave you alone. I respected you. But he bugs you; bugs, bugs, bugs. And what happens? He gets you, and I don't. That just doesn't make sense."

"I am not a thing to be 'got'. I'm not a prize. I'm a human being."

"A beautiful human being, at that."

"Flattery will get you nowhere, Harry."

"It worked for Drakie." Harry spat, bitterly.

"Harry!"

"Well what do you want? Do you want me to sing?!"

"It might help to show that you really care for me."

"All right then!

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Would you run and never look back?
Would you cry if you saw me cryin'?
And would you save my soul tonight?

Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh?
Oh, please tell me this
Now would you die for the one you loved?
Hold me in your arms tonight

I can be your hero, baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away"

Hermione stared at Harry, "That's my favourite song," she breathed.

"I know," said Harry, "Because I know you, Hermione. I know your favourite colour and food. I know what books you like to read. You and Malfoy are just getting to know and like each other. I know every curve of your face. And I love you, Hermione. I do."

Hermione bit her lip and her face softened. She looked like she was just about to cry.

"Hermione I don't know about your feelings for Malfoy and I don't know about his feelings for you. But there's one question you've just got to ask yourself."

"And what's that?"

"Will you marry me?"