ALL NOVEL Chapter 8: Eternal Rhythms
Hermione looked at Harry, "Before I answer that, I would like to talk about us, Harry. While we are here, while we have time, and before we make any kind of life changing decisions, I want to know about us. Are we really in love? Do we have a future together? I came to you just a few minutes ago so you could dispel a dream, and then I was going to go tell Ron I would be his girlfriend. But now, I'm...well it can't happen that way can it?"
"And I was going to go talk to Ginny, but do we presume Miranda is telling us the truth?" Harry asked. "If she is, we were tricked into those relationships. You have any reason to doubt her?"
"No, but I also have no reason to believe her either," Hermione responded.
"If we agree to have her send us back, and she does, would that be proof enough?"
"It would take a Deity to put us back in the same bodies in the past, especially with us able to keep our memories. But Harry that kiss was real, which means the dream was real. Maybe you are my soul mate."
"If I am, are you sorry for it?"
"Sorry to be the soul mate of the kindest, most loving, handsome but stubborn beyond belief man? I think I could live with it. Especially if you keep kissing me like the way you did earlier," Hermione replied with a smile. "What about you? I'm not Ginny or Cho. I'm just a bookworm who has bossed you around for seven years."
"You're right; you're not Ginny or Cho. I think I've already addressed that issue, but I don't mind repeating it. You, Hermione Granger, are as beautiful if not more so, than they are. You are also not JUST a bookworm. Do you think just a bookworm could have saved me from Nagini? Or those Death Eaters at the Lovegoods?" Harry face broke out in a crooked grin. "Now as for being my soul mate? I guess I could deal with the smartest witch around. Can you do me one favor though?"
"What favor, Harry?" Hermione asked. "I asked for a simple one, and now our entire lives have been changed."
"True, but this one is far easier. I just want to dance with you."
"Dance? You want to dance? We're about to make a life-changing decision and you want to dance?"
"I'm remembering you at the Yule Ball, and...and want it to be us this time."
Hermione couldn't resist the emerald green eyes that now were upon her. "But...my clothes; will it be same if I'm not in my dre..." Her objections ceases as her clothes transformed into the dress she wore that night. Harry now stood in front of her in the same bottle green robes he'd worn that night as well. Without even reaching up, Hermione knew her hair was back as it had been that night. She glanced over at Miranda.
"My Realm, my rules. Enjoy," And with another wave of her hand music started playing.
"My Lady, will you allow me the pleasure of this dance?" Harry asked in a mock bow.
"Where ever did you learn those words?" Hermione asked with a smile. She then nodded her head slightly. "Certainly, kind sir," As she felt Harry's arm encircle her waist, she was surprised at how pleasant it felt. They didn't move very far or fast, but more of swayed to the music. One song ended, and another began and still they danced. In Harry's arms, Hermione felt safe and secure, something she hadn't felt in a long time. As her eyes found his, she was entranced by the depth she found in them. Even as their bodies moved to the music, their lips came together again. As the kiss deepened, all sense of time and place disappeared from Hermione's consciousness. In Harry's arms, she had found her perfection. She knew, without a doubt, that it really was Harry Potter she loved.
Harry was coming to the same conclusions in his own mind. As they danced, he tried to imagine Ginny or Cho as his partner and each of the thoughts vanished as quickly as they came. He knew without a doubt the woman in his arms was who belonged there. It was as if a part of himself, long forgotten, was now back, and he felt whole for the first time.
As their second kiss came to an end, the music faded away. Harry found himself looking into Hermione's gorgeous almond eyes. With a smile he took her hands in his. "I don't know what this is all about or where this is going to go, but I now know I truly love you. Though it seems the Goddess of Love herself has blessed our relationship, I wish to take nothing for granted. Will you, Hermione Granger be, my girlfriend?"