Navigating Unexpected Requests

Harry thoughts returned to the youngest Weasley. Again he remembered his solitary walk toward the forest, and passing her in the dark as he went to face Voldemort; he remembered thinking of her as Voldemort cast the killing curse, and remembered her fighting Bellatrix with Hermione and Luna's help, but this morning something was different. "I don't know," He answered truthfully.

"So right now she isn't your girlfriend?" Hermione asked with a questioning look in her eyes.

"I guess not. Well, technically speaking," Harry answered trying to figure out where this was going.

"Then I want a single favor from you, Harry," Hermione said.

"You know I'd do anything for you, Hermione."

"This you might have a problem with, so I want you to promise me you'll do it before I tell you what it is."

Harry knew Hermione had saved his life more times than he could count in the last year. That they had escaped from the wedding, from Bathilda Bagshot's home, and the Lovegood's home all were because of her. Over the last seven years, the trust they had built was beyond measure. Looking at his friend, he nodded.

"No, Harry, I want you to tell me that you'll do it," Hermione insisted.

"Okay, Hermione. Whatever favor you request, if it is in my power to grant, I shall," Harry agreed.

Hermione gave a small smile, but still hesitated. Finally, she continued. "First you have to promise not to laugh at me."

"I would never laugh at you, Hermione. I'm not…" Harry was about to say Ron, but realized insulting her boyfriend might not be the best choice of words.

"OK, here goes, then," She took a deep breath before continuing. "I've had a particular dream ever so often since our first year," Hermione started as her cheeks reddened. "It's…well it's me being kissed by someone."

"Well, Ron kissed you last night, or I should say you kissed him."

"Shh…let me finish, this is hard to do, Harry," Hermione replied as her cheeks reddened. "And, yes, I know I kissed Ron last night, and that's some of the problem," She paused for a second as she took another breath. "You see, in my dream, the kiss is a magical kiss. You know, like the ones you read about in fairy tales, where the couple is lost in the kiss as a golden glow surround them."

"Sounds...interesting," Harry said hesitantly. "But what does this have to do with me?"

Hermione looked at the scarlet curtains for a second then she sighed and her eyes found Harry's again. "When I kissed Ron yesterday, it wasn't magical, there was nothing; no feelings, no magic...nothing. It was just two pairs of lips pressed together, and frankly, his breath stunk."

"Again what does this have to do with me?" Harry asked, as they were treading into a subject he wasn't comfortable talking about.

"I...I had that dream again last night," Hermione explained. "Always before, I never could see who was kissing me, but last night…well, last night I saw him; I saw who it was."

"And?"

Hermione bit her lower lip for a second as she mentally braced herself. Finally she continued. "It was you, Harry," Hermione held up her hand as Harry started to protest. "I know, Harry, it was a dream. But this dream...it's always been so real that I thought... I thought it would really happen someday."

"And?"

"I…I want you to kiss me. That's my favor, that's all I ask for."

"But..."

"I need this, Harry. I can't be with Ron with that dream hanging in my subconscious," Hermione exclaimed. "Kiss me, and prove to me the dream is nothing but that, a dream. Kiss me once, like you kiss Ginny. I promise, it will not affect our friendship."

Harry started to object, but he could see the look in Hermione's eyes, and he knew he'd promised her. "Are you really sure?"

"Please, Harry. I...I wouldn't ask if I didn't need to know."

"When do you want to do this?"

"I...I thought now," Hermione replied.

"Right now?" Harry asked incredulously.

"It might be our only chance. Once we go downstairs, we're going to be surrounded by well-wishers and reporters. I doubt we'll get another chance to be alone for a while, and I owe Ron an answer soon."

Harry could only stare at his friend. Finally he nodded. ""Okay, but I need to go brush my teeth first. If I'm going to kiss you, I don't want my breath to stink." The last he said with a small smile.

"Oh, thank you, Harry," Hermione exclaimed as she threw her arms around Harry and pulled him into hug. She then sat back up and looked at her friend. "I'm sorry if you're uncomfortable doing this. I know I'm not anywhere close to being as pretty as Ginny or Cho, but…" she didn't get to finish her statement as Harry's finger found her lips to silence her.

"Hermione, you are absolutely as beautiful as Ginny, and in some ways even more beautiful," Harry replied.

Hermione blushed, "Thanks, Harry, but you don't have to say that. I know I'm pretty plain."

Harry smiled at his friend. "I'm not just saying that, Hermione. I think my jaw is still loose from how far it dropped seeing you at the Yule Ball," It was the only bright spot of a very disastrous evening in their fourth year. "Ron will be very lucky indeed to have you."

"Thank you, Harry. Ginny is very lucky as well," Hermione said, as her eyes continued to be focused on Harry. A small voice in the back of her mind couldn't help but ask. "Does he really think I'm pretty?"

"Well let's get this over with. I'll run brush my teeth and be right back," Harry said. "Then I guess I should go downstairs sometime." The last said with a bit of hesitancy.

"Okay, Harry," Hermione replied as she continued to look at her best friend.

"Uh...Hermione I, well I didn't have any bed clothes last night, and, well…" Harry stammered.