A/N" I do not own or will never own anything about Harry Potter or by J.K. Rowling. This is my second Harry and Hermione story. It won't be long, I promise.

Finding Your Courage

Chapter 1

Hermione couldn't believe it. Ron there best friends for 7 years abandon them. She knew he had a short temper. But to leave them now, after everything they had done it stunned. But more than anything it hurt her. More than she would have ever thought possible. Not cause she use to like him more than a friend, but the fact she never thought he would betrayal her.

She cried for him on the first night that he wasn't there. But after seeing Harry keep working on finding the rest of the horcruxes, it gave her the courage to keep going. Harry, her immovable center. How he was always able to keep it together, despite everything Voldemort had done to him. Despite everything Dumbledore and the Order wanted him to do. Even with the weight of two worlds on his shoulders he always found a way to keep going.

It was this courage that she had known since there first year made her realizes she loved him. At first it might have been a bit of hero worship. Sure she was smart, but books and cleverness can only go so far. Some things like bravery, strength, and the ability to never give up is something you can't learn in a book. But, after being his best friend for years she began to actually see the real Harry. Someone who liked to laugh, and be a bit of a troublemaker too. Someone who would stand beside you through anything, even die for you.

Thinking about all these things she finally realize she had slowly been pushing him away since Ron left. For weeks they had barely talked at all, and she knew that had to change today.

Harry who never slept well was already up making tea for them. He was busy reading some book she had packed before leaving. It always amazed her that people didn't think Harry Potter was smart. He may not present that attitude very well, but he always got good marks in everything he did.

Walking up beside him and grabbing the tea kettle that he was heating magically she poured herself a cup.

" Shit, you scared the crap out of me Hermione" he said jumping back a little.

" If that was the case, you would need some new pants" giggled Hermione.

She could see the surprise on his face at her remark. And very slowly a small smile crept upon his own face as well.

Taking a seat in front of their small table she patted to the seat opposite of her for Harry. Putting down his book on the table he poured himself some tea and sat down.

" So… Mione, what did you want to talk about"?

Taking a sip from her tea she replied" I wanted to apologize for my previous actions".

Harry was taken back by this. He was sure she was still depressed about Ron and the fact he had led them on the belief he knew what he was doing.

" What for"?

" For how I have treated you these pasts weeks. Ron's leaving…hurt me. But it also hurt you too. He was you're first friend you ever had, so what I felt must have been 10 times as worse to you" she finished.

Harry looked at her for a while before saying" thanks Hermione. You have always been able to see past the Harry Potter who is famous. And instead see the real me, with all my flaws and personal problems, you have always been there for me.

" That's what friends are for" wishing as soon as she said she could have taken it back. Harry for his part merrily nodded at her comment. Why, she thought? Why can't I tell him how I feel. I am suppose to be the smart one, but I simple can't tell someone how much I love them.

When that all to familiar awkward silence settled upon them Harry got up from the table taking his book and went over to his bed and began reading again.

Soon the morning turned into the evening. Harry himself had gone out from the forest and brought back some bread, soup, and water for dinner that night.

They ate again in silence, with Hermione occasionally taking glancing looks at him. After dinner Harry told her he would do the watch duty first that night. But Hermione was in no mood to sleep. Normally she could suppress these feelings for Harry, but now with just him and her all alone there was nothing to stop these feelings from occupying her head now.

Finally deciding she couldn't get to sleep she got up and walked over to Harry. He was standing with his arms crossed behind him while looking up as if he was deep in thought.

Without looking down he put an arm around her pulling her close to him so that her head was against his chest. Hermione closed her eyes and put her arms around him holding onto him for dear life.

Looking down at her he asked" Mione what's a matter? Is this about Ron again?"

Feeling those butterflies again she was about to shy way, but instead she took a deep breath and whispered" No".

" I know you're scared. And I wish I could tell you everything would be okay, just for you. But, I can't. I don't know what tomorrow will bring. But, what I do know is no matter I find a way to end this. Not because I am destined too, or because it's the right thing too do. But, for all the people who deserve a chance to live like Luna, Dean, Neville, Albus, and most importantly for you" Harry stated.

Hermione was taken back by his speech. He always had a way with words she thought.

" Hermione are you okay" he asked her with a concern look on his face?

" Yes and no. Please just let me say what's on my mind. Harry I wish I could have your courage. Sure I am book smart but what will that do when we have to face Voldmort or Death Eaters. You have such passion in everything you do… I think that's what drew me to you at first."

Harry looked confused at first before asking," what are you trying to say"?

" Harry I… I… I love you " she finally blurted out.

His eyes went big at this starling announcement as she had closed hers and held onto him more tightly then ever. After a while he lifted her chin up and forced her to look him directly in the eyes.

" Mione, you have always had my heart. Back when we knocked out that troll, I felt something for you. I loved you for years, but was too afraid to risk our friendship. But, not any more" he told her with conviction.

Hermione closed her eyes a couple times and even pinched herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.

" No you're not dreaming" he whispered lowering his head to meet hers. Hermione leaned up and kissed him with everything she had. She pressed herself into him trying to feel all of him at once. Harry for is part wrapped his arms around her waist just before she pushed him back on to his bed.

They kissed passionately for a few minutes before both of them had to pull apart for air. Harry could barely think straight as if a haze had washed over him. Hermione was still straddling him when she took his hand and placed it on to her left breast. She could tell he was a little taken back from her forwardness, but when a wicked grin came across his face she new it was game on.

Just when he was about to make his move, some movement outside the tent brought them back to reality. She was about to ask what was wrong when he put a finger up to her lips silencing her.

" Look boy, we don't have fucking time for your games. Do you know where there at or not" came a rough voice of Fenir Greyback?

" There hear, they change the signs a bit, but they still use the same patterns" came another familiar voice that Harry couldn't just place. Grabbing his invisible cloak that was under his pillow he wrapped them up in it. They got up from the bed and grabbed Hermione's special purse just before 4 figures came strolling in.

One was Fenir Greyback being flanked by 3 other death eaters who had their masks on. Fenir was in the face of one of the death eaters when finally he pulled his mask off revealing Ron.

Harry had to put a hand over Hermione's mouth to stop her from shouting out in surprise. Harry himself was too stunned for words to say anything, as all he could do was just stare at him under the cloak.

Greyback grabbed Ron by the throat and lifted him up in the air" Now where are they. You promised you could give us Potter and the mud blood".

Choking on his words he manged to say" Invisible cloak… check".

Greyback dropped Ron who crumbled to the ground holding his throat.

" Search everything, and everywhere. Don't leave any stop unturned. If you fail me now I will kill all of you myself," shouted Greyback.

A/N Questions? Or Any Comments? I am always willing to listen.