"Oh... that." he said. He did not answer immediately. But, at Hermione’s increasingly dismayed expression, he decided to admit his feelings. "Yes, I meant it. When McGonagall brought Ron and I to the Hospital Wing, and I saw you petrified and lifeless, I felt my heart shatter right then and there. That’s when I realized how important you had become. Because, you were the most important person in my life. That’s when I realized that I was in love with you."