A Fork in the Road

Hermione leaned against the stone wall outside the Gryffindor common room after being cornered by Ron and Harry. She was being forced to choose between them.

"You've been stringing us on for six years," Ron stated in the serious tone he rarely used.

It was true. She had led both of them on, fearful that any change might create some unwanted tension between the boys.

Ron made Hermione smile and laugh in a way she never thought she could. He made her forget about schoolwork, looming papers and sharpened quills. He was always there to brace her falls and hold her hand through the tough times.

On the other hand, Harry had always been there to pull an all-nighter with her before a big Potions test or even to review a simple spell that turned one piece of parchment into five. They could be brutally honest with each other, and respected differences of opinion.

Back against the wall next to the entrance to the common room, the separation from the past and the future, Hermione finally knew her decision. This one time Hermione decided to speak from her heart and not her head.