Prologue

Hermione Granger followed Ron Weasley out of the crowded living room and into the kitchen, where he hastily unlocked the door and led her onto the balcony that was situated above the house's heated swimming pool.

Hermione was starting to feel slightly nervous as she regarded her best friend. The red flush creeping up the back of his neck was a sure sign of stress, and she thought she knew what – or perhaps that should be who – was causing the problem.

Ron agitatedly fiddled with his hands as he stopped in front of one of the large pillars that would hide them from the sight of anyone stood on the lawn or in the pool below.

Taking a deep breath, he turned around to face her, worriedly wondering how she would react to what he was about to say.

"Um... ok, this isn't easy to say, but I really feel as though I need to talk to you about this, and I really hope that you understand the situation that I'm in here, because I'm doing it for your benefit too, and-"

"Ron, just spit it out," said Hermione impatiently, her heart hammering faster as she felt her world begin to close-in on her.

Ron swallowed and tried again.

"Lavender thinks that we spend too much time together and that you're still in love with me," he rushed out.

Hermione felt as though someone had kicked her in the stomach.

Not that girl again!

"Oh, really? And what do you think, Ron?"

Ron gulped.

"What do I…?"

"Yes, what do you think? Do you think I'm still in love with you?"

"Well, I don't know. I mean, Lavender says you are so…"

Hermione couldn't help but laugh incredulously.

"Oh, 'Lavender said' did she?! Well, that must make it true, then, mustn't it?!"

She shook her head in disgust.

"You are so under the thumb that it's unbelievable. Ever since you hooked up with Lavender, you and I have been under almost constant attack by that manipulative little bitch-"

"HEY!" yelled Ron, looking angry. "Don't you dare call her that! Lavender is one of the sweetest people I know, and if she's got a problem with you, then-"

"Then what?" spat Hermione furiously. "What are you going to do about it, hmm? What would you do to protect the love of your life Ron, huh? Would you do anything in your power to stop her feeling the pain that she does, no matter what the cost?"

"Well, of course I would!" exclaimed Ron, puffing out his chest and stand up straighter. "I love Lavender, and I don't want to see her hurt by anyone."

Hermione laughed.

But it was a bitter laugh.

And one filled with sincere regret.

Regret that she now knew would never be abated.

"I see. Well, there's only one thing that can be done then, isn't there?"

Ron look confused.

"Um… what d'you mean?"

Hermione smiled sadly.

"I'm leaving," she stated simply.

"But… I…. why?!"

"Because, in a situation like this, it's me or her. And I know that it'll always be the latter."

She went to move past him but he stopped her.

"Hermione, please," he said, holding onto her arm, "I didn't mean that-"

"I know," she said softly. "But I know that she does. I want you to be happy, Ron, but you won't be whilst I'm in your life. And maybe it's the same for me too."

And with that, she pulled her arm out of his grip and walked steadily back into the house.

It took all of her self-control not to turn around, and take one last look at Ron Weasley.

But, perhaps if she had, things would have turned out rather more simply than they did…

"Lavender thinks that we spend too much time together and that you're still in love with me," he rushed out.

Hermione felt as though someone had kicked her in the stomach.

Not that girl again!

Ron and Hermione are driven apart by his love for another, and Hermione leaves for good.
Four years later, their paths cross.
But has too much time passed for these two star-crossed lovers to make a go of it.
Surely Hermione's husband would protest slightly...