"Everything looks clear."
"Uh-huh."
Harry frowned. "Hermione, are you mad at me?"
"Of course not, why would you think that?"
"It's just, ever since Ron left you seem so angry. I wish I could talk to you like we used to."
"Ron has nothing to do with it! I've just been very busy is all." She put down her book and swiped her hand across her forehead, smoothing the stray hairs into place.
He sank into the nearest chair. "I don't know why you won't talk to me about it."
"You wouldn't understand."
"Understand what? Being madly in love with someone far away, not knowing if you'll ever see them again? I think I understand that just fine."
"I'm not in love with him."
Harry chuckled. "Liar."
"What does it matter, he's never coming back anyway."
"Ron and Hermione sitting in a tree…"
She smacked him in the chest. "Not funny, Harry."
"So what if he does come back? Are you going to tell him?"
"There's nothing to tell! Why do you persist in misunderstanding that?"
"Because I'm not blind, silly. You've loved him for a long time."
She got to her feet. "Someone should be on watch. I'll see you in a few hours."
Harry smiled as Hermione stepped out of the tent.