Who Ever Knew?
No one thought this would happen. Not even Harry, who was his closest friend. Ron seemed so trusting, he never seemed like he would do anything like this. No one could even comprehend what he did to Hermione.
It was getting very late as twilight slowly drifted into darkness. Alone at the edge of the Forbidden Forest sat a sobbing Hermione. She sat up against a tree looking out over the lake as tears slowly descended down her puffy red cheeks. She didn't even hear the single set of footsteps cautiously coming up behind her.
"Hermione?" asked Seamus with an obvious Irish accent.
Hermione looked up at the concerned boy, who obviously felt awkward and out of place, as he leaned up against a tree to the left of her. He fiddled with the hem of his shirt, at a lost for words, then came over and sat down right beside her up against the tree.
"Harry's looking for him. He's gonna give him the worst beating of his life. He won't ever do that to you again Hermione, Harry and I promise you that." Seamus said meaningfully, though he droned on for about another five minutes while I zoned out, thinking about him, and thinking about what he did to me. I didn't even notice that I had started to cry again.
"Hermione!" said Seamus with concern, "Talk to me, there's no use bottling it up," he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket as he said, "Please, just say something, I'll always listen."
I look straight into his hazel eyes, seeing the truth in them and hearing the sincerity in his voice. He won't hurt me, not like he did. I fiddle with some grass while trying to keep my gaze anywhere but his eyes, knowing that if I look at him when I talk, he'll see how much I really hurt.
I take a deep breath and try to compose myself before I say, "He cheated. Ron cheated. With Lavender," I spit her name out menacingly, "And I feel so… stupid…for not knowing sooner." I take a deep, shuddering breath, trying not to cry again.
"Hermione you're not stupid! None of us knew at~" I cut him off before he says anything else.
"I know, but I should have known first!" I said somberly.
"Hermione it wasn't your fault! Stop blaming yourself!" Seamus almost yelled at me.
"You wanted me to talk, so let me talk!" he quieted down and stared patiently at me before I started again, "When I caught them together, he had the nerve to punch me in the face before he left with Lavender to God knows where. He didn't even say anything, let alone act guilty about it. He's such a coward for running away and for not having the guts to even break up with me before he had his little affair. And truth be told, I hope he stays gone," I say quietly, as I slowly feel better after having told someone how I feel.
I look toward Seamus and wait for a response which I don't get. He just sits there staring out at the dark lake with shock on his face before he slowly turns back toward me. He lifts his hand and gently places his fingers on the blackish blue bruise on my temple. His touch brings a surprising comfort. I close my eyes at his touch and lay my head against the tree.
"Ron's a worthless piece of scum. Don't worry `bout him anymore. You've got Harry, Ginny, Luna, Neville, and me. You have our backs and we most certainly have yours," he says comfortingly and sincerely while he lightly touches my shoulder and says, "I think it's time we head back to the common room before Filch finds us. We'll worry `bout the other stuff later. Come on, let's go."
We head back hurriedly in the chill of night, wrapping our cloaks tight to our bodies. We reach the Entrance Hall doors with Harry standing by with the invisibility cloak. But soon I am thinking that no amount of magic can hide or fix the damage Ron has left. I will just have to work through it. But the toughest day will always be tomorrow.
Author's note: This is set seventh year. I do not own the Harry Potter Series or any of its characters. This is a work in progress so read on! Constructive criticism is always and definitely welcome. Review too please!