I don't own Harry Potter.
The kitchen was empty but for Ron and a plate of sandwiches made by Kreacher.
"Ron, I need to talk to you."
Ron shoved the rest of his sandwich in his mouth, gulped, then nodded. He looked at her expectantly.
"Not here," she said. "Let's go to the library."
They trooped up the stairs in silence. Ron held Hermione's hand. She left her hand limp in his grip.
"What's up, Hermione?" Ron asked.
"I need to break up with you," she blurted out, planned words flying out her mind.
Ron looked shocked. "Why? I thought we were doing okay."
"You want me too much, Ron. I can't be around you all the time. It's driving me batty," Hermione said. "I guess I don't need as much contact as you. We're too intimate."
Ron looked wounded. "I can… I could… Hermione, don't you love me?"
"I do care for you, Ron, so much. But I can't do this anymore. And… there's someone else."
"Who?" Ron demanded. "I'll fight him for you."
Hermione shook her head. "No. I don't want any fighting over this breakup. You're not going to like this, Ron."
"Who is it?" he asked warily.
"Ginny," she whispered.
"You're breaking up with me for my sister?! What kind of bullshit is that? Since when do you like girls?" Ron demanded.
"Since she kissed me without expecting anything back," Hermione shot back.
"What do you mean? Don't you like kissing?" Ron asked.
"Yeah but not if it always leads to sex!" Hermione said.
"Oh. Well, I didn't realize you felt that way, Hermione." Ron looked put out.
"How many times have I pushed you away so I could read a book?" she asked.
"Uh, a lot?" Ron guessed. A guilty look smeared onto his face.
"Right! I'm tired of pleasing you, Ron. Ginny makes me happy. You and I just don't click anymore."
Ron hugged himself. "Well, if that's how you feel then…"
She reached out and patted his arm. "Thanks for trying with this me, Ron."
Then she got up and left. The tattered grey curtains on the windows swayed with the sweep of her departure.