Ron's eyes shot open and he gasped in horror as the very vivid scenes of his nightmare began to fade from his conscious. He was on the verge of panic as his body shook and sweat broke out across the back of his neck. His breathing was fast, so very fast, but it felt like he wasn't pulling in any air at all. He struggled to sit up, and it was only then when he realized that he wasn't alone in the bed as an arm slipped behind him in support. His terrified blue eyes met concerned brown as Hermione cupped his cheek and tilted his head towards her.

"Are you okay?" Hermione asked.

He nodded breathlessly. "Nightmare."

Hermione rubbed his back soothingly. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Ron hung his head, unable to look her in the eye. "You...and Harry...together. I caught you...s-so many times..."

Hermione sighed.

"It felt so real," Ron went on. "I know it's ridiculous, that you'd never do that to me...but it just..."

Hermione shifted on the bed, reaching for her wand on the bedside table. "Lumos," she said softly, illuminating the room with the tip of her wand. She reached up and cupped Ron's cheek once more, rubbing her thumb along his stubble roughened skin. "That's the problem with memory charms."

Ron looked at her, confusion evident in his eyes. "What?"

"Memory charms," she replied. "They're highly effective, but continual use leaves behind a residual imprint that can sometimes be misinterpreted subconsciously."

"Hermione, I don't understand?"

"It wasn't me, Ron." She informed him. "You're right, I would never do that to you... to us. Harry has always been like a brother to me, you know that." She paused. "It's you...and Lavender."

"No," Ron whispered, shaking his head adamantly. "That's not funny, Hermione."

"It's not," she agreed. "But it's the truth."

"Don't say that!" He cried, repulsed by her accusation.

"That's your reaction every time I tell you," she said, matter-of-factly. "It's always made me wonder what you see in her, when you're so disgusted by the idea of the two of you together."

"You're mistaken!" he shouted. "I'm...I'm still dreaming. This isn't real!"

Hermione sniffed and angrily wiped at the tears threatening to fall form her eyes. "I promised myself the last time that I wouldn't cry anymore. You're not dreaming, Ron. I find it almost ironic that your reoccurring nightmares reflect my reality." She glanced at the clock. "It's late and I have an early meeting tomorrow with the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister."

"No, Hermione," Ron reached out and grabbed her arm. "I...I wouldn't do that."

Hermione raised her other hand and pointed her wand at him. "It's okay, Ron. You won't remember any of this. Nox." The room was bathed once again into darkness.

"Hermione, wai--"

"Obliviate."

Ron blinked, looking around the room in confusion. "Wh--"

"It's okay Ron," Hermione's voice called out. "You had a nightmare."

"I...did?" He settled back against the pillows and felt Hermione snuggle up to his side. "I don't remember."

She ran her hand soothingly across his chest. "It's okay. It's probably for the best that you don't."

"I suppose," Ron replied, closing his eyes as sleep came to him once more. "Love you," he murmured.

Hermione's hand froze for a long moment, before continuing it's caress. "I know, Ron. I know."

The End. (not quite)

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