[A/N: I don't normally do this but I'd like to respond to a review I received and as the reviewer does not have an account I could not PM them. If any of you have any concerns about how Ron thought of Hermione in the last chapter, I will only say, don't under estimate him. He knows more about himself than he lets on. It has always been my personal belief that Ron would have had to lie to himself during the time that he was with Lavender. So obviously that will come out in his thoughts. Moreover, as you'll see, my Lavender isn't quite the typical Lavender so that does influence Ron. One last thing, you say that Ron basically says Hermione has to change herself to make friends. Well I don't believe that's true, he and Harry are truly her friends, but as you'll see she would have to change herself to be friends with Lavender and by extension, Parvati. Don't hate him too much in this chapter either. He's just trying to make sense of what he sees without the full story. I promise it gets better. I appreciate your reviews and all the careful time you put in to them, just don't count me for a fool yet, there's a method to my madness I promise. Anyways, enjoy the next chapter, and sorry this was such a long note.]

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She entered the Great Hall and headed for the Gryffindor table. He could see himself and Harry eating breakfast with Lavender and Ginny farther down the table. He felt her pause, and quickly took a seat in an empty stretch of table to her immediate right. I know she didn't eat with us this morning but why? There was plenty of room. And we're all still her friends.

He watched as Hermione put a piece of toast on her plate and reach for the butter. I suppose I could go eat with Luna. Or Neville. Or I could use this time to study. That's it. We have that test in Potions in two weeks. She pulled out her notes once more and began to work.

We have a test? Huh. Perhaps I need to pay attention in class more. When did Slughorn say that? And seriously, why can't she come eat with me and Harry? Is she that stuck on herself? Or does she just not want to share what's going on with Cormac? Thinks she can do it all on her own, does she? When will she ever learn? She can trust us. We're meant to be her best friends.

"Won-Won, are you listening to me?" Lavender screeched. Hermione winced at the noise, her quill pausing over her parchment for an instant before continuing. It's his life. It is his choice. You can't dictate his life, Hermione. Even if he is making a huge mistake. It is not your place.

That's rich. Hermione didn't want to tell me what to do? Right and I hate having to eat mum's chocolate cake.

I just wish—well I guess it doesn't matter what I want does it? He obviously doesn't care. I just wonder, if he knew, if it would make a difference.

If I knew what?

Hermione watched as the Ron and Harry down the table rose to head to class. Lavender wrapped her arms around his neck and snogged him so thoroughly it was as if she thought he was moving to Romania to help Charlie with the dragons. Suddenly, her vision clouded up and it became hard for him to see what was going on. She quickly looked back down at her plate, her toast all but untouched. Is she crying? What has her all upset? Surely it wasn't Lav snogging me? No, it couldn't be. Maybe… maybe I'm just too stupid to know what was going on with her. It wouldn't be the first time. He could hear himself and Harry making their way towards her as she blinked at her book, trying to clear her tears from her eyes. It's not your choice. You can't dictate his life.

"Really, mate, she's getting to be an absolute nightmare! I really—," his voice said just as Hermione looked up and made eye contact with Harry for just an instant. Ron could practically feel the pain lance through her as Hermione listened to his words. Harry just offered a small half smile as they passed. The other version of himself walked passed her without any acknowledgement whatsoever.

Inside of Hermione's head he could hear his voice as a whiney eleven year old, "She's a nightmare, honestly, no wonder she hasn't got any friends!" Her eyes fell to the empty seat in front of her. Well some things never change. Again he could hear other voices in her head. Those of other children he didn't recognize saying things like, "That's Hermione Granger, she knows everything there is to know except how to have friends!" and "Stranger Granger! Stranger Granger!"

I reckon those are her memories of muggle children calling her names and teasing her. Blimey, she really has had it hard. Did she truly have no friends before she came to school? Was that why she was, well the way she was at first? Bloody hell, that makes what I said about her all those years ago that much worse! No wonder she cried in the bathroom all afternoon! I may hate being the youngest boy but at least I have my brothers and Ginny. Hermione's got no one. Merlin, she thought I was talking about her just now, didn't she? I meant Lav, Hermione! I was talking about Lavender!

Alright, really Hermione. You've had enough self-pity today already to last a month at least. No more of this. It does you no good and only makes you miserable. Ron and Harry are still your friends. Just because things are a bit different now does not mean things have changed. You must stop acting like this. All of that is in the past. You know Ron doesn't feel that way. At least not anymore. And you haven't even talked to him lately for him to be upset with you about anything new. See? You're simply being irrational. She examined her toast but ultimately pushed her plate away. I suppose I should eat more but my appetite is gone. I'll just have to make sure that I have a large lunch.

"Be careful Hermione," Hermione jumped as Lavender's voice was shockingly close to her ear. "Your shirts have been looking a tad snug," Lavender poked Hermione's side just below her rib. "Maybe you should watch what you eat a bit more." Blood rushed to Hermione's face as Lavender and Parvati giggled to each other and moved towards the door.

Am I getting fat? Oh goodness. Her blush only increased as she looked down to see the buttons on her shirt straining the smallest bit. I am aren't I? No. I'm not tall and rail thin like Lavender but I'm normal. And that's just got to be good enough for me. Even if he obviously wants something different. But maybe no big lunch today. Just in case.

Ron felt like a git but he was unable to look away from Hermione's chest. She's perfect. She's absolutely perfect.

Once again Hermione quickly packed away her things and hurried to class.

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Ron spent the class time amusing himself much as he had that day when he took the Potions class in his own body. His day dreams still consisted of Hermione, only this time it was through the veil of her own consciousness. She does tend to stare at me a lot doesn't she? Must be because we haven't spoken in a few days. He noticed that whenever Lav would lean over to whisper in his ear, Hermione would tense up. But hard as he tried he couldn't hear any of her thoughts to give him a clue as to why she was acting that way. In fact her thoughts about whatever potion Slughorn was blabbering on about just got louder.

As they stood up to leave, Harry leaned over and whispered, "Hey, are you okay?"

Before Hermione could answer, Lavender exclaimed, "But why did you have to take Muggle Studies? Couldn't you skive off and spend the period with me? I've got it free-ee!"

Hermione closed her eyes and took a breath, "I'm fine, Harry. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well it's just that, earlier, I thought I saw you crying and I—"

"Leave it be, Harry." Hermione muttered as she pushed past him out of the classroom. She made her way to the library. No surprise there. But why isn't she talking to Harry? Are they fighting too?

After she had situated herself in a back corner away from everyone, she began to rummage in her bag. Where did I leave my copy of Hogwarts: A History? I was sure I put it in here last night. I was reading in bed and…I must have left it in my room. She stood and began to make her way to the Gryffindor girl's dormitory. And I had so hoped to stay away from there today! I guess there's no helping it though. I've already done my course work for the next few weeks.

Few weeks! She really is bloody brilliant isn't she? Ron noticed that her movements seemed to be more purposeful than they had been this morning. Maybe she was just tired. I mean, I know I would be if I was doing all that extra course work. That must be it.

Once she reached the door to her dormitory, Hermione seemed to pause and take a deep breath. It's alright, Hermione. She is probably not in there. And so what if she is? It's her room too. She has every right to be there, just as you do. Where's that Gryffindor courage? She opened the door and made her way inside.

Not halfway across the room, Lavender's voice startled her, "Well look who it is."

Hermione shut her eyes and sighed. "Good morning Lavender." Of course she would be here. Where is that blasted book?

"Where did you run off to so early this morning?" Lavender looked up from where she was painting her nails on her bed. "Or maybe you didn't come home last night, is that it?"

Scouring her bed and trunk for the book, Hermione answered, "I was here last night. I simply had some work to finish up this morning, so I woke up a bit earlier than normal." Really where else would I be? It's not as if I have friends keeping me away at all hours of the night. Well, at least not anymore.

"That's rich, Hermione Granger not finish some of her work?" Lavender paused to blow on her nails. Find that book Hermione! Why was she so anxious to get out of the room? Lavender told me that Hermione has become downright unsocial the last few months, refusing to speak to her and Parvati and such. Maybe this is one of those times? "What, did Cormac keep you out too late last night?" Lavender mocked.

"No, Lavender, I had other things that needed to be done." Why did I even come up here for the book? Must get out of here, now!

Really, why was she acting this way? Lavender could be a tad nicer but it wasn't as if she was being cruel or—

"Sure. Well I guess Cormac has finally thrown you over has he? Not surprising, given, well given that it's you." Lavender began to paint her other hand. What the bloody hell does she mean by that? "A pure-blood like Cormac can't actually think that someone like you is anything but a plaything." PURE-BLOOD! Was Lavender really one of those nutters who believed in blood status? "It was only a matter of time I suppose. Probably for the best. His babies would look awful with that bushy hair of yours. And can you imagine them with those teeth you had? And those spots you have on your face?" Lavender laughed. It doesn't matter what she says. You are proud to be muggle-born. You love your parents. And it doesn't matter how you look. For the love of Merlin! I didn't know Lav was so barking mad! How can she say those things to Hermione! Let alone think they're true! She's bloody perfect Lav! And so much better than you could ever be! "Is it almost time for Transfiguration yet? It feels like an age since I've seen my Won-Won!"

"Class does start soon." Finally! Why would Hogwarts: A History be under my pillow? Are you through rubbing my face in everything you have that I don't? And to flaunt your relationship with Ron too? Do you truly hate me so much Lavender? Or are you just trying to prove a point?

Lavender flounced over to her dresser. "Oh good! I'm so glad I get to sit with Won-Won" His name is Ron. "In that class. Don't we make just the cutest couple? Our babies will be so adorable! And pure-blood. Which will be important, I'm sure. Do you think he's going to propose soon?"

PROPOSE! We're only sixth years! And she's awful! How can she treat Hermione like that? She's done nothing to deserve that. Merlin, no one deserves that. And to think, I've been listening to what Lav says about her. I'm such a bloody prat. No wonder Hermione won't even speak to me. I wouldn't speak to me either if my girlfriend had talked to me like that.

PROPOSE! Oh Merlin, please no! Ron can't end up with her! Anyone but her! Is he really going to propose? I didn't think they were that serious, but I suppose if Lavender is thinking about it then it is a possibility. I think I'm going to be sick! MY Ron cannot end up with HER! But what if that's what he wants? He is dating her. And she is the type of girl he's always fancied. Madam Rosemerta, Fleur, and Lavender are all blondes with amazing figures. No wonder he doesn't like mousy brown, bushy haired me. And he is a pure-blood. I know he doesn't care about that, but it has to count for something that she's a pure-blood too, right? And I'm just a Mudblood. They probably are going to be married.

Stop it! Stop right now Hermione! I'm not marrying her! I don't love her and I never could after what she's said to you! I AM yours! And I always will be, just please don't listen to her!

"Hermione!" Hermione looked up from the cover of Hogwarts: A History to find Lavender glaring at her with her hands on her hips. "Are you going to answer me?"

Shaking her head a bit, Hermione managed, "I'm sorry, what was the question?"

Lavender harrumphed, "Do you think Won-Won is going to propose to me soon?"

No! No! "Um, well you two are only sixth years. Are things really that serious between you?"

Lavender just chuckled and turned to examine herself in the mirror. "Well things have gotten a bit more serious as of late." She adjusted her breasts, trying to make them look as prominent as possible. "So I think it's not out of the question. He is a sweetheart. Always listening to me and spending time with me." Hermione sank down on the edge of her bed, seemingly unable to walk away. "And, well I probably shouldn't even tell you this, one doesn't kiss and tell you know. But who are you going to tell anyways?" Lavender chuckled. "Ron is a magnificent lover." What! "I swear sometimes that boy has five hands! And he certainly knows what to do with them!"

How could Lavender say that to her? They'd never gotten past snogging! And here she was making it seem like they've already shagged! No wonder she hates me. How can Lavender say these lies? Hermione doesn't believe them does she?

No. No, no, no, no, no, no! Don't listen to her, Hermione! She and Ron have not—not that it would matter if they had. She is what makes Ron happy. You've got to support him. Even if he has stooped to this. Even if he has—don't think about it! It will just break your heart again.

Again?

"How wonderful for you, Lavender. If you'll excuse me, I left my things in the library and I need to get them before class." Hermione's voice sounded flat and dead as she moved towards the door without waiting for a response.

If she believes what Lavender says, no wonder she hates me now! Hermione! I'm sorry for being such a git, Hermione! Lav lied to me, just like she lied to you! She told me that you hated her and that she had tried to be friends with you. Obviously she was lying, and I knew she wasn't telling the whole truth but I never imagined it was something like this! I thought she was lying about making an effort or exaggerating how you reacted. I didn't think the girl I'm dating would outright lie to me! I'm sorry Hermione! So, so very sorry!

At the bottom of the stairs to the girl's dormitory, Hermione paused before lifting her head up and straightening her shoulders. You are a Gryffindor and the brightest witch of this age. You do not care about what some sniveling bimbo says to you. Even if it is about Ron. You are happy for him. She made her way through the common room and to the library repeating that again and again. It only made Ron feel more and more guilty as she moved about the castle. She only wants what's best for me, even after how I've treated her! Blimey, I've been such a prat to her. I never realized this was going on! Why didn't she say something? Because you git, she thought that this was what you wanted.

By the time Hermione made it to Transfiguration, Lavender was already there, her arms wrapped around Ron like a Giant Squid. Quickly averting her eyes, Hermione made her way to her seat next to Harry.

"Hey, Hermione." Harry didn't look up from the Half-Blood Prince's Potion book.

"Harry." She murmured as she sat down.

That's it then? No more talking? Can't Harry see that she's upset? Help her Harry! You're meant to be her friend too! I know you don't like stuff like this mate but it's Hermione! You've got to, for Hermione!

Slughorn called the class to order and Ron could see Hermione stare at him, as if trying to decipher if Lavender had been telling the truth. She is sitting awfully close to him. And he isn't pushing her away now is he? I suppose it could be true. It probably is. Not that that in itself is a shock. They have been dating for a while now. And he is a handsome bloke. It's only natural that she would want to shag him. And didn't mum always say that boys only want one thing? I guess he got it from her then. That is dreadfully more serious than I thought they were. But it's what he wants. A blonde girlfriend who will shag him and snog him all the time. Not a bushy-haired know-it-all who can't even make out her own feelings for him. He didn't even want to attend Slughorn's Christmas Party with me. Maybe he didn't want to upset Lavender. I imagine he's a wonderful boyfriend.

I want you, Hermione! Only you! I only started dating her cause Ginny said you snogged Krum. I've never done anything more than snogging with her, you've got to believe me! I was a prat for not just telling you how I feel. I didn't think you wanted to go to Slughorn's Party as a date! I thought you wanted to go as friends and pitied me for not being part of the Slug Club. I'm a bloody idiot. I don't deserve you, Hermione.

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[A/N: Well what did you think? See, I told you everything is not as it seems. Hope this chapter cleared up some things. Remember that Ron can't feel Hermione's feelings, only hear her thoughts. And people's feelings often what they think about and don't think about. Don't worry, I am a Romione-shipper all the way and I love a happy ending. They will end up together and happy. It's just going to take some doing to get them there. Let me know what you think!]