The room became deathly silent in the wake of Muriel's announcement.

Hermione felt like the world was spinning around her, and her heart seemed to have disabled; she wasn't even sure she was still breathing. It seemed like the axis of the earth had become dislodged, or –at least- that's what Hermione's internal organs were telling her. Her lungs appeared to be filling with water than air, and her stomach had apparently transfigured itself into a large piece of lead.

Luna?

Luna Lovegood was…. Ron's fiancée? Luna Lovegood- their good friend since Hogwarts, who had been there for them through thick and thin- was the person Ron was being forced to marry?

The person Hermione was losing Ron to.

'Mrs… Mrs Prewitt? What are you talking about?'

Luna's voice reached through the dark mist threatening to overload Hermione's senses. The blonde woman was still standing next to Muriel, and looking the very picture of confused. In the entire time she had known Luna, Hermione had never seen her look so shocked.

'Silly girl; you and Ronald are going to be wed!' Muriel chuckled, clapping Luna on the shoulder again.

Luna's enormous grey eyes flicked between Hermione and Ron.

'But… that's not right-'

'Yes, it is,' Muriel interrupted, looking a little annoyed at Luna's less-than-happy response. 'I could have sworn I told your relatives to inform you what was going on.'

Luna shook her head, now looking at Hermione in confusion. Hermione returned the same look, her face barely containing the utter horror and misery that was threatening to engulf her. Hermione looked at Ron, but his usually-bright blue eyes were glazed over, looking emptier than Hermione had ever seen them.

Hermione felt like her heart was breaking; it hurt her so much to see Ron looking so miserable. Usually, he was full of life. But now? It looked like he had retreated into his own head from the events unfolding around him.

Ron Weasley did not usually hide his emotions. In all the time Hermione had known him, he was always the most open; the man who wore his heart on his sleeve and let you know how he felt.

To see him like this, therefore, was utterly terrifying. Like the light had gone from the world.

Luna's eyes hovered over Ron, who had sat down, his eyes shut tight. Her gaze softened, and a small smile formed on her lips.

Oh, no…

Hermione felt as if her stomach had just disintegrated inside her.

She had always suspected that Luna had nursed a crush on Ron, ever since she had first met the Ravenclaw in fifth year. But she had assumed that Luna's feelings had cooled in the years after the war.

But apparently not. The blonde still fancied Ron.

And now she was Ron's fiancée…

Hermione bit back the strangled sobs that were threatening to spill out of her throat.

It was over.


Unable to stay where she was, Hermione began to walk-somewhat ungainly- towards the kitchen.

'S-shall I make some tea?' she said, her voice barely holding together. 'Give us all a chance to think things over…'

The bushy-haired witch scrambled into the kitchen, and turned on the kettle.

As she watched the appliance begin to boil, Hermione began to weep, the kettle masking the noises she was making.

She really was losing Ron.

After all this time… there was no going back from this… she'd have to watch the wonderful man she loved marry another woman…

It was all well-and-good telling Ron to fight it, but she couldn't even hold herself together through this. Some war hero she was.

'Hermione, do you need some help-oh.'

Hermione squealed, and wheeled round, covering her reddening face with her hands.

Luna had wandered through the door into the kitchen, and was now standing a few feet from her.

'Oh… h-hi, Luna…. Just got something in my eye….'

Without saying a word, Luna eased the door shut behind her, and crossed the kitchen, pulling out a handkerchief from her pocket as she did so.

'N-no, I'm fine, honestly…' Hermione said weakly, as Luna began to dab softly at Hermione's eyes with the hanky.

'Hermione, I've only seen you this unhappy a few times, and every time it was because something awful had happened.'

'I'm f-fine-'

'Is it because Ronald is being forced to marry me and not you?'

Oh, god…

Hermione's already-splintering self-control broke, and she erupted into fresh tears, which were thankfully masked by the kettle boiling.

'O-oh god...' Hermione sobbed, feeling her legs shake. She slid down the side of the cupboard, lying in a crumpled heap on the kitchen floor. 'D-don't say it… please…. I can't… I can't….'

Hermione felt two arms go around her; Luna was hugging her.

'Hermione, I'm so sorry; I shouldn't have said that.'

'I-it's alright….' Hermione whimpered, tears dripping down her cheeks as Luna pulled away slightly. It wasn't Luna's fault, but Hermione couldn't help but feel miserable. This girl was engaged to Ron. Her Ron; the boy Hermione had loved for years. 'I… I just….'

'Hermione, you don't have to worry; I don't want to marry Ronald.'

Hermione's breath caught in her throat.

'B-but… the way you look at him… how can you possibly not want to...to…'

Luna let out a small laugh.

'I don't think you understand, Hermione.'

'What don't I understand?'

'Ronald's my friend, Hermione; but I don't see him like that.'

'Like what?'

'The way you see him.'

Hermione gulped. Now the cat was out of the bag.

'H-how did you-?'

Luna chuckled good-naturedly.

'Hermione, I've known about your feelings for Ronald since I first met you. You remember; on the train at the start of your fifth year? You keep glaring at me…'

Okay, so the cat had been out of the bag for a very long time.

'I-I'm sorry… that was so r-rude of me…'

'It's alright, Hermione,' Luna smiled, dabbing at Hermione's eyes again with her hanky. 'I know it was only natural. Considering I was staring at Ronald so much…'

Hermione groaned. She had been right; Luna had fancied Ron when they'd been at Hogwarts. Why did she always have to be right about these things?

The kettle had finished boiling.

Luna pulled her wand out from behind her ear, and cast a muting charm on the door, so that their voices wouldn't echo through into the next room.

'Hermione, Ronald is a friend to me and nothing else,' Luna said, looking the bushy-haired witch straight in the eye. 'At Hogwarts, my feelings for him were comparable with yours towards Professor Lockhart. Nothing more.'

'Is… is that really public knowledge?'

'Ginny told me. Usually to point out Ronald getting jealous about it.'

Hermione snorted dismissively.

'Ron wasn't jealous. Why would he be jealous?'

Luna raised an eyebrow.

'Hermione, I'm not entirely sure how you failed to notice this, but Ronald is in love with you-'

'No, he isn't!' Hermione exclaimed, feeling her face burn. Why did everyone keep insisting on saying this when there was never any hope for her. 'I'm just a friend to him and nothing else! Please, Luna; I know you're trying to cheer me up, but please don't give me false hope. He'll never see me as anything else; why would he? I'm just a stuck-up, know-it-all, irritating-'

'Ron loves you,' Luna said, simply. 'He always has, and he always will.'

Hermione wiped her eyes, wearily.

'Luna, what's the good it will do? He's being forced into a marriage against his will. Even if- by some miracle- he did love me, it would never work. He's getting married… to you. I'm losing him forever.'

Luna didn't say anything. Instead, she simply sat down next to where Hermione had sunk on the floor.

'Hermione, do you remember when we first met? You never believed me about Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, did you?'

Hermione shook her head, wiping her eyes clumsily with the sleeve of her dressing gown.

'Not until you actually exhibited one at the Ministry, no.'

'Exactly. Hermione, you are very much someone who doesn't believe in something until they have conclusive proof. Until they have seen it with their own eyes.'

'So?'

Luna patted Hermione on the shoulder.

'Maybe you should stop looking for reasons why Ron couldn't love you, and start looking for signs that he does.'

Before Hermione could respond, Luna climbed to her feet, and (pouring several cups of tea) fetched a tray, before leaving the kitchen, giving one last supportive smile to Hermione.


Hermione sat there on the floor in stunned silence. What on earth did Luna mean? Did she know something Hermione didn't? And why was she telling Hermione this now, of all times?

'Here's your tea, Ronald.'

'Oh, thanks, Luna.'

Hermione put a hand over her mouth to prevent herself squeaking. Ron was stood just outside the door that Luna had slipped through. Thank goodness for the noise-cancelling charm on the door.

'No problem.'

'Listen… Luna….about this arranged marriage thing…'

-Hermione's heart went into her mouth. Oh god, was Ron actually happy with marrying Luna? That was all she needed to hear right now…

'I'm sorry you've been dragged into this whole mess.'

Hermione let out a sigh of relief.

'Oh, it's alright, Ronald. I know it's not your fault. And if you were planning on getting married to anyone, it was never going to be me, was it? It would be the woman you've been holding a torch for.'

Hermione felt her stomach turn to lead, and fresh tears began to spill from her eyes.

'Y-yeah,' Ron mumbled, his voice sounding almost shy. 'It's always been…. her.'

Oh god; Ron really did fancy someone!

She never had any hope to begin with! He loved someone-else. He'd never see her the same way he saw her. Why would he? She was just a brainiac who was too cowardly to ever confess her feelings. How could she ever have hoped that he-

'Is… is 'Mione okay?' Ron suddenly asked, breaking through the mental fog engulfing Hermione's brain. 'She looked really upset when she walked off… '

Hermione's heart seemed to stop.

How could Ron be so wonderful all the time? Was it any wonder she had fallen for him, when he was so utterly kind and caring towards her? And why did he care so much for her? Even for a best friend, Ron was… something else.

And why did he have to use that nickname? "'Mione"; the nickname that only he called her. The only nickname she actually liked; and he was the only person she liked hearing it from.

'She's fine, Ron.' Luna said, quickly. Ron had presumably made a motion towards opening the kitchen door. Hermione was glad of Luna's placating; she didn't think she could look at Ron without crying at the minute. 'She put a silencing charm on the door, so the kettle noise wouldn't annoy your aunt.'

Ron chuckled.

'That is so Hermione.'

Hermione felt her heart thump against her chest. Damn it, Ron; why do you have to be so charming all the time?

'You care a lot for Hermione; don't you, Ron?'

'Well, of course I do. She's my best friend.'

'A best friend that you haven't even told about the woman you're holding a torch for?'

Hermione held her breath.

'I…I can't tell her.'

'Why ever not?'

Hermione's ears pricked up. What was Ron's reasoning for not telling her? Was he aware of her feelings, and didn't want to upset her? There must have been a really good reason; they were best friends, after all.

'Hermione's... Hermione's too important to me. I… I can't lose her. I….I can't take that risk.'

Hermione bit down on her lip to prevent herself from crying. Lose her? What did he mean by that? Did he think she'd abandon him if she found out who he loved? Why would he think that?

Who did he love? It must have been someone she couldn't stand. But who? Ron barely spent any time away from Hermione; even when he had free time from work. Where would he find the time to meet someone?

Hermione's brain seemed to shudder to a grinding halt.

Ron never went out. Aside from work events (which he was always bored with) he preferred to stay in and watch muggle films with Hermione. They'd spent most of the last few years practically living like a domestic couple (aside from Harry being there). But Harry actually went out. Ron always said he preferred quiet nights in, but Hermione always had wondered why. What was so great about sitting with her and watching silly muggle rom-coms every Friday and Saturday night? Half the time, she'd fall asleep in his lap, and he'd carry her to her room.

He always said he didn't mind, but still… why? It was just her, after all.

Her, in her novelty bunny slippers and rumpled silk pyjamas. Her, with no make-up, and her tangled mess of bushy hair. Her, with her plain face, and childlike body.

Why would Ron want to stay in with her when he could go on nights out with Harry? Ron was gorgeous, he'd be sure to attract women in nightclubs and pubs. It wouldn't that difficult; Hermione could just imagine all the women throwing themselves at him (her stomach withered with misery at the very thought). So why stay in with her, of all people?

He was always there. And Hermione had always been happy for him to be there. She was his best friend, after all.

But was she really just that to him?

Don't be silly- Hermione told herself- Ron doesn't fancy me; he probably fancies someone glamorous, someone cool; someone who doesn't spend her entire life with her face buried in books.

But what if he didn't fancy someone like that, another part of Hermione's brain whispered, what if he fancies YOU….

Oh, please- Hermione shook her head dismissively- it's no good hoping for that. Why would Ron fancy me; I'm not attractive-

Has Ron ever said he DOESN'T find you attractive?

Well, no… in fact, the other night, he'd said she was pretty…but still, that didn't mean he fancied her. When had he ever shown her that he saw her as more than a friend?

What about that look he shared with you before Muriel turned up today?

That was true. His eyes had met hers, and time seemed to have stood still. He had held her hand, and it had seemed like he was going to ask her something. Something important.

Something earth-shattering.

Something that he needed to work up the courage to say.

No, no, no…- Hermione put her face in her hands, trying to quell the burgeoning hope that was overwhelming her heart-…this wasn't true, this wasn't possible, she couldn't be that lucky…

She had spent years holding a torch for Ron; it was too ironic that she'd find out her feelings were returned at the very time she was losing Ron forever.

Once again, it felt like the universe was actively trying to mock her.

Did Ron… see her as more than just a friend? The possibility was almost too perfect to imagine.

But, even if he did, it wouldn't change anything.

Ron was still being forced into an arranged marriage. Even if Hermione was indeed correct about this, Ron would never be able to tell her. Not while he was stuck in an arranged marriage with their mutual friend. Even if Luna was completely supportive of Ron and Hermione (as she'd shown earlier), Muriel would never let it happen.

Speaking of whom…

'Ronald! You and your fiancée really must get the paperwork sorted!'

Muriel's harsh voice cut through the atmosphere like a knife through butter.

'P-paperwork?' Ron stammered, before clearing his throat. 'What do you mean?'

Luna and Ron walked away into the lounge, and Hermione was left, her mind full of confusing and bewildering thoughts.

Wait, why did Ron sound so scared? So confused? Was he still going to fight against the arranged marriage? It sounded like he had given up.

Hermione let out a small sob. Even if Ron did somehow see her as more than a friend, he was still being pushed into a marriage he didn't want. And now it seemed like all the fight had gone out of him.

'Yes, Ronald! The consent forms for the ministry records; they have got a protocol for arranged marriages between pure-bloods like this. Now, if you both sit down and start signing them…'

'Mrs Prewitt; I'm not signing these-'

'Don't be silly, girl!'

There was a pause.

Oh god, Hermione thought, closing her eyes as her heart began to ache, he's given up.

Ron…. Please… no…

That was it. Ron had lost hope, and she…. she had lost Ron.

'Muriel, I'm not signing these either-'

Hermione opened her eyes, a tentative smile forming on her lips.

That's my Ron.

Her heart suddenly burning with love for the redhead, Hermione grabbed the kitchen door, and stormed into the living room.

Muriel was stood next to a coffee table, which was strewn with various official forms. Luna was sat nearby, looking pensieve. Ron had his arms crossed, and was glaring at Muriel.

'Ron is not signing those documents!'

'Yes, he is!'

'Muriel, I'm not!'

'Ronald, you have no leg to stand on when it comes to this; you have to get married!'

'No!' Hermione cried, her eyes now swimming with tears. 'He can't!'

'And why ever not?!'

'Because…. because….,' Hermione stammered, her usually-teeming brain suddenly empty.

Her eyes met Ron's. He was urging her on... praying for some way out of this.

And there had to be a way. There had to be a way. After all they'd been through, she wasn't going to lose Ron now; not to this.

But what could she do?

All her research into the topic had done was inform her that there was very little lee-way. Old pureblood arranged marriages were almost entirely designed so that the actual marriage partners had no say in the matter. The paperwork surrounding arranged marriages had not changed in centuries, and were a relic of the times when pureblood families inter-married for financial reasons. In wizarding arranged marriages, love simply had no say in the matter.

Her love for Ron had no say in the matter.

Oh god, she was losing him…

And- as her emotions began to overwhelm her- it hit her.

An answer.

Wizarding arranged marriages didn't care about love. But they did care about propriety. There was one sure-fire way to stop an arranged marriage from going ahead. Ron couldn't become part of an arranged marriage… if he was already engaged to someone-else.

Hermione grabbed Ron's hand, taking heart from the way he immediately wrapped his fingers round hers. Almost as if he felt the same comfort from her as she did from him.

'Because…..'

Hermione took a deep breath, and concentrated on the warm feeling of Ron's hand in hers. She couldn't lose him now; not after all this time.

She just prayed that Ron wouldn't hate her for what she was about to do.

'Because…' Hermione exclaimed, her voice reverberating round the room. '… Because Ron is engaged to me!'