"Harry, you didn't tell her." I say to Harry later that night. Ron and Ginny are in bed already and I know this is my only shot to get Harry alone.

"Hermione, what is there to say? I mean, I love you, but you and I both know it didn't mean anything."

"But it might to her, Harry. To her it might mean the world!" I whisper at him, urgently.

"Well, have you told Ron?" He responds snidely

"Harry, I'm not engaged to Ron. I'm not planning a life together without full disclosure!"

"Aren't you, though? Don't you love each other? Do you plan on dating other people?"

I know he's right, I shouldn't be a hypocrite, but I am.

"I'm just saying, Harry, if Ron asked me to marry him I'd feel obligated to come clean." I say to him, quietly. "I thought we shared the kind of relationship where I could express an opinion and you'd consider it because it's coming from a loved one, not disregard it because it's coming from someone you used to fuck!"

I know I'm being dramatic, but I don't care. I feel like Harry no longer respects me, but maybe it's just that I no longer respect myself.

The next morning I find myself in Diagon Alley, searching for an engagement gift for Harry and Ginny. They're at the burrow with Ron announcing their engagement, and I figured I could use the time by myself.

While perusing shelves in Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment, I spotted a blond head of hair that I have never been particularly pleased to see. "Buck up Hermione, you helped save the wizarding world. A small amount of decorum is expected of you. Say hello to the trollop and walk away." I say to myself.

"Lavender! How are you?!" I yell happily

"Hermione! I'm wonderful! How are you?" She responds

So it continues, back and forth, pleasantries and nonsense. I notice that an hour has passed while we chatted idly and I start to say my goodbyes.

"Oh, Hermione, before you go I just wanted to say something." She says looking shy

"Yes?"

"Thank you for being so nice to me. I know Parvati and I were hard on you during school and then there was the whole issue with Ron staying with me when he left you and Harry during the hunt. It's really humbling to see someone like you, still trying to maintain niceties. I appreciate your gesture of friendship."

"Oh, um, of course. Take care." I say hurriedly. I had to get home. Ronald Bilius Weasley had some serious questions to answer.

I'm waiting in the dining room when arrives. Harry and Ginny have stayed behind to let Molly mother them some more.

"'Mione? I'm home. How was your day?" He asks casually. How is he supposed to know that tonight is the night when everything changes?

"Ron. Where did you?" I ask while pouring wine for the two of us

"What? I was at the burrow. You knew that." He responds, confused.

"I mean when you left us, Ron. When you left Harry and I behind to fend for ourselves. Where did you go?" I feel tears stinging my eyes and I'm not sure why.

"I told you, there were snatchers-"

"I saw Lavender today." I cut him off.

"Shit, Hermione. Look, please don't be upset."

"Don't be upset?!"

"Yes! I was scared! I had fought with and abandoned my two BEST friends. I was sure we were all going to die, and damn it I was so angry. Some of it was the locket, some of it was fear and I honestly can't say anything in my defense. I was weak. I shacked up with Lav. Things happened so quickly. I should have told you."

"Oh you fucked 'Lav' did you?

"Hermione, please!"

My mind is reeling, but my heart is not. Through the horrible ache I'm beginning to feel, my heart is telling me to come clean.

"I'm not angry, Ron. I'm hurt but I think I understand you better than you might think." I say. My heart is pounding, my glass is empty, now is the time.

"What do you mean?" he asks hesitantly.

"Harry and I-"

"Don't say it! Don't you even fucking say it." Just like that he's in my face. His glass smashes on the floor, his eyes are filled with angry tears and the look on his face is terrifying.

"Ron I have to say this. I have to!" I say. I take his silence as permission to continue "After you left we were so lost. We were scared. We didn't know how else to get by. It's no different from you and Lavender!"

"No different!?" he spits at me. "It's very fucking different. You slept with my best friend! You know how he gets everything and you gave yourself to him to?! I can't believe this! Does Ginny know? Is that piece of shit lying to my sister? She has to know!" He's gathering his things now

"Ron, stop you have to let Harry tell her!"

"Don't you dare say his name to me!" Ron shouts as he shoves me away. With a sprinkle of floo powder he's gone, and I'm too ashamed to chase after him.