Enilas- I'm really glad you like the story!
Nicconicco- I promise to update as fast as I can! I really like writing this story, so hopefully this comes soon enough for you =)
Fluffy-san- I'll definitely keep writing! I don't plan on quitting this story anytime soon.
Kk1999- Thank you =)
Jessirose85- Thanks so much. Yeah, when I was planning this out in my head I never really planned on it to be too much of a secret.
BroadwayNightOwl- I'm really glad you enjoy the story! And no worries, he will find out.
Btw: This chapter is going to be a little more focused on Hermione.
Disclaimer: None of this is mine.
About a week had passed since Draco had received his letter, and so far he had dismissed it as a stupid practical joke from his mother. He figured it was once last chance for her torture him. Even the dreams that haunted his sleep did nothing to change his mind.
Hermione had not spoken to Ron since the day of their fight. She had calmed down quite a bit, still very hurt, but she wanted some closure. After her potions class she sat down to owl Ron. She spent two hours in the common room trying to figure out what to say, whether or not to be emotional, or just tell him where to meet and when. She ended up with a pile of wasted parchment surrounding the couch. She was crumpling up her latest attempt at a note when Draco entered the common room.
"Writing love notes, Granger?" He asked, with a slight sneer.
"Quite the opposite, Draco," She said, putting extra emphasis on the use of his first name. "I just need to talk to Ronald about…well, some things," Hermione sighed.
"The Weasel, eh? Why waste the time?"
"It's not a waste of time."
"A waste of parchment then," He said gesturing to the pile of failed attempts.
"Would you just let me do this in peace?"
"And what kind of Malfoy would I be then? Just because my parents are dead doesn't mean I'm suddenly going to be kind," Draco stated.
"Apparently not," Hermione said with an eye roll. She turned her attention back to the letter to Ron.
Draco turned and walked to his bedroom, annoyed that he had no one to torment. Ever since the letter he had been on edge, and reverted more to his old attitude.
Hermione finally was able to get her note to Ron written.
Ronald,
I've been able to calm down for a while, and I would like to talk to you about the things you said. I will be in the Gryffindor common room today after dinner. Please meet me there.
Hermione
She headed to the Owlery to send off the note. She walked up to one of the owls, folded the note in half, and tied it to his ankle. She turned around and was greeted by a familiar face.
"Oh, hi Harry," Hermione said, slightly startled.
"Hey, Mione. I'm really sorry I haven't been around much, I really have been meaning to stop by, it's just with…"
"Harry, stop," Hermione interrupted. "I understand how hectic everything has been for you. You just saved the wizarding world. Don't worry about anything. I have to get going though. I have a lot of essays to write."
"Alright. I promise to have more time soon, I'll come by sometime okay? I'm really sorry." He enveloped her in a hug.
"Okay, Harry," Hermione giggled, shaking her head at her friend's unnecessary apology.
"And Hermione," Harry said, causing her to turn around as she walked out the door. "Ron really feels like a git."
"Well he should," She replied, with ice in her voice.
The two parted with a nod.
*******
That night at dinner Ron was busy stuffing his face full of food when the owl landed on his plate. He read the note, and then got up quickly, wanting to make amends with Hermione.
"Harry, I'll see you later okay? I have to go take care of some business." He left without waiting for a reply.
When he got there he saw Hermione standing in front of the fireplace, with her back away from him. He cleared his throat slightly to get her attention.
"Hi Ronald," She said shortly.
"Mione…"
"Don't Mione, me Ronald. I'm just here for an explanation." She stared at him with her arms crossed. He got the feeling that if he didn't start talking soon, she would begin tapping her foot.
"Look, the war has taken its toll on every one, especially me, you, and Harry. And it's made me rethink a lot of things. Our relationship was one of them. It's not that I didn't love you, because I did. I was just scared. I'm a 17 year old boy, Hermione, I don't want to be tied down. The war made me realize that life is short; I've lost family for crying out loud. I can't just live life the same anymore. I want to know what the world has to offer. The war made me realize that if I die, I don't want to have any regrets. I don't want to waste my life anymore."
"So I'm a waste of your time?" She asked with tears in her eyes.
"No, not at all. I just need to see what else is out there," He replied shamefully. He had always hated when she cried.
"Well, now you can do that. I'm no longer in your life Ronald."
"Please, Hermione, I still want your friendship."
"I told you going into our relationship that if things ended I could never be just your friend. I was in love with you Ronald. I thought you could be the one. I wanted to marry you! I understand that this has been a hard time. It's been hard on every one. You don't think that I can feel if too? I've been changed as well. I've lost people as well. Don't act like you are the only one in this relationship that has been affected. I have too. But I can't change your mind. I also can't be friends with you. You ripped my heart out, and I can't forgive you for that. I can't be friends with someone who has hurt me so incredibly. Goodbye, Ronald. I hope you have a good life." She brushed past him, and quietly shut the common room door.
It killed her to just let him go. But she knew that she could never look at him the same with all of their history. It broke her heart to walk out on him, to not give their friendship a chance to work out, but she knew that it was what's best. Things would never be the same for the two. The war had changed everyone, and she knew she couldn't look back.
A/N: This chapter was a little sad for me to write, just because I was sort of channeling emotions from my last break up while writing it, so I'm sorry it took a little bit to get out. I'm so thrilled with everyone that reviewed! Thanks so much! Please keep it up
