Flashbacks and Dreams

Hermione sat by herself at a table in the common room, receiving glares from Harry and Ron. She was re-reading Hogwarts, a History to keep her mind off things. But, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't keep her eyes on the text. Deciding to give up, she closed her book, grabbed her bag, and walked up the stairs to the girls' dorms.

After she changed into her pajamas, she lay in bed, her mind racing over the past few days. She didn't know which of her friends, former friends she told herself, she had hurt more. Harry was being outwardly offended, whilst Ron, who she thought would have blown up, seemed to be heartbroken. I told him I didn't love him that way, but he wouldn't accept that. He has to come to facts that I won't always be there for him, no matter how hard I try.

Flashback

The Hogwarts Express trundled to a stop as they reached platform nine and three quarters. The trio looked back at it, knowing they only had one year left at Hogwarts. They turned around, walking towards the barrier that would take them back to the muggle world. Harry went through first, but as Hermione was about to go through, Ron pulled her aside.

"Hermione, I need to tell you something," Ron said.

"Umm, okay," she said back, wondering what Ron was up to.

"Umm, Hermione...umm...I don't' know how to say this...umm..." Ron faltered, going pink around the ears.

"Cat got your tongue?" asked Hermione, a smile playing around her lips.

Ron looked like he was about to laugh, or cry. "No, Hermione. It's just...I love you, and I'll understand if you don't love me back..."

"Of course I love you Ron!"

"Really?" Ron looked heartened.

"Yeah! I mean, we've been friends since first year!" Hermione exclaimed. Ron's face fell.

"Oh. Well...I mean...I really love you, Hermione."

"Oh. Ron. I didn't know...but...I just...just don't love you like that. I'm really sorry."

"I get it. I'm sorry for wasting your time." Ron turned away from her and started walking towards the barrier.

"Ron! Please come back!" Hermione shouted after him, but he had already gone through. She had seen tears in his eyes as he was walking away. She couldn't bear to see others in distress, lest of all her friends. Now that she thought about it, Ron had been dropping hints ever since fourth year. She had just been too busy to pay attention.

End flashback

As Hermione brooded on her own thoughts, Lavender and Parvarti walked in, gossiping loudly until they noticed her. Then, they immediately came over to her and bombarded her with questions about her and Draco. Well, more about Draco.

Lavender: "Are you two really going out?"

Parvarti: "Is he a good kisser?"

Lavender: "How soft is his hair?"

Parvarti: "Have you two frenched?"

Lavender: "What kind of shampoo does he use?"

Parvarti: "Is he good in bed?"

At this, Hermione broke in. "What? Do you really think that our relationship has progressed that far in a few months?"

Parvarti: "It usually only takes me a night."

Lavender: "Same here."

"Sluts," Hermione murmured under her breath.

"And proud of it," they said in unison, giggling uncontrollably.

"Leave me alone," Hermione said.

Afraid of upsetting her, the girls quickly obeyed, deciding to wait until tomorrow to see if they could get any answers.

Hermione was tired and fell into a restless sleep after the lights were turned off.

Dream

Hermione was walking down a corridor that ended in a black door. "Didn't Harry use to have dreams like this?" she wondered out loud. Shrugging, she continued to walk, her feet pattering on the floor, but she didn't seem to be getting closer to the door. She stopped as she heard voices coming from her left. Turning, she saw another door, slightly open, a shaft of light coming from it. She walked forward and reached out for the handle, slowly prying it open until she could stick her head through. She peered into the room, and screamed at what she saw.