So, it seemed like there wasn't a whole lot of love for the last chapter. Fingers crossed, this one will do better. By the way, I have an afternoon of math ahead of me (don't listen to those people in high school who swear they'll never need math. I was one of them, and all I do is math.) so something to read (in the form of reviews) would be a nice distraction.

Chapter 4
Hermione awoke in her own bed the next morning. Infrequently used muscles ached as she rolled over and placed a pillow over her head to block out the harsh, early morning sun. The night before had been nothing like she had expected. Though she hadn't been sure what to expect, Draco was completely unlike the boy she remembered from their days at Hogwarts. He had been kind and considerate, often breaking a kiss to ensure she was comfortable.

Ron, for all of his positive attributes, had never done that. She chalked it up to inexperience at first, but he hadn't changed as the years went on. She often felt unsatisfied when they finished, and Ron had always fallen asleep soon after. The first few times they had slept together, she had stayed in Ron's bed. She expected...something afterwards, something besides her boyfriend's choked snores.

With Draco, she chose to return to her flat when they finished. It was just supposed to be stringless, meaningless sex, and that meant no staying late to cuddle or waking up beside him in the morning. He made no move to kick her out, but also gave no protest when she redressed and bade him goodbye before midnight.

Rolling onto her back, she tossed the pillow aside and stared up at her white ceiling. How long could they possibly continue on with their arrangement? Draco's escapades were well documented in witches' magazines and the less reputable daily papers. He was never seen with the same woman twice, and he made it clear that none were ever girlfriends. Perhaps he wouldn't want to see her again either.

The front door opened and closed, and footsteps approached. "You're still in bed?" Ginny balked, standing in the doorway to her bedroom. "It's noon, Mione. What are you doing lying about like this? You're not sick, are you? We're supposed to go dress shopping today."

Hermione groaned. She had forgotten that Ginny had roped her into wedding planning for a second straight day. Sighing, she tossed the blankets aside and climbed out of bed, hopeful that her friend didn't notice the grimace she wore. "Just let me get in a quick shower," she grumbled. "Help yourself to coffee."

When she entered the kitchen fifteen minutes later, Ginny was seated at the kitchen table as she stared at the open window. "There's an owl," she said, "and it won't come in."

Frowning, Hermione approached the bird, shivering as the cold air hit her. The snowy white owl willingly gave her the letter and flew away. "Must be personal," Hermione murmured as she opened the letter. Though it wasn't signed, she instantly recognized the handwriting. "Why would Ron want to meet with me?" she wondered, handing the letter to Ginny when she finished reading it.

Ginny rolled her eyes without reading it. "Because he wants you back," she replied, as if it were the most obvious statement ever uttered. "All he talks about is how the two of you are meant to be together."

Pulling a mug from the cabinet, Hermione slammed the door shut and stared at her best friend. "If he really believed that, he wouldn't have spent New Years' Eve snogging Astoria Greengrass," she retorted. "I won't be with someone who wants me one minute and some other girl the next. I'm perfectly happy being single."

"Are you? Single?" Ginny asked, playing with the handle of the coffee cup.

Hermione scoffed. "Of course I am," she replied indignantly.

Ginny held up her hands defensively. "Okay, fine. You're single. In the entire history of singledom, you are the most single person ever," she muttered. "Are you going to see him?"

"Who?"

"Ron!" Ginny said, waving the letter in the air.

She shrugged as she slowly stirred sugar into her coffee. "I don't know," she replied. "What's the point?"

Once again, Ginny rolled her eyes. "The point is he still loves you, and I know you still love him," she stated. "Have dinner with him, hear him out. I'm positive that whatever it is he has to say will make you happy."

The brunette frowned disbelievingly. As much as she wanted to be with Ron, she knew that part of her life was over. They could be friends, no more, no less. He had made it clear during their last break up that he wanted to find someone new. Now that he had done it, she was positive they were through. What could possibly be said now that hadn't been said so many times before?

"I'll think about it," she conceded, hoping it would put an end to the conversation.

But Ginny couldn't let the subject rest. "Do you not love him anymore?" she asked, once again fiddling with her coffee cup. "I mean, I honestly thought the two of you would be like Harry and me. You know, how we were friends who liked one another, and eventually everything just sort of clicked into place. I've had other boyfriends in the past, but none of them ever compared to Harry. He makes me happy all the time. When I'm sad about something, I know that he'll hold me and kiss me and tell me everything will be alright. He makes me feel safe and loved, and like I'm the only girl in the world for him. Don't you want that? Don't you think Ron can give that to you?"

Hermione leaned back in her chair, her spine straight as a pole. Never had she felt any of those feelings when she was with Ron. Theirs was a convenient relationship. After the war, everyone who survived began to pair up - Harry and Ginny, Neville and Luna, George and Angelina - and Ron was the only option available to her. He had gone with her to Australia to find her parents and reverse the memory charm. He held her as she cried so many nights from her parents' stinging words and refusals to return with her. His actions were loving, but friendly. They loved one another, but were never in love with one another.

"No," she finally said.