Authors Note: I was up at 4 yesterday for the dawn service for ANZAC Day, and then I slept the whole day before going over to a friends and watching movies. I'm sick now, so I have time to write this. I actually had this whole huge back story about the war and everything, but I decided it was too complex and I'd just look like an idiot. I might post it as an outtake or something. Also, I'm not 100% happy with how this turned out but oh well, I guess it will have to do. Enjoy, x


I could get lost in a voice like yours.

A Rocket to the Moon, If Only They Knew.

Hermione sat on a wooden chair with a steaming cup of coffee in her hands, her fingers were trailing the edge of the cup as she watched Ronald slump down next to her with a sigh.

"So…" She trailed off, after a few moments of painful silence.

Ronald scratched the back of his neck and stared at his hands. He was silent for a long time, his eyes moved around the room, from his hands, to the floor, the ceiling, and to Hermione. She grew nervous as his eyes trailed her. After long enough, Hermione coughed loudly and Ronald jumped, obviously snapping out of some kind of deep thought.

"I proposed to Astoria almost eight months ago." He coughed, "It was at home and we both decided to try and keep things quiet until we could sort out a date for the wedding. She didn't say anything, but I knew she didn't want to marry me. Call it low self-esteem if you want but I swore that woman wanted something else.

"She was really ridged for a few weeks, and then when the media got hold of our story, she settled down a little. There was one night where she just disappeared. I assumed she had gone to her parents and went to bed. I woke up and she was in bed next to me. She smelt different. I know how creepy that sounds, but everyone smells, right? I couldn't put my finger on it. When she woke up, she was completely back to normal. She kissed me and held my hand and we made breakfast together, just like a normal couple.

"Then you called and talked about covering the wedding. Astoria was more than happy to oblige and when we met you two, I could smell that scent again. Merlin, I sound so creepy saying this," He rubbed his forehead, glancing at Hermione who was watching him carefully; "It was Malfoy. That's when I realized what had happened; I'm not a complete idiot. I watched Astoria; she was looking at him kind of painfully. She kept gripping my hand, and then I saw her wink at him out of the corner of my eye. I was livid. I wanted to punch that stupid ferret so hard. When I got home, I went flying for about three hours, trying to clear my head. I love Astoria, I really do. So I kept an eye on her, she was completely back to her old self. She was with me almost always. She went back to hating my family and I just decided to drop it. What's the point in interfering? I guess it was just a one-time thing, something to get out of her system. People get scared when marriage becomes an option. I don't hate her for it, I couldn't hate her."

Ronald let three tears roll down his cheek and Hermione wrapped an arm around her stomach, she extended a hand and patted Ronald's leg, "Hey, it's okay. I'm sorry for coming here and imposing."

"No, I needed someone to talk to. That day, at the pub… I'm sorry I snapped at you like that. I hope you understand, I hated how fucking spot on you were." Ronald mumbled, pulling at a piece of wood that had sprung free from the chair.

They stayed quiet for a long time. Minutes passed, hours maybe, Hermione drank her coffee and Ronald hastily wiped his eyes.

"Why were you crying when you came over, Hermione?" Ronald asked, patting her arm.

"I was upset. Draco had just told me about his get together with Astoria and I guess I thought you should know. I didn't even think about cleaning myself up." She instinctively ran her hands under her eyes.

"Are you still with Malfoy?" He asked.

Hermione felt a fresh wave of tears spill over, "I don't know. I told him to get out of my house and I don't even know why. I just feel so stupid. It's not like he cheated on me, so why am I so upset? Oh Merlin." She sobbed hard, and Ronald put an arm around Hermione's shoulders.

"You're upset because you love him. It's okay to be sad, even though it doesn't make the most sense in the world," Ronald chuckled as Hermione swatted his arm, "Go home, Hermione. Go get some sleep and you'll wake up tomorrow feeling better. Work things out with The Ferret. God knows I hate him, but if he loves you as much as the tabloids say, then you guys will be fine. Don't be upset because of something that happened in the past."

Hermione laughed, "When did you get so mature?" She asked.

"I don't know," Ronald replied, "But I do know that Astoria will be home soon and you need to leave if you don't want an awkward conversation."

Hermione nodded and stood. She thanked Ronald and kissed him on the cheek, before turning and walking out the door.

She arrived home and changed into some old sweats. Hermione was so tired that she almost didn't notice the flowers sitting on her dresser and the note attached to it.

'I love you. I'm sorry.

-D.'

Wildflowers. He'd given her wild flowers, just like on their first date. Hermione lay her head on her pillow and let her eyes drift shut.