Hello, all. You may have been wondering where I've been. Well, the answer is, I'm not entirely sure, myself. There's been a lot going on, what with school and sports. I'm not going to lie and say I didn't have time to write – I had a little, I just didn't. The thing is, when I started this story, I had no idea where it was going. It's my first fanfiction I've ever written, and I am partial to it. However, I do cringe when I look back on certain parts of it. When I first began the story, I didn't really understand you had to edit it until you achieved something that's not horrifying to look at later. I've learned my lesson – believe me. I feel that as a writer, I've grown a bit. I've no intention of ending the story. In fact, right after this author's note, you'll see I've added another chapter. I just want you guys to sort of bear with me. New readers – Please, please, please forgive all of the horrible grammar/spelling mistakes earlier on – I was just excited to get it down, and I wasn't very experienced. (I sincerely regret using 'Mione as a nickname. I cringe at those parts, too.)

To the readers who have been here since the beginning, I love you. I wouldn't be as confident as I am in my writing without you. I must admit to myself that this is a rather cookie-cutter Dramione story, but I will continue to write until I manage to extricate myself from the dreadful plot web I've managed to be entangled in for the past few months. It's going to take some work, but as I said before, please bear with me.

I completely understand if you don't want to continue reading, or if you've stopped waiting. I would, too. Hell, I come on here and want to throw my computer when I see that one of my favorite authors hasn't written in months – maybe even discontinued their story. I won't do that. I'm not promising I'll write every single day, week, or month. I'm just promising that it won't stop. It may be a bit in between chapters, but stick with me guys.

"Honestly, Ron, what does Harry want?" Hermione inquired icily as they walked side-by-side to Harry's office.

Ron shot her a questioning gaze.

"What is your problem with him?"

Hermione felt the anger form earlier bubble in the pit of her stomach and rise to her throat, ready to attack Ron with her pent up rage. When she saw that Ron's expression was one of concern and not defense, she felt it melt away.

Ron looked at her for a long time, trying to unsuccessfully decipher her anger for Harry. Hermione had a difficult time not exploding again. She scolded herself; she was usually much less… violent.

"Well, Ronald, I don't think this is the best time right now. I'll explain everything later, alright?"

He didn't argue, but felt his ears grow hot. Perhaps it was the way she said his name or how pretty she looked when she was angry,. Hermione walked ahead of him, probably wanting to get there quickly to get a few yells in. Ron lingered behind, transfixed. Merlin, her legs went on for miles. Without much thought, he was walking slowly towards her, and nearly fell back when he ran into her. He caught the distinctive smell of her hair; a mixture of the most fragrant roses and a bit of cinnamon; an odd, but lovely combination. He had to stop himself from wondering what it would feel like to run his fingers through the silky tendrils.

"Ron, are you alright?" Hermione turned to him, her eyebrows knitting together.

Bloody hell, had she slipped him a love potion? All the effects were there, dazed expression, obsession, not noticing his surroundings. Impossible; that was the most un-Hermione thing to do, and he was aware of himself. He'd forgotten what happened when he swallowed the love potion in the chocolate cauldrons. He swallowed, then answered.

'"'M Fine, Hermione. Just a little out of it, today."

She gave him a small smile, and broke into a near-run for Harry's office. Ron stared after her and sighed, succumbing to the pain he'd long nursed a spot for. Hermione was already at Harry's office by the time Ron had lumbered down the corridor. She stood there, vacillating between raging into his office or just running away.

"Ron?" Hermion said through gritted teeth when he reached her.

"Yeah?"

She hesitated, then collected herself and tried to form a coherent sentence.

"If I – If I lose… control…."

Ron chuckled.

"Hermione, I really doubt you'd be one to lose control – but hey, what do I know?" He finished hastily as she gave him the dirtiest look he'd ever seen.

"What I mean is, I think you'll be fine. I don't know what Harry said or did to you to make you THIS upset – I could hex him, if you want." He offered.

Hermione appreciated the gesture, but he would never do that. Hermione would never let him do that. Harry's stupidity wasn't worth a fight.

"Maybe a few good slugs… " she thought to herself with a small smile.

"Now THAT is something I'd like to see." Ron grinned.

Had she said that aloud?

"If you don't leave me alone, I might hex YOU, Ronald," She said good-naturedly. "Wouldn't want a repeat of second year, now would we?"

Even though all those years had passed, Ron's face colored an unpleasant green color at the mere memory. He groaned.

"Thanks for reminding me. Are you sure you don't want to wait a while? I mean, I know you can deal with it on your own, but maybe you need to calm - "

She waved her hand as if dismissing him.

"I'll be fine, Ron. I promise you'll still have your friend after I'm through with him." She smirked.

They stood for a moment just looking at each other. Ron felt that same sensation as before creep through him. He cleared his throat and gestured towards the door.

"Shall we get this over with?"

"That'd be lovely." Hermione replied with as much civility as she could muster.

Though she wasn't angry with Ron at the moment, it was hard not to take a little bit of her frustrations out on him. He genuinely seemed to care for her well being, so she decided to direct everything at her four-eyed friend.

With as much force as she could, she slammed the door open until the handle hit the wall. There was a distinct cracking noise, but she'd turn her focus to that after she was done.

"YOU ARROGANT PRAT!" She screamed.

Harry's widened with shock, and he'd jumped about three feet in the air when she'd burst in. A chipped mug lay on the floor of his office, and the carpet now bore a decent sized wet spot.

"I'm sor-" He began.

"SORRY? Don't make me laugh," she said cruelly. "Nothing matters unless it's about Harry Potter. Please, if you'd just take over my life, I'm sure it would make everything easier on me."

"I just thought - "

"Oh, that's rich. You just thought? Then I guess there's a first time for everything!" She yelled, her hair flying behind her.

Harry started to speak, but then shut his mouth to avoid his head being bitten off.

"Can I just ask what your problem is? Or do I even get an explanation?"

Harry sighed and removed his glasses. He ran a free hand through his messy hair and fixed his gaze two feet in front of Hermione's feet.

"You wouldn't have told her." He stated lamely.

Hermione's eyes narrowed, and she attempted to channel her emotions before speaking.

"And what business is that of yours?" She spat angrily through gritted teeth.

Much to both Ron and Hermione's surprise, Harry grew angry.

"BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY! Did that ever occur to you? For one second in that HUGE brain of yours did you understand that you're not alone? That you have friends? Friends that want to protect you? FRIENDS THAT LOVE YOU?"

Her breath hitched with shock. She hadn't expected him to yell back – she wasn't prepared. She honestly had no idea of what to say to that.

"I – I – I just don't - "

"I didn't think so." He said harshly, bending down to pick up the broken mug, not even bothering with his wand.

Hermione looked back at Ron. He shrugged as if to say, "He's right, you know." She glared, angry at him for not backing her up.

"Harry, I - "

"I have to go home. Something came up." His voice was cold; almost inaudible. With that, he picked up a large black briefcase and was out of the room within a matter of seconds.