"You were great Ron. Really." Hermione said evenly.
Ron had returned just a few days ago, after leaving them alone for a while. His crush on Hermione was obvious now. She wanted to grit her teeth at his abandonment, but they needed him. Harry needed him. So she would be gentle and accepting, as always.
"What I saw there, when destroying it, you and Harry... it knew exactly how to hurt me the most." Ron all but whispered.
"You were incredibly brave. Remember? That was a nasty piece of magic." Hermione replied, trying to soothe him.
She could see Harry behind Ron, listening in. His green eyes meeting hers for just a second. She was reminded of those moments of loneliness, when it was just the two of them and that thrice damned locket. When they sought comfort in each others arms. She couldn't help the grim expression on her features. Despite what many thought, Ron was rather clever in his own way, and Hermione knew it. She quickly relaxed her features, but Ron already had an inquiring look aimed at her.
"What I saw there, did something actually happen?" Ron asked bluntly.
Hermione stole a glance at Harry. Harry shook his head slowly, his face apologetic, and then lowered his eyes to the ground. Ron didn't catch that short look. Clever, but not particularly observant.
"No Ron, Harry is like a brother. It would never have happened." Hermione said the well rehearsed line.
Liar, she thought to herself. The time for self-loathing would come later.
Liar, liar, liar.
Made for the November Monthly Het-Tastic Drabble-Athon Competition, Connect the Characters Challenge.
Prompt: 1. Liar
Character: Harry Potter
Pairing: Harry Potter / Hermione Granger