*Chapter Four- Tarot Cards and Tears*

~+Ron's Point Of View+~

All during Divination Ron's thoughts were with Hermione. What had she thought about the letter? His thoughts were interrupted when Professor Trelawney began handing out the Tarot Cards. She began walking around the room and stopped while watching Harry laying out Ron's reading. She raised an eyebrow at the cards that were dealt before Ron.

"Hmm, this is very interesting Mr. Weasley. Its seems as though you have a lot on your mind at the moment," Professor Trelawney said in her misty voice. "This card here," she pointed to the card that said 'The Lovers', "This card could mean that you are involved with someone." Ron blushed deeply and Harry stifled a laugh. "But, it seems that the other cards you have been dealt say that you have told a scandalous lie to someone. Someone you care for deeply. Some words of advice, Mr. Weasley. I would take care of this lie before it takes care of you, if understand what my Inner Eye tells me." She moved to the next table and Harry was bursting with stifled laughter.

"I'm not taking advice from that old bat, no matter how right..." Ron's voice trailed off but, Harry caught his words.

"What are you talking about, Ron?" Harry asked. Ron reluctantly and quietly told Harry everything, he had to get this off his chest while avoiding Harry's eyes. He expected Harry to crack up, but Harry looked interested and serious.

"Why did you lie?" Harry asked after Ron had finished his tale.

"Well---I---I told you already. I don't want to lose her friendship if it doesn't work out." Ron answered.

"How big of a prat can you be?" Harry asked. "I would have risked it if I were you. The only thing you can do now is wait for her reaction in next class." (Harry felt really terrible for his two friends, he felt the worst for Hermione who had to deal with the thought that Ron didn't care for her as she cared for him. Harry was also a little bit mad at Ron because of his cowardice.)

With the ringing of the bell, Harry and Ron made their way to Transfiguration. Ron's stomach was fluttering around and he felt really ill. They walked into class seeing Hermione at a desk, her head on her hand with a far away look in her eyes. Ron could tell that she was deep in thought. He deeply wondered what she was thinking about. He took a seat beside her and waited for class to start.

~+Hermione's Point of View+~

Oh great, he's here. And he just sat down next to me. Be strong, Hermione! Show no weakness. Show him he didn't hurt you! Hermione's thoughts raced despite the calm, collected look on her face. Harry sat on the other side of her and gave her an encouraging grin which clearly told her that he knew about the letters.

During class Hermione tried to act normal, but it came off as really formal. It really didn't help when he kept giving her these earnest, steadfast gazes and she still blushed against her will. The bell rang and Professor McGonagall assigned the homework. However, she noticed how unenthusiastic Hermione was about the assignment so she asked her to approach her desk. Hermione slumped closer to her desk and McGonagall opened her mouth to speak when Harry yelled that he and Ron would be waiting outside. McGonagall then spoke,

"Miss Granger, forgive me but I couldn't help but notice your distractions today," McGonagall looked past the door where she could see Ron standing in the hallway waiting for Hermione. Hermione looked and then blushed, glancing at the charts on McGonagall's desk. "Now, I don't know what's been going on between you and Mr. Weasley but I was just going to mention a Prefects meeting tomorrow night at seven o'clock. Would you be kind enough to tell him?" Hermione nodded, although she was confused about McGonagall's strange motherly manner she was addressing Hermione. It was almost as if she knew something and felt sorry for her. "Good day, Miss Granger."

As Hermione was leaving Transfigurations, for some reason she felt worse than when she came. Maybe seeing Ron was the problem. She met Harry's eyes and told them that she was going to skip lunch and go to the library and that she'd see them in Care Of Magical Creatures. Harry and Ron then set off to the Great Hall and Hermione went into the girls bathroom. Setting her bag down she was now able to cry her eyes out and she didn't care who saw. There were a few Gryffindor girls in there and she was unhappily surprised to see Parvati Patil in there also. Hermione felt her rush of sadness and rejection gush out of her eyes. Parvati just gave Hermione a weak smile and a sad wave. Hermione didn't know how long she had been in the bathroom, all she knew was she didn't want to come back out. Not to come out and face Ron, the guy who didn't want her.

~+Ron's Point Of View+~

After a quiet lunch in the Great Hall, Harry and Ron made their way to Care Of Magical Creatures. They were both surprised to see that Hermione wasn't there. Hagrid came over to them and said,

"Hey guys! Have either of you seen Hermione? She's gonna be late." They shook their heads and Hagrid looked a little worried but began class anyway. While Hagrid was talking Ron said to Harry,

"Where is Hermione? She never misses class." Harry shrugged and then Ron was nudged by Lavender. Ron leaned over to hear her whisper,

"Parvati said she saw Hermione in the bathroom before lunch, crying." Ron felt angry at himself. He's sent her in tears to the bathroom now twice. He felt like he had to do something. Ron raised his hand and Hagrid said,

"Yeh?"

"I think I know where Hermione is. Could I go and get her?" Ron asked. Malfoy snickered.

"You need to know where your ugly mudblooded girlfriend is all the time?" Malfoy said as Crabbe and Goyle laughed.

"Hey! I won't let anyone talk about another student like that! Ten points from Slytherin!" Hagrid yelled. Ron heard Malfoy mutter something like, "I'll tell my father, you fat oaf." Hagrid looked at Ron and said,

"Yeh, you better goin' find 'er." Ron left instantly and found the bathroom that was located close to Transfigurations. He opened the door slowly and with one foot in the door he could already hear sniffles and someone blowing their nose. It had to be Hermione.