Author's Note: Sorry about the hiatus, I've been busy all month. But now that I actually have some free time, school will be starting in a week. How fun. Anyway, enjoy! -Kaitlin


Hermione stood quickly, surprised to see Ron fully awake. She tried not to meet his eyes, but it was unavoidable-he was furious. Realizing that Lavender was still sprawled on the floor, she shakingly reached a hand out to pull her up.

"I can't handle this…" Ron croaked, looking at them both. "This is too damn dramatic. Why do you two have to do this?"

Hermione looked away, ashamed. His words had hurt. But they were true. "Ron..."

"I'm not done!" He snapped. "I will admit, I've made some mistakes in the past. Mistakes in judgment. I'm not proud of myself...but I'm not the only one who should be ashamed. Regardless of what you think right now, you both have acted stupidly."

Tears rolled down Hermione's cheeks. Ron had never been so truthful, so right...it was hard to believe that he was making more sense than she was. It didn't seem real.

Lavender sniffled. "I feel terrible," she whispered. "I was so dumb, thinking you'd like me, Ron. You're a lucky girl, Hermione. I…I'm so sorry."

Hermione nodded. She didn't have anything to say to Lavender. Not yet.

With another whispered apology, Lavender hurried out of the hospital wing, still sniffling.

Suddenly, an embarrassed silence fell over Hermione and Ron. The intense discussion seemed to have drained them both of the energy to speak. Finally, Hermione cleared her throat and said,

"It's all my fault."

"What? Hermione, don't-"

"It's all my fault, Ron. Everyone has been trying to keep me away from you. I fell in love with you, and it's all my fault..." her voice trailed off, and she looked at her feet, her face flushed.

"You what?" Ron's voice was surprised, anxious.

"I'm sorry, I have to go now," she whispered, heading for the door. She had reached for the doorknob when a feeble voice called out, "But I love you too, Hermione. I love you too."


Author's Note (yeah, another one): Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I tried to change the direction of the story a little, so please tell me what you think of it. As always, thanks for the comments (good or bad). 'Til next time! -Kaitlin