Chapter 4: Telling Ron the bloody truth.

Hermione's flat was rather cold that night.

Lilac, Ron, Krum, Florence and herself were gathered around the kitchen table, having the cup of coffee left outstanding on the restaurant after what Ron liked to call "the incident II". George was downstairs, across Hermione's street, resting his back on a wall waiting for the light on Florence's bedroom to turn off. Because he just wanted to know she was ok. He had done that for 3 years now, every night since the day they've split up.

-Can you please tell me what kind of sick relationship you two have? Is he stalking you or something?- Ron asked looking mad.

-No, Ron. I'll explain, though I doubt you'll understand- She stared, but she was, then, interrupted by Lilac's voice, who obviously had no idea about the events that had lead to the couple's break up.

-But, what happened? I mean… why did you got divorce in the first place?- She asked. Hermione rolled her eyes, but she would have rolled her eyes anyway so her expression doesn't really count as a reference.

-That's a valid question, actually- Ron added- I've heard so many theories about it, I don't really think I know the exact truth.

-Ok, Ron, you more than anyone here deserves an explanation- She explained- you see…. It all started three years ago when things transformed into the reality I am now forced to live in. We were young… well… younger… and more stupid, If I may add, than we are now. We thought the world was ours and we felt so bloody happy and comfortable with both our lives and our careers: he with his store and me with my words. We complemented each other perfectly; and the sex! Oh, God! The sex was divine! We shagged beautifully- she confessed in a more passionate tone of voice than she had meant at the beginning- Sorry- she apologized- As I said before, we felt in bloody heaven. And then…- Florence made a pause, increasing the dramatic climax in her story.

-And then, what?- Lilac shouted. Everyone stared at her incredulously. They all blinked at the same time… rolled their eyes and turned around again to face Florence once more.

-Well… then… fame came. Money came… jealousy came. Fred and George were gaining thousands of galleons because of the free publicity I provided them. And me myself… well… my books started to sell, for a start. George and I were a well-kwon couple now, and our pictures started to appear on magazines. Let's face it: My ex is not hard on the eyes. He's not hard on the eyes at all, actually. And witched all over England thought so as well… - She explained.

-That doesn't explain why he dumped you, though…- Lilac protested, interrupting Florence for the second time.

-Shut it!- Ron ordered- continue, please- He said catching a glimpse of Hermione's smile. He smiled back.

-First of all, let me say that I would have preferred to be poor instead of unhappy… instead of leaving George behind. But… things happened. A witch- we later found out- named Alicia hired a guy- a Robert something-to get me out of the way… to make me fall in love with me. When that didn't happen he forced me to kiss him in front of George. The stupid git thought I could actually leave him for that… in fact… THE STUPID GIT THOUGHT THAT I COULD ACTUALLY LEAVE HIM!- She shouted, then regaining her breath she said- and that was it. He left me… I left him… nobody knows really. We got divorced because, mainly of his insecurities… and also because of our pride. I love him, guys… I love him now, I loved him then and I will tomorrow… he feels the same I'm sure, except that he never thought I truly loved him… may be that was the problem- She said.

-That says it- Ron muttered- but how in love are you two? I mean… he takes care of you as if you were his wife still. Haven't you got a life of your own?- Ron asked.

-He shags before or after I go to sleep. And personally, I haven't shagged ever since the last night we slept together- She confessed.

-3 years?- Lilac shouted. This time everyone rolled their eyes.

-Aha- Florence said, with patience.

-Wow! You must be really horny- Lilac commented.

-I don't think that's something for you to worry about- She said bitterly. Anyone lucky enough to know Snape smiled slightly at the resemblance.

They had another cup of coffee and as soon as Lilac yawned, everyone except Hermione and Florence left the flat. Ron looked across the street casually, only to find his brother lightening a cigarette. When the lights on the apartment were turned off, George stood up properly and walked home with a black eye and a broken heart.