Disclaimer: I still own nothing. Don't even bother trying to sue me because I'll just laugh at you.

A/N: Okay, so I finally did some planning. Looks like it may be four chapters unless I get inspired to write more.

To my lovely reviewers, magicteen, OneDayFamous, and Phoenix72389: Thank you so much for your wonderful comments – I hope I won't disappoint you!

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Just stay away from me, alright? Stay away.

Hermione's words still rang in his ears. Ron rarely felt like crying, but lately he just wanted to go somewhere by himself and let the tears flow freely.

So he did. He grabbed his warmest coat and a scarf and left the dormitory to the sound of Seamus' snores. He walked quickly and quietly, although he knew no one would be in the Common Room at this hour, and made his way through the portrait hole, down the corridors, and out into the crisp morning air. He took a deep, shuddering breath and trudged down to the lake, taking a seat under a huge oak tree.

Why couldn't I have just kept my bloody mouth shut? The question had been plaguing him, keeping him up at night. Now I've destroyed our friendship, and for what?  He let out a frustrated moan and buried his face in his hands. There's no way she'll forgive me now. It's too late. She won't even come near me.

Hermione had given him the cold shoulder all week, even choosing to stay away from Harry. As a result, Ron felt that he had obliterated the friendship between all of them. He knew it wasn't fair for his idiotic words to ruin life for Harry too, but what was he supposed to do?

"WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO???" His anguish flew out into the open sky, and he felt a tear fall down his cheek.

"Ron?" Harry's voice sounded from behind him, and Ron quickly wiped his face on his sleeve.

"Yeah, I'm here." He turned to peer around the tree trunk and saw Harry moving cautiously towards him, a concerned expression on his face. "What do you want?"

Harry looked surprised at Ron's rude comment, but at this point, Ron just didn't care. Might as well alienate them both so they'll at least have each other.

Harry slid down onto the grass next to Ron. "Just wanted to see how you're doing, you know—"

"I'm fine, alright? Just leave me alone!" Ron let his anger at himself purposefully overflow onto Harry, pushing away the guilt that gnawed at him. "I don't need your pity or your bloody advice! Just go away!" Now he really was beginning to hate himself.

But Harry just returned Ron's glare with one of his own. "Don't be such a prat, Ron. I know what you're trying to do and it's not going to work. I do pity you because you're letting your stupid pride stop you from making things right with Hermione, and you do need my advice, whether you want it or not."

Ron stared at his friend in disbelief. His words were harsh, but every one of them was true. "Fine, then. Don't hold back. Tell me what I should do and get it off your chest." He sighed. "I know I've been an idiot, but I haven't got a bloody clue what to do about it."

"Well, first off, you've got to find Hermione and apologize for what you said to her. She didn't deserve it, no matter how annoying she was being."

Ron grimaced. "I know, I know. But she just gets under my skin! What is it about her that makes me so crazy? Anyone else and I would have just ignored the nagging, but Hermione… I dunno, Harry. She just does something to me."

"And you still haven't figured it out? C'mon, Ron! It's so obvious!"

Ron jumped to his feet and stalked down to the edge of the water before turning on Harry. "If it's so bloody obvious, WHY DON'T I KNOW?"

His words echoed back to him and Harry just looked at him in confusion. "Ron, are you telling me that you're so thick you haven't noticed that Hermione fancies you?" Harry shook his head. "Good lord, Ron! I'd wager you don't even realize that you fancy her too!"

"WHAT?? ARE YOU INSANE??? BLOODY HELL, HARRY!" He threw his hands up in frustration. "WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT??"

Harry was doubled over with laughter, clutching his side, but at Ron's quelling look, he tried to calm himself down. He obviously realized just how clueless Ron really was. "Sorry, mate. I honestly thought you knew!"

Ron was looking at him in shock. "Harry, have you gone mad?"

Harry grinned, which only made Ron more upset. "Look, Ron, I'm serious. Figure out what you really feel and then go apologize to Hermione." He started to walk away, then turned back and gave Ron a hard look. "Think about it, Ron. What's more important, your friendship or your pride?"

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A/N: Chapter Three on its way! In a day or two, possibly! Yay! Please RR!