Disclaimer: Do I really have to write this every time. It's not like suddenlyJK Rowlings gonna give the rights to Harry Potter to me! Anyway, they're not mine, I'm just enjoying the world she created. (Sorry for the rant)

Chapter 4: Eavesdropping and Confessions

With great trepidation Hermione approached the door that led to Harry and Ron's bedroom. Before she committed to listening in on their private conversation she paused to think.

Should I be doing this? It's wrong but I need to know if Ron has feelings for someone else. It'll hurt hearing it but then I can get over him and move on

With grim determination Hermione leaned against the door and started listening to the voices within.

Inside the room Harry and Ron sat on their respective beds in silence. Harry knew that he'd have to start the conversation going, especially since Ron had gotten so embarrassed downstairs.

"Ok Ron, it's now or never. What happened earlier that made you freak out so badly? I know it'll be embarrassing but now I think we've annoyed Hermione and I'd like it to be for a real reason." Harry said.

Ron shifted uncomfortably on his bed. Embarrassed! He has no idea! Maybe if I explained it better he'd get it. I guess I'll just have to be really honest with him, and myself.

"Ok," Ron started "but I'm gonna have to explain exactly what I saw in the mirror of Erised. I said it was different than the first time, and it shocked me cause I never thought I had those kinds of thoughts in me. Just let me say it and get it out, it may be hard to do but I need to get it off my chest."

Outside Hermione's eyes widened. He found the Mirror of Erised? I wonder what he means by seeing something different? I remember what he saw last time; he wouldn't shut up about it. What he saw must have been him and Luna together. She thought, on the verge of tears.

Back in the room Harry was also deep in thought. More to it? I already know who he saw himself with, it's so obvious, and I just want him to admit it, but now? This should be interesting.

"Ok Ron, tell me everything, you have my full attention." Harry said cheerfully.

"Well, I looked in the mirror and surprisingly the first thing I noticed was that I was in a huge church, obviously of wizard origin. I'm not sure what style or age or anything, I'm no good at that stuff. It did remind me of the great hall though cause the ceiling was bewitched but not in any way I'd seen before. It was the night sky but the stars were bright and glistening like pearls. There were huge swirling galaxies and shooting stars whizzing across the sky. And if that wasn't enough light there were thousands of candles floating in the room and hundreds of faeries flying around making the air glitter and sparkle." Ron said dreamily, as if he was trying to remember it perfectly. "I was standing at the end of the room, wearing the most flattering set of dress robes I've ever seen. I'm not sure how old I was but it seemed at least 5 years had passed and I looked happy and content. Happier, in fact, than I've ever looked I think. You were standing to my right, also dressed up and looking happy. I think you were my best man."

At this point Ron paused, either for dramatic effect or, more likely, to catch his breath.

Suddenly it hit both Harry and Hermione what Ron was talking about. He's talking about his wedding day! They both thought, Harry excitedly and Hermione sadly.

Outside, Hermione had a few tears running down her cheeks as she listened. I can't believe he's being so romantic, I've never heard such beautiful things from him and it's about his wedding day to Luna! Hermione held back a sob. It must be what his heart truly desires, since that's what the mirror is for. This doesn't just hurt; it's breaking my heart! "Stop being so melodramatic" another part of her mind said, "He hasn't mentioned her yet, how do you know it's not you?" If it's not her it'll just be Lavender or Parvati or any number of other girls more attractive that me she countered Don't get your hopes up! It didn't help though, despite her best efforts a small flicker of hope had been ignited.

Inside Harry finally spoke up, bringing Hermione back to reality. "Are you talking about seeing your wedding day?"

Ron looked up at Harry. "Yeah. I said no interruptions!" He joked. "Just let me get this out and I'll answer your questions, trust me there will be more."

"Sorry mate, carry on" Harry said sheepishly

Ron took a deep breath. "Beside you I saw all my brothers, even Percy, standing there, beaming back at me. Across from me I saw Ginny, I think she was the Maid of honour or something but she was dressed up beautifully"

Harry, who'd been imagining everything Ron had said suddenly felt a bit hot and flustered when he thought of Ginny. That was new. He thought. I'm glad Ron can't see what I'm thinking.

Ron, not noticing the increasing blushes on his friend carried on. "Even Prof. Dumbledore was there, I think he was officiating. Suddenly my viewpoint changed and I was seeing everything the other me was seeing. The church was filled with people, most of their faces were blurry, I'm pretty sure I don't even know that many people but it felt nice to think I was popular! The ones I could see were mostly family, like my parents, but I also saw Seamus, Dean, Lavender, Parvati and Padma. Hell, even Luna and Neville were there and of course Neville looked like he'd forgotten something, probably my wedding present!"

At this both Ron and Harry burst out laughing, some of the tension easing out of them as they imagined Neville's discomfort.

Outside Hermione was smiling as well but for a different reason. He just said Luna was in the crowd, as were all of the girls he knows well. I'm the only one left, What if it actually is me? Stop it, you're just letting yourself in for a big fall, he can't like you like that, could he? It didn't matter what her mind thought, she pressed herself up as tight to the door as possible, not wanting to miss a thing.

As the laughter died Harry also had questions on his mind but knew better than to interrupt Ron now he was on a roll.

As if he knew he had a captivated audience Ron slowly started talking.

"Suddenly this music started playing and I knew at that point I was going to see the person I wanted to be with forever, with all my heart and soul. Then she was there, at the end of the aisle walking towards me in time to the music. Even so I knew instantly who it was. There's only one person I know that I've memorised their walk, so confident, as if they don't care what the world thinks of them. As my eyes slowly wandered up her gorgeous, beautiful, sexy... sorry got sidetracked, body in the most alluring white dress I'd seen, I stopped at her face and was disappointed she was wearing a veil." Ron took another breath. Man this is easy! I wish telling this person would be as easy.

With that thought he slowly got back some of the embarrassment of earlier and tried to carry on. "When she got in front of I reached out and raised the veil from her face. It was like every Christmas and birthday I've ever had rolled into one, as I revealed her perfect angelic face framed by the most flowing, silky brown hair. Gazing into her eyes I saw determination, loyalty, fierce passion, intelligence and something I never thought I'd see, love.. for me. She was a goddess." Ron finished huskily.

Hermione didn't know whether to be happy or sad. That kind of sounds like me but the way he spoke, such passion, it can't be boring old me he was describing, but who could it be! I wish it were me.

Harry finally broke the silence again with the question he'd wanted to ask for a while. "Ron, who was it? Who's that woman?" Please let me be right he thought.

As Ron prepared to answer both his listeners waited expectantly.

"Hermione" Ron stated easily "It was Hermione, always has been, always will be."

At the same time Harry and Hermione let out exclamations of joy, luckily for the eavesdropping Hermione. He said it. He likes me! ME! Yay!

At the same time Harry looked at Ron and was surprised at what he saw. He still looks miserable! What's wrong now?

"Ron, what's up?" He asked, "I know it took a lot to admit it but I thought you'd be happy to say it. It's so obvious you like her, has been for years!"

Hermione froze He's not happy? Why not? I'm so happy I could die and he's not! What's wrong with liking me? She thought trying to hold back more tears.

Ron took a few minutes to compose himself. You've gotten this far, time to let him know what's really bothering you.

"That's just it Harry, I don't like her" he said

Hermione's heart stopped What!?!

Ron continued "If it was just liking her I'd be ok, no change. That's the problem... I love her."

He loves me! Hermione froze. I know I like him, a hell of a lot, but love?

Harry look astonished "You love her? How do you know?"

Ron looked determined as he spoke. "Seeing what I saw just made me realise what I'd been feeling. All those fights, the jealousy over Krum. I couldn't express my feelings cause I didn't know how strong they were and I got confused. Seeing what could easily be the happiest day of my life made me realise I need her Harry. I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I know it with every fibre of my heart and soul. How do I tell her now! Liking her was hard enough but love? Who finds their soul mate at 16!" Ron looked on the verge of tears "I just wish I knew what her heart desired." He said quietly.

That's it! Hermione thought as she formed a plan But I have to go there now! Suddenly she turned and ran down the corridor, down the stairs and out of the common room entrance.

Unbeknownst to her she'd actually said that out loud and as she ran the door behind her opened. She was so focused on her plan she didn't hear a certain redhead's anguished cry as he shut the door again.

"What was it?" Harry asked

"Hermione" Ron croaked out. "She must have followed us up, listened to everything and ran off in disgust when she heard me say I loved her!" Ron said with a few tears running down his cheeks.

"Are you sure it was her?" Harry asked quietly.

Ron looked up at Harry. "I spend almost all of History of Magic staring at the back of her head, I think I know what it looks like" Ron stated.

"Maybe it's not what you think," Harry said hopefully. I know she likes him too; the love part must have freaked her out a bit, i know it did me, Ron in Love? Wierd..

Ron just buried his head in his hands. Why did I have to say anything! Now I've ruined our friendship as well. Without her I'm nothing...

i hope that chapter isn't too long, it just kept going and i couldn't find a good place to stop! I'm writing as fast as i can and i hope this is being enjoyed. Thanks again to all of you who've offered help and gave such good reviews, i'm all blushing now! chapter 5 asap but i can't guarrantee anything.