Disclaimer: Same as before

Seventeen

Most people would break up with their boyfriend that they didn't really love. Most people would say something to the person they did love. Most people wouldn't sit around all day and mope, but still pretend to love their boyfriend whenever he called their name.

But I am not most people.

Instead, I stayed with Draco and took everything he dished out. I pretended to be mad at Ron because it hurt to look at him. I sat around all day and moped, and still pretended I loved Draco whenever he called my name.

I am not most people.

Not only was I in it bad with Ron, but everyone else in Gryffindor hated me, as well. Harry kind of had to be on Ron's side, otherwise he'd lose his best friend. I suppose I saw where he came from, but I still wished I could socialize with him without Ron saying something like, "Harry, why are you talking to the air?"

All the girls in Gryffindor hated me for two reasons – because most of the guys they liked liked me, and because I had treated Ron like such dirt. I was so shallow, so easy to see right through. And yet, I hadn't seen through myself.

The only person who didn't seem to hate me entirely was Ginny.

"I mean, I guess I was kind of mean and slutty and everything, but that doesn't mean that I don't like Ron. And is it that obvious that I do? Can you really see through me that easily?" I bombarded her with questions.

"Well, it is kind of obvious that you do, because you always have to cover up for everything you say to him, and you always are talking to me about how you wish he'd understand and everything. AS for seeing right through you . . ."

For that question, she had no answer. I knew what that meant.

What really broke my heart was what happened a couple weeks later, after the initial fight. I thought Ron had gotten a bit better, but it was just the big breath before the plunge. After that, I seriously considered dropping everything.

When he walked into the Great Hall arm in arm with Parvati, I could have killed him.

There was a Hogsmeade visit that weekend. I planned on going with Draco, meeting up with Ron in the Three Broomsticks pub, and getting the dirt on what was going on between them. So when I asked him if he wanted to go to Hogsmeade, he was more than delighted. So was I.

I stealthily followed Ron around the village until he went into the Three Broomsticks. I asked Draco if he wanted to go in, and when he said he did, we followed after the couple. I purposely sat down at a table nearby.

"I'll go get the Butterbeer," Draco said. As he walked away, I waltzed over to their table.

"Hey, Ron. Hi, Parvati," I said cheerily. They both looked at me – Ron with anger in his eyes because I had ruined his moment with his new girl and Parvati with no expression in hers whatsoever.

"So, when did you guys become a couple?" I asked, leaving my elbows down on the table. I noticed how Ron was holding her hand.

"Ron asked me out three days ago. I just couldn't believe it. I was too happy to say no. After all, how could I refuse such a wonderful date?" Parvati squealed. She turned to Ron and kissed him gently. I almost puked. How could she kiss my man?

At that precise moment, Draco came over with two large tankards of Butterbeer.

"What are you doing over here, babe?" he asked me.

"Nothing, I was just talking to Ron and Parvati."

"Oh. Well then, let's go and have our drinks, shall we?" he said.

"One second – I'd just like to talk to Ron alone for a moment." Without giving him a second to answer, I grabbed Ron's arm and pulled him away from the table and into a dark corner of the pub.

"Since when have you become interested in Parvati?" I asked nosily.

"Since a week or so ago when I looked at her and realized how pretty she was, how she kept her skirts to a reasonable height and was still able to show off her amazing legs, unlike some people I know," Ron snickered.

"Oh, so are you saying I don't have amazing legs, or my skirts are too short?"

"Both."

My eyes narrowed as I snapped, "Well, Ron, you were pretty much making out with her in public! That's not something the Ron I know would do!"

"Oh, come on, Hermione, it was just a peck. Besides," he said loftily, "can't you accept that I've found someone who likes me for me?"

My mouth dropped open. He was mocking me!

"That's it, Ron Weasley. You wanted a chance at me, you had your chance. You gave me your kiss. Now you've lost the chance. And don't expect another one!"

I simply stormed out of the pub and back towards Hogwarts without even giving Draco an explanation why. Most people would have given him an explanation.

But I am not most people.