Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J.K.Rowling

Hermione wake up in the middle of the night. She looked at her watch. It was one hour before down. She was lying on the sofa much to her wonder, then she remembered in what situation she had come home. She sat in her bed, feeling pity herself. She had fallen asleep in her robes last night, obvioulsy she hadn't cared to put off. And in addition she had a throbbing headache.

She got up and made her way to the bathroom. She looked herself on the mirror and grimaced. Her make up was vanished on her face and she had smeared it all over her face by rubbing her eyes. She disgusted by the scene facing her. 'you're miserable Hermione!' she told herself. She had a shower and finally she could come to her senses.

She decided to have breakfast even though it was too early. She needed something to keep herself vigorous. Afterwards she reluctantly dressed and apparated to the work. She directly went to her office and she found her co-worker Jane sitting on her desk.

"Good morning, Miss Granger!" She greeted cheerfully Hermione. "You're early today!" she stated in surprise.

"Yes, Jane. I have work to do. A lot of files to examine… Is there any case today?" she asked eagar to concern about her work.

"Nothing really… But a letter arrived for you a couple of minutes ago!" Jane stated casually and walk out of the room. Hermione sighed audibly as she saw the sign on the letter.

Hermione,

Why on the earth did you leave the Burrow last night? At least you could wait for us to return.

I am angry with you. I hope you have a proper excuse.

Ginny

Hermione rolled her eyes. She had to know Ginny would want to know the reason. She quickly replied the letter.

Ginny,

I am sorry for leaving without waiting you. But suddenly I remembered that I had an important meeting for today. Please do not angry. Why would I leave if it wasn't important. It was a lovely dinner. I will come to see you when my work is over. I will make myself forgive, I promise.

I am sure you have got stuff to tell me!

Love from,

Hermione.

Hermione hated when she had to lie. Especially to Ginny. She deserved to know the truth. But Hermione knew that would only make her upset. She prayed her to buy this excuse.

The whole day, Hermione busied herself with her work. She examined the files, she participated a meeting between her colleagues. She did everything to keep herself busy. Because she didn't want to think about Ron. Of course, that was the only reason. She didn't even find the time for luch. She bolted some snack and cups of coffee.

At around eight, she finally came home. She propted herself onto the sofa. Her head was still throbbing thus she intented to have some food and then go to her bed straight away. However she heard a knock on the door out of the blue. She stood up reluctantly, wondering who was bothering her at this hour of the night. She flung open the door and saw Harry.

"What are you doing here?" Hermione asked, surprised.

"Nice to see you too, Hermione," Harry snickered. "At least you could say welcome." He said with a hint of sarcasm as he entered into the house.

"Welcome!" Hermione said smiling slightly, closing the door.

"You look tired." Harry shot a concerned look in her direction.

"Yeah. There were loads of work today. I even forgot to eat lunch today." Hermione explained briefly.

"What would you drink?"

"Butterbeer, please!" Harry said, sliding into a chair in her tiny kitchen.

"Stop grinning, Harry. Come on do tell me!" Hermione said tellingly, as she saw Harry grinning uncontrollably. It was an extraordinary circumstance. She assumed that last night had gone very well. She was glad for him. 'At least he managed to be happy' she thought mentally.

"Thanks for helping, Hermione!" Harry said cheerfully. "I owe you!"

"I didn't do anything, in fact. But Ron didn't buy that, for your information." Hermione chuckled, handing Harry the mug.

"Did he say something?" Harry spit out his Butterbeer, panicking. Hermione laughed then turned serious.

"No!" "Calm down, Harry." She chuckled shaking her head. She sat across him. They drunk their drinks smiling each other meaningfully.

"By the way, I almost forgot. Guess what?" Harry grinned evily.

"You are marrying!"

"Ha ha!" Harry rolled his eyes dramatically.

"Ron has decided to introduce her girlfrind to us. I agreed with him. He wants to know our opinions. He is so thrilled at this time."

'Bloody hell!' Hermione felt as though Harry poured ice-cold water on her head. She knew this day would come but she wasn't expecting that soon.

"Really? When?" she asked her voice cracking slightly. She wrapped her hands around her mug of Butterbeer, sinking down into her chair. She felt her expression harden.

"Tomorrow." Harry said enthusiastically. He didn't sense the tone of her voice.

"Umm. Tomorrow is not possible for me." She said a bit more quickly than she'd intended. "I have a meeting with the Minister. But you should go." She explained trying to sound nonchalant as she stood up to get another mug of Butterbeer.

"Hermione, don't be silly! We can arrange a suitable schedule for all of us." He seemed to sense her hesitation.

'NOOO! I don't want to meet her….' She wanted to scream.

"Yeah." "Why not?" she said instead trying to keep her voice casual. This is all a nightmare.

"In where?" Hermione asked reluctantly making a mental note to find an excuse afterwards.

"Do you remember the pub which we went for Ron's birthday party last year?"

"Yeah, I do" "Good choice!" she commented.

They finished the rest of their butterbeers in silence, after that Harry stood up.

"Well, thanks for the butterbeer, I am off now!" he stepped into the fireplace. "I will inform you when we arrange a suitable date for all of us! But now, you should get some sleep." He winked at her.

Hermione nodded in agreement.

'As if I would come!' Hermione muttered through clenched teeth while waving Harry in return.

The next week passed with hustle and bustle. Hermione spent the time mainly working. On Wednesday, Harry sent her a letter informing they were going to meet on Saturday. And he had added a not they weren't going to accept any excuse. Hermione felt herself in helplessness.

It was the most miserable period of her life. She wished to be disappear, she wished to be nowhere to be found, she even wished to be hurt. Since she wished to find any excuse to not to show up at there. However she couldn't find of course. She had to deal with a lot of things, now she had to deal with this, too. It can't be that bad, she thought. I will just meet a new person. A new woman. A woman who has a darling. A woman whose darling is Ronald Weasley. It means, my love. That can't be that hard. Oh, I want to die. She had handled of various monsters in her life, but she doubted if she could handle merely a date. The most unfortunate side of this event was, she had to act like a real caring, content bestfriend. Life was merciless.

The Saturday night was clear and warm, natural for this time of the year. Hermione rested at home the whole day. Till the last minute, she thought about not to show up. But she couldn't dare to it. Because if she wouldn't go, she knew Ron would absolutely get mad at her. That was the last thing she would like. She dressed up in tears and apparated to the pub in which they would meet, and in which lots of grief waited for her.

'I will never let someone to disgrace me like this.' She sworn under her breath before she entered the pub.

Ron was over there, sitting around a table, his face across the door. He seemed gorgeous. Then Hemione saw Harry' back across Ron. Ginny was sitting next to Harry. She looked enjoyed. And eventually Hermione noticed a blonde girl near Ron. They were sitting remarkably close together. A blonde? She wanted to scream. She decided to return before they could see her, but ıt was too late. Ron saw her and waved. All turned to face her.

"Hello guys!" she greeted them a very forced smile on her face.

"Hi, Hermione!" They greeted back in unison.

"Hermione this is Diana, Diana this is Hermione!" Ron introduced the girl immediately, smiling sheepishly.

"Nice to meet you, Hermione! I heard your name a lot! These two mention about you all the time." She flashed Hermione a bright smile.

"Do they?" she said with a hint of sarcasm, trying to seem surprised. She seated next to Ginny giving her a peck on the cheek. She seemed forgetten about the incident at Burrow. Hermione started watching Diana without delay.

Her nose was small, but well-formed. Her lips were full and pink. Her hair was long and straight. Hermione predicted she was tall since she was sitting at present. Is she beautiful? Hermione found herself thinking bitterly. She seemed like a beauty queen. 'Beauty isn't everything.' Hermione thought privately herself. Maybe she has no brain. She is blonde for Merlin's sake, how wise she might be?

"She is beautiful!" Ginny whispered in her ear, as if she was reading her mind. Hermione jumped slightly.

"Yeah." She accepted reluctantly. Not only beautiful but also sympathetic. She was looking Ron with desire. Hermione could tell she was in love. She looked at Ron. He seemed peaceful and content. Their gaze met. Hermione avoided her eyes, turning her attention to Harry. He was telling Diana something made her chuckle.

"Bookworms stay innocent beside Hermione. She read every single book in the Hogwarts library!"

'Wait a minute!' 'Are they kidding with me?'

"Once she confessed that she read the book 'Hogwarts a History' for the sixteenth time! Can you believe that?" he burst into laughter. And the others joined him. Even Ginny. Except Hermione. She blushed an embarassing shade of red.

"How many Firewhisky he has drunk tonight?" Hermione asked suspiciously leaning in close to Ginny's ear.

"I don't know. Maybe four!" Ginny grimaced, trying to remember. Oh, this is just wonderful!

As if everything is perfect, he has chosen her to have fun with. Everbody seemed enjoying the night, especially Ron. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Ron kissing Diana on the cheek. Hermione excused herself to go to the toilet. She wasted some time in there to loosen up herself.

"What's wrong with you today?" Ron asked concerningly as soon as she came back. Hermione gave a fake chuckle. "Nothing!" she smiled at him, fixing her hair behind her hair. "Are you sure?" he asked stubbornly looking her in the eye. "Really. I had a bad day at work today but it's not a big deal. I'll tell you later about it." She lied instantly, avoiding her eyes. She felt her heart gave an odd thump. When it comes to her emotions, she would do everything to keep them secret. Ron didn't seem to believe but shrugged.

Hermione glared at Harry. He was visibly drunk. What is more, he was responsible for the state Hermione was in. She couldn't bare anymore. She didn't want to be a witness of their flirting, and she didn't want to listen a drunk Harry. She had seen enough. Her mind was screaming to get away. She stood up determinedly.

"I am pleased to meet you, Diana! But I should go now. I am sure we will see each other again." Hermione said trying to be kind. She ignored the glares from Ron. He was puzzled by her sudden change.

"Are you going? Please stay a bit more. We didn't chat with you." Diana said caringly as if she was disappointed.

Hermione forced herself not to roll her eyes.

"Next time!" She stated simply and turned Ginny. " Do not leave Harry, he doesn't look good!" she whispered in her ear after hugging her tightly. She nodded in comprehension. Then she turned to Harry. "See you later, Harry!" she said resentfully but Harry was too distracted to get the hint.

"Are you leaving?" he said astonished. Hermione didn't reply and turned Ron.

"You've just come. It's too early. Why are you leaving?" Ron said apparently offended.

Hermione shot him a very hurt look, tears stinging behind her eyes.

"I should go!" she could barely say, turning on her heels. Before rushing out the pub, she stopped at the doorway and looked back for the last time. Ron wasn't looking at her, Hermione let the tears fall.