Hermione made her way out onto the Hogwarts grounds. There was a delicious breeze that lifted her hair from her shoulders and let it fall like a mass of gorgeous feathers around her face. She smiled in spite of herself and delighted in the caress of the wind on her lips. She trotted down to the lake, her dainty slippered feet revelling in the luxurious softness of the carefully manacured lawns. She settled herself for some solitude under the tall willow that whisked its branches over the glassy water. However, she was not left to herself for long.

She looked up towards the castle and saw a familiar form approaching. It was Ron. His glossy strawberry colored hair was tousled by the wind, and made him look as though he had been riding a wild stallion through a dark forest. His square shoulders and his impressive height made his figure stand out among the more common Hogwarts students. He was a handsome, with dimples that made the underclasswomen sigh with longing. And here he was, moving purposefully towards Hermione. She had had a feeling, for a while now, that there was something more to their friendship than she desired. Now, she felt almost certain that the moment had come for a confrontation. He arrived at her side and threw himself down nonchalantly. There was an expression in his eyes that assured Hermione that the terrible moment had finally arrived. He opened his mouth to speak, but she held up her hand to stop him—

"Ron! No! Please don't!"

"Hermione, I must. You must hear me. It's no use denying it any longer. This has got to come out, for both of us." Ron flushed and became excited, smiling with expectation at the woman he loved. "I've loved you since I first met you, Hermione. I always knew that you would be the woman I would end up with, that I would want by my side. I've tried to show you for so long, but you've denied me up til now. You've pushed me away with 'No Ron!'s, and I cannot take it any longer! I must let you know how much I need you, how much I long for your touch and your love!"

"Ron, I wanted to keep this from happening, and save you the trouble of having to do this. I wanted to save you the injury!—"

"I know, that's how all girls are! I knew that that was what you were trying to do, but I can't take it any longer. I want no more of these games. I want to show you how earnest I am, and how devoted I'll be! I know I'm not good enough, but I will try! Oh, how I will try!" Ron took her hand in his. She hastily removed hers and held it to her breast.

"Ron, you may think that you are not good enough, but truly, it is I who is not good enough for you. I am so fond of you, and so proud of all you've accomplished. You are a wonderful man, and a wonderful friend. I've tried to convince myself that I could find love in your arms, but try as I may, I can not change how I feel! It would be a lie to tell you otherwise, and it would end up betraying us both!"

Ron's shoulders dropped, and his head fell. Never was there such a picture of disappointment and woe. "Hermione, I won't be able to forget you. I must have you. I MUST! If I don't, I don't know what I'll do! I can't love anyone else. I never will! NEVER! Please tell me that there is a chance, I will work so hard!"

Hermione sighed uncontrollably, and Ron took it at a sign of her softening heart. However, her reply was "I feel the same. I never, never will be able to love you as you deserve. I am sorry Ron."

Ron heaved himself off of the ground, in a frightening way. What would he do in his desperation? "Hermione… is there someone else?"

Hermione flushed violently, and checked herself quickly. "No Ron, I don't believe I will ever love."

Ron looked relieved, but unconvinced. Hermione grabbed his dangling hand. "Please, Ron, let us shake hands and be friends."

Ron pulled his hand away and sneered. "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." He stalked away towards the forbidden forest, leaving Hermione with a sense of dread and guilt.

Hey guys! I totally was inspired by Little Women. I hope you all like it! Please review!