And I'm back so soon! Decided to update because I wrote a new chapter, I have thirteen pre-written so far, and decided each time I finish a new chapter I'll post one. It would be the absolute world if you could take a second to review, I'd love to hear what you guys think.

For this one: Ron and Hermione arrive to the Burrow and we finally get to see what she's thinking about all of this.

Please review!


Not even realizing it, Ron had wallowed in self pity and hatred the rest of the ride. Eventually, the train came to a halt as he hurried to leave Lavender's compartment, not being able to stomach another talk with her.

Scrambling, he walks down the corridor against the mass of students and eventually retrieves his trunk, stepping from the platform later then most.

The mass of red heads is easy to spot despite the crowd.

His Mum is embracing Ginny as he sees Harry shaking his Dad's hand. Fred and George have also come, he watches as they step forward and tenderly embrace Hermione. The act is out of character for the pair, but he figured that this gesture coincided with the McLaggen stint.

The three begin talking in what seems like hushed whispers, no doubt about what transpired, well that is until Ron gathered the courage to join his family.

As his mother called his name and embraced him, Hermione went silent. Slowly, she slinked back, away from the twins, away from the Weasley's.

She was never supposed to even be here. Hermione had told herself that she needed to separate herself from them in order to ensure Ron had the holiday he deserved without her bothering him.

Ron seemed to notice this, heart breaking a little. He wanted nothing more then to hug her himself and assure that he wanted her here, that he was so happy she was.

He couldn't though, not yet anyway, not when he was still reeling from his half breakup with Lavender not long ago.

Instead, he grabbed onto the Port Key his father got from work, jolting slightly as Hermione's fingertips gently brushed his as she grasped the old scarf they were using.

Once the dizziness had subsided and they landed on the grass in Ottery St. Catchpole, he was disappointed to see Hermione already retrieving into the Burrow, ahead of everyone else. Alone.

He can't help but groan aloud.

"Did you do it?" Harry asks as he offers a hand and helps Ron from the ground.

In response all the youngest Weasley brother can manage is a groan.

"Sort of." Ron whispers slightly embarrassed.

"Sort of?" Harry questions rather loudly, warranting a glance from Ginny who is only a few paces ahead.

"Shush," The ginger starts, "and I mean the words 'I'm breaking up with you', certainly left my mouth. More than once. In a variety of ways." He explained, his anger bubbling back up at the recollection.

"Alright so you did it?" The Boy-Who-Lived asked, confusion evident in his tone.

"Yeah I told her that and she defitnley heard but all she said was no," at this point he's stopped walking, "that's completely mental! I told the girl it was done with and she said no!" He was yelling now.

At this point, Ginny had come to a full stop, the twins were lingering by the front door, and Hermione, had thankfully disappeared inside along with his parents. Harry was face him with horror stricken on his features.

"You keep it down!" The dark haired boy staged whispered.

Ron twinged as red as his hair, "sorry," he said lamely, "she even started on Hermione. By that time I had already told her it was done twice, maybe three times."

A low whistle escaped the chosen ones lips, "so let me get this straight, you broke up with Lavender at least three times, and all she said was no?" This sounded like something out of a Muggle film.

He nodded, a sour look on his face, "And after all this, she kissed me on the cheek, called me 'sweetheart', and wished me a Happy Christmas!" He recapped sounding beside himself.

"You're right," Harry said after a moment, "that is mental."

At this the pair started trudging along the grass again, taking it slow as they wanted to finish the conversation away from prying ears.

"Good news is you did break up with her." The green eyed boy tried optimistically, a rare thing from him these days.

Harry was really trying to be a better friend.

"Bad news is I don't think Lavender broke up with me." He notes.

The pair seemingly sigh in unison, both frustrated, one more so then the other.

"So what? I just tell Hermione I've broken it off with Lavender? I'm sure by now she's owled all of England that we're still together."

Potter contemplates the situation for a moment before answering, "well you can tell Hermione you've told Lavender you're done but she didn't seem to accept the fact. Even though that may be the case, when we head back you'll be implementing this break up full force. Avoiding Lavender even more then before, as if we thought that was possible!" He tries to joke.

Surprisingly a small laugh sounds it's way passed Ron's lips, "I suppose." By this point they've reached the front door, "it's kind of mad to be thinking about all this with everything going on isn't it?" He thinks aloud.

Harry shrugs, "I know your life may feel like a bad soap opera but it's quiet nice for me to focus on something else for a bit. Especially if it helps you and Hermione out." He pushes open the door and finally steps inside.

"A soap what?"

...

Hermione really wished there was a spare room in the Weasley home. Not that she'd ever ask for it, being she would never want to upset Ginny. But an escape would be nice.

Surely Ginny will try and get her to talk about everything that's transpired lately, especially with the red heads new found confidence her brother wants to try and patch things up.

It didn't matter though, Charlie and Bill were returning for holiday for the first time in years apparently so their was no available room to escape to. And being Fleur was joining as well, Percy's room was off the table.

Hermione supposes she'll just have keep Ginny at bay as long as possible. Which should be easy enough considering all the action within the Weasley household.

Even now, unpacking her trunk a floor above them, she could hear the hustle and bustle of the Burrow.

The twins were no doubt sounding off somewhere. Ginny was probably yelling at them to keep it down. It's very likely Missus Weasley was cleaning the house to prepare for Charlie and Bill's arrival. Mister Weasley was somewhere consoling said stressed out wife, resulting in more screams. And as previously mentioned, the twins, were probably sounding off to Harry and Ron.

And right now as she considers all this play out, she can't help but feel a little empty.

For the first time since she's been a guest at the Burrow, does she feel like a true guest. Hermione doesn't feel like she's at home. Not like she normally does.

She knows exactly why too.

After the run in with Lavender and Ron this morning, she decided she'd back off. Ron was probably better off without her constant nagging and knowledge of useless facts. Hermione would do her best to stay out of his way, starting with holiday. She'd hate for him to feel uncomfortable in his own house of all places. And after, she supposes she'll do the same at Hogwarts. For him.

It's kind of twisted isn't it? Even after all the times she's felt hurt by Ron, she still cares about him more than anything else.

Even now, she can still feel her heart clenching, breaking, as he agreed to the terms earlier in the compartment. The feeling alone may kill her, yet, here she is, willing to make that sacrifice for him. For his happiness.

All this coupled with the pain of her Grandmothers condition has been borderline unbearable. She wishes she still had Ron to help her through this. She needs his strength.

Too bad she's ruined that.

As much as she's yearning to blame Ron for their divide she knows it's entirely her fault. Because despite being the brightest witch of her age, she is surely stupid for thinking he could ever love her back. To even think he thought of her like that in the slightest.

Asking him to Slughorn's, it had taken everything for her to do. To him it meant nothing.

And if the past few months have taught her anything, it's probably that Ron just stuck around for Harry and as an extension, Hermione. All the taunts and jabs Lavender was constantly throwing her way must be true in Ron's eyes, she isn't exactly shy about the whole thing.

And part of her brain convinces herself that Ron thinks she's an insufferable, ugly, no good know it all. But part of her knows that isn't true.

Ron, who saved her from that troll her first year.

Ron, whose voice rang in her head every night while she was laying petrified.

Ron, who defended her mercilessly during their confrontation with Peter Pettigrew, despite having a torn up leg.

Ron, who comforted her to no end when the nerves struck before the second task.

Ron, who gently would rub dittany on the backs of her hands after detentions with Umbridge.

Harry hadn't been there for any of that. Surely that must mean something.

And deep down she knows it does, but whenever the rational part of her brain pushes that forward, images of him wrapped around Lavender flicker in her head. These thoughts quickly bring back unwelcome ones of the possibility of Ron loathing her.

She really wishes things were simple. That Harry spent summers and holiday with Sirius at Grimmauld place. That Neville could talk to his parents and they'd recognize him. That Ginny would stop tossing and turning, mumbling things about a diary in her sleep. That she didn't fear for her parents lives everyday. That her grandma would be magically healed and she'd take Ron and Harry up to France one summer to meet her.

She wishes that Ron was her friend again. If not more.

But that's the problem, these are all just wishes. Figments of her imagination, something her heart longs for. Something that'll never come true.

And just like that, her thoughts are becoming too much. She's supposes it's a bit of a curse to always have your mind working this way.

Tears begin stinging the backs of her eyes and Hermione wants nothing more to immerse herself within a book. To forget for a little while. Maybe even let her mind wander to a brighter future.

But instead, she makes use of her whizzing brain by beginning to unpack her trunk. First she checks for the black book, that's now a lifeline to her. Once she spots it, she relaxes a little and silently begins preparing a letter to her parents in her head.

Surely that letter would evoke more unwelcome emotions.

Happy holidays to her.

...

So far life at the Burrow has been rather uneventful. Sure, they only arrived here three hours ago, but deep down everyone had this silly little notion that upon their return everything would change.

Of course it didn't.

The twins were still taking the mickey out of Ron and Harry. Ginny still yelled when their fighting reached her in the living room. Molly still fussed over preparing the house for her eldest sons as her husband tried to calm her.

In a way it was nice though, that things were the same. Sure, everyone wishes they could be better

There was one notable difference.

Normally, Hermione could be found sniggering behind Fred and George or defending Ron and Harry from their taunts. If not, she was curled up on the sofa with Ginny as she complained over her Quidditch magazine. Often times, the witch was offering Missus Weasley assistance with household chore or was explaining a Muggle appliance to Arthur.

Instead, she was just gone.

And no one noticed her absence more than Ron.

"Ginny, be a dear and fetch Hermione for supper would you?" Molly's voice didn't leave much room for argument.

Ron peered up from where he had been setting down the utensils to see his sister rush up the steps leaving a flash of red.

Upstairs, Ginny tapped on the door lightly, waiting a moment before pushing it open. There, she found Hermione slumped over the youngest Weasley's desk, writing mercilessly on some parchment. She was honestly shocked to find her nose not in that odd, coverless book.

"Hermione." She called out, the brunette hadn't noticed her presence.

Startled, Hermione jumped a bit before relaxing at the sight, "yes?" Her voice cracked.

"It's time to eat." Ginny told her.

"Gin," The bushy haired girl sighed, "I hate to be rude, but could you tell your mother I won't be joining you guys tonight."

The ginger shook her head, "Hermione if this is about,"

Granger wouldn't let the name pass her friends lips, "it's not about him." Not a total lie. "I just want to get this owl out to my parents as soon as I can. I have some questions about..." she trailed feeling the tears prick her eyes. Clearing her throat she went on, "anyway, I ate on the train. I promise once I'm finished here I'll explain everything to your Mum."

Ginny began to open her mouth questioning the use of the word 'everything'. Hermione, being brilliant, seemed to sense where this was going and bear her to it.

"Everything about my Grandma." She amended.

Noticing the sad look in the sixth tears eyes, Ginny conceded, "alright but I'm saving you a plate and you best eat it later!" She scolded, sounding just like Molly.

At this, Hermione was able to muster a true genuine giggle, "thank you Ginny." She called as the girl vacated the room.

The last thing Ginny heard Hermione say was a quick 'thank you' before she descended back downstairs.

As she re entered the kitchen she noted everyone seated already, waiting for her. For them.

Molly however, was standing, hands on her hips and stern look on her face.

"Now Ginny I asked you to fetch Hermione." She scolded with a wag of her finger.

Sighing, the girl plopped down, "she isn't hungry."

All the younger Weasley's and Harry, had exchanged knowing glances. Ron however, decided to bow his head, focus his eyes on the floor boards.

"Non sense!" Her mother started.

"Mum honest, I told her we'd save her plate." She pauses as her mother frowns, "look Hermione's got a lot going on right now."

Concern struck over Molly instantly, "oh Merlin! Is she okay? Are her parents alright?" Then she swiftly turned to the twins, "have you two done something to her?" The older woman asked sharply.

"We didn't do anything mother." Fred starts.

"Yeah it wasn't us who did something." George says next, emphasis on the statement as he looks to Ron.

"Not us!" They sound off in unison.

Noticing Ron's fist clenching beneath the table Ginny jumps in, "it's nothing like that, it hasn't got to do with the Burrow." Her eyes found Ron's as if to tell him that Hermione wouldn't spill to their mother about Lavender Brown, "Hermione and her parents are alright. It's best if she explains."

Molly opens her mouth to protest before Arthur cuts her off, "it's okay Molly, the girls fine, remember? We saw her hours ago. Come on let's eat." He reasons.

Nodding to herself Missus Weasley finally calms down as they start their meal.

And dinner was going fine. Ron had done little talking, thankful that Harry was the one recapping the Quidditch season thus far.

Again, everything was fine. Until Arthur asked his twin boys about their business.

"So boys how are things down in the alley?" The older man asking, earning a scowl from is disapproving wife.

"Wicked dad." George says.

Placing his fork down Fred jumps in, "absolutely wicked. Witch weekly wants to do an article on our love potions, it'll be great for business."

Shockingly, a proud smile crosses Molly's lips.

"Yeah we're thinking of making scented ones, something girls will like. What do girls like?" George wonders, sarcasm underlying his words.

"Yeah Ronnie, what do girls like?" Fred repeats facing his younger brother.

Missus Weasley not understanding, interjects, "flowers."

At this Ron grips his knuckles on the table. His brothers are smiling like it's Christmas morning. His mother just unknowingly set her trouble maker sons up for a joke to make Ron twitch.

"Hear that Freddie? Flowers." George grins like the Cheshire Cat.

"It's perfect. I wonder which ones though, there are roses." Fred responds

"And daisy's."

"Orchids."

"Jasmine."

The pair switch off before Fred's eyes light up, "wait I got it, how about..."

"Lavender!" The two exclaim in sync.

Ginny does her best to surprise a chuckle. Harry looks like he wants the floor to eat him. Ron is about to punch something.

"Yeah how about it Ronnie, Lavender. You'd know all about that, wouldn't you?" George says leaning in closer to his baby brother.

A look of anger passes Ron's face, his Mum surveys the scene with a curious expression, "what would Ronnie know about Lavender?" Molly questions.

"Oh mother!" George says scandalized.

"Ickle Ronniekins didn't tell you?" Fred asks, already knowing the answer.

She shakes her head, "on with it."

"Your baby boy has a girlfriend." George announces, loving the luck of disdain across his youngest brothers face.

"Ronald Weasley!" His mother says standing from her chair and wagging her finger at him.

Merlin he wishes You-Know-Who would kill him right now.

"I don't have a girlfriend Mum." He defends gruffly.

"You don't?" Ginny says with slanted eyes.

"Not anymore." Harry mumbles loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Not anymore?" Molly starts, "and you knew and didn't tell me Ginny! You boys knew too!" She points to the twins.

In defense the pair throws up their hands as the red headed girl starts to explain, "it wasn't really my place to tell. Anyway Mum, it's not like we were the only ones. Bill knew too."

Angrily, Ron stomps on his sisters foot.

"You told Bill and not your own mother!" She screams, ignoring the yelp that left Ginny's mouth.

"Molly..." Arthur warns, trying to tug gently at her sleeve.

She rips her hand away and places both on her hips, "I am very disappointed in you Ronald! All of you actually." The woman huffs.

Ron squirms, "it doesn't matter. She's not my girlfriend anymore."

"Well..." Harry can't help but say.

All eyes land on his. He thinks Ron may strangle him.

"'Well' what Harry Potter?" Ginny asks, tone matching her mother's.

Now it's the chosen ones turn to squirm, "well," he repeated, "I don't think it's my place to say."

At this, all eyes fall back onto Ron. Sighing in defeat, "well you see, the thing is, Lavender is,"

"Annoying." Ginny finishes.

"Loud." Harry cringes.

"Pathetic?" George tries

"Desperate." Fred corrects.

And to Arthur and Molly's surprise, their youngest son nods in agreement, making no move to defend this girl.

At this, the couple exchange a look. If the twins so much as look at a certain bushy haired witch the wrong way, Ron is up in arms, ready to curse anyone who crosses her.

"Alright," Ron says stopping whatever they were going to say, "let's just say I chucked her."

"That can't be true! I heard her telling Parvati about how she won't survive a month without snogging you when we got onto the platform." Ginny calls out.

Her brother groans, "Lavender is not my girlfriend anymore, but I might still be her boyfriend." He explains.

There's a silence.

"I don't know what you mean son." His dad finally speaks.

"What I mean is that when I broke up with her she just said no." He admits exasperated, pushing back his chair and digging the heels of his palms into his eyes.

One of the twins let's out a low whistle. As the room enters a tense silence until Molly breaks it.

"Ronald," she sounds disappointed, "this Lavender wouldn't have anything to do with why Hermione didn't join us at dinner would it?" Her voice is growing louder.

And there it is.

Of course his mother would know.

He had been painfully obvious over the years.

Ron told himself when she didn't come down that it was because she was probably writing her parents. But, he also knows, Hermione is capable of constructing a letter in minutes.

"Why would you think that?" He chokes out sounding pathetic.

The twins and Ginny laugh at this.

"Ronald Weasley I am very disappointed in you. Look at the mess you've made! Your father and I raised you better then to go around treating women this way!" She screams.

Losing it, Ron stands up angrily matching his mother's tone, "why are you assuming any of this has got to do with Hermione?" He screams.

In all the ruckus, he failed to notice the new presence in the doorway.

"Hermione." Ginny says loudly, a rather soft.

Annoyed, he turns to his sister, "Ginny I've just said," before he can finish, Harry is pulling on his shirt and bucking his head to the doorway.

As all eyes fall on her, she shrinks away, looking almost to tears, "I can come back, I just wanted to talk to..." she doesn't get the words out, lamely she points to Missus Weasley.

And just like that, any anger washes off the older woman's face, "of course dear," she steps over and places a hand on her shoulder, "why don't you wait for me in the living room while I clean this up."

Hermione nods vaguely in response before sauntering out of the room.

"Way to go Ronnie." George whispers.

And just like that, Molly is seeing red again, "all four of you, dishes." She says to her kids.

The twins are ready to complain when they realize they can just do magic.

"And no magic!" She berates.

"What did we do?" Ginny retorts, "you're mad at Ron remember?" She reminds.

"You three didn't bother to tell your mother anything!" She stops, "and you." She turns to Harry.

"Me?" He asks scared.

"Yes you, Harry Potter. You are to stay and make sure not one wand is flicked or else all five of you will be working in the gardens until all the gnomes are gone."

"But Mum it's freezing." Ron groans.

"Well then you better do as I say, and being that I have no more house duties for tonight, I'm off to talk to Hermione. Goodbye." At rhis she stomps away.

Sympathetically, Arthur pats his youngest sons shoulder before walking off to his shed.

A tense silence falls over the group as each of the Weasley's exchange glares.

"Well time for dishes!" Harry tries to break the tension.

Scowling, they all work in silence.


Another one down! What did you all think? Please let me know!

Next time: Someone arrives to the Burrow (any guesses?) & Ron finally has an epiphany!

Please review!