Hello, my awesome readers! Here's the new chapter! Thanks to my reviewers! I love your comments, they inspire me so much! Special thanks to PiperLeoEternally for understanding my college life predicament :p

Chapter 5

Confusing Feelings

Hermione stepped into Hogwarts nervously. She took deep breaths before entering the Great Hall. Silently, she berated herself for being so nervous. Hogwarts had been her second home for seven years but the difference was that this time; she would be an apprentice and soon-to-be professor. She opened the doors of the Great Hall and she found Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, Slughorn, and Lupin standing in front of the Staff Table. Her footsteps echoed loudly in the almost empty hall. When she approached them, she smiled nervously.

"Thank you Miss Granger for returning to Hogwarts," said Dumbledore smiling at her.

"I couldn't let this opportunity slip. I really wanted to become a Potions Mistress and I thank Professor Slughorn for taking me as his apprentice," said Hermione, her nervousness ebbing away.

"My dear, I shouldn't let this opportunity slip. I am so glad that I would apprentice a student who is the brightest in their year," said Slughorn earnestly.

Hermione blushed. She smiled at her professors graciously and she was really happy when Lupin caught her eye.

"Oh my goodness, Professor Lupin, you'll be teaching again!" exclaimed Hermione.

"Yes I am, Professor Dumbledore was kind enough to give me my old post Defense against the Dark Arts," replied Lupin.

"Miss Granger, let me show you your quarters," said McGonagall apparently happy that her best student had come back.

"Thank you professor," Hermione smiled warmly at her Head of House.

Lupin helped Hermione with her luggage and McGonagall led the way to her quarters.

Upon reaching her room, she noticed that her door was a portrait of a woman sitting with her hands on her lap.

"Good day Professors," greeted the woman. "Is she the one who will be occupying this room?" the woman asked gesturing at her Hermione.

"Yes she is," replied McGonagall. "Hermione, this is Lady Catherine." Lady Catherine smiled at Hermione.

"Pleased to meet you," said Hermione.

"Well then, come on in so you can see the room," said Lady Catherine. She swung forward and the three of them entered the room.

Hermione gaped at the sight that greeted her. The room was magnificent. It was high-ceilinged and the walls were painted lavender. Her canopy bed and the curtains were white. It also had a mini-library, couches near the fireplace, and a writing desk. The whole room looked like a suite in a hotel. Lupin looked amused at Hermione's expression as he put down her luggage.

"This is so cool," said Hermione breathlessly.

"I knew you would like it, Hermione," said Lupin.

"Thank you so much Professors."

"You're very welcome," said McGonagall warmly.

"We'd better leave you now so you could rest. Tomorrow, you'll be starting," said Lupin.

Hermione nodded and smiled as they left her inside her quarters.

She flopped down on her bed and sighed. She was not tired, on the contrary, she felt buzzing inside. It was still early. She glanced at the clock; it was two in the afternoon. She sat upright and remembered that every afternoon, she and Snape always go to Hogsmeade or walk the Hogwarts grounds. Her heart saddened at the thought. It was different now. He was not there anymore. She did not want to feel depressed. When sadness would come over her, she would put in mind the promise that Snape gave her. She somehow cheered at the thought that after three years, they would see each other again.

After fixing herself, she went to Hogsmeade. She felt really alone without Snape beside her. Tears were welling up in her eyes so she blinked them away. She went inside the Three Broomsticks and ordered a glass of Firewhiskey. She drank it slowly while she was absorbed in her thoughts. She did not notice a man sitting beside her.

"Happy 18th birthday, Hermione," the man greeted her.

"My birthday's not until tomorrow. You're a day early," said Hermione flatly without looking at the man.

"Don't… Don't you recognize me?" asked the man.

Hermione turned to him with narrowed eyes but her expression changed when she finally recognized him.

It was Ron. Although they had not seen each other for almost two months, he seemed as if he had changed. His face became more mature. Hermione admitted to herself that he became attractive, not that Ron was ugly but when he was still a student he looked ordinary.

Hermione gulped. Her eyes widened at the sudden realization. "I'm so sorry Ron, I didn't recognize you," said Hermione timidly.

"Everybody says so. Even Fred and George said that for the first time, girls will actually go for me," said Ron jokingly while he brushed his red hair upwards with his fingers.

She smiled at his gesture. He was different now. No, it's still Ron, she thought. Her heart beat faster and her stomach felt like it was in knots. Maybe it was the Firewhiskey.

Hermione cleared her throat. "So I assume that you're starting your Auror training?" she asked.

"Yes, Harry and I want to enjoy the rest of the summer before training."

"So, where's Harry?"

"He's with Fred and George discussing Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."

"Oh, I really wanted to see him. It's been months since I last saw him."

Ron's face fell. "You only wanted to see Harry?"

"No! I wanted to see you too. But you're here with me now," said Hermione awkwardly.

"Okay. Harry's coming here too. I told him to meet me here."

Hermione nodded and drank her Firewhiskey silently. Ron also ordered Firewhiskey and the two drank in silence. The silence was broken when people around them got noisier. They looked around to find out the source of the commotion. They smiled at each other when they found out the reason. It was Harry. He was walking towards them with an exasperated look on his face.

"I'm still not used to this," mumbled Harry as he sat with them.

Hermione and Ron laughed. Harry smiled meekly.

"We've ordered you Firewhiskey," said Ron handing Harry a glass.

"Thanks," said Harry.

"Hey guys, since we're starting our careers tomorrow, why don't we celebrate it tonight? My treat, since tomorrow's my birthday!" said Hermione enthusiastically.

"Great idea, Mione," agreed Harry.

"To Hermione, on her 18th birthday and her apprenticeship," said Ron raising his glass. She smiled at Ron and he blushed.

"To Harry and Ron for their Auror training," added Hermione also raising her glass.

"To our friendship, may it last forever," said Harry finally as they clinked their glasses and drank to each other.

They went to a gourmet restaurant and then they went to a bar to dance. After dancing for almost two hours, they realized that it was late. They would start their careers tomorrow and they should not be late. Harry and Ron walked Hermione to Hogwarts since the two of them would be staying at the Burrow.

"Good night, Hermione and good luck," said Harry. He embraced Hermione.

"Thanks Harry. Tonight was wonderful. Thanks for being here."

"Advanced happy birthday!"

"Thanks! I should be going now."

"Sure, come on Ron. Let's go."

"You go on ahead Harry, I'll be coming. I have to talk to Hermione first," said Ron.

"Okay, mate." Harry went to the Apparition point and Apparated.

"What do you want to talk to me about?" asked Hermione. Her heart was now beating fast. She seemed to look at Ron in a different light. His brown eyes were twinkling and he looked so much cuter now.

"I want to tell you that I love you."

Hermione did not look at him. She looked at her feet and she did not say anything. Her face was becoming redder by the second.

"I know you love Snape but I don't think he's coming back."

"He is coming back!" said Hermione loudly. "He promised me, Ron. He won't break his promise! He will come back!" She burst into tears and cried on Ron's shoulder.

"Hush, I'm sorry I said that. But I can't stand the sight of you pining for him everyday. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Ron, this is so hard for me. I really miss him. I love him and nothing can change that. I'm sorry, Ron. I can only accept your love as friendship."

"Hermione, if he doesn't come back, I'll always be here for you. I'll wait."

"No, Ron. You have a life in front of you. Don't waste your time waiting for me."

"I love you Hermione. I will do anything for you."

Hermione looked at his eyes and she saw the sincerity in them. She was touched by the fact that Ron would do anything for her. Maybe there was something inside in her heart for him.

"Ron, I…"

Ron put his finger on Hermione's lips. "You don't have to say anything now."

Hermione was confused. She wanted to tell Ron that he may have a chance but it would be unfair to Severus. She was sure that Severus would never leave her hanging.

"Ron, I have to go now," said Hermione, her eyes still watery.

"Sure," said Ron softly. "Good luck on your apprenticeship," added Ron.

"Thanks, you too." Hermione smiled a little.

Hermione went to her room, her emotions taking over her. Why do I feel this way? Ron's my friend! Severus will only be the one for me. Maybe Severus's absence made me feel this way. She sighed. This is going to be a long three years…