Chapter 4

Hermione welcomed the end of her day where she could just sit in the common room and think. Her homework had long since been finished and now only two or three students remained in the room with her. She took a seat on the couch in front of the fireplace. What possibly could have been so important that Professor McGonagall had to pull Oliver away? This thought and many more was swimming around in her head when all of a sudden someone took a seat next to her.

"Hermione, are you okay?"

It was Ron. Hermione had been so wrapped up in this whole Oliver thing that she had completely forgotten that she wasn't even a single girl yet. She had been meaning to talk to Ron earlier, but she had never found the chance. I guess now was a good time.

"I'm okay, Ron. I've been meaning to talk to you about something."

"I already know. I just got done talking to Harry. I didn't have the guts to come down here, but he insisted that it would be best. I guess he was right."

With that he gave Hermione a small smile before dropping his head to the floor. It was during moments like these that made Hermione realize why she had even begun dating Ron. It was because deep down she knew he had a good heart, and that he had liked her for a long time. She also knew that it would never work between them. They were too good of friends, and her feelings for Oliver were growing stronger by the day.

"Oh. I'm sorry you had to hear from him. I've been trying to find the time all day, but I could never catch you."

"Yeah…well, I was avoiding you actually because I couldn't bring myself to face you. I had the feeling that this was going to happen for quite awhile now."

"Ron, I'm so sorry, but we're such good friends together. So good in fact that I know it will never work this way because the feelings are never going to be feelings of love in the real sense. I love you like a brother. You're my best friend, Ron, and I always want you to be. We just can't be a couple. I'm so sorry.

"It's alright. I agree. I'm just sorry I had to be such a bogey head about all of it. Besides I can tell that you've had your eye on someone lately."

"Really? Well, yes I suppose. It's all very confusing you see. Very confusing."

"It'll all work out for you Hermione. You're an amazing girl, and I'm glad we're friends. Now, go get some sleep."

With that Ron patted Hermione on the back, smiled, and walked up the stairs leading to the boy's dormitories. Hermione took a quick glance around and realized that the few people that were here moments before had gone leaving her to be the only one. She knew that she should go get some sleep, but she couldn't bring herself to get up from the warm spot in front of the roaring fire.

After a good thirty minutes she finally decided that she should get some sleep. It felt good to get the whole Ron thing off her chest, and she was glad that he had been so understanding about everything, but she had no idea what to do about Oliver now. Figuring she would deal with that in the morning, Hermione headed up the stairs to her dormitory where all the other girls were already fast asleep.

When she awoke the next morning the first thing she noticed was how bright the sun was shining. Hermione loved sunny days, especially if they were Saturdays like today. She sat up in bed and began to stretch. Just as she set her feet down on the floor she happened to look over towards her trunk at the foot of her bed. Perched on top was an owl that Hermione didn't recognize. In its mouth was an envelope. It just sat there staring at her a moment before walking across the bed and dropping the letter in her lap. On the front in beautiful handwriting was her name. Who could this be from? It was way too early for mail, and she had no clue whose owl it was.

After opening the window to release the bird, she sat down and began to open the letter. She unfolded the paper and began to read:

Dear Hermione,

I've been meaning to talk to you. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you and your beautiful smile. Since seeing you my days have been so much better, but there are matters I must discuss with you. If you could meet by Hagrid's Hut tonight around 8:00 it would make me the happiest man in the world. Seeing your beautiful face would be the perfect end to my day, and it would give me the chance to tell you things that you need to know. I hope to see you there.

With Love,

Your Secret Admirer

Hermione couldn't believe hey eyes. Deep down inside she knew who she hoped it would be, but there was no telling. She guessed she would have to wait until eight o'clock tonight to see. She quickly dressed, stuck the note in her pocket, and began walking towards the Great Hall to meet Harry and Ron for breakfast. On her face was the biggest smile she had worn in years.