Disclaimer: The usual. I don't own the Harry Potter world

A/N The Next two chapter are quite short, but necessary for the story.

Harry walked into the Great Hall for the second time that day. Again he walked towards Ginny, pulling her apart from the crowd gathered around her.

"Hermione won't do it."

"Why?"

"Because she thinks it's in the past, pointless for Ron to know."

"What did you tell her?"

"I was going to tell him anyway."

"Good."

"She said we'd never be friends again if I do."

"The bitch."

"Aren't you friends with her?"

"Not anymore."

Harry felt a sudden urge. He went closer to Ginny and gave her a hug.

"Thanks for being there for me."

Hermione walked with Ron down to the Great Hall. She was going to show a united front. Harry wouldn't risk telling Ron in front everyone. Nor would he do it in front of her. She was going to smooth talk Ron. He'd never believe Harry. He'd think it was Harry's fault. He loved Hermione too much.

The Great Hall was busy as usual. People weren't going to notice them. Hermione looked around, anxious for no signs of Harry, or Ginny. To her dismay they were standing near Griffindor table talking. Hermione quickly grabbed Ron's hand. It was soft, and gentle. Nothing like Harry's, you could feel his warmth, his kindness, from the simplest of his touches.

Harry had finally removed his arms from around Ginny. She turned to go towards the entrance to the Great Hall, having a lot of homework left to do. Ron and Hermione, hand in hand were walking towards her and Harry. All the anger that she had felt towards Hermione came bubbling back. Hermione was smirking. Her grin looked sweet. Ginny knew otherwise. She had planned something. Ginny waited for them to come over. She didn't want to give Hermione the satisfaction of knowing how much this had got to her, yet.

Hermione and Ron stood in front of Ginny and Harry. The two couples stood in silence. Ginny was finding it especially difficult to contain her anger anymore. She lifted her hand, mustered all the strength she could, and slapped Hermione on the cheek. Ginny's handprint was red on Hermione's face. It looked painful. The noise it had made was so loud; the whole of the Great Hall fell silent. All eyes were on them. Ron glared at Ginny.

"What was that for?" He was confused. Hermione didn't deserve that. Ginny started to cool down. That had relieved some stress.

"Ask her?" Ginny threw a dirty look at Hermione.

"Hermione what's going on?"

"Nothing." Hermione retorted. She would not be beaten by Ginny. Too much was at stake.

"You lying bitch." Everyone in the Great Hall gasped.

Ron flared up with anger. Hermione had her innocent face on, looking as if she was about to cry.

"You apologise, or tell me what you're talking about."

"Like I said ask HER." Ginny pointed at Hermione.

"I didn't do anything, honest Ron." Hermione looked upset. Ron knew that this was going to set her off again.

"Tell him Hermione. Tell him the truth. Tell him what you and Harry have been getting up to." Ginny was practically screaming now. Harry stood silent. All eyes were looking at him. He knew that. He didn't want to accept it.

Ron looked from Harry to Hermione. He knew it. He knew there was something going on between Harry and Hermione, all those late night revision sessions, always pairing up with each other for projects. He wanted reassurance that Ginny was lying. This was something neither were able to give him. Hermione looked like she was going to cry, the innocent victim. Harry just looked apologetic.

"I'm sorry mate. I'm so sorry." Harry had said it. Harry had confirmed Ron's worst fears.

"Nothing is going on." His girlfriend was still resolute, however. Ron knew she was lying. He had had enough with her games. He turned around and ran out of the Great Hall, closely followed by Harry.

Now that Ron and Harry were gone Hermione was able to get her own back on Ginny. She slapped her. Harder than Ginny's slap, the red mark on her face, matching her hair. Tears were falling down Ginny's face. Hermione was wiping hers away. They both left the Great Hall walking off into separate directions. As they left the Great Hall erupted with people frantically chatting, coming up with their own conspiracies to what had happened to the seemingly happy friendship. By lunch time everyone in the castle would know what had happened in the Great Hall that morning.