The views were beautiful, thought Hermione as she watched the fields flash past her from her window seat on the train. The school had arranged for the Hogwarts Express to make a second trip that weekend on the Sunday as well as the Saturday, for those students who were attending Slughorn's party. There were only two carriages that were operating for students, though. But that hardly mattered as there were only about fifty students that were returning home. Hermione was able to find a completely empty compartment. Harry had offered to accompany her, but Hermione insisted that she needed some time to herself, which was very much true. She shut her eyes tightly as she thought of the previous night's event. She was still processing it. It. Everything. She thankfully hadn't seen either Cormac or Ron that morning, but she counted on that happening because she didn't bother to go down to breakfast. The events were too fresh. After the holidays, she assured herself that she'd be able to handle the sight of them both. But not the following morning.

Hermione thought about Cormac. Thought about how disgustingly he had acted, how he called her 'Mudblood' and demanded that she'd come to him. Hermione shuddered with the thoughts of what could've happened to her if he hadn't shown up. He, him, Ron. How had he been there? Hermione pondered. Why was he even at Hogwarts? He was due to leave on the Saturday morning train. So why on earth was he there at all on Saturday evening? And how had he even been there, where Cormac had taken her so discretely.

In hindsight, she should've asked him there and then. Before she made herself take an oath to never speak to him again. But this time it wasn't in anger, just pain. Hermione didn't think she could adore anyone more than she did last night, watching Ron act so defensively of her, despite their recent estrangement. And as grateful as she was for his heroic act, it only made her heart ache further as she reminded herself that he was still latched on to Lavender. No matter how amazingly he had acted. He still had a girlfriend. And that girlfriend wasn't Hermione. No, it would be too much for her to associate herself with Ron anymore. It would be too painful and she only hoped that he would understand that.

Without even realising how much time had passed, Hermione sighed as the train pulled up to the platform that looked uncharacteristically bare. A wave of sadness washed over her as she spotted Mrs Weasley stood at the platform, her kind eyes scanning the train for Ron and Harry. It still saddened Hermione that she wouldn't be returning to the Burrow with them, she had still received an invite, but had to kindly decline on the pretence that her parents had invited her skiing - which was true, but not the main reason that Hermione wouldn't be able to return to her second home this holiday season.

"You're awfully quiet, dear. Are you sure you're okay?" Jane Granger asked from the front seat of Richard's car. She glanced up at the rear view mirror to find Hermione looking rather glum, her daughter had barely said five words to them when they greeted her at the station. Richard and Jane usually had an earful from Hermione about her time at school, but not today. Mrs Granger knew there was something wrong.

"I'm fine, Mum. Just a bit tired after last night." This was true, but Hermione knew it would take more convincing for her mum to believe that lack of energy would stop Hermione's rambles.

"Okay." Her mother responded sceptically. "How's Ron and Harry?"

"They're well." Hermione replied. That was it, her mother knew there was something wrong and she wouldn't be surprised if it had anything to do with her daughter's best friends. As much as she was happy that her daughter had returned home this Christmas, it was rather surprising seeing as Hermione usually spent Christmas at school or at the Weasley's. Jane decided that she'd save the probing for later on, though.

Mrs Weasley sighed happily to herself as she took her place at the long, wooden table that took up the majority of her kitchen. The same table that had been bare for far too long, but not tonight. Most of her lovely children had managed to be home tonight, even Charlie who had been busy up in Romania, Bill who was beginning his new life with his gorgeous, albeit rather frustrating, fiance, the twins who were making great business with their new joke shop and even her two youngest, who sometimes spent Christmas at Hogwarts. Mrs Weasley was also delighted that Harry had returned to the Burrow for Christmas this year, her heart ached to think of the many years and holidays he spent at that awful home in Little Whinging. Her third child's absence did still break her heart, but Mrs Weasley did her best to remain positive in light of the lovely family that she had before her.

Yes, Mrs Weasley was overjoyed by her Christmas guests this year, however, as she looked over to her youngest son, she couldn't help but feel the elephant in the room. Someone was missing, someone who was just as good as family as dear Harry.

"So, Ron. Where has Hermione gone for her skiing trip this year?" Mrs Weasley asked.

Ron had hoped that his mother wouldn't bring up the inevitable, however Ron knew it was a far fetched dream. He wondered how long it would take his imploring family to realise something was wrong, either that or Ginny would surely spill. Actually registering the question, he realised he actually had no idea where she was going, exactly. Harry had told him that she was going away with her family this Christmas but Ron wasn't at all sure where.

"Italy." Harry scrambled quickly, realising that Ron had no idea. Ron gave him a grateful look.

"Oh." Mrs Weasley replied, slightly taken aback by Harry's brunt answer, especially when she had asked Ron. She decided to brush off her suspicions, for now. "Italy must be beautiful this time of year. I've always wanted to go, haven't I, Arthur?" Molly Weasley nudged her dozing husband who sat at the head of the table.

"Yes, yes." Mr Weasley said a little too enthusiastically, clearly trying to hide the fact that he was dozing off, but his droopy eyes were fooling no one.

"Right, well, I think now would be a good time to retreat to the living room. Let me get this cleaned up." Mrs Weasley declared as she stood from her seat. The other Weasleys all said their 'thanks' for a wonderful meal with appreciative smiles before heading for the living room. "Oh, Ron, dear." Mrs Weasley called before he left, trying to sound nonchalant.

"Yes, Mum?"

"Will you help me with these last few bits and pieces?"

"Uh - sure, Mum." Ron replied, wondering why she was asking his help after refusing it from him and his brothers just moments ago.

Ron gathered some last remaining plates before assisting his mum to return various condiments to the pantry. "It's a shame that Hermione couldn't make it to Christmas this year." Mrs Weasley mused. Of course, Ron thought. She hadn't just asked him to stay back to clean.

"Yeah." Ron muttered noncommittally, hoping not to rise his mother's suspicions.

Of course, his mother knew better. "Have you two fallen out or something?" She probed.

"No." Ron answered too quickly for her liking.

"Okay, well I'm sure if anything was to happen between you, you'd both be able to sort it out. It doesn't take a genius, Ron, to see that you two are very good friends."

Ron felt his cheeks redden, he kept his focus on the sauces that he was stacking, even though he could feel his mother's eyes burn into him.

It had been a lovely week, Hermione concluded as she packed her suitcase for the following day when her and her parents would be travelling home. It was hard to properly relax, of course; Hermione had much on her mind, and Mrs Granger's constant interrogations didn't help. Hermione knew that she was just concerned, her mother knew little about the wizarding world and just wanted to ensure her daughter was safe, Hermione could sympathise with that. But that didn't make answering her constant questions about what was going on any easier to answer. Especially the ones about Ron. Hermione did her best to act as if nothing was wrong between them and that they were fine, but she knew it wouldn't be long before she'd have to reveal the truth to her parents, she couldn't keep lying to them about every single thing in her life. Especially not Ron.

The views of the beautiful Italian mountains would be missed sorely by Hermione. They brought her moments of tranquillity as anxious thoughts about life from now consumed her mind. Not just stopping at Ron, but how Harry was going to somehow defeat Voldemort. Hermione was happy that her parents had chosen to eat at the hotel restaurant tonight instead of ordering room service, Hermione could use the distraction of being surrounded by other happy families.

One thing Hermione loved about Italy was the array of pasta dishes served at every restaurant, she took her time, much like her parents, to decide on what to have as their final meal in this gorgeous scenery.

"So when do you return to school, dear?" Mrs Granger asked as they awaited their food, she avoided using the name 'Hogwarts' in such a public place.

"Two days after we come home. Dumbledore thought it best that we have a shorter break this year, with everything going on." Hermione tried to make it sound as casual as possible, she didn't want to worry her parents any further.

"Well at least we had a lovely week with you." Mr Granger chimed in.

"I'm sorry that I've been rather distracted." Hermione said sheepishly. She couldn't help how her mind spiralled, but she knew her parents had noticed and she hated the fact that she was causing them concern.

"We know you have a lot on your mind." Mr Granger confided. Hermione looked to him in bewilderment, did they really know? "What with your NEWTs and all." Richard added, causing Hermione to let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding.

"Yes, of course." Hermione agreed, but her voice didn't hold much conviction.

"Is there anything else on your mind, dear?" Mrs Granger asked casually although Hermione knew she was attempting once again to probe her.

Hermione stared at her mother's eyes, which mirrored her own. Lord knew how much Hermione wanted to confide in her mother, but she couldn't. Shaking off the hesitation, she simply answered, "no, nothing. Just school." At least that wasn't a blatant lie.

The Grangers had arrived home yesterday evening, Hermione decided to leave her packing for today. She hadn't even unpacked her Hogwarts trunk, which was very unlike her but on the day that she arrived home, the last thing she wanted to do was sort through her uniform.

Sighing with exasperation, Hermione finally lugged her heavy trunk onto her bed and it landed with a thump. She mused that the heavy bag nearly symbolised the weight of everything that had happened at school, which she was more so reluctant to deal with.

Pulling out all of the old uniform, Hermione noticed that one robe was particularly heavier than the others. Perplexed, she reached into the robe and nearly gasped at what she pulled out. His jumper. This was rather unlike Hermione, her packing was usually organised and tidy. She picked up the jumper slowly from where she had threw it on the bed. In spite of herself, Hermione brought the maroon jumper to her face and inhaled the scent she had longed for in so long. That was it. She plonked on her bed and let the tears flow as she buried her face in his jumper. His intoxicating scent was still prominent in the material. This was too difficult, how could she go back and see him? Her anger from before had been replaced by heartbreak. Total heartbreak.

Hours later, her tear stained cheeks and puffy eyes staring back at her in the mirror, Hermione numbly dabbed her swollen face. How could she do this? How could she be in the same room as him and manage to ignore him? And even worse, how could she watch him yearn for someone else? This was too much for her heart to take. Lavender didn't deserve him, she had no idea of how amazing he was. Her heart ached again as she realised that none of that mattered. Clearly, whatever Lavender was doing was substantial for Ron, and clearly whatever Hermione was doing before that wasn't.

Hermione took deep breaths as she made for breakfast on her first morning back. She had unfortunately made brief eye contact with Cormac McLaggen at the platform; who for once in his life seemed to look quite sheepish and possibly even regretful. Hermione had no doubt it was to do with his pained-looking nose. She wondered what story he had told others to cover it up, she highly doubted that he'd confess it was Ron who had punched him.

She wasn't alone on this journey on the train, Luna and Ginny had both asked if they could share with Hermione, and she of course, obliged, although she didn't say much. Luna didn't seem to notice that Hermione was rather off, but then again Hermione suspected that Luna had grown quite used to that, as that was how Hermione had often treated the delirious blonde, much to her guilt.

Ginny, however, knew there was something wrong before she even boarded the train, she knew her brother had acted a git, everyone knew it. Ginny was hopeful though that maybe he had changed, he asked rather pointedly that none of his siblings mentioned Lavender Brown to their mum, so maybe he wasn't all too keen on the idea of being with the ditsy irritant for much longer.

Although she was worried about Hermione, Ginny didn't say anything about the matter of her stupid brother, as she watched Hermione look wistfully out of the window. She knew Hermione would only reiterate the same thing; she wasn't going to speak to him, and Ginny couldn't say she blamed her. But for some mad reason, Ginny knew that Hermione was inlove with her brother, despite everything. Ginny knew she didn't hate Ron, just resented him for his randy teenage boy antics. Once again, Ginny could only sympathise with her bushy haired friend. What drove Ginny insane the most, though, was that her thick brother knew he was also in love with Hermione, just too much of a fool to admit it. She let out a sigh and leaned back, closing her tired eyes. Ginny had her own issues too of course; she was in a fourth month long relationship with Dean Thomas who was amazing and kind to her. But Ginny knew it was wrong. She, much like Ron, loved someone else.

Ron and Harry practically dived onto the sofas of the Common Room. Bloody hell, that practise was tiring, especially after enduring a detention with Snape, Ron thought. It was a crisp January evening and Ron's hands felt icy as he sat up on his broom. He couldn't wait to have a shower and just go to bed, and was positive that the whole team felt much the same.

But there was just one fault to his plan. "Oh! Won-Won! You're back!" Shrieked Lavender. Ron rolled his eyes from his position on the sofa as he heard the nearing footsteps of his obnoxious girlfriend. He glanced over to Harry who gave him a sympathetic smile before heading up the stairs to the boys' dormitories. Lucky git, Ron thought.

"I was about to march on to that pitch myself, they kept you so long!" Lavender's voice was shrill and Ron wanted to tell her to shut up; she was doing nothing to soothe his now occurring headache. She crashed onto the sofa next to him, making the cushions jolt and Ron snapped his eyes open with a start. "Well aren't you going to give me a kiss, then?" Lavender asked as if it was the most obvious thing in the world to do. Trying very hard to stifle a groan, Ron sat up reluctantly and pecked her on the cheek. This only caused Lavender to frown. "You haven't seen your girlfriend all day and that's how you greet her?"

Well actually, Ron wanted to say, you were the one who came to me. But he thought it best not to voice that comment. Instead he shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry." He offered although it wasn't his most compelling apology, which he was very aware of.

Lavender sat back on the sofa with a huff and folded her arms, Ron rolled his eyes, she could resemble a toddler just so bloody often. Ron didn't do anything, though, if she was in a mood that was her fault, he was clearly shattered and it wouldn't have hurt if she had just asked about his day, rather than just demanding he snog her. "Sometimes I feel like you just don't even want to see me!" Lavender exclaimed.

Not far off, Ron agreed mentally. "Okay." Ron said, not matching the serious tone of her voice.

"Okay?" Lavender echoed. "Is that really all you have to say?" She asked incredulously.

Ron shrugged again. "I dunno, Lav. I'm knackered."

"That's not an excuse!" Lavender shrieked and Ron winced at the high shrill of her voice.

"You're just being dramatic." Ron stated, sitting back against the sofa and closing his eyes, already realising that he had said the wrong thing but too tired to care.

And sure enough, Lavender shrieked, "Dramatic?! I'm the dramatic one?! You flew around on a broom for two minutes and here you are practically asleep!"

Ron sighed, trying his best to suppress his rage. "I'm going to bed." He stated, and with that he made for the stairs, only pausing momentarily as Lavender raged and shrieked behind him.

"So you're just going to leave me down here? Come back, now!" But Ron did the exact opposite, and continued up the stairs. However, he did stop suddenly as he heard the same voice that made his heart ache, muttering the password to be allowed access into the Common Room. He halted and hid behind a bit of stuck out wall, peering around the corner of it.

She looked exhausted, nearly as much as he was sure he did. She was carrying an armful of books, no surprise, and had obviously just returned from the library. Hermione rubbed her eyes with the heel of her hand as she made her way across the room, clearly oblivious to the fact that a flaming Lavender was on her way to obstruct her path.

"Oh and of course you're here now!" Lavender half scoffed, half squealed.

Hermione was plainly shattered; she had had a long day, Wednesday's were always her longest, lesson wise. And tonight she had extra revision to embark on, mock exams were drawing close. The last thing she had expected as she traipsed through the Common Room was to be ambushed by the person she loathed far more than anyone in her life.

She almost did it, she almost lashed out. Lord knows she held enough resentment towards the blonde to react with full force; but she decided against it. Hermione was better than Lavender, she didn't need to stoop to her level despite how inviting the prospect of putting her in her place would be. Instead, she rolled her eyes right in Lavender's face and continued to walk up the steps leading to her dormitory.

Lavender stood dumbfounded, her breathing clearly heavy with anger. Ron smirked, thank Merlin Hermione hadn't let his annoying bloody girlfriend bother her. I've got to end this, Ron decided.

It was a cool day for February, not too cold however. Hermione therefore decided that she would take up some revision down by the lake. It was a rather beautiful lake, a beautiful scenery like this always managed to put Hermione at ease. She sat back against a tree and sighed as she closed her eyes, listening to the calming sound of trees rustling through the wind. Hermione really was tired, and, despite herself, lonely. Her heart ached as she thought of how this year could've really been spent. If only she had the bravery to admit her true feelings; even if Ron hadn't felt the same, at least she would still be his friend, although it would be very difficult. At least her and Ron would've discussed it. But no, she didn't express her feelings, not quick enough, not before someone else swiped away possibly the person she was closest to on the whole planet. It was torture, not being able to see his goofy grin everyday, the goofy grin that could melt her heart when it was at its iciest, calm her nerves when they were at their most heightened. Hermione couldn't believe someone as awful as Lavender Brown got to be the person who was allowed to be so close to him, she didn't deserve it, Hermione couldn't help but think she'd be a terrible girlfriend, but she reminded herself that she was just biased.

Hermione opened her eyes quickly as she heard the crisp sound of footsteps on icy leaves. She turned to see Ginny, who had a nearly menacing smile upon her face. Hermione raised her eyebrows questioningly but matched her smirk, trying her best to be friendly. It wasn't Ginny's fault that even her freckles were a constant reminder of the battle Hermione's heart faced.

"Guess what I just heard." Ginny began, plopping down next to Hermione.

"What?" Hermione asked with feigned interest.

"The happy couple shouting down each other's throats, right outside the Great Hall for everyone to see!" She exclaimed scandalously.

Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. "Well, I thought your news would be better than that."

"Oh, come on!" Ginny implored as she nudged Hermione. "You're seriously telling me that that doesn't enlighten you in the slightest?" She smirked.

"No it doesn't." Hermione lied, and Ginny raised her eyebrows accusingly, clearly not falling for her dishonesty either. "And you shouldn't be so happy yourself! He's your brother!" Hermione reprimanded, swatting Ginny on the knee lightly.

"I know but when he's seeing such a pompous prat I somehow lose any compassion." Ginny chuckled. Hermione rolled her eyes again, but she couldn't lie to herself. She was truly relieved at the revelation that clearly their relationship wasn't as harmonious as she had dreaded. Hermione cringed at herself, she was acting like a bitter ex girlfriend, apart from the fact that she wasn't at all an ex girlfriend, so it really wasn't her place.