For a long time after that winter, that terrible, fright-filled winter that was supposed to be their seventh year, she could still remember the feeling of hurt and shock when Ron had walked out of the tent. She barely had to think to recall the hope that he would walk back to them a while later, giving them an embarrassed apology, while simultaneously fearing that he would never come back.

When Hermione thinks back, she cannot help but hate Ron slightly for his selfishness, and how much he hurt them emotionally.

But then she thinks of his selflessness, his loyalty, and his blunt honesty and she feels herself falling in love all over again. She thinks of his bravery, and his normally concealed intelligence (which only appears when playing wizard chess) and her heart thumps painfully in her chest. She thinks of the little quirks that make him Ron, like how he always smiles crookedly and the way he walks, and she knows that she'll always forgive him for anything.

Because he's Ron and she knows that won't be able to live without him.


For a long time after that winter, that horrible, life endangering winter, he can still remember the guilt knawing at him as he stormed out of the tent. He barely had to think to recall the wandering, and how his every waking moment was spent wondering if she was okay.

When Ron thinks back, he cannot help but resent Hermione slightly for not trying harder to bring him back.

And then he thinks of her intelligence, her loyalty, and her unwavering beliefs and he can't help but tumble head over heels. He thinks of the way she cares for others and her adorable blush and he automatically starts grinning like a maniac. He think of the small things that make her Hermione, like the way she always rushes to the library and the way her eyes light up when she's figured something out and he knows he can never begrudge her for anything.

Because she's Hermione and he knows that he won't ever love anyone like her again.

In the end, the are only two sides of the same coin.