Frenzied tapping woke Hermione. She blinked herself awake to see the tawny owl she'd sent Viktor the day before on her window sill. Stumbling her way across the room, dragging the bed covers she had clumsily wrapped around herself, she grumbled, "I'm coming!" The tapping continued until she nudged the window open, allowing him and a cold breeze to enter. He stuck out his leg, and waited for her to remove the rolled parchment. She happily obliged, eager to read Viktor's response. The owl chirped loudly at her for neglecting to give him any treats. Hermione looked at him apologetically and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm sorry. I have nothing right now, but I promise to come to the owlery this afternoon and make it up to you." He shook his feathers in a show of annoyance before swooping back out the window, which Hermione quickly pulled shut behind him. She settled herself into the middle of the bed and read:

Hermione,

As always, I was pleased to hear from you. Your letter could not have come at a better time. Our keeper was injured in a match last week, and we have no replacement. My teammates all agree Ron would be a good solution. Please extend our invitation for him to join us as soon as possible.

~Viktor

That was it then. Ron would get the chance to live out his dream of playing professional quidditch, and he would be leaving Hogwarts for good, probably within a matter of hours. A large part of her would miss seeing him everyday, but mainly she was happy for him. She also hoped the news would override any urge he had to try and win her back.

The sun was just peeking through her window, leaving her no option of going back to sleep, so she gathered her bathing essentials, and slipped into the bathroom. She locked the door leading to Ron's room, just in case, before disrobing. The hot water and bath salts eased tension she hadn't realized she was carrying. It was exactly what she needed to clear her mind of everything that had happened since coming back to school, and what needed to happen yet that day.

Her relaxation was so complete she nearly jumped out of the tub when she heard a soft knock coming from Ron's door. "Hermione?... When you're done... no rush, but when you're done... I'd like to have a shower." His voice was raspy, confirming Harry's claim that he'd been crying the night before. In fact, it sounded as if he still might be.

Hermione hated that she was the source of his sadness, but couldn't let his emotional reactions sway her resolve. She tried to sound compassionate as she answered, "I'm nearly done. I'll give you a knock when I'm finished." He didn't respond, but she heard footsteps retreating into his room, presumably back to the bed.

Rather than getting out immediately, she remained lying in the tub as the water drained. Only after the finals drops swirled into the drain did she climb out. She tucked the towel around her and gave Ron the signal, then hurried to her room.

Both showers were running when Hermione exited her room. The cottage below was empty. She thought for a moment about sneaking out in order to avoid Ron again, but knew it would only make things worse. He already knew she was up and that she was there. Plus, now that she had Viktor's news in her back pocket, hopefully the conversation would be less uncomfortable.

Hermione walked into the kitchen and wrote 1 dozen eggs, cheddar cheese, mushrooms, green peppers and bacon on the parchment. A moment later, all the ingredients for her favorite omelet appeared on the counter. Cooking was a hobby that completely relaxed her. As she placed the worn skillet on the burner, she breathed out all the dread she felt about the inevitable confrontation with Ron. The familiar sizzle of bacon hitting hot pan felt like home, warming Hermione from the inside out.

"Don't tell me you're trying to show me up, Granger." His voice startled her, and her head jerked up to see him leaning against the banister, watching her.

A smirk tugged at the corners of her lips as she teased, "You didn't think you're the only one who knows their way around a kitchen, now did you, Malfoy?"

He made his way down the stairs as he replied, "I kind of hoped that was the case. At least then, there would have been two things at which I could beat you without too much effort." His eyes cut through her as he took a seat at the counter. "But, nooooo. Of course you can cook." He sighed in mock exasperation. "Just don't tell me you learned how to fly over the summer."

She chuckled, but didn't look up from the cutting board where she was chopping green peppers. "Nope. Flying is all you. I can guarantee... you will always be better than me on a broom."

A door creaked open at the top of the stairs, and Hermione once again remembered the conversation she did not want to have, but her eyes drifted up to meet Ron's anyway. "Good morning, Ron."

"Good morning, Hermione." His voice cracked and she had to look away. "Malfoy." Ron acknowledged their housemate, but could manage nothing more for him.

"Ron." The blonde's greeting mirrored the one he had received. Draco knew his presence was hard enough for Ron to handle, he didn't want to make it any worse, by trying to engage in any small talk.

Hermione continued chopping and stirring, hoping Ron would simply have a seat and save their personal business for later, but it was obvious he had waited as long as he could physically stand to wait. "Can we talk?"

She could feel him standing next to her, but couldn't bring herself to look at him. Rather, she glanced, desperately at Draco, careful to do so under her lashes so Ron wouldn't notice. Without saying word, he knew what she was asking. He took her place at the skillet while she led Ron out of the room.

Hermione walked straight through the study and into the replica common room. There was no fire, so it was colder than the rest of the cottage, but she was too focused on what she needed to say and do to notice. Rather than sit and get comfortable, she remained standing, turning to face her best friend only when she was in the center of the room. Tears poured silently down his cheeks. All her instincts told her to go hold him, but she knew that he would interpret that incorrectly, so she stood firm, her arms cross in front of her.

"Hermione, I..." He couldn't finish. A look of desperation and confusion swam in his eyes, pleading with her to give him another chance.

It broke her heart to see him in such a condition, but she couldn't allow his emotions to get the better of her. Taking him back would only cause more pain down the road. She searched for the right words to get through to him. "Ron... I know this is hard for you to understand, but it is for the best. If we let this relationship continue, we'd end up resenting each other eventually, and I couldn't live with that. I care too much for our friendship to let that happen."

"But I love you, Hermione." His voice was raised. He wasn't trying to shout, but his emotional state didn't allow him to speak in a normal tone. "I thought you loved me too!"

"I do love you, but not in the way you want me to. I love you the same way I've always loved you... as my best friend. There was a time when I thought it was more than that, but its never been enough more." The words weren't coming out right, and she could tell they were hurting him more, rather than making things clear.

"We can get there." He walked toward her, stopping at arms' length. "I know we can. If we just give it some more time..."

"No, Ron. The only thing time will do is make this harder. The longer we indulge the fantasy, the more painful it will be when we have to face reality." She was resolute. "Please try to see that."

"Is it me? Is it something I did? I'll change. Just tell me, and I'll change!"

"That's just it. I don't want you to change. I love you, as my friend, just the way you are. But I need something else from the man I am going to marry. I'm not interested in dating just for the sake of dating or having a good time. I am looking for someone to spend the rest of my life with. Someone who doesn't have to change to give me what I need." After her hurtful honesty, she softened. "You deserve the same. You deserve someone who accepts you and loves you for exactly who you are. You are an amazing man. You're kind and brave and loyal and funny, and I love all those things about you, but when it comes to what we want out of life, our paths are too different. You thrive in the spotlight, and I can't stand it. You're motivated by awards and acknowledgements, and I would rather just do what needs to be done regardless of who sees it or notices it. Neither of these paths are wrong, they just aren't close to each other."

His sobbing had slowed and he raised his head to look at her. In her eyes, he saw love, but she was right... it wasn't the kind of love he saw when his parents looked at each other, or even when Harry and Ginny looked at each other. For the first time, he understood what she had been trying to tell him. It hurt because he didn't feel the same way, but he could never ask her to change for him. "I understand, Hermione. I'm not in the same place as you on this, but I understand what you are saying."

A relieved but reserved smile spread across her face. "I'll always think of you as my best friend. This doesn't change that. I hope you feel the same."

"I don't know how I feel, to be honest. I need some time to work through what we will look like now. I know that I don't want to lose you, but I'm not sure I can go back to the way we were."

She appreciated his honesty. "That's fair. I'll leave the next move up to you, just know I'm here for you whenever you want or need me to be."

"Ok." He nodded his head absentmindedly, while staring at the floor.

Hermione clutched the note from Viktor in her pocket, unsure if this would be the right time to bring it up, finally deciding it could only make things easier for him. "Ron?"

He looked up at her, "Yeah, Hermione?"

"There's one other thing... I got a response from Viktor this morning." She handed him the parchment.

His eyes widened as he read. "Is this for real?"

"Yes. The Bulgarian team wants you." She smiled, genuinely happy for him.

His excitement was only slightly dimmed by their previous conversation as he said, "I guess everything worked out how it was supposed to, then. Long-distance relationships never work anyway."

"I guess so." She nodded.

They stood in silence, the portraits all politely pretending to be asleep, although Hermione was sure she saw Fred peek at them several times. "I assume you'll be informing Professor McGonagall of your intention to leave school."

"Yeah, yeah..." His mind was racing, going over all he had to do in such a short amount of time. "They want me to come as soon as possible..." He looked at Hermione, suddenly realizing these would be his last moments at Hogwarts. "I thought I was ready to leave, but now that its actually happening, I think I'm going to miss this place."

"As it will miss you, Mr. Weasley." The former headmaster's voice caught them off guard. He was smiling at them over his spectacles. "But Hogwarts is simply a stepping stone on the path of your life. You are intended for greater things. And you are ready to achieve them."

Ron beamed at the aged wizard's portrait. "Thank you, Professor." Excitement radiated from him, his failed relationship fading quickly into the midst of future possibilities.

"But, Miss Granger is correct." Dumbledore's knowing voice, once again, permeated the room. "You'd better tell Minerva sooner rather than later. She'll not be happy if students other than your housemates know before she does."

"I'll go right now." Ron seemed to have forgotten Hermione was even in the room with him as he charged out.

"Miss Granger," Hermione could tell from the change in his tone that he was about to ask something he already knew the answer to.

"Yes, Professor."

"How are things between you and Mr. Malfoy?" His eyes twinkled knowingly.

"I have a feeling you know exactly how things are." Her answer was met with a mischievous grin. "Since the day I stepped foot in this castle, no event has occurred of which you were not aware. However, I am happy to answer your question in case this single incident slipped your ever vigilant eye. Last night, Draco told me of his alliance with Professor Snape, and we are on friendly terms."

"I'm glad to hear that, my dear. Glad indeed." He winked at her as she bid him good day.

Hermione's stomach growled as she walked through the study, reminding her of the omelet she never got to eat. Harry and Draco were sitting at the counter, engaged in what seemed to be a pleasant conversation. It made her smile to see them getting on so well. Neither of them noticed her enter the room, and they both jumped when she spoke just inches behind them. "Is there any left for me?"

"For heaven's sake, Hermione. Its not nice to sneak up on people like that." Harry stammered.

"Yeah, that's the second time in three days you've nearly given me a heart attack." Draco added.

"Apparently you're just an easy target." Hermione teased, playfully nudging his shoulder. Her casual touch sent shivers through his body. Their eyes connected and they got lost in each other. Hermione shook free, turning her gaze to examine the kitchen counter, "So did you save me some food, or not?" hoping Harry hadn't noticed the moment of intensity between her and Draco.

"We didn't know how long you'd be, so we just left enough ingredients to make another omelet rather than have one for you sitting out and getting cold." Draco replied, careful to avoid looking at either of his housemates.

"Thanks." Hermione entered the kitchen, and began preparing herself breakfast once again.

"Ron rushed out of here in a hurry, said something about needing to meet with McGonagall." Harry tread lightly, hoping she would feel comfortable discussing the situation in front of Draco.

She stopped chopping and looked to her best friend. "Yeah. I got a response from Viktor. They want him on the team. He'll be leaving for Bulgaria today, most likely." Her eyes dropped back to the cutting board.

"So, the two of you are good, then?" Harry asked tentatively.

"Yes." She couldn't fully hide the twinge of pain in her voice as she continued, "as soon as he heard about Viktor's offer, his mood brightened." Breaking up was what she'd wanted, but that didn't make it hurt any less when Ron so easily moved on.