They hadn't gone any farther that night. Sure they snogged on the couch for a long time – a long, long time – but Hermione wanted to convince herself that this was an honest-to-goodness relationship, and there was no way she could do that if she slept with him the "first time" they kissed. She was going to forget what had happened on her birthday, and in the broom cupboard, because they no longer mattered. So they no longer existed to her.
So, right. No sex, not yet.
But Lavender's Third Date Rule had certainly come in handy.
Ron ended up having to "work late" a lot in the next month, but Lavender never seemed to notice. Ron would go to Hermione's flat; they would eat dinner, and then just spend time together. The first few times were a little stilted. They had never spent time together, doing average things, as a couple, and were at a loss for what to do since they had such different tastes. They actually ended up playing a lot of wizard's chess, which turned into betting for secrets, which turned into betting for kisses, which turned into betting for pieces of clothing.
Hermione had such a fondness for the game.
Even though she lost almost every single time.
Although she found after losing a few games, she would slowly start to win, as Ron's concentration was drawn…elsewhere.
For the first time in a long time, Hermione could easily admit that she was happy. She couldn't help but wish that she and Ron could go out together, but the fame they both still had from the war made it impossible. So she would take what she could get, for however long she could have it.
She found that difficult to remember, though, whenever she was with Lavender. Her best friend's gullibility made Hermione's heart twist painfully.
"Ron was working late again last night. I swear, he had better be getting a raise or promotion soon. He works so hard."
Hermione and Lavender were out shopping for Save the Date cards for the wedding. The irony was enough to keep Hermione's guilt tampered down after Lavender's quip about Ron's work ethic.
"What do you think about these, Lavender? They're elegant and pretty."
"No. They're too simple. I want something eye-catching, something no one else will have."
Hermione mentally sighed. "They're just Save the Dates, Lav. You don't need to blow the bank before the actual wedding. And these aren't even the actual invitations. You don't know the color scheme or the theme you want for the wedding yet. I wouldn't put too much thought into this."
Lavender just huffed and continued sorting through the cards. After a few minutes of silence, she spoke. "Hermione? I have to tell you something. I've been trying all afternoon to… get it off my chest."
Hermione froze. "Oh, yeah? What about?"
Lavender made eye contact with Hermione before looking back at the cards. "How have things been between you and Seamus?"
Hermione frowned. This was not the direction she was expecting. "Alright, I suppose." In actuality, there was nothing between her and Seamus anymore. He had sent her a few letters, asking for another date, but she had deflected them, saying she was busy with work.
Lavender looked nervous. "Well, here's the thing." She stopped again before turning toward Hermione fully. "I slept with him."
Hermione's mouth gaped open. If there was one thing in the world that she hadn't expected Lavender to say, this was it. She couldn't form a response.
"Hermione, I'm so sorry. I know you like him, but it was just the one time, I promise."
"When?"
"After our dance lessons. Do you remember at your birthday when Ron wouldn't dance with me? Well I actually did go find Seamus. We caught up, and he just wanted to talk a bit more. So I told Ron I was meeting some friends from work, but Seamus and I met for drinks. We got drunk, and I just couldn't stop myself. I'm so, so, sorry."
In a flash, Hermione remembered Seamus' parting words after she had first asked him out: "Love to. Go out with you, that is. I'll owl you? I'm late." Apparently, late for drinks with Lavender.
"Then why did you push him on me? You kept going on about how much he had changed and how I didn't know the real him anymore. You said he had asked you to set me up with him!" Hermione had absolutely no right to be hurt. She had decided long before she and Ron had even gotten together that she didn't like Seamus in that way. With good reason, it seemed. What kind of sleazeball sleeps with a girl and then kisses the girl's best friend on a Ferris Wheel four nights later?
"Hermione, I swear he did. And he has grown up, hasn't he? We agreed that night that it wouldn't happen again, and when I found out that he had started dating you, I swore to myself I would tell you. I'm so sorry that it took me this long to admit it, but I was scared of how you would react. I hope it doesn't ruin our friendship."
Hermione had to get out of there. She was going to start crying. The guilt was choking her- she couldn't bear the sincerity in Lavender's voice. "It's fine, Lav." She rushed out of the store, hearing Lavender call her name. She Apparated to her apartment and collapsed onto the couch, putting her head in her hands. Unfortunately, her best friend knew just where to find her, and Lavender appeared in a heartbeat, desperation on her face.
"Hermione, I'm sorry. If you can never forgive me, I understand. But please, I am begging you. Please, don't tell Ron. I can never apologize enough, but I love him, and I don't want to lose him because of one stupid mistake that will never ever happen again. Please."
Oh God, now she felt worse. She stood and gave Lavender a hug, which was quickly returned. "It's okay. Don't worry. I forgive you- I know all about stupid mistakes. Technically Seamus and I weren't even dating yet, so don't worry yourself to death that I feel betrayed. I'm a little hurt, but it's more Seamus' fault then yours. I won't say anything to Ron. I promise."
Lavender started crying. "Hermione, you are my best friend in the whole world. I am so sorry." Together, they fell onto the sofa, arms still around the other, heads touching.
"I know."
She woke up the next morning to Lavender sighing and cuddling with more of the blanket. She had demanded a sleepover after the two had calmed down. "It'll be just like we're back at Hogwarts. Come on, please?"
Hermione didn't have the strength to deny Lavender anything. This had to end. She couldn't do this to Lavender anymore. She was going to break it off with Ron. Tonight. It was Halloween and a bunch of people were going to the Leaky to celebrate. She would do it there. He wouldn't be able to convince her to change her mind as long as they were in public. And as long as she avoided broom cupboards.
She would never tell Lavender. Hermione didn't care about Seamus. It didn't hurt to find out that Lav had slept with him. It would kill Lavender to find out about what Hermione had done.
"Mmm… Hermione? You awake?" Lavender mumbled before opening her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm awake."
Lavender smiled. "Thanks for letting me sleep over."
"Anytime."
"Last night really reminded me of school. It made me appreciate how we've never lost touch." Lavender rolled to her side to look at Hermione. "Did you know I haven't even seen Parvarti in a year?"
"Really?"
"Yeah." She rolled back onto her back. "Promise we'll never be like that?"
"Promise."
Author's Note: I don't think I've been portraying the Hermione/Lavender friendship enough until now. We've seen the slightly bitchy side of Lavender- nothing new, we can see that in almost any Lavender/Ron - Ron/Hermione fanfic. But in this story, these two girls have practically grown up together. Hermione is used to Lavender's faults, and Lavender, yes, does take advantage of Hermione sometimes, but loves her all the same. The whole point of the conflict is Hermione deciding which she values more: Lavender's friendship or Ron's love, and I think it's been a little one-sided until now. McEs
P.S. Shameless plug - I finished a new one-shot late last night, but I must have literally submitted it a minute before Aug 16 became Aug 17, so I'm pretty sure it's piled under a bunch of new submissions from today. If you could check it out and let me know what you think, I'd appreciate it!