So that was it, the truth. Ron realised that this was the reason she was so upset. Carrying around these feelings was no mere feat, and he was not surprised that she couldn't that it anymore.
He moved forward to hug her again but was stopped suddenly by her words.
"Don't. Touch. Me." Hermione snarled icily.
Taken aback by her sudden ferocity, he took a few panicky steps back before he realised that this was the time Hermione needed him most. She was alone, upset and weak. Although he rather face Fluffy again, he bravely hugged her and heard her cry once more.
As she sobbed her heart out into Ron's robes, Hermione realised that she has a terrible mixture of feelings. She, of course, felt weak because she has just poured out her heart; fear, because she knew that he would never feel the same and she really did not want to be hurt again, though she doubted she would ever be able to do anything about it if he really does, hurt her again. But she was also strangely happy, because she was in the warm embrace of the boy she loves, but then it saddened her a great deal when she realised that this, in fact, was a hug goodbye.
"Hermione, I like you too." whispered Ron softly. Not daring to believe what she heard, Hermione continued crying. In her years at Hogwarts, only two boys had broken her heart, but neither one of them as cruel or as arrogant as this one. He was toying with her! She realised in an angry flash.
But suddenly, soft warm hands grabbed her chin and she felt her face being lifted out again. Their eyes met and she was stunned to see that Ron was tearing too. Her eyes widened with happiness and hope because that would mean-
"Yes, Hermione, I wasn't lying," Ron confirmed. "I've always liked you." And this time he buried his face in her bushy brown hair and choked, "I just don't want to lose you."
Hermione's heart practically sang with happiness.