A/N: I'm incredibly sorry about the delay in updates. I had computer problems and wasn't able to post. Thankfully, the problem is fixed. So on with the story. And thanks to everyone who's been reading. And thanks to Mischa Rowe, DepressionInTheFles, and greatEXpectationz for the reviews. Okay, enough from me. Happy Reading.

Forget Me Not

Chapter 16: Wishing We Were

Two weeks and four days had passed since that night when I left him standing alone in that corridor. I half-expected him to follow after me or confront me again within that time period. But he didn't. Instead for eighteen days we had absolutely no contact as we went about our regular schedules. During those days, I spent every conscious effort trying to keep him out of my mind by distracting myself with other tasks. Since I wasn't satisfied with the information I had already learned, my main priority had become learning everything about Horcruxes. Without a distraction, I was able to devote more time to research.

Unfortunately, the beginning of my search wasn't very fruitful. I spoke Dumbledore about it, and then he gave me a book that he thought would help. In his office, hidden amongst many other books, was a book called Secrets of the Darkest Arts. Dumbledore said that the book was once housed in the Restricted Section, but it still wasn't safe amongst those books. So to keep others from finding it, he hid it in his office.I felt uneasy about reading the book, but I knew it was necessary. So, I quickly returned to my room where I began studying its contents.

I hated the vile work, but it kept me focused and motivated during my spare time. My eyes were constantly fixed to that book the same way Harry was attached to his potions text. Ron thought that we were both mental to be so taken with "words in tattered books." He didn't whine about it much, though. He knew that the text was keeping my mind off of a certain person.

My friends also helped me keep my mind busy. That book and my schoolwork consumed most of my time, but I still managed to find time to spend with them, especially Ginny. I regretted not spending time with her. Every now and again we would find time to catch up, but during the past two weeks I'd been spending a lot of time with her. The research and my male counterparts may have been welcomed relief, but Ginny was the balance I needed to get me through the difficult time. I still didn't share my secrets with her, yet her company helped me more than I could've hoped.

We had just been sitting in my room talking. Ginny looked at the time and realized she had to leave. Apparently, she still went to Slughorn's meetings. I said goodbye to her before going to lie on my bed. I sighed and threw my head back onto my pillow and looked up at the ceiling. This was one of the rare moments I kept myself company. I loved to find solace in my room since it was one of the few places I was able to escape his gaze. It bothered me to no end when I sat in class and felt his eyes on me or saw him staring if I happened to look around the room. I'd glare at him, but his saddened expression would never change. I wished he'd drop the act. I found out the truth, so there was no reason to try to maintain the charade.

I exhaled and closed my eyes. I repeatedly told myself not to think about that lying snake, so I wouldn't. Instead I'd distance myself and my mind with other tasks. I got off of my bed and left to take a quick shower before I began my work. I set up my work over my desk, and then I had a seat. About an hour passed while I remained in my room alone. I was surprised when the door burst open and sobs assaulted my ears. I felt my features change to show my confusion as I turned to see the problem. Lavender was terribly upset; her face was red, her eyes were puffy and teary, and her breath hitched with every sob. I still sat at my desk confused as she ignored my presence while she stormed into the room and over to her bed. I watched her collapse face first onto her violet bedding.

She cried into her bedspread, but the fabric didn't muffle the sound completely. I debated going over to see what was wrong with the girl, but I felt it unnecessary when one of her best friends, Parvati Patil, came in and sat on her bed beside her. She gently rubbed her back and tried to calm her by uttering consoling phrases. I watched the display a few more moments before speaking.

"What's the matter with her?"

Parvati looked up at me and shrugged before answering, "I don't know she stormed into the common room like this. I slowed her down to ask her about it, but she couldn't give me a clear answer."

"Oh," I didn't know what to do in this situation; especially since I didn't know what was wrong with her. Ginny occasionally comes to me for help in her relationships, and she claims I do a good job helping her through her problems. I'm confident enough that if I know what's wrong that I'd be able to help her however I'm able.

Lavender shifted slightly suddenly and then spat angrily while her voice broke, "He broke up with me and it's your fault!"

My eyes widened at her outburst. "What?" Parvati looked between the two of us. I stayed still and thought about what she had just said. What the hell was she talking about? Why would her breakup be my fault?

I tried to listen as she incoherently babbled onto her best friend's lap. I wondered if she understood the crying girl; I sure couldn't.

"Hermione, can you give us some space?"

I didn't feel compelled to leave my own room, but the crying was beginning to bother me. So, I nodded and packed a few books before heading into the common room. Down in our shared space, there were no available seats. I sighed and hated the fact that I'd have to trek further to find another place of solace.

I carried my bag through the hall and decided between going to the Room of Requirement, which was closer and would allow more privacy, or my sanctuary that is the library, which will be filled with other people and disturbances.

Not in the mood for travelling to the library, I headed to the Room of Requirement. Unfortunately, I was unable to enter because someone was already in there. I considered the possibilities of who was occupying the space and didn't like my guesses; I quickly left before I had the chance to find out.

I headed down the hall to the secret passage that leads to the fourth floor corridor close to the library. Thankfully, my favorite place wasn't as crowded as I thought. There were a few people spread about the study section, mostly Ravenclaws, but I didn't intend to sit up there anyway. I headed to one of the tables on the lower level of the library. No one came back to this section often and the amount of dust on the old tomes attested to my statement.

I spread my books out in the same order they were in back on the desk in my dorm room. I began completing my assignments for the week.

For awhile I remained in the library alone and managed to finish all of my Ancient Runes work and two upcoming papers. My concentration was shattered when one of my best friends found me and disturbed me. Ron sat beside me with a wide smile on his face. "Hey, 'Mione." I managed a weak smile and turned back to my potions text. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Have you?" I asked dismissively while I flipped the page.

"I should've figured you'd be here." I resisted the urge to glare at him then.

"Well, I would have been in my room if one of my roommates didn't come back crying her eyes out." Ron noticeably tensed beside me and his smile disappeared.

"Lavender?" I nodded before turning fully around to face him.

"Now why does she think I'm responsible for the two of you breaking up?"

"I-I d-don't… I-I-I…" He shrugged as he finished, "Who kn-knows?" I noticed his breathing rate increased; I wondered why, but I didn't mention it.

I decided to change the topic. "Why were you looking for me?" His gaze rapidly shifted around the small space. I was unable to hold back an annoyed sigh. Ron took a deep breath as if to regain his composure before letting out a nervous laugh.

"No r-reason r-really. I was just—I wanted to check on you." He quickly got to his feet. "And now I see that you're fine. So I'll leave you alone and let you get back to your work." I didn't have time to respond because he was out of the aisle before I opened my mouth to speak. I looked at the spot next to the bookshelf where he had just been. I shook my head from side to side before turning back to finish my work.

After his odd interruption, I worked for another half hour before packing up my stuff and heading back to my dorm. I reached my work quota for the day, so I headed back to the Gryffindor tower to take a steamy shower before I went down to dinner.

When I returned to my room afterwards, Lavender was still crying hysterically on her bed. Parvati had returned from dinner and must have asked one of the house-elves to bring something up for her friend. Now she sat on the edge of Lavender's bed trying to get her to eat; Lavender refused. I shook my head before grabbing a book. I hurried out and headed below to the common room.

I was thankful there weren't many people, leaving plenty of places to sit. I took a seat on the couch and stretched out after removing my shoes. For awhile I stayed there lost in one of the Muggle books I brought along, and then Harry came through the portrait hole.

My best friend headed towards me. I let my feet swing over as I sat up straight; Harry took a seat beside me. We greeted each other before I continued reading.

"Draco spoke to me today," Harry said after a few moments passed. His mention of that Ferret upset me, but I didn't take my eyes off of the book I was reading.

"Why is that my concern?"

"He told me about what happened over the break."

"Did he tell you about his conversation with Voldemort about using me?"

"Hermione—"

I shook my head and laughed mirthlessly, "I can't believe I was that stupid to believe him."

Harry remained silent for a moment before commenting, "It's not your fault, Hermione." He wrapped his arms around me and held me while he tried to console me, "Don't blame yourself for your feelings."

"But, Harry…"

"You couldn't possibly know what was on his mind." I tried to utter words of protest, but he cut me off. "Besides, as much as I hate to say this, he may have been telling the truth. After all, he did come to me on his own."

"What'd he tell you?" I hadn't spoken in depth with him about his time at the Manor; so anything he now said would be news to me.

"He'd said that he mentioned a bit to you, but nothing in depth. He told me that Bellatrix and Voldemort left to go to on a mission. He couldn't hear them clearly enough to understand everything, but he heard plenty to get an idea. Based on what he told me, I think Voldemort wants Bellatrix to protect one of his Horcruxes and retrieve another." Harry sure couldn't give a clear explanation. I don't trust whatever that Slytherin told him, but it'd be nice to actually know the relayed information instead of his conclusion of it.

"What exactly did he tell you?"

"He said that Voldemort sent Bellatrix to Gringotts and instructed her to meet him at a cave after she was finished."

"Is that all? A bank and a cave? You have nothing more reliable to go on?" He gripped my shoulders, pulled me away from him, and then gave me a quizzical look.

"It's at least something to go on, Hermione. And before you wouldn't have thought twice about anything he gave up. Didn't he willingly return home with the intent to gather information for us?" I shrugged my shoulders. "He's not my favorite person, but I think he has shown that he's trustworthy."

"Don't be foolish, Harry. You were right before. Don't let his false report give you hope."

Harry sighed and lowered his arms after releasing mine. "I think it's at least worth checking out. I talked to Dumbledore about it already, and he thinks he may know of the cave. We're going to check it out next weekend.''

"You're both wasting your time," I said before standing up. I closed my book while marking my place and then headed towards my room. I had enough of this ridiculous conversation with him. I'd rather listen to Lavender's weeping.

Sunday afternoon Harry left to meet with Dumbledore about the plans for the following weekend. Apparently, they insisted upon completing the insane task of going to the cave that allegedly held a Horcrux. I had originally planned staying in my room until Harry returned from his meeting, but Lavender was annoying me to no end. She went from crying to whining, and she tried to make accusations against me. I had enough of it and needed to get out of my room. As I travelled from my room to Harry's, I thought about the joys of having my own room next year when I became Head Girl. I wasn't being presumptuous; it was a fact at this point that I had earned the position. With a smile still on my face, I knocked on the door and waited for Ron to answer. I didn't want to just barge in on him.

Ron opened the wooden door quicker than I thought he would have. Actually, I thought he'd just yell and tell me to come in as he always did. "Hi, 'Mione," he greeted sheepishly before stepping aside. I gave him a quizzical look as I stepped in.

"Hi, Ron." I headed further into the room and took a seat on the windowsill between their two beds. For about ten, maybe fifteen, minutes, I sat there staring out at the beautifully colored sky and watched the sun set. I heard Ron rustling before his footsteps resounded through the quiet room.

"I'm glad you realized the truth before it was too late," Ron said while he seated himself beside me.

"What are you talking about, Ron?" I finally responded after turning away from gazing out of the window.

"You did the right thing by not trusting him."

"I'm only sorry I didn't listen to you sooner."

"It doesn't matter anymore," He wrapped an arm around me; I smiled and laid my head on his shoulder. "And… I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"The way I've been treating you since this whole thing started."

"I'm to blame, too. I was being difficult when you and Harry were only trying to look out for me."

"So we've all made mistakes. Can we just go back to the way things were before?" He entwined the fingers of his free hand with my own. I looked up and saw the hopeful gleam in his eye. I pulled my hand from his and stood up; I had to put distance between us. "'Mione?" I've always hated that nickname, and now it really upset me.

I took a couple steps back and looked at one of my oldest friends as he remained seated on the windowsill with a hurt look on his face. I blinked a couple of times and thought about what he'd just suggested. He just broke up with his girlfriend two days ago, not to mention my current predicament. Was he really that thick? Did he really believe I'd willingly jump into another relationship? And so soon? Not bloody likely.

"Ron, I—"

He quickly stood and interrupted me, "I don't need an answer now." His speech was rushed, but I still understood him. "I-I… I just…" he stopped to take a breath, "I've wanted to tell you for a while now. I needed you to know." I can honestly say this is the first time Ronald Weasley has ever left me completely speechless. By now he was standing directly in front of me; I felt compelled to act in some way, any way, but I was unable.

Harry saved me the trouble when he entered the room, "Ron? Hermione?" Ron lowered his head and took a step back from me. I shook my head to clear my thoughts before putting more space between us. I had a seat on Harry's bed while he crossed the room to come join us. "Umm… well…" he cleared his throat. "So we've finished making the plans. Friday evening after dinner we'll be heading there." He paused as if he were waiting for one of us to protest; neither of us uttered one word. "Did something happen?"

"NO!" we both blurted, startling Harry a bit.

"All right." He looked between the two of us and I wondered what thoughts were running through his head.

I glanced over at Ron. He was leaning against the bed while fidgeting with his hands. I turned my head away from him and looked down at a spot on the floor. Harry began speaking to further explain his mission. I hardly listened to him. Mostly, I remained lost in thought, connecting the dots revolving around Ron's confession and his past actions. I should have realized sooner, but my mind was concerned with other matters.

Harry continued talking; something he said caught my attention. I lifted my head and turned to him. "What was that?" I asked and he ceased further explanation.

"Dumbledore will lift the anti-apparition jinx in the Astronomy tower. Only for a short while… until we return. It'll be up to you and a few others to make sure nothing happens while we're away. The professors will be doing rounds instead of prefects and Shacklebolt will be sending more Aurors. Hopefully, it'll be enough to withstand any attack that may happen while we're away."

"This can be a trap, Harry," I said after he finished. "Draco—" (I had difficulty speaking his name)"—he's told you what you needed to hear. He knows you are searching for the Horcruxes and has found a way to get you alone while leaving Hogwarts vulnerable. This has to be a trap."

"Hermione's right, Harry," Ron added.

"Nothing's going to go wrong. Dumbledore and I held Voldemort off at the Ministry—"

"Harry, this isn't the same," I interjected. "Voldemort may not be the only one there waiting for you. You and Dumbledore can't handle that many Death Eaters on your own."

"It's all we have. We have to take a chance if we plan to gain an advantage."

I shook my head and stood. I walked over to my younger friend and looked up into his emerald green eyes. "Harry, we'll figure something else out. Don't do this."

"I have to do this…" I let out a frustrated sigh and moved past him. As I walked out of his room, I wondered why I was cursed with such stubborn men. None of them seem to have the ability to listen to reason. I shook my head and dismissed the thoughts. My mind didn't need extra worries, but it appeared that it was destined to be burdened by them.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed this, and thanks for reading.