A/N: once again, I am so very sorry for getting this up so bloody late! Busy packing more stuff... open houses... oi, it has limited my time to buckle down and write something for you lot! But aside from that, I'm glad you all agree that her friends are annoying gits, that's exactly what I'm trying to do! As always, thanks so much for reviewing and following you all ROCK!

I can't say how many times I've rewritten this... I was going to skip the dinner, but it didn't work. For four days I couldn't figure out how to progress, so I decided to do right after the last chapter left off.

It's a long one too... wow!

**WARNING** mild language at the end.

Chapter 13

"Hermione?"

I felt pressure on my hand like a vice. I flinch and pull away to stare over at Ginny.

"What did you want to eat?"

Eat?

I notice that Harry and Ron are staring at me as well.

Oh right... dinner. I stare at the food listings and frown. I'm... no longer hungry. In fact I want to leave. The air around me is so stuffy

Ron's smiling at me, and I feel that unfamiliar tug in my stomach. Butterflies maybe? I quickly turn away from him. No... I don't want to feel anything toward him... not... not when Draco confessed his love for me.

The words that should have filled my heart up with joy and make my skin tingle. The same way they did when I stood next to him in my shop and took in his scent. The one I can still smell even now... the crisp and woodsy scent... like a forest.

I busy my hands my taking a hold of the glass for another sip of water. Brilliant, I'm starting to feel rather warm just by the thought of it. Of him.

I've seen and felt what can happen between us. So strong... and powerful. A love that once belonged to Ron... but with it returned, makes it feel so out-of-place. Sure there isn't a bond anymore, but I do feel connected. It's... disheartening really, the more I think about it. I was told I would remain platonic.

"I'm sorry, I'm leaving" I lick my lips and then stood up, shrugging on my coat and picking up my purse.

Ginny reaches over, stopping my movements, "Whoa, wait a second Hermione..."

"Don't." I say, shrugging her off me, "I can't do this. I'm sorry. I'm sure whatever news you two have is great... but I... um..."

I can feel Ron's eyes on me. He looks sad, all of them do, actually, but I...

"I just cannot be here." voicing my thoughts and then drop my head down, ashamed of the pain I caused to him. A pain... I sort of feel myself.

"Wait just a second, Hermione it's-" I pull away from his outstretched hand.

"Please, stop. I'm sorry, really and truly I am."

For what I've done... for what I'm doing...

Tightening my jacket up I make a break for the door.

I don't even know where I am going, only that I need to get out of there... I need some quiet time... some time to think.

I'm half-way toward the Apparition Point when someone else calls for me.

I turn and see Lavender and Seamus making their way over to me.

"Hermione! I thought that was you! What are you doing over here? I thought your reservation was for eight? Wait a minute, are those tears?"

Tears?

I put my hand to my face, finding some wetness there. I was crying?

Lavender sighed, "Ronald being the usual annoying prat is he?"

"I... I..."

I really didn't want to discuss it. Not when Seamus... knows different. I find myself blushing. Thank God it is already dark out.

"Well then I know just the perfect remedy for that! Don't we Seamus?"

"We... do?"

Lavender nodded enthusiastically, "Instead of dinner, why don't we head off to a club? You know, it being Friday and everything... it'll be a great way to just... let loose you know? What do you say Hermione? Care to have a wild evening at The Jagged-Edge?"

The last time I was at a Wizarding Club... had been in a dream when it was my hen's night. I felt another tug in my stomach from the memory of Draco's protectiveness...

"I don't think she wants-" Seamus began.

"Actually... I'd love to"

At least this way these two already know about Draco and myself... it'll serve as less pressure...

"I'll just tell my Mum I'll be home later and then we'll be off..."

After speaking with Mum, and we checked in, I turned off my phone and then transfigured my purse into a belt, then pocketed my wand for safe keeping.

"Good thinking!" Lavender giggled as she transfigured her purse into bracelets. She linked her arm with mine, "Now let's go get pissed!"

"Lavender," Seamus warns, but Lavender just dismissed him.

"Oh don't give me that. Hermione needs this what with the week she had!"

Isn't that the truth... but I don't fancy myself getting actually drunk.

"And then you can bunk over at our place! How does that sound?"

I smile politely and then allow Lavender to carter myself over to the bar, as Seamus followed.

I already feel like a third wheel, never mind the fact, they only have the one bedroom in their place... and the prospect of being a voyeur to their randy drunk sex? I don't think so.

"What's this?" Lavender hissed, gesturing to my drink. "You've been nursing that one for about an hour now!"

"Lavender..." Seamus sighs, paying our tab for the food.

Dinner with them was nice. No pressure, pleasant conversation... but I couldn't just have him pay for me.

"Oh here, I'll pay-"

Seamus puts his hand on my wrist, stopping me from getting my wand, "There will be none of that Hermione, it is my treat"

"But I'm-"

"Just think of it as an apology for nearly interrupting an intimate moment with your boyfriend," Lavender grins, with a wink, "Now let's go dancing!"

"Draco's not...I mean..."

I find myself hot around the collar once again as Seamus refuses to meet my eyes.

"Never mind, dancing sounds wonderful..." I proceed to down the rest of my drink in one go. Lavender cheers and then takes my hand, taking me to the dance floor.

I don't know much time has passed... only that I've danced for ages my legs are about to fall off, and the drinks... did not stop coming. Lavender ordered this fruity drink for me, telling me it has minimal alcohol, so I wouldn't get pissed from it. However, with the light buzz in my head and the sudden blur of colours, I have a feeling Lavender tricked me.

Lavender giggles, "I wonder, Seamus, could you perhaps ring Malfoy for her? Tell him he's girl is all on her lonesome and would just love for some male companionship!"

"Lavender!" I shout smacking her arm. Although the alcohol has made me far too weak to actually inflict pain. "Draco doesn't even own a Muggle object like a mobile phone! Not that I am actually agreeing to an evening with him, because I'm totally not"

"Then let me say this again if I must...Malfoy's a great improvement from Ronald!" Lavender linked her arm around mine and rested her head on my shoulder. "Just think of all the adorable babies you can have together..."

Babies...?

"I'm on the potion," I say automatically, rubbing my stomach. The stuffy air is starting to make me ill. "I have no plans getting pregnant until after two marriages... I mean two years of marriage. At least... "

Marriage.

My mind falls back on the ring lying on the bottom of my chest of drawers... on Ron... and another unpleasant tug pulls at my stomach. I was so close to tossing him away to stay with Draco. To snub him and carry on my life with a former enemy. God that sounded like such a Slytherin thing to do!

I feel the tears starting to return.

The sad reality however, I can't see myself having Ron's children... but I can't see myself leaving him either.

And now that Draco loves me and not Pansy...

Lavender tightened her arms around my shoulders and beamed at Seamus, "Don't you agree with me, Seamus?"

Once again, I find myself guilty that Seamus is paying for our tab.

"Agree on what?"

"Why Hermione and Malfoy, silly!" she giggled. "After all you did see them shag!"

"Hey, uh that was an accident, honest!"

Seamus drops his head and frowns. I find myself growing incredibly hot around the cheeks.

"Um, I think I'm going to get some fresh air..." I mumble, pushing away from Lavender's grasp and making my way to the door.

Too much alcohol... too much thinking...

As I'm about to leave through the door, I'm met with someone coming in, colliding with me.

Pansy...

"Watch it, ugly," she hissed, moving passed me. Next came Daphne and then Theo, who stops and he gives me that half-smile, half-smirk.

"Fancy meeting you here,"

His eyes shift over to the side where I see Draco... he's... too busy adjusting his coat to notice anything.

"Hermione" Theo quickly adds, where Draco snaps his head over to meet my gaze.

"Not leaving are you?" Theo continues, "It's not even midnight!"

It's... strange, talking to him outside the hospital. But I'm too stunned to answer. I'm just staring at the two of them, and then Lavender has once again joined my side.

"Well what do we have here? We were just talking about you Malfoy!"

If my wand wasn't in my pocket, I would've hexed her.

"You know she even left Ron at dinner, so she could have an evening to herself instead! Course she had a bit too many and needs some air...and company,"

Yes. Definitely wanted to hex her now! Company? Is she serious?

Surprisingly, Draco keeps his face composed, but his hands remain fidgeting with his buttons.

"I was going to join her outside but I realize, you would be far better company than little ol me...oh! Hello uh, Theodore right? Come, let's chat. You see, my husband, Seamus, has this... habit of setting things on fire... I thought maybe you might help..."

Lavender gives me another grin, "Have fun you two" she whispers before she carts Theo away.

Again with the match-maker? Really want to hex her now.

I just shake my head, "I really need to get some fresh air... excuse me,"

I go to pass but Draco refuses to budge, "So... you were talking about me?"

I feel the heat returning to my cheeks, "Not like... what how want, I mean think... I mean how you think." I hate how I am too tongue-tied around him. I want to blame the alcohol... it made sense to blame it. But I know... it is just his proximity and my mixed emotions.

"Well... anyway, can you um... move?"

Between my heart wanting Ron and my mind not forgetting what happened between Draco and myself, really has me feeling rather torn. Like someone literally drew a line half way down my body, one side urging me to go one way, the safe way, the... comfortable way that is Ron Weasley, versus the unknown. The mysterious yet the same time, dangerous road. Leaving you frightened and unable to move, but draws you in any way. Like a drug. Taunting me to take it.

Draco loves me... just like Ron loves me...

The tears sting against my eyes.

"Sorry," I finally pushed him out of my way so I could leave and breathe.

The cool breeze brushes against my skin and immediately I feel ten times better. Inhaling slowly, I revel in the crisp air around me. Quelling the pixies in my stomach.

Then hands fall on to my shoulders.

"She said you jumped dinner..."

Draco...

I close my eyes, as his breath tickles the hair surrounding my ear.

"Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach isn't wise, love"

"I did eat," I say defensively, looking up to the stars, but not stepping away from his grasp. I've always liked being held.

Of course I didn't eat much, but I gather that's why the alcohol is hitting me quicker than I thought.

Wait a minute... he said... he called me... love!

I turn right around to face him. He's starting at me, disbelieving.

"Pub food is hardly what one would consider... good enough,"

And then he goes and acts like this. I guess he didn't realize he said it...

"Food is f-food, Draco... it doesn't matter what it is, just as l-long as you have some before y-you drown yourself in a-alcohol, which for the record, I d-did nothing of the s-sort!"

Oh bollocks, I'm starting to stutter... that's never a good thing. "Lavender tricked me!"

Draco squeezes my hand, "I can see your cheeks are rather flushed and you're stuttering your words, that's a fair sign you say you've had plenty...and where's your coat? Bloody hell woman, are you trying to catch a cold?"

I watch him shrug off his over coat and then drapes it over my shoulders.

"Let's get you home," he murmurs, fastening the buttons.

"Whoa, hold on, w-we can't just l-leave! We have people waiting f-for you!"

I'm surrounded my his woodsy scent once more and my legs grow weak. But I... I can't go, not with him... not now!

"We have people?"

"I... what?"

"It's what you said, and I quote, 'We have people waiting for you.'"

I groan, "Okay, you have people waiting for you. You know Theo... Daphne... Pansy"

Draco smirks at me, "Jealous?"

Annoyance.

That is how I feel right now. Really, extremely annoyed. Annoyed because of Lavender is why he is even here, and two, he is teasing me! I don't like it when I'm being teased... especially when I am not exactly strong-minded at the moment!

I clear my throat and narrow my eyes, "I'm not jealous! I didn't even sound jealous"

"Yes you did, and I quote," - I rolled my eyes - "PANSY" he says in a rather acidic and snarky tone.

I scoffed, "I did NOT sound like that!"

"Uh I'm pretty sure you did"

"Well you're the one who thinks I'm drunk! When I am not. Had like ten or seven drinks!"

Draco raises his brow, "Ten... or seven?"

Bollocks, I fibbed again.

"EIGHT! Bloody hell, seven or... eight drinks. Just... drop it okay? Just turn around and go back in and have your fun with your lovely friends! God!"

"Nah, I much rather stay out here with you. Besides, I'm sure Theo will think of a likely excuse for me," he adjusts the front of the coat, and I'm starting to feel the weight of his touch, my breath is heavier and my chest is tighter. I find myself getting dizzier by the second.

"Actually, it is because you are not in the proper frame of mind to Apparate on your own..." he lifts his hand and strokes my hair, like he's trying to keep it tame against the gentle wind.

"I'm not leaving. I just wanted some fresh air! And again, I'm not that drunk!" I protested.

I place my hands on his and pull them away from my person. However, Draco took it upon himself to lace our fingers together. I stumble back a few steps and quiver slightly from the contact.

What... is he doing? I want to go back inside.

"Fight me all you want on this, I'm not letting you go,"

I just stared at him, taking in his words. Words with such a profound meaning. Like the others...

"I will find my way back to you..."

"I'll just start fresh with her..."

"Any means necessary..."

I close my eyes and took in a deep breath. Why am I not afraid of his forwardness? I should refuse him and try to focus on Ron... but I can't. My body won't let me.

My fingers find their way to him, gripping and holding on to his shirt for dear life.

"Okay, you win." I whisper, my tongue taking a nervous swipe against my lips. "Take me home,"

I watch his lips twitch before he inspects me again, "Do you have everything? Cause I don't see your purse. We'll just get blondie to bring your coat"

"My purse is my belt." my fingers are curling against him now, "I... changed i-it so I didn't need to w-worry about it." I take in another deep breath, another dose of his scent, "My wand is just in m-my pock...pocket,"

"You're stuttering again,"

I would've rolled my eyes, if it weren't for the fact my head felt so heavy. The air around me even heavier.

Draco...

I stumble forward a bit, and Draco's grip on me strengthens. He's snickering at me!

"Where's your home, Granger?"

There he goes calling me Granger again...

It took me several minutes to remember the street name, but then we were off.

We've walked down the pathway for some time. I am trying to keep focus on the passing houses, so I don't miss it.

"So... you jumped dinner with Weasley did you?"

"Harry and Ginny were there as well," I say defensively, I didn't want him to think it was a date. "But... yes, I... um... I couldn't handle it."

Telling him the real reason was completely out of the question!

Draco steps right in front of me, halting my steps, "Did they say something that upset you?"

Fibbing wouldn't go over well, either as Draco can just tease it out of me anyway! I shook my head, "I couldn't handle the pressure. It's um...awkward at best." I motioned for him to get out of the way...which was futile as Draco just folded his arms.

"Look, I only agreed because Harry and Ginny have news...otherwise I wouldn't have bothered. Ron just... happened to join because he found out I was going..."

I cast my eyes down to the ground, watching as the odd car zoomed past, tires splashing through the puddles.

Merlin, did that sound callous.

I guess I'm just angry. Angry at what's happening to me.

"Ah that's right! The Potter duo bought a house"

I return my gaze back to Draco with wide eyes, "What? How did you know that?"

"Daphne. Buying and selling homes is her expertise. She just told us, and why we're out celebrating. They just sealed the deal. Of course for Pansy, dinner wasn't enough"

"I don't recall seeing her at the restaurant though... I mean you were there but-" I stop before I realize what I was saying. I even smacked my hand over my mouth, showing him it was a slip.

Bugger, now he's going to know I was at the same place!

His eyes... oh God... what have I done?

Bowing my head I quickly try to make my escape, only for Draco to take a hold of my sleeve.

"Hang on, you... you were at The Steakhouse?"

Panic. He... he looks afraid... and I can only venture a guess as to why that is...

He admitted to being in love with me!

But I can't let him know that.

"For like... um, five minutes. I sat down, they arrived and then I left. Straight away."

"But you saw me there?"

I tried, I really tried to keep a calm composure, "You were on the opposite side of the place... your back was to the door."

He releases a sigh of relief, "Right... of course,"

He went on walking.

That was close!

And then we were at my parent's house.

"Okay, I'm here..."

"Nope, a gentleman always walks his lady to the door"

"His lady?"

Draco flashes me a grin, "You are wearing my coat, are you not?"

"I... that doesn't matter"

He doesn't reply, instead he picks up my hand and kisses the knuckles.

His lips are just as soft as I remember...

He looks at me with his head tilted, a smile playing on his lips. Uh-oh... don't say I'm blushing. Not again...

"Something on your mind, love?"

I bite my tongue and shake my head. My hand still remains in his grasp though...

"Me, perhaps? Actually come to think of it, you haven't told me what you and blondie said. She only said you needed air from it, so one would gather it was quite the heated topic. Maybe even personal"

I can't believe he's doing this!

"It was nothing," I say, now trying to take my hand back. Now my cheeks feel even hotter than before.

"No? Cause you look rather flushed... and you said it is not from alcohol, so I guess I'm right. You are thinking about me. What, wondering if I'm going to head back to my girlfriend Pansy?"

No.. I can't have this conversation. I won't have it. I refuse!

"I'm going inside now," I sounded harsher than I felt. I flick his hand away from me, and then I grip the doorknob and slink my way inside.

"Good night, Malfoy!"

I closed the door harder than I intended, not before hearing his bark of laughter.

"Goodness, what's happened?" Came Mum's voice, filled with concern.

"Nothing," I sigh, shrugging off my - no, Draco's coat. That's right. My coat is all the way back in the club!

Bugger. I tore open the door, praying that he hadn't Apparated yet. However as I near the end of the driveway... I hear the distinctive pop echo around me.

Wonderful.

"Hermione, come inside, it is freezing outside, you'll catch cold."

"I'm Twenty-four Mum, not ten" I reply strolling in.

Every time I closed my eyes. I saw Draco... I heard Draco. Taunting me and teasing me about my undying jealousy over Pansy and what it is exactly that Lavender and I spoke about.

I felt so horrible leaving without saying goodbye, I had to leave a message through Seamus, but it was Lavender who ended up answering. She couldn't contain her excitement when I said Draco took me home with his coat on! Asked once again if I kissed him good night.

Brilliant, as if dealing with Ron's affections isn't complicated enough.

Yet now...my brain is too wired for sleep. I glance over to the clock. It's at half-passed four in the morning, the sun will be rising soon, and then it'll be time for work at the shop. Not that I am anxious to go there either... I'm with Lavender, and well she'll just want to know more because I 'rudely cut her off' last night.

Thank God, she's not there until noon. At that thought I have a strong urge to go outside for a walk.

No doubt it would help me clear my head, so with that, I prepare myself for the day.

One look in the mirror and I cringe. The bags under my eyes are nearly purple like I've got punched in both of them.

And my hair...Merlin! It's so matted and all over the place, from what I could guess, my tossing and turning.

After mending the mess, I grab my jacket and stroll out the door.

Birds are lightly chirping and the wind feels nice against my face. Soothing even.

I walked for a good half hour before settling myself down on a bench overlooking the park, just outside the coffee shop which opens in two hours time, to watch the sunrise.

The last time I ever did this, I'd been eleven. So anxious about my first day at Hogwarts... I didn't want to sleep a single minute of it away.

Those days were simpler then... before the threat of Voldemort came about that is.

I can start to feel the warmth from the sun as it rises further above the horizon, the brilliant shades of oranges and pink are fading away now and I find myself standing up.

Once I have a good cup of coffee in me then I'll make my way to my shop.

My lack of sleep is starting to catch up to me, and I find myself unable to focus on the simplest things, like colour coordinating the potion bottles, or giving customers the wrong change and purchased products.

And when it came to inventory counts, I caught myself inverting the numbers and even putting them next to the wrong colour. Obviously there's fifteen green, not fifty-one!

I rip off the paper from the clipboard and started the counts again.

"Afternoon Hermione," greets Lavender as she closes the door. "Did you have a pleasant night sleep?"

I closed my eyes, but continued on my task, "Can't talk, doing the noon counts." Not that I would tell her anything.

The bell chimes and in walks... Ron.

He's holding a bouquet of pink roses. Immediately I drop down and crawl over to hide behind the counter.

"Ronald! What are you doing here?"

"Why to see 'Mione of course! I'm on my lunch break and... well, I picked these out of Mum's garden for her."

"I'll be sure she gets them, now shoo!"

"Oh no you don't, not again." Ron groans, "You hid her yesterday so-"

"Merlin Ron, can't you just give her space? Honestly none of you seem to understand that you're overwhelming her!"

"Right which is why I'm here to apologize to her..."

"Apologize? For what, being an annoying git? Forget it. Leave!"

"Hey you can't tell me what to do!"

"The hell I can!"

I hear a struggle and some grunts from Ron.

"I swear Lavender, if you don't let me see her-"

"But she isn't here!"

"Yes she is, her parents-"

My parents? Ron... Ron's been over to my house?

"You've been over to her house?" Lavender echoed my thoughts.

"Yeah they said she's already gone. She didn't answer my messages or Harry's... or even Ginny's. I'm worried about her, Lavender"

"Well this certainly isn't the way to go about it! You're acting like a bloody stalker!"

"I'm not stalking her!"

"Well sure you are if you're out around running around to see where she is! She's ignoring you lot for a reason! Now if you just hand me those ruddy flowers, I'll be sure to give them to her when she arrives. Obviously she wants some time to herself so I don't know when she'll show up."

"So what, you mean she's out there on her own somewhere?"

I heard Lavender sigh this time, smacking the flowers on the counter.

"Hey be careful with those!" moaned Ron.

"Are you even listening to me? I get you're concerned for your girlfriend-"

"Fiancée!"

"Oh whatever how many bloody times do I have to tell you? You have to take these things slowly! Let her come to you and whatnot, okay? Now bugger off, I need to get the inventory counts finished while we're not busy"

"Hey don't push me!"

I can picture Ron trying to fight her off and it brings a smile to my lips.

"I mean it Ronald, I need you to go!" Lavender groaned.

"I swear if I find out you've hidden her-"

"Oh tell it to someone who cares!"

The door slammed shut.

"So annoying! You can come out now, Hermione."

I take a breath before standing up straight, "That really wasn't necessary..."

"Sure it was." She said with a shrug and a smile. "Now you need to tell me what happened with you and Malfoy!"

"Oh not this again!"

"Yes again. And it'll only get worse if you continue to ignore me! Now go on... where did you end up? Your place or his?"

I balled my fist and smacked the table, "I think it's about that time I have my break, you know working all morning and everything... or better yet, I'll just go home"

"Oh no you don't! You are going to tell me..."

She took a hold of my arm.

"Will you stop it!" I hiss out, taking a hold of my jacket, "God you are horrible!"

I barely manage to escape Lavender's clutches to leave the store. I nod off to Parvati saying I'll be back tomorrow.

God it was a mistake coming in.

Mum and Dad are busy at work, so I go to make myself some lunch.

I further enjoyed my favourite book before having a nap, only to awaken from a sharp knock at the door. It's just after five...

My chest tightens, who... who could it be knocking now?

Harry? Ginny? Lavender?

Or... could it be Ron...?

I shudder to think if he's at my door... I don't know if I would be able to control myself. I ran away from it this morning.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

I toss off the blanket and stroll over, mentally counting to ten to keep a calm composure, only to lose it in one go the moment I spot Draco in the threshold.

"What are you doing here?" Once again, I sound harsher than I intend.

"And a merry hello to you as well, Granger" he shoves his hands into the pockets of his trousers. "Still nursing that hang over I gather?"

"Oh for the love of - I'm not nor will I ever be hung over!"

Really, because the idea of drinking your sorrows away is just... just bloody lame! No amount of alcohol makes feelings go away! It just makes you more miserable than you started!

"Sorry, I didn't mean yell, it's just... been a long day,"

"In fact, I have that very potion for aiding hang overs. I even brought one with me,"

He pulls out his hand, revealing to me a small glass bottle, filled with silver liquid. But I make no motion to grab it.

"You've done your fair share of taking care of me last night. You made sure I got home, that is more than enough. I uh would like - -"

"I would like if we continue our conversation, over a friendly meal, actually"

And here it is... his way of trying to gain back my love...

But as my luck would have it, Ron shows up.

Oh... and he's holding another bouquet of pink roses.

"Why the fuck are you here Malfoy?"

And he's crass as usual.

"Ron!"

His blue eyes flash over to me, "Why are you talking to him Hermione? Harry said it was over with you two!"

"RON!"

I really don't want him running his mouth... especially if Draco is just right beside him!

"Well? I'm waiting, Hermione! Why is he here?"

"Why to collect my coat, of course" Draco shoots me a wicked grin.

Oh no... no, no, no, NO. Not good. That is never-

"Left it here last night you see,"

Fuck!

"Was in such a rush this morning... kinda slipped my mind"

"You sodding-"

"Ron DON'T!"

CRUNCH

Draco doubles over, his hand is over his face... blood is everywhere.

Broken nose...

Ron... Ron broke his nose!

"Tell me he's lying, Hermione. Please... please... tell me you didn't let this wanker touch you like that!"

"Ron..."

"TELL ME!"

He wraps is arms around me, stroking my hair. His citrus scent surrounds me.

"Please Hermione, tell me he's just being his usual annoying self and-"

I wanted to tell him that it was all a lie, that Draco and I hadn't slept together... but... but I couldn't. Lying to your fiancé isn't a great way to start a relationship.

I find myself crying...

"Ron..." my voice, broken.

He pulls back and brushes the tears from my face. "He's lying right sweetie? You wouldn't do it. Your parents are here that would just be... well bloody disgusting..."

My stomach flips. Uh, yes having sex in your parents house with them home would be.

My eyes turn to Draco, but even he can't face me.

More tears stream.

"Ron...he" I try again.

"Yes love? What is it?"

God this is excruciating. He's... he's so hopeful so... so loving...

His thumbs brush more away.

"He's... Draco..." Ron fists his hands against me, "He's... right"

Ron's lips twitch, and his eyes flicker back and forth searching mine. Searching for any gaps that I could be lying.

"We... I..."

I can see my tears hitting his hands, "I cheated on you, Ron. With him."

Ron's reaction was instant.

"You... you... bitch"

He throws the flowers to the floor.

"Ron I'm so-"

"Don't you say you're sorry you... you...slag!"

He rounds on Draco again, and Draco... who just corrected his own nose rounded on Ron, his eyes a blaze with anger.

"You have no right, to talk to her like that" Draco's voice is cold, sending chills up my spine and into my skull. Deadly.

"This is between me and my fiancée you sodding toff! So piss off!"

Ron tries to throw another punch at Draco, but he's too quick for him. Draco latches on to Ron's arm and twists it right around.

CRACK

Ron cries out in pain as his now broken arm falls limp to his side.

This has gone out of control...

"Stop it!" I say getting in between the two of them, "Both of you!"

Draco faces me, but doesn't say anything. He is too focused on Ron, withering away on the floor. In too much pain to say any coherent words.

"You need to go," I say firmly, facing Draco "And get your nose fixed up"

"It's fine."

"Maybe, but I need to settle this matter with Ron... privately. So please can you just go?"

It will be better that way... but my heart is going absolutely crazy, pounding away at my throat, like it wants to escape through my mouth!

Draco bites down on his lip, and shakes his head, "He's going to hurt you" brushing away the remaining blood from his face.

"No... no he's not. It was I that hurt him"

"Don't you pin this-"

"But it's the truth! Remember? But it's fine. The truth is out now so... please... don't fight me on this, I know what I'm doing! Just... trust me. Go."

He takes out the potion again and thrusts it into my hand, "It's for stress, actually. I uh, don't think I need to explain where I got the idea from..."

Right... our dream.

Draco's eyes slant back to Ron's withering form, and he sneers, "Pathetic," and then he strolls off.

With a ragged breath I steel my nerves and glare back down at Ron, pulling out my wand and pointing to him.

"Episkey!"

Another resounding CRACK surrounds us and Ron roars again. I grab is good shoulder and chuck him into my home and slam my door, knocking the odd picture frame down.

"How utterly childish Ron, really, truly bravo! Resulting to violence when-"

"It's your precious bed-buddy who did this to me! He's the one who broke my arm-"

"YOU tossed the first punch, Ron, you broke his nose!"

"Cause you sodding shagged him!"

I shudder violently. His voice... it's cold and... defeated. My broken heart weakly knocks against my ribs.

"Ron... I said-"

"You were sorry right, like that makes everything all better!" Ron says, rounding on the cupboard and wretches the door wide open, scanning and scanning until he spots the designer coat...

He takes it down and inspects the collar and then slams it down.

"Yeah, this is his coat. His initials, right here in black ink!"

He faces me again.

"So he was here last night!"

"Only to walk me home, Ron. I... I was at the Jagged-Edge with Lavender and Seamus...he gave me the coat because mine-"

Ron scoffs, "You and a club? What a joke. Why you do think we settled for the restaurant, Hermione? Cause we all know clubs aren't your thing. They give you headaches."

I turn away from him sniffling and wiping away the tears.

"I'm sorry Ron."

Ron shrugs his shoulders, "You know I knew something was off about your obsession with the tosser. I just felt it, but I... well I just dismissed it, knowing that if you just... loved me enough-"

"Loved you enough?!"

I turned back to face him, "Ron you are my world!"

The tears are streaming from my eyes now.

Ron's face contorts, "Right, but you rather spread your legs for that sodding prick than your own bloody fiancé!"

SMACK

"FUCK YOU!"

"WRONG PERSON!"

I punched his face this time.

CRUNCH.

So much for a rational conversation...

So much for explaining...

So much for... us

I flex my fist, shaking it of the pain and ache from cracking my fingers against Ron's face.

"Well it's what happened isn't it?" Ron grunted fiercely, brushing away the blood, "You fucked him and just ignored me... and well, you certainly as shit don't regret it only that you're sorry. Well sorry isn't gonna cut it Hermione! No, not at all. You see right here?"

He points to his chest, "It's broken. It's... done. It's.. shattered, and it's all your doing!"

My chest constricts and a broken sob passes my lips.

"Accio engagement ring!" Ron whispers.

Water fills my eye, threatening to spill over, and my cheeks are... clammy as he's inspecting the ring... a ring given to me on Valentine's Day... just... a short two months ago.

"It was that first day wasn't it?"

It took me a few seconds to register what he said, "What?"

Ron pockets the ring, "When you didn't wear your ring... you... you were shagging him then weren't you? Hell probably since you left the Hospital. It was our luck you had a Slytherin as your bloody Healer..."

"NO! Ron that's not true! I... I..."

"Save it, Hermione. I don't want to know when I just... ugh it sickens me that you did!"

Ron sniffs this time, "We would've been great you know? You and me, with Harry and Ginny. We would've made one powerful foursome..."

"We can still-"

"No." Ron sighs, taking in a deep, ragged breath, "No we can't. Good bye Hermione."

The door closes and I collapse to the floor sobbing.

E/N: okay so I know some of you wanted Hermione to break it off, but... as I got into writing/editing the fight, I figured... it made sense for Ron to do it. Hermione is dealing with mixed emotions here. She doesn't want to hurt Ron, because her heart loves him. (Hence why she wanted to mend it) but he did deserve the truth.

Draco only made it seem like he stayed over cause he... wanted to make Ron squirm (despite not thinking it through.)