Until the end Draco x Hermione

Chapter 06 Confessions

She let him continue, not showing satisfaction on her face about his confession.

- To tell you the truth... I had a project in mind at the time, and I was simply afraid of... I was afraid to show myself... I love you, Hermione. I wanted to tell you that. I know we're already dating, but for me, this status didn't seem to formalize the feelings I have for you... That's what I was afraid to tell you... I don't feel like I can go on for the rest of my life without you by my side, you're everything that's important to me...

Uncomfortable and seeing that Hermione did not answer, he continued with an embarrassed smile:

- ... I... I had a kind of epiphany after potions class. I thought to myself...

- Ron.

Hermione's voice interrupted his explanation. He now feared the worst... Actually no; if she had agreed to go out with him, she must have felt the same way he did. His apprehensions had barely dissipated when Hermione proved them right.

- I'm sorry...

Those three words alone were enough to send the message that was a blade piercing through Ron's heart. Hermione decided to gather her courage and face him.

- I... I can imagine how hard it was for you to bare your feelings but... Unfortunately, I can't guarantee that mine are of the same nature... I'm really sorry to hurt you like this... And I wouldn't want to give you false hope, so I think it would be better if we... stop here... As they say: the truth hurts but the lie destroys. Well, I hope I'm not destroying you by saying this. But really, I don't think I could have stood to pretend and see you thrilled with a false love... You understand? Ron?

He remained silent. She accepted his silence and stood up, not wanting to hurt him anymore.

On her bed, snuggled up in her blanket despite the heat in the dormitory, Hermione thought back to the scene that had just taken place a few stairs down. She couldn't believe she had broken someone's heart, especially Ron's. Feeling her guilt rise, she tucked her head under the heavy red and gold cloth. Even though she could hardly breathe under there, she thought of it more as a punishment. But soon, the image of Draco replaced Ron in her thoughts; she remembered Draco's devastated look twice about what would have happened THE night. She didn't know how to react, too much confusion in her heart and in her head. Finally, after tossing and turning in bed for a good four hours, she finally fell asleep.

The next day, at breakfast, the tension was palpable; no one dared to speak. Ron looked like an exhausted drunk and Hermione had dark circles under her eyes. Harry and Ginny exchanged questioning looks about what was going on. And as if they were communicating telepathically, they agreed to go their separate ways. Later, not now. It was important not to rush things. They had to subtly slip into the field.

After eating breakfast - which wasn't breakfast, since they hadn't touched their plates - Ron and Hermione got up from the table one after the other, each wanting their own privacy to mope. Harry and Ginny followed them with their eyes before getting up in turn and taking a respective direction: Harry followed Ron and Ginny, Hermione. They had to find out what was going on.

Harry silently followed Ron, who seemed to be heading towards the botanical greenhouses. When he stopped, the Chosen One finally made his presence known.

- You don't look well...

No response. Harry had anticipated this reaction. He stood beside his friend and looked ahead at the people passing by.

- This was where I was supposed to tell her... he finally decided to say.

- You had to tell her what? To whom?