-Your Loss, My Loss, Our Loss-

  This story was written in loving memories of my 2 kittens that passed away in 2021.While they were outdoor kitties, I still fed and helped take care of them. They'll ALWAYS be my children. 1st kitten passed in the middle of the year and the other just before the year ended.

  "The bloody hell is wrong with you?! So, what if that pig with hair of yours just died! My family had just lost Fred and you don't see me going off the deep end!" Ron screamed at Hermione.

  SLAP

  The sound of Hermione's hand across one of her best friend's face echoed throughout Hogwarts' Great Hall gaining everyone's attention.

  Everyone was wide eyed and "Gasped!" Not just from seeing the smartest witch of the century go from yelling witty retorts to giving a slap painful enough to look like a punch. But hearing Ron Weasley sound so detached and uncaring about one of his best friend's loss.

  Hermione had been trying her best to stay strong while explaining what happened to her beloved kitten/ child. But after hearing and seeing Ron fly off the handle, she knew that kiss they shared in the Chamber Of Secrets was a fleeting moment. Of course, she knew he and his family was struggling. But who wasn't? He isn't the only one. This war had cost so many lives that didn't deserve to be cut short. Yet here many of us stand, living but ½ alive.

  By now, everyone present was watching and muttering about what they'd just witnessed between 2 out of the 3 people that make up the Golden Trio of Gryffindor.

  Hermione took a moment to close her eyes and released a shuttered sigh. She decided to let the droplets of salty water flow from her eyes and down her face. After letting out a dejected breath did, she decide to finally reopen her eyes. She saw Ronald holding his face while he looked at her in annoyance and hostility.

  A look of pity flashed in her earthy brown orbs as she watched the person, she'd originally thought of spending her life with. She couldn't bare see Ronald's face right now and Harry was nowhere to be seen. The Weasley family was not far from them, some looking disappointed in their son while others looked sad and apologetic for who they considered as their adopted daughter. Even George looked upsettingly disappointed at his younger brother.

  Hermione thought to herself, 'It's best I just end things with Ron now. I might be acting rashly and unfair to him. But if his reaction is any indication of how he'll act or treat me in our future anytime I need him.... It's probably best if we just remain friends. Hopefully in the future, he'll forgive me for slapping him and so will I for his thoughtless comments.'

  She turned around with her back facing him. Before making her exit, she said, "Ronald. I know you and your family are grieving. We all are. I'm sorry if you think I don't take consideration of your feelings. But honestly, that doesn't mean I deserve your hurtful words. You may not care about my loss, but I've always cared about yours and everyone I've ever loved. Honestly all I needed was comfort from you.... But I should have known better than to seek it from someone with the emotional range of a teaspoon. Thank you for finally returning the emotions I've felt for you in the Chamber Of Secrets. But let's face it. We never made us being together official, plus we're very different people. It has nothing to do with 'blood statis' or 'intellect'. All I'm saying is, if we were together, we'd fight constantly. We're better off as friends. Not to mention we have absolutely nothing in common. If you're fine with just being friends, brilliant. And if not, I still wish you the best in life. Take care of yourself and your family. Goodbye Ronald Bilius Weasley."

  Once those words were out in the open, she dashed away. Of course, she heard him yelling her name, but she refused to stop running. The moment she ran out of Hogwarts' entrance, she felt someone grasp her hand tightly but gently. She tensed for a moment, until her brown misty eyes connected with Harry's confused and worried Emerald orbs. She tried to hang her head to avoid eye contact, but his calloused fingers halted her effort.