What Harry Didn't See: Ron and Hermione's Secret.

A Different Summer (Hermione Version I)

Hugh Granger didn't look pleased at all. Hermione assumed that her reunion would bring great joy to her father, but when she got off the train, she could tell that his hug was shorter and his words were drier than she had expected. She suspected that perhaps her father had also witnessed her almost-kiss with Ron through the window.

She bid farewell to Harry with a hint of worry. She knew the Order would protect him well, but still... Sirius had died, Dumbledore had died, and the Order couldn't do anything to save them.

She said goodbye to Ron, feeling the gazes of everyone on their backs. She couldn't help but jump a little when Ron whispered in her ear, "I'll miss you a lot," as he hugged her. When they pulled away, they locked eyes, and magic sparked between them, but abruptly Ron pulled away. As she turned to see what Ron was looking at after his ears turned red, she saw her father again with a furrowed brow. This time, Hermione knew she wouldn't escape the family talk about boys. So, she wasn't surprised when her parents told her they wanted to talk to her on the third day of vacation. In fact, even though she knew the conversation would be uncomfortable, the topic of Ron would serve well to divert her parents' attention.

During the school year, Hermione decided that she would tell her family the truth in the summer. To tell them everything and cry together. To talk about the past and the present. To accept that she had lied to them for years. Until the second year, she was honest. The Philosopher's Stone, Tom's diary, the basilisk, her petrification... that was too much for the Grangers. They spent the summer trying to convince Hermione to stay safe in the Muggle world. And they threatened her. They told her that if there was ever a danger at Hogwarts again, no matter how small, she wouldn't return. So she lied. The name Sirius Black was never heard in her house, the Triwizard Tournament was an exciting event due to the presence of dragons, Voldemort was still dead, and Dumbledore too, of natural causes due to his old age. Hermione was tired of lying to her parents, yes. And she got off the train with the intention of telling them what had happened and what she was going to do. But when she saw them, she knew she couldn't tell her parents that she was going to erase their memories and disappear from their lives. And what stopped her wasn't a lack of courage, but her love for them. The pain she would suffer from losing her parents wasn't comparable to the pain they would feel losing her. They deserved her honesty, for her to tell them the truth. But she wouldn't do it. A broken heart in the family was already enough.

As Hermione pondered these issues, she went to find her parents and found them waiting for her in the living room:

Come here, dear. Tell us everything that happened at Hogwarts this year. - Hermione didn't like how that "everything" sounded coming from her mother.

Hermione forced herself to remember happy moments from the school year. She focused mostly on the relationship between Harry and Ginny. On how happy they had been while they were together.

And does Ron have a girlfriend?

Her father's question caught her off guard.

No, Dad, Ron doesn't have a girlfriend.

Then who is Lavender? - Hermione froze, feeling the familiar discomfort she felt every time she heard that name. Her father continued. - Before you got off the train, I heard Ron's twin brothers commenting that they didn't know how Ron had been so stupid as to be with Lavender when he could have been with someone as awesome as you.

Hermione blushed, despite appreciating Fred and George's loyalty, this was an embarrassing topic to discuss with her parents. Still, it would feel good to unburden herself with someone. And she wanted to build sincere bonds with her parents before she pushed them out of her life.

I asked Ron to be my date at a party. He said yes. And then, suddenly, he started dating Lavender.

She said this sadly, tears in her eyes. Her parents were indignant, clearly taking her side.

So, how are things now, sweetheart? - Her mother asked after Hermione explained that they had become friends again after Ron's birthday.

Well, I don't really know, Mom.

But you want to be with him, right?

Hermione looked at her parents before answering. She saw understanding and love in their eyes.

Yes. It's what I want the most.

Then that settles it. We're going to London to buy the perfect dress. You're going to look so beautiful at Ron's brother's wedding that he won't be able to close his mouth during the whole ceremony. Right, Hugh?

Absolutely. Let him know what he's missing! And since we've been without our princess for almost a year, we're going to take a few days off to pamper you and take care of you as you deserve. I don't want to miss that beautiful smile of yours for even a moment, my girl!

The next few days were fantastic. Hermione spent all her time with her parents. They watched plays, went to the movies, went for walks... That day they had gone to London. After browsing a few shops, they found the perfect dress for the wedding. They bought it and went to have lunch at a small Italian restaurant they liked a lot. On the way, Hermione sensed a strange flash. She left her parents at the restaurant's entrance and, with the excuse of quickly visiting a nearby bookstore, slipped into a less crowded alley. She stopped, pretending to look at a shop window, and saw the flash again. She cast a Petrificus Totalus and approached. It was someone covered by an invisible cloak. Alert for any sudden appearances, she pulled the cloak with one hand while firmly pointing her wand with the other. The next second, Hermione's eyes locked onto Fred's. Even though they were petrified, she could see joy in his gaze.