Dramione- Back at Hogwarts (Hermione's 7th Year)

Chapter 73- The Weasley's Christmas Eve Dinner (Part 2)

This is for @AndreaDiaz095 for her comments and likes on my chapters :)

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The Golden Trio entered the Burrow, the tension and quietness filling the rooms they passed as Ron led them up to his bedroom on the second floor.

Ron casted the Muffliato Charm as he locked the door manually. He sat on his desk chair, and gestured to his best friends to sit on his bed.

Harry and Hermione sat on the bed a few inches apart from each other, both apprehensive.

Hermione cleared her throat to diffuse some of the tension she's feeling. Ron sighed again, eyes looking out to his window. Harry just watched them, wanting to be alert if anything goes wrong.

"Hermione," Ron started, he honestly still wants her in his life, no doubt about it. "Why haven't you replied to my letters? Am I not important to you anymore?" He asked her, hurt evident in his voice.

"Ronald, you will always be a part of my life, you know that," she answered sincerely. "But if we will argue every time we see each other, then I guess we are better apart," she added sadly.

"I just don't understand why you chose him of all people, 'Mione. You and I are supposed to be together," he told her, his blue eyes staring at her intensely.

"You can't choose who you fall in love with, Ron, it just happens," Hermione replied. "Honestly, I don't understand it myself, considered our past, but people change. I have changed as well as Draco, and you as well. So please just try harder to understand and respect my feelings. I'm sorry that you are hurting because of me choosing him over you, but I really don't think we will be our best selves if we end up being together. I think it's best for us to remain friends just as we used to be," she explained to him in a calm voice.

"Friends?" He repeated sadly. "You know I don't want us to be just friends," he added, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to stay calm.

"Yes, Ron. Just friends," Hermione reiterated. "Please try to understand and accept that."

When he did not reply, she summoned all her courage to say her next words. "I want you both to know," she started, Harry looking at her now too when she addressed him also. "Draco and I, we really do love each other. I also have accepted his marriage proposal," she revealed. "I'm not asking for your permission either, I'm sticking to it whether either of you like it or not," she added firmly.

"Congratulations then, 'Mione," Harry replied, giving her a small smile and a short hug. He of course is still wary of Malfoy, but he trusts her to make decisions for herself, after all, she's the Brightest Witch of Her Age and helped him defeat Voldemort.

Ron was still silent, his fists clenched at his sides. He was trying really hard to comprehend what he just heard.

"Ronald," Hermione called to him softly, seeing the shock look on his face. "I'm really sorry that you are hurting because of me. But this is what I want for myself," she told him.

Ron tried to calm himself, knowing that it would only get worse if he lashed out again. He dearly loves Hermione and needs her in his life, but hearing her say that she loves Malfoy was all too much for him. He needs to get away for a while, he decided silently.

"Fine," he replied after a few more minutes. "But just don't expect me at your wedding," he added softly, defeat in his voice.

"Ronald," Hermione started. "I understand of course, but still, try to reconsider. The wedding will be ages from now anyway," she told him, still wanting him to know how important he is to her.

"I don't know, Hermione. I really don't know," Ron replied. "You two go down now, I think I'm going to bed now. Happy Christmas to you both, and good night," he told them, wanting to be alone.

Harry and Hermione shared a look, both knowing to just leave their best friend alone for now.

"Alright, mate," Harry replied, standing up together with Hermione from the bed.

"Good night, Ronald," Hermione called to him as she closed the door with Harry.

They silently went down the stairs, both feeling gloomy. When they reached the kitchen, Hermione pulled Harry aside before going back outside.

"Harry, tell me honestly how you feel about all this," she demanded gently.

He stared at her for a bit before sighing deeply. "I'm happy for you of course, but I feel bad for Ron," he told her. "It's not because you dumped him, but because it's true that you guys are not good together. You are completely right saying that you don't bring out the best in each other when you were involved romantically," Harry concluded.

"Thank you for understanding me, Harry," Hermione replied, relieved that one of her best friends understands.

"But just remember, I'm always here for you. Even if I have to mend the broken pieces of your heart after you realize that Malfoy isn't the one for you," Harry told her sincerely.

"Don't you trust him yet?" Hermione asked sighing.

"I'm just saying, be vigilant around him," he replied. "Of course I trust your judgement, but still," he added as he saw her glare at him.

"I actually understand where you're coming from, but I really believe he has changed and that he loves me enough to want to marry me. Why will he propose anyway if he doesn't?" She replied thoughtfully.

"Maybe he wants to enslave you or something after you get married," he suggested.

"Harry! That's quite absurd!" Hermione exclaimed, smacking him on the head.

"I was just joking!" Harry replied, putting up his arms to protect himself. "I'm sorry, really I was just joking!" He added when she did not stop hitting him.

"Fine, I'm sorry too for over reacting," she said. "On a serious note, I want to tell you that I am planning to personally search for my parents in Australia before going back to Hogwarts," she declared.

"I know the Ministry's taking too long finding them, but won't you give us some more time? Say, maybe until you graduate?" Harry asked her, concerned that she would encounter some stray Death Eaters along the way.

"I can't just wait anymore, Harry. It's been too long," she replied. "And Draco will be coming with me, so don't worry too much," she added, seeing concern etched on his face.

That's what I'm worried about, he thought to himself. "I know I promised to help, but Ron and I were already deployed to America to scour rogue Death Eaters there starting tomorrow," he informed her.

"I figured that you couldn't come with me, but I understand," she told him. "Don't worry, we'll be taking precautions," she added as Harry scratched his head in worry.

"Well, just be careful, alright?" He asked her concernedly. "Update me everyday so I'll know you're fine. Just use our DA coin so it will be safer," he added.

"Of course, Harry," she replied with a smile, touched that he cares so much.