Flaw : A Romione fanfic

3. Shards of shattered glass

Hermione couldn't believe her eyes. All those dreams that she had had, about going out with him, kissing him, marrying him, and dying with him broke into shards the moment her eyes landed on Lavender and Ron. She had waited for him for two years. She had watched from the sidelines as he plucked up the courage to ask a girl out and got rejected every time. She had dressed up for him at the Yule ball. A bitter smile crossed her face and she found Harry looking at her with concern. 

The common room was starting to suffocate her. She couldn't stand being in the same room as him. And to think, she was about to go and tell him! A blush creeped onto her face and she stormed out of the common room, aware of the fact that Harry was right behind. She needed a friend right now. 

As she sat down on the staircase coming down from the common room, she felt the actual pain of realization hit her. Now she could never hold his hand and comfort him. She could never tease him and kiss him to make up for it.  Tears began to accumulate in her hazel brown eyes as she realized that she was too late. Harry's soft footsteps behind her, made her wipe her eyes hastily and she turned to look away from him. He sat down silently next to her, and put an arm around her shoulder. Hermione felt grateful for his presence and leaned into his shoulder, appreciating the way he had come down to help her. They remained silent for a few minutes. She decided to break the silence. 

'Is this how it feels Harry?' Harry Potter turned a bit red at the ears upon hearing his best friend's words. He pretended not to have heard them. 'Is this how it feels? When you see Ginny with Dean?' his heart ached painfully upon the remembrance and he decided to speak up. 'yeah.' he felt sorry for her, as the tears began to fall from her eyes, and he pulled her close , wrapping her in a side hug. His best friend, Ron, was stupid to not realise what he had. 

Harry Now noticed the small yellow birds floating above her head. In attempt to cheer her up, he said, 'Nice birds. Though I'd prefer them in red, cause you know, gryffindor spirit.' Hermione lifted her head to grin sheepishly at him and then said, 'Well. I'll practice some more.' Harry smiled at her gently and was happy that he had succeeded. 'What are you gonna do?' she was startled by his sudden question. 'About what?' she said. 'You know what I'm speaking about.' Harry mock glared at her, and she smiled a watery smile before letting out a sigh. Before she could reply however, a shrill pitched giggling stopped her. 

Her heart ached even more seeing them together. So close. 'Oops! Looks like this place is occupied!' she emitted another shrill giggle and Hermione wanted to strangle her. Couldn't Ron have found someone who didn't sound like a dying seal?! Lavender grinned at Ron and ran further down the hallway. Hermione's heart skipped a beat as Ron's eyes landed on her. 'Hey Harry.' he didn't even acknowledge her presence. 

Was that how non-existent she was? 

A blaze of anger overcame her, and she pointed her wand at him. Within a moment the birds had attacked Ron. Hermione walked away , leaving Harry to deal with an angry and confused Ron. 

Served him right.  He deserved it.  (Ron definitely did.)