These words seemed to echo through the silent room. The question "Why did you lie to me?" was now ringing in Harry and Hermione's ears. Harry looked down to see Hermione's puffy eyes looking back up at him in disbelief.
It seemed as if Hermione was unable to speak. All she could do was make little squeaking noises that barely sounded like words. Harry wasn't even sure if Hermione knew what he was talking about. But finally, after more silence, Hermione started to sob again.
"Oh, Harry!" she said frantically. "I lied to you because I thought I was protecting you! I didn't want you to know that Ron had told me he liked me."
"But why?" said Harry, who was very confused.
"I don't know! I didn't want to hurt you! Our world was so perfect after that night in the hotel, and I didn't anything to ruin it!"
"So you thought Ron would ruined it."
"No! Of course not! It's just- I don't know! I'm so confused! Harry, I've had such strong feelings for you for such a long time. When Ron first told me he liked me it really did take me by surprise. And then once you and I got together I didn't even think about Ron." Harry gave Hermione a menacing look. "Don't think I don't care about Ron! You two are my dearest friends, and I would do anything for you guys! But I wasn't thinking right. My head was all clogged up with thoughts about you. Surely you have to know what that's like!"
Harry did know what that's like. When he had liked Cho every time her saw his brain stopped. He even remembered shouting at Hermione after thoughts of Cho had engulfed his mind. Harry had some sympathy towards Hermione, but still had many questions.
"You still haven't given me a straight answer as to why you lied to me," Harry said.
Hermione wiped away her tears and began to speak again. "I guess the main reason was that I was so shocked that you had known Ron liked me. My first thought was Ron had told you that he had tried to kiss me, and that you would be really made with me. So I acted as if I didn't know what you were talking about. I don't know why I did it, I guess I thought that if I pretended it never happened, and then maybe I would start to believe it. Well, once I realized that you didn't know about the kiss, I couldn't really turn back. And then I had you talk to Ron, because I thought maybe he would mention it so I wouldn't have to."
Harry sat down, a little dumbfounded. "You must think I'm such an idiot," continued Hermione. "Acting like a twelve-year-old who has their first crush. But you have to understand, Harry, that I'm still knew to this whole relationship thing. I mean the closest thing I've ever had was with Viktor." Hermione gave a slight giggle; Harry didn't find it amusing. "Harry, please don't be upset with me. This is all just one big mistake that's gotten out of hand. Please forgive me for what I've done."
Harry looked down at Hermoine and remembered the night when they just stayed in bed, staring into each other's eyes. The love he had for her would be able to overcome any obstacle, and Harry knew it.
"Ok, 'Mione. I forgive you."
A huge smile grew over Hermione's face, and she threw herself into Harry's arms and gave him a long kiss. Their lips seemed to melt together; Harry knew he wouldn't be able to live without being able to kiss this girl every day for his life. They finally broke apart and Harry spoke again, "Hermione, just because things between us are better, doesn't mean we don't still have problems to deal with. Ron is my best mate, and I can't stand hurting him like this."
Hermione slowly nodded her head. "I tried talking to him, but he doesn't want to listen. He thinks that you've betrayed him, and that I don't value his friendship any more. I think it would work better if all three of us talked about this together. That way we don't have any missing opinions." Harry smiled and kissed Hermione on the forehead. They stood up and Harry started cleaning up the classroom, while Hermione returned her thoughts to her head.
They left the classroom together, ready to get their best friend back.