Chapter 2- One Witch. Two Wizards.
"I guess you two are celebrating the good news."
Ron's infuriated voice seethed, causing a shocked Harry and Hermione to pull break away from their kiss and face him, both at a loss of words to explain their compromising position.
"Ron, It's not what you think, really..." Hermione muttered, desperately searching for a better explanation, but her usual eloquence escaped her during this most delicate situation.
But there were no words that could possibly explain what Ron had just witnessed. For neither Harry nor Hermione completely understood it themselves. Both were caught up in the moment, their moment. Part of them had felt the guilt that ultimately comes along with betraying a friend, but another part of them could find no fault with the pure release of emotion that had occurred just a few short minutes ago. The last thing they had intended to do was hurt Ron, but unfortunately, fate had a different plan.
"Not what I think?" He asked as the anger in his voice elevated, "Not what I think? How bloody naive do you think I am, Hermione? I know I am not as clever as you, or Harry for that matter, but I think it's quite obvious what was happening a minute ago."
Turning towards Harry, he gave him a look of pure hatred.
"And you! Becoming Auror wasn't enough, was it?" He asked contemptuously, "You could have had any witch in the whole damn school and you had to pick the one I'd fallen for! Thanks a lot, old pal! Who am I to compete with the boyish charm of the infamous wizarding wonder that is Harry Potter?"
"Auror? What do you mean, Auror?" Harry questioned, paying no mind to Ron's harsh comments.
"What? You mean Hermione didn't tell you?" Sounding almost as surprised as Harry, "I guess your need to be together made it slip her mind while the foolish prat that I am waited anxiously in the common room to see how you'd react to the news. I was so happy for my mate, Harry. How could I have been so stupid? Seven years I've spent with both of you and never *once* did it cross my mind that either of you was capable of stabbing me in the back. Guess I can't read people as well as I thought."
"I'm sorry, I forgot to give this to you." Hermione replied in a shaky voice as she extended her trembling arm to Harry and handed him the letter she'd been holding.
"Thank you." He nodded as he accepted the paper and turned back to Ron. "I know this looks bad, but really, I can explain if you'll just let me."
"No, that isn't necessary, Harry." He sneered, "Just bloody pretend I am not here. You both seem much better off without me anyway. Heck, you'd probably still be playing tonsil quidditch if I hadn't *rudely* interrupted. Boy, am I glad to be getting out of here tomorrow. Now that I've learned such a valuable lesson, I won't trust as easily after Hogwarts!"
And with that he stormed off towards the castle as Hermione started after him.
"Harry. I have to find him." She whispered in between sobs as she turned back to face him one last time.
"Go, Hermione." Harry nodded. "I never meant to do this to you two. Blame me. I just wanted one moment and I paid a terrible price for it. I am so sorry for this."
"No! Don't you dare say that! We're both at fault." She insisted, "I wanted that kiss as much as you did and now I will have to pay the consequences. I was selfish in wanting you both, and now I have to fix things and I will. I promise you I will."
And then she disappeared into the night, leaving Harry to absorb all that had just happened. To absorb all of the life altering events that had just taken place and to contemplate how things would go from here, the good, the bad, and the future.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dear Mr. Potter,
It is with extreme honor that I inform you that the Ministry of Magic has selected you for its most prestigious Auror training program. Every year we select a Hogwarts graduate who exemplifies bravery, courage, loyalty, and complete devotion to defending good against evil in our ongoing battle against dark magic. After discussing this thoroughly with Professor Dumbledore and reviewing your impressive record of success against battling the Dark Lord and his followers, I am most certain there is no one more qualified for this position. If you decide to accept this offer, please owl back as soon as possible and further instructions will be given.
Congratulations on your graduation, Harry. Whatever path you do decide to take, it is sure to lead you to extraordinary things. After all, you are no ordinary Wizard.
Best Wishes,
Cornelius Fudge
Minister of Magic
This was the tenth time Harry had read the letter from the Ministry, and each time he went over it he began to feel worse about the events that had occurred a few short hours ago with Hermione and Ron.
Being selected as an auror was a dream come true. Nothing would make him happier than to rid the world of dark magic, most especially Lord Voldemort, the evil wizard responsible for killing his parents, Lily & James. Aurors devoted their lives to finding the Dark Lord and his evil followers, the Death Eaters. Their goal was to ensure safety for the wizarding and muggle worlds. To be chosen for the program, was one of the greatest honors bestowed upon a wizard. Harry was flattered and excited, and at the same time extremely disappointed that this great accomplishment couldn't be shared with his two best friends.
Sighing inwardly, he folded the letter and tucked it into his pocket as he made his way back towards the castle for his last night at Hogwarts.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Harry!" Hermione's frantic voice called out to him as he entered the Gryffindor common room. "We've been waiting for you."
"We?" Harry asked as he walked towards her and noticed Ron sitting in a chair beside the fire.
"Hermione has a plan." Ron spoke as he got up from his seat and walked across the room. "I might not agree with it, but knowing how right she usually is, it's probably best for all of us."
"It's nice to have you talking to me again." He said in a slightly happier tone than the one he had been using.
"You'll have to thank Hermione for that." He replied, nodding in her direction. "She's the voice of reason. Made me realize how silly it would be to end seven years of friendship on a sour note." Ron continued as he moved closer to Harry. "We've had a lot of great times here, and I don't want things to end forever because of one mistake. Mates?"
Ron smiled, extending his hand towards Harry which he graciously accepted.
"Now that's better!" Hermione beamed as happy tears streamed down her face, "I can't imagine how dismal graduation would have been with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley not on speaking terms."
"What about Hermione Granger?" Harry asked, "Last I checked, this duo was a trio."
"Not after tomorrow we aren't." Hermione cried, her happy tears once again becoming sad.
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked curiously. "Are you going somewhere after graduation?"
"Her brilliant plan." Ron replied, rolling his eyes. "Hermione, I still don't think it's necessary. I forgive you and Harry. It was a mistake, that's all."
"No, Ron." She shook her head as she continued to sob. "What happened tonight wasn't a mistake, which is why I have to do what I am about to do. After graduation, I am going to stay away from both of you for the next five years."
"What?" Harry exclaimed in complete shock, "Hermione, that is crazy! For the last seven years we've all been inseparable! How is staying away from us going to solve a problem that doesn't even exist? It's ridiculous!"
"No, it isn't ridiculous, Harry. There *is* a problem." She wept, reaching to wipe the tears from her eyes. "I love you both and both of you love me."
"You love him?" Ron asked after realizing how serious this predicament had become.
Hermione nodded.
"And do you love her?" He questioned Harry who also responded with a nod of his head.
"Bloody hell." Was the only thing he could think to say in the midst of such emotional chaos
"I know this is a mess, and I am really sorry." Hermione sighed, "Unfortunately, cleverness can only take a witch so far. I wish there was a better answer than staying away from both of you, but I can't think of one. All I know is that if you love someone, you have to let them go. At the end of the five years, one of you is going to come back to me or I am going to come back to one of you, I just know it. True love will wait forever, but infatuation will simply fade over time."
"She's right you know." Harry begrudgingly agreed. "As hard as life is going to be without you, it'd be harder for the three of us to live in awkwardness for the next five years." He sighed as he turned to face Hermione, "It's going to kill me not to see you every day, but I know you and I know you have impeccable judgment. There's no doubt in my mind things will work out in the end."
"Thank you, Harry." Hermione smiled at him. "How about you Ron?"
"Bloody Hell." He shrugged, "I guess I don't really have a choice, but if it makes you happy, than so be it."
"This decision makes me many things, Ron." Hermione said softly, "but happy is definitely not one of them. However, I know in my heart it's for the best."
"It's a good heart, too." Harry exclaimed. "It's going to make the right decision."
"Absolutely." Ron nodded as they both smiled at her lovingly and the three embraced each other tightly knowing it was going to be one of their last great memories together for quite some time.
"Well then, now that we've settled that, I think we should get to bed." Hermione suggested as she made her way towards the stairs. "After all, tomorrow is a long day."
"Yea," Harry thought to himself as he started up the stairs with Ron close behind, "but an even longer five years."