Hermione packed the remaining kitchen dishes into the cardboard box sitting on her counter. She heaved a heavy sigh, looking around at the bare walls and floors of her flat. I'm moving in with Ron tomorrow, she thought, the love of my life.
The traitorous part of her mind fired back. Liar. Remind me why you're doing this.
Because he makes me happy, she reminded herself.
Now, that's a good one. You've been practicing that lie haven't you? Only one guy makes you happy. And he's still waiting for you if you give him a chance.
"Please, not this argument again," she muttered.
Until you deal with me, I'm not going anywhere. So deal with me.
I have. Ron makes me happy, end of story.
No, wrong guy. Harry does. So why aren't you with him again?
Hermione sank to the floor in frustration. Because he has everything he wants. And so do I.
When was the last time Ron made you feel the way Harry does?
She started to talk aloud. "Harry has Ginny, I have Ron. Isn't how this is supposed to be? In sixth year I helped them so I could have Ron."
Didn't count on that crush on Harry to turn into love though, did you? No, it was all about Ron and Ginny's happiness. Never yours. And then, turns out Harry loves you too. But you gave that all away, her practical side countered.
"But it was expected of me. I had to. We could never be happy together."
That's rich. What about all the times you've had with him? Or all the things you've helped him solve? Or the numbers of times you've felt like the luckiest girl in the world, just because you knew him? And why would he feel the same way abut you if he didn't love you? You talk of being happy without him, but the truth is you can't be happy until you're with him. Her mental side snorted.
"Well, Harry is marrying Ginny in a year. And I'm happily dating Ron," she said in a hollow voice. "No more discussion." Hermione almost expected a flash of victory but there was none.
Hermione began to cry. "Why can't I just forget him?" she sobbed.
Because you've made a mistake, her practical side said matter-of-factly. You're so busy making the Weasleys happy, you won't accept that. Deep down, you know Harry is the only one for you. But you are happy, aren't you?
"I am. Soon, all things I've wanted in life will be real." And yet, Hermione continued to cry.
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