2. Hurtful Lies
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Harry could hear the passing whispers as he trailed slightly behind Hermione and Ron.
`So they're together finally?'
`Yeah, about time they are. How long does it take for two people to find out they like each other?'
All Harry could do was clench his fist and hope for the once sweet delusion to come again.
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Hermione noticed it of course: the gradual isolation. At times when she walked with Ron she would look back to see Harry lost like a forgotten afterthought.
In the darkness of a random broom cupboard and when both of them were panting from breathless kisses, it was then Hermione thought about something else. Or more correctly, someone else.
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The fire was burning merrily in the common room and other people filled the room with a hum of conversation. Harry was reading again on the couch he always sat when Hermione and Ron were "out for a walk".
`Hi.' Hermione was there in front of Harry.
`Hi.' Harry tried not to show the surprise on his face. Why wasn't she with Ron?
Hermione sat down and Harry returned to his book again.
This was how their sparse conversations occurred except it was usually at this time Harry would excuse himself politely and leave without another word and Hermione would stare at his retreating back, wishing for something.
This time it was different. Harry was still there and Hermione held her breath to say something.
`You haven't been here much.' Hermione finally lets out lamely.
Harry glances at her but sees nothing and so takes interest in his book again. `I have things to do.'
`Do you mind Ron and I being together?' The question comes out like an unexpected thorn.
An infinite number of possibilities but which to take?
`No, no I don't mind at all."
In the end, the truth hurt.
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Ron was out fulfilling some obligation as Quidditch captain and Harry was doing homework with Hermione nearby.
`Does Ron make you feel whole?' Harry asks in a disinterested tone but deep down, it's a question that burns.
`I love him.'
`But does he make you feel complete?'
`Of course.'
The little white lies weaving their webs.
`That's good then.'
But was it?
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A/N: As said before, please voice your opinions.
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