Hermione Granger and the Two Lovers

Chapter Six

As the feast came to a finish, Dumbledore came to his feet. "It's the beginning of a new year at Hogwarts and the beginning of some thing else," Dumbledore started. "I told you three years ago at the end of the year feast, that Lord Voldemort had returned. He has regained his lost powers and some of your parents may have informed you that this is a lie. However, your parents have been misinformed by the Ministry of Magic. The Ministry hopes to prevent panic, but I believe that you should be warned before he strikes, as I know he will."

Many gasped at the sound of Voldemort's name. However, Ron did not. Ron had finally managed to control his reaction to Voldemort's name. Hermione was so proud.

"The end is not near, though. It is the beginning of a new adventure," Dumbledore concluded.

Hermione glanced over at Harry. Harry had a straight face. He looked at Dumbledore and nodded. How could Harry be so calm? Dumbledore just explain how Voldemort was getting stronger and Harry was just sitting there. What was up with that!?

Harry noticed Hermione looking at him and he gave her a small smile. Hermione immediately turned away. She was so worried about Harry, but he was so calm, how was this possible?

"You may now head to your dormitories, please do not stay up too late, and we will see you bright and early, tomorrow!" Professor McGonagall concluded.

Harry and Neville hurried after Ginny and Luna, who were giggling excessively. Ron, however, was messing with his robes.

"Ron, you don't need to pretend that you're cleaning food off of your robes, just so you can wait for me. And don't say you're not waiting for me because I know you are," Hermione advised him. Ron opened his mouth to argue but obediently closed it.

Ron and Hermione walked up the staircase, chatting about the new school year. Ron repeatedly put his hands in his pockets and pulled them back out until Hermione grasped his hand. Ron looked a little taken aback, but he smiled and continued walking.

When they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Ron told the Fat Lady the new password, Collywobbles, and the portrait swung open.

Ron and Hermione entered the common room and sat down on the sofa near the fireplace. Hermione assumed that all of the students must have gone to the dormitories, to unpack their belongings.

Hermione leaned her head against Ron's chest and Ron ran his fingers through her hair. Hermione bit her lip to stop herself from crying.

Hermione let out a sigh and Ron asked, "Hermione, what's wrong?" Hermione let the tears run down her face, they blurred her vision and all she saw was the outline of Ron's face when she lifted her head.

"I don't know, Ron," Hermione whispered through the sobs. "I don't want to love him anymore, but I don't know how... I can't..." The tears muffled her words, but Ron understood and pulled her closed to him. Ron cradled her in his arms as she sobbed into his shirt.