Breathe

Hermione watched the windshield wipers squeak back and forth in front of her. She had been driving for a good hour by now. She didn't know where she would end up but she knew she just needed to go.

"I can't believe we got into this again," she murmured. "Walked right into it!"

I've been driving for an hour

Just talking to the rain

You say I've been driving you crazy

And its keeping you away.

"Why do I let him get to me?" she asked herself, as if the answer was the most obvious. "I mean, so what if I decided to date someone, why does he care? Kevin is a great guy but no, it's always 'I don't like him Hermione' or 'You could do better 'Mione'. What does he know? The last date he had was to the Yule Ball!"

So just give me one good reason

Tell me why I should stay

Cause I don't want to waste another moment

In saying things we never meant to say.

"He's always right though, he was right when Viktor left me and when Zachary cheated on me." She let out an exasperated sigh.

"God! I bloody hate it when he's right!" she yelled, slamming her fists into the steering wheel.

"Sounds like you're really hung up on this bloke," a voice said.

A very startled Hermione slammed on the brakes and brought the car to a screeching halt.

"Who said that?" Hermione asked, looking in all directions.

"Up here," the voice said.

"Where?"

"Here!"

Hermione turned around and came face to face with her own pale reflection in the rearview mirror.

"Didn't know rearview mirrors could talk, did ya?" the voice said.

"N-No, I keep forgetting this isn't a muggle car," Hermione said, recalling the time Mr. Weasley insisted on updating her car.

"So who's this Ron you were on about?" the mirror asked, as if it and Hermione had been friends their entire lives.

"Well, he's a really close friend of mine, has been for years and--wait a minute, you heard everything I said?"

And I take it just a little bit

I hold my breath and count to ten

I've been waiting for a chance to let you in

"It sounds to me dear, like you have more feeling for this Ron than you let on," the mirror advised.

"I don't know how I could have been so naïve about this. All this time I've been going after all these over-educated, snobby guys, when Ron was right under my nose all this time," she scoffed at the irony, not believing these words were coming out of her mouth. "Oh bollocks, this is insane. Calm down 'Mione, breathe in, breathe out."

If I just breathe

Let it fill the space between

I'll know everything is all right

Breathe

Every little piece of me of me

You'll see everything is all right

If I just breathe

"What do I do?" Hermione asked desperately.

"Not to sound cliché dear but, whatever you think is best."

This mirror was oddly beginning to sound like the advice columnist from the Daily Prophet.

Hermione's brow furrowed in deep thought, and then suddenly a light bulb seemed to go off as she straightened her back determinedly.

"No, you know what's cliché?" she asked, throwing the car into reverse. "Not telling him the truth."

And it's all so overrated

In not saying how you feel

So you end up watching chances fade

And wondering what's real

"Slow down! Where's the bloody fire?" the mirror chided.

After what seemed like an eternity--how far did she drive anyway? --She finally reached Ron's flat.

She impatiently waited for the lift to take her up two floors, when the doors opened she stumbled out and sprinted down the hall to his door where she proceeded to knock--no bang--until he finally answered.

"What's all the bloody racket about? Hermione?" Ron looked at her oddly then just as quickly his sparkling eyes glazed over with anger.

"Look, Ron I know I'm the last person you want to see right now but I really need to talk to you."

Ron leaned against the doorframe with his arms neatly folded across his chest. "I thought we already tried that, and if I recall correctly it resulted in you stomping out of here red-faced not more than a few hours ago. So please forgive me if I'm not in the mood to give it another go."

And with that, Ron Weasley closed the door in her face.

And I give you just a little time

I wonder if you realize

I've been waiting 'til I see it in your eyes

"Ron!" She pounded on the door. "Ron, come on, you're being juvenile!" She rapped on the door again. "Fine, if you won't open the door I'll just say what I came to say from out here."

She was only greeted by silence but somehow she knew he was listening. Hermione took a deep breath and braced herself for what she was about the reveal.

"Ron, I know we've been friends forever, and no matter how many times we've fought, no matter how petty the argument, we've always resolved it. Why should this time be any different?" Hermione stopped and sighed in frustration. "I'm getting off track. My point is Ron, is that you made me realize something when you said that none of the guys I've been with were right for me, and now I realize who is. It's you Ron. It's always been you."

If I just breathe

Let it fill the space between

I know everything is all right

Breathe

Every little piece of me

You'll see everything is all right

When the door still stayed closed Hermione fought to maintain her composure. Tears were stinging her eyes as she slid down to the floor and began to absent-mindedly play with the hem of her frayed jeans. Had she just ruined everything? Their friendship? What if he didn't love her? Hermione tilted her head back against the door as all these ideas clouded her mind.

So I whisper in the dark

Hoping you'll hear me

Do you hear me?

Much to Hermione's surprise the door popped open, causing her to fall flat on her back at Ron's feet. He didn't say anything, just stared at her with a bemused expression. Like someone had just told him that Dementors were fluffy pink bunny rabbits.

Hermione slowly stood up before him; her cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment and looked at him expectantly.

"Well, you said all the important stuff, but you still haven't said the three words I've wanted to hear the most."

Hermione's face relaxed and she grinned, stepping up closer to him.

"You were right," she said slowly. Ron raised an eyebrow at her causing Hermione to roll her eyes at him. "Your always right."

Ron only grinned before closing the space between them and capturing her in a kiss that almost made her forget to breathe.

Everything is alright if I just breathe

I've been driving for an hour

Just talking to the rain