It's Life - Love with Consequences

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story itself!

Song: "Soulmate" by Natasha Bedingfield

While Hermione and her best friend Ginny stayed in the girls' dormitory of Gryffindor Friday evening, Ron and Harry went to Hogsmeade to spend an evening alone in the Hog's Head. Now that Voldemort was dead, the year sevens of Hogwarts were allowed to go to Hogsmeade on the weekend.
The places they stayed may have been different, but the things they talked about were the same. Ron complained to Harry about having to watch him snog his sister all the time, and not having the pleasure himself to make out with a girl. Meanwhile, Hermione, though usually poised and full of self control, cried her eyes out on Ginny's shoulder, because she thought Ron wouldn't want to be around her since they kissed during the battle.

Incompatible, it don't matter though
'cos someone's bound to hear my cry
Speak out if you do
you're not easy to find

"I always thought nobody wanted me," sobbed Hermione. "I'm just too bookish. But then, I felt like Ron was feeling more for me than friendship." She rested her head on Ginny's shoulder and began to cry.
At the same time in Hogsmeade, Ron said to Harry, "You know Harry, if I just weren't so shy, I would have talked to her a long time ago. I've liked her since year two, but I think she only likes me as a friend."

Is it possible Mr. Loveable
is already in my life?
right in front of me
or maybe you're in disguise

Ron took a short break in his musings to fight back tears. Harry, who decided to first just listen and then give him advice, waited patiently for Ron to calm himself, then prompted the boy to go on. Ron continued. "She only kissed me because I said something nice about the house-elves." Again, he wiped away a tear. "But maybe she was just waiting for such a moment, so that it wouldn't be conspicuous. It's strange...usually she says what she thinks directly..." he considered loudly.
In the girls' dormitory, Ginny sat next to Hermione on her bed and stroked her hair softly. She did her best to calm down her friend's raucous tears. "Just cool down. I'm here for you." For a few seconds, Ginny thought Hermione had calmed down, but within the span of a breath, she started crying again. "Hermione, if you tell me what's going on with you, I may be able to help you." Ginny gave it a new try because she knew very well that Ron felt the same for Hermione even if he wouldn't tell her. Harry had told her after Ron had told him. Hermione used her seventh tissue. She blew her nose and asked, "Ginny, do you think I've got a chance with Ron?"

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
who knows how to love you without being told
somebody tell me why I'm on my own
if there's a soulmate for everyone

"Eventually, I have to find somebody that loves me the way I am." Ginny was about to burst out in tears, too. She hated to see her best friend feeling so badly, but she could keep her temper. Hermione needed her.
Meanwhile, back in Hogsmeade, Ron and Harry were still conversing. "Harry, I read in one of Mum's books that there is a perfect someone for everyone. And I am pretty sure that for me, that someone is Hermione." Ron was so desperate, he was already drinking his fifth glass of Firewhiskey.

Here we are again, circles never end
how do I find the perfect fit
there's enough for everyone
but I'm still waiting in line
Who doesn't long for someone to hold
who knows how to love you without being told
somebody tell me why I'm on my own
if there's a soulmate for everyone
If there's a soulmate for everyone

"Why can't she just feel the way I do?" Harry watched Ron's mouth tremble.
Hermione, who still was resting in her friend's arms, had calmed down - even if only a little bit. She asked Ginny, "There are so many boys here at school. Why do I just fall in love with the one I'll never get?"

Most relationships seem so transitory
They're all good but not the permanent one

Hermione said, "I could just meet other boys, but then I always have to
think about not having told Ron about my feelings."
Ron, who had ingested almost one bottle of Firewhiskey, was now crying. He said, "The thing with Hermione would definitely last forever, but she would first have to have feelings for me, too..."

Who doesn't long for someone to hold
who knows how to love you without being told
somebody tell me why I'm on my own
if there's a soulmate for everyone
Who doesn't long for someone to hold
who knows how to love you without being told
somebody tell me why I'm on my own
if there's a soulmate for everyone
If there's a soulmate for everyone

After Ginny had asked Madame Pomfrey to give Hermione a calmative, she fell asleep in her arms, and when Ginny was sure Hermione wouldn't wake up, she put her into her bed, tucked her in, and went down into the common room.
After Harry had put Ron - who had consumed two bottles of Firewhiskey- to bed, he sat down next to Ginny and asked her about her evening. She told him everything Hermione had told her. Harry described similar discussions that had taken place between Ron and him, and the two decided to do something about it. Ginny said she would talk to Hermione again the next morning and Harry wanted to talk to Ron again.
They kissed each other goodnight and went to bed as well.