“Is that it?” I ask slowly. “Are you breaking up with me?”

He shuffles his feet and looks down at the ground. “You know it would have never worked out Hermione.”

Which is what they all say when they can’t handle me anymore.

“Fine.” My voice cracks. “Get the hell out of here. I don’t want to be with you either.”

“Hermione.” He reaches for me and I take a step back. He bites his lip. “I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“Fuck you.” I turn and walk away, fighting the tears because I don’t want anyone to know he got to me. But it hurts . . . a lot. Am I that horrible of a girlfriend? Do I suck at kissing? Do I have bad breath?

But the thing is, I know it’s not that. I know it’s all my fault. I’ve sabotaged every relationship I’ve ever been in . . . from Charlie to Fred to Blaise to Viktor and now Seamus. I’ve hurt so many guys because I can’t let them in.

I sigh heavily, push my hair out of my face and plop down on my favorite spot on the lawn. It’s slightly secluded from the castle by a big tree that I lean against. I close my eyes, take a deep breath and try to meditate on something calming.

“Hermione?” A soothing male voice reaches my ears. I can tell he’s standing over me, I can even see in my mind exactly what his facial expression is . . . how concerned his eyes look. He sits next to me and I lean on him breathing is his musky scent of vanilla and something overtly male.

I take another deep breath and suddenly realize what an idiot I’ve been. He’s been there for me after every break up and every breakdown and for everything. He’s been my best friend despite how controlling and horrible I can be. He’s seen me at my worst moments and told me I look beautiful.

I breathe him in again. This is natural. Finally.

“Ron.” I can hear his smile when I say his name as his right hand begins to play with my hair.

“It’s about time Hermoine.” He kisses the top of my head. “I love you too.”

I beam into his chest. He’s always known everything about me.