Author's Note: Sorry it took so long to update this story. I had this chapter half completed for the longest time but I was having crazy writer's block. Hopefully you'll enjoy this new update.

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If we do the unthinkable would it make us look crazy
Or would it be so beautiful either way I'm sayin'
If you ask me I'm ready
-Alicia Keys

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"Honestly 'Mione, how can you not like Fleur?" Ron leaned against a tree as he watched his best friend read the newly dried spell book.

A look of annoyance crossed over the features of the beautiful brunette at the sound of the dark arts teacher's name. "She's only there because of her looks. The woman lacks the skill to shape the young minds of Hogwarts' students."

Ron ruefully smiled and gave up on the topic for he knew his best friend was the most stubborn woman ever once her mind is set onto something. "I think Gryffindor will do well in Quidditch this year."

The red haired young man stared past the lush fields of campus as he spoke with a slight frown. Hermione noticed right away that something was off, without even the need to look up from her book. Softly she spoke to Ron, "Why don't you tryout, although I'm sure you'll get in without the need."

Ron shrugged his thick shoulders awkwardly and continued to stare, "I don't know. I thought about trying out but everything is different now." He glanced at Hermione with an amused expression, "What if I don't got it anymore?"

Hermione quizzically looked at Ron and then smiled slyly, "Got what, Ronald?"

He turned a deep shade of red and stared back defiantly, "You know… my raw Quidditch skill." As he spoke the words, Ron couldn't help but to puff out his muscular chest.

The brown haired woman stifled a laugh, "Oh yes, I remember those very skills. It involved you getting hit in the head by a buldger because you were too preoccupied with looking at Lavender in the stands."

They both stared at each other in silence for a moment and then laughter erupted.

Across the field, the young Veela lightly walked through the meadow while humming a soft tune. Fleur had just finished explaining to her parents how wonderful it was at Hogwarts and how she did not need to return to France. A soft sigh escaped her lips as she gazed at the cloudy sky.

"Damn it Fleur, look at me!" Bill Weasley stared at the blonde woman in front of him with a look of despair.

Fleur slowly raised her eyes that had been resting on a tree outside of the Burrow.

"Yes Bill."

He clutched at her right hand as he continued, "Do you love me? No don't answer that."

He looked around the room as if trying to find the missing words that evaded his grasp. "Are you in love with me? What is it that you want Fleur?"

The young Veela's mind was racing and every excuse to postpone the inevitable reached the tip of her tongue. Yet, as Fleur stared at the soft brown eyes of a friend that has stuck with her during the darkest of the hour she could not bear to hurt him. Fleur raised her chin and spoke, "I love you dearest Bill. You have saved my soul a thousand times."

Bill eyes lit up with the declaration, but Fleur raised her hand to continue, "I am not in love with you. I wish it was that easy, but I cannot control destiny."

Red hair hung lower as the Bill stared at the ground to avoid the icy depths of his love's eyes. "I would never want to keep you away from your true love…your destiny."

Slowly, Bill raised his head to make eye contact with the woman he swore he would love for eternity. "I will always love you, Fleur." He gave his signature brilliant smile and then turned away to walk towards the door.

Fleur stared at the vacancy he left for a brief moment before turning to the window.

She ran a delicate hand through her blonde locks as she gazed at the beautiful view of the field outside of the Burrow.

Blinking once, Fleur's blue eyes scanned over the cloudy sky and let out a frustrated sigh. Hogwarts was supposed to be a new beginning and yet Fleur is stuck fighting the demons from the last ending. A soft voice bearing an edge broke Fleur out of her peaceful reverie.

"Ron do you ever wish...," Hermione looked in the direction of her best friend but her gaze was far past him.

Ron held a puzzled expression as he waited for the brunette to continue, but after a few seconds passed he spoke softly, "Wish what 'Mione?"

This time Hermione looked at the red head and smiled as she answered, "Have you ever wished we were just human? What if there were no magical elements in the world and it was just normal then what would become of us?"

These questions thrown Ron completely off guard, and it was easily shown by the expression of his face. Ron remembered the bright-eyed bushy-haired girl who came to Hogwarts excited about the magical world. He could not understand what it was that Hermione was trying to understand.

Fleur cocked her head to the side trying to move closer to better hear the conversation without interrupting. What are you edging towards Hermione?

Hermione hesitated for a moment then spoke softly, "I remember dreaming about becoming a dentist like my parents. I wanted to follow the family business, but..."

Shaking her head lightly caused brown hair to cascade down her back in waves as she gazed upon the lake wistfully, "It doesn't seem that long ago, Ron. Life was so simple and of course I had everything planned perfectly."

Softly gazing upon his best friend, Ron slowly made his way to the side of Hermione and took a seat beside her on the grass. "I never knew what I wanted to do with my life. I was not smart like Percy, carry dashing good looks like Bill, funny like the twins, or even carry passion for a study like Charlie."

The sheer honesty of Ron's voice caught Hermione of guard. She stared with intensity at her best friend as he continued speaking. Ron shrugged his shoulders and looked at the beauty of Hogwarts, "All I ever had was Harry and you. Our friendship made me different."

Turning his head towards Hermione, Ron looked into her eyes and continued, "When I walked away from you and Harry, I felt like a failure. I abandoned my friends..."

Hermione hurried to speak, "Ron it was not your fault..."

"No, Hermione! You need to finally hear what I have to say. Even in our friendship I never stuck out. You are the smart Hermione Granger and Harry is the bravest of us all. All I ever had was my loyalty. I left for a short time, and I'll never forgive myself. And all I can ever be is a better friend to both of you."

Ron grabbed Hermione's hand and spoke softly, "I love you Hermione. I have always loved you. But I know you will never love me more than a brother."

Liquid brown eyes stared at the lake before closing abruptly. "Ron..."

"I am your best friend Hermione, and I will always be in your corner. And if you are ever ready for more...I -- am -- ready." The last three words were spoken with intensity unlike any before by the youngest Weasley.

In the background, the golden haired beauty closed her eyes after hearing the confession of love. Everything in Fleur was screaming in immense pain, and yet not a word slipped from her lips. Love is complicated. "Am I ready for this?", Fleur asked herself in a whisper.

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A/N: Thats all I have for now. Let me know how you like the progress of the story, please review.