Disclaimer: The Usual

A/N: Thanks to Alorkin for the review and helpful advice. The ending is somewhat unexpected. Chapter is again short though.

Ron spent the rest of the day moping around like a six year old, who had lost his favourite teddy bear. He refused to talk to Harry and Hermione, both of them trying their hardest to make emends with Ron. However, they showed no signs of reconciling with each other. Ron found solitude much better than being around people; nevertheless he did miss their company immensely. He would see Harry or Hermione walking by he had to suppress the urge to call one of their names. Ron didn't want to forgive them all too soon. He wanted them to be able to feel as hurt as he did the aggravating need to punch something, preferably Harry.

Harry found himself particularly fortunate. He had Ginny, who was comforting, and for brief moments in time could make him happy enough to forget about the argument he had between his best friends. This was only temporary; the guilt seemed to consume his whole self, so much that his mind would wander to thoughts of them, and the pain he has caused. Harry knew it was his fault. If he had been a better friend to Ron he would have realised what this would have done to him. Harry was sorry. He knew that. Yet, nothing could change the past, even if he wanted it to. All Harry could do is wait and hope that Ron would eventually forgive him. He was feeling vulnerable. His whole world shattered, Ginny, becoming less of a relief. He wanted Ron.

Hermione didn't have Ginny, or anyone to come and comfort her. All she had was her books, and the quiet empty space that was the heads common room. Hermione found that she had no ability to concentrate, her mind wandering to Ron between lines, the words, just meaningless. His face, full of hatred was as clear in her mind, as if she was seeing it for the first time, her life quite empty without him there.

For the next few days the trio barely looked at each other, let alone exchange meagre words such as hi. Ron was spending time with Neville who was no substitute to Harry's company. Harry would always be seen with Ginny, Hermione hidden behind a pile of books. Everywhere they went they were followed with whispers. People discussing the sordid affair, left, right and centre. It was hot gossip at Hogwarts, and virtually everyone knew about it. They could all feel the tension between them, with the ability to cut it with a knife. All parties involved refusing to acknowledge each other's presence, all civilities being thrown out of the window. It was clear to all that they would not be friends again, at least for the foreseeable future.

Most people preferred to discuss Hermione's role in it. She was the one that always seemed to be alone. Many people blaming her, saying she used spells, enchantments, some conspiracy theorists believing there to be an ulterior motive.

Hermione was sitting alone in the heads common room, when a familiar figure walked through the portrait towards her. Her expression changed from one of sadness to a smirk.

"Mission accomplished."

Draco Malfoy looked at Hermione. There was a glint in her eye. Malfoy leant down towards Hermione and whispered casually into her ear.

"Welcome to the dark side."

-The End-

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the story. Please review and tell me what you think. I may change some of it in time. But at the moment this is it. Ela x