the_debt_of_time

Harry sighed and put an arm around her shoulders, pulling her in close next to him.
She leant her head on his shoulder and smiled when she felt his chin rest on top of
her hair. "I really am happy that you guys won the game. I know I don't appreciate
Quidditch as much as you do, but... it's important to you, and―"
"I know," Harry said. "I'm sorry I got you in trouble with Ron because of the Felix
Felicis trick I played on him."
"He seems to be enjoying the celebrations," she said bitterly.
"Er... does he?" Harry asked innocently.
Hermione sat up and stared at him incredulously. "Don't pretend you didn't see
that."
Harry's face scrunched up into a grimace. "It's a side of him I never ever wanted to
see. And that's saying something since I've shared a dorm room and communal shower
with the bloke for going on six years."
Hermione laughed. "Ew, Harry."
"Still," he said with a frown, "he shouldn't have done that, least of all in front of
you."
"He shouldn't do that in front of anyone," Hermione said emphatically. "He's just
using poor Lavender, and she doesn't even know it."
"I think he likes the attention she gives him," he pointed out.
Hermione nodded. "That much is certain."
"I don't like when he hurts you. I'm supposed to take care of you. I promised―"
Harry began but then looked down and away from her, clearly ashamed.
Hermione stared at him. "Harry, I'm upset that Ron is trying to hurt me on purpose.
I'm upset that he yelled at me and accused me of not believing in him. Frankly, I'm still
upset at him for abandoning you during the Triwizard Tournament two years ago, and for
accusing poor Crookshanks of killing his stupid rat three years ago. I think I'll hex him the
next time I see his face," she admitted with a laugh. "I've been upset for a long time, and
I'm so very tired of burying it inside."
Harry sighed and then offered her a sympathetic smile. "I know the feeling."
"I wish we could have had a normal life here at Hogwarts sometimes," she said,
looping her arm through his and lacing their fingers together. She treasured their friendship
that, unlike hers with Ron, came with ease and comfort. Harry was the closest thing she