Harry Potter: Love's Second Chance

Hermione, looking at it from Lavender's point of view could see how the fib could be believed. "I guess I can see that, but believe me that's not the case. Harry and I realized we were more than friends. We realized we truly love each other."

"Love? Real love?"

It seemed so strange to Hermione to be chatting with Lavender, especially discussing boys and love, but then she remembered the girl she was chatting with falling from a balcony in the final battle and then getting mauled by Greyback. Lavender had fought for the castle, had fought for what she believed in. She was someone else that they were saving. "Yes it's real love," Hermione answered.

"How do you know? I mean what real love is?" Lavender asked softly.

"You know you're truly in love when you'd do anything to make the person you love happy," Hermione replied. "It means they are more important than anything else, including your very life. You'd even watch him love another, quietly from afar if that truly is what makes him happy. I guess that's a little more poetic than you wanted, but I hope you understand."

"I…I guess," Lavender replied. There were a few seconds of silence before she asked again. "So what happened with Ron?"

"Like I said, Ron didn't like me and Harry together. He even went so far as to accuse Harry of stealing his girl," Hermione replied. "I'm not sure what else to add. I guess I could say that surprisingly, we're not really missing him. Why are you asking me all of this? I thought you were his girlfriend now?"

"I'm having second thoughts," Lavender replied honestly. "He was the hero of the Quidditch match and he's done so much with you and Harry that I thought…"

"He's the next best thing to Harry?"

"Maybe," Lavender admitted. "But I really think he's cute in a way, but after dinner I wanted to talk to him and ask why he said what he said. It wouldn't have mattered to me, not really. I know he boasts sometimes but...but he just ignored me."

"I'll tell you what I know about him," Hermione said. "Currently he is very immature. He wants great things but won't put serious effort into achieving them. He has a very domineering mother and five brothers and a sister as you know. He loses his temper quickly, can't keep his foot out of his mouth and will eat anything in front of him or anyone else. He is the type who will always see greener pastures elsewhere. Truthfully I don't think he'll ever think of anyone more than himself at least not over a long period of time. Though if you really want to date him I wish you the best, I really do. Maybe with a push from the right woman he'll grow up. I will also say that if you do date him, I'd expect in the short time you'll have a lot more tears than you'll have smiles," Hermione stopped for a few breathes before continuing. "But Lavender, truthfully I really think you can do better than Ron. Don't sell yourself short; you're obviously very pretty and brave."

"You…you really think so?" Lavender asked.

"Honestly, I think you're a bit over the top with the gossiping and stylish things, but that is probably because I've never really been interested in those types of things, but yes I do think you have a lot going for you."

"Thanks. I never expected to hear you say something like that about me."

"Let's say I've seen a few things differently recently," Hermione responded. "If you ever want to talk again, I'll be glad to, but Harry and I have to see the Headmaster in the morning and I need to get to sleep."

June 20th 1996 

The next morning Harry and Hermione were sitting eating breakfast with Neville and Luna when Lavender yelled. "HERMIONE WAS RIGHT! I CAN DO MUCH BETTER THAN YOU!" from further down the table. All eyes turned to see Lavender get up from beside Ron and storm out of the Great Hall. All eyes then turned back to a quickly reddening Ron Weasley. Ron took two more bites of food before he got up and started out himself only to stop by Harry and Hermione.

"You just can't stand for me to have anything can you?" He said in a raised voice to Harry. "Told your girlfriend to make me look bad to Lavender didn't you?"

Harry looked up and stared at the person who had been his friend for so many years. "Ron, I think you did that yourself. Grow up will you."

Ron's hand twitched as if he wanted to reach for his wand, but he could see Harry, Hermione, Neville and Luna already had their hands on theirs. He glowered at Harry for a few more seconds as his face reddened further he finally turned and walked away.

Harry looked at Hermione after Ron had left. "Did you say something to Lavender?"

"She and I had a discussion last night about Ron," Hermione admitted. "I told her my honest opinion. Remember that she was there in the final battle and got bitten by Greyback. I couldn't be dishonest with her," She finished silently to him.

"I remember and you're right," Harry replied. "I guess it's his own fault," He said out loud.

"I don't know exactly what set them off this morning but..." Hermione shrugged.

"How about him and Romilda?" Harry suggested with a wry grin to his wife. "He did pine for her in the last timeline."

"Hmmm...that could be an interesting couple. Thinking of love potions though, we need to do something about Ginny soon," Hermione said and they both turned and looked at the youngest Weasley. "I think I'll have Winky take me to where she's brewing her potions so I can get an idea of when they'll be ready," She paused for a second. "I'm concerned about you this summer. Stuck in Grimmauld place with her and Ron."

"With Sirius still alive we will still be there won't we? They won't need to move the Order Headquarters," Harry thought of a whole summer with the two youngest Weasleys before continuing. "You know, maybe the Dursley's wouldn't be so bad after all."

"I can't visit you at the Dursleys. Well not without hexing them into oblivion anyway."

"I was just kidding," Harry said. "Between Sirius, myself, you and Kreacher we should be able to keep them under control. If we can catch her in front of Molly or Arthur they can deal with her," He took her hand. "Let's go see Dumbledore and see if he's ready to tell us about the Horcruxes."

....

Join my P*atreon to enjoy 60+ advanced chapters.

Link: p*atreon.com/ScarletRosee (Remove the *) 

Free members can get 2+ advanced chapters FOR FREE.