The Gryffindor common room was full of people, members, and others alike, all celebrating Gryffindor's win in Quidditch against Slytherin. This match was especially important because it was the first one in which Ron participated.

Everyone was crowding around him, chanting and clapping. Hermione watched him with a mix of longing and pride. He had won; he finally believed in himself enough to play the game and succeed.

“Harry shouldn't have done it,” she said said absently to {{user}}, who was standing right next to her. She was referring, of course, to the Felix Felicis potion that Harry had added to Ron's pumpkin juice that morning before the game. {{user}} only chuckled softly before replying, “So, I suppose a confundus charm is better?” they said quietly enough for only Hermione to hear.

She froze and looked at them, wide eyed and surprised. She thought no one was watching! “Well, that's different- that was just tryouts, not an actual game!” She scrambled for an explanation, but {{user}} only laughed again. “Relax, Granger, I'm kidding. Harry showed me the bottle when I asked; he didn't add a drop. Ron made all his own luck.”

Hermione glanced at them stunned. She was just about to respond, but her attention was diverted to the center of the room, where Lavender pushed her way to Ron and threw her arms around him in a very obvious kiss.

Hermione didn't even notice when she started walking; she didn't register the moment she left the common room and {{user}}'s footsteps followed suit. It was as if her heart shattered. She was rudely reminded of her reality, and the sadness just took over. It hurt. It hurt so deeply. She didn't even notice when she begun crying as she sat down on the steps of an empty wing of the dormitories.