But he didn’t want that. He wanted lust. He wanted power over another female. And he’d never have that power over Hermione. He’d always be in her shadow. She was high achieving. She was making moves in the Ministry. She was making more money than he was as a sub-par Auror. Her ambition intimidated him. He didn’t want to rise and meet the same challenges she did. He wanted someone he could conquer. Someone to best. He showed his true colors years ago when he taught her Wizards’ Chess. She learned it, mastered it, and beat him. And no one beat Ron. Not even Percy.