"Hermione, I have struggled in vain and I can bear it no longer. These past months.. have been a torment. I came to the Ball with the single object of seeing you. I had thought I would be your date, but then I saw that you were with Ronald. Still, I had to see you. I have fought against my better judgment, society's expectations, and the impropriety of both your age and being a student. All these things I am willing to put aside and ask you to end my agony."