I don't actually ship Harry/Hermione but this story occured to me when I was writing Tea for Two, and I liked it. So why not? Hope you enjoy it :) Reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Disclaimer: The world and characters of Harry Potter belong to JK Rowling, alas I own only the plot of this story.

Chapter 1 - Butterbeer and Broken Hearts

Harry and Hermione sat side by side in The Three Broomsticks, wordlessly drinking Butterbeer. Each was lost in their own bitter, lonely thoughts. The Butterbeer was warming on a cold wintery day like this, but neither was getting any enjoyment out of it. They were both probably wondering why they'd even bothered leaving the castle. After all, they were in sixth year now, Hogsmeade had lost some of its charm. Their silence was broken as Harry swore. Hermione blinked out of her dazed thoughts, looking at Harry in confusion. Then she looked ahead and saw why he was holding his glass so tightly his knuckles had turned white.

Ginny and Dean had entered the bar, and they were making their status as a couple blatantly obvious. Dean's arm was around Ginny's shoulders, and she lent into him, arm around his waist. Both their faces were flushed from the cold, and they were laughing loudly. Dean whispered something in Ginny's ear, and she swatted him away playfully. Hermione elbowed Harry to stop him staring murderously at the pair.

'Harry.' She hissed.

He looked at her, his green eyes sharp with anger.

'Isn't this a great conversation?' Her fake smile caused him to furrow his brow in confusion.

'Hermione, what the-'

'Harry' she whispered sternly 'Ginny is not going to find you attractive if you're moping and scowling at her. Okay?'

A flicker of hurt flashed across his face. But then, he laughed. It sounded horribly strained, but it was a start.

Ginny turned and waved at the pair, before snuggling back into Dean. Harry cursed under his breath.

'So...' Hermione said 'Slughorn's Christmas Party is coming up?'

'Don't bloody well remind me. I'll have to watch Ginny parade about with that idiot for the whole night. Can't keep their bloody hands off each other.'

'Happy Harry, remember?' He responded with a smile every bit as fake as hers. 'Better. Well you shouldn't go alone Harry. No, you need to make an impression.'

'Why bother? Ginny's the only girl I'd want to take. And look how happy she is with Thomas.'

The couple were seated opposite them, and were snogging. Harry actually growled as Dean pulled Ginny onto his lap. Hermione looked away, disapproving of this public display of affection, and feeling angry on Harry's behalf. She knew all too well how he was feeling. She had seen plenty of Ron and Lavender's amorous displays over the past few days. At least now they were cosied up in Madame Puddifoot's and not right before her eyes. She had done quite enough crying for one week. In fact, she had probably cried more in this one week than in the last ten years.

'They have been fighting a lot lately, so you never know. Ginny was very upset last week.'

'They certainly aren't fighting now 'Mione.'

'Look Harry, cut it out okay? You're not the only unhappy one here. Ron had agreed to go to Slughorn's party with me, but obviously that arrangement no longer stands.'

Harry awkwardly placed a hand on Hermione's arm. 'I'm really sorry about Ron. For what it's worth, I think he screwed up big time. And I don't think he likes Lavender very much, he just thinks she's hot and enjoys how she adores him. She's nothing compared to you.'

He patted her arm, and nodded, drinking some Butterbeer to try and hide his embarrassment.

'Thanks Harry. And Ginny liked you for years you know, I don't think she can let that attraction go so easily. I reckon there's hope for the two of you.'

She squeezed his hand. But then she froze, an idea occurring to her. She began to think through her plan, and how Harry would react...it could work. In fact, it was quite brilliant.

'Hermione? This is a bit weird.' Harry waved their still joined hands.

'Right. Sorry.' She dropped his hand. 'I have an idea Harry. Since we can't go to Slughorn's party with who we want, why not go together?'

'We'll both be going Hermione, I wasn't going to ditch you.'

'I know, Harry. I meant, as a couple. Let's make Ginny see what she's missing. And think how Ron will react...' And for the first time since that Quidditch victory party, Harry saw a grin flit across Hermione's face.

'All pretend though?'

'Of course, but they don't need to know that.'

Harry wrapped an arm around Hermione. She stiffened instinctively, before realising Harry had decided to start the show right away. It seemed there was only so much Ginny and Dean he could tolerate. She snuggled in closer, laying her head on her shoulder. She tried to ignore how weird it felt, although the closeness was oddly comforting.

'So Hermione, have you decided what you're going to wear to the party?' His voice was soft, if stilted. But it didn't matter, they just had to look like a couple.

She grinned up at him. 'I have some ideas, but I think I'd like it to be a surprise.'

Harry winked at her. 'I'm sure you'll be beautiful.'

Hermione giggled, despising herself a bit for acting so girly, but remembering it was all for a good cause. She also hoped Harry never winked when he was flirting for real, it was too cheesy.

When she looked across at the table opposite, she saw the lovebirds had separated. Ginny was looking at them like she couldn't believe her eyes. She raised an eyebrow, Hermione simply smiled in response.

Thanks for reading, stay tuned to see how this 'relationship' develops!