This story was inspired by Hermione's infamous "You've never been more fanciable" line. The reason why this prompted me to make a fic out of it is because of Harry's reaction. Harry gets very hot. Why? If his feelings for Hermione are nothing but brotherly why is he having this response to her compliment? Hermione's complimented Harry many times before and he never got "hot." JKR could have easily had Harry react differently, and in my opinion, more appropriately. He could have been flattered, but uncomfortable. Or he simply could have acknowledged her comment and thanked her without reacting the way he did. A number of responses would have made more sense if Harry and Hermione's friendship was in fact purely platonic. But no, Harry gets "hot." Also, this rise in temperature implies blushing. You can say I'm reading too much into this all you want, but this is how I think the events would have played out had Hermione noticed the effect she was having on Harry =].
Bolded portions belong to JK Rowling.
"Oh, come on, Harry," said Hermione, suddenly impatient. "It's not Quidditch that's popular, it's you! You've never been more interesting, and frankly, you've never been more fanciable."
Ron gagged on a large piece of kipper. Hermione spared him one look of disdain before turning back to Harry.
"Everyone knows you've been telling the truth now, don't they? The whole Wizarding world has had to admit that you were right about Voldemort being back and that you really have fought him twice in the last two years and escaped both times. And now they're calling you 'the Chosen One' — well, come on, can't you see why people are fascinated by you?"
Harry was finding the Great Hall very hot all of a sudden, even though the ceiling still looked cold and rainy.
"And you've been through all that persecution from the Ministry when they—Harry are you feeling okay?"
Harry was sharply brought back to reality as he heard Hermione interrupt herself. He had been thinking about the fact that she said he was...fanciable. And she'd babbled on about why other people felt the same as if it were blatantly obvious.
"I—erm, what?" Harry stammered.
"You look a bit red and flushed, are you alright? Are you feverish?" Hermione asked, looking deeply concerned. She even put a hand to his forehead.
Harry edged away a little too quickly to be inconspicuous before he responded. "Oh yeah, fine. No problems," he said, forcing a smile.
"Are you sure Harry?" asked Hermione, frowning with even more concern now. "Maybe you should lie down for a bit, but don't be late for your next lesson!" she added sternly.
Harry, who was more than happy to seize the opportunity to escape, agreed wholeheartedly. "Yeah, better go and rest. See you guys later," he said quickly before grabbing his things and darting from the Great Hall, leaving his two best friends staring after him in bewilderment.
"What the bloody hell was that all about?" asked Ron.
"Dunno. Maybe the pressure is getting to him," said Hermione, still looking worried. "You'd better go and check on him later, see if he's alright."
"Fine," said Ron, before he devoured the remainder of his meal.
Meanwhile, Harry had taken this time to go for a quick walk outside. He needed some air, and maybe he'd go lie down after all. His head was still spinning.
If Hermione hadn't said anything he would have probably forgotten about this entirely. He never thought Hermione of all people would note that he was fanciable. Even if she did, what confounded him further was his response. Harry didn't blush easily, so why were his cheeks still burning? He ran a hand through his messy hair and took a deep breath.