Later on, that evening, Hermione and Harry were the last ones in the Gryffindor Common room. Ron didn't stick around too long because the moments alone with Harry and Hermione were much too tense.
"So . . . you apparently have a date with McLaggen?" Harry said, wondering if it was true.
"Where did you hear about that?" Hermione asked, astonished.
"It's a small common room; news spreads quickly."
"Right . . ."
"So it's true?" he asked, "You're really going to go on date with that guy?"
Hermione sighed, "Yeah, I suppose. I mainly just agreed so he would leave me alone."
"Well . . . you do know that he's not . . . really, well, a good guy, Hermione."
"I know," she replied, bitterly.
"Okay, just want to make sure. And take care of yourself."
Hermione looked at him sternly, but otherwise smiled, "Harry, I'll be fine."
Harry smiled too, "I know." then he paused for a moment, "Do you think Ron knows about your date?"
She flinched at the word "date" and her heart skipped a beat at the mention of Ron, but she just sniffed and said, "I don't see how that would matter."
"You know he'd be interested in this too, Hermione," Harry said, "He'd also want to tell you to take care of yourself."
"Or he'd be too busy snogging Lavender."
"Hermione . . ." he started reproachfully.
"What?" she snapped, "Am I wrong? Do you really think the case would be any different from that?"
Harry just sighed. He had a feeling she was probably right. He wanted to tell her the reason why Ron was being like this, but he didn't understand himself. Intentionally hurting someone, because they unintentionally hurt him, two years ago, was a bit much, even for Ron.
After a long pause, Harry finally said, "I think I'm going to go up to bed. It's pretty late."
"Right," Hermione agreed, "Me too."
