Disclaimer: Harry Potter and its characters do not belong to me.
A/N: Hello to everyone. Am updating fairly regularly, don't you think? And to charma10 : I am trying to make the chapters longer. And I know my story doesn't have many conversations and stuff, yet. But I am working on that. Thank you sooo much for reviewing. On with the chapter…..
The next day was the same. They had fun interviewing and photographing the batch. They had lunch together and went to a Chinese muggle restaurant in the west of London for dinner.
But they both went to bed feeling depressed. Again. For the same reason as before.
Three more days passed, thus. On the sixth day, Harry decided it was time to confess his undying love to Hermione.
He told this to Ron.
"You are okay about this, aren't you? I mean, we've been best friends since we were eleven and it may be a bit awkward-"
"Its okay, Harry. Stop getting your knickers in a twist. I am perfectly fine with this." Ron averted his eyes. He was lying through his teeth.
Harry didn't seem totally convinced, but left it at that.
"So, I'll come with you when you leave to meet her and then, I'll ask her out…"
"That'd be good." replied Ron
"Okay, then come on."
They reached Hermione's office. She was, as per usual, doing her paperwork, reviewing articles and so on and so forth.
Ron went into the spacious room.
"Hey."
"Ron, hi. You are early."
"Oh. I'll just go back then."
"No! I mean, you could stay here. I am just about done. We could gout and have coffee or something."
"Actually, Harry's here too."
As if on cue, Harry entered the office. He had been gathering courage to get on with his decision.
"Hey, Mione."
Oi! That was Ron's nickname for her! He can go out with her and marry her. But he is not calling her that! Nuh-uh.
"That's Hermione to you." Ron was satisfied with that.
"And hey yourself. I haven't seen you for days. What were you doing?" She hugged him.
"Uh, yeah. You know, the ministry and all."
"Oh. Well you can join me and Ron for coffee."
"Actually," Ron interrupted. "I'll just go to the park and get things ready for the photo shoot. You two go ahead."
Ron didn't want to stay there with them anymore. It was becoming increasingly awkward.
"All right." said Hermione. She was confused. But Harry gave him a grateful look.
Ron left without another word.
"So, shall we go then?"
"Yeah, okay. What's up with Ron?"
"Um. I don't know."
"Okay." she said disbelievingly.
They sat down in the coffee shop near the Leaky Cauldron.
A waitress came presently, to take their orders.
"I'd like a cappuccino with extra cream." Hermione told the waitress.
"What'd you like, Harry?"
"What? Oh. I'll take the same."
When the waitress had left, Harry nervously placed his hand on hers. She looked up in surprise.
"What-"
"Just listen to me Hemione. Please."
"Okay." Hermione replied faltering.
"I…I wanted you to…you know….that…well, I…uh..er….Will you go out with me?"
Hermione looked at him, aghast.
"I know we are best friends and all…but…I really love you a lot, Hermione. So…can you please…at least...consider?"
Hermione didn't know what to do! Here she was, hopelessly in love with their mutual best friend and Harry was—Oh god! How did all this happen? We are in such a mess!
"Hermione?" Harry asked tentatively.
Huh? Did he ask me something?
"Hermione, please. Say something."
Hermione's normally brilliant brain was taking its own sweet time processing things.
The waitress had come back with the coffee. Slow service.
"I…Harry, Oh Merlin. When- how- I – Harry, I-I don't know. I can't. I am not-"
"Hermione, please think about it. We could at least try. I mean, if it doesn't work out, we can just go back to being friends. Can't we?"
"Harry, you don't understand. I-I am in love with someone else."
Then, it hit her, like a ton of bricks. Ron knew! He knew about this! That explained his odd behaviour. How could he? He had no right to do this to her. They were getting along so well. And now, this.
Harry cut into her reverie. "Who is it?" He seemed hurt.
"I…I can't tell you that, Harry. I'm…I'm sorry. But…"
"Well, are you together? I mean, are you going out with this guy?"
"No." Hermione sighed. "He is the 'Boy destined never to come around'. I've been waiting for him since forever! But he never does anything about his feelings."
"Well, then, don't you think you ought to move on? You know, try to get over him?" he said hopefully.
"I can't, Harry. I'm sorry." With that, she left the shop leaving behind an untouched cup of coffee and a dismayed Harry.
She and Ron were going to have a talk. Even Merlin couldn't help him against the wrath of Hermione Granger.
A/N: Hey. Long enough, I think. There will probably be a couple of more chapters. Thanks to all those who reviewed. Please keep reviewing. Need more reviews. Next chapter will be up in a few days.