Later that day, after Harry unpacked his things and got settled, Harry, Ron and Hermione went outside and took turns playing wizard's chess. Ron, of course, won each time, and Hermione and Harry took turns playing him. When it began to get dark, Mrs. Weasley called them in to eat dinner. They ate a delicious meal, certainly the best Harry had had in a long time. After they ate, they went to bed. As Harry lay awake, staring up at Ron's ceiling listening to Ron's snoring, he began to think. He hadn't been able to talk to Hermione alone at all that day. He hadn't even been given the chance. How could he find out if she liked Ron or not if he couldn't even talk to her? He began to have second thoughts. Maybe he shouldn't try to play match- maker. Maybe he should just stay out of his friend's love lives. Maybe Ron had already told her...No, he could cross that one out...What would he do? Harry feel asleep, and woke up late the next morning.

Hermione and Ron were already downstairs when he finally forced himself out of bed. He walked down the stairs sleepily and found Ron, Fred, and George all playing Quidditch outside, with Hermione watching from below, with no apparent interest. This, Harry thought, was his chance. "Um, Hermione?" "Yeah, Harry?" "Do you want to come in and get some breakfast with me?" "Oh, sure" She pulled herself up off of the grass and walked inside with him. He picked two pieces of toast off of a plate in the kitchen and sat down at the scrubbed table with Hermione. "So, Hermione, I haven't really got to ask you how your summers been going" "Oh, it's been going really well! I already visited Viktor he came over to my house too! But...Ron didn't seem to keen to hear about it. I don't know why he doesn't like Viktor..." 'I know why....' thought Harry. "Speaking of Ron..." Harry began. "he's a really nice guy isn't he...." "Uh, yeah....he's a good friend of mine..." "He's really.....honorable....""Uh, Harry? Where are you going with this? I mean, why are you telling me this?" Harry heaved a sigh. Hermione knew him too well to be interrogated by him and not know it. "Well, the thing is Hermione, I think that, well, I think Ron might like you. He hasn't actually said anything!" Harry replied quickly, seeing Hermione's mouth open in protest. "Well, why would you even think that?" Hermione asked Harry, a puzzled expression drawing on her face. "Oh come on, Hermione! You have HAD to notice it... He got so mad when you went with Krum to the Yule Ball." Harry pointed out. "Yes, but he said it was because Viktor was competing against you!" "But, Hermione, he asked Fluer, and so was she." Hermione's eyes opened wide, and she stared at the ground. "Oh, Harry, what'll I do? I don't really like him like that...at least I don't think I do. What if I do?? But I don't know for sure. Oh, why does Ron have to do this?!" Hermione heaved a deep sigh, and looked across the table at Harry. "Harry, this has got me so confused." "I know, I feel bad." Harry said. "I probably should have minded my own business. "No, it's all right Harry. For all I know, I like Ron too. The fact is, I have thought about him a little different recently. But I never linked it to maybe liking him- like that... But now that you mention it... It kinda matches up." "Really?" Harry asked, not really all that surprised. "Yes, but saying I do. How do I act around him? Do I not say anything at all?" I duno, Hermione, this isn't really my expertise..." "Ugh, I guess I should tell him, huh?"