'You've just gotta pluck up the courage and ask her mate!' cried Draco.

He had just returned from his manor and he, Harry and Ginny were sitting in the Slytherin common room.

Harry shook his head, rubbing his face with his hands. 'She thinks I like Cho. Understandable, isn't it, with Cho following me around like she's my fucking guide dog.'

'Harry, it's quite obvious you don't like Cho even if she does follow you around,' said Ginny firmly, 'and I'm sure 'Mione knows it.'

'She doesn't,' moaned Harry, 'she always manages to see me when Cho puts her arms round me, or – or ¬'

'When you push her away?' suggested Ginny calmly.

Harry didn't answer.

'Harry, you just gotta do it,' Ginny urged, 'before someone else asks her!'

The image of Hermione standing embracing Neville, or Ron, or some other person, caused Harry's blood to boil. He summoned up all courage and got to his feet.

'Where will she be?' he asked Ginny.

Ginny shrugged. 'Dunno, probably about, but if you want to get in to the Gryffindor common room, password's "treacle tart".'

'Thanks.'

Harry smiled at them as he left the common room.

He ran into Hermione a little sooner than he'd expected.

She was walking through the Entrance Hall, her hair pulled into a long messy plait.

'Er – hey.' Harry turned red.

'Hi,' she said. Her brown eyes searched him, deep and full of a kind of gentle sorrow.

'I need to ask you something,' said Harry, fidgeting awkwardly with his sleeve.

'Sure.'

'Um...well...er...the thing is...I...' Harry took a deep breath. 'OK...will you go out with me?'

Hermione just stared. Then she lowered her wide eyes to the floor, hanging her head sadly. 'Harry I – I can't. I'm sorry...'

Harry's heart felt like lead. 'Why not?' he found himself mumbling.

'Because...well...' Hermione looked back at up at him. Her eyes were full of tears and Harry's heart jolted. 'Because Neville just asked me.'

Harry stared at her, biting his lip.

'And...well...I said yes...' Hermione looked miserable, conflicted feelings crossing her face.

'Oh. OK. Well...'

'I'm sorry,' she whispered. She blinked and a tear slipped down her cheek.

Harry reached out automatically and wiped it gently away with his thumb. Hermione gave an involuntarily shiver at his touch.

'I better go,' she said. She looked up into his face, her brown eyes piercing Harry's green ones. The look of sadness and disappointment was mirrored on both faces.

'OK...well...might see you around...'

'Yeah,' Hermione whispered. She gave him one last sorrowful look and walked away.

'Why did you say yes?' demanded Ginny.

'Because...I was...I don't know Ginny, I don't know!' wailed Hermione, breaking into tears.

'Hey! No need to cry!' exclaimed Ginny, putting her arms around her weeping friend.

'I just...I don't know what to do Gin!'

'Follow your heart,' whispered Ginny.

Yeah so I decided to update super-fast because I had this idea and needed to put it down ;) sorry it was such a short chappie! Thanks again for the reviews, they're a great help. Hope you liked it.