Something is not right. Ron pushed his eggs around his plate one more time. Something is definitely not right. The plan should be a lot further than it is. Well, it should be making progress at least. What have I missed? What am I overlooking? Let's see; in the past week we've been swimming five times and Hermione suggested it twice. That seems like a positive. After all, if she's suggesting we get scantily clad together then she must be interested in me. Ginny's a girl and Harry never so much as takes his shirt off, so I'm the only one she can be looking at. On the other hand, I haven't been able to convince Hermione to get back on a broom at all. That is definitely a negative. How am I supposed to impress her as a teacher if she won't let me teach? Hermione never wants to play chess so I can't teach her that, though at this point I might have better luck with chess than flying. I'd need to think of a good reason why she'd have to learn first. That might be difficult. Anything else and Hermione is more likely to be teaching me than the other way around.

At least Harry doesn't seem to be making a move. That is definitely a positive. I don't think that Hermione would fall for that 'rich and famous' crap, but you can never tell with girls...no, focus on the fact that despite looking for it over the past week I haven't found a single indication that Harry is trying to be more than friends with Hermione. If anything she's-...Shit! What if Hermione is trying to use Harry as a practice boyfriend? She could be trying to build up her confidence with Harry so that she could go after someone she really wants. She's certainly smart enough to come up with a plan like that. So who is she after? Merlin, of course! It all makes sense now. Hermione is acting like she wants me but won't commit to the final step? She wants me, but she thinks she needs to build up her confidence first with Harry. Damn. I did not see this coming at all. My plan might have been a little too good. Still, this is easy enough to fix. I'll just have to make it clear to Hermione at some point that I'm interested and we can both drop the pretence. I'll have to find an opportune moment, though. If Harry's hanging around or she feels like others might realise what she was up to, she might scarper. I'll have to be subtle about letting her know that I'm on to her and that she can drop the act. This'll even spare Harry the shame of knowing that he only rates as a practice boyfriend. I should probably try to find a way to break that to him gently as well. We're friends after all and the man needs to know that he'll never get any action as he is now so we can work on getting him set up with some bird.

"Ronnie, stop daydreaming and finish your breakfast. The guards the Order's providing us with will be arriving soon and you lot had better be ready to go when they do. Alastor's coming and you know that he'll be operating on a tight schedule of some sort."

:-:-:-:-:

I think I learnt something about Harry and the odds that he'll forget what he sees as a debt today. I'm starting to get worried about what my birthday present might be at this rate. It was sweet of Harry to take care of the books for my favourite courses though. Hermione turned 'A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration' over in her hands before carefully adding it to her trunk where most of the day's purchases were already neatly arranged. It's too bad that Ron got offended that Harry was paying for my books. He really can be terribly insecure about his family's financial situation sometimes. I think he may have lumped me into the 'rich' category considering his reaction when Harry explained to him that it was a repayment and not a gift. Apparently it is a horrifying thing to buy your best friend some swimming gear now. I hadn't thought it would be a problem considering he bought his own swimwear. Maybe he felt a bit cheated seeing how good Harry looks in his shorts and rash guard as opposed to those...small swimmers he's wearing? Ron really should have waited until we could have taken him shopping if he wanted to buy muggle swimming gear. I don't think he'd thank me for suggesting it now; not even if I point out that he would be able to teach us about things like fashion in the wizarding world. That might even get me another invitation for a flying lesson with him. No, I'd better keep my mouth shut. Hah! If only Ron could hear my thoughts now. I'm sure he'd have some remark about the probability of Hermione Granger keeping her mouth shut.

Who would have thought it though? These days I'm actually looking forward to flying of all things.

Be fair with yourself, Granger: you especially like the ends of the lessons. I can't help but wonder if any of Ron's brothers ever thought to bring a girl up to the roof on their brooms? I could see the twins doing it at Hogwarts of all places...I wonder if Harry would- no, I'm a prefect. I can't go around suggesting rule violations to people. Especially not to Harry who gets in quite enough trouble as it is. But I'd really like to try it just once. Maybe I could...a Friday might work...Oh my god! Potter, you've corrupted me! I never used to tempt myself like this. A smile spread on Hermione's face. If I threw that accusation at him tonight he'd be totally bewildered. If I'm going to do it I'd better wait until he has us covered with the blanket so he doesn't fall. It was a brilliant idea to grab his blanket before we head to the roof though. It makes talking a lot more comfortable. At least until he starts talking about some new horror his relatives have inflicted on him. I hate them. Hatehatehate them! I- whoops. Hermione tried to gently smooth the creases out of her new school robe. Her hands had subconsciously balled themselves into fists as she thought about the animals.

There was so much I never knew about my best friend. He likes the sky because it is the opposite of the confined space of the cupboard they kept him in. He was hurt when I went to Professor McGonagall about his broom in third year because the Dursleys had always stolen any gift he received from anyone else and given it to Dudley. He doesn't eat much at the Welcoming Feast or his first meal at the Burrow because his stomach shrinks when they starve him over the summer. He never wants to involve the teachers in our problems because the one time he did involve a teacher her life was ruined and that fat bastard pressed a piece of red hot iron against his ribs. After all the abuse he was already keeping quiet, should I really be surprised that he didn't want to talk about what Umbridge did to him last year? He- oh my. Was that it? I don't think I missed anything but I didn't think I would be done packing already. Hermione closed the lid to her trunk and sat down on the bed. I think that I may be ready to try actually flying a broom tonight. I want to try it at any rate. Besides, Harry promised that he would sit behind me and help in case something goes wrong.

"Ron! Ginny! Come set the table for dinner!" I should probably get down there. Harry will most likely be helping them anyway. Hermione hurried out of her room and down to the kitchen. She couldn't stop a fond smile from forming when she saw that she had been right and Harry was already setting plates on the table despite Mrs. Weasley's protests that he was a guest.

"What can I do to help?"

"Oh, not you too, Hermione. You two don't need to do anything. You're guests."

"It's okay, Mrs. Weasley. Shall I get the silverware?" By the time Ron and Ginny made it downstairs, Harry and Hermione had already finished setting the table which caused Mrs. Weasley to loudly share her displeasure with her two youngest about their attitudes towards their chores.

Dinner passed in the way dinner usually did at the Burrow: boisterously. Afterwards Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny gathered in the living room to watch Ron beat Harry at chess. I think I've seen enough of Ron's gloating. He's won the past four games, he could at least offer Harry a pointer or two.

"Everyone, I'm feeling a little tired. I'm going to head up to bed."

"What?! Hermione, it's only eleven or something!"

"So? I doubt that I will become less tired if I stay up longer."

"You never know. You might start enjoying yourself."

"No, thank you, Ron. Good night." I'll see you later, Harry. I know you must have caught on.

"Night, Hermione."

"Good night."

"Hey, Harry, how about another game?" I hope that one of these days Harry beats him. I think I'd like to see that. Harry deserves a win if nothing else. Hermione headed up to her room and got changed into her pajamas before grabbing a book and settling down to read until Harry found his way to her room. Since Ron and Ginny were still up it could take a while. That's okay. I know Harry'll come when he's sure we can have an undisturbed lesson. Hermione opened the book and sank into the story.

"Good book?"

"Gah! Harry. Must you?"

"I didn't do anything different than I have all week, did I? I mean you even left your window open."

"No, it's fine." Come on, Hermione. Focus. "So are we ready to go?"

"Sure. You're pretty eager. Is tonight the night that you fly and I get to ride along?"

"It is." Hihi, I think that's the first time I've seen him wobble on a broom like that.

"Great! Here you go then. Just mount and I'll get on behind you." I don't often see him that happy either. Now let's see...okay, I think I'm in position. "Looks good, Hermione. Feeling comfortable?"

"I think so. Aren't you going to come and adjust my grip like Madam Hooch did?"

"Nah. If that's how you feel comfortable flying then that's fine by me. I'd only adjust your grip if it looks like it would interfere with your control of the broom." Oh. "Permission to come aboard?"

"Granted." Goofball. Oh my. I knew Harry had a growth spurt but...it feels like he's surrounding me. It feels rather safe. I think I could go flying like this.

"Okay, Hermione. You're in control, so whenever you feel ready." Hermione took a deep breath and kicked off. Crap. I knew it. I can't stop wobbling. I'm going to end up killing both of us. I'll never-

"Relax, Hermione. Remember what you felt while I was flying. Let your muscles move to adjust for the air currents. It's just like riding a bike except they're more like waves than bumps. Just relax. You're doing fine." Was Harry's voice always so soothing or is it that I can feel his breath on my ear? "Well done. Now we're going back to basics. Just take us on a lap of your room to begin with." Right. Basics. I can do this. I can do this. Please let me be able to do this. "That's good, Hermione. How about a second lap?"

"Y-yeah, okay." I think that I may be getting the hang of this.

"Don't worry. Your doing really well."

"Thanks, Harry."

"Okay, now pick up the speed a little. Remember to lean into the turns a little. I won't let you fall." No, I don't think that you would. It's one of the advantages of having your arms around me. "Excellent."

"Harry?"

"Yes?"

"Do...do you think I could take the broom outside?"

"Of course you can. I'm more than a little confident in your ability."

"You are?"

"Of course." I...that was very sweet, Harry. I don't think I can tell you what it means to me that you didn't even hesitate. Right, then. Here we go. Easy does it. We're just going for one lap around the Quidditch pitch. Aaah! The air currents are much stronger outside. What was I thinking? Of course- "Just relax. It isn't actually any harder than flying in your room. We can land any time you want to because you are in control." That's right. I'm in control. I'm in control. Harry's hands are right there on the shaft. He'd take over if he didn't think I could handle it. Harry trusts me. Okay, just turn gently here. And again. We're already heading back to the house. I can do this. Just aim it through the window and...

"I did it..."

"I never doubted you would."

"I know you didn't, Harry. I did though."

"And now you know that you're just as capable of flying as anything else. You just need to practice so that it all becomes second nature."

"I did it." And it's all down to Harry being a wonderful teacher. Hermione flung her arms around her best friend.

"Ack!" I'll get him used to surprise hugs if he can teach me flying.

"I did it! Oh, thank you, Harry!"

"Any time." I think it's time we went up to the roof for afters.

"I'll grab my blanket if you'll fly us up. I'm still shaking from just that lap around the pitch."

"Okay. Hop on." Harry flew them out the window and up to the roof smoothly, but much faster than he had a week ago. Who would have thought that I'd be able to do this without screaming. I never expected to improve at this rate. The two teens settled on the roof under Hermione's blanket and looked up at the stars.

:-:-:-:-:

Right. This should be a piece of cake. I already know that she wants this. It's time. Ron knocked on the door in front of him. This is going to be great. I'll fly the broom so all Hermione needs to do is hang on and then, once we've flown for a bit, I'll find a nice place to land. Maybe the pond or the Quidditch pitch. I wonder if her breasts will feel better pressed against my back or my chest? I can almost hear her now: "I get it now, Ron. You were right. Flying and Quidditch are so much better than books." Ron knocked again. What on earth is taking so long? I know that she said she was going to bed but that had to be an excuse for something. Hermione is never the first one to go to bed at school. Ron knocked a third time.

This is getting ridiculous. She must have actually fallen asleep. So what do I do now? I could leave and try again tomorrow. No, I need to be pushing forward. Even if I wasn't a Gryffindor, I can't afford to let circumstances dictate my actions too much. My actions should create my circumstances. This is so much easier on a chess board. Right. I've decided: I'll go in and gently wake her. Girls like all that romantic mush right? I'll need to open with a line about not being able to wait to see her or something. That should cover it. Ron placed his hand on the doorknob. Gently. Gently, now. Yes! Okay now to-...where is she? How can there be nothing but an empty bed here? Hermione's missing! I've got to do something. Maybe I should get Dad or Bill? They could warn the Order. They'll want to be sure though. Look for signs of her abductors. The window! They left it open! That explains how whoever it was got in and out. Check if you can see anything. This could be my chance to rescue Hermione. Stopping an abduction beats catching right? Well, at the very least it should leave us on even footing in the rescue department.

Nothing in sight- wait! There. That's two people on a broom! I...I don't believe it. That doesn't particularly look like an abductor trying to get away. That looks like someone who barely knows how to handle a broom. Damn it! Harry, you bastard! How did you hide this plan from me? I feel like I'm going to be sick. How could you betray me like this? Just wait 'til you get back here. I'm going to give you a piece of my mind that you won't forget.

Wait. What am I thinking? I can't be caught sitting around in Hermione's room. They could use that to make me look like the bad guy in all this. Right, new plan: I'll wait in Harry's room. I could say that I was planning on inviting him up for one night of us guys hanging out together. That should keep everyone from thinking twice about it. Yeah, that's my best option right now. Ron left Hermione's room doing his level best not to slam the door behind him.

:-:-:-:-:

I can't believe how well Hermione's doing with her flying. You'd never guess that she hates flying. Though maybe that should be 'hated' flying. Just more proof that she can do anything she puts her mind to. If she keeps on like this I'll have to see if I can get her on the team. I can hear the commentary now: Bell to Granger...she scores! Heh! I don't think anyone would- why is Ron sleeping in my bed with a broom? Best to just ask him I suppose. Harry reached out a hand and shook Ron awake.

"Hwa? Wha's...? Harry? What're you doing in my room?"

"Shouldn't I be asking what you're doing in my bed? With a broom at that?"

"Huh? I..." Ron looked at the broom in his hand before scowling mightily at Harry. "Damn you, Harry. Why on earth did you have to go and do that? You up and knicked my idea!" What? What idea?

"Ron, I have no idea what you're on about."

"You don't, eh? Then what was you flying around out there with Hermione all about, huh?"

"That's what you're upset about? If you wanted to fly with us why didn't you just come outside? Falling asleep in my bed seems a bit of a strange solution to me." Ron opened his mouth to respond before closing it. He seemed to be thinking something over.

"Look, Harry, I'm her flying tutor, alright? I just want to show Hermione that I can teach her something too. You had the DA last year, couldn't you have just left this to me?"

"While I think I get where you're coming from, shouldn't it be up to Hermione to choose her own tutor?"

"You could just be a friend about this."

"I'm Hermione's friend too. Look, why don't we just ask her who she wants to learn from tomorrow?"

"Fine. Good night." Ron turned around and left without waiting for Harry to respond. What on earth was that about? I think I may have to ask Hermione about this tomorrow. I just don't understand people sometimes.

:-:-:-:-:

Damn it, that was close. How could I be so careless? I almost blurted out that I have a plan to get Hermione. This whole thing won't work if she knows about the plan and Harry would be sure to tell her. "I'm Hermione's friend too", indeed. He really is just trying the same thing I am and managed to steal a march on me. Shit. This is going to take some work to set right. If I don't ask Hermione to choose between us tomorrow Harry will bring it up. He has the advantage after buying her those books. I bet that's how he got her on a broom. I knew that wasn't a 'repayment'. So, I have to ask her at a time when the odds are most in my favour. Damn, damn, damn. I wasn't ready for any challengers yet. If only I had asked Hermione to come flying sooner this wouldn't even be an issue. Stop. Think. When is going to be the best time to ask Hermione who she prefers? When her attraction to me is greatest.

When we're at the pond! That's when my advantage over Harry is greatest. I'll have to take her off to one side to prevent interference. What if it isn't enough? I need a way to bring Harry's odds down as well as increasing my own...hah! Of course! My plan won't work if Hermione knows about it; Harry's won't either. If I let the cat out of the bag on his plan then anything he says will be taken as part of his plan. Even if he says that I have a plan. That is genius, if I do say so myself. I better get some sleep. I'll need to be sharp tomorrow.

AN: Feel free to take Ron's comments when he decides to enter Hermione's room as a poke at a scene I've heard is in Twilight which sounds utterly ridiculous.

As always: thank you for reading.