Title: Hair Pulling
Rating: T
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Harry/Hermione
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Don't own 'em - not making any money off 'em. Dern it.
Word Count: 371
Summary: AU where Harry and Hermione are friends as kids, and Harry shows Hermione he likes her in a special way.
Notes:

Ultimate OTP Competition II: Prompt Use - Action: Affectionate Hair Pulling

356 Days of Drabbles Challenge: Prompt Used – Apology

"Ow," Hermione yells and glares at Harry. "Will you stop pulling my hair?" she asks, but it's more of a demand. She taps her foot angrily and even at seven, she's one scary girl.

Harry shuffles his feet and does his best to look innocent. "But I didn't."

Hermione rolls her eyes. "How stupid do you think I am, Harry Potter? You're the only one here. Who else could pull my hair?"

Harry bites his bottom lip. "A ghost?" he questions hopefully.

She sends him another withering glare and stomps away in disgust. 'A ghost? Really?'

They're on the train, heading to their first year at Hogwarts. Hermione still can't believe they are both magical. It's lucky, and she's glad she isn't losing her best friend.

They have the compartment to themselves, so Hermione is scouring her textbooks, looking for things she might be tested on the first day of classes. Suddenly, she feels a sharp stinging to her scalp and sighs.

"What is it with you and pulling my hair, Harry?"

"Um, it's fun?" He doesn't sound too sure himself.

"Well, stop," she orders, and then she goes back to reading, as if nothing had happened.

Fourteen-year old Harry shuffles his feet nervously in front of her. "So, remember how I always used to pull your hair?"

"Of course, and you never gave me a proper apology for it."

"Um, yeah, sorry about that, but I never really meant to hurt you."

"Be that as it may, it was very rude of you. Why are you bringing it up now, though?"

"Well, I think I always pulled your hair because I had a crush on you, and I didn't really know how to tell you."

Hermione opens her mouth, and then it snaps shut again. Her brain tries to come up with a reply as Harry nervously waits for her to say something. Anything. Finally, all she comes up with is a gasp of "Really?"

Harry nods and blushes. "So, will you be my date to the Yule Ball?"

Hermione's blush is prominent on her face. "Yes, I'd like that very much."

"Good."

"Good," Hermione echoes. She's not sure where this will lead, but she can't wait to find out.