Arithmetic is an interesting subject, but it still couldn't stop my mind from wandering. I was wondering about the possibilities about Ron liking me. Which was a totally pointless thing to do. I kept my eyes on the Professor, making sure I did hear what some of what she was saying. Ron...Well, I guess that studies come first.

Arithmetic finally ended, and I was free to go. I entered the Gryffindor Common Room. Ron and Harry were waiting there, playing Wizards' Chess. Ron is very good at chess...I still remembered the time when we got pass Professor Mcgonagall's giant chess set in our first year. It seemed overly daring, come to think of it.

"Hi guys..." I said.

Harry's head snapped up.

"HERMIONE! You wouldn't GUESS what happened!" Harry was grinning from ear to ear.

"What?"

"RON ACTUALLY HAS A CRUSH ON LAVENDER BROWN!" Harry exclaimed.

Ron turned red. "Harry, stop announcing it!"

Relax, Ron," Harry said. "Nobody's here except us. All of them went to enjoy the weather. Including Lavender. Heh."

Ron has a crush on Lavender Brown? Doesn't that mean...

Oh God. I should have followed my head.

**

It was the second day since I was hit with the hard fact that Ron actually liked Lavender Brown. It was so...depressing. I don't know. It's just that...I didn't expect it. I didn't want to be jealous...but every time Ron talked about her, or mentioned her...it was just so painful.

Lavender was one of my good friends...and it's just that...I don't really want my relationship with her to be spoilt by my liking for Ron. It just isn't right.

"Don't you think she's so pretty?" Ron whispered to me abruptly, as Lavender walked past us.

We were discussing what to do for Harry's birthday party.

"Yes...yes, she is." I replied. Pain.

"How am I going to ever make her like me back? And how do I know she feels the same way?"

"Well, Ron...I can sound her out for you if you like. And well...I'll teach you how to chase her." More pain.

"That is so COOL, Hermione! You're the best!" he said.

I forced a grin.

I had just promised to teach Ron what I didn't want him to do.

**

"Hey Lavender...could I speak to you for a while?"

"Sure, Hermione...what's up?" Lavender Brown looked at me.

I had found the chance to speak to Lavender alone today after Arithmetic lesson. This was the fourth day since I found out, and it wasn't hurting any less. The boys were playing in the snow, and Parvati was with her other bunch of friends.

"Erm. Nothing much...just want to talk, I guess," I said.

"Don't you have Harry and Ron?" she said, smiling.

"Yeah...but they're not girls," I said, grinning.

"Oh. Okay." She nodded, accepting my reason. "Well...so what is it about?"

"Boys," I said suddenly.

"Oh...then you've come to the wrong person. I don't know much about guys...Parvati knows more," she said.

"Yeah, but I'm closer to you. Say, what do you think of Ron?" I decided to ask the question quick.

"Ron? Why? You like Ron?" she looked at me curiously.

"No," I lied. "He's my best friend...just want to know what you think about the people I'm mixing around with. I've heard that some people aren't really happy that I'm good friends with him and Harry. They're always getting into trouble."

"Well...Ron is...nice. Good enough to be your friend. I mean, he's good at chess, and although he's not really good with his books, he makes up for it by being brave. I heard about what happened in first year, Hermione...I know," she said. "As for Harry...he's really cool. Brave, courageous, nice, beautiful green eyes...although his hair is a little messy, his lightning scar still looks really nice underneath it." Her eyes started to sparkle.

Oh gosh. How was I going to tell Ron that the girl he liked was actually having a crush on his best friend?

"And of course, Harry is really cute too. Not to mention that he's the Boy Who Lived...Surviving You-Know-Who's attacks...he really has a charmed life. And Harry has also duelled with You-Know-Who! And--"

"Er okay, Lavender...that's enough," I said, cutting her off halfway.

"I haven't even said everything yet," she replied.

"Well, I guess that what you've said is enough to tell me I'm mixing with the right people. Thanks, Lavender."

"Any time, Hermione," she replied, smiling. I smiled back, and headed to the dormitory, where I sat in my bed.

Great. What was I going to tell Ron? That Lavender liked Harry, and not him?