"Where did you go?" Harry whispered, as I sat back down at the table.

"I'll tell you later," I said.

After Divination, Harry asked me, "So where did you really go?"

"I went back to the Common Room," I said truthfully.

"For what?"

"Now, that is a secret," I said, grinning. "You'll see."

We arrived at the Potrait hole.

"Bird's beak," Harry said.

The painting swung aside. Hermione was sitting inside, reading a book.

"Hey guys," she said, smiling at us when she saw us coming in. "Guess what...someone sent me a Valentine!"

"Cool!" I said. "I knew you'd get one."

Harry looked at me. I nodded meaningfully.

"Uh, oh yeah, cool, Hermione," he said, glancing at me.

Hermione grinned. "I wonder who it is, though..."

"Er, can we see what's written inside?" asked Harry.

"Well...It's a bit private," she replied.

"Oh. It's all right then," I said, smiling. "Hey, lessons are over, so why don't we go out for a walk?"

"Nah, I want to finish my book," said Hermione.

"It's okay then. Harry? Want to come with me?" I said.

"Well...I--" he began. I stepped on his foot. "Okay. I've nothing on." He grinned, a little bit too brightly.

When we were outside, Harry spoke.

"What's the big idea, sending Hermione a Valentine?" he whispered.

"Well...I..." I started. I couldn't control the blush that came along. "I might as well tell you. I like Hermione. As in, really like her."

Harry looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "I thought you were supposed to be liking Lavender Brown?"

"Of course not! I never liked her...she was just...an excuse," I replied.

"An excuse for what?"

"Hmm. That's a tough question," I said weakly.

Harry didn't press me for an answer.

"Okay. Hey, so are you going to tell Hermione?"

"No," I said.

"Why not?" he asked.

"I don't want to risk this friendship for something I'm not sure of," I replied truthfully.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Oh come on. If she likes you, you won't be risking anything."

"The problem is," I said. "I don't know whether she likes me."

"Sheesh. I'll ask her for you if you like," he said.

"Erm. Nah. Don't. I'll find a way to tell her," I responded.

"Fine. Don't say that I didn't try to help," he said.

"I won't, don't worry," I said, grinning.

"How are you going to solve the Lavender Brown problem anyway?" he asked.

I groaned, suddenly remembering that Lavender thought I liked her. "We'll take it one step at a time, okay? Let's get back to the Common Room."