Chapter 2 - Hermione's Secret

Harry was surprised to see Ron up early the next morning. Apparently, Ron was excited about Harry's promise about using his Firebolt broomstick.

"Just be careful with it Ron," said Harry as he handed him his Firebolt with his arms shaking.

"Not to worry mate," said Ron. "You have my complete trust."

"Aren't you going to have breakfast?" Harry asked as Ron was holding the broomstick like it was the most fragile thing in the world.

"Already had it. By the way," he said, "is it ok if Lavender come with me as well?" Harry looked suspiciously as he eyed Ron. Surely his plan was to say that he was only going to ride it, but at the last minute say that Lavender was coming along. Harry was upset that Ron hadn't told him but found it very hard to say no.

"I suppose so," Harry answered. "Just watch its maneuverability with two people. It becomes a bit more difficult."

"Got it. Besides, you'll have time to yourselves while I'm gone."

"What are you talking about?" said Harry, truthfully having no idea what Ron was talking about.

Ron let out a very obvious fake cough. It sounded a lot like "Hermione".

"What!?" said Harry defensively.

"I know you like her Harry, and so does the entire school. Why don't you just ask her out? So many other guys have asked their crushes out. I'm surprised that you haven't yet."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Harry lied.

Ron let out a sigh of exasperation and stared at Harry coldly. He raised his arm, stick out his index finger and pointed straight at Harry.

"Smile if you're lying," he simply put.

Harry couldn't take it. He tried his best not to but failed. A wide grin formed on Harry's face and he slightly blushed.

Ron lowered his arm and gave a small smile.

"There! End of discussion." With that, he walked out of sight without another word.

***

Harry walked into the Great Hall an instinctively looked over at Gryffindor table to find Hermione sitting by herself. It wasn't surprising that she was reading a book. He grabbed a couple slices of toast before sitting next to her.

"Morning Hermione," said Harry.

"Hi Harry," she yawned. She looked very tired. Harry shook his head.

"I told you Hermione not to stay up too late. You really need some sleep. You're going to get sick."

"I know Harry," she said. "I just couldn't put it down."

"Well I'm not surprised," said Harry. "I mean, I'm impressed at your academic skills. You seem to get twice as smarter than anyone every year. Look at me, both my parents are wizards and I can't even mix a potion correctly. Then look at you, both your parents Muggles and there isn't a spell that you can't do." Hermione turned a shade of red.

"Thanks Harry," she said leaning over and kissing him on the cheek.

Harry gulped and his heart seemed to skip a beat from the kiss. The only other time she had ever done that was 2 years ago at King's Cross after their 4th year. It was that same kiss that made Harry start having "more than friend" feelings and he had just received another one from her. He spotted some Hufflepuff girls across from him, giggling. They had obviously seen the kiss that Hermione had given him. He turned toward Hermione with a look of confusion on his face, consequently, he saw her beautiful brown eyes.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"Just because," she said smiling and turning back to the book she was reading.

"There! That's a sign that she may like you," he thought. "You don't keep kissing someone you don't like. But then again, it was just a friendly kiss." Harry shrugged and continued to finish his toast.

"Harry?" said Hermione.

"Hmmm?" he answered, still with toast in his mouth.

"Have you really put into thought about what everyone is talking about lately?" she said out of the blue. "Honestly! I've never seen so many couples form in such a short time."

Harry swallowed his toast really hard. "Why Hermione? Who do you like?" he said suddenly, afraid of what her answer might be.

"Well, there is this one boy," she said turning scarlet.

"Oh," said Harry, trying not to sound too disappointed.

"I mean he's really nice," she continued. "And he's really sweet too. But I think he has a girlfriend already."

"Is it Ron?" Harry asked, sighing.

"Oh Great Merlin! No Harry! I can tell you that it's not Ron," Hermione exclaimed.

"Oh ok," he said feeling slightly relieved. He was ready to ask her who this mystery guy was, but found that it was really none of his business and that if she wanted him to know, she would've told him by now.

"Well…uh…good luck then Hermione," he said, feeling the color drop from his face. "Hope that you two get together soon.

"So do I," she said sadly. "I hope he likes me as well. But…I mean, who would like some snobby, bookworm?"

"Hermione," Harry said, feeling his heart die with every word, "I'm willing to bet that plenty of guys like you. I'm sure they look past all of your studying habits and see the real you."

"You think so Harry?" she said smiling and looking hopeful.

"Yeah," he replied. He suddenly didn't feel like finishing his toast.

"I'm one of them," Harry said under his breath. Luckily, Hermione didn't hear him. By then, Ron was coming over to join them. He looked like he had the time of his life with Lavender.

"Hi Harry. Hi Hermione," Ron said and sat himself on the other side of Harry.

"Hi Ron," they both replied at the same time.

"Don't worry Harry," Ron said, "I've cleaned and polished your broom before storing it." Harry nodded with a miserable look on his face. Ron took notice.

"What's wrong Harry?" he whispered out of earshot of Hermione.

"It's nothing," lied Harry. "Really it's nothing."

"Does it have to do with Hermione?"

Harry didn't answer. Instead he said, "I better be going. There's something I want to do before class starts."

"Ok Harry," said Ron as Harry got up to walk away.

"Bye Harry. See you in class. And Harry?" she called. Harry turned halfway around. "Thanks…"

Harry forced a small smile, that took much effort, and nodded. He then walked out of the Great Hall.