Harry didn't go down for dinner that evening. He stayed barricaded up in his four poster, the curtains shut. He hadn't even bothered to change out of his wet robes. He lay there in the gloom, his eyes shut, feeling as if he were about to be sick. Ginny was going to the ball with Colin. He was in love with her. Colin was an idiot. What could he do about it? He was pretty sure that the answer to that was nothing.

That couldn't be Hermione's voice, could it? She knew she wasn't allowed in the boys' dormitory, but. . .it was her, and her footsteps moved across the room towards his bed. He shut his eyes as the curtains were flung open.

Harry Potter, open your eyes and talk to me! Harry obeyed grumpily.

Mione, you're not supposed to be in here, he began, but she sat on the foot of the bed and shut the curtains behind her.

What's going on, Harry? Please tell me! She was insistent and gentle at the same time, and Harry couldn't believe how lucky he was to have her for a friend.

Okay, fine, he said in a low voice. But you have to promise not to tell anyone. Not even Ron. She nodded seriously.

Harry said again. He took a deep breath. Mione, this is going to sound odd, but. . .I'm in love with Ginny Weasley. I don't know how it happened so suddenly, but I'm crazy about her. I want to touch her hair, hold her in my arms, kiss her. . .so, anyways. I asked her to go to the ball with me, and she's going with Colin Creevey. I can't stand it, Mione, I don't know what to do. And then Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, felt a tear creeping down his cheek. A single, solitary tear over the girl who he loved. He smeared it away hurriedly. What do I do, Mione?

She exhaled loudly. Oh, my. I suspected something, but nothing like this. Don't misinterpret that, Harry, she said quickly, seeing the expression on his face. I think it's wonderful that you're in love with Ginny. I've been waiting for five years for this to happen, and now it finally has! She was bouncing up and down excitedly, and Harry felt slightly annoyed.

Okay, great, but what am I going to do about it? he asked again. I can't exactly walk up to Colin, tell him I'm in love with the girl he's taking to the ball, and expect everything to work itself out!

she said, seeming to choose her words carefully. But you can ask someone who likes Colin.

Harry said confusedly. How will that help me? Plus, I don't think anyone likes Colin.

Let me finish! she said impatiently. I know of someone who does, thanks to Ginny. I am friends with her, you know, and she does tell me things. I find out very interesting things about the sixth year girls, and. . .I'm getting off subject, aren't I? Anyways, you take someone who likes Colin. Then Ron invites him and Ginny to sit with us, which he will do without being asked, because he's so protective and everything. You casually ask Ginny to dance when a slow song comes on, and Colin will be left alone with the girl who likes him. And he most certainly will like her, too, because she's very pretty and easy to get along with. Then you two just sort of switch dates. Unofficially, of course.

Harry was staring at her with his mouth hanging open. Hermione Granger, you are the most brilliant person I know. She blushed.

Thank you, but shouldn't you reserve comments like that for Ginny? she giggled slyly.

Okay, fine, Harry laughed. Now, who is it that I have to take?

Hermione leaned forwards conspiratorially. Okay. Her name is Kelly Whittels. She has long blonde hair and freckles and. . .

She's tall, I know who she is, Harry interrupted. Okay. But won't it seem kind of random, asking her when I hardly know her?

No, I'll take care of that, Hermione smiled.

No, you tell me how, Harry commanded.

Hermione sighed. I'll tell Ginny that you're looking for someone to go to the ball with, and that I think it would be nice for you to go with one of the sixth year girls. I'll ask her to kind of casually mention that in her dormitory, and then they'll all be wondering if you'll ask one of them. And then you'll ask Kelly, and she'll go with you of course.

But what if she doesn't want to get together with Colin? Harry asked desperately. And what if Ginny doesn't want to get together with me?

Don't worry about that, Hermione smiled impishly. She began to get up, but at that moment the door banged open, and the voices of Ron and Dean were heard. Her eyes flew open wildly.

Harry, I can't let my boyfriend find me in here with you! she whispered frantically.

Harry reached under his pillow and pulled out his Invisibility Cloak. He handed it to Hermione. I'll go out and down to the bathroom, he whispered. You follow me out in the cloak, and bump into me when you're through. Then just give it back to me outside the door. She nodded, and pulled the cloak over her head. Harry pulled back the curtains, and hurried over to the door. He pulled it open.

Hey, Harry, Ron said. He had a concerned look on his face. Is something the matter?

I'm tired, Harry replied shortly. He felt a nudge as Hermione slipped out past him. I'm going down to the bathroom. He stepped out and closed the door. Hermione reappeared, and handed him the cloak.

she whispered, and vanished down the stairs.

Thank you, Harry grinned. He tucked the cloak under his robes, and headed down to the bathroom.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I hope that isn't too confusing! It was kinda complicated and hard to explain, so hopefully it makes sense. Oh yeah, Kelly Whittels is my character.