Disclaimer: Sadly, I don't own Harry Potter or any of the other characters. JK Rowling does. I wish I did, though.

Later that same night Harry sat by the fire. The Gryffindor common room had all but emptied. It was his first night back to the castle. His last first night.

He was sick at heart of the idea of leaving Hogwarts. It was his home, more so than the house he'd lived in for the last sixteen years. Once June came, he'd have to leave. He probably would never see Ron or Hermione ever again…

"Harry? What are you still doing up?" asked a voice from behind. Harry recognized the voice as Hermione's. His heart sped up slightly.

"I'm just thinking. How about you?"

She made her way to the vacant beside him and plopped down. "I'm worried about school. All these decisions we have to make. It's overwhelming, you know?"

Harry nodded. "I know exactly what you mean. I don't even want to think about next year."

Hermione smiled. "Like I said on the train, it's only September. I reckon we're worrying over nothing."

He sighed. "I guess you're right. We should just enjoy being seventh years. You should enjoy being Head Girl."

She laughed. "And you should enjoy getting to use the Head Girl's bathroom, right?"

"Well, if you insist," he joked. They both laughed, their voices echoing in the empty room. It was then that Harry truly realized they were alone.

Hermione seemed to notice, because the smile slid off her face, but never broke eye contact. Harry felt his breath quicken. She was close, she a few inches away. Did she want the same thing?

"Harry," she began softly.

He nodded slightly, and their heads moved closer. Their lips were millimeters when suddenly—

"Crookshanks!" she shrieked, leaping out of her chair. The ginger cat had jumped on her lap, taking them both by surprise. The cat gave Harry a menacing look before streaking off towards the girls' dorm.

They laughed nervously, but the damage was done. The moment was over before it had really started.

"It's getting late. I should get to bed. Good night, Harry."

"Good night, Hermione."

*

Surprisingly, Hermione had actually gotten some sleep last night. When she awoke in the morning, a dreamy smile lit her face. Though nothing had actually happened between her and Harry, it almost had. Almost was better than nothing.

She made herself ready for the first day of classes and headed downstairs to eat some breakfast. Ron was sitting by himself, nearly inhaling his breakfast, but Harry was no where in sight.

"Good morning!" she said cheerily.

"Mo-ning," Ron said thickly through a mouthful of bacon.

"Really, Ron, could you please swallow next time?"

"Wight. Sowwy." Ron gave her a closed mouth grin that Hermione found herself returning.

She and Ron had been through a lot. Almost two years ago, they became a couple. The relationship was fine, but fell short of a year. They started fighting a lot—more than usual—and mutually decided to end it. They both agreed that in order to save their friendship, their relationship would have to end.

It had been awkward for a while, and they probably wouldn't be friends right now if it hadn't been for Harry. He had been the glue that held them together. And thinking of Harry..

"Where's Harry?" she asked, trying to sound casual.

Ron pointedly swallowed his mouthful of breakfast before answering. "I don't know. Still sleeping, I reckon. He got to sleep late last night. He wasn't there before I fell—oh, wait, he's coming in now."

Hermione turned and watched him come in. He did look tired, but still unbelievably handsome. The thought of what could've happened the night before sent her heart fluttering.

"Good morning," he said as he sat beside Ron. He hadn't even looked at her.

All the way through breakfast, Hermione tried to get him to say something to her directly, but it was impossible. He kept his head down, ate his breakfast and answered with one word answers. Never once did they make eye contact.

The bell rang, and the three had to go to Transfiguration. Harry jumped up and left Hermione and Ron by themselves. Ron didn't seem to care, but Hermione was fighting back tears.

That's it, then. Whatever last night was, it's over. It was all just some stupid mistake. He doesn't like me that way! We're only friends. That is, if last night didn't ruin our friendship for good.

Hermione gave a dry sob. "Tell Professor McGonagall I'll be right there, I forgot my wand," she said to Ron. Hesitating long enough to make sure Ron heard, she turn and ran for the nearest bathroom, where she collapsed into the first stall in a heap of tears.

Yeah, ok, I know, it's not really good right now…don't really like how this chapter turned out, but oh well. It'll get better, I promise!