Chapter One:

(A/N: Bits of Harry/Ginny in this part)

Ginny opened one eye and looked around. She was back in her dorm room, and she saw Hermione sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Where were you last night? I heard you stroll in way after curfew."

"That wasn't me...I was here all night."

"Oh well, I heard you stagger into bed about midnight. Are you okay?"

"I-I just had a strange dream and I sat all night contemplating it." Ginny said, pushing her hair back as Hermione stared at her for a moment then sighed.

"All right. If you're sure that's all it was. I'm going down to get some food, are you coming?" Ginny shook her head and dropped back down on her pillow as the sunlight streamed into the room, and caught her in the face, blinding her for half a second, so that she stumbled and hit the floor getting out of bed.

"Ouch..." She groaned as she picked herself up, rubbing her head slightly. It was beginning to sting. She pondered for a moment whether breakfast was in fact a good idea. Deciding that it was she quickly got dressed in a black shirt and jeans, and covered it up with her usual Gryffindor robes and grabbed a notebook and quill and set off down the steps.

Upon reaching the Gryffindor common room she saw that Harry was there. Ron was nowhere in sight. Why had he stayed behind?

"Morning Gin." He smiled, and she noted that he seemed oddly nervous. It wasn't known for Harry to be shy around her...unless...

"Want to walk with me to the Great Hall?" He asked, running a hand through his hair.

"Okay." She nodded as he muttered the password ("Pixie") and they set out together down the corridor.

"Err-you see, the thing is...I wanted to ask you something Ginny."

"Yeah?"

She stopped suddenly. Maybe all her waiting was paying off. She was daydreaming so much that she didn't hear what he had said.

"-What?"

"Oh, I asked if you think it's a good idea if I asked out Hermione. I mean, you'd know better then anyone...you are her best friend."

"I-oh I don't know. I think..." She shut her eyes and swallowed down the urge to snap at him. It shot back up and she started bellowing at him.

"I think that if you want to ask her don't come crawling to the girl who followed you for years, unnoticed!" She bit back a sob and stormed off, every inch of her trembling.

"What the hell's the matter with him? I can't believe he asked me that! Oh, hi guys." Ginny frowned and sat next to Ron, and Hermione was furthest from her. Good thing too, Ginny was liable to stab her with a fork. Why hadn't Hermione told her that Harry liked her? She's be stupid not to know, that boy was so obvious with who he liked.

"What's bothering you Gin? You were muttering all the way here." Ron said, glancing at her tensely.

"Oh-it's nothing. I better eat quickly, I've got to head to the library." She smiled tightly as Harry entered, looking glum.

"Ginny-can I talk to you-please?"

"No..." Ron and Hermione stared bewildered at the two of them.

"I need to explain..."

"No, Harry. I really don't think you do. Forget it, I can't eat. See you later Ron." Ginny called as she stepped outside into the hallway and ran into the only person who make her morning worse.

"Saw that little quarrel you had with Potter." Something that could only be construed as a smirk flickered on his lips.

"Yeah...so what? He was asking for it."

"What did he say?" His gray eyes glinted mysteriously.

"Excuse me? How is what goes on in my life any of your business?" She snapped, feeling her heart pounding in her chest.

"It isn't everyday that a shy little girl bites back, especially one who is so taken with Potter. So it's just curiosity..." His voice was calm, as she stepped back slowly.

"I'm not taken with him anymore! Besides, it's none of your business you slimy little brat." She spouted hotly, pushing her hair behind her ear. He watched the movement with his eyes for a second before speaking again.

"I'm just saying that it's a good change..." Something crawled up to the front of her brain and she remembered the dream. He had said something similar to that. But why, what was his angle?

She tilted her head and looked grimly at him before she headed down the hall. He followed her closely.

"What do you want?" She hissed out of the corner of her mouth as she caught him falling in step beside her.

"I have to go to the library..." He smirked, brushing his hand through his hair.

"Just don't bother me...and we'll get along real well." She frowned.

"Fine by me little girl."

She stopped dead. This was going to be a long day.