Harry ran out after her. He knew why she was upset, she was jus basically told that she wasn't excelling in something, and he knew, even if she wouldn't admit to it, excelling was very important to her.

"Hermione, don't worry about what Snape says, you know, I know, and I bet he even knows, that you're probably the smartest girl in the school. He was probably just in a bad mood, I bet it could've been anyone," Harry said trying to make her feel better. He put his arm around her, trying to comfort her.

"Oh Harry, I know that, but I was embarrassed in front of the whole class, just because he was having a bad day, by dinner, it'll be all over the school," Hermione said through sobs.

Just as she finished her sentence, Ron came running in, a look of concern on his face. He saw Harry, with his arm around Hermione, he just stood there staring at them, then anger became evident in his eyes.

"Ron, we're not……," Harry began, he knew Hermione couldn't argue back, as she was still sobbing into his shoulders.

"Oh, don't bother trying to explain anything to me, but you better have a damn good excuse prepared for Ginny, as I know I'll tell her, right while I'm telling her 'I told you so!'" Ron said.

"RON!! Listen to me! Hermione is upset, I was just comforting her, she's still one of my best friends even if you refuse to be," Harry bellowed, his patience gone

It was no use, before Harry finished, Ron had stormed off. Hermione's sobs grew heavier, Harry's cloaks were drenched.

What seemed like a long while later, Hermione finally regained composure. Harry walked with her to their next and last class of the day, double Herbology.

Just as he had done last class, Ron was standing outside the greenhouse door, pretending to be joking with Dean and Seamus, Harry and Hermione knew however, that he was miserable.

Herbology seemed to take forever, as they just discussed poisonous weeds, for the whole two hours. Ron had chosen to sit away from them, not even inviting Hermione this time. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of quite possibly the longest day Hermione had ever lived through.

Harry and Hermione walked to the Great Hall together. As they got closer, they noticed a very angry Ginny Weasley.

Harry, trying to ignore her anger, said "Hey, sweetheart," leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.

"Don't 'Hey, sweetheart' me, you disgusting asshole. Ron told me all about what you and Hermione were doing this afternoon," Ginny said, her voice strong. Then to the surprise of both Harry and Hermione, Ginny began to cry. She said "I thought you loved me," through heavy sobs.

"Maybe I better go……." Hermione began.

"No, don't, we do owe Ginny something of an explanation," Harry said.

It was obvious that Ginny was preparing for the worst. But her fears were put to rest, as Harry said sweetly, "Ron is just angry, you saw how he reacted when he saw you and me after lunch, he's just angry with me, he probably just wanted to ruin our relationship, and besides, you know that I love more than life, I could never cheat on you."

"I know, Harry, I'm sorry I didn't trust you, I love you too," Ginny said, "We should talk to Ron though," she declared. "Sometimes, I just think he gets jealous that I have someone to love me, and he doesn't, you know how much he loves Hermione, but he just can't seem to ask her……." Ginny began, she immediately stopped, as she remembered that Hermione was there.

"W-What?" Hermione began nervously, not believing what she just heard.

"Uh-oh, well there's no point in hiding it any longer, Ron loves you, more than you could ever possibly know," Harry told Hermione. He continued, "he's just afraid you won't feel the same way."

Hermione felt her stomach jerk violently, she had never thought of Ron as more than a friend, a really good friend, but a friend nonetheless. She just continued on to the Great Hall, not bothering to acknowledge the comment, and not speaking at all through dinner. She just kept thinking of Ron, how he must feel, and how he would when he finally got up the courage to ask her out, and she would be forced to tell him the truth.

Ginny and Harry went up to the common room alone that night, much before dinner had actually ended. Hermione figured they went up to have one of their make out sessions, that they usually had after a fight. Hermione was left, sitting across from Lavender and Parviti.

"They make such a nice couple," Parviti said, watching them exit.

"Yes, they're so lucky," Lavender declared, "What about you and Ron, Hermione?" she blurted out of nowhere.

"Oh, we're just friends, really, I could never date him," Hermione said firmly.

"You know, it's too bad you're not a little older, because, believe it or not, I think you'd make a great girlfriend for Professor Snape, wouldn't agree, Lavender?" Parviti asked.

"Oh yes, they look so good together," Lavender agreed.

(back in the Gryffindor common room)

Harry and Ginny were on the sofa in front of the fire, kissing passionately, as was suspected. Hermione was at the other end of the room, completing a homework assignment. Just then Ron walked in. He looked right at Harry and Ginny and walked away.

Harry ran after him and grabbed his arm. "Ron we need to talk," Harry declared. "I love Ginny, I'm sorry we didn't tell you earlier, we were afraid of how you'd react," Harry said nervously.

Ron was silent for a moment then said, "I'm sorry too, I can't stay mad at you, and I can't blame you for being nervous, I hope you and Ginny are very happy together," and he pulled his best friend into a hug.

Hermione smiled, as she watched her two best friends become reunited.

(the next day)

The next day, went on as usual, the Gryffindor trio, walking happily through the school grounds, and to classes together. Hermione however was nervous, for her first remedial potions lesson was today.

The school went by fast and before she knew it, Hermione was standing in front of the potions classroom door. Snape came and let her in, he seemed unusually cheery today. Hermione noticed this right away, and some of her nerves subsided.

"You look enchanting tonight, Miss Granger," Snape blurted out, not quite sure himself why he had said that. It was true though, he thought, she did look very good. 'Better than very good, she looks beautiful.' he thought. 'Why am I having these thoughts though?' he wondered. 'Not only is she a student and a Gryffindor, she is a mudblood.' he couldn't deny it though, she was beautiful.

"Er…..Thank-you, Professor," Hermione said, not sure what was going on.

And so the work began, Snape stayed in his good mood, and it wasn't half as hard as Hermione thought it would be. She actually enjoyed working with Professor Snape, discussing potions with him, he even made a joke or two throughout the lesson. 'Maybe he's not so bad," Hermione thought as she headed back to the Gryffindor tower.

A/N: well, I guess this was the start of it all, but I doubt I'll into the real good stuff until at least chapter 5, be patient, because this is gonna be good. Thanks to all my reviewers, I tried to follow all the advice you gave me. I'll try and update tomorrow, thanks again!