Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. It really bites

When: Harry and co's sixth year

Where: Grimmauld Place

Characters: Harry and Hermione

Category: I dunno…romance…angst…what do you think?

AN: This one isn't too great. Couldn't get it quite right. By the way, I have been a definite Harry/ Hermione fan (but also enjoying some Harry/Draco stuff) but now I'm not sure…all the Harry/Hermione stuff I like seems to be very sad… Oh, well…Enjoy!!

CHRISTMAS VARIETY BOX

Perfection

The evening shadows cast dappled patterns across the small room; Hermione sat, lost in her thoughts.

It was Christmas day, a day she had spent with her friends and Sirius, at Sirius' childhood home. Hermione hated Grimmauld Place but her friends were here, so she was content. Perfection…almost.

Now, that everyone knew Mr Weasley was going to be all right, everyone was laid back and simply revelled in the magic of Christmas. Even Harry seemed less gloomy than usual. He was happy to be around Sirius for the holidays and of course he was happy that he had finally kissed Cho…

She was happy for him…just not happy for her. Harry was joyful that he had finally had the nerve to make a move with the girl he had fancied so long and Hermione was glad that Harry was so happy. But…Cho wasn't good enough for him! She… Hermione found herself searching for a reason why Harry shouldn't go out with Cho. She found one…but not one she could ever admit to Harry.

She had realised about two years ago that the feelings she felt towards Harry were more than mere friendship, but she knew that he didn't feel the same. He never would. She was just brainy, know-it-all Hermione, someone who helps you with your work and gives you advice sometimes…not someone who you might consider going out with. Ron hadn't even noticed the fact that she was a girl in fourth year and was going to use her as a last resort! That she wouldn't have!

But Hermione would give anything for Harry to feel the same way to her. He was so happy and it made her feel glad too…but it also hurt because of why he was so happy. Cho didn't deserve him! Harry deserved much more than her in a girlfriend! I bet, thought Hermione sourly, that she'll break up with him before we go into the next year. If she does anything to hurt him then I will kill her!

Footsteps sounded across the room and she looked up. Harry, the object of her thoughts, was walking towards her.

"Hey, Hermione."

"Hey." He sat beside her and they stayed in mutual silence for a few minutes.

"Hermione?" She looked up at him again.

"Yes, Harry?"

He squirmed uncomfortably, searching for the right words. "What would you do if… you started going out with someone… and then you realised you didn't like them?"

Hermione's heart started to beat faster. He didn't like Cho…

"And you realised that actually you liked someone whom you'd known well for quite a long time, its just that you never realised before?"

Hermione was sure her heart actually stopped beating at this point. Did he mean…? This was perfect! He liked…her?

"What do you mean?" she croaked out.

He looked uncomfortable again. "Well, I mean I don't like Cho anymore, I actually like someone else…"

Hermione was sure she knew what he meant…but she had to be absolutely positive. If he did mean… she had been waiting for this moment her entire life! Harry liked her back! It was perfect! "Who do you like Harry?" She sucked in her breath, as she waited for her answer.

There was a long silence.

"Ginny Weasley."

AN: Aw, poor Hermione. Ouch. Well, please review! Onto the next story!!