Author's Disclaimer : This story is a work of fiction based on the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. No infringement of any copyright is intended and no profit is being made.

Chapter 6

Plans

Harry felt miserable. Ron skipped his way to the Burrow whistling "Weasley is our king". He couldn't stop thinking about Hermione. Ron AND Hermione. Why was he feeling so jealous? He always cared for her but never in that way. Cho had been his first and only crush. Spending all his time with Hermione would be excruciating if he was going to set her up with Ron. The only way he could hide his feelings was if he stayed away from her. He was still pondering his options when they reached home.

The girls at the dining table waiting for them. There was a seat next to Hermione and another next to Ginny. Harry sat next to Ginny. She looked tired and had black circles under her eyes.

"Hey Ginny. How are you feeling now?" said Harry.

Ginny gave him a small smile "Much better. Guess I didn't get much sleep last night."

Harry caught the glare that Hermione gave Ginny. She was clearly frowning at the youngest Weasley.

"You seem fine, Ginny. There didn't seem to be anything wrong with you last night." snapped Hermione in an accusatory tone.

Ginny was silent but Harry felt very annoyed.

"What are you saying, Hermione? That she lied? Obviously something was wrong or she wouldn't have spent the morning in bed." he said.

The table was silent. Hermione looked shocked and so did Ginny. Ron was either busy with his food or looking to avoid a fight. They finished their meal in silence.

After lunch, Harry agreed to play Wizard's chess with Ron while Hermione retired to the couch with a book. Ginny went back to her room to study. Harry could tell that Hermione wanted to talk to him. He could feel her eyes boring into the back of his head. He did his best to avoid looking at her. After their game ended Harry brought up the Chudley Cannons to keep Ron occupied and prevent Hermione from joining the conversation. She finally gave up and went to her room leaving Harry alone with Ron.

"So Harry....any suggestions on the Hermione thing?" said Ron.

"Umm...Well she likes you now. So that means she likes who you are. I guess that means all you have to do is figure out a way to make her like you as more than just a friend."

"That makes sense. What do I do?" said Ron.

Harry imagined himself in the same situation. What would he do to make her feel extra special?

"You have to be nice to her. No stupid fights. And talk to her." said Harry.

"Talk to her. That's easy."

"Not about Quidditch." said Harry.

"Damn...What do I talk about?" said Ron.

"Errrr...Dunno...Ask her how she feels. Find out what she likes and dislikes."

"Gimme a minute." Ron ran upstairs and returned with a parchment and quill.

"Ok. Be nice. No fights. Talk. What else?" said Ron.

"You'll have to spend some time alone with her. Take her someplace nice." said Harry.

"I'll have to wait to get to school to take her out." said Ron.

" Yeah. Madam Puddifoots's in Hogsmeade is romantic, I guess. And remember never to talk about other girls when you're with her." Harry shuddered as he remembered his date with Cho.

Ron was writing everything that he said.

"Don't forget her birthday. And never break her heart." finished Harry.

"This is amazing, Mate. Thanks." said Ron.

Harry closed his eyes. He had just imagined himself out on a date with Hermione and it has seemed so right, so perfect. He sighed. Fate always seemed to deal him a crummy hand.

He left Ron with his list and went to his room. He remembered that he needed some new clothes and went to talk to Mrs.Weasley.

"Mrs.Weasley. I need to get some clothes and things from Diagon Alley." said Harry.

"Oh. I can get you whatever you need. Just let me know your size." said Mrs.Weasley.

"Err....I'd like to go on my own. There are things I have to buy on my own." blushed Harry.

"Oh. That may be a problem. We need to ask the Order first. I'll talk to them and let you know." said Mrs.Weasley.

Harry and Ron spent the rest of the day discussing Quidditch strategies. Hermione stayed away from them.

"We'll have a new captain this year. You should be a shoo in." said Ron.

"I've been banned for life, Ron." said Harry.

Ron laughed "I bet my broom against yours that you'll be back on the team."

Harry couldn't help grinning "And WHAT do I get if I win the bet?"

"HaHa. Was hoping you'd fall for that." said Ron.

"I guess Katie Bell would make a nice captain. She's been on the team for six years and has played more games than me."

"Wotcher Ron, Harry."

They turned to see Tonks's head in the fireplace.

"We just got your mum's owl. If you want we can go to Diagon Alley tomorrow." said Tonks.

"Great. I need to get some clothes and books." said Harry.

"We can't stay too long. It's not the most secure place."

"I need to go to Gringott's, Flourish and Bott's and someplace for clothes."

"That should be all right. So we'll see you tomorrow at ten. Bye." said Tonks and her head disappeared in the flames.

They told Ginny and Hermione about the trip. Ginny was very excited while Hermione seemed less enthused. Harry didn't say anything to her and left for his room. He stopped when someone grabbed his arm from behind. It was Hermione.

"What is it?" he said rudely.

"What's wrong? Why are you being nasty to me? What did I do?" she said.

"Well. Miss. Know-it-all. If you don't know then I'm not going to tell you." he said.

Hermione gasped. Harry could not believe what he had just said. He saw tears appear in her eyes as she turned around and ran into the bathroom.

He had just been awful to the person that he cared about more than anyone else. For no reason at all. He was a git. A stupid, insensitive git. Maybe this would push her towards her Ron. A part of his brain tried to rationalize his actions. He was doing her a favor, really.

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Sorry for the short chapter. Had a few personal issues. The next chapter should be longer and more exciting. Again thanks for the reviews.