Chapter Two: A Risky Endeavour

The next morning dawned sunny and clear skies. Hermione hopped out of bed energetically and got ready in a flash. She would be meeting Ginny in the Room of Requirement at 10.00 am that day. Hermione had finally decided to tell Ginny about her 'crush'. She assumed Ginny would understand because she had gone through the same thing, after all. Hermione quickly slipped out of the dormitory, casting furtive glances around. She particularly wanted avoid Ron. She still got a queasy, guilty feeling when she thought of his reaction last night.

The halls, like last night, were deserted at that time of day. Most of the students were on their winter break, Hermione supposed. I need a quiet place to talk to Ginny, Hermione thought. When she opened her eyes, an oak door with a shiny brass doorknob, greeted her. Hermione twisted the knob and entered to find Ginny already there, sprawled on the couch. Hermione's smile vanished when she saw, none other than Luna Lovegood stretching on the floor. "Hi Hermione!" exclaimed Ginny Weasly, "Luna wanted to come," she continued hurriedly.

Hermione pursed her lips. "That's alright," she consented.

Luna untangled herself and shot Hermione a half smile.

"I think you might be able to help me too," Hermione approached tentatively. At this Luna's eyes popped, but she said…

"My pleasure," she answered charmingly.

Ginny's eyebrows shot up. "Ok, what's going on?" Ginny demanded, sounding oddly like Hermione.

Hermione sat on the beanbag and took a moment to gather herself. "I like Harry Potter,"

Luna didn't seem fazed, instead she bobbed her head excitedly. "Ronald is cute!" she cried. Ginny, though stunned at Hermione's revelation, giggled. Then she turned to Hermione, serious once again, "Really?" she queried doubtfully.

Hermione blushed, "Well, I've always… We've….I just…. Ginny, I thought, you of all people, would understand!"

Ginny nodded, "I do, Hermione," she began earnestly, "but…it just doesn't seem right. You and Harry are best friends!"

Luna nodded knowingly. Hermione ignored her. "I like Harry!" she declared stubbornly.

Ginny sighed. "Does he like you?"

Hermione shrugged. It was Luna who answered , "We can make him like you."

Ginny sent Luna an exasperated look.

Hermione, however, gazed at Luna Lovegood with new light. "How?" she inquired eagerly.

"Odd thing…love," was all she would say, her eyes fixed dreamily on the ceiling.

"How about a nice makeover?" Ginny suggested innocently, rolling her eyes. She was genuinely surprised that Hermione Granger was so…impractical when it came to love.

Hermione dismissed the idea quickly. A mischievous glint entered her eye, "No, no…I don't think you would need much, just some bogweed and…yes! Oh yes!" she muttered excitedly.

"Would you kindly inform us what you're talking about?" Ginny snapped impatiently, her hands on her hips.

"A love potion!" Hermione exclaimed triumphantly.

"Are you crazy!" Ginny cried, "they're banned!"

"Odd thing…love," Luna repeated, "but I'm game,"

Hermione regarded Luna closely, "But who….?"

"Ronald!" Luna replied, going rather giddy. Hermione chortled. Ron would kill her if he knew, but all the same it would get him of her case….Yet, Hermione felt a little possessive about Ron. Should she turn away the only person who—

Hermione pushed those thoughts out of her head and said,

"Alright. What about you, Ginny?" Ginny was standing there, staring at Hermione as though she had never seen her before.

"Hermione! Haven't you heard a word I said? It's wrong! You can't force him to like you. Anyway, they're banned!" Ginny exclaimed, clearly upset and little worried about Hermione's sanity.

Hermione suddenly smiled. "Ginny, Ginny, Ginny!" she chided, wrapping an arm around her. "You still like him, don't you? I'm sorry, I thought you'd got—" The look on Ginny's face, stopped her.

Ginny was gazing at Hermione, disbelief written all over her face. "I wondered when this day would come," she declared, "Hermione Granger is finally going insane!"

"It won't work, Hermione. You remember what Mum said…they never work the way you want it too."

Luna giggled randomly. Hermione wrung her hands together, feeling forlorn. "Just you wait, Ginevra Weasly. I'll make it work!" She declared determinedly.

Ginny scrutinised Hermione doubtfully.

"I'm good at Potions and this one is really simple," Hermione was pleading now.

"Ok, look. This will just be test. I'll make an antidote, so—" Hermione took a deep breath, "—Harry doesn't stay in love with me forever."

"Alright," Ginny consented reluctantly.

"It's an risky endeavour," Luna said out of the bloom. Hermione gave a start, she had not been aware that Luna was paying attention to their conversation. "So, who will be the lucky guy?" she prodded Ginny.

Ginny shrugged, blushing, "I'm already dating Dean…."

"I know! Neville Longbottom!" cried Hermione, her lips twitching. Luna went into raucous peals of laughter, while Ginny reddened even more.

"Hermione!" Ginny whined.

"It's only game," Luna said, trying to keep her face straight.

"I only hope you're good at mixing antidotes!" Ginny whispered to Hermione.