The Perfect Opportunity
Weeks had passed since Harry and Hermione had arrived at the Weasley's. Harry still didn't know about Hermione liking him, and Hermione didn't know about Harry liking her. It was the day before they would all leave on the Hogwarts Express and everyone was packing. Harry and Ron were throwing things into their suitcases.
"Well, this is the last time we will be doing this," Ron said with sadness and excitement, seeing as they were heading into their seventh year at Hogwarts.
"Yeah, unless we both fail and have to repeat 7th year again," Harry said jokingly.
"So, have you told Hermione that you fancy her?"
"No, why would I do that?" Harry said nervously, "It would only make things really awkward."
"Bloody hell, Harry! You can't keep your feelings bottled up inside of you. Before you know it, you'll burst! Just tell her, what's the worst thing that she can say?" Ron was desperately trying to get Harry with Hermione.
"That's the problem, I'm afraid of what she'll say!"
"Well, have another dream and she what she really is going to say. Speaking of those, have you had any more?" Ron asked.
"No. I don't know how to have another one." Harry said with disappointment.
In Ginny's room, Hermione was neatly folding her clothes and Ginny was asking Hermione the same questions as Ron was asking Harry.
"Of course I haven't told him yet!" Hermione said with the same reaction as Harry had, "I'm almost positive that he doesn't have those same feelings for me. Plus, I don't want to jeopardize our friendship."
"Hermione! Have you seen the way he looks at you? Please tell me that you don't think those are just friendly looks. Well …they're very friendly," then Ginny was thinking maybe she had gone too far, "How are you going to know whether or not her feels the same way about you if you don't tell him?"
"No," Hermione decided, "I'm just going to accept the fact that Harry and I are just friends."
At 10:59 a.m., the next morning, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny all boarded the Hogwarts Express. The train started moving just as they all got on. The four of them tried to find an empty compartment. Ginny then ducked into one with Neville.
"I still can't believe that Ginny and Neville are together," Ron said with a shutter.
The three of them finally found an empty compartment about half way down the train. Harry and Hermione sat next to each other, as they always did, and Ron stretched himself out on the other side.
About two hours into the ride, Ron got up to go to the bathroom. Butterbeer seemed to go right through him, or so he said. Harry knew that Ron was just trying to get Hermione and him alone together.
"So, Harry," Hermione said as she turned towards him, "Have you had anymore of those dreams?"
"No, I can't figure out how to have anymore, or get back into that hallway," Harry said disappointed.
"And you've only had that one about Ron?" then Hermione decided to tease him a little, "…none about me?"
"Why, do you want me to have one about you?" Harry said with a playful grin on his face.
"Yeah, I do!" Hermione laughed.
They were both in a teasing mood, so Harry decided to have some fun. He started to tickle Hermione, and then she'd tickle him back. They were both laughing and tickling each other. Then, they rolled off the seat and onto the compartment floor.
Ron opened the door and saw Harry on top of Hermione, on the floor, tickling each other and they both seemed to be enjoying themselves.
"Get a room," Ron said, sounding like he had accomplished a very important mission.
"We did have a room, until you came in," Harry smiled and couldn't believe that he just said that. He helped Hermione back up onto the seat.
Five hours later, the whole school was entering into the Great Hall for the long awaited feat. Once everyone was seated and the new students were all sorted into their houses, Dumbledore began his speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! The staff and I are pleased to have you all back and we welcome the new witches and wizards. I just have one announcement before I allow you to consume the food that has been prepared for us this evening. In two weeks, there will be a back to school dance for the whole school, here in the Great Hall. It is semi-formal and there will be a band and refreshments. You are allowed to have a date, but they must go to Hogwarts. Further information will be posted in you common rooms.
I believe that is all, so you may all…dig in!" Dumbledore concluded.
Ron and Ginny were both thinking the same exact thing; Harry had to ask Hermione to the dance.