Author's Note: I just wanted to thank everyone who's reviewed this fic so far. I'm not going to do a big long thank-you list that's longer than the chapter itself because that's not cool. I've been busy with exams, so sorry about the delay in updating.

-CHAPTER NINE-

That afternoon, when classes were over, Harry made his way down to the school lake. He knew it would be quiet and restful there, which was exactly what he wanted. Harry Potter was formulating a plan of attack, and he didn't want any distractions. He walked briskly, hoping that he wouldn't be recognized by anyone. The last thing he wanted right now was company.

"Harry!" he heard a voice call. He turned around to see Hermione racing towards him. Harry sighed and walked faster, hoping to lose her. "Harry!" Hermione called out again. To Harry's dismay, he saw she was gaining on him. He grudgingly slowed his pace to allow Hermione to catch up with him.

"Oh hi, Hermione," Harry said casually, "sorry I didn't see you there."

Hermione looked at him with slightly narrowed eyes, and Harry knew he wasn't fooling her for a second. They resumed walking, and before long had arrived at the lake. Harry sat down under a weeping willow, its branches so long they trailed in the water.

"So Harry," Hermione began tentatively, and it was all Harry could do to keep himself from groaning. He knew what this was going to be about, and he wasn't sure how he was going to worm his way out of it.
"Yes Hermione?" Harry replied, keeping his tone light.
"Well," Hermione began, "I don't want to beat around the bush…"

Of course she wouldn't, Harry thought to himself. He looked at her, "just spit it out, will you." Harry hoped he didn't sound too rude.

"Look Harry, we're just worried about you!"

"You made that perfectly clear at breakfast. And lunch."

Hermione bristled, "Harry, as your friend I think I have every right to be concerned about you! You're hardly functioning normally right now."

"What?" Harry asked, "I don't know what you're talking about. I eat, I sleep, I go to class-"

"Yes, but you don't take any notice of what's going on around you. Everything you do, you do out of habit!"

"I do not!" Harry exclaimed, feeling rather put-out.

"What did we have for lunch?" Hermione said suddenly.

Harry stared at her, "What? What are you talking about?"

"What did we have for lunch?" Hermione repeated, "Just answer the question, Harry."

"Uh, it was…uh…" Harry faltered, his mind blank.

"Exactly!" Hermione exclaimed triumphantly.

"Oh come on Hermione," Harry protested.

"No, you come on Harry," Hermione said, sounding impatient. "It's blindingly obvious that there's something going on. Please tell me what it is – I might even be able to help!"

Harry was silent as he tried to imagine telling Hermione – So Hermione, you know Draco Malfoy? Charming Slytherin who, up until now, I've always hated? Yeah, well I really fancy him and I'm trying to come up with a way to win him over. Got any ideas? Harry stifled a snort at the thought of him saying that to Hermione.

Hermione sighed, "Alright Harry, I'm not going to press you if you really don't want to tell me, but you know you can always talk to me, right?"

"Yeah, I do," Harry replied, "Thanks Hermione."

Deep down, something inside Harry longed to tell Hermione the truth, but something held him back. He didn't know what it was – fear, he supposed, feeling lie a coward. I can't believe it. The guy who's taken on Voldemort and survived, several times, can't tell his best friend he's gay. Harry broke out of his train f thought with a jolt. Never before had he actually called himself gay. Sure, there'd been the crushes-on-guys thing before, but Harry had always assumed he was just curious, that it was natural for him to fancy guys too. Or, at the very most he was bisexual. But gay? This was a whole new kettle of fish.

Harry and Hermione sat together in silence for awhile longer, before dusk began settling in, and they were forced to turn back to the castle.