Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Harry Potter and any of its characters and much to my…displeasure…never will. I assure you though, the plot is entirely my own.

Chapter 6 – Hogwarts Express

Harry, Hermione and Ron found an empty carriage and walked in.

"So, what do you want to do?" Ron asked, sitting down.

"Actually Ron we have to go to the prefects carriage to give them instructions, then we have to patrol the train" Harry replied, apologetically.

"Oh, right, sure ok then."

"Sorry"

"It's fine, go." Ginny came in and sat next to Ron as Harry and Hermione walked off.

"Did you know that we get our own dormitory?" Hermione asked.

"No, do we, really?"

"Yeah. It'll be brilliant, nice and quiet so I can read in peace!"

"Yeah, great, we're allowed to invite Ron, right?"

"Of course we're allowed to invite him." They walked in the carriage and sat on the sofa. Harry had an urge to put his arm around Hermione, but resisted.

The prefects walked in and sat in front of Harry and Hermione. Both of them frowned, noticing that Pansy and Goyle were the Slytherin prefects. Goyle amazingly seemed to be a little more intelligent and more to their annoyance more like Malfoy.

"Morning Granger" he said. "Potter"

Harry shot him an evil look. Hermione interfered before they decided to duel.

"Passwords!" Both Harry and Hermione reached for the passwords. Harry's hand brushed against Hermione's and both of them turned bright red. He yanked his hand back. Pansy smiled.

"What?" Harry demanded. She attempted to cover the smile on her face with her hand.

"Nothing" she replied.

"Good"

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Every other prefect left except Pansy and Goyle.

"Are you gonna leave?" Harry asked, pointing at the door.

"Why, do you want us to?" Pansy asked.

"Err…what do you think?"

"Oh!" she said, giggling. "I get it!"

"Get what?" Hermione questioned.

Goyle piped up. "You want to spend 'quality time' with each other"

"What the hell are you on about?" Harry asked, angrily.

"Oh come on" Pansy said, standing up. "Don't play dumb. It's so obvious you two fancy each other! You're bloody embarrassed to talk to each other! Anyway, who knows what you'll get up alone in your 'Private' Dorm-" Whatever else she was going to say was interrupted by Harry furiously sending an expelliamus(sp?) spell at her. She smashed into the far wall and Goyle ran to help her up.

"Harry, don't!" Hermione shrieked, grabbed his arm. He reluctantly lowered it.

"Get lost" Harry said, quietly, and they gladly did.

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Ron waited in the carriage with Ginny and some boy called John. Ron stared out the window, trying to avert his gaze from Ginny and John kissing. He was grateful when Harry and Hermione finally walked back in.

"How'd it go?" he asked, as they sat down.

"Don't go there" Harry replied.

"I don't know how I'm going to put up with Pansy and Goyle for a whole year" Hermione added.

"What?" Ron said. "They're the Slytherin Prefects?"

"Yep"

"Lucky you." Lewis walked in.

"Err…Harry could I have a word?" he surprised everyone by asking.

"Yeah…sure" Harry replied, standing up. They walked out of the compartment and Lewis closed the door.

"So err…what did you want?" Harry asked.

"Look. I'm going to be straight with you. I like Hermione, and…and I was wondering if you could help me out…I mean, I want her to go out with me but I don't want to screw it up"

"So, how am I meant to help?"

"Well…you know…being her friend an' all I thought you might…you know…help me out a little" Harry looked through the window and Hermione.

Beautiful face, beautiful hair... Beautiful Hermione

"Harry, will you?"

"I..I…Err…"

"Please?"

"S-sure Lewis, I'll help"

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Harry watched through the carriage door as Lewis spoke to Hermione. He watched as Lewis struggled with the words. He watched as Hermione nodded. He watched as she hugged him. Then he realised what he'd done. He buried his face in his hands and groaned. He felt sick. The two of them walked back in and sat in front of Harry. Lewis gave him the thumbs up so Hermione couldn't see and Harry smiled weakly. Hermione looked at him. Was it him or was there a hint of sadness in her eyes?

Don't be stupid! Harry thought. Hermione's going out with Lewis, not me. But she didn't smile…she never smiled when he asked her…maybe…just maybe…no don't be stupid Harry. Hermione's going out with Lewis…Not You!