By the time that the nagging had stopped, Harry had an idea for how to approach Hermione, without betraying to curious eyes things that he'd rather not be known by all and sundry.

The plan started with the library. And so, the next day crisp and early (because he was not going to procrastinate on such a good idea a moment longer), he was in the library, with a light bouncing ball - the sort that Madame Pince would hopefully not throw him out for.

Luckily, Hermione Granger appeared shortly after breakfast (which Harry'd skipped, he'd wanted the least number of people here for this). She seated herself and began wresting books from her large satchel. Harry spent a moment envying the space that she'd carved out for herself - when he studied, far earlier than this, he was tucked into a small nook, and didn't have space to have more than one book open.

Lightly, he bounced the ball on the table, and - not as anticipated, but at least it was funny - it promptly bounced and hit Hermione Granger on the forehead. She looked up in confusion. "Harry-?" Her eyes, if it was possible, looked even more confused, "Why are you throwing a ball in the library?"

"Take a walk with me, Hermione Granger." Harry Potter said, and smiled, trying to look reassuring.

"I'm busy. And I don't like playing ball." Hermione Granger said, and turned to go back to her book. Harry could practically see her hackles raising with every word.

Harry Potter was not going to let her do that. Oh, no, she was not just going to sit there. So, he did what anyone would do. He promptly shut the book, using both hands to close it.

"Hey! I was reading that! Now I've lost my place!" Hermione said, standing up, and with her hands on her hips.

Seeing that, Harry did the only logical thing. He whisked the book away. "Page 381, second paragraph if I'm lipreading right." he said, not that he knew lipreading at all. "But take a walk with me, and I'll give you the book back."

"And if I don't?" Hermione Granger said, eyes narrowed.

"Then I'll drive you crazy reciting snippets from it until I'm done reading it first." Harry Potter said, his voice flat and his face expressionless.

"Fine." Hermione said, stuffing three more books back into her bag, "You would, too, wouldn't you?" she asked, not expecting an answer.

Harry led Hermione down stairs, until it was apparent they were heading outside.

"Why are we going outside?" Hermione asked, a bit confused. Nobody ever asked her to do something as pleasant as take a walk outside with them. It wasn't done.

"It's a beautiful day. Is there any reason we shouldn't?" Harry parried with panache.

They weren't walking near the Quidditch pitch, which tended to attract people even when no one was practicing. No, they were ambling nearer the black lake, and Harry was still being as quiet as anything.

"Hermione, I've been meaning to speak to you. Do I have your word that you won't speak of anything we discuss here with anyone else?" Harry said formally.

Hermione frowned, slightly, and said, "So long as it isn't illegal, doesn't endanger your life, or others', and isn't utterly irresponsible."

"It won't be any of those, I hope." Harry Potter said lightly. And then he looked at Hermione, bringing them both to a stop.

"Hermione Granger, I would like to be your friend. I think you could use one." Harry Potter said, gravely.

"Me?! Why are you asking me?!" Hermione sputtered, "Besides, you're friends with Ron and he hates me!"

"Ron's no friend of mine." Harry said firmly, the surety of his voice silencing Hermione's nearly spoken objection. "You see, I could use a friend too. Haven't really got any, myself." Harry said, sinking his hands into his pockets and looking up at a cloud in the sky, deliberately giving Hermione a chance to think before he evaluated her thoughts.

[a/n: Thoughts? I found this painfully awkward, and realistic, and really fun to read. Please review!

2nd chapter today.]