"Not really," Harry said, shifting uneasily, "I've been kind of busy..."
"Doing what?" Hermione asked, her irritation fading only slightly.
"Learning how to act like a proper Gryffindor." Harry said.
"Is that why you rescued me from a Mountain Troll?" Hermione said, her hands on her hips.
"No," Harry said firmly, "I rescued you because you're valuable to me. Because you're smart, and intelligent, and can probably keep up with me."
"And...?" Hermione said, skeptically and coaxingly at once.
"And you can get a pass to the Restricted section." Harry said. "I've got enough secrets that I don't want just anyone learning about."
"Will you share them with me?" Hermione said.
"Probably," Harry said, shrugging uncomfortably.
"What's in this for me?" Hermione said.
"Well, you get a friend, and some tips on how to fit into Gryffindor better," Harry smiled, and it was cold and toothy, "And we can both make fun of Ron Weasley behind his back."
"I like the sound of that." Hermione said. "Who do you think I can go to in order to get a pass to the Restricted Section?"
"Well, I would normally say our Head of House..." Harry Potter said, "As it's obvious she favors you... but since she's a strict disciplinarian... Try Flitwick."
"But Charms is my worst subject!" Hermione said, "I almost didn't get that charm done before everyone else!"
"That's going to have to change, then." Harry said, giving her a goody Gryffindor smile, "Who's up for some practice?"
[a/n: Yes, Hermione has to have a bad subject, we all have them. Mine was english, can you tell?
Reviews appreciated!]