Reducio!

1. Reducio!

"Today we'll be learning about the Reducio charm. When used correctly, it will shrink your target to a size more manageable. Observe." He made an oval shape in the air with his wand and then pointed it directly at a bookshelf in the corner of the room. "Reducio!" The bookshelf shrunk in upon itself until it reached the size of a butterbeer bottle. The students observing clapped and smiled at their teacher.

"Good job, Harry!" said Ron Weasley, his red-haired best friend. He just winked at him.

"Now, you're probably wondering how a spell like this will help you against a dark wizard. You just have to think outside of the textbook. You have all heard how Ron defeated the cave troll back in our first year?" Ron blushed furiously. Nearly everyone nodded. "Well, for those of you who don't, I just have two words for you: Wingardium Leviosa. Those two words saved our lives." He pointed at Ron, Hermione, and himself. "While I kept the troll..occupied, Ron cast the levitation spell on the troll's club and then released it, where it fell on the troll's head and knocked it out."

Ron muttered, "It was just luck..."

"Maybe, but it worked. You used the first spell you ever learned to save yourself from a cave troll. Now, back to my question. How can a shrinking charm help you against a dark wizard? Hermione?"

Hermione gave him a small smile as she stepped forward. "There are a number of things you can do with the shrinking charm. For example, you can shrink an object thrown at you, you can shrink objects before the fight that can help you, such as weapons. You can even shrink an enemy to make him less of a threat. Those are just a few."

"Right you are. Ok, team up. Two of you to each dummy." There were about two dozen wooden dummies standing around the room, ready to be shrunk. "I'll walk around and help if you need it and will re-enlarge the dummies as necessary."

Ever since Professor Dumbledore had asked Harry to be president of the D.A.D.A. club, he'd been re-teaching everyone simple charms such as the Shrinking Charm. They had a good many new members this year, many of them third and fourth years. So far they've been pretty productive, most of them gaining new confidence in their spell-casting abilities.

Everyone had now teamed up. Ron stood beside his girlfriend, Luna Lovegood, Hermione was explaining the history of the charm to a third year, Mandy Rynsett, and Ginny was teamed with Neville Longbottom. Those two obviously had a crush on each other, but neither apparently knew of the other's infatuation. Harry had no idea how they could be so dense.

"Begin!" Most of them got it on their first try. A fifth year Hufflepuff Harry hadn't managed to blow his dummy up. "Reducio, not Reducto! Try again, ...err, what's your name?" He smiled sheepishly at the boy.

"Michael Corner, sir."

Harry blinked. Michael had definitely changed since last year. Ginny had once introduced him to Harry, Ron, and Hermione during a Hogsmeade visit. The two boys had glared at him the entire time he was there, thoroughly enjoying making him nervous. Ginny and Michael had been going out at the time.

"Err.. don't call me sir, please." He grinned. "Harry is just fine. By the way, sorry for the way Ron and I acted while you were going out with Ginny. I'm sort of her adopted older brother and we tend to get protective towards our little sister; make sure noone hurts her. I'm sure you understand."

"Yes, s...Harry. Thanks." He smiled. "I think I've got it now." Harry stepped back as Michael raised his wand, repeated the wand movements he had displayed earlier and yelled, "Reducio!" The dummy shrank to the size of a chess piece.

"Good job. I'd better go check on the other groups." He muttered a quick Engorgio spell. "Those two over there," he pointed towards a pair of third years across the room, "look like they could use some help." Their dummy was slowly approaching the girls, waving its arms menacingly. Harry quickly intervened.

"Petrificus Totalus!" He pointed his wand at the dummy and its arms and legs pressed to its sides as it fell over. The two younger girls looked at him in awe and Harry blushed slightly. "Be careful with the way you say the spell. A mispronunciation or imperfect wand movement can cause your spell to do ...strange things." He points at the dummy on the ground. "Let's try again, shall we?"

They both nodded. Harry stood the dummy back up. The taller one, Maria, stepped forward and tried again. This time she pronounced it correctly and had the desired effect.

"Good! Engorgio!" The dummy grew to it's normal size again. "I'm sure you can help your partner out, Maria?" She nodded. "Thanks. I've got to help the others."

He was walking towards Ron and Luna when someone gave a short scream from the other side of the room. Ron, who had been in the middle of his spell, looked up, breaking his concentration. Harry turned, not realizing Ron's spell had been released. What he saw made his eyes bug out. Hermione's shirt, which had previously been loose and airy, was now tight and clingy, showing off her great curves.

Her partner, Mandy, was whimpering, "I'm so sorry Hermi.."

She was cut off as Harry let out a loud "Oomph!" and fell forward to the ground, where he blacked out.

When he awoke, the world had grown considerably. Where before he was taller than most of the class, he was now straining to look up to see any of their faces. "What happened?" he yelled in a panicked voice.

One of the Slytherins broke out laughing at this. "What's so bloody funny?" More people started laughing. "WHAT?!"

He could see a red-faced Hermione out of the corner of his eye as she stepped forward, now wearing her robes. "Here, Harry, I think this might help. Sonorus!"

"Ok, now, what's so bloody funny? Besides me being the size of a thimble," he snarled.

Ron stopped laughing long enough to utter, "Your voice, Harry. You sounded so funny before Hermione fixed you up."

Harry was livid. "Ok, what happened to me, though? Why am I so small?"

"Ron's spell hit you. Apparently he got distracted," Hermione glared at Mandy, who was suddenly very interested in the floor, "when I got hit by Mandy's spell and his spell went out of control."

"I'm really sorry, mate. It was a complete accident."

Harry grumbled. "It's fine. However, this meeting's over. And future meetings are cancelled until this," he pointed at his tiny self, "is fixed."

Despite many angry stares leveled at Ron, everyone except his two best friends left. "Now what, Harry?"

"Now, we go to Madame Pomfrey. Hopefully she can fix this."

"Ok, let's go." They both started to leave until Harry cleared his throat.

"I don't suppose you want me to walk around the halls like this? I might be squished! One of you is going to have to carry me."

Hermione bent over and placed her hand on the ground, palm up. She smiled. "Climb on, good sir."

"Well thank you, milady."

-*-

"I'm afraid there's nothing I can do, Mr. Potter. Mr. Weasley's spell seems to be resistant to my ministrations. You're just going to have to wait out the effects. They should disappear in a week or so."

"But-"

"No buts, Mr. Potter. I've tried everything I could think of. If you like, I can have a special bed made for you and you can wait it out here in the Hospital Wing. Though, perhaps, you'd be more comfortable letting your friends take care of you."

Harry nodded glumly at this.

Hermione smiled at this. "I'll be happy to, Madame Pomfrey."

"I'm not sure, Ms. Granger. Perhaps Mr. Weasley would be better suited."

"Sorry, Madame Pomfrey, but I'm leaving on vacation tomorrow. Christmas break and all."

Madame Pomfrey still didn't look convinced. "Please, Madame Pomfrey? I really don't want to stay in the Hospital Wing. No offense to you, but it's just too quiet here."

Madame Pomfrey pursed her lips. "Very well, but only if you both promise to behave yourselves. After all, you will have to go into the girl's dormitories so Hermione can take care of you. I do not wish to hear of any funny business going on."

Harry looked shocked at this. "I have no intention of doing any 'funny business', I promise."

"Very well. You may take him, Ms. Granger. I suggest transfiguring him some clothes and something to sleep on." Hermione nodded eagerly at this. She always enjoyed a challenge and making clothes fit the half-inch tall Harry Potter would certainly be a challenge. "I'll inform Professor McGonagall that she needs to disable the spells prohibiting boys to enter the girls' dormitory temporarily."

-*-

They were back in the common room talking when the subject got around to the D.A. meeting.

"I'm really sorry, mate. If Hermione hadn't gone and distracted me," Hermione huffed at this and shot Ron a withering look. Ron gulped. "Sheesh, Hermione, I'm just kidding. I know it wasn't your fault."

"It's ok, mate. I might have to ask George and Fred for help when I decide to get back at you, though."

Ron groaned and Hermione giggled. "You would do that, wouldn't you," he said glumly.

"I'm just playing, Ron. You'd better let me win next time we play wizard's chess, though."

Ron simply nodded. "Well, I'd better get packed." Hermione shot him an angry look. "Merlin, Hermione, I would have been done already if I hadn't had more important things to do."

Ron's idea of important things to do included eating and re-reading Quidditch books instead of doing worthwhile things like studing and packing, and Harry and Hermione both knew it. Harry could tell this was going to become one of their famous rows and quickly tuned them out.

He stared into the fire from his seat on the couch, listening to idle chatter from the other occupants of the room when the portrait hole opened and Professor McGonagall stepped through. She quickly made her way to the Trio. She had her customary stern face on, but they could tell she was trying to hide a smile back at the sight of the tiny Harry.

"Mr. Potter, you have been granted the privelege of being allowed in the girls' dormitory. I trust you will not abuse this privelege. If I hear one word of complaint from Hermione, you will have detention for the reast of the year, do you understand?" Harry nodded glumly. She gave him a small smile. "Very well. I suggest that you have Ms. Granger transfigure you some bedclothes and you all go to sleep. It's very late."

"Thank you, professor. I really appreciate this."

She nodded curtly and headed back towards the portrait hole. She shot one last look of warning over her shoulder as the door closed behind her.

"Goodnight, you two. See you in the morning before I have to leave?"

They both nodded. "Of course, mate."

He smiled and headed up to the boys' dormitory.

Hermione made her way up the girls' staircase, Harry on her shoulder, hanging on to a few loose strands of hair for support. As they stepped into the room Hermione shared with the other Gryffindor sixth years, Harry creased his brow in worry.

"Hermione?"

"Hmm?"

"Weren't you going to see your parents this Christmas? I don't want to keep you here."

"Don't worry about it, Harry. They were going skiing again anyway." She shuddered at this. "I was just looking for an excuse to not go. You know how I dislike skiing."

Harry chuckled. He did indeed know how she hated skiing. "If you're sure then? I wouldn't want to keep you from all the fun of sliding down a tall mountain at tremendous speeds with nothing to stop you from slipping and end up rolling head over heels."

She shot him a glare that would make Professor McGonagall proud. This only made him laugh even harder. She took a pillow off her bunk and threw it at Harry, toppling him. "Hey! Be careful! What would have happened if that pillow had taken off my head?"

She knew he was only teasing, but that didn't stop her from apologizing immediately. "Oh, Harry, I'm sorry. I promise not to do that again." She suddenly looked at him mischeviously. "Until you're normal size, that is."

"You know, the great thing about being this size is that I can tickle you without the threat of immediate revenge."

She shot him a look. "You wouldn't dare." He wouldn't, would he? Uh oh. He's got that look in his eyes. Oh, and what beautiful eyes they are. Erm, stop! What are you thinking? This is your best friend!

Harry sensed her confusion. He could always tell what she was feeling just by looking into her chocolate-colored eyes. He inched closer. "You ok, 'Mione?"

Hermione shook her head, clearing her thoughts. "Oh, sorry. Yes, I'm fine, thanks." She gave him a half-smile. "You wouldn't do that though, would you? Because, you know that if you do you're going to pay for it tenfold when this is over. Harry? Harry, what are you doing..don't..stop!"

He had been steadily inching closer as she was talking. The evil glint was back and he had his hands outstretched, wiggling his fingers menacingly. "I'll just have to run that risk. This is too good of an opportunity to pass up. It's not every day that your ticklish best friend is unable to fight back." With that, he made a final leap and landed on her stomach. He couldn't tickle more than one spot at once with his tiny fingers, but that didn't stop him. Every time she would try to grab at him, he'd move to the other side of her stomach, or to the underside of one of her knees, or to the soles of her feet. With his natural speed and her strength being drained from Harry's torture, he had no trouble evading her groping hands.

"Ok..ok..stop! You win!"

"Say 'Harry Potter is the most handsome wizard of all time'."

"N..no!"

He gave her another evil grin. "Ok then. Back to tickling it is!" He moved as if to attack the underside of her knee again.

"Wait! Fine! You win! Harry Potter is the most handsome wizard of all time! Happy?"

"Good. Now 'He's even better than that dork I had a crush on, Gilderoy Lockhart'."

She tried to swat at him, but he dodged nimbly. He grabbed on to one of her toes and started tickling the soles of her feet, making her writhe on the bunk. "Say it!"

"He's even better than that dork I had a crush on, Gilderoy Lockhart." He stopped tickling her immediately and gave her his classic boyish grin. "But honestly, Harry, I only liked him because I thought he had done all those things he said he did. You know I threw away all his books when I found out, right?"

He gave her an impish grin. "Of course I do. I'm just teasing you. What else are best friends for if not to tease each other relentlessly?"

She moved as if to pick up her pillow again, but Harry just dived underneath her sheets. She smirked at this. "Honestly, I've half a mind to throw this at you anyway, Harry. You're so going to get it next week. You're going to be begging me to let you go when I get my hands on you." She gave an evil cackle that would have been indistinguishable from the one the Wicked Witch of the West gave in the Wizard of Oz if it wasn't interrupted by occasional giggles.

She has such a beautiful smile, he thougt. Wait! Why are you thinking about this? This is Hermione. Your best friend. Ring any bells? You can't be thinking things like how beautiful her smile is or how shiny her hair is or how..STOP!

She must have caught him staring at her because she gave him an odd look. "What is it, Harry? Why are you staring at me like that?" Her cheeks were slightly pink.

Harry turned red. "Err..nothing. Was just thinking about something. Sorry."

She gave him a concerned look. "You know you can tell me anything, right? I don't like it when you're hurt. I care about you a lot. You're my best friend, after all," she added, almost as an afterthought.

"I know. I'm not hurting, really. I was just thinking, that's all."

"If you're sure-"

He smiled at her. "I'm fine, 'Mione, I promise. Now, what exactly are you planning to do to me next week, so I can prepare?" He smirked at her, eyes twinkling.

"Oh no, you don't. I'm not telling you anything! It's just going to have to be a surprise." She punched (poked, really, since he was only a half inch tall) him in the shoulder playfully.

"Fine, fine. Just don't make it too painful, okay? It won't look good to have bruises when everyone gets back from break. People might think something is up." He grinned at her. Muttering under her breath, she made to get up. "I was just kidding! You don't have to leave!"

"If you want somewhere to sleep tonight, you'd best let me find something to transfigure."

He looked mildly confused at this. "I thought I would sleep in your bed tonight." Then he realized exactly what he'd said. "I mean..err..I didn't mean in your bed, I meant, er.."

She couldn't help but giggle and blush at this. Harry was so cute when he got flustered. Did I just say Harry was cute? Well, he is. But should I really be thinking about my best friend like this?

Luckily, Harry was too busy staring at the floor to notice this. "Err..I guess you should get on with that transfiguring. I'm kind of sleepy all of a sudden..yeah."

Grinning, she picked up a pair of socks one of her roommates must have left behind (after all, you'd find one of Hermione's socks on the ground) and transfigured one of them into a miniature bed. With the other, she transfigured a pair of pajamas. "Here you go, Harry," handing him his PJs and placing his bed on her nightstand. "I'll just go change in the other room so you can have some privacy." With that, she took a dressing gown out of her drawers and left the room, heading towards the prefects' bathroom.

When Hermione returned, Harry was bare-chested and laying back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. She noticed how well-muscled Harry had become. Must be all the yard work those evil Dursleys made him do. Forcing herself to relax, she walked over to her bed and laid down.

"Since when do you sleep half-naked?" Harry nearly jumped out of his skin. "Sorry. Didn't mean to frighten you."

"It's okay. I didn't realize you were back. Too busy thinking, I guess. As for this," he pointed at his chest, "I've found it more comfortable since this summer. I suppose I should put my shirt on."

"No, it's alright. I don't mind. I was just curious, that's all. As long as you're comfortable, I'm happy."

He smiled at this, but his smile turned to a slight frown as his eyes glazed over. "Want to talk about it?" she asked concernedly. He looked as if he wasn't sure whether or not to confide in her and she realized it must be something uncomfortable. "Is it about Sirius? I know he hasn't been gone that long, and that you surely must miss him-"

"I do. I miss him so much, 'Mione." He stopped, tears silently falling from his eyes.

"Oh, Harry," she said, picking him up gently and cradling him in her arms. "It'll be okay, Harry. It'll be okay."

"But it's my fault he's dead. If I had only listened to you, he would still be alive. It's all my fault."

Hermione fumed at this. "Don't you dare blame yourself for this, Harry. This is completely Voldemort's fault. He planted the dream in your head. He was probably the one that ordered Kreacher to tell you that Sirius wasn't at Grimmauld Place. It was his Death Eaters that attacked us and killed Sirius. You can't blame yourself for everything that happens."

"But if I had listened to you and talked with Snape about continuing my Occlumency lessons-"

"That may be true, but if the first two dozen lessons didn't help you, I seriously doubt any more lessons would. Snape is just the wrong person to teach you this. There's too much mutual dislike," Harry snorted at the mild word, "for each other for him to actually teach you something this sensitive. You need a real teacher, like Professor Dumbledore."

Harry nodded silently. He wasn't sure if Hermione were entirely correct, but he was willing to drop it for now. Besides, leaning against her chest, he could hear her heartbeat and it was quite soothing. He was soon fast asleep, dreaming about a certain brown-haired beauty that just happened to be his best friend.

-*-

She was swimming in the lake, lazily doing back strokes back and forth in front of him, as he watched from the shore. He knew that she knew that he was watching her. He also knew that she was enjoying teasing him. She loved teasing him.

He watched as she climbed out of the lake, walking towards him, smiling the entire time. She sat down right in his lap, wrapping her legs around him. She was dripping all over him, but he didn't mind one bit. He had her just where he wanted her. She wriggled in his lap and he leaned forward to kiss her.

Mmm, she was so..cold and clammy? What the hell?!

-*-

He woke with a start to see a rather large pair of eyes staring at him. Crookshanks had been sniffing at him and her nose was pressed to his chest. He gave a (very) manly shriek and jumped up from the bed, making Crookshanks hiss and spit. He'd seen Hermione's cat hunt before. He didn't wanted to be hunted by this particular cat. Crookshanks was a very good hunter.

He made a mad dash for the side of the nightstand where Hermione had placed his bed and slipped over the side, praying there would be something soft beneath him. Unfortunately, Hermione's bag was the only thing between him and the floor. If this were anyone else's bag, he'd feel tremendously lucky, but he knew for a fact that Hermione kept at least a half dozen books in her bag at all times and knew he was in for a hard landing.

Sure enough, he hit the bag with a thud, the air leaving his lungs in a loud whoosh. He crawled over to the side of the bed while clutching his side, trying to catch his breath. He heard Crookshanks hit the floor behind him and knew he had to run for it.

He grabbed the edge of Hermione's comforter and began to climb. He felt the whoosh of air as he narrowly avoided being swatted by one of the half-kneazle's paws. He made it the rest of the way up the bed and was making his way towards Hermione when himself being crushed into the sheets by a large weight. "Mione!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. Even though his voice came out as a tiny squeak, Hermione apparently heard him and woke up immediately.

"What is it, Ha..CROOKSHANKS, GET OFF OF HIM NOW!" she screamed. Lavender and Parvati only rolled over and grumbled in their sleep. They must have come in after Harry had fallen asleep, because he couldn't remember them being there when he and Hermione arrived.

"H..Harry, are you ok?" She had tears in her eyes.

"I'm fine, 'Mione," as he tried to get up. He stopped immediately as a searing pain went through his left leg. "Err, maybe not so fine. I think he broke my leg." He shot a seathing glare Crookshanks way. The cat looked down immediately, and if Crookshanks had been human, Harry would've sworn that he was ashamed.

Hermione rummaged around in one of the nightstand drawers and came out with a small vial of greenish-blue potion. "Here, Harry, take some of this. It's some of the healing potion Professor Snape had us make last week. I saved some of it, just in case." She carefully tipped the vial to Harry's tiny lips. "Only take a drop now. You're so small that you shouldn't need any more than that."

It was true. After one sip, he felt the bones in his legs repair themselves and he rolled over, contentedly. He had her cast the Sonorus charm on him so he could stop yelling. "Thanks, 'Mione, you're the best." Her cheeks flushed pink and she looked shyly at the ground.

"What are best friends for?" repeating what he had said earlier. "If not to heal broken legs caused by your pet half-kneazle?" she teased.

"No, really, 'Mione. I owe you so much. You're the only one I can open up to. Ron and the rest of the Weasleys are great and all, but they try not to bring up touchy subjects like Sirius. It's like being pitied. I hate it. You're the only one I can talk to."

She beamed at him. "Thanks, Harry. I'm glad I can help you. I meant it before when I said I cared a lot about you. You're my best friend in the whole world. To be honest, I feel closer to you than I am to Ron. If it wasn't for you, we probably wouldn't be friends, with all the arguments we get into."

"I don't know, I think Ron may have a crush on you." He grinned slyly at her as she looked at him in surprise.

"What? He's got Luna.."

"He was really jealous when Krum took you to the Yule Ball in fourth year. I thought you'd noticed but didn't act on it because you didn't feel the same towards him. You don't, do you?" he asked worriedly, although he had no idea why.

She gave him a curious look. Why does he sound so anxious about my answer? "Well, I haven't really thought about it." Seeing the look on his face, she decided to do just that. After a few minutes, she decided she had no feeling towards Ron beyond the platonic ones that were already there. "No, Ron and I are only friends. I think of him as the brother I never had."

Harry nodded silently. "So, do you have a crush on anyone?"

"I'm not sure, to be honest," she said truthfully. She hadn't sorted out her feelings towards yet. She was so confused. "What about you?"

He thought back to the dream he had before he had been rudely awakened. He remembered flashes of brown hair and chocolate colored eyes. He blushed furiously. "I think so, but not one hundred percent certain."

She only nodded. Could he think of me as more than a friend? No, of course not.

The sun had come up while they talked, and neither of them felt like going back to sleep. "Why don't we get some studying done? Can't be too prepared for our N.E.W.T.s you know."

"Okay," he said, surprising her.

Since when does Harry Potter willingly decide to study? Usually she has to beg to get him and Ron to study with her. She didn't know what was going on, but she wasn't complaining. "Great! Let's go." Picking up her books and placing Harry carefully on her shoulder, they left the dormitories, Harry still in only his pajama bottoms and Hermione her nightgown.
They sat by their favorite couch in front of the large fireplace. The fire had long gone out, but it still seemed to emanate warmth. Hermione opened her Potions book and began to read aloud to Harry. He soon became quite bored and began to daydream.

Hermione was running towards through a forest clearing, beaming happily at him. She was wearing nothing but a few strips of leopard-skin covering the important bits. As she got closer, she didn't slow down. Instead she leaped into the air, tackling him, smothering him with kisses.

He expertly flipped her so that he was on top and began trailing kisses down her neck. All the while, his hands roamed up and down her sides, trying to feel every inch of her body with his fingertips. He began to untie the strip covering her breasts, wanting to feel her skin on his, but suddenly he was falling...

He was so wrapped up in his daydream that he had completely forgotten where he was. He was no longer leaning up against her neck and head for support. Instead, he was falling forward, into her dressing gown. As he fell, he was wondering if he'd survive or not. And if he did, if Hermione wouldn't kill him.

All thoughts stopped though, as he caught himself on something. He opened his eyes carefully, but everything was blurry. He had taken off his glasses and tucked them into his pajama pockets when Hermione had begun reading. He quickly pulled himself up onto whatever it was he was holding on to, pulled his glasses out, and quickly put them on.

His mouth opened in surprise at what he was seeing. Right in front of his eyes were the two most perfect breasts he had ever seen. He had managed to catch himself on the knob between Hermione's bra cups. Oh no. I'm in Hermione's dressing gown! He decided his best route was to climb back out, because he didn't think going sliding down to her panties would be such a hot idea right now. Maybe later, though. Stop it! Stop, stop, stop!

Grumbling, he grabbed hold of the inside of the nightgown and climbed out as quickly as possible. When he reached the neckline, he stopped and looked up at Hermione. He could immediately tell she was livid. Her face was a dark purple which reminded him of Uncle Vernon.

"Hermione, it was an accident, honest. I must have nodded off and slipped. I swear to you I didn't mean to do that." He gulped and continued. "I know you're really angry, but please, please forgive me. I need you."

She calmed visibly at this, though her face remained a bright red. Her eyes changed from anger to something different..embarrassment maybe? It was confirmed when she began to stutter and look around uneasily.

"It..it's fine, Harry. Jus..just don't tell anyone about this okay? It's really embarrassing. I mean, I know I'm not all that well endowed in the br..brea..breast department."

Harry looked confused. Her breasts were the perfect size, in his opinion. Certainly enough to fill his normal-sized hands. And oh how he wanted to fill his hands with those..Ugh. Must. Stop. Thinking. About. My. Best. Friend's. Breasts. "Your breasts are perfect, Hermione." It was his turn to turn pink. "I mean, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. You're perfect. I wouldn't change a thing about you." His face had gotten even darker red, even purple perhaps, while he rambled, until he too resembled his arrogant uncle.

While Harry had been talking, a subtle change had come over Hermione. She was no longer angry or embarrassed. If Harry had the nerve to look into her eyes, he'd see joy, pride, and hope. These feelings vanished from her eyes, however, as footsteps were heard coming from the direction of the boys' staircase. Harry climbed down quickly and sat in front of Hermione's potions book and pretended to study. Hermione quickly caught on and imitated him.

"Hey guys." It was Ron.

~~*~~

A/N: This is my first story, so please be gentle with the reviews. :)