Fickle Flames

A/N: Okay just so you guys know...this is not my favorite story. I wrote it as my sample story and hey it got me onto Portkey so I figured it deserves some respect and some lovin….by my wonderful readers of course. This is probably one of the only non-AU fic's I plan to write about the good ship Pumpkin Pie…I just can't write them all that well. Most of my stuff ranges from slightly AU (like I Life Gives You Lemons) to full blown completely not HP but it uses the characters and their abilities like. …some other stuff I am working on as well…but I can't tell you about that right now can I? Oh the power of being an author (evil laughter in background). So here is a very long one-shot about Harry and Hermione getting together in their 7^th year, Voldemort is dead (I can't bring myself to write about his canon downfall…only his AU ones…sorry) and they are all back in school to finish up.

So yeah…I'll shut up now and let you read the story. As before…all mistakes(spelling, grammar) and bad jokes belong to me but not these characters or the world they live in. I unfortunately did not come up with the concept for chocolate as the ultimate healing medium, that was truly brilliant! But, JKR would shit bricks if she saw what I've done to her precious little slu…Ginny and the other minions of her imagination.

I'll shut up now and let you read….leave a review if you think the story warrants it...if not then I'll understand with this one.

Hugs and Kisses

FuryOfMedea

Have you ever sat and watched a fire burn? At first it's just something to watch then it becomes more, something mesmerizing. Your eyes can't tear away from the golden flames that lick and devour the wood; you're stuck on it. You trace the hot blue at the base all the way to red orange on the tips.

But also it's the mystery of fire and the heat of it. You want to stay where it's warm, comfortable and safe. You've been entranced by the flames and the ambiance a fire creates and you are pained to leave it, to leave the world of heat and comfort and mystery you created. And it's also just a little bit primal.

He was entranced by the flames as he just sat in a comfortable chair and stared at the crackling fireplace. It was three in the morning but he couldn't sleep. Again. He normally had nightmares about watching Voldemort die, about the pain he felt at ending a life even though it was well deserved.

He sighs and a lock of black hair flaps on his forehead in the upward breeze. It momentarily shows a lightening bolt scar but it disappears back behind the bangs. He realized that he does need a haircut. She told him that he needed one or soon it would cover his eyes and make him look unkempt and then the other She thought his tousled locks gave him great sex appeal, and made him look older, mysterious She had said. He's seventeen years old, what the hell does he know about sex appeal?

What the hell does he know about the She's, as he's come to call them for that matter. Harry Potter had spent many nights and early mornings by the fire realizing that although he had zapped the Dark Lord earlier that summer, a month ago to be precise, he really didn't know anything about anything. Especially girls.

And he liked it. It made him feel like a normal teenager for once in his life, knowing he has so much to learn and experience in life. Harry smiled and yawned as he got up and made his way up to his Head Boy dorm.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

“You got to bed late last night. Was everything okay?” Hermione asked Harry as she sat down in the Great Hall the next morning for breakfast.

“Oh yeah. Everything's just fine. I just was thinking that's all.”

She nodded her head and laughed when their red headed best friend ambled over to the table, looking half awake.

“Mornin' ” he mumbled to the two of them. Harry smiled, “What are you tired Ron?”

“Ugh! I stayed up till two doing that Transfiguration essay. I hope the old bat appreciates it.”

“Ron! You know very well that McGonagall wouldn't have assigned it unless she though it was important.” Hermione chided.

“I don't know Hermione. I have to agree with Ron, I think she does assign these essays because it turns her on a little.”

Ron spit his pumpkin juice over the table at Harry's comment. “Harry mate, I love you like my brother but if you ever use the words `McGonagall' and `turned on' in the same sentence again I'll hex you to hell.”

Harry snickered as Hermione scoffed again.

“Honestly Ron don't you think she deserves a little pleasure in life? If assigning essays is what gets her jollies off then so be it. She's a mature woman with needs. What's so wrong with that?”

Hermione looked up from her plate to see Ron and Harry staring at her mouths agape. She was not one to talk about anything sexual, ever.

“What?”

“I…I...I….” Was all Ron could stammer.

“Hermione!” Harry hissed, “ I can't believe you just said that, about an older teacher!”

She cracked a smile, “What would you rather I talk about my own needs rather than hers?” Ron grimaced and Harry just stared opening and closing his mouth like a fish. He was trying to hide the fact that he was slightly interested in hearing more about Hermione's `needs'.

“I'm leaving. I'm not hungry anymore on account of you talking about your `needs' as you call them. And I don't want to think about food ever again if McGonagall has `needs' at all. Harry I'll see you in class, mate.” Ron got up and headed to NEWT Transfiguration that they all had first period.

“What? No `goodbye' to me? Am I invisible?” Hermione asked, faking offense.

“Did you take my cloak this morning?” Harry teased, getting his voice back.

Hermione punched him on the arm, “No you git, and that's not funny.”

“No, I think you just creeped him out a little with the images of McGonagall getting turned on. Hell it gave me the shivers.”

“Oh grow up Harry.” Hermione was pretending to be angry with him but a smile betrayed her acting.

“Uh huh. See, you can't be mad at me. I'm too... what was it you called me last year? Ah fanciable. That's it, I drive the witches nutters with this smile.” Harry theatrically popped his collar and puffed out his chest. Hermione blushed slightly.

“I must have been taking the mickey that day I swear. I should have never fed your ego. I've created a monster.” She sighed.

Before Harry could respond the post owls came in to deliver the morning mail. As per usual, about a dozen dropped pink scented letters with little hearts drawn on them and enchanted so that they danced around the envelope or shimmered.

“Ah your fan mail has arrived Harry.” Hermione teased and rolled her eyes.

Harry groaned in response, “ I don't think I should even bother to open them. They all say the same thing, they want to marry me and bear my children and the older ones give detailed descriptions of creating said children.”

“I'm guessing that change of heart on Rita Skeeter's part didn't do much to stop your letters from coming. That last article was pretty umm flattering.”

“She talked to a Seer about predicting my abilities in bed, Hermione!And then gave a full account in her column! I think I miss when she wrote trash about me rather than go on about how wonderful I am. Tell me, what does defeating Voldemort have to do with getting a witch to uhh you know…”Harry blushed a shade of pink.

Hermione snickered, “I have no idea Harry but I can bet she is having fun trying to find out, along with all the authors of the letters. Although that article about the Seer was interesting… ”

Harry's eyes bugged, “You read it!”

“Yes of course I did. I'm just as curious as any other witch about the coveted Harry Potter.” Hermione giggled and wondered why she really did read the blasted thing.

Harry rolled his eyes and looked at his watch, “We better get going or we'll be late and I don't want detention.”

“Mmm I don't think she would actually give The-Man-Who-Saved-Humanity and is Good-In-The-Sack detention for being a tiny bit late.”

“She'll give me one just as soon as she would you Miss Head Girl. And I really don't want a teacher thinking about me… that way if you don't mind. Ugh!”

Harry and Hermione got up and headed to class. They were just passing an alcove covered by tapestry and heard giggling within the space. Hermione rolled her eyes and Harry grimaced as they continued on to class, they didn't want to see a heavy snogging session this early in the day. Harry however had the strange impulse to try out that crevice later and the image of the other person with him made him do a mental headshake.

They arrived in class and were surprised not to see Ron at their table. Before they could inquire about his absence he stumbled into his seat looking a tad more disheveled than previously this morning.

Harry raised an eyebrow at Hermione who shrugged.

“Ron, everything all right mate?”

“Oh yeah I just uh went to the library and kind of nodded off again.” He looked sheepish and Hermione knew he was lying.

Harry didn't fully believe his best friend either but didn't push it when McGonagall rapped for attention and another grueling class began.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Ron was the first to stumble though the portrait hole after dinner that night. Hermione followed and Harry after her.

They plopped down in front of the fire and Harry had to use some willpower not to stare at it. Ron glanced at the clock and sprang up as if he had sat on a sharp quill.

“Well those classes were really something weren't they? I think I'm uhh gonna go down to the library and look up uhh that thing for potions. I'll see you two later, uhh have fun on rounds.” And he dashed out the common room leaving baffled friends behind.

“Hermione…”Harry began but was cut off.

“Yes I've noticed it too Harry. Its not just your imagination.”

“At least he doesn't skip rounds, then I'd be pissed. Who does he have rounds with anyway.”

She sighed, “Umm I think Hannah Abbott or Luna. It depends.”

“Its funny, these past few weeks I hardly see him and when I do he's always out of breath. I don't get it.”

“Hmm yes it is strange. And then this morning when he said he was going to class but he was almost late.”

“Weird”

“Mmm very. Oh I need to start that Runes homework before rounds tonight.”

Harry groaned. “Uhh can't we get someone else to do them tonight?”

Hermione shot a disapproving glance, “No you're Head Boy and that has responsibilities. Besides Ginny is in the hospital wing with a bad flu and it's not fair to send Justin out alone. We can do it since our work load is light tonight.”

Harry mumbled something that sounded like `okay fine' and headed up to his dorm to grab his Firebolt. It wasn't dark yet and he wanted to get a little flying time in before going out on rounds.

Harry walked down to the Quidditch pitch and pulled a snitch out of his pocket. Lupin had given it to him for his birthday to practice with. Harry has a suspicion it was the same one his father had stolen since the regular practice snitches sold were a bronze color and this was gold.

Harry let it go and it zoomed into the direction of the slowly setting sun. He counted to twenty, hopped on his broom and soared into the air at breakneck speed. He did a few loops and other tricks just to get in the mood. Flying was nice for thinking.

He thought of Ginny in the hospital wing, he wondered where she had been that day. He didn't even notice she was missing, not even for two days.

Ginny Weasley was a She in his thoughts, one of two. Guess who the other one was.

Thinking about Ginny made him sigh, but it was not one of longing or unrequited love, it was confusion and frustration.

Months ago they had parted ways (okay so he dumped her) and she was in agreement with it. Half the summer her wanted her back; it consumed him for about a month until the horocrux search got serious. Harry, Hermione and Ron left to find and destroy them and Harry realized that he didn't want Ginny as his girlfriend anymore. And he was pretty sure she felt the same. The entire time he was around her, she didn't make a single indication that he was more than a friend to her. It hurt a little but with Ron and Hermione with him he soon forgot about it. It wasn't until they got back in school that she started showing interest, and it confused the hell out of him.

Hogwarts opened in mid October instead of early September and the three friends started their seventh and final year. Harry was shocked when he was made Head Boy but not at all surprised when Hermione Granger was made Head Girl. Who saw that coming eh?

He did feel a little bad for Ron, he knew his best mate had always dreamed of being Head Boy, he had seen it in the mirror but Harry told McGonagall that he would need help with Quidditch so Ron was named co-captain along with being a prefect. He also had some great tactics on the field that he was too shy to voice before. Helping to hunt Voldemort had given him a little more confidence. He still turned slightly green at the thought of playing a game in front of (shock) people but could handle it better now.

The first game of the season he blocked half of the goals and that was a major improvement.

Ginny did not try out for the team this year which Harry though odd and instead replaced her chaser position with a very talented fourth year.

No she seemed to want to concentrate on her studies and prefect duties, and dating. Harry guessed that the game wasn't as fun for her anymore. He accepted that but when she started coming on to him and giggling with her friends when he walked by he started to wonder. He always saw her on the arm of her flavor of the week in the halls and just shrugged it off, it didn't hurt at all. Dean Thomas however looked crest fallen for the first few weeks. Harry figured she had moved on, until she started talking different, lowering her voice an octave so he had to strain to listen, that fluttering thing she did with her eyelashes and the way she would umm brush against him.

What really did it though was when she cornered him last week after practice outside the locker rooms and planted a big hello kiss on his lips. He froze in shock.

She giggled and whispered in his ear that she umm `missed him' and to think about starting things up again.

“Think about it long and hard Harry.” She purred into his ear.

Harry didn't tell Ron, he was afraid his friend would die of shock and he was not going to tell Hermione, she and Ginny had enough trouble getting along these days.

Instead he turned to Neville who looked slightly disappointed when Harry told him about the kissing and the purring.

Neville gave Harry a weak smile, “Well Harry do you fancy the lady or not. That's the basis of your problem.”

Harry didn't like Ginny anymore or he didn't fancy her. He still thought of her as a good friend but wasn't entirely looking forward to telling her that.

“No I don't really fancy her anymore Neville.”

“Then you have to tell her Harry. Otherwise she'll think you do and it will only hurt her more. Then she won't be able to move on.”

Harry nodded his head and was about to ask Neville if he was all right when the Gryffindor ran off to help Professor Sprout or so he said.

Harry thought about all of that while he flew in circles. Then the other She slowly crept into his thoughts like she always did. Harry was very unsure about that one. But at the same time he was so sure about her.

Hermione and Ron had dated for about a month until they both realized that it had sounded like a good idea but really wasn't. By the beginning of July their relationship was done and over with. And for some reason Harry was relieved. It was a week before the three were leaving to go on their horocrux hunt when Ron and Harry conspired to keep Hermione occupied and safe.

They, well Harry really, talked her into going to grab a book from Hogwarts before they left. The three arrived at Hogwarts and the boys said they would wait in the front hall while Hermione got whatever it was. They counted to one hundred and slowly crept into the shadows and popped over to their first wizarding village to start the search. They had left a note for Hermione on a table in the library explaining and boy was she mad. They underestimated their best friend because she caught up with them a week after they left. And she hexed them within an inch of their lives. She forgave Ron easily because she knew it wasn't his idea, but she stayed mad at Harry, the mastermind, for several weeks.

She finally forgave him after a huge screaming match between the two in their rooms. Harry pressed that he was just concerned about her safety and Hermione insisted that she could take care of herself. Ron conveniently missed this row while he was having a butterbeer down in the pub of the inn.

Hermione was adamant about staying with both of the boys, assuring them that they needed her and reminding them of all the times they would have died if it had not been for her.

Lately Harry was forced to spend more and more time with Hermione because Ron kept disappearing to who knows where.

Harry looked at his watch and saw that he had rounds with Hermione in five minutes. He was so preoccupied with his thoughts that he forgot about the snitch. He pulled out his wand; “Accio Snitch”, and it flew into his hand.

Now why couldn't he do that during a match?

He flew over to the front doors and ran like hell to the common room and he made it with a minute to spare.

He dumped the broom in his trunk and met Hermione at the bottom of the stairs.

“Ready?”

“Sure, lets go get this over with.”

They walked along the corridors for about an hour with no sight of any students out past curfew.

“Ugh Hermione, no one's out tonight, can't we go back now?”

“Harry we need to finish.” Harry gave her puppy dog eyes and she sighed, “Fine, you check this hall and I'll check that one, then we'll meet up to check the astronomy tower and then we'll stop. Fair?”

“All right, do you want the right or the left?”

“Left.” She replied as they went their separate ways.

Hermione checked a few classrooms and closets with not a single student out of bed. She sighed, maybe Harry was right and they should just turn in early. She was checking the dark corners of the Beginning Ancient Runes classroom when someone crept up behind her.

“Hermione, fancy meeting you here.”

She whipped out her wand and turned around to find Draco Malfoy smirking in front of her.

“Malfoy, you're out past curfew. I'll have to take ten points.”

He shrugged, “Fine by me Hermione.”

She wondered when he had started calling her `Hermione' instead of `Granger' she never noticed the shift. Granted, she had been his only vote of confidence when he wanted to switch sides, which sent Harry and Ron through the roof.

Ever since then he had been well… nicer to her. He had been very nice of late, a fact that made her just a tad nervous because of hi8s reputation with witches.

“What are you doing out his late anyway?”

“Ah it's nice to know you care.”

“Not really. I just want To know if you're up to something .”

“Only trying to find you Gorgeous.”

“Why? And I hate it when you call me that.”

“Ah and that's why I do. I was hoping to talk to you alone away from Potty and the Weasel.”

“They have names you know. It wouldn't hurt you to use them after all they've done for you. Or did you forget.” Hermione was getting slightly angry now, she was fine talking with Malfoy, he really wasn't that bad, especially after his umm `enlightenment' of a brush with death. But she hated it when he referred to Harry and Ron like that.

“Yes but I still don't like them even after all of `that' as you call it.”

She rolled her eyes, “Malfoy get to your dorm. Now.”

“Oh but we didn't get to talk yet..”

“We just did, now go.”

“Hermione, go out with me. Hogsmeade is next weekend, go with me?”

That was the other peculiar part of Draco's behavior lately. For the past few months he had been asking Hermione out and she kept refusing. He claimed that he saw her in a new light and that he liked what he saw very much. He always phrase it as a request not a question. Typical Malfoy, never saying please, thinking he would get his way.

“For the thousandth time, no. Stop asking.” She replied flatly.

“But it's so much fun to see you get angry. Your really very fanciable when you are.”

Hermione had her fill of the cocky Slytherin so she walked to the door and out into the hall. Draco right on her heels.

She was almost at the end of the hall where the corridors crossed and led to the astronomy tower when he called out to her again.

“Hermione, stop please.”

“Go back to your dorm Draco, this is the last time I'm telling you!”

“Oh you used my first name.” He grinned smugly.

“Maybe if I do, then you'll listen for once before I give you detention.”

He leaned down to speak in her ear, “Mmmm if it's with you then I'd like detention every night for a month.”

Hermione?” Harry appeared from the hall to the left, “Malfoy! Why are you past curfew.”

Harry did not like how close Malfoy was to Hermione or what he said to her. He had been listening in the shadows for a moment to see if hexing the git was worth detention.

She brightened when she saw him, “Harry are you finished? Malfoy was just going back to his dorm.”

“Yes that's right Potter, I was just having a little chat with the lovely Hermione here.” Malfoy smirked seeing how much he was agitating Harry.

“Uh huh.” Harry replied stepping towards Hermione, teeth clenched, “Well you better get going Malfoy.” His hand gripped a little harder on his wand at his side. Draco saw the small movement and backed away from Hermione. He had been at the receiving end of Harry's wand earlier in the summer and knew he was no match for the Gryffindor.

He turned and walked down the hall calling out to Hermione, “Think about my offer.”

Hermione rolled her eyes as Harry asked, “What was that about?”

“He corned me in the Runes classroom to ask me out again. Then he followed me up here.”

“I heard what he said to you about his detention.”

Hermione turned pink, “Oh that… he's just umm..”

“He's a wanker and I almost hexed him just for that. I had a good one thought up too.”

“Harry no…”

“Hermione… just because he helped our side does not mean he's a totally different person. I don't like the way he talks to you or looks at you. He's still the same old Malfoy capable of his tricks.”

“In his defense he is a little better.”

Harry grunted, “He might have a slightly better outlook on things but I still can't stand him. And if he bothers you again I hope you tell me so I can...”

“Harry…”

“What? You know you enjoyed him being turned into a ferret! And then the slug? How about a nice flobberworm or better yet, a pygmy puff! I think he would look nice as a purple one.”

Hermione rolled her eyes, “Was anyone down that corridor?”

“No.”

“No one down mine either. Come one, we can check the tower then call it a night.”

“Yes. Lets go.” He grabbed her hand and rushed to the door of the tower and pulled it open.

Hermione's blood pounded, why was she excited to get up to the tower with Harry? Or was it just a leftover reaction from her anger at Malfoy?

But, why did he seem so happy to get her up there? Looking for students isn't that interesting.

“Well Harry, one would think you are overly excited to get me in the tower,” she smirked and Harry chuckled.

“In your dreams Granger.” Harry smiled as he pulled her along, entwining her fingers with his as they walked up the stairs. Hoping that no one would really be up there and they could just sit up there for a while.

“Ah those would be nightmares Potter.” Harry put his free hand over his heart feigning hurt.

Hermione rolled her eyes as they walked up the stairs, but they stopped in their tracks when they heard giggling and smooching noises and their hands parted.

Hermione put her finger to her lips and Harry nodded.

“Oh Ronald...”a girl's voice cooed.

Harry bumped into Hermione's back and met her wide eyes with his own.

“Ron?” they mouthed at the same time.

Harry leaned down to whisper in her ear “Uhh does that giggling sound familiar?”

Hermione's mouth dropped open, “No…its not… from this morning? The alcove?” she whispered back.

Harry nodded his head and they both broke out in sheepish smiles as realization dawned.

“On three.” Harry told her and she nodded.

“One”, he smiled

“Two”, she snickered.

“Three!” they whispered and both burst in on Ron on the old couch with a wiggling girl under him who was hidden by his chest when his head shot up.

“Blimey you two almost gave me a heart attack!”

“Ronald?” asked the girl and Harry and Hermione were further shocked when she sat up and looked at them.

“Oh! Hello Harry, Hello Hermione.” Luna Lovegood calmly greeted them as if this kind of thing happened all the time.

“I uhh umm…Luna , Ron its umm after curfew, way past actually and I'm… we're not going to take away house points but you two really need to get out of here. Or we all could be in trouble.” Hermione stammered and Harry nodded in agreement.

“Oh yes it is rather late.” Replied Luna getting up and straightening out her uniform. “I'll see you tomorrow Ronald.” And she traipsed down the stairs and back to her dorm.

Harry and Hermione just stared at Ron who turned beet red.

“Well Ron, uh mate, do you want to explain what just happened?” Harry shuffled his feet a bit.

“Umm well you see Harry this umm thing with Luna it just started. A few weeks ago, she was ummm and I was ummm and then it ummm.”

“That's a lot of ummm Ron.” Hermione replied trying not to laugh, she felt better when she saw that Harry was dismally hiding a smile as well.

“It… I was going to tell both of you tomorrow. I just wanted to make sure it was umm the real thing you know?”

“Yeah okay well we'll talk about it tomorrow then, but you better get back to the dorms or we'll all be in trouble, right Hermione?”

“Right you are Harry, night Ron!”

“Uhhh night Harry, Hermione,” Ron replied scratching his head as he ambled down the stairs and out the door.

The two friends stood there for a moment in surprise.

“I...I…I don't believe it.” Harry stammered now.

“Why not?”

“He never said anything. Ever.”

“Luna told me she liked him and asked what she should do. I told her to go for it.”

Harry's eyes bugged out of his head, “You did! But why? I mean doesn't this bother you a little? After you and Ron…”

“No. I'm fine, I don't care really.” Hermione smiled but Harry was still confused,

“Does it bother you that it doesn't bother you?”

“First of all that makes no sense and no. Like I said I don't care, its fine.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Okay if you're sure. But I could talk to him about it..”

“Harry…”, Hermione narrowed her eyes slightly, warning in her voice.

“Okay, okay I get it, it's fine.” Harry backed off, hands up in surrender at the look his friend shot him.

“Come on lets go, we're done for tonight.”

Harry nodded as they walked back to their common room, slightly disappointed at her words, but unsure why.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

“So tell me again how exactly you got her up to the tower?” Harry asked over breakfast the next morning.

Hermione reached over and smacked the back of his head, “Ow! Bloody hell Hermione I just want to know what I'm doing wrong!”

“Harry!”

“Oh ease off Hermione. Ole' Harry here deserves a good snog just as much as anyone.” Ron replied after swallowing his eggs.

“But I don't know how I did it. I think it was her idea really…can't remember since I wasn't really thinking about it.”

“I still can't believe you were in the tower with Luna!” Harry chuckled and Hermione rolled her eyes.

“It's simple really. Luna has fancied Ron for ages, she told me last summer. And I told her to do something about it just like I did…” Hermione paused, “Umm so as I was saying I told her to get on with it and I guess she did.” She shrugged her shoulders as if she had no more to say on the topic.

What she had not said however was about Ginny. She was the person who had convinced Ginny to go for what she wanted (meaning Harry) eventually and now felt semi-responsible for creating a monster.

It was pretty obvious from their short time back in school that Ginny was definitely interested in Harry even though she ignored him half the summer.

Hermione didn't miss the wanton looks the young Weasley shot Harry or the way she would brush against him and linger too long, more than what was friendly. Then there was the talk.

Gossip. Hermione hated gossip.

And it was everywhere, in the bathrooms, the dorms and even the library and especially on breaks. Everyone was talking about Harry and who wanted him, who he might end up with and all manner of other topics about Harry they could come up with. Every girl in Hogwarts had `Harry Fever'.

Hermione thought she had heard everything possible about Harry and Ginny and a good bit about herself and Ron until the end of the first week of school.

It was between Lavender and Pavarati one evening, Ginny had become somewhat friends in the past few months, closer than before.

She remembered the whispers between the two, or what they thought were whispers in their dorm room. Hermione was heading to get her last carton of belongings to move to the Heads dorms, when she heard `Lav' tell `Pav' what Ginny confided in her after dinner.

“No way! She told you that?”

“Yes, I swear Pav. Ginny told me that she is totally over Dean and now that Harry is back, and alive not to mention, she is going to get him back.”

“How?” Pav asked with wide eyes Hermione could see though the crack in the door.

“She's going to seduce him” Lav giggled and Pav let out a snort of indignation.

“Yeah if Hermione will let her.”

“Pav, do you know something I don't?”

“Mmmm possibly.”

“Tell.” Lavender was practically jumping up and down.

“Ginny is afraid of Hermione.”

“What! Did she tell you that?”

“Nope. I can see it in her face. Whenever Harry is talking to Hermione she gets this scared look on her face. I think that Harry likes her too.” Pavarati smiled.

“You think? Well Ginny has been throwing herself at Harry and he has been ignoring her…” Lavender pondered, tapping her chin.

“Yes and who does he run to?”

“Hermione,” they said in unison. At that moment the object of gossip made a big production of knocking on the door to retrieve her things and the two clamed up.

Hermione wasn't surprised. She had guessed that Ginny might have tried to forget about Harry thinking that he might not come back. That did infuriate her, that Ginny had no faith in him. And now that he was back, Ginny would love to call him hers. Thinking back, she did rush to the boys that had some type of reputation, like she glowed in their limelight instead of creating her own.

“Hermione. Hermione…hello!” Harry waved his hand in front of her face.

“Ron I think we've lost her to la la land.”

“Mmmm hmmm” Ron nodded.

Hermione looked up from her half eaten breakfast, “What? Oh I'm sorry were you saying something?”

Harry shook his head, “Thinking about a book again?”

“Uhhh yes.” Hermione gave a Cheshire smile that did not go unnoticed.

“I was asking you if you were going with us to the next Hogsmeade weekend?” Ron hesitated.

“Oh, umm yes. I think I'll have enough homework done by then.”

Harry rolled his eyes, “And even if you don't. You're going anyway.” And he shoved a piece of toast in Hermione's mouth as she opened it to protest much to Ron's amusement.

“Oi! Harry we should have tried that sooner mate!” Ron laughed and ducked as Hermione threw an apple at his head and chewed her toast.

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The room was dark and images swam in her mind. It meant everything and nothing all at once. Her body ran hot one moment and cold the next. Her head pounded and her stomach churned. Every muscle in her body cried out in pain and fatigue and there was nothing more Madam Pomfrey could do about it.

Ginny was sick, very sick in fact, with a muggle strain of flu that could not be cured by magical means. The nurse said that the “viral thing” kept “mutating” whatever that meant and she would have to ride it out like a muggle. It was the morning of the third day that her fever subsided and she could keep food down.

But being sick wasn't Ginny Weasley's only problem, she was also slightly delusional, but not from her fever. She was sure that Harry Potter wanted her that they would get back together and be the perfect couple again, it was only a matter of time right?

She remembered the day that her heart broke, the boy she wanted for so long, the one who defeated the Dark Lord, dumped her. He dumped her, Ginny Weasley, one of the most beautiful and popular girls at Hogwarts. She could have any boy she wanted, they worshipped the dirt she walked on! And Harry dumped her to keep her safe supposedly. Well that was fine with her, Ginny moved on quickly as usual and secretly got back together with Dean Thomas, who was very happy to get his girl back.

Then Harry and her brother started talking about leaving and she was so wrapped up in Dean she figured that Harry wouldn't come back this time anyway, that he wouldn't make it out alive.

When they asked if she wanted to go with them along with Hermione, she declined, saying she wanted to stay and take care of her family. Yeah like she was really going to risk her pretty neck and probably get killed, like they would.

Ginny was not that interested after what she went though at the end of her first, fourth and fifth years. No she would leave the vanquishing up to someone else thank you very much.

But surprise, surprise, Harry returned in one piece, victorious. Ginny knew she had to get him back and immediately broke up with a very crushed Dean Thomas. If she didn't she knew some other girl would get him and she had an idea who.

Ginny started to feel very threatened by Hermione Granger last year. She became Ginny's frenemie, keep you friends close and enemies closer right? That way her greatest competition would be under her nose. She sensed a change in Harry and Hermione's friendship around the end of their fifth year even if they were oblivious. The next year Hermione was too occupied with Ron to notice anything else but now all that seemed to be over with and Hermione and Harry were gravitating together again. Ginny noticed the way Harry looked at Hermione and it made her blood boil, he used to look at her like that!

Something had to be done and after her proposal the week before all she had to do was wait for an answer. Unfortunately she was stuck in bed and would have to wait even longer. That's fine, she's waited before, for years and she can do it again.

It wasn't until the evening on the fourth day that Ginny was released right as dinner was starting. She headed down to great hall but stopped when she passed by the portrait of Velma the Vain in the third floor corridor. Ginny's jaw dropped when she saw her blotchy face and wild hair in the mirror across from the painting. There was no way she could greet Harry looking like that, even Hermione would look better than she did for once, Ginny thought. She immediately hauled ass to her dorm and snuck in to make sure no one saw her and ran up the stairs and jumped into the shower. Unfortunately by the time she was out of the hot shower dinner was over so she decided to just go to bed.

That year there had been some transfer students to Hogwarts so Ginny had been bunked with the 7^th year girls along with Gracie Murfin, another 6^th year friend of hers.

Ginny was lying in bed when she heard Lavender and Pavirati come giggling up the stairs. She rolled her eyes, she liked them but sometimes they were just too much. She shut the curtains on her bed until she heard them mention her.

“Oh shhh, it looks like Ginny is out of the hospital wing. Poor thing, I hope she feels better.” Lavender cooed.

“Hmmm I bet Harry will be happy now that she's back…” Pavaraiti teased and Ginny heard Lavender snort, “Huh! Did you see the way Harry was staring at, HER all though dinner?”

“What!”

“Uh huh. And I heard something about a meeting in the room of requirement tonight.”

Ginny sighed, she was going to have to do something about Hermione, but in the morning.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

It wasn't until the next evening, after dinner when Ginny was able to approach Harry. She had waited all day to get him alone, or away from Her, for two seconds. He was in one of the small study rooms in the library. She slipped in unnoticed and closed the door behind her all but a crack to hear anyone approaching.

“What are you working on Harry?” Ginny asked as she wiggled into the chair next to him, he looked up and visibly gulped.

“Oh uhh hi Ginny…feeling better?”

“Ohh yes Harry. Much. Better.” She winked at him, “Did you think anymore about my suggestion the other day?”

Harry was wondering if the small room was getting smaller and since when had the uniform skirts been so short...mid-thigh.

Ginny bat her eyelashes again and Harry had the same reaction that any wizard would have to a very pretty witch. He stuttered and lost his coherent train of thoughts. And Ginny was very pretty; she prided herself on her looks and took her time each morning to make sure she looked her best. Carefully curling the ends of her long ginger hair, applying with grace the powders, creams, eye shadow and other make-up that made the boys drool. The thoughtful selection of her shoes, she wore heels instead of the standard Mary Jane's. Ginny was not the only girl at school to wear them either; most of the older girls wore sexy high heels with their black knee stocking and little skirts. It was amazing the boys were able to pay attention at all, thankfully the robes hid some of the umm show.

“No sorry Ginny but I have been pretty focused on my studies at the moment and I ...” but Harry was interrupted by someone clearing their throat.

“Umm Harry?” Hermione was a little shocked at what she came up on. Ginny was practically sitting on his lap. Hermione felt the room grow small and her mind raced for a good excuse to leave.

“I uhh were we studying tonight?” she bit her lip and shifted her stack of text books as Ginny shot her an evil look, “Because umm we can do it another night, its not important or anything… so yeah I'll just be going….”

Harry jumped up and Ginny slid off his lap and into her pervious seat with a small squeak of indignation.

“No, Hermione wait!” He called and Ginny's eyes narrowed as Hermione's retreating form stopped in the doorway and turned.

“I uhh Ginny was just umm asking me about her Defense homework but we're done.” Harry shot Ginny a mixed glance, he was confused at her actions and angry for the way she barged in. “So why don't we get started?”

“Oh okay, sorry I interrupted you question Ginny.” Hermione gave the girl a small smile.

“Umm its fine Hermione. Thanks Harry, I'll let you know how it goes.” Ginny got up and left the small study room as Harry took the books from Hermione's arms.

“Here let me help you with those, it looks like you checked out the whole section.”

“Oh only half really. Umm is Ron joining us or….” She asked sitting beside him.

Harry shook his head no and she smirked, “Let me guess he's busy?”

“That's what he said after lunch.” Harry smiled.

“Umm Harry I'm sorry if I .. you know…Ginny….”

“No, no. That… Ginny… it was nothing.”

“Mmm well it looks like something to me Harry.” Hermione raised one eyebrow in question and Harry blushed a little.

“She thinks it will be.”

Hermione adopted her business like voice, “And you Mr. Potter, what do you want?”

Harry smiled, “Say that again.”

“What?”

“What you just said, repeat it.”

“What do you want?”

“Yeah. I love the way that sounds.” Harry leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms out resting one hand on Hermione's chair.

“Because you can want something.”

“Yeah.”

“And is that something Ginny?” Even she was surprised that she asked it.

Harry thought to himself, that it was now or never and stared into her eyes, “No.”

Hermione's face didn't move, or show any emotion despite the fact that her heart sped up a little, “Oh.”

Harry turned to completely face her, and very seriously replied, “So Hermione I was wondering…”

She swallowed, “Yes Harry?”

“What's with this whole `Griswalt's Potion to Potion Reaction Theory' ?” He smiled and she let out a small breath of relief.

“Well it's the combining of two different potions and observing what happens. If there is a slight variation in ingredients or conditions then the same two potions can have different reactions each time they are mixed.”

“Like people, put them in a room, lock the door and see what happens.” Harry ventured, nervously running his hand though his hair.

“Sort of.” Hermione swore the lock on the door clicked as Harry gestured his hand.

“These reactions, can they be powerful?” Harry carefully edged closer to the edge of his seat towards his friend.

“Sometimes, like I said it depends on the conditions and the potions.” Was Harry getting closer and what was that twinkle in his eye?

She then realized their faces were inches apart hovering over the books, her heart was pounding hard now and she didn't know why. Nor could she explain the butterflies that had erupted in her stomach.

Harry was unsure what he was doing, here they were supposed to be studying and he was trying to come onto his best friend! Okay so he had figured out very recently that he was harboring more than friendly tendencies towards her and had been debating what to do about them. Ron had told him to get to it but now he was thinking tat it was a bad idea. That he wouldn't say anything about it to her.

He was trying to think happy thoughts but when she bit her lip a small tendril of soft curly hair fell out of her bun and his mouth went dry.

Hermione was not ugly by any means and she did not pile on makeup or wear super high heels or shorten her skirt. She brushed on a little eye shadow, mascara and light lip-gloss in the mornings and chose sweet sensible flats that did make her legs look nice, and she could walk. Walking, what a concept! Granted she did have a pair of hot black heels in the back of her closet (Luna made her buy them before school started), but she had consented not to wear them.

“So these conditions, like you say, can be changed to whatever you'd want them to be? To fit your experiment?” Harry pushed the hair behind her ear and she tried to suppress that little shiver going down her spine.

“That's the main point to the theory, manipulating certain factors to get a desired result.” Hermione bit her lip and Harry smiled, he knew what he was doing and at that moment she realized it too.

“Harry.”

“Yes.”

Hermione tried to reply without smiling, “We need to get to work on your essay.”

“We are working on my essay, you just explained the theory to me and now I can try to apply it.”

She rolled her eyes, and gestured her hand around the room, “Oh really? Where are you going to apply a potions theory in a locked, don't think I didn't notice that, study room in the library?”

“Here.” Harry replied and slipped his hand around to the back of her neck and pulled her in for a searing kiss.

Hermione's heart skipped a beat when Harry pulled her lips to his and she almost died when his tongue started dancing around with hers. She could smell his skin, feel the calluses on his hands stroking the back of her neck and she shivered again.

Harry was still leaning over to kiss her, but used his free arm to pull her onto his lap and she let out a small yelp of surprise in the back of her throat. Harry smiled against her lips at the reaction. She settled onto hip lap, and slipped her arms around his neck to pull closer and deeper into the kiss.

They kept the snogging up for a few more moments but then realized that they did need oxygen and a bubble charm would not help in this situation.

Hermione gulped for air as she broke away from Harry's lips, her own red and swollen and tasting of Harry. She looked into his eyes and saw that he seemed a little hurt, she gave him a reassuring smile.

Harry was very disappointed when Hermione broke away from him, he loved her warm mouth, the way she tasted, how her lips felt against his.

He looked down into her eyes, loving the way they danced with confusion and excitement at what they had just done. He wanted to say something sexy and confidant to get her to kiss him again.

“So…how's uhh.. how's that for a theory?” Harry stammered, wanting to slap himself realizing how stupid it sounded. Yes he was clever about the way he kissed her, what he had said then, but right now there were no words.

Hermione giggled at Harry's attempt to be suave and sighed.

“Mmm I don't think you got your point across, I think you need to it test again.” And she pulled a very surprised Harry back into the kiss, that quickly went from comfortable and lazy to passionate and needing, their hands roaming over each other, clinging on for dear life.

Harry reached around and grabbed her bum, pulling her even closer (if it were possible) and that's when her eyes shot open, realizing what she was doing and with whom.

She quickly pulled away and off his lap and got up to straighten her clothes. The sensible Hermione was back and the sexy Hermione had gone dormant again.

Harry however was very confused when she pulled away from him as if he had the plague and then started to shove her books and papers into her bag and headed for the door.

“Umm yes so I think you get the idea of Griswalt's Theory, and I think I better leave you to it. I need to ask Professor Flitwick about the last quiz and I...” she rambled as she ran for the door to find it locked. She turned to see Harry with his hands behind his head looking very relaxed and almost smug.

She tried an unlocking charm but it didn't work.

“Harry… I need to…get going.” Harry got up and walked over to her, “No Hermione you aren't running from this.” He took her bag from her shoulder and tossed it on the table and leaned on the doorframe next to her.

“We… this... Harry what are we doing? We haven't even talked about this or thought about it...”

Harry firmly grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes, “Oh but I have thought about this Hermione. I've thought about this since we've been back, since you broke it off with Ron even.”

“But…but why? Why me?” she tried to step out of his grasp but Harry held tight.

“Why you Hermione? I don't know, probably because you always made me think about my actions, the fact that I hear you in my head, that you never gave up on me and you forced me to keep going. You believed in me when I didn't believe in me. You kept my soul safe, and cared about me for no reason at all except that it's what you do. You have this beauty that is so you, the way you are. Like when you bite your lip or roll your eyes or the way you look at me when I get something right, and your laugh. All of it makes me crazy in a good way and I…I fell for it, I fell for you.”

Hermione stood there in shock, had Harry really just said all of that?

“Now for my question Hermione, why did you kiss me back?”

“B-because I wanted to.”

“Why?”

“Because I umm well, I, you're not Ron.”

“You wanted to kiss me because I'm not Ron?” Harry asked a little disappointed.

“Well yes, I mean no! Harry I… when we got back to school I don't know what happened, I just started seeing you differently. Remember the other day when you told me about you being more fanciable?” Harry nodded that he did remember.

“Well it's true. You aren't Ron and after we broke it off I realized what I wanted, who I wanted. And when everything was over with, I knew exactly what I wanted, and it..it's you. You turned into this strong, handsome, sweet person. It was you that had the idea to save me from that stupid troll and you've always been, well, you kept me safe Harry and you cared about me. And..and I like who you've grown up to be. Its someone that I want to be with.” Hermione took in a deep breath and let it out slowly and looked up at Harry who was smiling.

“Well I think that just about covers it then.”

Hermione looked at Harry incredulously, “That doesn't cover anything Harry! All that means is that...” but she was cut off when Harry kissed her again.

When they broke apart Harry leaned his forehead on hers, “Hermione, what do you want?”

“I don't know” she whispered back.

Harry sighed, “What…what are we supposed to do now then?”

“That's the beauty of it all, we can do nothing or we can see what course things take.”

“Does that include more snogging?”

“Possibly, actually definitely more snogging.” Hermione reached up and kissed Harry lightly on the lips and smiled.

“But I wasn't kidding about talking to Flitwick, I really do need to ask him something.”

Harry sighed and she took the opportunity to step out of his arms and grabbed her bag.

“I'll see you later then. And Harry?”

“Yeah?”

“Finish your essay.”

Harry rolled his eyes and nodded his head as she opened the door.

Hermione walked out of the room and pushed open the door but she though she felt it bump something. She glanced around and didn't see anything and figuring it was a house elf that popped out of the way in time, and went off to the charms room.

The library was almost empty by now and was partially dark with shadows because Madam Pince liked to put out some of the lights later at night, she said it preserved the books.

However in the shadow where the study room door had just opened crouched a very upset Ginny Weasley.

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She had thought it a good idea at the time, spying on the two of them. She had just zipped behind the door and slumped down into the shadows, ear against he door. Unfortunately she didn't have any Extendable Ears so her scope of the conversation was limited. Ginny felt this was her entitlement; nay her duty to find out what was going on in that room. Hermione was moving in on her territory right? Yeah that's what she though too.

Okay so Harry had an… infatuation with Hermione, he's entranced, and yeah that's it. Hermione is a powerful witch; maybe she is using a spell! That has to be the reason, Ginny though as she snuck back to the common room still fuming from eavesdropping on Harry and Hermione. She couldn't hear everything but heard enough to guess that what Harry really wanted was something Ginny would be all too glad to give him.

She was sure he was going after Hermione because she would be an easy catch, she's brainy, bookish, and had limited experience with men. A girl like that would gladly jump in with the first wizard, especially sexy Harry, that gave her the time of day. Harry must know this and is taking advantage of the situation. Hermione does have a decent body after all and what wizard wouldn't want to shag that right? Ginny had heard enough whispers in locker rooms and loud talk passing by the boys bathroom to know that plenty of wizards were interested in Hermione, she just usually chose to ignore those comments and focus on the ones about her.

So with the `spell' (literal or figurative, Ginny wasn't sure which yet) and Hermione's decent body, both would give any wizard cause to do what Harry had done. Now all Ginny had to do was fix it.

She wrote a quick note and charmed it to fly (like the memos at the Ministry) outside and up to an open window several towers away.

She tucked herself into bed that night smiling at the though of rectifying the situation with Harry and breaking whatever spell Hermione had over him. Destroying Hermione in the process was just an added bonus.

As Ginny drifted off to sleep she didn't even think there could be another reason for Harry kissing Hermione, for him to confess how he felt about her or that Hermione might really like him in return.

The poor sixth year had no idea what she was getting herself into.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

The next two weeks were some of the most interesting Hogwarts ever had. By then it was public knowledge that Ron was dating Luna Lovegood and that created quite a stir. For the first few days Hermione had to endure the pity looks sent to her by other girls for being thrown over for `Looney'. Luna also had to deal with the short-lived stigma of being the `other witch' in Ron's life.

Luckily all that was blown over when Ginny surprisingly was found with Draco Malfoy, the school cad, in a broom closet three days after the `study room incident'. She confessed her feelings for him to the gossipmongers in the school (Lavender being one of the first) and by dinner that same evening, they were as good as engaged after just one snog session. Ginny smiled, her plan was working perfectly.

When the school term started again Draco returned because of his exoneration during the issue and acting as a double agent against Voldemort. He had approached Ginny long ago and said that he owed her for saving his life one day (from his own father no less) and for her to let him know when she wanted to collect on that promise.

He was hoping it would be for a decent shag but she had a better idea. To put her plan into action she would need someone sneaky, underhanded and who disliked Harry enough to help her, so Draco Malfoy was perfect. He was good looking and charming to boot, both qualities would be necessary for The Plan.

Draco was still sore at Harry for an incident during the vanquishing Voldemort thing; in short, Harry saved Malfoy from being obliterated by the Dark Lord himself. Unfortunately even though he was alive, the Slytherin was mortified at being out dueled by Harry Potter. Thus he was all too happy to assist in humiliating him. Even though Draco switched sides, he still hated Harry and that would never change. Hermione on the other hand was something that had caught the attention of Malfoy's eye ( and other body parts), and given another reason to help out Ginny, besides getting to snog her in the closet. He would have Hermione in that closet too when The Plan was completed.

Harry and Hermione however were at a stand still from that evening in the library. They had both told Ron and Luna respectively and in private what had happened with one another. Harry was afraid of scaring Hermione off and Hermione was afraid she would seem too forward and send the wrong message, so there was no snogging, touching or even a little hug.

But there was staring, my God was there staring. During classes, on the breaks, doing homework and any other time of the day they stared when they thought the other wasn't looking. It was driving Ron nutters and made Luna frustrated since it was obvious to the two of them what was going on.

Ron and Luna had snuck off to the astronomy tower again but this time it was just to talk. Ron was still fuming at his sister being caught in the broom closet opposite the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Especially since he was the person who caught them the week before. Luna was trying to keep him calm; it was she in fact who had kept him from strangling a very smug looking Malfoy that day.

“I don't get it Luna, the world has gone mad! First Harry finally kisses Hermione and then nothing else happens between them. And then my little sister is snogging Malfoy! When the hell did that happen?” Ron grumbled as he fidgeted on the sofa.

Luna sighed and started running her hand though Ron's hair, “I don't know Ronald. Ginny has been different since everything happened. She's…well she's changed. All she cares about now are boys and clothes and other things. I wish I could have the old Ginny back. I wonder if it has something to do with Harry?”

Ron sat up, “What..what does that mean, `something to do with Harry'?”

She giggled, “No Ronald I didn't mean that! I meant that maybe she is trying too hard to get his attention, you know? Ginny told me she didn't expect Harry to come back from facing Voldemort and that she wanted to move on with her life, so she got back together with Dean. Then when Harry did come back she… she flipped! It was all she could write about was Harry, Harry, Harry. Oh and how she needed to get him back. She was pretty insistent on that part.”

“Why? I mean we were all glad that he came back, but why did she need to get him back?” Ron rolled his eyes.

“I think it had to do with getting to him first. Remember when they got together and it was all anyone could talk about? Well I think it made Ginny believe that they were meant to be. Dating Harry made her a real somebody, or that's what she thought and she wants that again. She liked his umm what does Hermione call it, it's a muggle term ...oh limelight. She likes that he's famous and wants a part of that.”

Ron was shocked, “But..but my sister? Wha..when did this happen? I just don't get the Maloy thing unless…”

“What?” Luna had no thoughts on Ginny being with Malfoy. That was the part that confused her.

“What if Ginny is using Malfoy to make Harry jealous?”

Luna laughed, “Oh don't you think that's a little far fetched? I mean Malfoy? I think the only reason she dates him is because he's a decent kisser. Not to use him to get Harry back.”

“No no. Listen, remember how Ginny saved Malfoy and he has always been after her for it?

Luna thought about it and realized that Malfoy had been chasing after Ginny ever since that day in August, along with Hermione. She nodded and Ron continued.

“Okay and then at the same time Malfoy has been really nice to Hermione for the last few months? He even asked her out again last week. So I think that Ginny has talked him into helping her do something to Harry or Hermione. But they need the school's attention first to make it work so..”

“They get caught snogging in a broom closet!” Luna finished his sentence.

“Yeah! Think about it. Ginny is guessing that Harry will hex Malfoy and there will be this big duel over her and Hermione will be miffed. And I bet Malfoy would love to be a shoulder for Hermione to cry on you know? That way Ginny has Harry and she's got Hermione umm busy. And Malfoy looks at Hermione like she's lunch so I don't want to think about what he wants out of all of this.” Ron clenched his fists at the though of Malfoy and Hermione in a broom closet. He didn't have a jealous though in his head, just angry, she was still one of his best friends and he didn't want anyone to take advantage of her.

“But what are we going to do about Harry and Hermione. They way they're going, the idea we guessed Ginny has, could work!”

“I'll talk to Harry,and you talk to Hermione some more and we'll try to talk them into each other. We know they fancy one another, now we just need to you know get them together.”

Luna faced him and replied, “Here's what we'll do, there's another Hogsmeade weekend coming up right?” Ron nodded an affirmative and she continued, “So that weekend everyone will be gone for the better part of the two days and that's when we'll try to get them together. We just need to convince them not to go. But until then we'll have to keep an eye on Ginny to see if she's trying to get Harry or if she really fancies Draco.”

“Malfoy.”

“Yes whatever.” Luna held out her hand, “Deal Ronald?”

Ron took her and shook it, “Deal Looney.”

Luna blushed and noticed Ron was still holding her hand. An evil grin crossed his face as he yanked her down under him on the couch.

“You know…Ginny and Malfoy did have a good idea with that broom closet...”

Luna rolled her eyes and pushed her boyfriend off her onto the floor, “Nice try Ronald. I need to go help some second years with their Charms.” She placed a kiss on his forehead, “I'll see you later.”

“As in tonight?” He asked hopefully from his spot on the floor.

“As in later.” She giggled as she walked out the door.

Ron watched her walk out and blew out a sigh as he flopped completely on the floor.

“Woman what have you done to me?” He asked the air, smiling.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

She hurried down the dark corridor, constantly checking behind her and occasionally ducking into alcoves, just to make sure no one followed. She knew that everyone was still at dinner but she couldn't risk being seen.

She came upon the closet door and slipped inside the small and even darker room.

She was quickly grabbed by unseen arms and pulled to a firm chest, “You're late Hot Stuff,” he growled in her ear.

She rolled her eyes and pushed him away, “No, you're just early.”

“Whatever. So what's the latest news, are they squirming, fighting, shagging maybe?”

Her eyes popped open at that last suggestion, “Shagging! I bloody well hope not!”

He laughed, “Oh look who's got her knickers in a twist over a couple of idiots snogging… a while ago at that!”

“I do not have my knickers, which are none of your damn business by the way, in a twist.” She crossed her arms in indignation but could see in the dim light that he was enjoying himself.

“No…. I believe you made all aspects of your knickers my business two weeks ago…”he whispered in her ear, his lips brushed the shell of her ear and she tried to suppress a shudder.

“No. I just made snogging me your business. So did you see her, talk to her?”

He sighed, “Yes and no.”

She smacked him somewhat playfully on the head, “What do you mean no? You saw her but didn't talk to her?!”

“Jeeze, calm down Hot Stuff! Think of the pressure your knickers are under already! No I can't get near her, she keeps running to him and there is no way I am going to try to talk to her in front of him.”

She scoffed, “Well you better get a move on with talking to her, we need to get the ball rolling on this.”

“Hey I was doing just fine. She was in the hall and I walked over to her and started to but then she dashed off, making some excuse and then he walked around the corner and latched onto her.”

“Dammit!” She yelled and furiously banged her fists into the stone wall.

“Whoa calm down there. Look everything is going to be okay, this is all going to work out just fine.”

Her eyes had adjusted to the dim light by now as she eyes him carefully. His face registered genuine concern as he smiled at her.

“I...I just don't know anymore. At first this all seemed like a good idea but now it's all falling apart…why can't I just be happy?”

“Hey look you will be happy. I promise. You'll get that stupid wanker back and I'll… I'll be well compensated.”

“He's not a wanker,” she defended half-heartedly.

“Just stupid then?” He smiled then turned serious, “Look you may like the git but I think he's a bloody idiot for letting you go.”

She smiled, “Getting possessive are we?”

“No, I just…uh…look can't you take a stupid complement?”

“No..I..ugh! You're so…so infuriating! I don't know why I wanted you...”

He cut her off, “Because Hot Stuff, we're perfect together for this.”

She snorted, “Look I think we need to reanalyze this thing, we need a new approach. We'll be more aggressive, more precise. I have a new idea on how to go about all this.” She pulled out a sheet of paper with an advertisement. He whispered “Lumos” to better see what it said.

“Are you kidding me? Will this really work?” He asked disbelieving.

“Yes I'm sure. It works with hair instead so once it's administered the subject will fall for whose hair is in the potion, instead of being right in front of them. We'll work out the finer details later. All I have to do is send out for it.”

“Will those gits really send it to you, no questions asked about who you're going to use it on?”

“I'll tell them its to play pranks on other people, they'll defiantly go for that.”

“Mmm sounds good, very plausible. When and who?”

“Next Hogsmeade weekend. We'll stay here and I overheard that they are too so we can pull it off then, when nobody's here.”

“Yeah okay but who, both of them?”

“No. I think that you should use it on just her, that way I stay innocent and she's ruined. We'll fix it so that he walks in at the right moment.” She smiled maliciously.

He shook his head, “You have a great power o' evil one. But why the fixation on hurting her pitiful excuse for a reputation?”

“Why the questions?”

“Just curious.”

She sighed, “If she didn't exist, then I wouldn't have this problem. And she didn't push him off or anything.”

“Uh huh.”

“What?”

“That's a pretty interesting way to say you're jealous Hot Stuff.”

“I'm not jealous.”

“Yes you are. Think about it, you tried to become her. You dropped your favorite things; you started studying and dolling up more, almost to look like her, to be like her. I miss the you before her.”

“That makes no sense, and since when do you pay attention to what I do?”

“Just because we didn't get along didn't mean I didn't notice a good looking and might I say talented, witch.”

There was a moment of silence in the closet until she spoke up.

“Why do you want her so bad?” She asked and wondered why she cared.

“Why do you care?”

“Just curious,” she replied in a mocking voice making him smirk.

“I can't have her, its almost impossible. So I want her, besides she's actually pretty hot.”

“I though you said she was ugly.”

“Cover up.”

“Do you think she's hotter than me?”

The smirk turned into a smile, “Yep.”

“Liar”

“Yep.”

She blushed, not expecting that reply, “But then I'm not impossible to have so…”

He backed her into the wall, pressing his body to hers, “No Hot Stuff, you're not impossible… you're utterly bloody untouchable, not even in my wildest dreams, can I have you.”

She sucked in her breath trying to find a response but he continued, “In fact she's just a consolation prize compared to you. But like I said, you're beyond impossible so there's no point for me to even try, so I have to settle for her. At least I get to snog you though.”

He pushed off from the wall and walked over to the door, “Let me know when you want to work out the next stage in the plan,” and he was gone.

She sighed and slipped down to the floor, berating herself when she sat head in her hands, “Bloody hell Ginny, you are not going to fall for Draco Malfoy!”

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Hermione was walking towards the library, she wanted to get a book before curfew hit, when she was pushed into a small side corridor by none other than Draco Malfoy.

“Hello Hermione, have a good dinner?” Draco asked smiling.

She sighed, “What do you want Malfoy?”

“Just to talk Gorgeous.” He put his hands on either side of her on the wall trapping her where she stood.

“About what? Didn't we cover the pleasantries earlier this evening? When you cornered me after dinner!” Hermione was getting impatient, and fidgeted against the wall.

“Well I didn't get to ask you my question then did I?” Hermione just looked at him so he continued, “Look, the next Hogsmeade visit is fast approaching and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me, you know have a little dinner in the village and then dancing at the Three Broomsticks?”

“Dinner and dancing Malfoy? What like a date?” She replied flatly.

“Yes like a date and trust me, either activity can be substituted with shagging. So what do you think Gorgeous?”

Hermione opened her mouth in shock, “Bloody hell Malfoy I am not going to shag you!”

“So the dinner and dancing's on then?” He wiggled his eyebrows, “And we can see where it goes from there?”

“Ugh! No! There will be no dinner, no dancing, no date! And aren't you supposed to be with Ginny?”

“Ah, yes. Ginny and I have an…an understanding,” Malfoy chuckled.

“You mean you're shag buddies.” Hermione crossed her arms in disapproval.

Malfoy feigned shock, “Ms. Granger such language, I'm stunned!”

“I believe in being direct. ”Hermione replied dryly.

Malfoy dropped his act and became serious “As do I. Look Hermione, I think you're smashing, very fanciable. And I want you. I want you anyway I can have you and I want you in a thousand different ways and places if you get my drift. We can do the whole relationship thing if you want or we can just shag because God knows I could use a good romp since I only get to snog Ginny.”

“Malfoy, this is the last time I am going to say this to you, sod off. I will not go out with you, now or ever so just stop asking and I definitely won't be shagging you anytime soon. So you can drop that subject too.” Hermione growled.

“You're sexy when you're pissed Gorgeous.”

Hermione pushed Malfoy to the side and walked out of the alcove only turning to reply, “Go to Hell Malfoy!”

She was about to stomp off when his reply to her reply made her stop, “You'll give in one day because we all know I'll keep asking you and he never will.” He grinned smugly.

She turned to look at him in shock, “Excuse me?”

He sauntered towards her, “You know what I mean Hermione. I know all about that little interlude in the study room.”

Hermione lost her composure at the moment he spoke and blurted out, “How do you know about that?” She clapped her hands over her mouth realizing her instant mistake.

Malfoy chuckled at her blunder, “Oh yes I know all about what happened between you and Potty. The words and the kiss.”

Hermione closed her eyes and shook her head trying to block out his words.

Draco saw he was getting her right where he wanted her. He sighed thinking that he really didn't want to do this anymore but had to keep up his act besides Ginny would be happy that he cornered her so soon.

“Yes I know all about you two. And I find it mighty interesting that he made that move but he has yet to make another one?”

Hermione's eyes widened a little but it told him he was defiantly getting though.

“Well, you have a choice you know. You can make a move on him and risk losing him or you can forget the git and just accept my offer and be happy. And trust me when I say I know how to make a witch very happy.”

Hermione shook her head no.

“Oh but you say that now. Just think about it. In a few weeks Harry and you will be in the exact same position, doing nothing. But he might be doing something with Ginny by then. Where does that leave you? Alone right? No you can be the one that comes out on top, leave him in the dust for once.”

“Shut up Malfoy!” She growled and started to walk away again, Draco strode up to her and grasped her arm to whisper in her ear, “Let me guess, he told you that he umm what was it, oh yes, that he fell for you because you believed in him?”

Hermione's small intake of breath told him that he (well Ginny really) was correct.

He continued, gripping harder on her arm, “Oh yes, Ginny told me he said the same thing to her in the beginning. Isn't it funny that he hasn't touched you or talked about it since Ginny was found in the closet with me? I guess he realized what he lost and wants it back. The Weasel doesn't want you, Potty doesn't want you, I'm the only one that wants you. I have for a long time and I'll keep asking you until you say yes.”

“That's not true, none of what you said is true!” She hissed at him.

Malfoy shrugged, “Actions speak louder than words Gorgeous, ask anyone.”

Malfoy let go of her arm and walked off in the other direction leaving Hermione in the middle of the corridor tears building in her eyes. But she wasn't sure if she wanted to cry at what he had said, that he knew about her insecurities or that he had plain gotten to her.

But he was right, she had even said it herself, actions did speak louder then words. And a lack of actions was even louder.

Hermione forgot about the book and turned to head back to the common room, telling herself not to listen to Draco Malfoy, he didn't know anything about Harry, that he just guessed what he said.

Then she thought about Malfoy's behavior of late. It was defiantly odd to say the least, besides the fact that he switched sides in the middle of things. As soon as they got back to school, he had been hanging all over her and asking her out non-stop. He was not subtle about his intentions either, like when her cornered her last week on rounds. It was that part that irritated her friends the most. Ron had already hexed him once and Harry had forgotten his magic and done it the muggle way, he punched him. Hermione scolded both boys for such actions, and stated that she could take care of herself. However she secretly enjoyed Malfoy walking around with a bruised face for a week.

Hermione had grown into herself as all girls do at her age and her help in defeating Voldemort showed she was more than Little Miss Perfect. In short she had become very fanciable to the male population at Hogwarts. Malfoy was one of the bravest ones to ask her out, not really having much visible fear of Harry or Ron. But she couldn't figure out why Draco Malfoy kept asking her out, Seamus Finnigan, Terry Boot and Justin Finch-Fletchley all made sense but not the ferret.

But no, Harry wouldn't just try to lead her on, it was impossible. He would never do that to his best friend.

Hermione almost had herself convinced when she walked though the portrait hole and headed to the Heads room portrait of the dragon and knight napping under the apple tree.

But two figures in the shadows caught her eye. It was Harry and Ginny, talking! Harry turned his head and saw Hermione and headed towards her. Hermione uttered their password (Slytherin's Stink) and ran into the small common room she shared with Harry.

“Hermione wait!” Harry called out to her as he ran into their common room

“What… what is it Harry?” She asked, looking at the floor to hide her tears and tried, with no avail, to keep her voice from wavering.

“Are..are you all right?”

“I'm f-fine.”

“No you're not.”

Harry guided her to the couch and made her sit down with him.

“Tell me what happened. Is it a test? Did you do bad on an exam?”

“N-n-no. It..it w-was…Malfoy said something to me and it…it..”

Harry closed his eyes and took in a deep breath trying to stay calm and plotting to find Malfoy and beat the life out of him. Then he would let Ron have a go.

“H-Harry?”

“Hermione whatever that git said, ignore it. Did he ask you out again?”

“Yes” she answered quietly.

“You know Ron should have the first go for that one. Malfoy is supposed to be dating his sister and here he is asking you out the same day. He's unbelievable. And here Ginny is talking to me about being a reserve Chaser on the team, saying that it was darling Draco's idea. Ugh! I can't stand that git!”

Hermione tried to smile but the mention of Ginny brought her thoughts back.

“So are you going to let Ginny back on the team?”

Harry sighed, “Yeah. I never know what'll happen in a game and it would be good to have her as a reserve since she's a good player. I told her I just have to pass it by Ron first.”

Hermione nodded, “That's good. I'm a little tired Harry, I think I'm going to get ready for bed.”

Harry told her goodnight and left to find Ron as Hermione grabbed her pajamas and headed to the Prefect's bath.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Harry headed up the stairs to the seventh year dorms and found Ron on his bed reading a Quidditch magazine.

“Hey mate, so what did Gin want?” He asked sitting up.

“She wants to be a reserve chaser, since she missed tryouts.”

Ron nodded, “Okay that sounds good. I have no idea why she didn't try out again in the first place.” Harry looked uncomfortable at this.

“Harry, is something wrong?”

“Uhh, well promise you won't get mad?”

“Yeah…”

“Ginny told me that Malfoy was the one that persuaded her to get back on the team.”

Ron's ears started to turn slightly red and it looked like he was quietly counting to twenty.

“Look I don't like it either but I think we should let her back on.” Harry continued.

“Its…its not that. It's that… Harry I can't stand the fact that she's with that sodding wanker! I mean he's in Slytherin and he's well he's known to do bad things!”

“Yeah and he came onto Hermione again.” Harry growled.

“What?!” Ron yelled.

“Yeah. On her way to the library I am guessing Malfoy ambushed her and asked her out. I think he said some pretty upsetting things to her because she was in a right state when she came in. She's in the Prefect's bath right now, she said she was turning in early.”

Ron thought for a moment, didn't Luna tell him not a half hour ago that she was going to the bath? Ron decided this was his chance to have a talk with Harry.

Ron made sure that no one was in the room, shut and locked the door and sat back down.

“Harry I've been meaning to talk to you about something.”

“What is It Ron?” Harry replied apprehensively.

Ron sighed and told him most of what he and Luna had estimated. That Ginny was using Malfoy to make him jealous and to possibly distract Hermione.

And that her change in personality was because she wanted the attention that Harry brought and not to forget that Malfoy would love mucking up Harry's life.

“That's just based on what Ginny has said to Luna and what she's observed. That she wants you for what you are not who you are. I think that she's right and I think that she is just using Malfoy to get to you and possibly Hermione. I'm just a little disappointed in the way she's acted is all.” Ron looked down at the bedspread as Harry digested this information.

“You know Ron, apart form the fact that Luna probably coached you on what to say, “Ron blushed and Harry smiled, “I think that you're right. I bet Malfoy said something about me to Hermione and that's why she's so upset.”

“But how could the wanker know about what happened? I didn't tell Gin and I know Luna didn't either.”

Harry shrugged, “No idea, but I don't like it.”

“Yeah, me either. But that brings up a point Harry, what are you going to do about Hermione?”

“I have no idea.”

Ron rolled his eyes, “Harry, do you fancy the girl?”

“Yes! Of course, I'm crazy about her, I just don't know what to do about it!” Harry threw up his arms and flopped down on his bed, across from Ron's.

“Well you told her that you fancied her and you kissed her. That's a good start but if you don't do something else soon then she'll think that you were just having her on. Hermione's not going to make a move if she doesn't think you want her to. Let her know what you want from this.”

“I want her!”

“Well be more specific. Do you want to date her, shag her, marry her?”

Harry thought for a moment, “Yes, umm yes and I'm not sure yet.”

Ron sighed, “Well then tell her about the first one. Tell her you want to date her, ask her out for God's sakes! However, I would hold off on the second and third options for a while unless you want to scare her off mate.”

“Dating Luna has defiantly helped you outlook on dating.”

“Yep! She says I'm her little project” Ron stated proudly and Harry laughed.

“When should I tell her?”

Ron pretended to think about it, “How about this weekend! Just hang back instead of going. Everyone will be in Hogsmeade for most of it so they won't be here.”

“Very observant Ron.”

“Shut it Harry. Think about it, no one will be around to butt in for two days. You'll have privacy,” he wiggled his eyebrows and Harry rolled his eyes.

“Just use the Room of Requirement or go for a moonlit walk on the grounds by the lake.”

Harry eyed his friend suspiciously, “Seems like you've given this a lot of thought.”

“Not really. Luna talks about us doing those things so I figured Hermione would like them too.” He shrugged.

“I guess I better do something, it's been two weeks and I haven't said anything. But what if she has a date for Hogsmeade?”

“Umm don't worry about that mate, Luna's taking care of it.”

“What do you mean, Luna's taking care of it?”

“Trust me mate, we have this all planned out.”

Harry groaned.

“What? Harry please concentrate, I mean we are planning your love quest here aren't we?”

“Ron, if you ever use that phrase again I will have to go muggle on you.”

“What? Love quest?”

Harry punched Ron in the arm, who then countered with a pillow in the face.

“All right, all right. I give. I guess I should talk to her this weekend.” Harry laughed.

“That's the spirit mate, but what are you going to do till then?” Ron snickered.

Harry stopped laughing, “Bloody hell, I have no idea.”

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

A hot long bath, yes that was exactly what Hermione needed after her umm confrontation with that idiot Malfoy. She pulled on the door and found it locked. She turned to leave when the door opened and Luna popped her head out, “Hermione come on in, I'm just about done.”

Hermione walked into the large bathroom and set her clothes down on the bench and sat down.

Luna was standing in front of the sink combing through her wet hair. She saw the distressed look on Hermione's face and plopped down next to her.

Hermione sighed and told Luna all of what Malfoy had said and did pretty well at not crying too much.

Luna sighed when she was done and patted Hermione's hand, “I have this feeling that Ginny is using Malfoy to get to Harry and you even. I bet she's just encouraging him to come on to you as much as possible.”

Hermione wiped her eyes, “You think?”

“Mmm hmmm. I have trouble believing that Ginny is starting this thing as real.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think Ginny was jilted by Harry dumping her and I am pretty sure that she was more than just a little intimidated by you. So she pulled away and started acting very odd and not like herself. I think though that Malfoy is having an effect on her.”

“What kind of an effect?”

“I think she really fancies him!” Luna giggled.

“What! No it's not possible!” Hermione shrieked, now in a better mood.

“Yep. I think our Ms. Weasley has fallen for a Malfoy. Think about it, she's been better this past week and a half, like her old self.”

Realization dawned on Hermione, “Harry did tell me that she wants back on the team, as a reserve Chaser! And that it was Malfoy's idea!”

Luna's eyes grew wide, “Really, well that's interesting.”She paused for a moment.

“ I wonder if Gin's falling for Malfoy instead of getting Harry? I mean have you sent the way she looks at him when he walks in at breakfast? Its like her eyes are glued to him, Harry had to yell at her to get her attention away from her `boyfriend yesterday'.”

Hermione thought for a moment “Yeah I remember that. And she barely ever talks to him, when before she was all over him. Unless she is playing hard to get.”

“Possibly, but Hermione, be careful of Malfoy? I overheard some umm boy talk one day between the Slytherin's and trust me, they don't care that you're muggleborn anymore.”

“What!”

“Yeah and Malfoy was especially umm well he had some ideas about what he wanted to do to you..”

“Yes, he's been very clear about what he wants to do, exactly were, how and length of time.”

“Yuck!” Luna grimaced.

“My sentiment exactly.”

“If it was Harry would you feel the same way?”

Hermione turned pink and muttered, “Probably not.”

“Hermione…you have to do something about Harry. If you don't then the thing between you will just wither away and you'll have lost your chance.”

“I know I just don't want him to think I'm... you know…a slag.”

“Talk to him, just talking doesn't make you a slag. And he would never think that about you.”

“Mmm yes I suppose I should talk to him but when? There's always someone around?”

“How about this weekend! Everyone will be in the village for most of it and you can just stay here. That way they can't nose into your conversation.”

“That sounds good but that's three days from now!” Hermione groaned.

“What'll I do till then?”

“Study? Just say I need help with ummm something, and then you can figure out what you want to say. Oh and tell him you need to talk to him, but set a place and time!”

“I like that, lets see, where's a good place to talk?”

“The astronomy tower!” Luna cried and then blushed at the look Hermione gave her.

“You would suggest that Luna!”

“But think about it, no one goes up there in the early evening and they will all still be in the village having dinner sooo…”

“So it works, its quiet and no one, teachers or ghosts can't barge in. Then perhaps Harry and I can get this sorted out.”

“Exactly. Just send it to him in a note if you're nervous about telling him.” Luna added thinking that Ron would see it and tell her so they could plan accordingly.

Hermione nodded and Luna got up to leave, “Well I've delayed your bath enough. I'll see you tomorrow.”

“'Night Luna!” Hermione called after the blond. She made sure the door was locked and started running jasmine scented bubbles and slipped into the hot bath to soak away all thoughts of Malfoy or Ginny.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

The next morning Ginny received a very interesting bottle of perfume from her brother's. She immediately shoved it in her bag and left the table to wait in the hall.

She ducked under a tapestry, waiting for the right person to walk by. When he did she reached out her arm and pulled him out of sight.

“Bloody hell Hot Stuff! What's got you all excited, besides me?”

Ginny rolled her eyes and held out the bottle for him. He took it and looked questioningly, “Perfume?”

“No you git! It's the Addled Amortentia, to slip to her! It's part of their shipping offers, it is disguised as perfume or something to sneak in.”

“I have to admit, that's pretty clever of them.” Malfoy tapped his chin in thought. “But how're we going to use it?”

“I overheard my brother talking to Harry about meeting her this weekend somewhere to `talk'. All we have to do is find out where and when and then make our own alterations!”

Malfoy smiled, “You know Gin, you are frighteningly devious sometimes. It's a real turn on.”

Ginny winked and reached up to kiss him on the lips, “Thanks Draco.” And she left him standing there, grinning like the idiot he was for going through with this.

Harry on the other hand was having a very difficult morning. He found a note on his nightstand from Hermione and had been trying to read it all morning. He kept fingering it all though Transfiguration, turning it over and over under his desk. Ron eyes him strangely and Harry just shook his head.

At his and Ron's first free period (Hermione had Arithmancy) they were in the library, at a table in the back. Luckily they were hidden by bookshelves all around so it was difficult to spy.

“Well, open it Harry.” Ron whispered.

Harry licked his lips and broke the seal and unfolded the note.

He let out a breath of relief after reading it.

“What does it say?”

“She wants to talk.”

“When?”

“Saturday at seven in the astronomy tower.” Harry replied.

“Cor, doesn't give you much time then, two days. I reckon you can come up with something good by then.”

Harry pulled out a sheet of parchment and wrote back that he'd be there. “I'll slip this note to her in potions. Even if Slughorn caught me he wouldn't care.”

“Yeah you are his favorite Harry.” Ron chortled.

Madam Pince was making her rounds about the library and they shut up when they heard her coming.

There was however someone who was surprised by the librarian a few shelves over from the table. Ginny had heard the date and time and accidentally knocked a book off the shelf in her attempt to escape.

“Miss Weasley, are you going to be checking that out?” The librarian asked in her normal, whisper of a voice.

“Uhh mmm no I was just seeing if I needed it.” Ginny replied putting the book gently back on the shelf and leaving quickly.

She hurried along the corridor to the doors to the courtyard where she knew Draco would be with his cronies. She sighed, she wasn't sure why she wanted to do this anymore but she had already hauled Draco in on it so… no backing out now right? This was so she could be happy she kept reminding herself.

Sure enough she found Draco lounging under a large shade tree. She got close enough so he would see her but so she wouldn't have to speak to his friends.

One of them tapped Draco to alert him to her presence. He picked up his bag and walked over to where she stood.

“What woman? Jeeze they believe that we're dating, no need to be on my back all the time!”

Ginny smacked him on the head, “You egotistical bigot, I came by because I have the umm information.”

It too Draco a few moments but then he realized the innuendo.

“Oh..oh! Do you have a plan?”

“Yes, but let's walk around the lake. That way no one can hear us.”

They reached the cool lake and then resumed their conversation, “All right, they're meeting Saturday at seven in the astronomy tower. Here's what we're going to do…”

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Saturday dawned bright and sunny that mid-November morning. Harry yawned and rolled over to block out the sun. Ron was snoring blissfully next to him as he had elected to stay in his old dorm the last night. Harry finally woke up and grumbled at the sun but realized what day it was and a lump caught in his throat. He and Ron had decided to run to Honeydukes then do some flying until he had to meet Hermione. When Harry finally got up he realized that only he and Ron were left, Dean, Neville and Seamus had left for the Village already.

Harry woke Ron up and they quickly showered and got dressed and headed to the sweetshop. They decided it would be best for Harry's nerves if they hung around the village for a while.

They sat in the Three Broomsticks and drained a few butterbeers by the warm fire.

“How'd you feel Harry?”

“Pretty good” Harry squeaked and Ron gave him a fraternal punch on the arm.

In the Head Girl's dormitory however, Hermione was in a right state, with Luna trying to keep her calm.

“Hermione just breathe, in and out.”

Hermione did and started to hyperventilate.

“Oh dear. I think we need reinforcements.” Luna sighed just as someone knocked on the portrait to the Head dorm.

Luna answered and it was Ginny.

“Oh Ginny…hi.” Luna stammered and Hermione appeared at the doorway.

“Come in Ginny!”

“Thanks, I brought some butterbeers from the Three Broomsticks.” She held up the bottles and waved them a little.

“Ohh this is just what I need!” Hermione squealed.

Luna shot her an odd look to which Hermione winked at.

“So girls what are you all excited about?”Ginny asked as she st down on the couch.

“Oh Luna we should tell her!”

“Are you sure Hermione I mean it might be sensitive…”

“Posh, she should be just fine. Don't forget she's head over heels for Draco now isn't she.”

“Ahh you two have to tell me, please!”

Luna finally caught on; if Ginny said anything about Harry then she would let the cat out of the bag.

“Okay, Hermione is nervous about meeting Harry.”

“Why?”

“Because he kissed me two weeks ago and we are going to talk about you know...us!”

Ginny squealed and wasn't sure why, “Really that is so great!”

Hermione sat down next to the redhead.

“I was a little worried about you at first. I didn't want you to get hurt if you still liked Harry but then I found out about Draco and figured you were over him,” Hermione told her honestly and Ginny instantly felt enormous guilt and shame. All Hermione ever wanted was to be a good friend and really, Harry wasn't hers when Hermione kissed him so she had done nothing wrong.

She sighed and closed her eyes in thought, Hermione had only ever been nice to her, Luna as well. And here she thought that by being popular and acting like a twit would get her Harry. She was right but this was all wrong.

“I..I.. kind of knew.” Ginny admitted and Hermione and Luna's eyes got wide.

“Why didn't you say anything?” Hermione asked.

“Well at first I was jealous. Look Hermione, I've been a real louse about this whole Harry thing, all they way back to last year. I guess I got a little ahead of myself. Someone pointed out that I changed and he…they didn't like it.” Ginny started to fidget, what time was it? There was no clock in this common room.

Hermione was silent for a moment, “That's okay Ginny.” Luna smiled at the two of them.

“I think someone's changed your line of thinking Gin.” Luna stated and Ginny blushed.

“Well I uhh mmmm I guess I really did fall for Draco. At first I was just trying to make Harry jealous…Luna told me a week ago that she knew what I was doing and that I should stop it. I didn't want too, I wanted Harry back. But somewhere along the line, I forgot about Harry and you, Hermione, and it became about keeping Draco.”

“Oh my gosh!” Hermione shrieked, “You called him Draco, I've never heard you do that.” Luna and Ginny laughed at Hermione's silliness.

The clock in Hermione's room chimed six thirty and Ginny jumped up.

“I uhh I need to go and ummm..”

“Meet Draco Gin?” Luna asked.

“Yeah…yeah. I'll see you two later.” And she ran out to find her `boyfriend'.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

Harry and Ron were up in their doom when the clock hit six thirty and stared at each other for a minute.

“You better get going Harry, or you'll be late and you know how much she hates that.”

“Yeah” replied Harry as he thought about the current shirt he was wearing, “Do you think I should change?”

“Harry mate, do you reckon she'll really care all that much about your shirt?”

“Probably not, but still...” He shrugged.

Ron sighed exasperated, “Ready then?”

“Yeah, I'll see you later mate.”

“Good luck Harry.” Ron clapped him on the shoulder before he walked out the door.

Up in the astronomy tower Draco was dutifully getting the room ready. The couch was fluffed, the candles were burning all that was left was spike the butterbeer that he… damn left in his room. He checked his watch, if he hurried he would have plenty of time to get there before Hermione did.

He heaved a big sigh as he ambled down to his room, he really didn't want to seduce Hermione anymore but if it was what made Ginny happy…then so be it.

The plan was that Ginny would waylay Harry for about fifteen minutes, talking or whatnot. Hermione would arrive on time to find Draco with butterbeer and candles and he would claim it was for Ginny who was running late as usual.

He would offer Hermione a drink spiked with love potion and hopefully have half her clothes off by the time Ginny arrived with Harry. Then there would be a big fight between the four of them and Ginny would use Hermione's slaggish behavior to get Harry back and Draco might be left with Hermione, if she didn't kill him first.

He grabbed the bucket of chilled butterbeers and headed back to the tower, going as slow as possible.

Ginny had run up to the tower to find Draco to stop The Plan. She was hoping she was in time but he wasn't there! Where was he?

She ran down the corridor to his dorm in case he was there.

Harry almost bumped into Ginny running the opposite direction. “Whoa Ginny are you all right? Where are you going so fast?”

“Have…to…find…Draco…” she panted. Harry glanced at his watch; he had twenty minutes to spare.

“I'll help you besides I need to talk to you.”

Ginny rolled her eyes and nodded, walking quickly but he kept up.

“Uhh Ginny you know the other day when you asked me about starting things up again?” Ginny stopped and looked at him.

“Well I ummm, look Ginny you're really great but I don't feel that way about you anymore and it wouldn't be fair to either of us if we did get back together. And you're with Malfoy now so…”

“Harry, I feel exactly the same way.”Ginny replied honestly.

“You…you do?” Harry asked surprised.

“Yes, look I've been a bit stupid about this. We had our time but after all that's happened we came back different people, wanting different things and I guess… I couldn't adjust to that fact as well as everyone else. I'm sorry if I did anything to you that was well…wrong.”

“It's..its's okay Ginny. I uhh guess I have to buy Malfoy a butterbeer.”

“Why?”

“Umm it's a thing we blokes do when…it's a thing. That's all.”

They had reached the Slytherin common room and Ginny asked a first year coming out if Draco was inside.

“No he ran out about five minutes ago, you just missed him” she replied.

“Bloody hell!” Ginny shrieked.

“What?” Harry asked, concerned.

“I ummm just surprised at how nice they are, these new Slytherin's. That's all.” She smiled unconvincingly and Harry just nodded as they jogged back to the astronomy tower.

“Ginny is something uhhhh wrong?”

“No I just really need to find Draco. Fast.”

“Okay” Harry replied as they hurried down the hallway.

When Hermione got to the astronomy tower she was surprised to find it was lit with candles and even more surprised to see Draco standing there.

“Draco! What are you doing here?” She shrieked.

“You first.” He replied.

“I asked you first!”

He sighed, “Fine. I'm meeting Ginny here. I guess she's running a little late, as usual. Want a butterbeer?”

“Oh umm sure. I'm uhh supposed to be meeting Harry here.”

Draco nodded, “Ah so I guess you're doing something then?”

“Yes,” she replied slowly.

“Good. It's about bloody time.”

“W-what? What about the things you said and your offer and…”

“Oh right, well I guess I was trying to turn you off of him and onto me since I was interested in you back then.”

“Back then?”

“Umm, bloody hell this is hard!! Look, you just don't turn me on anymore, even though Ginny wanted to hook us up for a short while. But I sort of fell for my girlfriend in the whole process.”

Hermione smirked, “Yes well that happens sometimes.”

“So look Hermione, I'm not good at this apology crap so, I'm sorry if I made a pass at you or whatever. I was doing it all in the name of love, well for myself really at first, but eventually love, there I said it. Happy now?”

“Very, now lets drink to that shall we?” Hermione raised the bottle to her lips as did Draco, who forgot that they were spiked and took a long pull from his.

The liquid was just at her lips when the door to the tower burst open and Ginny charged in.

“Stop!” She shouted, Hermione jumped and dropped the bottle that crashed on the floor, the addled butterbeer going everywhere.

“Ginny?” Draco asked as Harry ran in behind her breathing hard.

“Draco... you silly boy, I thought I told you we were meeting in the room of requirement instead of the tower?” She asked holding her side.

“Oh I suppose I got confused...sorry love.” He smiled sheepishly and Ginny winked at him.

“Hermione, sorry to barge in on your umm little talk. But Draco and I will just take our butterbeer and be going. Come on Drakey…lets go.” She grabbed the bucket and her boyfriend and marched out the door, closing it behind her.

When they were pretty far down the stairs Draco turned to her, “What the hell was that about?”

“I uhh had a change of umm heart and mind about the whole thing. I don't give a fig about getting Harry back anymore, or hurting Hermione. That was just stupid and I'm sorry I dragged you in on it. If you want to end this little act then that fine…”

Draco cut her off, “I don't want to shag Hermione anymore. That was only slightly stupid.”

“Why not? “Ginny asked, shocked.

“Because I'd rather go out with you Hot Stuff. As far as I'm concerned, she's nothing compared to you. What changed your…whatever?”

“Umm you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I…I realized that you liked me for the me before I changed and that I really liked that and I...” but Ginny was cut off when Draco kissed her and pulled her in the nearest broom closet.

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

In the tower Harry and Hermione shuffled their feet a bit.

“So..” Harry started.

“So ..” Hermione replied.

“Hermione….”

“Yes?”

“Umm about that day in the library?”

“Uh huh…”

“I… I really liked that. Kissing you, that is. But that's not all I liked about it. I liked what it meant, you and me together.”

“I umm I liked it too Harry, a lot.” Hermione tinged pink.

Harry suddenly became very brave, “Hermione, would you like to go out with me? As in you and me together?”

Hermione blushed fully, “Yes, Harry. I would like that very much.” She giggled and he smiled.

Harry pulled Hermione into an embrace and leaned down to kiss her. He loved kissing Hermione, loved the way she smelled, loved every crevice of her mouth and that her lips were always so soft.

Hermione slipped one arm around Harry's neck and the other into his hair as they kissed. She let out a small moan in the back of her throat.

Harry broke away from her, “Bloody hell that was hot.”

Hermione giggled, “Well kiss me like that again and I'll do it again.”

“Mmm sounds good.” Harry replied as he captured her mouth again and pulled her over to the couch.

Hermione squirmed under Harry on the couch, giggling, “Oh Harry.”

“Yeah Hermione?” he whispered.

“Nothing, I just like they way it sounds.”

Harry smirked, “Yeah me too.”

~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~X~

The snow just started to fall again as Harry and Hermione staggered into the castle, a snow covered Ron and laughing Luna behind them.

“Oh admit it Ron, we beat you fair and square!” Hermione laughed.

“No I still claim it was a draw, no one could send that many snowballs hurtling at me normally.”

“No, just my Hermione.” Harry chuckled as he hugged Hermione around her waist.

“Ronald they did win...” Luna started but was cut off when Ron kissed her.

Hermione and Harry rolled their eyes as they left the snogging couple and headed to their common room.

“Say, have you seen Malfoy or Ginny at all today?” Harry asked.

“Well it's Saturday so I'm guessing they are occupying a broom closet somewhere,” Hermione shrugged, “If you ask me they snog more than what's healthy.”

“Nope, not possible. There can never be too much snogging, or shagging for that matter.” Harry replied very matter of fact.

Hermione rolled her eyes as they walked into the Head's common room. They pulled off scarves and coats and plopped down on the sofa together.

Hermione ran her hand though Harry's hair, “It's getting long again.”

“Yeah I should probably cut it.”

Hermione shook her head, “No, keep it. Like I said before its gives you lots of sex appeal, very mysterious.”

“Thanks.” Harry replied. She smiled and he bent down and captured her lips in yet another long and languishing kiss in front of a blazing fire.

Final A/N: I always wanted to try writing Evil!Ginny but I had to make her realize her character flaws coughcough and go back to being normal coughcough in the end. Look for an update on `If Life Gives You Lemons' soon!