In Front Of Me

"Um...you fancy Kat," Hermione said nervously trying to cover up what she and Harry had been talking about when Ron overheard them.

"Yeah, I really do. She's so great. Well, I'm going to bed," Ron said, heading toward his dorm. Harry and Hermione waited until they knew he was out of earshot before they restarted their conversation.

"I wish I could do something...anything to help us both," Harry said, frustrated. He stopped suddenly when he got an idea.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Kat pushed Draco's kiss and took off down the hall. She couldn't believe what was going on. She hated him, and he had the audacity to even look at her, let alone kiss her. She entered her dorm shortly after, and sat on her bed. She wanted to be with Ron, but something inside was distressing her. She lay down, and tried to sleep, but she was unsuccessful.

Draco walked away from what happened with a strange ache. He couldn't identify why it hurt him, but his chest felt heavy and tense. He continued to his own dorm, seeing that everyone in the room was already asleep. He sat on his bed in the darkness, just wishing he'd done something before Weasley. Kat was suddenly all he wanted, and he do anything to have her as his own.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry woke the next morning, opening his eyes, and groping the bedside table for his glasses. He found them, helping him to see his surroundings more clearly. He stood, got ready, and then made his way to the Common Room. Hermione entered at the same time. They didn't speak, only proceeded to breakfast. Hermione looked rather dull, but she ate her breakfast quietly. Harry had just begun to drink his pumpkin juice when Draco entered, and looked in his direction. Harry spit the juice out all over his breakfast, receiving curious looks from other students sitting around him. Hermione raised an eyebrow, but saw where Harry was looking and understood.

"Aright Harry?" Ron asked, sitting next to Hermione making her hands shake uneasily. This was visible to both Harry and Ron, but only Harry understood.

"Yeah, I'm ok. I guess it went down the wrong way," Harry said, looking at Hermione.

" 'Mione, what's the matter with your hands?" Ron asked.

"I guess they're just cold," she said quickly, returning Harry's stare. Ron placed his hand over Hermione's, making her stomach toss quickly.

"They don't feel cold," Ron said, not knowing the effect he had on her. Then he stood and said, "Well, I'm going to find Kat. See you guys in Potions," Ron said, leaving quickly. After he left Hermione spoke.

"I can't go on like this," she said.

Harry was looking in the direction Ron had just gone his idea burning in his head. It would be wrong, because Ron was his friend, but it would get him what he wanted.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Morning," Ron said to Kat outside the Great Hall.

"Same to you," she said, giving him a peck on the cheek. He quickly flushed a deep crimson and continued to class with her. Draco had been entering the hall when this happened, and he scowled in their direction. He couldn't look at her because of how she'd treated him the night before.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry's went to the library alone that night, hoping he'd find her there. He saw her talking with a few people at a table. Harry took his seat at a table nearby. He smiled to himself when he saw Draco, his cronies, Pansy and Blaise enter the library. Kat stood from her seat to go look for a book on Herbology that pertained to her essay, and Harry followed. He made sure he was in plain sight of Draco.

"Hey Kat," he said smoothly.

"Oh, hi Harry," Kat said, slightly shy. She didn't know him very much, and for that reason felt weird around him. He stood rather close to her, catching Draco's attention from where he sat with other Slytherins.

"So, where's Ron?" he asked, although he already knew.

"Oh, he's helping Hermione with something," Kat said, flipping through a book. Harry had asked Hermione to keep Ron in the Common Room that night, even though her situation was a problem. Draco was staring heatedly at Harry as he made casual conversation with Kat. He noticed she laughed a few times, and Harry touched her arm once. She then returned to her seat, and Harry waited where he was for his expected visitor. Draco sauntered over, trying not to look suspiscious.

"What did you think you were doing Potter?" Malfoy demanded, standing in front of Harry.

An innocent look crossed Harry's face as he replied, "What do you mean?" Everything was going to plan.

"You know what I mean, don't play dumb," Draco spat, standing closer to Harry. He didn't want anyone to hear, but Harry certainly didn't mind being only a small distance from him.

"I'm sorry, but I don't," Harry said, a devilish smile invading his face.

"I thought the Weasel was your friend, and here you are making all nice with his girlfriend," Draco scolded. He noticed that Harry was taking pleasure from the conversation, and he stared at him confused.

"What do you care? She's not your girlfriend," Harry said, smirking. Draco looked as though Harry had slapped him. Harry walked away slowly. He'd only wanted attention from Draco, and he'd gotten it. But for some reason, it wasn't enough. He remembered that this was only the first part of his plan anyway.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Meanwhile, Hermione was sitting in the Common Room with Ron.

"So, is that the only reason you wanted me to come here?" Ron asked.

"Well, I needed someone to proofread my essay," Hermione said nervously.

"It was twenty pages long! And anyway, your essays are always perfect," Ron said smiling.

"Thanks," she said quietly. They sat in silence thinking.

"Um...Hermione, are you mad because I'm with Kat? I mean, do you feel neglected?" Ron asked. He'd noted the way she'd been acting.

"No, Ron. I'm happy for you. You two seem to get along really well," Hermione said, dying inside.

"Oh, ok. I wanted to know because we're really good friends, and I don't want that to change," Ron said smiling, trying to cheer her up.

"Me neither Ron. I enjoy being your friend. Just your friend," Hermione said sadly, but smiling. Ron was confused by her words, but rose from where he sat.

"Well, I told Kat I'd meet her in the library when I was done here," Ron said.

"Well, bye then," Hermione said, not looking up.

"Bye," Ron said perplexed.