Only You

Only You

Harry watched Ron ascend the stairs to their dormitory. He then sighed and sank into an armchair in the Gryffindor common room. Somehow, talking about Sirius always left a void within Harry that longed to be filled. He sat, staring into the fire, where Sirius's head had appeared numerous times during fourth and fifth year.

"Hey Harry, what's wrong?" It was Ginny. She peered at Harry uncertainly and sat down next to him.

"Hey Gin, it's nothing really," said Harry. Harry and Ginny had become good friends now that Ginny's childhood crush on Harry had subsided.

"Are you sure? You look a bit peaky," Ginny persisted.

"I'm fine, it's just that Ron and I were talking and--."

"Oh no... did he slip about him and Hermione?" Ginny gasped and clapped her hand to her mouth.

"What about Ron and Hermione?" Harry stared at Ginny suspiciously.

"Oh... er... nothing," replied Ginny quickly. She made a motion to stand up but Harry was too quick. He had grabbed her arm before she even stood.

"Gin, tell me what happened between Ron and Hermione," said Harry firmly.

"Well, it's not a big thing really; they just went out for a bit last year. They soon realized that they weren't suited to each other and broke it off. I don't think they felt that you needed to know." Harry's jaw dropped.

"My two best friends... Ron and Hermione... went out?" Ginny nodded. "...On a date?" Ginny nodded again.

"But listen Harry, they're not even going out anymore," said Ginny consolingly. Harry found this information hard to contemplate. He had known that Ron fancied Hermione; but vice-versa? Secretly, Harry had a soft spot for Hermione. Sure they were best friends, but he always felt that there was a possibility they could be more. He had never really pursued this possibility, but he always knew it was there.

"Harry...HARRY!"

"Er... yeah... sorry... what were you saying?"

"I was saying that Ron has Luna now, remember? He loves Hermione as a friend, and that's it," said Ginny, now slightly annoyed.

"Sorry, Gin, gotta run," said Harry, "thanks for talking to me." Harry knew he had to talk to Ron. He felt that talking to Hermione would make him uncomfortable.

Harry climbed the stairs to the sixth year boys' dormitory as quickly as he could without tripping. He burst through the door just as Ron had finished putting on his pajamas. He could see that Neville, Seamus, and Dean were already in bed.

"Ron, I've got to talk to you."

"Sure, mate, what's up?"

"Well, it's just that Ginny told me that you and Hermione had tried going out for a bit last year," said Harry.

"Oh Harry, that's not a big deal, we realized right away that we were better off as friends. She's the one that broke it off actually, mate, she said she thought she might have a thing for you." Harry couldn't believe his ears.

A few days later, Harry encountered Hermione studying in the library. Mustering up his courage, he decided to trust Ron's word and tell Hermione his feelings.

"Hey, Hermione, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Harry, what's up?"

"I was wondering if you'd like to ... er ... hang out sometime or something. I was talking to Ron and he told me how you and him went out last year and then he said that you broke it off because you liked me but then I couldn't really believe what he said because I never thought you like me only that I liked you..." 'Oh great, what a nice time to ramble on,' thought Harry. "Er...Sorry."

To Harry's surprise, Hermione merely smiled. She laughed then said, "Sure, Harry, I'd love to go out with you."