The Matchmaker

The sun was shining brightly on Saturday, which had arrived much too quickly in Harry's opinion, as he headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast with his two best friends. The cloudless skies promised a beautiful day, and Harry was both nervously excited and dreading it at the same time. The conflicting emotions battling it out in his stomach did not bode well for his appetite as they sat down at the table laden with food. Thinking that he may be able to swallow something bland, Harry filled a bowl with porridge and tried to find the ability to eat it.

"So you're going with us to Hogsmeade today, right?" Ron asked as he began filling his plate with food. Looking at him wearily, Harry shrugged and began to fidget with his spoon as he mumbled something incoherent. Seeing Harry's reaction, Ron continued casually, "Listen, mate, it's ok if you've got other plans with someone already. We understand."

Harry looked up suddenly with wide eyes. "No, no," he said quickly. "Why would you think that? I'm not going with anyone."

Hermione gave him a suspicious look, but remained silent. She flipped open the book that she had brought with her and began scanning the page, obviously ignoring their conversation.

"All right then," Ron said. He looked up to see his sister heading toward them from the entrance to the Great Hall. Harry watched in mute horror as Ron waved her over to sit with them. She glanced quickly at Harry before sitting down next to Hermione at the table across from him. Harry quickly busied himself with his bowl of porridge.

"Morning," Ginny said as she began filling her plate with bacon and eggs. The three friends returned the greeting, although Harry did not look up. He did not see the curious look Ron gave him.

"Hey, Gin," Ron said, trying to sound casual as he looked up at his sister. "Are you going to Hogsmeade today?"

"Yeah, I guess so," she answered noncommittally.

"Hey, you should come with us!" Ron said as if he had just come up with the best idea in the world.

"Oh, well..." said Ginny, clearly surprised by the invitation. She looked quickly at Harry, who seemed to be giving her a pleading look. She hesitated, still looking at Harry when she answered. "Thanks, but I can't," she said, finally turning to give Ron a small smile. "I've got plans with a friend."

"Why don't you just bring them with you then?" said Hermione, finally looking up from her book. "I'd really love some company that was able to discuss something other than Quidditch."

"Oh, really, I can't," Ginny replied quickly.

"Why not? You don't have a date or anything, do you?" asked Ron roughly, completely oblivious to the look of horror that had passed across Harry's face.

Ginny shot Harry an almost imperceptible glance and then answered, "As much as one person may wish that it was, I'm afraid it can't be considered that."

Ron, not knowing how to respond to this, decided to let the subject drop and began tucking into his breakfast directly. Harry, however, was attempting to disappear into his porridge bowl. Why would she say something like that? He wondered. Was it possible that she knew how he felt about her? And what did she mean one person? Did the thought of going on a date with him completely disgust her? Embarrassed and confused, Harry could feel his ears burning and hoped that no one would notice. It's too late to get out of our arrangement now, Harry decided. He only hoped he would be able to get through the day without making a complete idiot of himself in front of Ginny.

"What in the name of Merlin is going on with them?" Hermione asked in an exasperated tone as they reached the entrance hall and headed for the stairs. Harry had nearly run out of the hall quite early into breakfast without eating anything, and she and Ron were walking leisurely back to the tower.

"What are you talking about?" Ron replied, his eyebrows raised in a questioning look.

Hermione stared at him as though he'd gone mad. "Are you completely daft?" she said. "Did you not see the way Harry and Ginny were acting toward each other?"

"Well, Harry did seem a bit quiet," said Ron as they began up the staircase. "But that's not unusual for him. I just figured he was in a mood or something."

"I don't know," Hermione said. "You missed the looks they were giving each other. At first I thought Ginny was avoiding Harry for some reason, but then..." she trailed off as if not quite sure how to finish the statement. She could swear that Harry keep glancing at Ginny when he knew Ron wasn't looking, but she could not yet figure out exactly why.

"She sure didn't want to come with us to Hogsmeade today," Ron said. "You think maybe they had another row about something?"

"It's possible," answered Hermione as they waited for the staircase to stop moving. "I don't know. I just don't have enough information yet. I'll have to do a little more investigating..."

"Good thing you like a mystery, huh?"

"Yeah, I'm a regular Nancy Drew," Hermione replied sarcastically as they approached the fat lady and gave the password. As the portrait swung open she noticed the look of complete confusion on Ron's face. "It's a muggle thing," she replied matter-of-factly and disappeared into the portrait hole, followed by Ron who was shaking his head in disbelief.