All For You

It's hard to say what it is I see in you

Wonder if I'll always be with you

But words can't say and I can't do

Enough to prove, it's all for you

-Sister Hazel, "All For You"

If there were few things in this word that Harry Potter was afraid of, Hermione Granger was at the top of the list.

Oh it wasn't that he was necessarily scared of her, he was more scared of...well, shall we say, being rejected by her. Harry cringed at the thought of Hermione slapping him across the face. It probably would hurt.

"Harry? Your turn mate." Harry snapped his head up at Ron's voice, trying to focus his eyes on their Exploding Snap game again.

Ron's smug face came into focus and Harry could tell what he was thinking.

"Bloody, Harry. I knew you had it bad, but if she can keep your thoughts away from a Exploding Snap game..." Ron smirked again, "she's got you wrapped around her finger, mate."

Harry rolled his eyes in exasperation and played his turn, signaling to Dean that it was his turn. "Well it's not like you've never been in my position, Ron," Harry argued. "You practically threw yourself at her for our first five years of Hogwarts."

Ron's cheeks turned their familiar bright red and Harry and Dean laughed as he fumbled for his cards. Not watching what he was doing, the pile exploded in his face, leaving his eyebrows singed. Harry and Dean laughed louder and for a moment, Hermione was driven out of Harry's mind.

But only for a moment.

His head turned slightly to the side as he heard Lavender's laugh echo through the common room. As soon as he saw Hermione sitting there with her, his heart jumped and he quickly turned back around. Ron and Dean were both staring at him.

Harry heaved a sigh. "It's bad isn't it...?"

Ron and Dean both nodded. "Well, I'll tell you one thing, Harry. At least you have the satisfaction of knowing who you like, and you told us. Good strategy there."

Harry raised one eyebrow at him, unsure of what he was trying to say.

Ron continued. "Ginny told me that Hermione's been pining after some guy for weeks now and that's the reason she hasn't been doing well on her studies. She's in love too."

Harry felt a flash of annoyance. "Great time to tell me that Ron. You think I want to know that Hermione's in love with Draco Malfoy or something?"

Ron and Dean faked a disgusted face and Harry smiled at their playfulness.

"The point is, Harry," Dean explained, "that Hermione hasn't told anyone who she likes...but almost everyone in the school knows you like her, but Hermione!"

"Besides, what's so fascinating about her?" Ron asked, motioning over to where Lavender and Hermione were sitting.

Harry turned to look as well, just in time to see Lavender get up and leave. Hermione was now alone and Harry saw that she was thinking hard about something. Before he knew it, Hermione's eyes came up and locked with his. He slammed down his emotions and firmly held her gaze.

But he couldn't help noticing the curve of her lips.... The way the firelight reflected off her hair.... Those big, brown, beautiful eyes that held him captive.

He was sure that his defenses broke for a moment. And for just a moment, every bit of love and desire was screaming at her through his eyes. But he held it back so quick that he was certain she didn't notice.

He managed a smile, as sweet and simple as he could make it, and then turned away.

"You getting all mushy on us, mate?" Ron asked.

"You guys wouldn't believe me if I told you. Besides, it's not like you've ever been in love," Harry argued, waving them off with one hand and starting to shuffle the cards again.

"Let me guess then," Ron said, interrupting his thoughts. "One of those things you can't put into words?"

Harry debated briefly in his head if he should answer that, but as it was his best friend, he did anyway.

"Yeah, I guess you could say that..."

His voice trailed off as Ron and Dean laughed out loud, causing Harry to frown and blush several shades of red.

Taking a chance, he slightly turned his head again to look at Hermione.

Oh what I go for just for you, Hermione... All for you...