When Ron Attempts to Set Them Up

Ron felt the tips of his ears redden even as he looked at the diary in his hands. This was wrong. It was Hermione's diary.

But he had to do it.

Feeling guilty already, he took a deep breath and opened the diary. There was no turning back. He flipped to the latest entry.

Dear Diary,

Today was... well, normal, I must say. Potions was far from enjoyable, as usual, but Arithmancy was good, although I somehow missed number thirty-seven in the homework. It was quite frustrating, really. I won Gryffindor ten points in Transfiguration for being the only one to Transfigure those chickens into teapots, though.

Harry and Ron are out practicing Quidditch, or just flying around, maybe. I'm not exactly sure. I'd go watch, but it's getting dark, so they're probably nearly finished.

I'm hoping no one reads this next part. But who would?

Ron felt the heat rise in his face. But he had to read on.

It's very strange, but... I think I might fancy Harry. Now, don't jump to conclusions, I'm not sure yet. But I was sitting at dinner and I found myself just... looking at him. And smiling. He asked me what was wrong. I told him nothing was wrong - I hadn't even realized I was looking at him. And last night, I had a dream where I was dancing with this guy, but I couldn't see his face. It was cast in shadow. But he was really sweet, and he brought me a rose, and we waltzed to some beautiful music. Right before I woke up, the shadows disappeared, and it was Harry!
Do I sound insane? Should I act on this? Probably not... after all, I might not even really feel that way about him. It could ruin our friendship, if he found out. I mean... no, I'll keep this to myself. I don't like him. I don't. Don't, don't, don't. I can't. He won't feel the same way, anyway. If only --

Oh, no - Harry and Ron are back. I'll write more later!

~Hermione

Ron closed the diary numbly. Well, that was far more information than he had expected. He'd been looking for a simple 'Harry looked nice today' or something similar to help him along.

However, this was certainly going to help his plan. He retrieved his bag and pulled out a blank sheet of parchment, a quill, and ink.

'If Hermione wants Harry to fancy her, then that's what will happen,' he thought as he began to write.

***

The next morning, Hermione awoke early and sat up, rubbing her eyes. She reached over to pick up her watch from her bedside table and discovered a piece of folded parchment sitting underneath it.

'That's weird,' she thought. 'I don't remember leaving that there.'

She picked it up curiously and unfolded it.

Dear Hermione,

Good morning. I hope you slept well.

If however possible, could you meet me under the beech tree by the lake at four o'clock this afternoon? I have something important to tell you.

-Harry

Her brow furrowed. This was all very strange. What could Harry have to tell her that he couldn't tell Ron? Why must they meet after classes, outside?

She folded up the note and got dressed, slipping the note into a pocket of her robes. She went downstairs into the common room and came face-to-face to Harry.

"Good morning," he said.

"Um, yeah, good morning, Harry," she said, still confused over what he could want to tell her. She opened her mouth to ask him about it when Ron came downstairs as well. She closed her mouth then - if Harry wanted to meet about it privately, he probably didn't want to discuss it now in front of Ron.

"Good morning," Ron said. He had a strange twinkle in his eye. "Lovely day, don't you think?"

"Sure," Harry replied. "Though we haven't been outside yet."

"Well, we can't be late for breakfast!" Ron said, ushering them towards the portrait hole. "I'm starving."

Hermione's brow furrowed again. What was going on?