When Lies Become a Reality

Hermione looked up from her book for the fifth time. Lavender and Parvati were across the common room and in a fit of giggles. It was really annoying her to be interrupted so much. Hermione glanced over at her two best friends, who were playing wizard chess.

"What do you think is so funny over there?" Hermione said to both Harry and Ron.

"No clue," Ron mumbled back, without looking up. He clearly looked as if he were deep in thought about his next move.

"I do wish they'd stop though, it's hard to concentrate," Harry added.

"Yeah, real hard to concentrate when you're winning!" Ron sarcastically.

Hermione heaved a sigh and went back to reading her book.

Meanwhile, across the living room, Lavender and Parvati were having fun imagining what might happen on a date between two people totally wrong for each other. Their last pairing had been Millicent Bulstrode and Neville Longbottom.

"I can't really see anyone going out with Neville, except for maybe Hermione of course, since she's always helping him and all," Parvati said.

"Yeah, maybe," Lavender answered. "But you know who I think Hermione should go out with?"

"No, who?"

"Harry."

Parvati squealed. "Oh yes! You're so right! I mean, they are like best friends, and although Ron likes her, they will never make it because they fight to much, and about the silliest little things."

"They'd be perfect for each other. There's only one problem."

"Getting them together?"

"Exactly. It's not like they dealt with it themselves. I think it's time we intervened."

"I agree, but how will we do it?"

"I'm not really sure."

"Well, we need a plan."

"No we don't."

"Ok then, if you say so..."

Later that evening, after Harry had won the game of wizard chess, Hermione had gone up to her dormitory and was now on her bed petting a purring Crookshanks. As Parvati read a magazine, Lavender thought of a brilliant idea while painting her nails a bright shade of orange.

"Hermione, do you like Harry?"

Hermione and Parvati both looked up. Hermione did not know what to say.

"Why do you ask?"

"Well, because Harry likes you," Lavender answered.

Wait a second, Hermione thought, did she just say...

"So you're saying Harry likes me?"

"Yeah."

"How do you know?" Hermione asked quizzically.

"He told Parvati at the Yule Ball," Lavender replied as Parvati nodded her head in agreement.

"Oh, I see," Hermione said in a small voice.

"You two should go out," Parvati suggested. "You two are perfect for each other."

"Well, um I'll think about it," Hermione said softly.

And think about it she did. No one had ever had a crush on her before because she wasn't cool, or pretty, and was so smart. And now all of a sudden, someone did. It was nice to think that someone thought of her like that. She had never thought of Harry in that kind of way. He was one of her best friends, and he was really nice and funny. But then, of course, knowing Parvati and Lavender, it was all a huge joke. Hermione decided she would judge on Harry's behavior around her whether he did like her or not.