Someday Harry will stop being a coward about being forward with his feelings toward Hermione, but he's afraid of making their friendship weird if things don't work out. He can't deny seeing things not working out between her and Ron had been a blessing and a curse. It had meant that she didn't have feelings for him, but that also meant there was a possibility of the same rejection. The same sad rejection he'd gotten from Cho, and then later, Ginny.


"I-- Excuse me!!!" Harry gapes, flabbergasted and sputtering. Maybe a little embarrassed as Hermione rightfully takes the piss. He can feel the warmth in the tips of his ears, but he's not really offended. "Watch your tone, 'Mione, or I'll have to Expelliarmus that tea right out of your hand. It'd be a shame, that."

He huffs, rolling his eyes as he gently kicks her foot with his own. "I'll just send an owl, shall I? 'Dear Headmistress McGonnagal, bet you thought you were finally rid of me, but actually just wondering if you had any open positions a few weeks before the school year because that's exactly what you want to deal with on short notice.' That'll go over nicely and she won't at all be annoyed by it."