A little something I have always thought since I read the books.

Written for Ashleigh's Monthly Competitions: September - First OTP

Fact Number 12: In first year, Hermione had a small crush on Harry that soon dissipated when she realised he was just a friend.

He's so brave, Hermione thought to herself as she sat by the window. Being friends with Harry and Ron had robbed her of precious time to study, as she was currently helping them find out who Nicholas Flammel was. She had searched through all historical records and hadn't found anything interesting about him. It frustrated her, because she was certain that there was at least something strange about him. Hagrid had cursed himself for letting that little piece of information slip, which meant it was important. Only, Hermione couldn't figure out why.

She, Harry and Ron were sitting around the Gryffindor Common Room, struggling to concentrate on their Potions homework. Having already completed her essay, she had grudgingly let the boys copy, and so she indulged in the few moments of peace. Her eyes flicked to Harry, her best friend. His messy black hair fell into his startling green eyes as he scribbled away ferociously. Hermione couldn't help but notice that he was quite cute, for a boy, though she knew she shouldn't get carried away with such silly feelings. Harry was her best friend, that was all she needed.

Plus, he's a trouble maker, her conscience reasoned with her, and she had to agree with that point. Harry and Ron had taken her under their wing and she now partook in their silly rule breaking, something that alarmed, yet excited her. She had promised her parents – and herself - that she would make school work her top priority. What would they say if they knew the trouble she got into?

"I swear Snape's idea of a good time is torturing first years with mountains of homework," Harry complained, slamming his quill down in frustration and wiping his glasses on the hem of his robes.

Ron groaned beside him and frowned as he stared up at the ceiling. "What's another word for 'important'? I think I've used it five times in this whole paragraph."

Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "Try 'crucial', 'significant', 'essential', 'imperative'," she suggested. "And if you like, I could help you with your homework, Harry?"

Harry beamed at her and Hermione felt her cheeks grow hot.

"Er – right then," she stammered, trying to compose herself. "Well, bring it over here."

"Thanks Hermione, you're a champion."

She thrilled at his compliment and tucked her feet under her knees as Harry brought his homework over to her. She failed to notice the sour face Ron was wearing, for she could feel him sitting next to her. It's just a silly crush, Hermione Jean, she told herself, just get over it. And she did. Rather quickly. But her fondness for Harry never left her and he remained her best friend for the rest of her life.

A/N: I was about 7 years old when I read the Philosopher's Stone and the main reason I shipped (well, I didn't know it was called that) Harry and Hermione was because their first names both started with 'H'. Once I read the third book, I was absolutely positive that Ron and Hermione would end up together and I ship them harder than anything. Please read and review :)