Story of a girl called Hermione Granger [Harmione]

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"So deal" Harry said bringing his right hand forward for a shake.

"Deal" Hermione said while shaking his hand firmly.

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They both were quiet for some time, thinking about what to say and what to do next. Hermione couldn't believe that it was actually happening. Never once in her life, had she thought that one day she would be talking to Harry Potter and in her own backyard no less. Unexpectedly, she burst out laughing.

"What?" Harry asked with astonishment.

"Oh nothing, it's just that, I never ever thought that I would meet you, and today, here I am, conspiring with you regarding this whole fake dating scenario. Who would have thought that one day you would be standing in my backyard talking to me? I mean people like you don't join together with the people like me." Hermione said trying to explain her point.

Harry grimaced a bit at her explanation.

"What you mean by people like me?" Harry asked sharply.

"Oh don't take it the wrong way. What I mean is..." Hermione paused trying to find the appropriate words. "I mean, come on, you are the famous Harry Potter and I am just the unknown geek Hermione Granger. We don't belong to the same league. It's an unsaid rule of every school. The popular ones don't associate with the un-popular ones." Hermione said in the best way she could.

Harry was astounded for the next few seconds, and then he did the most unexpected thing. He started laughing at her explanation.

"Who told you all these things?" Harry asked with an amused voice.

Hermione just shrugged. "It's just how I've seen it work in my school since my childhood days. Popular kids bully those who are not like them. Why do you think Cho and I don't get along? Hell! Even Romilda and I don't get along, despite being cousins. It has been like this since we were like, 4 year old kids. She always insults me and I retort back." Hermione said, at the same time becoming lost in the memories of her childhood.

Harry simply looked at her intently. What she said was probably right. He had once seen his cousin, Dudley Dursely, bullying some younger kids in his neighborhood. But was he himself, really the kind of boy who bullied others?

'Does she think that I am also one of them?' Harry mused, feeling a bit disturbed. What if Hermione thought that he was also the kind of a guy who believed himself to be above others?

"Do you think I'm the same as them?" Harry asked before he could process what he was saying.

Hermione simply shrugged. "I don't know much about you and looking at the fact that you have gotten yourself into a bet upon me...I don't know what to think about you." Hermione said bluntly.

Harry suddenly felt as though he should prove himself to Hermione. To show that he wasn't like those who insulted, hurt and bullied others. However, instead of explaining to her that he wasn't a bad guy, he became defensive.

"Then why did you agree to help me?" Harry asked feeling a bit irritated.

Hermione merely stared at him, unable to answer his question. She knew that it was mainly to get back at Cho, but the more she thought about it, the more she felt like this was not the only reason. To be truthful, she didn't know why she agreed to help him.

'But I just can't say this to him; he would think I've gone nuts.' Hermione thought exasperated. "It's because I want to get back at Cho. She has made my life a complete hell in school." Hermione answered feebly.

Harry gave her a look, which said, 'I don't believe a word you said.'

"So, what do we do now?" Hermione asked, changing the subject.