The pursuit of happiness

"Okay, I'm here now spill it," said Ginny giving Hermione a brief hug, before taking a seat across from her friend.

"Hello to you too Gin," Hermione smiled softly at her friend.

"Don't Gin me, Missy. You fire-called me, told me to meet you here in twenty minutes, which grant you it's not enough time to get ready. But here I am, so tell me," Hermione could hear a tint of worry in her friend's voice.

"I'm sorry Ginny, I didn't really think it through but I've only just come to this conclusion and you being my best girl friend and all, and the truth is I just needed someone to talk to, and now that I have you here I sound like a drunk babbling fool," with a grunt she brought both hands up hiding her face.

"I wonder what has you all worked up, a boy maybe," Ginny giggled. Another grunt from Hermione followed by some mumbled words had Ginny on high alert.

"Hermione remove your hands from your face, I do not speak 'mumble'. And to prove that I really don't speak the language I thought I just heard you say Draco's name and that can't possibly have come out of your mouth."

"What I said was, I have a major crush on Draco Malfoy," Hermione sat waiting for the yelling that was sure to come.

"You and what's left of the female population of Hogwarts fourth grade and up. Now tell me the real reason you asked me out here," Ginny smiled fondly at Hermione, she was honestly hoping that Hermione was playing a joke on her. But by the looks of it, Hermione was being serious and that could only mean trouble.

"Ginny, I'm being serious. I know we've had a lot on our plates with the war and all, but that's behind us now, we've survived and I want to be happy," said Hermione.

"I was afraid you would say that, and if you are telling me this I can only assume that you plan to act on it, am I right?" Ginny asked.

"Well, yes. To a point," Hermione answered.

"What do you mean by 'to a point'?"

"I'm not planning on pouncing on him and saying 'shag me Draco' like some tramp, but I would like him to notice me and for that I need your help."

"Look, Hermione, you are my friend so I'm going to be honest. I think you are setting yourself up to get hurt, and I really don't want you to get hurt," Ginny sighed softly, how could she tell her friend that Malfoy would never fall for her. Granted, the war was over, and it was thanks to the information that Malfoy provided that Voldy was now dead for real, but last she knew Malfoy was still all about blood status.

"I know what you are thinking, I know I'm not a brainless bimbo therefore not his type. But he's been on my mind for a while and he was very nice to me on the 'victory ball', I just need you to accompany me when I go school shopping to help me pick out some clothes that don't make me look like a McGonagall-wanna-be," at this Ginny broke out laughing because truth be told Hermione did sometimes look like that.

"Okay, I'll help you but I just want it to go on record that I told you so," Ginny warned.

"Thanks Gin, you're a real friend," Hermione smiled sweetly.

"I'll just ignore your sarcasm because I am a real friend, I just don't want you to set yourself up just to get hurt in the end."

"Ginny, I survived a battle against Greyback, what's the worst Malfoy could do?" Hermione asked.

"Break your heart, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here. When are you going shopping?"

"Are you free today? We could go right now."

"We can go now, what's your budget?" now they were talking business, Ginny had been wanting to help Hermione get a make over for a while, and now that she had her chance there's no way she was going to let it pass. If Ginny did her job right, Hermione would look quite fetching, and with a little luck and a push in the right direction Hermione would find love, just not in the arms of Malfoy.

"I have enough for a new look for me and you, that is, if you are interested," Hermione grinned at her friend.

"Are you saying I need a new look?" Ginny frowned with feigned hurt.

"No, all I'm saying is that since you are helping me get a new look, the least I can do is give you one as a pay," Hermione smiled getting to her feet.

"You don't pay friends for favors, but I could use new clothes so I'll take it. Where to first?" Ginny said also getting to her feet.

"Since I knew that you would agree, I made us appointments at a muggle spa," Hermione checked her wrist watch. "We still have about ten minutes, I can apparate us to an alley behind the shop."

"I've never been to a spa, let alone a muggle spa," Ginny squealed grabbing Hermione's hand as the two disappeared with a loud crack.

With a soft pop they appeared in an alleyway behind the spa, Hermione had booked them at 'Savana urban spa', she was certain Ginny would love it. And she was right, they started with a pedicure, went through a very painful Brasilian wax; a manicure so that their fingernails matched their toes, also a facial ending their spa day with a very relaxing massage.

"Wow, Hermione, that was awesome. I think I'm addicted," Ginny gasped loudly as she peaked over Hermione's shoulder. "Hermione that just cost you a fortune, you have to let me pay for that," after Ginny finished her sentence she realized that she couldn't pay Hermione for it even if she wanted too.

"Come off it Ginny, it's a gift. Come on, we have one more stop before we can go shopping," Hermione informed her.

"Where to?"

"I've done my nails, my face and… well, you know," Hermione blushed darkly remembering their episode with the so called 'brasilian wax'. Even though she had specifically asked for a woman, they had somehow gotten a man to do their wax job.

"I know, never felt so much pain in my life. Losing my virginity hurt less," Ginny chuckled.

"I can't say the same," Hermione said, color leaving her face at the mere thought of it.

"That's because my brother is a pig," Ginny calling Ron names always brought a smile to Hermione's face.

"Oh, I do love you Ginny. Come on, next stop is Hair By Fairy."

"Muggle?" Ginny questioned.

"The front is, but in the back they have actual fairies doing witches and wizards' hair. Only our appointments are with muggles, I want mine done naturally," once they were alone in the alleyway Hermione disapparated them to the apparition point in the hair salon.

"Welcome to Hair By Fairy, do you have an appointment?" a little fairy with blue wings and purple hair zoomed up to them.

"Yes, Hermione Granger and Ginny Weasley," the little fairy zoomed over to the desk, reading her appointment book till she found their names then directed them over to their hair dressers.

"Hi, my name is Suzan, which one of you is Hermione?"

"I am," Hermione stepped forward.

"Well, have I gotten my work cut out for me," Suzan smiled. "No worries I love a challenge. What did you have in mind lovey?"

"You see, I've just turned a new leaf and I'm sort of starting new. So long as you don't leave me bald, you can do with it what you please," to Suzan it was as if Christmas had come early. Another hair stylist whisked Ginny to another room and Suzan went to work. About three hours later, Suzan turned Hermione's chair to let her have a look at herself for the first time since Suzan had started on her hair.

"Wow," Hermione whispered softly. The reflection in the mirror was a stranger. Suzan had cut and layered her hair so that now, instead of it falling to her mid back, it fell to just about an inch below her shoulder blades. A small amount of honey blond highlights, soften her hair color a bit.

"When you wash it, blow dry it if you wish to keep it straight. If not, just let it dry naturally and you will have it in smooth waves," Suzan explained putting the final touches.

"I love it, thank you so much," Hermione smiled brightly.

"My pleasure, shall we make another appointment for you? If you like it so much, I'll need to see you again in about three months."

"I go to a boarding school-

"Hogwarts?" Suzan interrupted.

"Yeah, how do you know about Hogwarts?" Hermione asked. As far as she knew the wizard that owned this establishment kept his magical and muggle employees at a safe distance from one another.

"My daughter just received her Hogwarts letter, she will be leaving in two weeks. I'm Suzan Fairy, my Husband owns the place, plus you didn't exactly come in through the front doors," Suzan winked at her.

"No, I didn't. but yes, I go to Hogwarts, I'll let you know when I can come back," Hermione paid for their hair then went to the waiting room to find Ginny.

"My goodness, you look hot Herms, if I'd like girls I'd ask you out," Ginny admired as Hermione turned to give Ginny a full look.

"Thank Merlin for small favors, I'd hate to brake your heart," with a wink Hermione dragged her friend to some much needed shopping.

"I could definitely use a massage right about now, my feet are killing me," Ginny whined as she dropped her body heavily onto a couch in the living room at the Burrow.

"I do agree," Hermione sighed kicking off her shoes.

"Gin, why are you home so late? Mum is going to skin you alive, she was worried sick. And does mum know that you've brought a friend home," Ron grunted as he stumbled sleepily towards the kitchen for a midnight snack.

"I left mum a note, I was with Hermione all day, and mum won't care that I brought a friend home. Go stuff your face Ron, come Mia I'll show you to my room," Ginny laughed taking Hermione by the hand and dragged her up the stairs to her room.

Once Ginny closed her bedroom door, both girls exploded with laughter. "Can you believe he didn't even recognize me," Hermione chuckled holding her sides.

"He's so daft, tomorrow everyone will have a nice surprise. Now I need sleep," Ginny hung their coats, spelled her pajamas on and was off to la-la land before no time.

"Ginny, wake up," Mrs. Weasley called softly.

"I'm awake mum," Ginny whined.

"Ron told me you brought a friend home, I'll take my leave, bring her down for a bit of breakfast," Molly whispered stepping out of the room.

"Mia, wake up," Ginny shook Hermione awake.

"My mum calls me that," Hermione sat up rubbing the sleep off her eyes.

"I like 'Mia', do you mind if I call you that? somehow 'Herms' doesn't fit the new look," Ginny got up from her bed and grabbed their coats. Emptying their pockets onto the bed, with a flick of her wand all their purchase from the day before grew back to their normal size. Hermione picked a black sleeveless square sequin top and a blue jean mini-skirt. Hermione walked over to the mirror to fix her hair only to remember that her hair didn't need fixing.

"Come on Mia, let's show them the new you," they walked into the kitchen together, and sat side by side at the breakfast table.

"Hermione?" Harry asked, looking at her as if she had two heads.

"It's nice to see you too," Hermione smiled at her best friend. The loud gasp that was echoed through the table brought a smile to her face.

"Oh, dear me, it really is you," Mrs. Weasley got to her feet, and hugged Hermione tight. "You look wonderful dear."

"Didn't they have any clothes your size?" Ron asked with a slight scowl on his face.

"Do shut up, though it is nice to see you too Ronald," Hermione smiled politely at her ex-boyfriend.

After everyone got over their shock, and the twins had enough fun with Ron's scowling face, breakfast was a nice affair.

"Are you going to tell them about your new love interest?" Ginny whispered so that only Hermione would hear her.

"I plan to, but I don't think Ron will take it very well," Hermione whispered back.

"No, I don't think he will. I think he's regretting leaving you for Lavender Brown-

"What's with the hush-hush?" Harry said loudly getting the girls' attention.

"Hermione has something to share with you and Ron," Ginny informed them.

"What's up Herms?" Harry asked with great interest.

"Could we go for walk outside?" together all four walked outside and sat under an oak tree.

"There is a boy I like," Hermione went straight to the point.

"That's great news Herms," Harry hugged her, choosing to ignore Ron loud snort. "Who's the lucky bloke?"

"Well, you see, I've only come to this conclusion yesterday. But you guys are my best friend and I wanted to tell you before I acted on it. Just hear me out before you interrupt please," Harry and Ron nodded and Ginny gave her a supporting wink.

"I have a crush on Malfoy, and I want to try and get his attention-

"So you go out and buy clothes far too small for yourself, come off it Hermione you're not his type," Ron sneered.

"Shut it Ron," Ginny snapped hitting him in the back of her head.

"Hermione, don't you think you are putting yourself up to get hurt?" Harry questioned softly.

"Harry, you know me. I never do anything without think it over countless times," Hermione sighed.

"That's true, I do know you. But Malfoy, why him?" Harry asked.

"I don't know, I can't get him out of my mind. I know my chances are slim to none, but why the heck not? It's my last year, the worse he can do is say no. Are you okay with this?" she asked Harry.

"I'm your friend, I'll always stand by your side," Harry hugged her tight. "With the way you look now combined with your brains he would be daft not to fall for you, and I can't help the accidents that will fall upon him if he breaks your heart."

"Thanks Harry, that means the world to me," Hermione smiled largely, but that smile was short lived, Ron exploded.

"You are just bitter," Ron spat.

"Please, explain. Because from where I stand you are the one who looks bitter."

"You are just bitter that I left you for Lav, I expected you to bury yourself in a book not whore yourself so that Malfoy will notice you," Ron was fuming.

"You are just mad because I'm not pining over you, you chose her, I'm allowed to move on too," even though Hermione had intended to sound harsh, her voice was weak with hurt.

"Oh wake up Hermione, no matter how much you whore yourself, Malfoy will never fall for a bookworm-know-it-all-mudblood like you," before he closed his mouth he knew the mistake he had just made. In a flash, Hermione fell to her knees as great sobs escaped her mouth, two wands stuck in his face.

"Hermione… I'm so, so sorry…" Ron tried to apologize.

"Leave Ron, you've done enough damage for one day," Harry shook his head sadly as he pulled Ginny towards Hermione.

"But I-

"Don't bother Ronald, I'll be gone from your home today so that I won't dirty it with my mudblood as you've just called me," Hermione cried.

"You will do no such thing, and Mum will know about this," Hermione could clearly see that Ginny was biting her tongue, and she was greatly thankful.

"Come Herms, if he won't leave then we will," Harry said tugging Hermione to her feet and together with Ginny they walked back into the burrow.