Disclaimer: I'm not even going to bother.

A/N: Hooray! Another chapter! Thanks for all the wonderful reviews and helpful comments – it really helps me shape future chapters!

tsk tsk – Thanks!

TeenTypist – Poor Ron is right. It's just gonna get worse. I love torturing him. ;)

Alima – Thanks!

Dontmesswithtexas – I have nothing against curly hair (I actually wish I had curly hair), but I didn't think the "makeover" would be as drastic without a major change with her hair. Don't worry, Hermione will keep her dignity. ;)

Miercon – I am the queen of short chapters. :) I always feel like I'm rambling if they get too long. I'll try better though. ;)

Wiccan-One14 – Thanks for the link! I feel special! :)

Popppincorn – I will! Thanks!

Swishy Willow Wand – I'll try to make them longer! It's so hard! ;)

Jane and Adam – I'm hurrying! :)

Ariana Malfoy-Lestrange – I'm so happy when you review my stories! And yes, Ron always ruins it. That's what I love about him. :)

Cara – Yes, he sure did.

JacquiJack – Yes, he is a git. But don't worry, Hermione will not lose her identity in my story!

Ninny Weasley – Thanks for the encouragement! I'll be sure to check out your fics too! :)

magicteen – You're right, Ron does always panic. I love it!

Trixie-chan – Thanks!

Cordyfan – Thanks!

Happy reading! :)

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It didn't work. Why did I think it would work? Tears filled her eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time that day, and she brushed them away impatiently.

"Hermione?" She turned and saw Ginny coming towards her.

Hermione smiled half-heartedly. "Hey, Gin."

Ginny sat down in the grass beside Hermione and lookes out at the lake. "I'm sorry about Ron. He shouldn't be allowed out in civilized society."

Hermione laughed in spite of herself. "I won't argue with that, but it's my fault. I was stupid to think that all this," she gestured to her hair and clothes, "would make him notice me."

"But he did notice you, Hermione. You might as well have smacked him in the face – it had the same effect."

Hermione let the words sink in. "So... that's why he wouldn't say anything?"

Ginny nodded. "Of course. You caught him unawares and he didn't know what to do about it." She paused, as if weighing her next words. "'Mione, is this really what you want?"

Hermione frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"I mean, do you really want Ron to notice you just because of how you look? Don't get me wrong, you look great, but don't you want more than that?"

Hermione knew her friend was right. All the attention she'd gotten from her classmates was shallow and empty. She did want more than that. Especially from Ron.

She pushed herself up from the ground and brushed the grass off her clothes with a sigh. "You're right, Gin. Guess it's back to the old me. I'll have to come up with another way to make Ron notice me."

Ginny grinned. "I think I have an idea."

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After an hour's worth of plotting and scheming with Ginny, Hermione headed back up to the common room, her heart lighter than it had been in days.

She brushed past Harry and Ron with a small wave and a carefree "good night" and made her way to the girls' dormitories. She could feel her friends' eyes on her and she smiled to herself. Prepare yourself, Ronald Weasley. It's only just beginning.

Lavender and Parvati were giving each other manicures when Hermione came in. They looked yo with nervous smiles. "Did he apologize yet?" Parvati asked. "If not, we'll go tell him off for you."

Hermione grinned. "No, don't bother. I've got a better plan." She quickly filled them in, and when she was finished, both of them were smiling like cats who had just caught themselves a mouse.

"It's brilliant, perfect!" Lavender exclaimed.

"And yet so classic, so time-tested – he won't expect it at all!"

Hermione laughed at that. "Exactly. It's so obvious that he won't even know what hit him."

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Ron lay awake in his bed, listening to the snores of his roommates, and thinking about the events of the day. He had listened with growing impatience as every person in the castle (or so it seemed) had commented on "the new Hermione." It's enough to drive a guy mad.

The truth was, he liked Hermione's new look – a lot – but he was already starting to miss the old Hermione. My Hermione.

He smacked his hand against his forehead and supressed a groan. My Hermione? What is wrong with me? When did I start going insane?

But he knew that these feelings had been growing for a while. Her "makeover" had just made them more obvious.

She's got to go back to the way she was, or I'm going to have a nervous breakdown. I can't take it anymore! He sighed and pulled the blanket up over his head. If she'll just go back to being plain old Hermione, I'll be fine.

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Unfortunately for Ron, it didn't work out the way he wanted.

Hermione came down to the common room the next morning, and Ron's heart filled with hope – she looked like her old self again! True, her curls were a bit softer now, and much less bush-like, but the makeup was gone and she was wearing her regular clothers – just looking his friend Hermione.

Ron was just about to say something when she spoke first. "Sorry, Ron, Harry – but I've got someone – I mean, somewhere I need to be... I'll see you later?" She fluttered out of the room before they could respond.

Ron frowned. "What was that all about?"

Harry shook his head. "I don't know, but I'm glad she's back to normal. I was getting tired of guys asking me how they could get a date with her."

"WHAT?" Ron's jaw dropped. "Are you... are you kidding me?"

Harry looked surprised. "Ron, did you honestly think we were the only ones who noticed her new look?" He stood up and turned to leave the room, giving Ron a hard look. "Listen, mate, if you're not going to claim her, someone else will. She won't wait around for you forever."

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