Chapter 3: Changing Into Someone Better

Hermione wakes up to find herself in the dormitories. As far as she remembers, after Potion Class, she returned to the dormitories to rest for awhile. But what is she doing here? She grabs the clock in her bedside table. It was 5:30 in the afternoon! Which means... she have missed all their class after Potions!

"Oh, how stupid of me!" she said to herself. Why did she even think of sleeping anyway? "And who carried me to my bed, that person is to be blamed because if it wasn't for him or her, I wouldn't drift off to sleep." she thought to herself. But wait, she dreamed of Harry....he kissed her...not just once but twice! And it even felt like it was not a dream. It was as if it really happened. "Hey, what if it really did happened?" she asked herself. "Ha, impossible!" Harry will not even think of kissing her...she is not as great as Cho anyway. She had been thinking of having a make-over for a change. Besides, she will not lose anything if she tries. And, what if she'll try to open-up to other suitors? She finally realizes that waiting for Harry to love her back won't do her any good.

"Yes, the right thing to do is to forget him." she told to herself. She stands up to get her schedule list...she's free on Saturday...which means...she can go back to London for awhile to have a total make-over. Anyway she can travel by Floo Powder, so there isn't any problem. She's free on Saturday and the party is on Sunday. It was as if things are working in her ultimate design. "Well...everyone wait for the new and improved Hermione Granger." she thought to herself. She changes her clothes then she went down the stairs. She sees Neville sitting on the couch. She thought of maybe, he knows who carried her to the dormitories. She sits beside Neville the she asks,

"Uhm, Neville, I am just wondering...do you know who brought me to the dormitories. I missed all our class after Potions because I drifted off to sleep because of that person." He looks up the answers, "Yes, I saw Harry carried you to your room. About the classes, he told all the professors that you weren't feeling well so they've excuse you." She almost smiled at what Neville told but it didn't really mean anything. Harry just showed her mere concern and not anything else. Besides, she decided to forget him for the better.

"Thanks Neville! I'll just see you around!" she waves goodbye then he waves back too...then he said before she leaves..."I hope you get well." She just smiled back then she decides to just sleep. Anyway, she needs it.

Harry is being bugged by the taste of Hermione's lips. It was sweet and he wants to taste it again. When she drifted off to sleep, he decided to just let her rest. Besides, she was looking pale these past few days. Lately, they haven't been spending time together. He really misses their times together. And he had been noticing that these past few days, he is always thinking about Hermione. Of course, Cho is still in the picture but Hermione is always the one he thinks and dreams of. And it was as if she is everything to him. What is he really feeling towards her? Is it infatuation? Obsession? Or maybe love? He certainly isn't obsessed with Hermione. Infatuation, nah, that's not for him. But it really be love? He wasn't sure it maybe love or maybe not.

Days passed very fast and now Hermione is outside a beauty parlor. She is having second thoughts about this. What if it won't work at all? "But there isn't any loss in trying right?" half of her mind said which she thinks is right. She walks into the parlor. She was accommodated by a lady which in her point of view, seems to be in her mid-thirties "How can we help you my dear?" the woman asks.

"Well, I think I need a total make-over...can you help me be ready for tomorrow?" she asks. She senses that the woman is kind.

"Oh, sure dear, that's what we do." the woman said. She really feels like turning back but this is it! She has to do it for her own good. Some things will really change.

"Thank you...but what can I call you?" she asks again. The woman smiled.

"Just call me Ms. Smith. Me and my staffs will help you." she said again.

Ms. Smith led her into the spa first. She had a massage and milk bath that will make her skin smooth and silky. She felt relaxed with the massage. Next, she had her body scrubbed.

"Things are just beginning but then look at you. You're so beautiful...I think you're really born beautiful." Ms. Smith complimented.

Then she led her to another room. There she had manicure and pedicure. She was taught on what color to choose during different occasions. Then next, they went to the next room where she thinks her hair will be done. Ms. Smith told her to have her hair "rebonded" or "straightened ". She followed her advice because she knows it's for her and good. After around 2 ½ hours....the "rebonding" was done. When she looked at herself, she was amaze to see how beautiful she is. She was a completely different person. She expects that they're already finished but they're not. They taught her on how to put on make-up. Then Ms. Smith led her to a room with so many dresses for different occasions. Ms. Smith taught her on what clothes to wear during different occasions. She was surprised when Ms. Smith gave her 3 cocktail dresses, 2 jeans and 2 tops.

"But Ms. Smith, I don't have enough money to pay you." she said.

"Who told you that you'll pay? Everything is for free." she said to her amazement.

"But, you've done so much and you won't even charge me?"

"I think that there's a deep reason behind you're changing and just remember to visit me once in a while will be enough repayment. And I really feel comfortable with you."

"Oh, thank you so much Ms. Smith!" she hugged her as appreciation. When she looks at her watch, she was surprise to see it was already 4:30 in the afternoon. She wants to stay but she knows that she have to go.

"I know you have to go. It's okay." Ms. Smith said.

"Thank you again for everything." she looked back one more time then she left the room.

She saw a fireplace in a room. Nobody was there and she thinks it is safe. She went into the fireplace she took the Floo Powder from her bag.

"Gryffindor Common Room." she said clearly and firmly. She hold on tight on her things then after short while, she was inside the Gryffindor's Common Room. She went up the stairs to their dormitories. No one was there; she put her things in the cabinet. She decided that after changing her clothes, she'll walk around to let other see the new Hermione Jane Granger.

Harry feels like his day is not yet complete. There is a certain face he is longing to see. The one he hasn't seen since this morning. Where is Hermione anyway? She left early in the morning and she hasn't returned yet. Besides, he is starting to miss Hermione. He is in the Great Hall eating dinner. This day is a free day for everyone so they'll be prepared for tomorrow. Then 2 weeks after tomorrow, it will be their Graduation. Maybe he was thinking very hard that he didn't realize what all the other people in the Great Hall is looking at. He almost dropped his jaw when he saw who they're looking at. His Hermione...a different and new one. She really looks a lot better. She was wearing a black silk tube top and bootleg, fitted black pants. "Hell! I didn't know that she is so damn sexy and beautiful." he thought to himself. All the other boys at the Great Hall are staring intensely at Hermione. The things that he fears is starting to happen. Before he wasn't worried about Hermione being courted by others because she is very conservative but now things are getting out of hand. He knows very well that Hermione have hidden assets and now others will get to see how beautiful and sexy she is and he doesn't like the idea. Hermione's horizon is starting to broaden...not just around friends, studies and now many boys will surely come around her Before, only he and Ron gets to be with her but now...things are surely different and he doesn't like the change, not at all.

Hermione gathered so much courage just to face everyone as the new and improved Ms. Granger. She feels uncomfortable wearing clothes like this but if she doesn't try to change, she'll be left out...alone. She notices that everyone was looking at her, shock written all over their faces. Others are whispering among themselves. She walks to their table. She sits beside Neville and in front of her are Harry and Ron.

"Whoa, Hermione, I didn't know you're so beautiful." Neville told her.

"Thanks, Neville." she said. When she looks at Harry, she doesn't understand the expression on his face, it was like angry or something she can't express. She remained silent. Then suddenly Harry asks, "Why the sudden change?" in a cold voice. She knew that it wouldn't work all along but then well, she didn't do it for Harry. She did it for her own good. "Well, I just realized that I need to change for the better." she answers.

"But look at all these boys around here; soon they'll be buzzing around you." he said in an angry tone. "Well, what's wrong with that?" she asked back. Harry just remained quiet then she said..."After all I'm available." in a clear and slightly loud voice. With that, the other entire male looks at her direction. They seem to be relieved and happy with what she said. Shortly after, Draco and his buddies walk into their table. He stops behind her then said..."Granger, meet me outside the Great Hall later. Be sure to go there." he said. "What if I won't let her go?" Harry suddenly asked. She was so shocked. Why would Harry, say things like that? "Shut up Potter! Why do you care anyway?" Draco asks in irritation. "It's because she's my friend and I care for her." he answers back. Tension is starting to rise between the two guys. Before both of them could almost kill each other, she stops them. "Harry, I'll talk to him later. You don't have to worry, I'll be fine." she said. "Okay, as you say." Harry just said ten he continues to eat. Now she has realized that her change really causes some serious matters.

A/N: I'm really really sorry! This is short but if I'll make it longer I can't update in time. So please bear with me. I'll make up....really on February! Please Review. Thanks to all who reviewed. I really appreciate your comments and suggestions.