A/N: I've only gotten one review so far, but i'll put this up since I left it on a cliffhanger and all...yep.

Chapter 3: Denial is a river in Egypt...

Disclaimer: I've nothing witty to say. They're not mine. Oh, but one can dream.

Hermione and Ginny were in the 5th year dorms.

"So, you think this will work?"

"He's a boy. Of course it will." Ginny smiled.

Hermione looked in the mirror, holding up two different shirts. "Which one then?" She looked at Ginny.

"The blue one. More cleavage." Ginny grinned. Hermione pulled the shirt on. "Perfect."

"So, this won't really get to George." Hermione said.

"Well, that's only cause he has a girlfriend. Making one twin suffer should suffice though." Hermione shrugged. "Good. Let's go then." Ginny grabbed her arm.

Hermione followed her down the steps. When they arrived in the common room. They saw the boys sitting in the corner, playing exploding snap. Fred looked up, and Hermione saw his jaw drop.

"...Hermione?"

"Yes Fred, that's Hermione. You've seen her before haven't you?" Ginny grinned at her brother's expression.

Hermione smiled. "Yeah Fred, unless you don't recognize me without writing all over my skin." she smirked at him.

Fred just stared. This was NOT Hermione. Hermione wore long skirts, and bulky jumpers, and had bushy hair. This Hermione was wearing a short jean skirt, and a blue scoop neck t-shirt, and her hair was straight. He realized he probably looked like an idiot with his mouth hanging open, so he quickly shut it. He then realized she had been speaking to him. 'Come on, Fred. Speak.'

"Uhm...yeah." 'Oh, good going mate. You're a git. What in the bloody hell was that?' he thought.

"Right...so what are you lot up to?" Ginny sat down next to Harry. Hermione was still standing there, so Ginny looked at her and then pointedly at the seat that was open in between Fred and George. Hermione got the hint and sat down.

Fred watched her sit. 'Okay Fred, redeem yourself for that stupid uh...yeah crap you just said. Say something nice...' "So...truce?" He held out his hand to her.

She looked at his hand and then shook it. "Yeah. You're a bit hard to stay mad at." she smiled at him.

"Okay. who are you? And what have you done with Hermione?" George scooted away from her.

"Yeah, you're actually freaking me out a bit." Fred raised an eyebrow.

"Just cause I forgave you guys? I can take it back. Would you rather me be mad?" she asked.

"No! No...forget I said anything. This is good." George said quickly, wanting to avoid a hex or two. or ten.

Hermione smiled and turned her attention to the rest of the group. Fred and George exchanged a puzzled look over her head. The group then decided to head down to dinner. Hermione walked next to Fred, and he looked at her oddly.

"Are you okay, Hermione?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Why?"

"Oh, you usually walk with Harry and Ron is all."

"Well, Ron's with Lavender, and Harry's with Ginny. Didn't want to be the 5th wheel." She looked at him. "I'll go away if you want..."

Fred shook his head. "No, you can walk with me anytime, 'Mione. I just didn't think you would want to." Fred grinned sheepishly. 'Is this some kind of alternate universe? What is going on here?' 'Oh shut up, Fred. You like the attention from her. You fancy her you know.' 'I do NOT! EW!'

Hermione looked puzzled. "Why not?"

Fred frowned. "Well, I didn't think you liked me very much, since I always play pranks on you and break the rules. I make it hard on you a lot."

Hermione smiled. 'I didn't know he cared so much about me liking him or not.' 'Well you do fancy him you know.' 'I do not! Shut it, will you?' "Well, Fred. You'll be surprised to know that I do like you." She winked at him and patted his shoulder.

'What is going on? 'Mione's being nice...and flirting with me. This is like the twilight zone for sure...' he thought.

Hermione took her seat next to Ginny. and Fred sat with George and Lee. All through dinner, Hermione felt his eyes on her, and she would stare back at him, which would cause him to look down at his plate.

Ginny leaned over to Hermione. "I think it's working." she whispered.

"How can you tell?"

"He keeps staring at you."

"Yeah, I know. What do I do?"

"You need to get him alone. Ask him to go somewhere with you or something..."

Hermione squeaked. "What! How?"

"Oh...I know!" Ginny leaned closer and whispered her idea in Hermione ear.