Hey guys! Sorry it took so long to get this out. I've been pretty busy. Don't worry though, I made a nice long chapter to keep you happy :)

To everyone who reviewed the last chapter- THANK YOU SO MUCH! It's so awesome to open my email and see so many comments waiting for me. You guys rock.

Chapter 8: Girls Night

A week had passed and things had mainly stayed the same. Hermione still questioned her relationship with Ron while maintaining a playful friendship with Draco. She decided to give her and Ron some time to develop and thought the rapidly approaching Hogsmeade trip would supply her answer.

"Ginny?" The pretty red-head looked up from the astronomy chart she was working on to a very nervous Harry. She smiled upon seeing his face.

"Yes?" Harry turned pale. He hadn't completely thought out how he was going to ask her and now he just felt like an idiot.

"Well... you see, Hermione and Ron are going and... well I... um... I was thinking... erm... willyougotoHogsmeadewithme?" Great Harry, just great. Hey, if you run away now, you won't even have to hear her reject you.

Ginny's eyes widened and she was a bit taken back by the question. Did he just ask me on a date?

"Date?" Ginny flinched. She hadn't even managed to get out the full question.

"Pardon?" She cleared her throat.

"Sorry, I didn't understand you. Do you mean on a date?" Ginny looked at him hopefully and he stammered yet again.

"Well... yes... I mean, if you want to... if you don't, we could just go as—"

"I'd love to, Harry." Harry finally exhaled and smiled at Ginny.

"Well, if I hadn't stuttered so much, I think that could have gone quite well." Ginny giggled.

"Yes, and maybe next time you should try looking at me and not at the ground. I was getting quite jealous of the floor."

"We could give it another go, you know." Ginny giggled again.

"Well if you think you can do better, go ahead."

"Ginny?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"Will you go to Hogsmeade with me?"

"Yes, I'd love to." Harry smiled.

"Much better," he nodded.

"I agree. You didn't sweat that time either."

"And you constructed a full sentence, congrats." Ginny laughed.

"Thanks, it's a difficult task." Ginny and Harry felt at ease with each other now that their feelings were out in the open. Harry grinned again.

"Well Gin, I have to go start my homework before Hermione decides to give me her famous beginning-of-the-year lecture." She returned the smile.

"Okay Harry, I'll see you later then." She turned back to her chart with an unmistakable twinkle in her eyes.

"Miss Granger, Mr. Malfoy, I would like to meet with the both of you tonight to discuss ideas for a possible Halloween event. Will 8:00 be agreeable?"

"Yes, Professor Dumbledore," they both replied to the levitating head in the fire.

"Very well, I will see you then." With a wink, he disappeared from the flames.

"Isn't Halloween nearly two months away?" Draco asked.

"Yes, but I'm sure Dumbledore likes things planned far in advance. What do you think we should do for Halloween?"

"I don't know. Last year we had two balls in the first semester because of Halloween and Christmas and I think that was too close together." Hermione was surprised she agreed with Draco.

"Yeah, I think we should keep one and do something new for the other holiday. But what to do? I have no idea." They sat deep in thought for a few moments when a light went off in Draco's head.

"How about a haunted house?" Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Malfoy, honestly. Hogwarts might as well be a haunted house. We have witches, ghosts, and a werewolf." He sat still for a moment, the wheels clearly turning in his head. Then it clicked.

"A competition!"

"What?"

"A haunted house competition between each house!" He exclaimed. Hermione beamed.

"Brilliant! The winning house gets 50 points!" She paused. "Wait a minute. That's not fair."

"What isn't fair about it?"

"The fact that Slytherin will automatically win since no one wants to be scared and surrounded by a bunch of slimy gits."

"Hey! That is my house you're talking about!" He gave Hermione a playful shove and she giggled.

"We'll just have to disqualify the Slytherins for an unfair advantage."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, it's only right that naturally purebred monsters are taken out of the competition."

"Think you're funny, do you?" Draco grabbed Hermione's waist and wrestled her to the ground. She was laughing wildly and Draco found himself loving the melodic sound.

"I'm just being honest!" She wriggled to break free but Draco was much stronger than her. "You know, I think I'll need to work out a bit to keep up with your strength. I'm tired of being the weak damsel in distress." Draco laughed and shook his head.

"You are no damsel. I think I'd go with 'terror' or maybe 'demon'... oh no, I have it: 'hell spawn.' Yes, I believe that suits you." Hermione gasped in shock.

"Malfoy! I am no such thing!" She tried to slap him but Draco caught her arm.

"Nah uh," he grinned. "I learned from third year." Hermione laughed.

"I must say, that was one of my shining moments."

"Yes, and one of my most traumatic." They laughed for a few moments and Hermione realized Draco was still holding her arm. She rather enjoyed his touch. He reluctantly released his grasp as to not attract attention to himself.

"Come on Granger, time for dinner."

"So Hermione, any new pranks on Malfoy?" Ron eagerly hoped for a positive answer.

"No, we've actually come to an agreement." Harry snorted.

"What? Was he upset when he realized you could beat him at his own game?"

"No, it's kind of strange, really."

"What is?" Ron asked with a mouth full of food.

"The fact that we're becoming friends." Ginny noticed the tiny smile that appeared on Hermione's lips.

"What?! Friends with the ferret?! The boy who has called you a... a... a you- know-what for the last six years?!" Ron could hardly believe his ears.

"People change, Ron. I know it's hard to believe, but I've actually been having fun with him. He's quite funny when he isn't being such a prat." Harry and Ron gawked at Hermione. They were completely speechless. Ginny simply grinned. She knew a crush when she saw one.

"Hermione, you and I need some girl talk." Hermione grinned and nodded.

"Yes, we're long overdue."

"What? Why? What can't you talk to us about that you need 'girl talk' for?" Harry looked deeply offended which made Hermione and Ginny giggle.

"You're a boy! You just don't get certain things," Ginny replied.

"What is that supposed to mean? We're her best friends!" Ron adopted Harry's hurt expression. Hermione sighed.

"There are some things about girls that only girls can understand. You know, secret crushes, boyfriend problems, fashion advice, the need for gossip, that sort of thing," explained Hermione.

"You have a secret crush?" Harry blurted out. Ron looked a little hurt.

"NO! Hypothetically speaking! Girl Talk is mainly what guys have no interest in or should not be hearing. Merlin, I can't believe I have to explain this to you guys."

"Well what would you choose to talk about this time? I'm interested."

"HARRY!" Hermione cried. Ginny looked straight at Harry.

"Perhaps the upcoming Hogsmeade trip," she said slyly. Harry blushed.

"Oh." He sunk into his chair hoping Ron wouldn't notice Ginny's hint. Unfortunately, Ron immediately picked up on it.

"WHAT?!"

"Oh no... Ron, calm down."

"You're taking my sister to Hogsmeade?!"

"I have a name, Ron," Ginny muttered.

"We talked about this, remember?" Harry pleaded

"NO! I would have remembered if you told me that you were taking her out on a date! How could you not tell me?!" Ron was positively fuming. Harry opened his mouth to yell back at Ron but was interrupted by Hermione.

"Now this is a prime example of guy talk. You should be talking about this in private, NOT in front of Ginny. Understand?" They both nodded their heads unwillingly.

"Good. Ginny, I have to go meet Dumbledore with Malfoy so you tell Parvati and Lavender about a girls night for tomorrow." Ginny nodded and Hermione left.

At their meeting with Dumbledore, Hermione and Draco explained their plan to have a competition between the houses.

"Excellent idea. It will be something new and exciting for Hogwarts and I'm sure each house will be more than willing to participate. Miss Granger, do you have something to add?" He had noticed her suppressed smile.

"No, Professor. Malfoy will wrestle me to the ground again if I say it." She couldn't help but let out a giggle which earned her a poke in the ribs from Draco.

"Very well, then. I will make an announcement tomorrow at dinner so that everyone will have plenty of time to prepare." Hermione and Draco turned to leave. "I've never had such a creative pair for Head Boy and Girl. There is a first for everything, you know." Professor Dumbledore smiled, his eyes implying a deeper meaning.

The next night at dinner, Dumbledore announced the new event for Halloween and, much to his satisfaction, the students were thrilled.

"However," Dumbledore continued. "I must remind you that the regular school conduct rules still apply. Do not harm another student. Halloween tricks are expected, but I believe we all know where to draw the line." He looked pointedly at the Slytherins who were already plotting evilly.

"This is perfect!" exclaimed Ron. "All we have to do is talk to Fred and George and we're set. They'll know exactly what to do!"

"We have nearly two months to prepare so we should have one or two meetings per week until we get closer to Halloween," Hermione announced to the Gryffindor table. "The last week is when we'll start decorating the tower. Any objections or other suggestions?" Everyone shook their heads. "Alright. If you have any ideas, write them down and bring them with you to our first meeting which will be on Wednesday." Everyone nodded and proceeded to eat. Hermione walked down the table and took her seat next to Ginny.

"Parvati and Lavender are in so just meet us when you're ready." Hermione smiled and nodded.

"We're going to find a way up there. You just wait." Harry was still feeling a bit put out that one of his best friends would intentionally leave him out because of his gender.

"Honestly Harry, did you always whine this much?" Hermione asked as he glared at her.

"How would you get up there anyway? You know boys can't get into the girls' rooms," Ginny pointed out.

"When have we not been able to find a way around something?" Ron asked smugly.

"Oh please," said Ginny. "You know Hermione is the mastermind behind each of your schemes. Just because you're brave does not mean you're intelligent." Ron glared at Ginny.

"Alright Ginny, I'll be up as soon as I clean up for bed. See you in a few!" Hermione said goodbye to Ron and Harry and left.

"Granger, where are you off to? It's a Friday night. Don't tell me you're studying." Hermione rolled her eyes at Draco.

"Well gee, Dad, I'm having a girls night with Ginny, Parvati, and Lavender. I hope that's okay with you." Draco smirked.

"Going to talk about the Wonderful Weasel and your gorgeous roommate?" Hermione snorted.

"Don't flatter youself."

"It's what I do best," he said proudly.

"Well," Hermione sighed. "I suppose they will want a full account of the heated boxers incident..." Draco's mouth fell open. "You should watch what you do, Malfoy. I could make you look like a god or transform you into the most unwanted bachelor in Hogwarts. Your choice."

"GRANGER!"

"Temper, temper... that won't do so good for the ratings." Hermione smiled devilishly. Draco walked slowly towards her.

"Granger... don't do something you'll live to regret..." She backed up as he inched closer and closer. She stared into his eyes and felt a tingling warmth spread throughout her body.

He must be crazy if he thinks has something to worry about. He's absolutely gorgeous.

Draco backed Hermione against the wall. Their eyes were still locked on each other and she could feel him breathing on her.

"What are you thinking" Draco asked softly, almost at a whisper. He leaned in towards Hermione, their faces mere inches apart.

"I... uh..." Hermione saw something in Draco's eyes she had never seen before. Amidst the steamy gray, there was raw emotion- a trait Draco seemed to lack for the past six years. "Don't."

"I'm not doing anything," he said mock-innocently. His expression changed back to his normal smirk.

"Attempting to seduce me before I talk to the girls just so you will be mentioned won't gain you any points either." Hermione stormed out. She tried to ignore the flighty feeling in her stomach.

What is going on? Draco snapped to reality after she left and was bewildered by his lust for Hermione.

"Parvati, you're kidding us."

"No, I'm not."

"You mean to tell me you've been snogging Dean since the day we got back and you haven't told me?! I'm your best friend!" Lavender was offended by Parvati's secrecy of juicy gossip.

"It's not something one naturally brings up in conversation."

"I think you could have made it a point to say 'Hey Lavender, I'm snogging Dean.' It's not that difficult!" Parvati, Hermione, and Ginny ruptured into laughter.

"I have to ask," said Ginny. "How did this all start?" Parvati blushed and looked toward the floor.

"When we were on the Express, Lavender and Seamus left to go find the trolley lady and we were sitting there alone in silence. We made eye contact and then... well... it just happened. We both apparently enjoyed it too."

"So that's why you were sitting next to him when we came back! I thought you were just playing matchmaker and trying to get Seamus and I together!" Lavender squealed. Parvati shook her head and giggled.

"Nope, we just didn't hear you guys coming so I couldn't hop back into my seat quickly enough." Everyone burst out laughing. "He's so good though. My heart races every time he touches me. It's just... amazing."

"Awww!" Lavender, Ginny, and Hermione all squealed with delight.

"Sounds like someone has a bit of a crush as well," said Hermione with a grin. Parvati turned a deep shade of red.

"No, I just like snogging him... and talking to him... and being near him... every moment I can... Okay, so maybe just a little crush!" She giggled furiously.

"I know what you mean," said Lavender. "I get butterflies in my stomach whenever Seamus simply walks by." She started to giggle in the same manner as Parvati. "You know, the first time it happened, I had no idea what was going on. I ran to the bathroom expecting to puke!" They all lost it and tears of laughter rolled down their cheeks.

"Priceless!" gasped Ginny. "Absolutely priceless!"

"Well what about the both of you?" Parvati asked Ginny and Hermione. "I'm sure Ron and Harry make you feel incredible. I mean, you've both wanted them for ages." Ginny blushed and nodded, but Hermione frowned. The three noticed her reaction and froze.

"What happened?!" cried Lavender. "You don't fancy him anymore?!"

"No no no, it's not that. I still fancy him." Hermione's tone did not convince anyone.

"Out with it," ordered Parvati. Hermione sighed with defeat.

"It's just that I don't feel the same spark as you all do. I thought I did for a while, but it's just lacking that butterfly feeling. When we kissed it was... awkward. Come to think of it, I haven't kissed him since." Parvati's and Lavender's eyes opened wide in shock.

"I know we're close friends, but I would like to say that I find this subject revolting," added Ginny.

"What happened when he kissed you?" asked an intrigued Lavender.

"Ewww," groaned Ginny.

"That's just it," explained Hermione. "Nothing. Nothing at all. I was silently praying for it to stop since it was so strange and then it was like my prayer was immediately answered because Malfoy appeared out of nowhere and interrupted us."

"Malfoy?!" Parvati shrieked. Ginny's mouth broke into a wide grin.

"Which brings us to the real reason for this girl talk. Hermione's got a thing for the Slytherin Prince." Parvati and Lavender acted like children in a free candy store.

"WHAT?!"

"MALFOY?!" Their eyes were glazed over in excitement.

"NO!" Hermione retorted. "We're just friends."

"Yeah, right. Because Malfoy's always been so keen on becoming friends with muggleborns," replied Ginny.

"Ginny! I'm dating your brother!"

"You said yourself that it was already lacking something," pointed out Lavender.

"That doesn't mean I'm just going to end things with him."

"Well I think you should if you fancy Malfoy," asserted Parvati.

"I don't fancy Malfoy!" Hermione cried.

"Come on, Hermione. You're much more attracted to Malfoy than Ron," said Lavender.

"You have to be. Every other girl is," agreed Parvati.

"You should be even more so since you saw him naked," Ginny chimed in.

"WHAT?!" shrieked Lavender and Parvati.

"GINNY!" Hermione covered her face with her hands.

"Spill! NOW!" ordered Lavender. Hermione told them in detail, as commanded by Parvati and Lavender, about the morning prank.

"So how did he look?!" squealed Parvati.

"Yeah Hermione, the truth this time. Not just that 'fine' you used in front of Harry and Ron," Ginny said. Hermione's thoughts trailed back to her episode with Draco before she left for the girls night.

I could make you look like a god or transform you into the most unwanted bachelor in Hogwarts. She smiled to herself. Draco better thank me for being too honest to lie.

"He looked absolutely incredible."

So what did you think? Hehe, I know you all want Ron and Hermione to finally break up (as do I), but I have to wait a little longer. Hermione would be really out of character if she just dumped Ron without giving him a chance, you know?

Review!

Enchantress