"I still don't understand why you want to help me." Hermione told Pansy later that day, as they were waiting in the Slytherin common room while the boys got ready for dinner.
"I don't either." Pansy admitted, "Not that I don't want to help you. It's just I don't know why Draco decided to. I mean, I know he's always been fond of you but-"
She was cut off when Hermione started choking.
"What did you just say?"
Pansy blushed, "I wasn't supposed to tell you that."
"You're lying!" Hermione cried, utterly confused, "Draco hates me!"
Pansy simply laughed, "Whatever you say! But just remember, no girl has ever resisted Draco's charm!"
"No girl but me."
They were silent for a moment before Hermione spoke again.
"So why are you helping me?"
Pansy sighed, "I told you! I'm not sure but like I said … Draco's always had a thing for you," She ignored the glare Hermione sent her way, "And I think he thought now was the perfect time to make amends. You know … now that the war is over." Pansy shrugged.
Hermione was about to reply when Draco, Blaise, Crabbe and Goyle clattered down the stairs.
"'Bout time to!" Pansy huffed, "And to think, we're the girls!"
Draco glared at her but let it go. Pansy smirked, enjoying the effect Hermione had on him.

Harry, Ron and all the other Gryffindors stared as the Slytherins swept into the hall, Hermione beside them. She glanced over and sent them a smirk worthy of Draco Malfoy himself."Bloody hell!" Ron muttered as Hermione sat down at the Slytherin table between Pansy and Blaise (after what Pansy had said she was too embarrassed to sit next to Draco), "What in Merlin's name is she thinking?"
"Ron, you're so stupid." Ginny murmured.
Ron didn't seem to hear her as he stared at Hermione who was talking animatedly with Pansy and Blaise.
Harry shook his head at his friend, too confused to be angry, and continued eating.
"How can you eat at a time like this?" Ron cried, thumping Harry on the back and causing him to choke on the chicken he was eating, "When our best friend has gone mad and is, most likely, going to be killed!"
A moment later, when Harry had recovered, he rolled his eyes at Ron, "You aren't half acting dramatic tonight, Ron!"
"Of course I'm acting dramatic! Our best friend is fraternising with the enemy!"
Ginny snorted, "That's a big word for one so stupid!"
Ron turned to his little sister, "Okay, what is with you tonight?"
Ginny glared at him, "You keep calling Hermione your best friend but you weren't exactly acting like a best friend when you decided to cheat on her with Lavender … the Gryffindor slut!"
"I didn't decide to do anything!" Ron said, deciding to ignore the 'slut' comment.
"Yeah!" Harry cried, trying to defend his friend, "And … technically … he was cheating on Lavender since they were dating first."
Ron blushed, "We weren't … dating exactly."
"But Lavender thought you were dating … so technically you were dating. And you still cheated!" Ginny cried, causing some of the students around her to give her odd looks.
"Keep it down!" Ron hissed, his face turning even more red.
Ginny simply glared at him and stood up, "Well, I'm going to go and talk to her. I'd ask you to come Harry but … oh yeah … I'm mad at you!"
"Don't worry Harry." Ron said as Ginny walked over to the Slytherin table, "She's always like this when she finds out someone's keeping secrets from her. She'll come around eventually."
Harry, who wasn't in the least bit worried about Ginny, simply shrugged and gazed at Hermione as she turned to speak to Ginny, "It wasn't Ginny I was worrying about."

So, okay, it took a while for Harry to start worrying about Hermione and for a minute I thought Ron and Harry had swapped personalities but I think it worked out okay. I have to say, this isn't one of my best chapters. In fact, it's terrible (in my opinion) but I needed something for a second chapter. I couldn't rush straight in with the romance. But, anyway, please review!