I know, I know, I'm not the best at keeping an updating schedule. Sorry.

Hermione lay awake in the morning, listening to Lavender snore and Pansy mumble about Draco.. Very sexual mumblings about Draco. Hermione inwardly rolled her eyes. She got about 2 hours of sleep at the very most. She would have been fine with this lack of sleep if the deprivation was due to something like studying. But it was the fact that gossiping took so much time that aggravated her.

Draco Malfoy came downstairs wearing a smirk of arrogance. He had his shirt off, and his abs flexed. As if Pansy knew he was within close proximity, she woke up an hurriedly fluffed her hair, and rubbed her face of any traces of sleep. Then, she surreptitiously nudged Cho and Lavender awake. Seeing Draco, they all tried to primp without him noticing. Hermione openly rolled her eyes this time. Last night, she had known it was a mistake to let them sleep here in the main room, and now she was going to payback with whatever Malfoy had planned.

"Good morning, my ladies. Sleep well?"

The three Populars nodded enthusiastically, while Hermione struggled to stay awake, she tried to stop her yawn, but it came out anyway. Draco turned to her slowly. 'Oh no, here it comes' Hermione thought, exhausted. His smirk became more pronounced and just as he opened his mouth to speak, a shrill scream pierced the quiet air. The screech had come from Lavender who was worriedly pointing to Cho's hair, which was rapidly becoming wild and throw up-green. It took all Hermione had to restrain her laughter. Lavender and Pansy were unsure how to handle Cho but had thankfully stopped their shrieking. Cho was sobbing and touching her hair mournfully. Malfoy seemed to be having an internal battle whether he should be laughing, glaring at Hermione; he knew she was responsible, or helping out. Well, the latter could be thrown out easily.

Cho rounded on Hermione. Through her tear stained face, she wasn't as threatening as she thought. "You! You did this to me!"

Hermione mentally told Ginny, 'I told you she's not that thick.'

Ginny replied, 'Oh come on Hermione, don't tell me she's not acting hilarious right now, I can tell you want to laugh.'

'True, but how the hell am I supposed to get out of this?!'

'Use your imagination. Don't even worry, you're underestimating their stupidity. Ooh, gotta go, Harry's here.'

'Ginny! Get you're love-struck butt over here and help me!!'

There was a pause, and Hermione lost hope. She had no clue how to weasel her way out of this one. Ginny and Harry were going to be a couple soon, Hermione was sure of it. Ron would take a little getting used to, but he'd come round. While Hermione was thinking, she had completely zoned out about the rants of the three girls. Well, that is, until her thoughts were interrupted by Pansy's annoying voice, asking if she was even paying attention.

Hermione started, "Look guys, I don't know why you're getting so worked up--"

She was cut off by angry protests from Cho about her hair. Pansy and Lavender blindly babbling along to Cho's aid. Malfoy looked on, interested. Hermione sighed, 'I guess they won't be getting their full pay back.' After this, she was sure that she wouldn't be given another chance. The portrait hole opened and 5 pair of eyes watched as Ginny and Harry came through. Hermione's eyes lit up at the saviors, Pansy, Cho, and Lavender's eyes lit up at the boy candy and uneasily looked at Ginny's closeness with Harry. Malfoy's eyes darkened at the 'She-Weasel' and the 'Potty-head'.

Cho quickly wiped away her tears and waved while saying hi to Harry. Hermione could have sworn she saw Ginny's hair turn darker. Cho turned to Hermione and said, "Hey, can I talk to you? Privately?"

Hermione looked unsure but slowly nodded her head. Her and Cho walked up to Hermione's room, leaving the awkward group downstairs.

Cho didn't play any games, "Hermione, I know that it's not your fault that this lice thing didn't work out. I mean, hey, everyone makes mistakes. Everybody had those days. Merlin, you have to love that song, no?" No. Hermione thought, I despise that song, but I guess Ginny was right. I underestimated their stupidity. And this one's the thickest one of the bunch. Great. Cho went on, "Well, here's the thing. I'm not sure if the girls will forgive you since you made that potion and all." Cho flicked her wrist like it was no bother. "Well, I'm giving you another chance. And I could pull a few strings, tell a few lies, and we can be BFFs again. When were we ever?! "So, I'll do that humungous favor for you if you get me a date with Harry." Hermione's eyes widened. Cho misinterpreted the gesture. "I know. I'm like a saint, no?" No. you're really not. "Well, give me all the deets when the date's planned."

She headed downstairs again, and the Populars began packing so they could glamorize themselves before class started. Hermione was shocked, but too tired to let on. When she finally came down, Malfoy had retreated back to his room, the three obnoxious girls had left, and Harry and Ginny were left, along with a huge mess. Hermione quickly filled them in on everything, and after much coaxing to Ginny, she finally agreed to allow Cho's date. Harry put a reassuring hand around Ginny's waist. Hermione donned a suspicious look on her face.

Mentally, she asked, 'Ginny, what'd I miss?'

'What might you be talking about?'

Hermione caught Ginny's false voice.

'Spill.'

'Harry and I are together

'You have to tell me ALL about it later! Oh, finally! It was bound to happen. Well, I think Harry's getting confused.'

It was true. Harry had one eyebrow cocked. He just saw the two girls grinning brilliantly. Ginny laced her fingers with his, and he looked comforted. Hermione had what she called the "Aww Tinglys". She was so happy for the new couple, she couldn't help but smile.

Hope you enjoyed. Keep reading! And possibly reviewing ;)