Hermione opened her eyes and hissed as sunlight blinded her. She covered her eyes with her hands and swallowed hard, trying to stop the burning in her throat. Her mouth was as dry as the desert, and her lips felt chapped. Hermione tried to recalled what had happened the previous night. All she could remember was Theo hugging her, and everything before that.

"Hermione?"

The witch looked around to find herself outside in the Weasley backyard. She was laying in on the ground with a jumper under her head and neck for support. Upon further inspection, Hermione realized that she was dressed in revealing cotton shorts and a tank top, both of which definitely did not belong to her. Next to her was Ginny and Lavender. Lavender was sleeping with her mouth wide open, allowing drool to leave the corner of her mouth and for grass to graze her lips. Ginny on the other hand, was wide awake with heavy bags under her eyes. She and Lavender wore shorts and tank tops as well, though the apparel was more natural for them.

"Gin, what in Merlin's name happened last night?" Hermione croaked out, rubbing her eyes.

Ginny sighed and patted her friend's shoulder. "You took that bloody drug, and had a bad reaction. Malfoy thinks it's because of your...bloodline. But after you passed out, we had to sober everyone up. You wouldn't wake until we got here, and when you did, you caused such a ruckus. Lav and I had to change you and tried to get you in bed. You screamed when we tried because the bed was too hot. Nearly woke Mum, you did. Thankfully only Harry woke, and I convinced him that the three of us were camping outside." Ginny rolled her eyes and nodded at Lavender. "Lav stayed and helped me watch you. She didn't want to risk you waking up and doing something to or with Ron."

In unison, the witches shuddered at the thought. "And the others?" Hermione asked, her voice a bit more clear.

"Padma and Parvati went home immediately. Nott was still in the loop actually, so Zabini and Malfoy left to take care of him," Ginny explained.

Hermione nodded, thankful for her best friend. "Thanks for taking care of me Gin. I'm sorry for being a bother."

Ginny snorted. "You must be joking! You going loony with Nott was the highlight of my summer! Minnie and Teddy," Ginny cooed. "Nott began to bawl once Lav and I left with you. Malfoy looked annoyed." Ginny wanted to include that Draco had threatened Theo if he came near Hermione, but she decided to keep that information hidden.

Lavender stirred from next to Hermione. "What the bloody hell?" she mumbled, sitting up. She rubbed her eyes and stifled a yawn. "Is 'Mione sane yet?"

"Yes, Lavender," Hermione mused.

The three girls got off the ground and groaned from their stiff muscles. Ginny, who had not gotten much sleep, felt like passing out. Hermione and Lavender helped her get inside the house as silently as possible. The moment Hermione got Ginny on her bed, the red haired witch passed out.

"I best be going. Tell Ron I say hello, yeah?" Lavender said brightly.

Hermione waited for the usual threat to stay away from Ron, but it never came. So instead, she nodded and smiled slightly. "I'll tell him. Thank you for watching me last night."

Then Lavender left, and Hermione was left alone to think. Last night had felt like a dream or nightmare of some sorts. Hermione's eyebrows furrowed as she tried to recall what happened besides Nott constantly hugging her. After a few minutes of nothing but wasted time, Hermione huffed and quietly paced beside Ginny's bed. She chewed at her bottom lip and wrung her wrists. After another minute of nothing, Hermione's eyes caught sight of the mirror in the corner of the room.

Slowly, Hermione walked towards it, accessing herself. Her was definitely bushy right then. There where massive knots and random leaves in her hair. She didn't look like she was harmed. But upon closer inspection, she noticed the dirt that stained her left elbow.

"Strange," she murmured to herself.

Ginny and Hermione kept the night in the clearing with the Slytherins a secret from Harry and Ron. Even Lavender did not tell Ron about that night. As far as Harry and Ron knew, the girls went out to Roar and camped outside for the night. Hermione was hoping to not see Malfoy at least until the school term began. She felt embarrassed that he and his cronies witnessed her act to uncharacteristically.

That's why when the Golden Trio and Ginny went out to go back to school shopping, Hermione avoided drawing attention to herself. Of course, that was an issue since she was friends with Harry Potter. There were stares from others wherever they went. After all, he was still the Boy Who Lived. Voldemort had not made an appearance since the night of Mr. and Mrs. Potter's deaths. Eventually everyone had assumed it was because of Harry that the dark wizard had stayed away.

"I care about Lav. Really, I do. But she can be so- so-"

"Clingy?" Harry offered.

Ron nodded vehemently. "She's gone mad, Harry. The sodding class hasn't even started yet and she's already got children's names picked out." Ron sighed loudly and slouched.

Ginny laughed at her brother's expense. "Oh Merlin, I wouldn't be surprised if she's already thinking of marriage."

"Piss off, Gin," Ron muttered.

Harry patted Ron's back sympathetically. "It's okay mate," he said whilst stifling a laugh.

They all walked into Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, only to be greeted by chaos and boisterous sounds coming from every direction. Children ran throughout the building while their parents gave no effort to calm them. Two familiar red haired twins came running towards the group with wide smiles.

"'Mione, little sister, Harry," greeted the twins in unison. They glanced at Ron and shot him a mischievous smile that sent chills down his spine. "Ronald," drawled the twins.

"Come to shop, eh? Well you all know the deal, everything is free for Harry and half off for the ladies," George said, winking at Hermione during the last bit.

Ron's face turned red with anger and his hands formed tight fists. He ignored the twins and shoved past them, storming off to find new practical jokes to use on Slytherins. Harry followed his best friend, rolling his eyes at Ron's impulsiveness. Meanwhile, George and Fred led the girls to where more of the witches' products were.

They became surrounded by pink. Love potions, kissing concoctions, and other seemingly romantic products surrounded the four of them. Hermione played with the pygmy puffs, remembering that Ginny has one herself.

"Thinking about getting one? Arnold might want a friend," Fred urged, giving Hermione a lopsided grin.

"Just looking," Hermione replied with a sad smile.

"What a shame. They're cuddly little fellas." Fred picked up a pygmy puff and held it closer to Hermione. He watched at the beautiful witch carefully stroked the miniature puffskin's fur. Her dainty fingers ran through the pink fur softly. The corner's of Hermione's lips turned up, gracing her features with a gentle smile. Fred began to wonder why Ron had ever chosen Lavender Brown when he could have had Hermione. Then again, Fred wasn't sure if his younger brother was suited for the witch. Hermione required someone intelligent and poised. Someone who could give her his undivided attention. Someone who could bring out her wild side and protect her.

That someone, Fred knew, could never be Ron. He had told George that long ago, but his twin seemed to think that Ron and Hermione would be together in the end. Fred was prepared to keep that from happening though, for his sake and for Ron and Hermione's. He just needed to find someone good enough for Hermione, which seemed to be difficult. A part of Fred wasn't ready to let go of the witch he considered his sister, but another part said it was time for her to meet someone new.

After a minute of staring at Hermione, Fred put the pygmy puff back and excused himself. He searched through the crowded area for the only person he knew that could help. Too many people surrounded him though, making his task harder. It must've been a good five minutes before he laid eyes on Cupid's own little helper.

"Little sister, you've gotta help me with something."

A/N Hey! So this was just kind of a filler. The next chapter will have the gang going off to Hogwarts! Sorry that I haven't updated. I thought I had just updated the other day but it turned out to be longer. Anyways, thank you for all of the reads, reviews, favorites, and follows. You all are amazing. Sorry for any mistakes!

~KittyKat