Hmm, it seems that Ficwad ate my first review. I rather enjoyed this chapter and watching the way Harry & Hermione's relationship grows deeper and more intimate. I wonder who's more annoyed by this, Ginny who's lusted after "The Boy-Who-Lived" or Ron who finds he's no longer Harry's best friend and certainly not his closet along with his jealousy over Harry having developed his abilities extensively over the summer.
The subtle use of Parselmagic on Draco was a beautiful touch and 'twill be interesting to see how long it lasts and just what it covers. If it lasts the rest of their time at Hogwarts and covers both Harry & Hermione under any conditions, Draco could be in for a rather bad time (-snicker- especially in Quidditch against Gryffindor ;D).
As far as Ginny goes, this version of her seems upset enough to be a much easier host for Tom. Ah, well, Illia iacta est and I'd wager that the ods on her coming out alive and with her magical abilities intact have dropped considerably.