A/N: I'd just like to point out that this fan-fiction is set from Hermione's point of view, and is set in her 7th year at Hogwarts. All happenings in the 7th book are not relevant in my story. I also thank J.K. Rowling, for being such an amazing writer. I'm inspired by her.
On this particular day, Christmas was nearing in Hogsmeade. Snow was falling, trees where sparkling and the festivity of the holidays was lingering in the air. Hermione, Ron and Harry all trotted along the pathway to The Three Broomsticks. The three trudged through the thick blanket of white snow that lay as The Three Broomsticks came into view.
Usually every student would be out in the shops, such as Honeydukes Sweetshop, looking for little gifts they could give to their families and friends, but Hermione was already sorted. She had bought all of her presents two months earlier for everybody important to her. Although everybody was important to her, in a way, she couldn't buy for everybody, so she only bought for Harry, Ron, Ginny and her parents. She was so excited for Christmas this year; it would be the perfect Christmas, being with her friends in Hogwarts, and that was all she wanted for her present.
As the three set foot inside The Three Broomsticks, they found a table and sat down. Hermione pulled off her scarf, took of her hat and gloves and she couldn't help but smile. It was like a totally different land in here. The room buzzed with the sound of some Christmas music and everybody in the pub laughed and talked, and the strong smell of Butterbeer lingered in the air.
'Shall we order a Butterbeer then? I'm getting thirsty.' Harry asked as he looked from Ron, who nodded, to Hermione, who just shrugged her shoulders.
When at last their drinks arrived, they were all ready to discuss Cho Chang's new relationship with Eddie Carmichael. Harry seemed to focus entirely on his Butterbeer as they talked on the subject, and on how Eddie got nine Outstandings in his exams.
'I don't think it's right,' said Hermione. 'Why would you want to cheat?'
'Um, to get better marks, maybe?' grinned Ron, earning himself a smack on the arm.
'Oh!' Hermione added. 'have you heard about the Masquerade Ball?'
Both Ron and Harry exchanged worried looks. Their Yule Ball hadn't gone so well. Hermione, however, went on to explain the concept of this one.
'You must wear a mask, obviously, the clue is in it's title, after all,' she babbled. 'And you don't get to choose who you go with either. You just have to turn up completely disguised and it's all about, oh how did McGonagall put it, ah yes, it's all about meeting friends that you'd never have given a chance too before.'
'Oh, it sounds horrible. Just horrible!' Ron grunted.
'So it'll be everyone then? Everyone in the entire school?' asked Harry. Hermione saw the hope in his eye and knew it would be for Ginny's presence there.
'Sixth years and seventh years.' she smiled. Harry couldn't hold back a smile of contentment.
When Hermione looked back at Ron, he was in he middle of downing the rest of his Butterbeer revoltingly, which Hermione glared at him for, and drank some more of her own.
'Everyone done?' asked Ron, looking around at their goblets. 'Yeah? OK. Lets leave.'
And with that, they were being rushed out of the shop by Ron and out into the freezing cold again, where they skipped back up towards the castle through the thick snow. As they passed by Gladrags Wizardwear, Luna came hurrying out carrying three huge bags full of brightly coloured socks.
'Oh hello,' she said in her same dream like voice. 'Lovely day, isn't it?'
'Marvellous! Simply marvellous!' came a jolly, Santa-Cause like voice from inside the shop.
The doors swung open again and a small, round man appeared, laughing and joking and, seemingly, he didn't notice Luna standing outside the door and managed to topple over her. The pair lay on the floor, Luna now covered in odd socks and old vintage jumpers, which would likely fit three of Luna inside them.
'Oh, dear girl! I'm terribly sorry!' said the man as he pulled himself up and held his hand out for a bewildered looking Luna.
'It's alright, thank-you,' she said and smiled happily at him as she allowed him to pull her to her feet.
The man hobbled off, singing Christmas songs, leaving Luna to stand in the silence with Hermione, Ron and Harry.
'I just thought I'd make myself a new dress, you know, since the ball is on Christmas Eve. I bought lots of pretty socks, see,' said Luna quickly, holding one of her bags open for them to see.
'Their, err, very nice, Luna.' agreed Hermione, looking at the other anxiously.
'Yeah, yeah,' said Ron afterwards.
'Well we're heading back up to the castle, do you want to join us?' asked Harry, earning a death stare from Ron, who, unlike the others, still strongly disliked the idea of Luna's goofy ways.
'That sounds fun,' said Luna, smiling crazily as they continued on their way.