Harry Potter was in his fourth year. And he was also a very famous wizard. He was, as they called him, The Boy Who Lived. He had defeated the most evil wizard in the world when he was only one year old. It was because his mother loved him. She had put up a very old protective spell around him, so when Voldemort tried to curse him, it rebounded upon Voldemort and killed him. On top of him being a famous wizard, he was also a Quidditch star. His best friend, Hermione, always insisted that it was because his father was also great at Quidditch. Sometimes he didn't know how Hermione knew so much, although he supposed it was because she visited the Library so often.
Which, ironically, was where Harry and Hermione were now. They were sitting next to each other, doing their homework. Harry didn't want to come, he never really enjoyed doing his homework that much, but Hermione made him and insisted that it was for his own good. Harry didn't understand how it could be for his own good, but he didn't argue, because he didn't like to upset her. She was his best friend, and his only friend that he talked to about how he was feeling.
So that's why he sat there now, doing his work. He was completely oblivious to everything going on around him. He didn't even know what Hermione was talking about. Harry's elbow slipped from the pile of books he was resting on and sent him flying to the ground. Everyone around started laughing at him, except Hermione who instead helped him up into his chair again.
"Thanks, Hermione." said Harry, who felt slightly embarrassed. "I guess I dozed off for a bit."
"Harry, you don't have to be here if you don't want to. I know you don't care for this homework that much, but—." started Hermione.
"No, no! I promise I'll focus on it. I promise." Harry used the tone that he knew Hermione couldn't say no to.
"Fine. But try to stay awake this time. Okay?" said Hermione. "Where are your glasses?"
They looked for his glasses for a few minutes before Hermione spotted them a few feet away on the ground. She used her wand to bring them to her and placed them upon Harry's face. Harry blushed as her hands got so close to his face. He didn't know why, but he got embarrassed when she would touch him. Although it also made him feel happy to be her friend.
"There. Now, if you're done falling out of your chair, I'll finish my homework." said Hermione patiently.
"Right. Sorry." chuckled Harry.
"No need to be sorry. If you get too sorry, you'll end up like that Ronald Weasley."
"What's wrong with Ron Weasley?"
"Well, he tried to sneak into the girl's dormitory, and the stairs turned into a slide and he broke some teeth on his way down."
"You know, that guy seemed alright. At least, on our first day at Hogwarts. He seemed pretty cool. Wonder why he didn't stick around with us longer?"
"Lavender told me it was because of me. She said he doesn't really like me that much."
"Oh. Well that's his fault. Anyone that knows you knows that you're the best friend anyone could ask for."
Hermione blushed slightly, which made Harry blush, and returned to her homework. Harry decided that he would do his homework to satisfy her. He needed her in a good mood tonight. The Yule Ball was in two weeks, and Harry didn't have a date yet. He figured he would ask Hermione to go with him as a friend.
Harry and Hermione were now sitting alone, in a corner of the Gryffindor Common Room. Hermione was reading the Daily Prophet over and over again, as if trying to memorize it. Harry waited patiently for her to put it down. Alas, she never did. It was now only an hour away from midnight, so Harry decided he better make his move.
"Er, Hermione? Can I talk to you for a while?" said Harry nervously.
"What? Oh, of course, Harry." said Hermione. "I must of lost track of time, it's past eleven."
"Yeah, well, er, I was wondering if...if you'd like to go to the, er, Yule Ball with me? You know, as friends?"
"Of course, Harry! I should of thought of it before. You know, I was worried no one was going to ask me! I should of asked you about it earlier!"
Harry felt very glad that he wouldn't be attending the Yule Ball alone. Harry smiled slightly and stood up, walking to his dormitory. Harry climbed into bed and laid down. He removed his glasses before entering a deep sleep. However, he had a disturbing dream which woke him up in the middle of the night. He dreamt that a mysterious man walked into Hogwarts and killed Hermione.
When Harry awoke, he rushed down to the Common Room and found Hermione already awake. She was preparing her school bag, something she did every Monday, and had apparently set Harry's out as well. Harry walked over to Hermione and waited for her. They always went to breakfast together. In fact, they did everything together. Hermione was practically Harry's only really good friend. When Hermione was done, they went down to breakfast.
While they ate, Hermione was telling Harry what classes they had today, and when they had them. Harry was glad that he didn't have Potions, however, he had double Divination. Hermione waved him goodbye when it was time for Harry to go. Harry walked slowly to the classroom they used for Divination, and took a seat next Ronald Weasley. Harry nodded slightly and pulled out his books. Ron seemed to have nothing to do but stare.
"Hey, you're Harry Potter. I'm Ron Weasley. I'm in Gryffindor too." said Ron as he held out as hand.
"Yeah, I know." Harry shook hands with him.
"I've met you before. On the Hogwarts Express. The very first day of Hogwarts."
"Yeah, I know that too." said Harry lamely. "I was talking about you last night with my friend, Hermione Granger."
"Oh, yeah. I forgot you were friends with Granger. Well, I'd be careful if I were you."
"Careful? Of what?"
"Oh, well you know. She's kind of bossy, and she can be a bit of a know-it-all."
"She's not bossy, and if it wasn't for her, Gryffindor wouldn't have half the points we do." said Harry truthfully.
"Well, maybe. Anyways, I'd be careful if I were you."
"Well, you're not me! And I'd watch your mouth around me from now on."
"Is that a threat, mate?" said Ron angrily.
"Maybe it is." Harry stood up. "I'm sorry, Professor, I'm not feeling very good."
Harry got up and ran out of the classroom. He'd have to let Hermione know that Ron Weasley was no friend of theirs. Harry took a left turn and continued walking, before someone called his name. Harry stopped and turned around, waiting. Cho Chang came around the corner. She was panting slightly, although Harry thought she looked cuter when she did it.
"Professor McGonagall would like to see you in her office. She said it was urgent." panted Cho.
"Thanks, Cho. Er, are you going to the Yule Ball?" said Harry nervously.
"Well, yes I am. But someone's already asked me, Harry. I'm sorry."
Harry dashed away before he heard her last words. He continued running until he reached McGonagall's office. He knocked on the door and waited. Shortly, McGonagall opened the door and hurried him in. Harry sat down in front of her desk and waited. Once she was seated as well, she started talking.
"You see, Mr. Potter, it is at the request of the Minister of Magic himself, that you get a partner for the Yule Ball and start the dance along with the three champions."
"But why? That doesn't make any sense."
"Of course if doesn't. Except that Cornelius Fudge is a fan of Harry Potter, and requests that he start the dance off alongside the Triwizard Tournament champions. It's outrageous."
"Well, do I have to do it?"
"I suspect so, Potter. It would not be wise for one to upset the Minister. Especially when the Minister could snap his fingers and make life at Hogwarts unbearable for you."
"But he wouldn't, would he?"
"That's not the point, Potter. The point is that you need a date."
"Well, I was going to take Hermione Granger."
"Perfect. You and Ms. Granger must be prepared to start the dance along with the champions."
Harry nodded and left. He didn't know why he had to start the dance. The Minister couldn't make him do anything. But he supposed he had to now. McGonagall was probably writing to the Minister to let him know that Harry had agreed to do it. Harry went to his other classes. He was waiting until that night to tell Hermione. Finally, it was the night. Harry and Hermione were sitting around the Common Room, doing nothing of importance.
"Hermione? Can I talk to you?" said Harry.
"Of course. What is it?" said Hermione curiously.
"Oh, well, McGonagall brought me into her office today. She said that I had to start the Yule Ball off along with the Triwizard Tournament champions. It was at the Minister's request. So, I guess that we'll be doing that. If you still want to go with me, of course."
"Of course I'm still going with you! Oh, but Harry, I would like to talk to you too."
"What's wrong?"
"Well, Krum asked me to go with him. And well, I didn't tell him yes, but I haven't said no yet either. I told him I need to think about it. I was wondering if maybe—."
"Of course you can go with him! Don't let me stop you! I'm sure we can think of someone else who would like to go with me."
"What about Cho Chang?"
"Er, no, I actually asked her earlier today. I guess I had forgotten that we were going together."
"Well, that's alright. Maybe that Weasley girl?"
"Who, Ginny?"
"Yes. She's fairly pretty."
"No thanks. Not as long as she's still a sister to that git, Ron. I was talking to him in Divination today and he warned me to stay away from you. I couldn't take it anymore so I left Divination."
"Well, you didn't have to leave just because of me, Harry."
"Don't worry. I wasn't missing anything important."
Harry and Hermione both laughed. Hermione stood up and went to bed. Harry followed her. If Hermione went to bed, he normally did too. Although he wasn't sure why. They separated at the staircases and went to their own dormitories. Harry climbed into bed and fell asleep soon after. He had the same disturbing dream again. A mysterious man snuck into Hogwarts and killed Hermione. Harry woke up in a sweat and climbed out of bed. He wasn't sure if anyone was awake, but he entered the Common Room anyways. To his surprise, Hermione was sitting by herself, crying.
"Hermione?" said Harry cautiously. "What's wrong?"
"No-n-nothing, Har-Harry." cried Hermione.
"Hermione, you're my best friend. I can tell when something's wrong. And besides, you're crying."
Harry sat down next to Hermione and put his arm around her. She flipped around and buried her head into his shoulder. Harry stroked her hair and patted her head. Hermione continued to cry into him. Harry didn't know why she was upset, but he swore he would find out who made her so. And then he would make them apologize.
"Hermione, what happened?" said Harry quietly.
"No-nothing, Harry. I-I swear."
"Hermione, you're crying, and you're an awful liar."
"I-I don't want to ta-talk about it."
"Ok, but if I was the one crying, you would pester me until I told you."
"Harry James Po-Potter! I do not pe-pester!"
"Oh, yeah. Sorry." smirked Harry. "Hermione, I don't know why you're crying, but you're the most beautiful person I know. And I hate to see you so upset. I'm sure—."
Harry's voice was drained out by Hermione, as she gripped tightly around his neck. She wiped her eyes on her sleeve and released Harry from her arms. She smiled at him and hugged him again. Harry wasn't sure what he said that made her stop crying, but he was glad nevertheless.
"So, er, are you alright, Hermione?" said Harry.
"Yes, Harry. I'm fine. It was just something I overheard."
"What was it?"
"When I walked into the girl's dormitory earlier this night, I heard Lavender telling Parvati that I was awful. She's Ronald Weasley's girlfriend you know."
"Well don't listen to her. She doesn't know how wrong she is. You're the smartest, kindest, funniest, and most beautiful girl I know."
"Harry, I'm pretty much the only girl you know."
"That's not true. Er, there's McGonagall. And, er, Trelawny. And, er—."
"Quiet, before you embarrass yourself anymore." smirked Hermione.
Harry smiled back and stood up. He walked over to the stairway before he heard Hermione call his name again. Harry walked back and stood in front of Hermione, waiting.
"Yeah, Hermione?" said Harry.
"Well, I was wondering if maybe you would stay down here with me for a bit. Please?" Hermione begged in the way Harry could never refuse.
Harry sat down next to her and laid his head against the chair. He closed his eyes and felt Hermione's head on his shoulder. He wondered what it meant. Generally, he only saw couples get so close. He wondered if Hermione was beginning to like him, but then he remembered how happy she had been about Krum inviting her to the Yule Ball. Harry wasn't sure how he would feel if Hermione began to develop romantic feelings for him. He wasn't attracted to her at all, yet he was being serious when he said she was the most beautiful girl he knows. But right now, he currently liked Cho Chang.
And so the week passed by, and it was now the Christmas holidays. It was a Tuesday, and the day before Christmas, which meant it was the day of the Yule Ball. Harry had still not managed to acquire a date, but truth be told, he had not asked anyone since Cho. He and Hermione were sitting in the library, trying to think of who he could get in such short notice. Hermione suddenly dashed away. Harry was wondering why all the available girls couldn't just line up in front of him and guess at the number he was thinking. A few minutes later, Hermione was back with Krum.
"Harry, this is Viktor. Viktor, this is Harry Potter." panted Hermione.
"Nice to meet you." said Harry and Krum together as they shook hands.
"Harry, I was explaining to Viktor your predicament, and he thinks he might have someone you could take." said Hermione.
"I can't start the dance off with you, because he's a champion, he has to start off the—." started Harry.
"I'm not talking about myself. Harry, Viktor said that there's a way you don't have to ask a girl out, but still not look ridiculous, and at the same time, everyone is amused at what you've done." explained Hermione.
"Great. What is it?" said Harry curiously.
"Well, I don't really know. Viktor hasn't told me yet." said Hermione.
"Oh, yes. Forgive me. You see, I'm not sure if you could even find a girl at this point. They will all have been taken. So what do you do?" explained Krum.
"Get myself thrown in the Hospital Wing so I can't go." said Harry sarcastically.
"No," said Krum, who apparently didn't have a sense of humor. "You could ask one of your teachers. Explain to them that you did not get a date. They would be amused at you for even asking, and everyone else would be amused if you were brave enough to do that. And it would only be the opening dance. Just to start off the Ball. It also makes you look very nice, and well mannered."
"Viktor, that's—." started Hermione.
"Brilliant." finished Harry. "Thanks, Viktor! I better go ask. I figure I'll ask McGonagall."
Harry dashed off and ran along the halls. He took a left turn and nearly ran into a group of little kids. He took another left turn and almost stepped on Professor Flitwick. After apologizing to Flitwick, he ran off again and came to a halt in front of McGonagall's office. He knocked and was instantly greeted by nothing. The door had opened itself. Harry walked in and saw McGonagall at her desk. She was waiting for him to take a seat.
"Hello, Professor." said Harry.
"Ah, Potter, I hope you still plan on attending the Yule Ball with Ms. Granger." said McGonagall.
"Er, no Professor. Not anymore, you see she's going with Viktor Krum. The Durmstrang champion."
"Yes, I'm familiar with the champions, Potter. Now, I hope you managed to get another date."
"Er, no Professor. Not yet at least."
"Not yet? The Yule Ball is tonight. And I presume you expect a girl to walk up to you and wait for her to ask you."
"Well, it would make things easier, but no, I'm not expecting that. I was thinking, well, it was Viktor Krum's idea. He said that I could start the dance off with a teacher. He said it would look well mannered and everyone would be amused."
"Potter, while I am flattered that you asked me, what would you do the rest of the evening. Just sit around?"
"Oh, well I'd talk to Hermione and Krum when they aren't dancing. I wouldn't be that bored, Professor."
"Well, Potter, I don't know. Generally, it would look odd for a teacher to start the dance off with a student."
"Yes, I know, but the Minister never said I had to start the dance off with another student. And besides, it was his idea for me to start the dance off, so it'll show him."
"I'm not interested in whether 'it'll show him' or not, Potter." said McGonagall. "However, seeing as how you don't have a date, and how it would look ridiculous for you to start the dance off by yourself, I will allow it."
"Thank you, Professor." said Harry excitedly.
Harry dashed away to the Library to tell Hermione and Krum that it worked. Harry was about to turn a corner and reveal himself, when he thought he heard his name. He waited and, sure enough, Hermione and Krum were talking about him.
"So, er, this Harry Potter and you are together?" said Krum.
"What?! Of course not! We're just really good friends. We've been best friends since we were eleven." said Hermione.
"Oh, I see. You two are awful close for being just friends."
"Well, he's my only real friend, and I think I'm his only real friend."
"So you are not together?"
"No, I swear."
"You swear what?" said Harry, who stepped out from behind the shelf.
"Oh, er, nothing." said Hermione. "Did it work?"
"Yeah. She said I could start the dance off with her. She was concerned at first, but I don't think it will be that stupid. At first." said Harry.
Harry and Hermione both laughed, but stopped when they saw that Krum was looking confused. Harry desperately wanted to ask him why he didn't have a sense of humor, but he stopped himself so as to not upset Hermione. Five minutes later, Harry and Hermione returned to the Common Room. Harry didn't know how to feel about the conversation between Hermione and Krum, so he put it out of his mind. There were just three hours until the Yule Ball started.
Hermione excused herself so she could get ready, so Harry sat around a table in the Common Room, struggling to finish his homework. An hour later, having finally managed to scribble out a lengthy enough essay onto a piece of parchment, Harry left the table and entered his dormitory. He didn't really know why he was getting ready for the Yule Ball this early, all he had to do was throw on his dress robes. He supposed he could check in on Hermione, although he had no clue where she was. Surely, it didn't take this long for a woman to get ready?
Finally, after what felt like years, the last two hours passed by and the Yule Ball was underway. The idea of Harry starting the dance with McGonagall got applause from the other staff, wolf whistles from several students, and much laughter from the Slytherin. Alas, McGonagall retook her seat and Harry wandered off, waiting for Hermione and Krum to finish dancing. Harry looked around the room, he had not seen Hermione enter, nor had he seen her dancing with Krum, for he was more worried about everyone's reactions to his dance with McGonagall.
Finally, Harry saw Krum. He was walking towards Harry with someone. Harry looked closer and realized it was Hermione. It was Hermione, but she had her hair done in the most beautiful way Harry had seen. It was Hermione, but she was wearing a bit of makeup. It was Hermione, but she was wearing a dress that made Harry forget about Cho Chang instantly. It was Hermione, but she had a smile that drove Harry to a loss of words. Krum and Hermione walked up to Harry.
"Hi, Harry! Would you care to join us for a drink?" said Hermione happily.
"Er, I-I, er, I suppose." stammered Harry, who couldn't believe how beautiful Hermione looked.
"I will go get the drinks." said Krum as he walked away.
"Hermione, you look..." said Harry, amazed.
"I look what?" said Hermione.
"Amazing."
Hermione blushed and smiled, before willingly getting distracted as Krum came back with the drinks. Harry slowly drank his drink as he watched Hermione dancing with Krum. Or, to better put it, as he watched Hermione. Harry didn't seem able to look at anyone or anything else. A few minutes later, Hermione and Krum walked back over to Harry. They did this throughout the night to catch their breath, although Harry thought maybe Hermione just wanted to give him some company.
As the night got later, the amount of people dancing got smaller. There remained only twenty or so couples. As the music of the current song came to an end, Harry saw Hermione trying to walk his way. Krum had pulled her back however, and was staring at her face with a very odd intensity. Hermione looked into his face with a confused expression, and then, as Krum placed his lips onto hers, opened her eyes wide before relaxing and kissing him back.
Harry stood up, outraged, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. How could Hermione do that to him? Let alone in front of him. How could Hermione damage their relationship with such an intense kiss? Harry suddenly remembered how he and Hermione were just friends, and had no romantic relationship whatsoever. He walked away grumpily as Hermione and Krum continued to kiss. Harry wondered if he loved Hermione now. Hadn't he been furious when he saw her kissing someone. That at least meant he cared for her. Perhaps it was like a big brother thing? But it couldn't be, for he had been so stunned when she walked up to him.
Harry found the Common Room and entered. There was nobody there, everybody was either asleep or at the Ball. He walked over to the stairs and chose the correct ones that lead to his dormitory. When he opened the door, he found that everybody was asleep, except Neville Longbottom, who must of been at the Ball still. He climbed into his bed and took his glasses off. He went to sleep with the thought of Hermione in his head.
Once again, he had the disturbing dream. Except this time, not only was the mysterious man killing Hermione, he was kissing her while he did. This enraged the Harry in the dream even more, although he could never save Hermione on time. Harry awoke in a sweat and checked his watch. It was three o'clock, which meant the Ball was over. He laid back down and fell asleep ten minutes later.
When Harry awoke, he climbed out of bed and entered the Common Room. He looked around for Hermione and, upon seeing her vacancy, left to eat some breakfast. He had no desire to speak to Hermione, so that was why he tried to avoid her all day. He nearly succeeded too, except when it was ten o'clock and he sat in the Common Room. Hermione walked in and sat next to him.
"Where have you been all day? I don't even know where you were last night." said Hermione.
"Look, I'm really tired." said Harry as he stood up and made to leave.
"Why are you avoiding me?" said Hermione, which made Harry stop in his tracks.
"You don't need me. You have Krum."
"Harry, I don't know--."
"Oh, you don't? Just go kiss him some more!"
"Were you spying on--."
"The whole school could of seen you if they wanted! Just stay away!"
"Why does it even concern you? Why do you care who I--."
Hermione was cut off by the sound of Harry's dormitory door slamming. Harry walked over to his trunk and pulled out his Invisibility Cloak. He was going to fight Krum. He was going to fight Krum for ruining his only friendship. He opened the dormitory door and exited the Common Room. He walked a little bit and then stopped. Someone had come out of the Common Room.
"Harry James Potter, if you're using that old Cloak again, then I will personally report you to Dumbledore himself!" said Hermione, who was staring at the wrong spot.
Harry kept on walking a little bit before he tripped. His foot slipped out from under the Cloak and Hermione saw it. She started towards him at a run, which only encouraged Harry to run as well. He took several turns, which consisted of fourteen left turns and nine right turns. He stopped and waited. It appeared he had lost Hermione. He started walking again, and then he suddenly stopped as a group of Professors came walking towards him.
"Are you sure he has a student?" said McGonagall.
"Positive, Ma'am. I seen him walking around the castle, and then I spied him take her forcefully. I never seen him before." said Filch the Caretaker.
"What student did he take?" said Dumbledore.
"I believe it was Granger. The Muggle-born." said Filch.
"We will position groups of two at every entrance in and out of this castle. And Filch, get me the Weasley twins. I believe they have a map which might reveal the whereabouts of our intruder." said Dumbledore calmly.
Filch shuffled off to retrieve Fred and George Weasley, while Dumbledore split the staff into groups of two. Harry hadn't continued walking now that the Professors were gone. He couldn't of even if he wanted to. He could hardly breathe. He had to find Hermione. He had been dreaming of this for weeks now. The mysterious intruder who killed Hermione in his dreams. He knew that this was the man who had Hermione now. Harry started running, faster than he had been before, towards where he had come from. He couldn't let Hermione die. Especially not after the horrible things he had said to her.