"I can't believe we're finally betrothed Harry", Hermione sighed while fingering a golden locket which was a sign of the betrothal. Harry grinned at Hermione and slid his arm around her waist. "Me neither", he answered a little sheepishly as they headed towards the Masquerade Ball which was Hogwarts 500th year Anniversary. Hermione wore a blue mask with beautiful violet etchings with two slitted holes for her eyes. Harry on the other hand chose something more…Gryffindor. With the mask covering his right side of his face, it had a picture of a fierce golden lion dressed in Royal Red.
"Let the ball begin", Dumbledore boomed out. Everybody smiled happily and the courting began. Harry instantly reached out for Hermione's pale hand. "Will you take this dance?", he laughed and bowed down gracefully. Hermione beamed and giggled. Harry took this as a "yes" and led her to the dance floors. And there they danced. Harry's hand around Hermione's waist protectively and the other around her neck. The chandeliers up above reflected the Dance floors with golden light and everywhere were boys asking girls to dance. Hermione twirled elegantly and Harry caught her waist. She smiled. Hermione looked up and gazed at the light reflected by the Chandeliers. Perfect. She beamed happily. And one moment the Chandeliers were suspended in the air securely and the next as if everything was in slow motion she saw the chains holding the Chandelier weaken and they fell…down…down…and it crashed on the dance floor. Hermione uttered a terrible scream and quickly sought for Harry's comfort.
"Everybody calm down", Dumbledore boomed and he quickly pocketed out his wand. Harry had his wand out and was stroking Hermione's hair, calming her. Mysteriously a flight of golden stairs descended from somewhere…nowhere. It had rich red carpet flooring it and down the stairs descended a young man, with an eerie white mask. "Did you not receive my letter?" he yelled at Dumbledore and gestured a red envelope sealed with something mysteriously shaped like a skull. All faces immediately turned to Dumbledore. Hermione saw Dumbledore nod gravely. The young man continued yelling in a rage, "Was it not instructed everybody to be invited?" he questioned Dumbledore accusingly. "And you", he pointed wildly at Hermione. "Do you not recognize me anymore?" he cried out.