Chapter 1: Baubles and Bows
The Valentine Loveapalooza was taking place this very evening, and Harry wasn't any closer to finding a date than he was 2 months ago when the "grand event" was announced. 'Yeah right,' thought Harry miserably maybe a grand pain in the arse. Of course, half the female population had tried their best to obtain an invitation from the chosen hero, but so far their efforts had been in vain. You see Harry had no desire to be around some giddy girl all night telling him how wonderful he was. He just didn't think he could take another fan girl date. As a matter of fact he wished he could just skip the entire day altogether. Unfortunately, Hermione had asked him to help with the planning committee and part of the job meant they had to attend and support the occasion. She thought he needed to be apart of something that didn't involve a life or death situation so here he was. Why couldn't he ever say no to her?
Harry made his way into the great hall for his shift of decorating and found Hermione running around fretfully with a clip board; her bushy hair flying wilder than ever. The 7th and 6th years were in charge of the entire affair and most of them were very excited about it, but Harry just felt like it was a waste of his time. Hermione looked up at him after instructing some Ravenclaws how to suspend heart shaped baubles from the enchanted ceiling and waved at him excitedly. Harry looked up to see the progress and saw swirling pink and white clouds instead of a ceiling that mirrored the sky outside. Impressive bit of magic there, he thought to himself and smiled at Hermione as she worked her way over to his side. She was scowling a little for some reason.
"Really Harry, you should show more spirit!" She said breathlessly. "After all we are head boy and girl. Everybody expects you to be more involved." She eyed him warily and flicked her wand at his Muggle jumper causing it to turn a vibrant shade of red which incidentally matched hers perfectly. "There now you look more festive!"
"Well, I'm here aren't I? Just tell me what to hang and where to dangle it Hermione, and I'm your man."
Hermione rolled her eyes and pulled out another clip board. "Here, go over there and make sure Ron and Luna don't sneak out the back door for a quick snog. I swear if I see those two groping each other one more time I'm going to hex them both. They should know better." She scowled and huffed away irritably.
Harry laughed and wondered who Hermione was going to the palooza balooza with. He hadn't heard her mention going with anyone, but for some reason the thought of Hermione going with another guy made his throat constrict uncomfortably. He wondered if she would consider going with him and his heart felt a little lighter. Maybe they could go together he thought to himself, if she didn't mind going with a Hero.
They were finally finished decorating with all things sparkly and glittery when Hermione gathered the committee around her like a mother hen calling her baby chicks. "Okay guys everything looks really wonderful! I think everything should go really smoothly tonight and I just wanted to say thank you for all your help." Hermione waved to everyone and chatted a few minutes with Seamus. She was saying something about releasing confetti at midnight, so Harry hung back a little so he could ask her to the dance privately.
"Hey Hermione, everything looks great." He said nervously, shifting from one foot to the other. He felt like a gawky 14 year old and Hermione giggled at his awkwardness.
"Thanks Harry, I wish we had time to put up some more twinkle lights around the head table though." She mused thoughtfully, and glanced around at the magnificent decorations. "It does look lovely though doesn't it? I only wish...oh never mind." She whispered vaguely, and oddly enough Harry thought he saw her blush before busying herself with some balloons floating aimlessly around the golden archway.
"Umm...well, I was wondering if we could talk for a little. You see I was wondering if maybe you wanted to go with me tonight...You know as friends of course but if you already have a date I understand. It's no big deal really." She was silent for a few moments, and Harry was suddenly reminded of the Yule Ball. He almost regretted asking her at such short notice but it was out there now wasn't it? Suddenly, she turned to him with large tears glistening in her eyes. Immediately Harry was concerned and placed a comforting arm around his best friend. "Oh Mione... I'm such a git. Did I say something...I mean...I'm so sorry. Please don't cry." Harry felt terrible. Making her cry was the very last thing he had intended to do, but Hermione just waved a hand dismissively and smiled up at him thru her tears.
"Don't worry about me Harry, I'm just being silly. Of course I would love to go with you." Hermione looked up into his eyes before dropping her head down onto his shoulder. Confused, Harry just let it happen and wrapped his strong arms around her very protectively. I love how she feels in my arms; he thought distractedly, is that her hair that smells so good? The moment seemed to go on forever before she finally raised her head, and flashed him a brilliant smile.
"I guess we better go and get ready hadn't we?" She sounded energized when she released him and raced out of the Great Hall leaving Harry feeling very strange. He raked a hand thru his hair, a sure sign that he was completely baffled and stood there wondering what the hell had just happened.
Turning around and giving the ball room one last glance a small smile transformed his face and he pointed his wand toward the head table and spoke, "Luxlumiere". Immediately the head table was surrounded by tiny little white lights that glowed softly in the abandoned room. Harry hoped that they would please Hermione. "She certainly deserves it," He thought pleasantly to himself and with that he made his way back up to his dorm to get ready for the party.