Chapter. 1
The flakes fell as did my tears. It was to be my third year at Hogwarts School of witch craft and wizardry, and so far it had been no walk in the park. Looking out the cold frosted window from my dorm I could see Ron. He had a look of confusion on his face as he looked up at the sky. He seemed to be in a daze. Not that I cared. I closed the curtains angrily. It was because of Ron that I was crying. It was because of Ron that Harry wasn't speaking to me. It was because of Ron that my cat was afraid. It was because of bloody Ron that I had a load of homework sitting on my desk untouched. I almost wanted to blame Ron for my lack of a date for tonight's first Halloween dance, but I knew very well that the reason for that was because of me.
If I would take my nose out of those damn books once in a while I might have a better social life. I had yet to pull together a costume for the dance as well. I was so excited on my first day back to school Harry and Ron beside me. I was thrilled when Dumbledore announced we would be having a Halloween dance and that every one was to dress up. I laughed when Harry suggested I go as a witch. Silly muggles and there Halloweens. They all think dressing as a witch or wizard passes as a costume. I suppose they don't know any better.
I grabbed a tissue from my nightstand wiping my tear stained face. Stupid Ron for putting me in this state. He claimed my cat Croshanks had eaten his ugly rat scabbers. I was sure my cat wouldn't do such a thing but even if she had that rat was ugly and missing a toe for crying out loud. I suppose it wasn't really Ron's fault Harry wasn't talking to me. If I blamed any one it should be Siruys Black he was the one hunting Harry. Croshanks suddenly pranced out from under the bed but noticed me in the room and ran back under. Ron had frightened her with some spell that had gone wrong and turned scabbers into a dog, and in doing so it chased Croshanks around the room.
Ron claimed Croshanks ate Scabbers to get back at him for barking at her. All of the homework piled on my desk had still been sitting there because I couldn't concentrate with all of the crying and thoughts running threw my mind. They were all about Ron and how angry I was at him.
I needed to stop thinking about Ron and concentrate on my costume. Opening up my closed I noticed a single red rose with a red ribbon tied around it. Next to it lay a tiara and a folded up piece of parchment. My hands trembled as I reached for the parchment. Who could have gotten into my room and put it there? Taking the note in my hands I began to unfold it. I was suddenly stopped by Croshanks clawing at my bed.
I could here the sound of her claws ripping the material. I dropped the note and turned to her with a scowl.
"No Croshanks!" I hissed as she dashed back under the bed. I didn't want to scare her, and now she probably would be afraid of me more so then before.
Walking back to my original spot I pick the note up from the floor and make sure to open it carefully. Once it was opened I began to read.
Dearest Hermione,
You shine like the jewels on a crown. Please meet me tonight at the Halloween dance. I'll be wearing a white mask and I will be in the middle of the dance floor. My queens please wear the crown it suits you well.
All My Love
Red Rose
Red Rose? Who could this be from? Why did they want to see me? The questions continued on and on. The only way I was going to get answers was to arrive at the dance and meet this so called Red Rose. Unless…my mind was racing as I pulled a spell book out of my trunk.
"There has to be something in here" I mumble to myself. I searched the book cover to cover and even tried a few spells but nothing worked. It was as if some one had put a blocker on it. I guess I had to start getting ready it was going to be some night.
I finally had decided on a long green gown. It matched the jewels in the silver plastic tiara. I added a green necklace with some dangly green earrings. I choose Silver pumps so I didn't wear to much green. I checked myself one last time in the mirror before I left my dorm. This was it tonight I would know who the mysterious Red Rose was. I was almost afraid to go. Even though I knew Harry and Ron wouldn't be there they hated such social events. And thank God Malfoy wasn't going to be there. That was all I needed was to have dragon breath breathing down my throat about me not being a pure blood. Three less people to worry about seeing me and questioning me to no end.
Racing down the changing stair case I was filled with energy and I was scared and happy all at the same moment. On my way down I heard a few of the pictures whistling at me. I was disgusted I didn't like it when wizards hit on me and now I was getting the same attention from a picture. It wasn't that I didn't like the attention it was the fact that I had only been hit on by one wizard and it was one of Malfoy's friends. I'm not sure which but I hated them both as well as Malfoy.
I had finally reached the bottom of the stairs. My heals clicking on the tiled floor as I raced to the main room. The doors were ajar as the music pored out of them like a melodic wind. It was a slow song and as I peered inside the room every one was holding onto a partner and swaying to the music.
Swaying room as the music starts
Strangers making the most of the dark
Two by two their bodies become one
It was Madonna's song Crazy for You. The song always made me feel in love even though I am not in love with anyone.
I see you through the smokey air
Can't you feel the weight of my stare
You're so close but still a world away
What I'm dying to say, is that
I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you
I wanted to dance so badly as I made my way into the room. The large room was lit with stars and dim lights. I was sure when a fast dance played again it would be back to strobe lights and disco balls. Suddenly a person emerged from the crowd he was wearing a white mask and was moving closer to me. My heart pounded in my chest. It was him, the boy who had been on my mind all evening.
Trying hard to control my heart
I walk over to where you are
Eye to eye we need no words at all
He said no wards just bowed and held out his hand. I took it and looked into his eyes. You would think I would remember such eyes, but I didn't. The mask covered most of his face and it was hard to tell who the masked boy was. The song continued as I tried my hardest to figure out who I was dancing with.
Slowly now we begin to move
Every breath I'm deeper into you
Soon we two are standing still in time
If you read my mind, you'll see
I'm crazy for you
Touch me once and you'll know it's true
I never wanted anyone like this
It's all brand new, you'll feel it in my kiss
I'm crazy for you, crazy for you
He pressed his body closer to mine. My head rested on his shoulder I could no longer see his masked face. It didn't matter at the time. I wanted to enjoy this moment as long as I could. My heart seemed to sore as we glided along the dance floor.
It's all brand new, I'm crazy for you
And you know it's true
I'm crazy, crazy for you
The song ended as my head raised from his shoulder. Who was this wonderful and enchanting boy? I needed to know. Reaching up for his mask I was just about to pull it off then his hand gently reached for mine.
"Not now" he spoke "I must go!" his voice sounded panicky.
"Wh…what? Why?" My voice sounded hurt I hadn't meant for it to sound that way but it seemed as though I had just arrived.
"We will talk later" he said taking my hand and giving it a kiss. "Here" his hand reached into the air as a single red rose with a red ribbon appeared in his hand. "Good bye Hermione we will meet again I promise" he said giving me a final wave as he walked away and out the doors of the dance.
That was it? Three minuets with him and he was gone? And the worst thing of it is, is that I never got to find out who he was. It could have been anybody. What if it was Neville? Or perhaps Malfoy? My body shuddered at the thought of Malfoy. I didn't think it would be him I mean being he hated me and all. One thing was for sure I was going to find out who that boy was if it was the last thing I did.