Title: Not everything is what it seems
Warning: Incompatible with HBP. Characters are slightly OOC.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
i.
"There will be a graduation ball", shrieked the piece of parchment posted at one of the posts of the Gryffindor Common Room.
"I cannot believe it", a shout of shock rang amidst the now crowded room from the ever-so-loud Ron.
'What is it", Harry asked grabbing the shrieking notice from the post; then read the other details aloud.
"A graduation ball will be held after the ceremony of our graduation. In line with this", Harry paused, looked around then continued, "Everyone must have a partner. All the other details will be discussed tonight at dinner".
There were different reactions; most were happy while others were not.
Hermione simply didn't care. Why care about the dance when you don't have anyone to go with, anyway? Ron has Lavender, Harry has Ginny, and Viktor, well, I wouldn't like to think of him, at least not anymore. And the object of my thoughts is found somewhere out there, drooling over somebody else. A sigh followed, somewhat suggesting an emptiness somewhere beneath her façade.
She was about to exit the common room when someone behind her spoke, "Err.. Her-Hermione, Hermione", Neville slightly blushed while struggling with the words, "are you going with anybody to the ball?"
"No".
"…Would you care to go with me?"
"Oh, uhm… sure", she hesitated.
"Re-Really? Great! So see you later 'Mione".
"Well, of course", and with that, she exited the Gryffindor Common Room and headed towards the Great Hall for dinner. That was when she happened to see the outside and how she thought it was inviting.
It was dark and dull outside but there was peace and tranquility.
Everyone was already having dinner when Dumbledore noticed the absence of the Head Girl.
"Mr. Malfoy, do you happen to know where Ms. Granger is?" the Headmaster inquired as he approached the Slytherin table.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I haven't. Don't worry, sir, I'll go now and look for her", the blond Head Boy answered rather politely.
"That would be very kind of you, Mr. Malfoy, please go and tell Ms. Granger that she must be here before we give the announcement", Dumbledore said and left and with that, Draco left the hall grumbling, " Mudblood Granger!"
"Have you heard the ferret and Dumbledore?" Ron asked Harry eating beside him.
"Uhm, no, what were they talking about?"
"Hermione, she is not around and she needs to be here for the announcement", he whispered.
"Oh, well", Harry continued munching on his dinner.