Chapter 1

Ginny Weasley could barely contain her excitement. She'd been bouncing off the walls ever since she heard about Professor McGonagall's announcement of the Yule Ball over the holiday break. Trying to maintain some sense of decorum, Ginny hunted down a certain brunette to try and gauge her chances of wooing a certain raven haired boy to ask her to the Yule Ball. On entering the Gryffindor common room she spotted Hermione in her usual spot on a comfy red sofa in front of the fireplace. She had a look of concentration on her face as she studied whatever book currently held her fancy.

Ginny glided over to Hermione and leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"Hermione, I really need to talk to you! Can we find someplace a little more private so we can have some girl time?"

Hermione gave a small sigh at the disruption and proceeded to place a bookmark so as not to lose her place. From the look on Ginny's face, it was fairly obvious what this would be about. Hermione really didn't like having to let Ginny down all the time and it would be especially hard this time because she could see just how worked up her friend was.

"Sure thing Ginny. Let's head up to my room."

Nobody noticed as Ginny followed Hermione up the stairs to Hermione's dorm room. Sitting on her bed, Hermione closed the bed curtains and cast a silencing charm. Hermione turned to face Ginny, "Okay Ginny. What's got your knickers in a twist?"

Ginny nearly burst at the seams, "Have you heard the news? Hogwarts is hosting a Yule Ball! The champions are expected to attend and third years can attend if they're asked by someone older."

"Yes Ginny, I had heard that. It's supposed to be a really big deal and the whole school is talking about it. So, knowing that you can't attend unless asked by an older student, what's got you so worked up?"

"Do you think Harry could be convinced to ask me to go to the Yule Ball?" The look of hope in Ginny's eyes was both heart warming and crushing all at the same time. Hermione knew that Ginny held a major crush on Harry Potter, but Hermione didn't think that Ginny had even a small clue about the real Harry. While she tried to be accommodating of the girls obvious infatuation, even going so far as to give occasional tips and advice on how to make him notice her, Hermione had always felt that Ginny's feelings would never be returned by Harry. It wasn't that Ginny had nothing to offer. She was growing into quite the package as far as girls went. It was just that Hermione couldn't envision Ginny relating to Harry in any way that Harry would reciprocate. Ginny was still too much of a fan girl and was doomed to always be one until she could bring herself to be a friend to Harry first, instead of a fan.

Hermione had tried, on many occasions, to point this out to her, but Ginny still wasn't getting it. Harry Potter wanted to be Harry, not the-boy-who-lived. Any girl who couldn't understand that would never make it into his circle of trust.

"Ginny, I'm not sure there's anything you can do, short of asking him to ask you. But, if you do that, you're going to put him on the spot and he's going to say no, just to avoid feeling like he's being forced into doing something he doesn't want to do. Harry is going to be asked by so many girls who want to go with him because he's famous or a champion. Harry just wants to feel normal. He's such a shy person, which means he probably won't ask anyone until the last minute. He's kind of clueless like that, but than again, so are most boys."

Ginny latched on to something Hermione said, "You don't think he'd want to go with me?"

Hermione sighed, "Ginny, what do you know about Harry? What I mean is, how well do you know him outside of what you read or hear from Ron or me? Do you know anything about his hopes or dreams? Do you know what upsets him or what makes him feel better? Do you even know how he feels about being entered into this tournament against his will? There's a whole side to Harry Potter that you haven't discovered and, until you can try to be his friend, you will never be anything more. I've been his best friend since first year and even I have trouble understanding what goes through that boys mind. He's closed off and rarely opens up. However, when he trusts you, he will open up. He'll give all he has to his friends because that's who he is. And if, by some miracle, you can gain his love…" Hermione sighed as her thoughts trailed off.

Ginny was so caught up listening to Hermione that she actually sighed at exactly the same time and drifted off into happy thoughts of a Harry madly in love with Ginny. That was just enough time for Hermione to push aside the thoughts she had of Harry that seemed to just appear out of the blue. While this wasn't the first time it had happened, now didn't seem to be a good time to enjoy them as she had an obviously enamored Ginny sitting across from her.

"So, to be as candid as I can Ginny, I don't see Harry asking you to the Yule Ball unless you can be his friend first. And at this point in the school year, I don't see you having all that much time to wiggle your way in. Harry still sees you as Ron's sister. You falling apart every time you're in the same room together doesn't help. You could make your plans more long term, but I just don't see you and Harry attending the Yule Ball together. I'm sorry Ginny."

Ginny couldn't hide her disappointment from showing all over her face. She really felt that, if given a small push, Harry would ask her to the Yule Ball. This seemed like the perfect event for her to begin her quest to become Harry's girlfriend, if not more. She knew it would be a challenge, but she wasn't prepared to be shut down so completely by Hermione. Well, if she truly wanted Harry to notice her than she, at least, had to have a game plan to start making it happen. If nothing else, perhaps she could get Harry to notice her at the ball by looking beautiful. She had no idea who he would go with, but she wanted to make sure that she captured his attention and made him notice that she was so much more than just Ron's sister. Now, if only her boobs would catch up with her ambition.

After Ginny had left her room, Hermione began thinking back on their conversation. She had expected Ginny to want to find a way to get Harry to ask Ginny to the ball, but she hadn't anticipated how she would feel about that. True, she'd had thoughts of Harry in the past, but she always put it off as a passing fancy. It seemed like just a normal part of boys and girls growing up together. What she hadn't anticipated was the jolt to her stomach she received when thinking about Ginny attending the ball on Harry's arm. As Hermione talked about Harry finding someone to love, thoughts of Hermione on his arm invaded her mind, unbidden. Were those thoughts unwanted? He was, after all, only a friend, right?

As Hermione began to ponder the mystery of what her true feelings were for Harry, she realized that she'd need to pay more attention the next time they were together. Hermione didn't think she was as pretty or attractive as the other girls in her school, but she did realize that they were growing up. If Harry was interested in another girl, Hermione wanted to know her own true feelings about the boy. Was there something between them? She didn't know, but Hermione Granger was going to find out!

The next morning found Harry heading for the Great Hall to have breakfast. He knew he needed to eat, but he really didn't think he could, even if his life depended on it. His heart was beating so fast he thought it would fly out of his chest. Harry was actually amazed that people could walk by him and not hear the chaotic heartbeat that seemed to be pounding in his ears. He was actually going to do this! He was going to ask a girl to the Yule Ball and damn the consequences. Of course, that all sounded good in the safety of his warm bed as he woke up this morning. Now that he was on his way, it didn't seem like such a good idea anymore.

Here he was, Harry Potter, Tri-Wizard Champion. He had faced one of the most vicious breeds of dragon and come out on top. He had survived multiple encounters with Voldemort, yet here he was, terrified of asking a girl to a ball. Apparently, Hermione wasn't the only one who had to get their priorities straight. Killing Curse – no problem, Cruciatus Curse – been there done that. Harry hoped that Voldemort never learned that the secret to defeating Harry Potter was as simple as throwing a pretty girl at him!

Harry never thought he'd be doing this. He was much to shy and besides, who'd ever want to be with him? His friends liked him well enough, but more than that? Harry just didn't think it would ever happen. Harry felt lucky just to have friends! His aunt and uncle had seen to it that Harry would never feel worthy. However, after the dream he'd had last night he just couldn't turn away from his current course of action.

Harry had gone to bed last night troubled about the upcoming Yule Ball that he had to attend. He didn't know how to dance and he had no idea who'd he'd even ask. It seemed like the world was conspiring against him to show him how worthless he really was. Harry could never seem to catch a break. Every year something bad happened to him and he just didn't think that Fate would ever allow him to be happy.

Once asleep, Harry had dreamed of a beautiful girl dancing in a ball gown of light blue. The dress sparkled as if filled with thousands of crystal facets. The sparkle transcended even her hair as it glittered under the lights from the ballroom. Her dance partner hid her face from him, but her flowing brown hair cascaded off her shoulders in large ringlets of heavenly delight. She danced with a grace that was mesmerizing and Harry stood still as a statue, entranced by her elegance and poise.

As they waltzed across the dance floor, the heavenly woman turned about the floor and Harry was able to see her face. His jaw dropped as he realized he was watching Hermione. Her liquid brown eyes met his from across the room and a jealous bile rose in Harry's throat as he realized that he wanted to be her dance partner. He had never seen her like this before. Hermione had always been a friend. A best friend, to be sure, but this was different. There was a primal sense surrounding Harry, telling him that he wanted to be her dance partner. Harry wasn't sure that he could survive a night watching Hermione in someone else's arms. Harry awoke knowing exactly what he needed to do. He felt an urgency and he knew what needed to be done, he just didn't know how and he could only hope he wasn't too late.

Harry raced down the stairs from the Gryffindor tower and only stopped running as he reached to door to the Great Hall. Trying to calm himself, he waited a few moments until his breathing slowed as much as it was going to. With a final attempt at creating some self-confidence, Harry straightened up and walked into the Great Hall.

He immediately knew his plan was scuppered as Harry walked to the Gryffindor table and didn't see Hermione anywhere in sight. Sitting down, Harry asked, "Where's Hermione? I didn't see her in the Common Room. I thought for sure she'd be here having breakfast."

"She left for the library a few minutes ago." Ron answered between bites. "She said she had some research to do before classes and she didn't want to put it off until later."

Harry was filled with a sense of comfort at Ron's answer. That was typical Hermione and Harry felt a sense of warmth at the feelings of how well he truly knew his friend. "Alright then, " Harry tried to deflect any suspicion about his curiosity as to her whereabouts. "I have a question about one our assignments. I'll just head on over the library and see if she has the answer."

"Ha!" Ron almost snorted his pumpkin juice all over the table. "That's a good one Harry! Hermione not know and answer? That's not bloody likely!"

Harry smiled at his friend in agreement and headed off to the library in search of Hermione. By this time he had calmed down quite a bit. His mind was now set on a course of action and his body was determined to carry it out.

As Harry entered the library he headed towards where he knew Hermione's favorite table was located. As he approached her table, Harry couldn't help but notice that Viktor Krum was watching Hermione as she studied. He had a nervous look about him that seemed out of place. All of the other times that Harry had seen Krum around the castle, he had seemed so sure of himself. The world famous Quidditch star always carried himself with confidence. Not now, though. He seemed exceedingly nervous as he continued to stare at Hermione through the bookshelves.

What could make a boy (man he corrected himself) act so nervous. He looked as nervous as Harry felt and Harry only felt this nervous because he was going to… Realization took hold of Harry like a bolt of lightning. As Krum began to move away from the bookshelves towards Hermione he only had one shot to interrupt what he knew was about to happen.

Hermione had been studying, looking for answers to the homework questions that were due next week. She hated leaving homework lying around so she always made her best effort to finish assignments just as soon as possible. As she was studying, Hermione had felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. It felt as if someone was watching her. She had glanced around the library, but didn't see anybody in immediate sight so she had brushed it off as nerves.

Her nerves had really been a problem this morning. As she had been heading downstairs for breakfast, Hermione began thinking about her conversation with Ginny last night. She began to think about what she felt about Harry. Of course, he was her best friend so she trusted him completely, but was there the possibility of more? Could she view him as more than the adopted brother she had made him when they first met? As Hermione thought about Harry with other girls, she began to realize that yes, she probably could.

Hermione knew that Harry was attractive. She had just never let herself see him in that light before. There had always been a sibling like relationship between them, but it wasn't on purpose. It was just a product of their age. Now that she was getting older, Hermione realized that the relationship between boys and girls could change. This heady thought made her very nervous about her next meeting with Harry. She hoped he couldn't read her thoughts that, at the moment, were so clearly written on her face.

"Hermione!" Harry shouted from across the library. "There you are! I've been looking for you." Hermione almost jumped out of seat as Harry shouted to her from across the library.

"Hush boy! This is a library, not a Quidditch stadium!" Madam Pince was her usual cheery self as she berated Harry for disrupting the library from its usual tomb like ambience.

Hermione managed to regain her composure and noticed that Viktor Krum was approaching her from the other side of the aisle. Harry's shout had caused him to freeze, unsure of what to do. By the time he regained his wits, Harry was already pulling Hermione up from her seat and helping her pack her bags. "Come on Hermione! I need to talk to you!" Harry seemed nervous and panicked so Hermione decided to let him interrupt her study time and lead her away from the library leaving behind a missed opportunity and a frustrated Viktor Krum.