AN- So here's the first chapter! Please review! Disclaimer and enjoy!

Chapter1:

The cool winter air was beginning to chill and a light snow swirled in the wind that blew. The charmed lanterns outside the massive castle flickered against the small wind, yet did not diminish. The various foliage that lined the grounds was immune to the cold, looking as beautiful and healthy as they would in the spring.

The frost paned windows kept the hundreds of occupants warm despite the weather outside. An orchestra played a mellow tune as various students, dressed in best formal robes and dresses, each donning elaborate masks, waiting in anticipation within a Christmas- decorated Great Hall.

Fifth, Sixth and Seventh years either chatted with small groups of friends that knew who they were under the masks, or stood off to the side looking around in awe at the various decorations.

The long wooden tables were removed and now held a space for dancing; small circled tables were placed off to the side, topped with white cloth and a bouquet of red poinsettia.

A light snow sprinkled far overhead, charmed not to touch the people below. Mistletoe magically appeared every so often, catching the students off guard a few times.

The Headmaster, Professor Albus Dumbledore, rose from his center chair from the raised dais. All voices quieted and looked toward their professor.

"I am honored to present to you the Winter Ball, a wonderful way to end this year! Please enjoy this evening; you all look splendid in your masquerade masks. And before I forget, your masks will disappear at midnight. Only then can you truly reveal yourselves. Merry Christmas!"

And thus the Ball started. The music became a little faster and students began to ask each other to dance, or went around to find their friends.

Meanwhile, Hermione Granger stood alone, Harry off somewhere with Ginny, and Ron most likely snogging Lavender Brown in a corner of mistletoe.

She wore a burgundy red ball gown with silver beading. The bodice was rouched with silver floral accents going to the hip and the skirt had soft tulle over layer with more accents. Her mask only covered her eyes with a plume of owl feathers on the side, the mask itself a deep red. She had put her hair into an up-do of curls, small wisps of curls framed around her face. She painted her lips a shade of red.

She anxiously looked around for Cormac McLaggen, a fellow Gryffindor that liked her. She had declined his offer to go to the Ball with him, but despite that, he tried convincing her every chance he had gotten. She had managed to avoid him for most of the week, but she knew he'd find her eventually.

Someone tapped her on her shoulder. "Excuse me."

Hermione frowned when she recognized the voice. McLaggen. He wore a white collared shirt and black slacks, along with black dress robes and a simple black mask.

Hmm. I thought his mask would have been more elaborate, coming from him. She thought.

She had looked nothing like herself in her dress. Nonetheless, he had found her. Great.

"Say, care for a dance?" he asked, winking at her.

Maybe he doesn't know who I am, she thought. He'd at least make a remark about his offer or something.

"Um...I'm waiting for someone," she lied. She really didn't want to dance with him even if he didn't recognize her.

"Just one dance. Please?" he begged.

"Alright. Just one." If Hermione hadn't said yes, she knew she'd have to listen to him following her until she did.

He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. A fast song began to play, and McLaggen started talking. The only things he talked about was his 'accomplishments', himself, or the fact that Hermione had declined his offer. The only thing was he didn't know he was dancing with her.

As soon as the song ended, Hermione wanted to leave his presence. "I'm sorry, but I really have to go," she told him, frantically thinking of a way out before the next song began.

"Why not one more song?" he pressed, still holding onto her hand. "I don't want to-!"

"Come on!"

"No I can't-!"

A hand latched onto McLaggen's shoulder. "She doesn't want to dance with you, mate. I suggest you do as she says," a new voice said.

"What do you care? And who are you?" McLaggen lashed out, ripping the hand off his shoulder.

"I'm a man that can see no one wants to dance with you. So you might as well stop trying." Hermione looked at the man. He wore a white button-down collared shirt and black slacks, and deep green almost black dress robes. He was blonde and his eyes stood out to her, but with the charm on all the masks, she couldn't quite figure it out. His mask was more elaborate- still a mask that just covered his eyes, the color was the same deep green with golden stitching framing it.

McLaggen scowled at him and let go of her hand, stalking away.

"Thank you," Hermione said, looking up at the man.

"Don't mention it. He's an idiot really." The next song began to play- a waltz. "…Do…you mind dancing with me?" he asked, hesitantly.

"Sure, I mean you did just save me from him." He offered his hand out to her, which she took. He slid his hand around her waist as she put one of her hands on his shoulder and the two joined their free hands together.

As the music took them around, he asked, "So who are you?"

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "It's a masked ball, remember? I'm not supposed to tell you."

"Hmm, witty. Cute."

"How about this? We each give each other three guesses by midnight," she suggested.

"Alright."

"But just one thing. When the magic comes off at midnight, promise that we won't judge each other? Please?" she offered.

"I promise."

AN- How'd you guys like it? I hope I did well on this one! Please review!

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