Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Harry Potter; Santa didn't come through on that one…

The Trouble with Heels

Hermione sat on the floor of the dormitory, staring at the ceiling. No matter how hard she tried, and she had been for 2 hours, Hermione could not walk in the heels currently tied to her feet. She couldn't bear the thought of tripping during the ball that night; especially with Harry as her date. Even though he was her best friend, it would still be fortifying.

And in front of the entire school.

Sighing, Hermione grabbed the post of her bed, standing up; only to stumble and fall when she let go. She stared in despair at the cherry red pumps.

This is not going to happen. She thought sadly. Maybe she could just get by with her everyday Mary-Janes...

Hermione reached for the satin bows around her ankles, and was about to untie them when the door burst open.

"Hermione, would you help me…" Ginny called before looking curiously at her, nearly ready to drop the books in her arms. "What are those?" The third year asked, raising an eyebrow at Hermione. Ducking her head, Hermione quickly untied the shoes and yanked them off, standing up.

"Nothing, Gin." She said hurriedly, "Now, what do you need help with?"

"Umm…just my charms homework, but those don't look like nothing, Herms." Ginny said, pointing to the shoes. "Are those your shoes for the ball?" Hermione sighed and nodded, walking over to her desk.

"Herms, what's wrong?" Ginny pressed, placing her books on Hermione's desk and a hand on the older girl's shoulder.

"It's nothing, Ginny, really." Hermione mumbled, fumbling with a quill. "So, why don't we get started on your homework?" Ginny crossed her arms, and stared at Hermione. "What now, Gin?"

"Honestly, Hermione." Ginny rolled her eyes, marching over to the bed and grabbing the heels. "You aren't going to wear these, are you?" Seeing Hermione shake her head lightly, Ginny continued:

"It's because you can't walk in them, isn't it." Hermione looked up at her, like a deer caught in head-lights. Ginny smiled, and handed the shoes to Hermione, who stared blankly at them. "Put them on, Herms. I'll teach you how to walk in them."

"Gin, you don't have to –"Ginny just smiled at Hermione.

"And see you wearing your school shoes to the ball? Come on, Herms. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't force you to be gorgeous?" Hermione looked at the floor, biting her lip.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt…" Hermione muttered. Nodding to herself, she sat on the bed and put the heels back on. Placing her toes lightly on the floor, Hermione looked up at Ginny. Holding out her hands, Ginny told Hermione to hold on to them. It was like when Hermione taught Ginny how to ice-skate a year earlier, only a total role reversal.

For a good twenty minutes, the pair walked around the room, like a dance lesson and walking lesson in one. Only an hour before the ball began, Hermione finally got the handle on walking with the added bonus of conquering the stairs. Ginny practically moved into the 4th year dorm to get ready for the ball with Hermione; Ginny almost had to tie Hermione up to put her makeup on, and Ginny kept squirming as Hermione did her hair. Before they went down, the two girls stood in the bathroom mirror and laughed while making faces.

Later that night, Ginny and Neville stood dancing off to the side. Peering over her date's shoulder, Ginny smiled as she watched Hermione and Harry dancing. As if out of nowhere, Ginny watched as Hermione suddenly tripped and fell; right into Harry's arms.

Laughing lightly, Ginny turned back to her own date and smiled. Some things couldn't be fixed.

Author's Note: Heya guys! Thanks for reading. Please rate and review! - Carie Lea