Silken Red Hair
By corset-rebellion-follower
Disclaimer: I don't own HP
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Chapter 1: The AnnouncementThe Great Hall was completely silent. Everyone was staring at the professors' table, looking for the reason that dinner was delayed. Dumbledore finally stood. A look of relief washed over the faces of the student. Once Dumbledore was done speaking, they could eat.
"Good evening. I am terribly sorry that I have delayed this delicious meal. But I have a piece of very exciting news. We are going to be having a Halloween ball in two weeks time, on Friday the 31st. All students in third year and over are invited to attend." A loud groan from the first and second years filled everyone's ears.
Dumbledore waited for everyone to calm down before continuing.
"However, if a first or second year is asked to the ball, then they may come as well. It will begin at eight p.m. and last until midnight, but first and second years that may be attending must return to their dormitories at ten." Another groan rose from the first and second years. But most of the students were talking excitedly about the ball.
"Are you going to ask Ginny this year, Harry?" Hermione Granger asked. Harry Potter's cheeks turned bright red. "Are you going with Malfoy? After Krum, he should be an improvement," Ron Weasley asked with venom in his voice. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Are you going to snog it up with Lavender?" she fired back. He merely turned back to his dinner, which had appeared like everyone else's.
"Who are you going to ask, Ron? Now that Lavender hates you, she might not want to go with you," Harry joked. Ron threw a roll at him. Harry grinned.
"Well I think it's a waste of time. I could understand the Yule Ball, that was for international magical cooperation. But this seems like a misuse of good study time," Hermione complained.
"You just don't like having fun, Hermione. Or you don't like any ball that doesn't involve snogging Viktor Krum," Ron scoffed. Hermione scowled at Ron before storming out of the Great Hall, grabbing her books in the process. She had made it to the Fat Lady before Ron caught up with her. "Wow… your… faster than I thought," he said, trying to catch his breath.
"Password?" the Fat Lady asked.
Ron and Hermione ignored her. "What do you want, Ronald?" Hermione asked briskly. "I… I need to talk to you," he stammered.
"Password?" the Fat Lady asked again, slightly disgruntled.
"Well, we're standing here now. Talk," Hermione demanded. "Not here! It's private!" Ron hissed.
"PASSWORD!" the Fat Lady yelled.
Both Ron and Hermione looked taken aback. But Hermione finally got her senses back together. "Tommertoose." The portrait hole opened and they stepped into the common room. The only one in there was Neville, who was reading a Herbology book.
"I… let's go up to the boys dormitories. I'll tell you there." He took her hand, something she didn't expect him to do, and lead her up to his dormitory. He brought her to his bed and closed the curtains around them when they were both inside. "Um… Hermione… I… I don't know quite how to say this, but I… I like you. More than friends. And… I want to take you to the ball. So what do you say?"
Hermione was speechless. All the snide remarks, all the fights that we've had, he didn't mean it? But all of Hermione's thoughts melted away. Ron's lips were connected to hers. They both ended the kiss quickly.
"Um… Ron, I… I never…" She paused. "I would love to go to the ball with you." A huge grin illuminated Ron's face. "Thanks, Hermione! You have no idea how worried I was that you were going to say no," he said in a relieved voice.
She smiled. But when she left Gryffindor common room, the smile faded. What did I just do? I'm going on a date with Ron! I kissed Ron! What's wrong with me? She shook the memory from her head and made her way to the library. Thank goodness it's the weekend. And it's a Hogsmeade trip tomorrow. I need some new dress robes for the ball. And for my date… with Ron…
A few giggles arose from a nearby bookcase. Parvati Patil emerged from the books. She saw Hermione and quickly walked over to her. "Hey, Hermione! What are you doing here?" she asked happily. "I'm, um, reading. That's usually what you do in a library," Hermione answered nervously. Parvati smirked.
"There's more than that. What's going on?" Hermione sighed. "Ron asked me to the ball. And I said yes. And he kissed me." Parvati squealed. "Ooh, Hermione, that's so cute! Although Lavender might not be too happy with you. But still, that's so cute!" she yelled. Madam Pince shushed her as she went by. Parvati turned to leave before Madam Pince could yell at her again.
"Um… Parvati?" She turned around. Hermione walked up to her. "Parvati, I need help picking out new dress robes. I'm not very good with fashion. Can you help me?" she asked sheepishly. Parvati grinned and squealed again.
"I would love to! I was always wondering when you would need help on this subject. And I'll get Lavender to help too. No matter how mad she is at Ron. Meet us tomorrow at Honeydukes at eleven. We can do lunch, and then go shopping. Can't wait!" Parvati ran out of the library. Hermione sighed.
What have I gotten myself into? She shook her head and made her way back to the common room. Harry and Ron were waiting for her inside. "So Hermione, where do you want to go in Hogsmeade tomorrow?" Harry asked as she sat down in an armchair near theirs.
"I can't. Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown are taking me shopping." Ron and Harry both stared at her. "Since when do you go shopping? Especially with the giggle pair," Ron asked.
"Since I want to. So have fun without me." She got up and went to bed.
