I never thought that being lonely would be such a fragile matter to the eyes of my family. I admit that I haven't been out for awhile; its just that I had been in a very serious relationship and I just didn't want to be involved with anyone in the meantime. I wanted to feel what its like to be alone, not having anyone to care for and not worrying about his jealousy. Yes.it all started with jealousy.

I had a great relationship with Harry. To the eyes of the wizarding population he was The Boy Who Lived but to me he was my best friend. The one I couldn't live without. Of course there was still Ron, my red-headed best friend but he was never Harry; the one whom I could confide into about anything. With Ron there was always the bickering that we both hated but just couldn't avoid. With Harry.everything was perfect.

I was stupid to choose Ron over Harry. I was blind to see what Harry means to me. But its all in the past now.

'Hermione, I need to talk to you for a minute. Alone,' he eyed Harry.

Harry was about to ask me about something when Ron appeared suddenly. I thought something terribly wrong had happened so I went with Ron to a secluded classroom. As I went inside, Ron closed the door and came to face me.

'Whats the matter Ron?' I asked.

'Nothing really.I just want to ask if you're going to the Yule Ball?'

'God! I thought something serious had happened to you. You made me worried for a minute Ron.' I shot him the look. 'But yeah I am going.why do you asked?'

'Oh so ermm.are you going with anyone?' he stammered.

'No,' I told him.

'Go with me then so you don't look stupid going there alone,' he said that with a tone that said if-you-don't-go-with-me-you'll-be-sorry.

STANDARD DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.