Hermione stormed down the corridor, still fuming about Ron. She couldn't deny it hurt that he wouldn't consider her good enough to be more than a last resort. Sure, Viktor Krum had asked her, but it was even worse that Ron assumed she didn't have a date and wouldn't get asked.
Bloody arse, she thought to herself. Hermione was distracted, and accidentally ran into a passing woman.
"I-I'm sorry, ma'am." Hermione apologized. The woman brushed the hair that had fallen in her face due to her and Hermione's collision, and smiled.
"It's alright, Miss Granger."
Hermione recognized the woman as one of Madame Pomfrey's assistants, Leah Winchester. She was beautiful, and had heard Fred and George talk about pretending to be hurt just so she could take care of them.
Leah looked at Hermione with concern. "You look upset dear. What's the matter?"
Hermione shook her head, "It's nothing, honestly, Miss Winchester. Just...friend issues."
Leah raised an eyebrow. She remembered being fifteen, and knew that drama was bound to happen. Hermione looked rather upset, and she didn't like it when people were upset. Especially if she could help. Leah, being the stubborn woman she was, persuaded Hermione to talk to her about it.
Hermione sat down on the empty Hospital Wing cot in front of Leah. The Medi-Witch poured her some tea, and sat down.
"Now, what has you so upset?" Leah asked her. She began to explain to Leah about Ron asking her so late, and how he made it seem like she wouldn't get asked to go. Leah shook her head, and said, "Hermione, boys are very stupid at your age. I know plenty of people say that, but it really is true. My friend used to try and go out with my other friend of mine for seven years. Every time he asked her out, he did it the wrong way. He acted like a prat, and he was arrogant, and it just drove her up the wall. Of course, deep down she liked the attention he gave her, but it worked out in the end, and they went out."
"So, what happened to them after that?" Hermione inquired before blowing on her tea and taking a sip.
"They got married, and had a child. That child is your other best friend, Harry." she smiled wistfully. Leah did miss her old friends dearly. It was nice last year when Remus was at Hogwarts for a year, but James and Lily were dead, and Sirius was on the run. It was nice to reminisce.
"So, the whole time he always mucked up, but he got better they got together?" Hermione wanted to confirm. Hearing this from Leah was a relief, and although she couldn't quite figure out why it was so, it still made her feel better.
"Indeed. So, I hear you're going with Viktor Krum to the Ball." Leah grinned.
The girls sat there for probably half an hour, giggling, gossiping, and drinking tea. Hermione left for class, and Leah offered to help her with her makeup for the Ball.
Hermione entered the Hospital Wing.
"You look beautiful, Hermione." Leah said with a smile and a nod at the periwinkle gown Hermione wore. She beamed at the older woman, and thanked her for the compliment.
Leah soon began to work on Hermione's makeup. She truly didn't need very much, but there was nothing wrong with a few touch-ups. Some blots of soft pink lip gloss, a brush of blush, and a few strokes of mascara later, Hermione's makeup was finished. Leah admired her handiwork.
"Chin up, dear. Every single bloke in that ballroom is going to wish they were Viktor Krum. And not because of Quidditch." Leah brushed a stray, curled lock out of Hermione's face. Hermione smiled. Leah offered her a mirror, and a large grin broke out on her face when she saw her reflection. Hermione hugged her.
"Thank you, Leah."