Ch.2The Talk

I left with Ron from Dumbledore's office. I was so happy that we were going together that I didn't notice that we had made it to the Gryffindor common room until Ron nudged me and said,"Hermione we're here."I awoke from my wonderful daydream of the ball and said faintly,"Oh,yes of course we are." I then went inside to the common room and sat down to do some of my Potions and Ancient Runes homework.
While I was rummaging through my bag Ron sat down next to me on the couch and asked an odd question--at least coming from him.

He hesitantly asked me,"We are going only as friends right--you aren't scheming with Dumbledore so you can go out with me are you?"

"Why Ron, that is the most absurd thing I have ever heard.Of course I'm not scheming with Dumbledore.Why in the world would you think that?"

"I was only wondering 'Mione! I just thought that it was odd that we have to have duties on the night of the ball when so many teachers will be there to chaperone anyway."

"Yes Ron but we are Head Girl and Head Boy. We can not only think of ourselves and what we want to do. We have-"

Ron cut me off and said,"responsibilities,responsibilities,I know already!

"Okay Ron.I know I come off a little strong about these duties but it is in your best interest. Besides I think we will have a good time at the ball."

"Yeah I suppose you are right as usual.Well G'night 'Mione."

Those same shivers went up my spine when he used that nickname and quietly I replied.

"G'night Ron."

We went to our respective dormitories and did not wake til' morning.

I rose and got ready for the day. Today I had put in a little more effort than I did usually. I applied my mascara and some lipstick and even semi-tamed my bushy hair. I also had carefully picked out my clothes.I went down to the common room and greeted Harry, Ron and Ginny.We walked down to breakfast together. During breakfast the subject of the ball came up and both Harry and Ginny wanted to know who Ron and I were going with to the ball. We both looked at each other and then back at them.

I told Harry and Ginny,"We are going together. Dumbledore told us that we have duties and that we are to go together to make things easier with the duties."

Harry and Ginny now looked at each other and seemed to be stifling laughter.

"That is interesting," said Harry and Ginny gave a little laugh and said,"How will you two survive each other."

Ron then said,"We'll figure something out," and winked at me teasingly.

I said to all of them,"We are not going to fight at this ball.I am tired of rows and we have to maintain our duties."

"Yeah,"said Ron,"We won't fight at this ball.I'm tired of rows as well."

"Well, I guess we should get ready for our classes that are today."

"Yeah,"replied Harry, Ginny and Ron simultaneously.

Ron caught up to me and we discussed our duties for tonight and ended up leaving Harry and Ginny behind. Little did I know they were having a more interesting conversation than meets the eye.

"So,"said Harry,"since we're talking about the ball I thought I would ask you to go with me.What do you think?"

"Harry!Of course I'll go with you!You don't even have to ask!"

And so ends some interesting conversations and now begins the interesting happenings of planning and preparing for the ball.