Chapter Two
The end of term had finally arrived, the students were looking forward to an enjoyable Halloween break, and Hermione was packing her suitcase, ready for her trip to London.
"I am going to have to hurry if I want to find a decent costume!" She thought to herself. The footsteps of excited children clattered past her office. Just then there was a knock on the solid wooden door.
"Enter." Hermione shouted cheerfully.
"Hey you." A handsome face appeared around the door.
"Dean," Hermione said, as she looked up smiling, "What are you doing here? I thought you were organizing the festivities here this year?"
"Yeah, I am and I was wondering if you would like to help me, remember, you promised me that dance this year?" Coach Thomas' dark eyes twinkled.
Hermione looked at him guiltily, she had completely forgotten her promise. Dean had been trying to get her out on a date all year and Hermione couldn't put it off much longer, but this time she had a genuine excuse.
"Oh Dean, I am so sorry, I was invited to Neville and Luna's masquerade ball... it was a last minute thing... I completely forgot... I'm really sorry to have to let you down again. You've been so good to me since Ron left for Romania." She lowered her eyes.
"It's fine Hermione... really." Dean said, but his voice belied his words ever so slightly. "You have a wonderful time. Make sure you tell everyone hi from me okay?"
Hermione looked up, a sympathetic look on her face. She knew Dean had feelings for her but she wasn't sure she felt the same way about him, and she hated feeling like she was leading him on.
"Of course Dean. You have fun too!" She said smiling.
The door closed softly behind Dean, and Hermione breathed a soft sigh. It had been two years now since she and Ron had split, the break up was amiable and the two of them were still close, but Ron had moved on and now he and Katja Krum seemed happy, "how strange that he has fallen for Viktor's cousin", Hermione thought with a modicum of amusement. "I bet he never leaves poor Viktor alone!"
She zipped up her leather case and, having wrapped up in a woollen coat, set off for the portkey in Hogsmeade.
