Just wanted to thank everyone for the reviews. I am new to writing fanfiction, so thanks for the support. Hope you enjoy.
Ron shook Harry's shoulder, rudely awakening him from a rather pleasant dream.
"Come on. Herbalogy is over. Mcgonagall will have a fit if we are late to class again." Ron kept nudging Harry.
"Mmm up." Harry mumbled as he rubbed his eyes. He righted his glasses and followed Ron and Hermione back to the castle. He squinted against the bright sun. It was unseasonably hot for fall, and Harry was eager for the cool shade of the castle.
"So Ginny still worrying about this ball?" Ron asked as they head to Transfiguration class. "Lavender already got her dress. She won't shut up about it."
Hermione mumbled a rude comment under her breath, and Harry had to suppress a chuckle. He cleared his throat to cover it up.
"Um yea. She's pretty upset you won't let her go. It does seem rather unfair. You sure you can't talk some sense into your mum?"
Ron shook his head. His shaggy red hair desperately needed a haircut, but apparently Lavender preferred it long.
"Definitely not. Mum has been on a rampage. Yesterday she sent a Howler just because I got one bloody detention. Besides, if Hermione goes, Ginny goes. Good thing there's not a guy here that has asked Hermione out yet. Right Mione?" Ron laughed and nudged Hermione playfully.
"For your information Ron, the reason no guy has asked me to the ball is because they are all blithering idiots like you. Unlike some people I actually have a goal in life other than attending some dance in a frilly and uncomfortable dress. Perhaps you have heard of the concept? It's called a career." Hermione snipped back. Her brown eyes flashed dangerously. Ron and Hermione had never been stable, but after their brief stint as a couple their relationship was rockier than usual.
Harry sent her a sympathetic look. Ron may be his best friend but subtly and women were not his strong point. "Its two weeks to the ball, Ron. Hermione just may have a date by then. Besides, Ginny already made plans for us in the room of requirement."
Harry figured it wouldn't hurt to rub it in. Besides, it was entertaining to see his face turn the shade of a tomato.
"That's my sister you prick!" Ron bellowed.
"Right sorry about that. Gotta dash. Left something in Herbalogy." Harry ducked out of the way of a poorly aimed jinx. He dashed back to the greenhouse before Ron could follow him. He would cool off by the time Harry found his way back to class. He had spotted Malfoy making his way to the greenhouse, and he needed to speak to him without Hermione nearby. If she caught any wind of this, there would be hell to pay.
"Malfoy!" He called running to catch up with the blonde. "Malfoy wait up!"
Malfoy finally slowed and turned to face him. "What do you want Potter? Don't you have some world saving to do or whatever it is that Gryffindors do to occupy their time?"
Harry rolled his eyes at the sarcasm. He learned long ago it wasn't worth it to let Malfoy push his buttons. Malfoy always was and always would be an annoying git.
"I was wondering if you had a date for the ball?"
"Seriously Potter? It has taken you this long to come out that you're a poof and your first choice is me? I am flattered, truly I am. However, I would rather consume a live blast ended skwert."
Harry felt his eye begin to twitch. He was tempted to just forget the whole ordeal and curse Malfoy, but he knew how much this meant to Ginny. And when she was unhappy, well life for him was far from pleasant.
"Not for me you git. I'm with Ginny. I was asking on behalf of a friend."
Malfoy raised an eyebrow and sauntered closer. His blonde hair gleamed in the afternoon sunlight. "Is this friend female?"
"Yes. Your parade of female friends has made it more than apparent that your prefer women."
"Jealous Potter? Weaslette not enough for you anymore?"
"Hardly. However, Ginny wishes to go to this ball and she is not allowed to go unless Hermione goes."
"I fail to see how this is of my concern." Malfoy drawled. He gazed off at the castle obviously bored.
"I need you to take Hermione to the ball." Harry finally blurted out.
Malfoy actually laughed, an outright, genuine laugh. "You really have lost it haven't you? There have been rumors of course, but I didn't believe them. But after this, you really are off your rocker," he clutched his stomach, still recovering from his peals of laughter.
"I am being serious Malfoy. You are the only boy in Hogwarts who isn't sacred shitless of her."
"As well they should be. You have been friends with her eight years. You know firsthand how frightening she is when she puts her mind to it. However," Malfoy smirked. "Granger isn't half bad looking. For a price I could be persuaded."
"Exactly what did you have in mind?"
"Money is of no importance to me, but as the savior of our precious world you hold a bit of sway with influential people. For starters the Mcgonagall has me only a leash short enough to be a noose."
"You may have been a spy for the Order, but you are harldy the most trustworthy person. I can't just convince Mcgonagall that you a prefect little angel."
"Hardly, but a few trips to Hogsmeade, and being able to leave my common room after dark without an escort would be nice start."
"I'll see what I can do."
"You want me to convince Princess Gryffindor to go on a date with me; you better do better than "I'll see"."
"Fine. You will get what you want Malfoy." Harry growled. He had officially reached the end of his patience. Malfoy had the unique ability to piss him off without even trying. "Just focus on wooing Hermione."
Malfoy sneered at him. "I would say it was pleasure doing business with you, but I have been through torture sessions more pleasant." He turned and stalked off.
