Enjoy!

Her feet slid across the polished marble; not in a good way. Glitter was literally raining on her. She held her palm up and as she caught the glimmering substance, she realized that it was crystals nestling in the cup of her hands. She softly brought it to her lips and blew, the crystals once again joining their falling counterparts. Hermione looked up to see the Great Hall of Hogwarts decorated more elaborately than ever before. With one week until Christmas, white trees with silver ornaments created the atmosphere of winter wonderland; the theme of Harry and Ginny's engagement party.

Hermione turned to see house elves beginning to set up the tables and chairs for tonight's event. Quickly checking the time, she knew Ginny would be waiting for her in Gryffindor Tower. Nostalgia carried Hermione through the corridors up to where she spent a good, the best, part of her life. As she reached the Portrait of the Fat Lady, a smile of remembrance and sentimentality was offered before Hermione recited the password. The portrait swung open with the Fat Lady still carrying on about a possible later conversation with a chance to sing for Hermione. Hermione gave a small chuckle and entered the common room.

It was the same, and yet, somehow it was different. It was too silent. McGonagall had told the wedding party they were given the Gryffindor Tower to get ready because none of the current Gryffindor students remained for the holidays. Hermione regained her train of thought and followed the staircase to the dormitories. She opened the door to Ginny's room and saw the girl sitting at a vanity. The loud girl was unusually quiet as Hermione walked over to her. Standing behind Ginny, Hermione addressed the girl's reflection, "Gin? Are you alright?"

Ginny raised her head to meet Hermione's reflection. Hermione watched as courage warred with fear in Ginny's eyes. Hermione placed her hand on Ginny's shoulder, concern spilling out of every pore of her body. Ginny reached up and placed her hand over Hermione's, "It's stupid. Isn't it, 'Mione? Being so nervous over something like this when we went through so much more."

Hermione wrapped her arms around Ginny, "Gin, we fought that war. We went through those things so we could have moments like this. Moments where you're biggest fear is being the centerpiece of an over-the-top, extravagantly decorated engagement party. While I sit and worry about the torture you are going to put me through for the next four hours."

Ginny gave a short laugh and stood up so Hermione could sit down, "Let's get started then, 'Mione. Let's be the best looking witches there."

Hermione groaned, eliciting another laugh from the bride-to-be.

Five very long hours later, Hermione and Ginny were deemed ready. While they had been finishing up, the boys had attempted to barge in on them but after a nasty threatening of a hex from Ginny, they sulked off. No less than ten minutes later, an owl delivered a parchment.

Ms. Granger and Ms. Weasley,

Ron and Harry would like to request your presence at the Chakram Lounge at precisely five o'clock. Ron and Harry have reserved the North End of the Circle for the wedding party. Ron and Harry have already spoken with the owner about drinks and such. Ron and Harry are expecting your presence and will see you there.

Sincerely,

Ron and Harry

P.S. I don't know why Ron referred to us in the third person.

Harry

The girls let out gales of laughter when Harry answered their unspoken question. Ginny shook her head at her brother's idiocy but quieted. Hermione was tidying her hair in the mirror when Ginny addressed her in soft tones, "Are you still in love with him?"

Hermione froze at the unexpected seriousness. She turned around slowly, pulling at the fabric of her dress while trying to weigh her words carefully. It was nearing five o'clock and she knew they should leave soon but she sat down on the bed next to Ginny.

"It was hard, Gin. Knowing that someone who is such an intricate part of my life, no longer wants to be in it. After he left me for her, I didn't know what to do. Since I was eleven, all I ever needed, and had, was you, Ron, and Harry. But not long after, I recognized where my feelings of sadness were coming from. I wasn't sad that I could never kiss him again. I wasn't sad that marriage to him wasn't going to happen. I was sad because things were awkward. I've never not known what to say when he approached me. I've never been calculating my movements, aware of how close I was to him. The part of my existence that holds onto him knows that we are only friends. I am sad because I know we will never be the same."

Ginny nodded in understanding and didn't push the issue further. The girls stood up and held onto one another, pulling away in smiles. The clock struck five and they hurriedly made their way out of the castle and to Hogsmeade.

This was Hermione's first time at the Chakram Lounge. It was newly opened and she was excited to try it. Upon entering, she noticed the entire interior was bewitched to be a circle. The ground floor was in actuality the second. In the center was the bar, with four winding staircases leading below. The bar sat in the middle of the room and allowed patrons to look down below. As Hermione leaned over the banister, she noticed the entire circle seating plan was moving. The wooden floor revolved slowly, exhibiting passing moments of customers drinking and chatting merrily. The north end of the circle came into view and a large table sat in the center. She watched as Harry looked up and gave a small wave. As she lifted her hand to wave back, her smile faltered at the sight of Ron and Lavender. Recalling her and Ginny's earlier conversation, Hermione quickly turned around to Ginny who was now calling out to Harry.

"Gin, I'm going to use the loo. I'll meet you down there."

Ginny nodded and continued on her way down the staircase. Hermione walked up to the crowded bar, attempting to get one of the workers' attention. As she slid between bodies, she finally reached the counter. Loud, Greek music was playing and she knew she couldn't be heard over it. Thankfully, a small, petite woman walked over to her. She had short black hair and her arms and chest were covered in thick tribal tattoos. The spiraling, geometric design caught Hermione's attention and she missed what the woman had said. Hermione held a hand up to her ear and mouthed, "What?"

The woman, who had to be in her mid-twenties, smiled and motioned for Hermione to move closer, "What would you like?" Her voice was melodic and held a thick Irish accent.

Hermione leaned closer and asked where the loo was. The bartender wiped her hands on a towel before throwing it down and jumping over the counter. She stood directly in front of Hermione and held out her hand, "My name's Ashley. Follow me."

She grabbed Hermione's hand and led her through the throng of people to a back corridor that led off the circle. The music significantly quieted once they entered and Hermione walked over to the mirror. Ashley washed her hands next to her and Hermione let out a breath, "I'm Hermione, by the way. Wow, it was hot out there."

"The five o'clock rush. Everyone's getting off work and wants a drink." Ashley jumped up to sit on the counter and faced Hermione, "Are you alright?"

Hermione looked down at her hands, "What do you mean?"

Ashley gave a small laugh and lightly hit Hermione on the shoulder, "You know what I mean. You come to a lounge and immediately head for the loo instead of greeting your friends. When you come in here, all you do is look in the mirror. I know the game. You have the look on your face as well."

Hermione sighed. She didn't even know this girl but, yet, she was treating her as if she had known Hermione for years. Hermione then realized what the sinking feeling was that had been plaguing her all week. Hermione was being left behind by the three people who were always there. And maybe, just maybe, she should try making some new friends. Expanding her horizons and all that rubbish.

With one word, Hermione told Ashley everything she needed to know, "Ron."

"Ah. Been there, done that."

Hermione nodded, "We were friends first. Then he left me for an old schoolmate. I'm not in love with him. I just miss his friendship. It's always awkward now."

"It's hard in the beginning. But as strong as you are, of course I knew who you were Hermione, I think you can get through this. Friendships are only as strong as you make them." Ashley jumped down and looked at the clock on the wall.

Hermione began apologizing instantly, knowing Ashley was working, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you miss work. I hope you won't get in trouble."

Ashley gracefully jumped off the counter and opened the door. Hermione followed her out and looked over the railing, "This place is amazing."

Ashley smiled before disappearing back behind the bar.

Hermione squared her shoulders and descended the stairs to meet her friends. Harry had saved her a seat that was near him and down the table from Ron. For half an hour, the small group had chatted and drank. Hermione relaxed and before she knew it, the group was shrugging on their coats, preparing to return to Hogwarts. As she was leaving, she made sure to catch Ashley's eye to smile and wave goodbye.

The party started and was in full swing without a hitch. Narcissa had done the seating arrangement to allow the wedding party to sit with other guests. Hermione sat down at a table with Luna Lovegood. While Luna rambled on about her Wrackspurt article for her father's magazine, Draco sat across the table with Blaise Zabini. Hermione fought to keep a scowl off her face. She hadn't heard from Draco in two weeks and she thought they had become friends. Even more so, he had promised her to let her borrow the book and still hadn't sent it. Her indignant feelings rose to the surface so she turned, without greeting them, back to Luna.

"Hello, Granger."

Hermione looked over to the man who had just addressed her. She only remembered speaking to Blaise one time, in Potions, when he had been assigned as her partner. She was surprised to say the least but seeing as he had never taunted her, she returned the greeting. When she turned to Draco, her smile vanished and she allowed a curt nod somewhere in his direction. Blaise laughed and she felt a blush rise at her childish behavior.

"That's all I get, Hermione? After everything I've done for you?" Draco looked over to her, pouting in a melodramatic way. Before she would laugh, she turned her nose up and looked away, eliciting louder laughs from Blaise. She winked at Blaise and turned to Narcissa, who had taken the podium in the northern left corner of the room.

As the room quieted, Narcissa began, "I would like to thank everyone for attending the joyous celebration tonight. We are celebrating the engagement of Harry Potter and Ginevra Weasley. To open tonight's festivities, I've asked the Maid of Honor to commence with a speech."

At the crowd's applause, Hermione left her seat and took to stand behind the podium. Whispering the Sonorous charm, she began, "All of you here know that Harry Potter has been my best friend since I was eleven. Ginny soon became a part of my life not long after. In everyone's life, there are people who shape you and continue to make you the best person you can be. These two are some of the most important to me." Hermione searched the crowd for Ginny, "Gin, you are so important to me. And through all that you've been through, you deserve every ounce of happiness that you're going to get. I couldn't imagine a better person for Harry. You're strong, loving, and you'll allow him to be the best that he can be. You mean so much to me, Gin."

Hermione tore her eyes away to meet with his green eyes. As soon as she did, she could feel tears threatening to spill over, "Harry." When she said his name, a hush came over the crowd as they were knocked back by the sheer force of it.

She began again, "Harry. Everyone has friends. But very few have a friendship like us. Very few fight a war together, very few experience death together like we have. You've been my rock, Harry. I didn't know that when I met you, you would one day carry a piece of my soul. That piece that I've given you could never be given to another, never be replaced by anyone. Our fates are entwined so deeply that I should've realized how much you mean to me long ago. Harry, very few know every detail about our times together. But what I want them to know is how every single memory is cherished by me. No one truly knows how strong and selfless you are. I've seen you do things at such a young age that some of the strongest wizards couldn't accomplish. It's your time now, Harry. The world is on your shoulders anymore. It is no longer your cross to bear. It's your time now, Harry. I want you to take it for everything it's worth. You deserve everything, love. It's your time to be happy."

Tears were falling freely from Hermione, Ginny, Harry, and many other. Hermione took in the sight of Harry and Ginny's interlocked fingers and smiled, "Both of you are going to be so happy, so blissfully in love. I can't wait to watch your lives unfold."

As Hermione stepped down from the podium, she was met with the engaged couples embraces and thunderous applause. Before returning to her seat, Harry whispered in her ear, "'Mione, Ginny may be my soul mate. But you are my other half. I love you."

"I love you, too."

Hermione sat down, wiping away tear tracks. The bewitched crystals were still falling like snow and sticking to her cheeks. She heard the band begin to play and everyone began dancing. She noticed that Draco and Luna were nowhere to be seen. Blaise looked over at her and a mischievous grin, quite similar to the ones Fred and George wore, graced his handsome face. "Care to dance, Miss Granger?"

Hermione blushed but accepted. Her backless, red gown swept along the floor as he led her to the middle of the dance floor. She felt quite awkward and her muscles were tense. Blaise noticed this and began to swing her around. When she didn't relax, he pulled her closer to whisper in her ear, "Hermione Granger. If you do not relax and have fun with me, you will regret it."

His threat was teasing but still was to no avail. He spoke loudly, "You asked for it."

Before Hermione knew it, they were in a very formal pose. Blaise held her arm out with another clasped around her waist. He tilted his head back and began dramatically leading her. They began to circle in and out of the group of people, catching everyone's attention. Unnoticed by Hermione, the crowd slid back, allowing them to watch Hermione and Blaise in the middle of the group. Blaise began swinging her around and spinning her. Soon, Hermione was laughing and took no notice of anyone else. She especially didn't see a pair of jealous, suspicious eyes watching them. The owner of these narrowed eyes was furious.

Blaise and Hermione broke apart. He began to melodramatically tap dance, mock the Irish jig, and brought back the 70's dance fever. Hermione doubled over in laughter before joining him once again. As the song ended, Blaise's arms were still wrapped around her from swinging her in the air. The pair began laughing again. As Hermione noticed that the entire crowd was watching them, her back went rigid and she broke away from the Italian.

He leaned over to her, placing his hand on the small of her back, "We need something to drink after teaching these people how to dance."

The two took their drinks and exited the Great Hall to get some fresh air. Sitting on the steps, Hermione turned to Blaise, "You're nothing like I thought you would be. And you definitely made my night. I thought I would have left by now."

"Stop it, Granger. You're making me blush."

She swatted his arm, "I really like you, Blaise."

He gave her a playful look, "Whoa, Hermione. Slow down, this is only our first date."

She laughed and, with a slightly nervous expression, she said, "You know what I mean, Blaise. I like you as a friend. Do you maybe want to go get drinks with me?" She quickly added at the incredulous look on his face, "It's okay, you don't have to. It was just an idea."

Blaise responded sincerely, "I would love to, Hermione." Blaise set his drink on the stairs, pulled her up, and whispered, "So, here's the plan." Blaise began acting as if they were on a secret mission and Hermione couldn't help but play along.

They hid behind a statue and, after Blaise checking to make sure no one could eavesdrop, he began to lay out his plan. He conjured a parchment, quill, and some ink and began writing, "Now, here is the outline of the seating plan inside the Great Hall and here is the buffet table." He made little squares around the parchment and drew a long rectangle along the right side. He continued, "You will stand here," he made a small X in the middle of the group of tables. "You will make sure you are seen by the people who would look for you. I will, then, raid this buffet table for all its loot." Hermione giggled and he teasingly shushed her.

He finished his plan by drawing a long line, "This is our escape route. Once I give you the signal, we make a break for it, take the loot, devour it in the carriages, and celebrate with drinks in Hogsmeade."

They both began laughing but Blaise stood up straight, "Forward march!" They entered the Great Hall and Hermione walked over to Ginny and Harry. She had noticed that the number of guests had dwindled and it was much easier to get their attention.

"Hey, guys. I'm going to go to Hogsmeade with Blaise. Owl me tomorrow?" Ginny gave her a sly look and Hermione shook her head. She made to give them both hugs when a loud, bird call interrupted them.

Blaise stood over by the door, levitating two plates piled high with an assortment of food, while screaming, "CACAW! CACAW! CACAW!"

Hermione began laughing and looked over at the two bewildered faces staring back at her, "Well, I suppose that's my signal. I'll see you guys soon." She gave them both quick hugs before following Blaise out the door.

As Hermione and Blaise ran like children to the carriages, neither heard the loud crash erupting from the Great Hall. As they enjoyed drinks at the Chakram Lounge, Ron was lying on the floor of the hall, stupefied. Draco was being escorted to St. Mungo's to fix his broken ribs. And Ginny was crying over her ruined party.