Hermione grinned excitedly as she slipped into her dress. Her hair and makeup had all been done expertly, and now all she had to do was Apparate to the ball. She took once last glance at the mirror, sighing happily. This was probably the most fun she was every going to have in a long time.

Just then a peacock patronus flew in, landing in front of her. Hermione's eyes widened, and she quickly sent her own patronus to Candace, connecting their two patronuses together. A second later, the peacock opened its beak.

"Where are you?"

"...I'm getting dressed…." Hermione said slowly.

"Getting dressed into work clothes I hope?"

Hermione squeezed her eyes shut and bit her lip. "No."

"Ha! Exactly what I was afraid of," the peacock whispered dangerously. "I just realized that it might have crossed your mind to go to the Malfoy Masquerade Ball yourself."

"Well…"

"I knew it! Don't even think about it Hermione, he gave that invite to me!" the peacock growled.

"Yea, because he thought you planned the ball! And I'm sure he actually meant to give it to the company," Hermione said slowly.

"Please. He didn't really give me the invite because he liked my ideas. And if you go, I'm liable to think that you staged this whole facial mishap on purpose, and that will be very hard for me to overlook."

Hermione pursed her lips and sighed. "Sorry, Candace. I'm don't know what I was thinking."

"You weren't thinking. And don't pretend like I'm being so unfair. If the invite really was for the company we share 50/50, that means we share it! So if I can't go, you can't go."

"That's not how sharing works, Candace," Hermione whispered.

"If I hear that you were seen at the ball before the cleanup crew at midnight, I will be VERY upset. Understood?"

Hermione looked down, then smiled deviously. "You won't hear that anyone saw me."

The Malfoy Manor was decorated lavishly, all thanks to Hermione's hard work. The front was sprinkled in fake snow, with a shimmery touch to it. Beautiful poinsettias framed the front door of the house, and all the trees had sparkling fairy lights floating around it. A gigantic wreath, with a glowing sash underneath it, hung above the front door. The front gate was just about to close for the last person to enter, and Hermione rushed inside.

The guard asked for Hermione's invite and stocking, both of which she handed over to. He nodded in approval, announcing that he would hang the stocking for her. Hermione smiled and stepped inside the Manor.

Inside the manor seemed even more beautifully decorated. A band stood in the front, singing a jazzy song, and Hermione couldn't help but beam at her hard work. The guests were swaying to the music and chatting away. Hermione walked down the stairs to the main area.

"Malfoy always throws great parties, but this….this is on another level," Hermione overheard someone saying.

Hermione sighed happily and reached over to a nearby cupcake stand. She took one and bit into it, savoring its delicious flavor. Very rarely does she ever eat the treats that she makes, because they are all for those who really need the treats.

A loud voice suddenly sounded on the second floor of the ballroom. It was Blaise, wearing a slick silver mask.

"Attention everyone! Welcome, Malfoy Masqueraders! Please make your way to the tree of stockings and choose one that is not your own. Each stocking contains five items of no monetary value but have great significance to its owner. The point of the game is to find the owner of the stocking that you selected. Now, should you meet someone and find that the two of you have chosen each other's stocking, you will win a grand prize that will be announced at midnight. Let the game begin!"

Hermione strolled over to the enormous tree and looked up. Stockings of all different colors and patterns were hung on the tree, and a witch riding broom glided down to her.

"Which stocking would you like to choose?" she asked kindly.

Hermione stared up, pondering. She pointed at a white and red stocking that looked especially homey and comfy. It was quite worn down as if someone had been hugging it forever. She whispered her thanks and wandered off, not really trying to look for the owner. She was just enjoying the moment while it lasted.

Far off in the corner, Malfoy himself had chosen a sky blue stocking made of soft silk. It caught his eye against the many red and green stockings. He scanned the crowd, looking for someone with a matching dress, and suddenly saw her.

A beautiful woman, with soft brown curls cascading down her exposed back was walking in the crowd. Her skin seemed to glow in the twinkling lights of the fairies, and a wide smile accompanied her fair complexion. Her gown seemed to exaggerate every movement she made, rippling in a mesmerizing way. Through her delicate mask, a pair of wide brown eyes stared at the trees, alight with happiness and joy.

Malfoy walked slowly towards her, and it wasn't until he was right behind her did Hermione notice the handsome man.

"I believe I chose your stocking," the man murmured.

Hermione stared at the mysterious man, almost swooning at the sound of his husky voice. "How did you know it was me?" she whispered.

"It's hard not to notice you from across the room," he smiled. "And your stocking...clearly matches your dress. And I chose it because it was clearly one of a kind."

Hermione giggled, then showed him the stocking that she chose. "I chose this one because it looks like it looked like it went through thirty Christmases. Someone obviously cherishes it."

"Indeed he does."

Hermione paused and looked at the man, smiling. "This belongs to you?"

He nodded, staring right back into her eyes. Hermione noticed that his eyes were a beautiful molten silver.

"Did we just win the game?" Hermione giggled. "Well, I wonder what our prize is…"

"I believe I'm looking at her."