Reviewers…

Trivia 101 – I love Snape so much and thanks for all of your reviews, I love them. I hope I updated chapter 10 soon enough for you, I wanted to update on Christmas day as it was the Christmas chapter, but I had to update sooner. This is kind of a random chapter because I felt like it, but I hope you like it all the same.

Simplewhiterose – Thanks for understanding why I can't answer your questions, I don't want to ruin the story. I believe that Draco is just misunderstood, and the story agrees with me. Hahaha. I was going to save the kiss for later, but I couldn't resist, they make such a cute couple. I will keep writing, two chapters in one day Thanks again for reviewing and please keep doing so.

Balls and ball gowns

Hermione:

Harry, Ron, Ginny and I were sitting in the common room by the fireplace in our favourite armchairs. It seemed like the rest of Gryffindor had joined us as it was my first day out of the hospital wing and everyone had been given the day off lessons.

"You know," Harry said after a short pause, giving the rest of the common room a meaningful glance, "You never opened any presents."

"I kinda got kidnapped," I replied nonchalantly. I may have responded like I didn't care but, in reality, I didn't want to be reminded of that day.

I saw Harry's jaw tighten slightly and was about to apologise when he suddenly pulled out a badly wrapped gift. This seemed to be a cue for the others to do the same and soon I had a small pile of presents in front of me.

I have Ginny a confused glance as she placed hers on top and she laughed, "We couldn't have let our presents go to waste, could we?"

I laughed, suddenly inexplicably happy, and I hugged her to show how much it meant to me, but it seemed that they had another surprise as Lavender approached with a box in her hand.

"The whole of Gryffindor brought you something," she announced in a way that was so Lavender it made me giggle.

I silently took it from her and peeked inside. Sitting nestled in the cushion protection was a small plaque that read Friends forever and always. I felt tears prick the back of my eyes; it was so beautiful. I grinned, raising my eyes to theirs as I held the plaque in my hands, "Thank you."

XxX

Luke:

"She's okay?" I demanded of Draco.

We were in the Slytherin common room and Draco had left to check with Dumbledore if she was getting any better, only to be told that she had left earlier.

I felt slightly jealous that she hadn't even tried to find me, but I guess after all she'd been through, she didn't entirely trust me. I couldn't blame her, as much as I wanted to.

"Yeah," Draco replied as I stood, "Where are you going?"

"Somewhere," I mumbled vaguely before taking my leave and going to the one place I had felt true solitude, and also the place Hermione would look for me if she wanted to. The roof!

I sat down heavily, sighing, and placed my head on my arms, not willing to look at the group of students below.

They had come out only seconds after I had come up here. It was Potter and his band of faithful sidekicks, including Hermione, and the beast of jealousy raised its ugly head again.

They all looked so happy and carefree, and even Mione seemed to be attempting to smile and have fun also, but I could see through the ruse. There was something wrong, something that she didn't want to tell anyone.

I saw Potter notice this and take her to one side, but she shook her head emphatically and he left so that Weasley could join her.

They spoke for a moment but I was too far away to hear what they were saying. And then Weasley leant towards her, too close for comfort. Mione wouldn't stand for that, would she?

She jerked up, muttered an excuse and quickly left, leaving Weasley and the others looking even more bemused than usual – and that was saying something.

I didn't expect her to come and find me, but she did.

"Hey," she sat to my left, watching the scenery below, "I'm sorry."

I wasn't sure what she was apologising for, but didn't want to ask in case it ruined the mood. Instead I just murmured, "It wasn't your fault."

"Luke," her voice was so quiet, barely a breath and, turning, I saw her staring at me with an unreadable expression on her face.

"What?" I asked as she raised her lips to mine, kissing me passionately.

She pulled away after only a few moments and I found myself yearning for the physical contact, so I took her hand and raised it to my lips. She shivered, whether from delight or cold I couldn't tell, and gave me a winning smile, which I returned.

"It's cold," I murmured after a while, but made no move to stand. It was getting darker, but I didn't care.

"Yeah," she replied, clearly not caring either, "But I don't want to go it. If I go in, I have to face everyone."

"And that is such a bad thing?"

"Luke, I have to tell you something…"

That was never a good start. When a girl said that, you could tell that they were about to break up with you, and that was never a good thing. I didn't say this to her, however, and let her continue.

"You're going to think I'm crazy…"

Okay, so unless she was some psychotic murderer, she wasn't going to break up with me.

"…But I'm a Demi-god."

I was shocked into silence. She was a Demi-god, and she hadn't broken up with me after all. But the main thing was, she was a Demi-god.

She seemed to take it by my silence that I didn't understand her.

"A Demi-god is…"

"I know," I interrupted quietly, "I know what a Demi-god is, but I didn't expect you to be one."

"Do you hate me?"

Her voice was quiet and scared, and I glanced down in shock. She stared back at me with her wide, brown eyes and I smiled, "I could never hate you."

"Good, because I could never hate you, either?" she replied, snuggling up into my side.

I wasn't so sure.

XxX

Dumbledore:

"I have an idea," Dumbledore told Professors McGonagall and Snape excitedly, ignoring their simultaneous groans at this revelation. After a few moments to see if he was joking – which he wasn't – Minerva demanded, "And what would this amazing idea be?"

"I'm glad you asked," Albus grinned, sitting on his desk, facing the two, "I want to arrange a yule ball to take place this Saturday – the 11th January."

"And why is this, such a great idea?" Severus asked in his usual, dry way, raising his eyebrows at the elderly headmaster. Snape was beginning to think that age had gone to Dumbledore's head.

"That's not the best part," Albus squealed – like a girl – before catching their confused glances and elaborating, "I want to bring Miss Granger and Mr Castellan closer together so that the prophecy will work. I want them to sing a duet."

"Wait," McGonagall whispered, holding up a hand, "Why is this, a good idea? They don't sing."

"How do you know?" The headmaster demanded childishly, jumping down from the desk and stomping his foot, "They could sing beautifully."

"I shall ask them to sing for me, and if it is good, they may sing at this ball. You, Minerva and Severus, must sort out everything for this ball. Enlist Miss Granger and the other prefects help if you wish."

The two professors stood and Dumbledore made one last request, "Will you send them up to me."

He only had to wait about five minutes before there was a timid knock on the door and it swung open to reveal the two students he had sent for.

"Has Professor McGonagall told you what you are here for?"

The two nodded simultaneously before taking the seats Minerva and Severus had just vacated.

"Can you sing?" Dumbledore asked, holding out some lyrics to the two students.

"I love this song," Hermione gushed while Luke just admitted that it was okay.

A twirl of the wand later, and music was added.

"Picture perfect memories

Scattered all around the floor

Reaching for the phone 'cause

I can't fight it anymore
And I wonder if I

Ever cross your mind

For me it happens all the time
It's a quarter after one

I'm all alone

And I need you now

Said I wouldn't call

But I've lost all control

And I need you now…"

"Good," was all that Dumbledore said before he dismissed the two.

XxX

Hermione:

"Ooh, a ball," Ginny squealed excitedly, grinning like a banshee and attempting to stand from her seat by the fire, but Harry placed a hand gently on her arm to keep her there and smiled, "Careful Gin."

"But it's so exciting," Gin whined, "Hey, Mione, should we ask the Professors if we can organise it?"

I laughed at seeing her so excited as I replied, "I already have. Their only wish was that we do it with the Slytherin prefects."

"Suddenly it doesn't seem so exciting," she muttered, sitting once more. I gave her a sympathetic glance and murmured, "We actually have a meeting with them in ten minutes. Harry, Ron, do you want to help?"

"And have to spend time with ferret-boy, I don't think so," Ron sneered but then his expression softened as he murmured, "Sorry Mione."

"It's cool," I said, fighting down the disappointment in my throat as I motioned for Gin to follow me out.

"He's so gonna ask you," Gin whispered as we made our way down to the fifth floor, "I can tell."

"Who, Ron?" I asked. This was the first I had heard that Ron was even remotely interested in me. Gin seemed to sense my scepticism, and nodded emphatically. I couldn't help but feel disappointed. If Ron asked me, would I be able to say no even though I was going out with Luke? Would Luke even want to go?

"You don't sound so happy," she muttered as we reached the empty classroom where we were supposed to meet McGonagall and the Slytherins.

I didn't have time to respond, however, because at that moment McGonagall and the Slytherins – including Luke – entered. I couldn't help but feel like that definitely sounded like a band: McGonagall and the Slytherins. I would definitely not see them.

"Aah, Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, you are here already, good, good. Mr Malfoy, Miss Parkinson, and Mr Castellan, please take a seat. Do I need to stress upon you the importance of this ball? You must be on your best behaviour, understand? This ball must go off without a hitch. Good luck."

As soon as she was gone, Parkinson turned her false smile into a sneer and turned to face us, "I have a plan, you two do the work and we watch you."

I glanced sideways at Luke and Malfoy. I had seen a different side of him than ever before, probably more than any other Gryffindor ever had, but did that mean he would rise to our defence? It appeared so.

"Pansy, seeing as you're not actually needed, why don't you go back to the common room and let myself and Luke handle this."

Gin seemed quite nervous that Malfoy was ordering Parkinson to leave, even if he was supposedly working for Dumbledore. I was certain that he was working as a spy for Dumbledore against Voldemort. Why else would he have saved my life?

"Right, we should get started," Malfoy began when no-one moved after Pansy left, "Weaslette, come over here and help me figure out decorations. Luke, Granger figure out a theme."

"I was thinking masked," I said as soon as they were out of earshot. I turned slightly away from him, embarrassed, he probably thought it was a terrible idea. But when he spoke, it melted my heart.

"And I'm thinking you're absolutely beautiful."

"Shh," I laughed, getting a weird glance from Gin and a surprisingly appraising one from Malfoy.

"I was wondering…" Now he seemed the nervous one, but I smiled at him to show him that he could tell me anything, "Will you go to the ball with me?"

That was what I'd been hoping he would ask me, but I gave Malfoy a quick glance and replied, "What about Malfoy and the other Slytherins?"

"It will be a masked ball."

"You like my idea?"

"Will you go with me?"

"Yes."

"Then I love your idea."

I beamed at him and whispered, "Thank you."

"Did you ask her already?" a lazy voice drawled from the other side of the room, and Malfoy sauntered over, "This doesn't mean I like you Granger."

"What's going on here?" Gin asked in exasperation, glowering at me in the hope that I would tell her. I didn't have to because Luke beat me to it, "I asked Mione to the ball."

Ginny squealed and hugged me while I distinctly heard Malfoy mutter, "I will never understand girls."

I turned on him, raising my eyebrows in a silent question. If I didn't know better, I could have sworn that Malfoy blushed. But I did know better, and his cheeks were back to normal in a second. As if to divert my attention from him, he asked, "Weaslette, who are you going with?"

"Give me a chance…"

"Hoping you'll go with Potter?" he asked snidely but before I could hex him into oblivion for that tactless comment, Luke hit him upside the head and snapped playfully, "No-one is mean to my girlfriends friends, okay?"

"To that I would have to say ow," was the only reply he received but it seemed to be enough because Luke nodded and I couldn't help but laugh at the effective way he handled the situation.

"So masked ball," Gin muttered to relieve the tension, "Come down to the hall an hour before the ball starts so that we can get it ready."

Without another word she left, and I shrugged at the two guys before following her, demanding to know what was wrong.

XxX

Ginny:

"Hey gorgeous," a voice murmured from behind Ginny as she stood by the lake. She whirled around the face the culprit, who raised his hands above his head and muttered, "Okay, that was cheesy, please don't hex me."

"Very cheesy," Gin agreed as Jason sat beside her. She put her head on his arm and asked as nonchalantly as she could, "So…are you planning on going to the ball?"

"I wasn't, why?" he asked nervously.

"Oh," she whispered in disappointment.

"I don't mind if you get another date," he quickly added, mistaking her sadness for the fact that she didn't want to go alone. The real fact was that she wanted to go with him, but he had no way of knowing that so she wasn't going to push it. She would just not go.

"I have to go," she murmured after a while, trying to hold back her tears. He nodded once and let her practically run away from him.

She ran through practically the whole castle until she reached Gryffindor common room, and then she ran straight to her room, ignoring her best friends, who cried out to her in confusion.

That was where Hermione found her, crying her eyes out on her bed.

"What's wrong?" the older girl asked, although she had a very good idea. Gin seemed to think so, too, and abstained from replying. Let the brunette wait.

"Come on, Gin. My brother's an idiot, and I am going to make you look beautiful tomorrow."

"You mean you'd brave make-up for me?" the younger girl asked tearfully, turning to face her friend. Hermione nodded and replied, "I'd brave anything for you, Gin, and so would Harry and Ron. Look, the ball is in three hours and we do need to get ready before going down in two hours."

Gin nodded just as Hermione's giggly roommates entered, both grinning from ear to ear.

"Who are you two taking?" Lavender practically demanded, making herself at home on the edge of Ginny's bed.

Gin opened her mouth to say that she didn't have a date, but Hermione beat her to it, "It's a secret."

XxX

Hermione:

Both Gin and I wore cloaks over our dresses and didn't put on makeup while we did the hall, before rushing to the bathroom to quickly freshen up.

Once everyone had entered, including Gin, I stood by the doors, waiting for myself to be announced.

"Now," Dumbledore shouted after only a couple of minutes, "I have asked two students to sing us a song today, so if every could please leave the dance floor. Thank you."

The music started, it was one of my favourites – Hello by the Glee Cast.

"I've been alone with you inside my mind

And in my dreams I've kissed your lips a thousand times

I sometimes see you pass outside my door

Hello, is it me you're looking for?"

I took a deep breath as I saw Luke turn towards the entrance, looking for me. I practically flowed into the hall, feeling like everyone was ogling me. I took a deep breath before singing the next few lines.

"I can see it in your eyes I can see it in your smile

You're all I've ever wanted, and my arms are open wide

'Cause you know just what to say

And you know just what to do

And I want to tell you so much, I love you ..."

He gave me a dazzling smile as we sung the rest of the song together, our voices harmonizing perfectly in the silence.

"Oh yeah...

I long to see the sunlight in your hair

And tell you time and time again how much I care

Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow

Hello, I've just got to let you know

'Cause I wonder where you are

And I wonder what you do

Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?

Tell me how to win your heart

For I haven't got a clue

But let me start by saying ... I love you

Is it me you're looking for?'

Cause I wonder where you are

And I wonder what you do

Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?

Tell me how to win your heart

For I haven't got a clue But let me start by saying ... I love you."

The whole hall was silent as he leaned towards me and planted a feather-light kiss on my lips. I wanted to pull him towards me, and I believe he wanted that too, but I couldn't. I had a job to do.

I turned to face the rest of the hall, noticing how every eye was on me. I gulped slightly before swishing my hand in the direction of the doors and announcing, "Jason Granger."

They opened and I grinned at my brother as he made his way over to Ginny; it was about time he told her how he felt.

"May I have this dance?" a cheeky voice asked from beside me.

I turned to face Luke and nodded, preparing for the best night of my life so far.

"You know," I said by way of conversation as he twirled me, "I must be so paranoid, I keep thinking that everyone is looking at me."

"Everyone is looking at you," he replied earnestly, "Because you are the most beautiful, stunning, girl at this ball, and you're mine."

I blushed lightly at his words but didn't reprimand him as he kissed me again, this time making it deeper and more intimate. It was just us in an empty ballroom; no-one else was there. And the best thing of all, no-one else could tell who we were because we were wearing masks.

It definitely was the best night of my life so far.

I hate writing kissing scenes so if anyone has any advice, please tell me.

On a lighter note, two chapters in one day, are you proud of me or what? I mean, I have gone on a four-hour journey today and I'm a quick writer, so I got most of it done in the car.

Anyway, if you have a comment about this chapter please review, they are much appreciated. I have 28 reviews with no flamers yet, so thanks guys.

Merry Christmas again