Disclaimer: I don't own HP.
Firstly I must apologise to everyone for not updating, not that I didn't want to. However I did some major damage to my hand, which is still healing, but it meant that I couldn't type on a computer. Well not without becoming frustrated from one hand typing, which is a lot slower than two handed touch typing. I have had to put up with writing all my ideas down on note pads and finally after a few hours I managed to write this chapter. So I am sorry but this story wasn't ignored on purpose.
Secondly I would like to welcome all my new readers who have followed/favorited this story, thank you to everyone who is enjoying this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Harry was running as fast as he could through the Forbidden Forest but no matter how much ground he made she was always out of reach. Shrieks of pain erupted from her as he watched her being tortured; he saw the Crucio curse being used for the fifth time since he started running to try and save her. Every step he took seemed to make her move two steps away, always out of reach while a group of hooded people hit her with a volley of hex's. Harry watched in terror as Hermione's body became weaker and weaker, blood was running out of gashes on her arms and face and then suddenly she slumped to the floor her body lifeless. Only then did Harry catch up with her, diving to her side he realised that she was no longer breathing, that the person he loved had passed on. Tears filled his vision as he turned to face her attackers, instead of seeing the group of people he saw a green light flying towards him. He had no time to move, even if he wanted to, the light hit him square in the 's eyes flew open as sat bolt upright fighting the scream wanting to erupt from his chest. Gasping for breath he shakily took the glass of water from his bed side table and took a swig trying to quench his dry throat, it felt like sandpaper, mentally thanking his silencing charm precautions. Slowly laying back down he struggled to settle the images floating in front of his eyes from the nightmare, without realising what he was doing he crept out of his room and over to Hermione's. He placed his hand on her door knob and gently turned it while pushing the door ever so slightly as not to wake her, placing his head around her door he was relieved to hear her deep breathing proving she was asleep. Feeling reassured she was okay he walked downstairs and sat on the sofa looking into the fire, he knew no matter how hard he tried he would not be able to go to sleep. Pulling a blanket over himself to keep warm he picked up his text book for DADA and started to page flip not taking in any of the information in front of his eyes.
Two hours later Winkey appeared in the common room and smiled at the sleeping form of Harry, she placed some more wood on the fire and pulled the curtains closed before disappearing back to her duties.
The following morning Hermione walked down the stairs from their rooms and found Harry asleep on the sofa. She silently picked up the book off of the floor and placed it on the table and then went to leave the common room, before she reached the portrait hole she cast a silencing charm on the room. She turned and left through the door way and then turned back to Xaven "Good Morning Xaven, can you make sure no one enters our rooms until Harry has woken up. He needs a good sleep I have been worried he hasn't slept enough recently."
"Certainly Miss Granger, I hope you have a pleasant Saturday." Hermione turned away from the portrait and headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast, unknown to her that she was smiling the whole way while thinking about the scene she had walked into in the common room. 'He looks so peaceful when he is sleeping. Not only that he looks drop dead gorgeous, I wonder if he always looks like that when he is asleep or does that frown which is permanently on his forehead seep in during sleep as well.' It wouldn't be for another two hours that Hermione realised that she had called her best friend gorgeous and not chastised herself for thinking it.
xXx
"A penny for your thoughts Hermione?" She shot Draco a surprised look and then realised he was doing homework for muggle studies.
"I am surprised you can even use that phrase correctly Draco." His grey eyes lit up with pride "I was just thinking about the ball, it is all I seem to think about recently." Okay she had lied she had been lost in thought about Harry but she wasn't going to admit that. Draco looked out across the grounds, the pair had decided to sit outside under a tree they had claim as theirs in the first week.
"I do not envy you and Harry." Hermione quirked her eyebrow at him. "I mean all I have to worry about is my dress robes and finding a date. You and Harry have that issue as well as arranging every little detail. Have you even decided a theme yet?"
"Actually we have decided to go with a winter wonder land theme which includes a lot of ice. Have you decided on a possible date?" She smirked at his blush and placed her quill on top of her book. She had already decided on everything apart from her hair style, all she needed to do was find the correct dress. One had taken her eye in the Muggle world but she was going to check the dress shop in Hogsmeade as well.
"I think the theme will be brilliant. I'd like to ask a certain Ravenclaw but I am not sure how to approach her. How about you 'Mione?" She grinned internally Harry's plan was definitely working where Draco was concerned.
"I think you should ask this certain Raven to stay behind after the next Quidditch practice. Ask her to Hogsmeade and then ask her to the ball after a nice day out together. I am not sure anyone would want to ask me." She stuck her tongue out at him "I mean there are no dashing foreigners to take my fancy this time." Draco shot her a knowing look that sent a shiver down her spine, his grey eyes shone with mischief. "I think Theo should ask Susan though, he is so head over heels for her." Draco laughed as she pulled a puppy dog impression. "You know Draco it is great that you have let your personality shine through, the old Draco was a right wet flannel." It was her turn to burst out laughing at the blonde's expression of offence as well as confusion.
"It's nice to know you not a complete know-it-all either Hermione. You know I never realised how much I missed by being in Slytherin house."
"We all missed a lot being in different houses. McGonagall has had a brilliant idea by re-sorting the whole school. It has allowed everyone to develop as people so much more." She shot him a bright smile and Draco smiled back at her while looking back over his notes. "So what are you stuck with?"
"The function of a tel-e-vis-ion... what the hell is that?" He looked offended by the word on the page and Hermione had to stifle a laugh.
"Right the television is an item muggles use to watch films, news, sports, documentaries and other programs on." She looked at his expression and sighed it was going to be a long couple of hours.
xXx
1 o'clock came too quickly for Theo as he made his way towards the Library to meet Susan, he had become fond of the woman he was meeting over the last few weeks. He had noticed her during a charms lesson where he caught her smiling at one of her class mates, since then he had seen her everywhere and realised slowly she was intelligent, funny as well as kind and caring. He turned the corner onto the second floor corridor and was met by hazel eyes, he quickly put his arm out and caught the stumbling red head. "Hey Susan is everything okay?"
"Sorry Theodore, I've forgotten my Herbology text." She was looking flustered and blushed at the realisation of how close they were. Theo had caught the Hufflepuff around the waist and was holding her so close to him he could count the freckles on her nose.
"It's okay we can both use mine, shall we." He gestured towards the library; the red head smiled and led the way. When he walked in he noticed Harry sat at a table with Blaise and Ginny, as soon as the Raven saw him he mentioned to the other two to follow him. The trio cleared their table and beckoned them over.
"We had just finished and seeing as it is rather full in here I thought you might like our table." Harry was grinning until Ginny swatted him which caused Blaise to laugh.
"Thanks guys, I will see you later." He shot Harry a glare over Susan's shoulder however the boy wonder just smiled brighter and put his thumbs up to him before being chased out of the room by the youngest Weasley. He noticed Susan was laughing at the group that had just left while taking a seat. "Sorry about them sometimes I wonder if they really are 17 and 18."
"It is fine Theo it is about time everyone started to act more like your friends. We have been serious for long enough times have changed and it is good to have a laugh. Anyway shall I see if there are any books on exotic plants found in Switzerland?" She strode off into the book shelves leaving a very shocked but amused person behind. Realising his mouth was open he snapped it close and pulled his text book out along with parchment, ink and quills. Five minutes later Susan returned with a stack of books floating behind her she took a seat as the books dropped onto the desk and Theo picked one up to see if there was any relevant information.
On the Grand Staircase Harry had run up to the third floor putting a whole floor between him and Ginny. Biding the pair a quick goodbye he disappeared into the DADA corridor to visit Remus, Ginny turned to look at the laughing Slytherin who quickly sobered up and smiled at her. "Would you care to join me in a walk around the grounds?" Blaise asked while holding his arm up nodding Ginny swatted his arm away and walked down the stairs. "So how has your week been?"
"Well it has been pretty good in all honesty lessons have been interesting and Snape seems to have cut back on his Gryffindor bashing. Ron has even made a friend, or so he says, not to mention the excitement this ball has caused among the females of my house. It has been highly entertaining. How about you?" They were currently walking out of the main courtyard and down towards the black lake, the sun was shining but there a slight chill in the air.
"It's been good, as you say all the lessons have been interesting, even more so than last year. I spent some time with Luna, Neville and Drake on Thursday which was interesting to say the least, not as entertaining as you beating Harry up thought." He noticed a slight blush on her cheeks, or was it from the wind chill due to the breeze coming off of the lake. "Then we had the announcement last night and like your dorm mates the female population of Slytherin went crazy at the chance to dress up. As you can imagine everyone has started to place bets on which couples will be attending the ball." They had come to a halt beside a rocky outcrop beside the lake and Ginny picked a stone up, threw it and the pair watched it skip over the water. Blaise copied her and soon they were having a competition to see who could get theirs the furthest, unknown to the pair Hermione and Draco were watching them from the tree they were sat under.
"You know Hermione I reckon they will be a couple at the ball."
"You know what Draco I think you are right. Fancy going and getting some dinner I am famished." She pretended to faint onto his shoulder, laughing the pair headed back to the school.
Ginny sat down on the rocky outcrop, Blaise had admitted defeat when she managed to skim a stone 9 times, and looked up at the castle. "You wouldn't believe that it was in ruins just 5 months ago."
"No you wouldn't, however I did not see her in the state you saw her." He smiled softly at the red head and took a calming breath. "Ginny I know it is a bit early but I was wondering if you would like to attend the Christmas Ball with me?" She smiled at him and all of his nerves vanished.
"I would be delighted to Mr Zabini, however I am surprised you chose the Ball and not Hogsmeade." She gave him an inquisitive look and started to giggle as the Slytherin squirmed under her gaze.
"Well I thought you might need to go dress shopping and that it would be a female day. However if you would like to come to Hogsmeade with me as well I would be more than honoured."
"Now you mention it I should ask 'Mione, Luna and whoever Draco, Theo and Harry invite ... Of course I can go with you. I am sure you can spare one hour of your time to allow us girlies to pick dresses." She was mocking him now and he bowed to her.
"Spare some of my time, I am offended Miss Weasley. Here I am asking you out on a date and you want me to spare my time for you to go clothes shopping, oh the indignity." He decided that would be a good point to make a hasty retreat due to the mischievous look she gave him. "You know you look a lot like George when you pull that face." And with that the pair went sprinting off across the grounds as Ginny chased the Slytherin. When she rounded the corner near the greenhouses she was met with a bunch of red roses and a grinning Blaise "You know School is a lot more fun when you are actually nice to a Slytherin." She took the roses from him and smiled.
"Thank you Blaise and I think you will find School is more fun when you know a Weasley." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and ran back towards the main courtyard. Blaise stood there for a few moment touching his cheek, it wasn't until he saw a second year laughing at him did he realise she had turned his robes bright orange.
"Bloody Weasley." He smiled and changed his robes back to normal, only to find they change neon blue after thirty seconds 'She is brilliant.'
Harry had spent an hour chatting to Remus about everything and anything inside of his office. "Harry I have to leave in a minute to see Teddy. Mrs Tonks should be arriving back from holiday soon, she has taken him to Paris of all places. But before you leave I must congratulate you and Hermione on convincing Minnie to have a ball, I think it is an amazing idea."
"My original plan was to get certain people to as their crushes out, however it has back fired onto me." He looked at his mentor sheepishly.
"Pray tell me why Harry?" Remus had a knowing look on his face and it made Harry feel a little better about his situation.
"I need to ask someone to accompany me to the ball and I am not sure they will say yes. I adore her Remus and I cannot lose her." The worried look in his eyes made Remus want to hug him however he cracked a grin.
"You know Harry you and Hermione remind me so much of your father and mother. James was the same in the seventh year before he asked Lily out. Let me tell you a secret it is obvious to anyone who looks at the pair of you that Hermione feels the same way about you. If you really like her Harry then do not spend the rest of your life thinking what if, I regret not asking Tonks out sooner." He smiled sadly at the teenager in front of him, gosh how he reminded him of James was unbelievable.
"Thank you Remus, can you send my love to Teddy and Mrs Tonks." Harry stood up from his seat walked around the desk and hugged his mentor. "You have to dress up for the ball too, we have planned it so you are available to attend." He grinned at Remus and went to leave his office.
"Oh Harry congratulation on passing your apperation test in the week." Remus smiled brightly at the teen who grinned back and left. The Defence Professor couldn't stop smiling at the thoughtfulness of his two favourite students, realising he would need to talk to Dora about dress robes he threw a handful of powder in the fire place a floo'd to her house.
Later than evening the group of ravens were sat together eating dinner and chatting about the up and coming Quidditch match between Slytherin and Gryffindor. "I'm not sure Harry both sides have strong teams and without you as the lions seeker I would say it is going to be a close match." Harry smiled with pride at Draco's words, willingly the blonde had admitted something that he wouldn't dare to say before this year. Hermione shook her head at the pair and turned her attention to Theo.
"How was your study session with a certain Puff?" She waited for him to finish his mouthful of apple pie and watched him carefully.
"It was really good, we managed to get the homework done in record time. We ended up spending some time just chatting about ... well everything." He had blushed during the momentary stutter. Hermione sent him a knowing look and he glanced at the two other men, realising they were too engrossed in Quidditch he replied to her look "She has agreed to go to the Ball with me, I originally asked about Hogsmeade but she had already made plans. However we might meet up for a drink." Hermione shot him a bright smile and looked back to the two Quidditch heads and realised that there was now three people talking sports. "Blaise has mentioned he asked a certain someone and she said yes." He said while looking at Ginny, Hermione snapped her attention back to the quieter raven.
"Well I suppose that explains his multi coloured uniform Draco and I had to fix earlier." Hermione started to giggle at the memory from earlier "He joined us during lunch with neon blue clothing and it wasn't until it had changed six shades of pink that we realised the counter jinx." The pair burst into a fit of laughter Theo at the image of the smooth savvy Blaise in pink and Hermione at the memory.
"Hermione I was wondering if you would like to go dress shopping in Hogsmeade at the end of the month?" Ginny was now sat beside her looking excited.
"I am sure I can spare an hour or two to look at dresses with you Ginny, it would be great fun." The redhead smiled at her and left the group to head back to her table. "Maybe we should ask Luna to join us?" Ginny waved at her and put a thumbs up the group of four watched her sit next to Neville and Luna, watching the blondes reaction Hermione could only look proud at suggesting the idea.
"'Mione, I was wondering if you would be willing to meet up with me after you had been shopping with Ginny?" Harry was looking at her straight in the eye and smiled at her surprised but confused expression.
"I'd like that Harry." She smiled at him wondering under what circumstances she had just agreed to go into the small town with him.
"Well Mr Potter I do believe you have just asked Miss Granger out on a date." Draco said while wiggling his eyebrows at the pair and felt content when he saw Hermione blush.
"That I have Draco that I have." He replied before adding "So Theo has arranged his date when are you going to ask yours?" He was rewarded by Theo's shocked but smug impression and Draco's realisation that out of the four of them he was the only one who hadn't made any progression towards his Christmas ball date.
"I am afraid to say Potter I did not hear the words 'would you be my date' when you asked me." Hermione asked looking serious but inside butterflies had exploded inside her stomach 'Harry want's to date me, maybe we can make things work.' She smiled when she saw his goldfish imitation and heard Draco's fit of laughter.
Hopefully I will have more updates for you soon, until then eat, drink and be merry :-)
