Suuuummmmmeeeeeerrrr.

Oh, and, just to let it be known, I don't like Ginny (hinthint).

Here we go:)

(Hermione POV)

"So you think everything's going to work out?"

"Oh, definitely. It has to. I think he's just been facing some hard times, but it should get a lot better for him."

"Because of Neville?" Daphne sang.

I laughed. "Because of Neville."

"It surprises me that he's seems okay about his dad."

"It was probably a shock at first, but you've gotta think: his dad been in prison a long time. He hasn't seen him, spoke to him, anything. It's not like he was there one day, then gone the next. He's just been… gone."

Daphne nodded. "It has been like that. It just-,"

Daphne was cut off by a rather loud squawk.

I sat straight up, looking around. "Where did that come from? We're in the dungeon. There's no windows."

Daphne giggled, standing up off the bed, and climbed on top of a desk against the wall opening a tiny window at the very top of the wall which I hadn't noticed until that very moment, allowing a small black owl to swoop it. It came and made a wide circle around me, dropping a package on the bed that was much too large for the small bird to carry so easily, before landing on my arm.

"Aw! Loki!" Daphne squealed. "I haven't seen that little squirt in forever!"

The little bird gently nipped at my chin, nuzzled its fuzzy little head against my jaw, then swooped right back out the window.

I couldn't hold back a rather loud, "Aw!"

Daphne jumped back on the bed with me, smiling widely at me. "Loki is Draco's baby. He loves him."

"I can see why." I looked at the package. "Madame Bouffante?"

I nearly fell off the bed at Daphne's ear-splitting screech.

"That's Draco outfit for the ball! He ordered it! Put it on!"

"Okay, okay!" I laughed. "Just don't hurt me!"

I carried the beige package to the bathroom before inspecting it. It looked sort of like a hat box, round with a gold string going from side to side. The top to the box was black and white stripes and the words 'Madame Bouffante' graced the side with large, curled letters. It was clear that this outfit was very expensive and I was going to be terrified that something was going to happen to it every second that I was still here.

Stripping off my school uniform, I pulled the outfit out of the box and gaped at what he had chosen.

There was no way in hell those pants could fit anyone!

But, nonetheless, I pulled on the black trousers, and they slid right on over his narrow hips and buttoned with no problem.

I would miss that.

I put on the white button up and tucked it in, tied the aquamarine silk skinny tie, and slipped on the jacket. The jacket was more of a blazer than a suit jacket. It's sleeves were short, having the impression of being rolled up, stopping about two inches below his elbow. I tied on the very expensive looking (and smelling) black leather shoes before buttoning the single button on the blazer.

I smiled, knowing, without even looking in the mirror, that I had to look good right now.

I walked back out of the bathroom and Daphne's jaw dropped. She slapped the comforter on my bed with a laugh. "Oh, Salazar! Neville's going to be too hard to dance!"

I couldn't help but crack up, leaning against the doorframe for support.

"Can you even walk in those pants? They're so tight!"

The pants were made out of the same material that normal suit pants were made of, but were fashioned to be skinny jeans, hugging every inch of his leg, highlighting the curve of his hips and backside.

"They're really not that tight. I mean, they are, but they fit. I can breathe."

The door to the boys' dorm open and the rest of the inhabitants of the room (other than Montague, of course) filed in. The boys were laughing heartily, walking to their separate beds, when Goyle's eyes landed right on me. "Holy shit."

Daphne and I only laughed harder.

The rest of the guys looked over at me and I immediately received a few, "Damn!"s and dropped jaws.

The only one who didn't seem impressed was Blaise. In fact, he seemed irritated by it. His jaw was clenched, his lips in a tight, straight line. His eyes were dark.

"And that's coming from a bunch of straight guys!" Daphne managed through her giggles. "Imagine how Neville is going to react!"

"Or Montague." I heard Blaise grumble.

I raised an eyebrow. "Montague? Why is that a concern on how he reacts to how I look?"

Blaise turned back towards his bed, shrugging. "He has no boundaries. He is not afraid to force you to do something. So let's wear pants so tight they look painted on. You're pretty much sending him an open invitation."

I could tell he was irritated with Draco, not me.

"He can't live in constant fear of Graham, Blaise." Daphne sighed.

Blaise looked back at me again, sadness in his eyes. "I know. I'm sorry. I'm just afraid that…" he trailed off. "I don't know. I love you, Dray. It just scares me is all."

Blaise was too sweet for his own good.

"Well, now that Longbottom's actually got Draco, I'd like to see how he reacted if Montague tried something funny." Crabbe chuckled from his bed. "I would love to see Longbottom literally twist him into a pretzel."

I could only chuckle as I turned back towards the bathroom to change before I ruined this outfit somehow.

I was really going to miss these guys.

(Draco POV)

I woke with a start, sweat pouting down my face.

So Granger wasn't the only one getting memories.

Gods, I had seen the same terrible things that Granger had seen during the war, but… reliving them in a way that's so lifelike was terrible.

And Granger's god-awful polyester pajamas under the thick cotton comforter was not helping my sweating problem.

I climbed out of the bed and walked as quietly as I could out of the girls' dorm to the boys'.

I hoped Neville wouldn't think it was too weird if I climbed in his bed. I really didn't want to be alone right now.

But the second I walked in the room, I heard a small, "Hermione?"

I looked over and saw Weasley sitting on the side of his bed, curtains open, wide awake.

Shit.

I walked over to his bed, sitting beside him. "What are you doing awake?"

"I could ask you the same question." He smiled crookedly at me. "Nightmares I'm guessing."

I nodded. "Same?"

He shook his head. "I was just, uh…" he blushed, scratching the back of his neck. "I was thinking about you actually."

I stiffened, taking in the flushed face, the sheen of sweat on his forehead, the embarrassed look in his eyes.

Oh, Merlin. Gross.

"Oh, I, um…"

Weasley's eyes widened, obviously realizing what I was thinking. "No! No! Not like that! I was just…" he sighed. "I haven't exactly been the best boyfriend ever."

I raised an eyebrow. "Staring at Brown's ass every chance you get doesn't exactly scream soulmate."

I saw a bit of hurt pass through his eyes and I felt a little bad.

"I know. And I'm sorry. You're the only person I really have eyes for, Hermione. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my entire life." He laid a hand on mine. "And… I just needed to let you know that I… I lo-,"

"No!" I exclaimed quickly, pulling my hand from his and putting it over his mouth. "No! Not right now!"

I wasn't Weasley's biggest fan, but I really come to like Hermione, even think of her as a friend.

This was obviously the first time he was going to tell her he loved her. He needed to tell that to her. Not me.

We were switching back tomorrow if Hermione's calculations were right (which they always are). Surely he could wait that long.

I saw hurt once again flash in Weasley's blue eyes. "You… you don't…"

"No, I… Oh, I don't know how she feels. I-,"

His eyebrows shot up. "She?"

"Oh, gods." And I just told him. At this point, I felt like he should know.

I expected anger. I expected disgust.

What I didn't expect was for him to sit back, eyebrow still raised, with a small, "Oh."

"Oh? You're not pissed?" He looked at me. "I'd be pissed."

He chuckled lightly. "I suppose not. I mean, in a way it's a relief. Hermione – or I guess you – had been acting weird towards me for weeks now. I was afraid that she was going to break up with me or something. But now it's understandable why you've been distant. And why you didn't say you loved me back."

I was definitely surprised. "Hermione cares very deeply for you. I'm sure she loves you. I just don't know for a fact. Not that I'd tell you if she did. That's her business."

"So you two have just tried to keep things normal then?" I nodded. "Who knows?"

"You, Potter, Daphne, Blaise, and Neville."

"Neville? Neville knows?"

I smiled. "Yes, Neville knows."

"So you're not going to rip his heart out then?"

"No!" I snapped. "I'm not going to 'rip his heart out'. I actually care for him a great deal, thank you."

"Do you love him?"

I was taken back by the forwardness of the question. "I… I don't know. I haven't really had time to sort out my feelings with this whole drama."

Weasley snorted. "Makes sense."

He looked at me, eyes suddenly wide. "So when Montague went after Hermione-,"

"He was going after me." I lowered my eyes to my hands in my lap. "He found a way to really hurt me. Do that to my mind again while hurting a friend. He knows that nothing would hurt me more than to see a friend hurt because of me."

There was sympathy in his eyes. "But you saved her and yourself."

"I couldn't let it happen. Not again."

Weasley laid a hand on my shoulder. "I guess I owe you a thank you. Despite how weird this is.

"When is all of this supposed to sort itself out?"

"Tomorrow." I smiled. "So you'll get to go to the ball with her. And trust me. You'll love how I'm dolling her up."

(Harry POV)

Today was their last day of being switched like this. The conversation in the library continued as usual but I could feel an aura of sadness about the room. I guess, without us even knowing it, we had all gotten to be pretty good friends.

Ron had joined us this time, Draco explaining that Ron had back him into a corner and Draco had no choice but to tell him. Ron seemed okay with everything, laughing and smiling, but Draco's explanation had been suspiciously vague.

"Ugh." Draco groaned, rubbing his temples. "I'm going to have to leave a little earlier today. Your hair is going to take me hours, Granger."

"Don't waste your time on my hair." She laughed back at him. "Just put it in a pony tail or something."

Draco looked scandalized. "All this time and you still don't know me. My dear, by the time I'm finished, your hair will look flawless."

"I don't doubt it." She smiled.

And suddenly, Draco was around the table and the two were hugging each other tightly.

"Promise me we'll still hang out after everything's said and done?" Draco asked.

"Duh," Hermione laughed at him. "You're going to be dating one of my best friends. It's pretty unavoidable. Besides, we've taken beatings for each other and saved each other and seen each others memories and had a couple heart-to-hearts. I don't think we're exactly going to go back to juvenile name calling and duels in the hallway."

"Oh," Draco laughed again. "I promise there'll still be juvenile name calling. It's pretty much unavoidable with me."

The rest of us said our goodbyes, promising to see each other at the ball that night and to hang out in Hogsmeade the following day.

When Daphne looked to me to say her goodbyes, I didn't miss as a light brush spread across her cheeks. "It was really good to get to know you, Harry. I think we all misjudged each other."

I nodded and smiled as I hugged the tiny blonde. "We did. All of us did."

(Next Part)

Hours had passed since our final library meeting and I had yet to see Draco.

"What the hell is he doing to her in there?" Ron asked, pacing.

I chuckled. "Have you seen Draco, Ron? He's not exactly one to skimp on anything when it comes to appearance."

Ginny sat on the arm of the couch, her red gown already crinkled. Her hair was in a low, side ponytail and her makeup was very minimal.

"You look beautiful, Gin." I told her for the umpteenth time.

"I just don't understand why we have to go to this stupid ball."

Ron rolled his eyes. "It's a celebration, Ginny. It could be worse."

I knocked on the girls' dorm door once again. "You're going to make us late!"

"Harry, is it just you?" He called back.

"Yeah," I lied.

"Come in! But just you!"

I pushed the door open and then quickly shut behind me.

"What is taking you so long?"

I looked up in time to see Draco walk out of the bathroom.

And wow.

I mean, WOW.

Her hair was much thinner and in soft, symmetrical waves pulled in front of one shoulder. Her eyes were lined with black and covered with a shimmering gold shadow. Her eyelashes were very dark and thick. Her lips were a deep red. Her dark gold strapless dress hugged her every curve before flaring out at the knees. A line of clear crystal descended from her left shoulder to her right hip.

"How do I look?"

"You look… you look just… wow. You made her look beautiful."

"I know!" He squealed, giving a little twirl. "Ah! I am sooo proud of myself. I have really outdone myself this time."

I couldn't help but laugh at the boy but then froze as his face grew pale.

"Draco? What's wrong?"

"I… I don't…"

He reached out a hand, grasping desperately for the door frame, but missing entirely.

"Draco!" I ran forward and grabbed him before he could fall.

(Hermione POV)

"I can't get over how good he looks!" Daphne squealed.

"I can't get over how tight those pants are." Blaise scoffed.

"You should've expected that. Really." Daphne shot back at him. "You ready to go, 'Mione?"

"Not quite." I said, studying my hair. This was Draco and Neville first "date." He had to look perfect.

He would kill me otherwise.

"But you guys can go on without me." I smiled. "I'm going to go up to Gryffindor tower and meet Neville anyway."

"Shouldn't he come get you?" Blaise raised an eyebrow.

"Lay off, Blaise." Daphne pushed him playfully. "You sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. Go ahead."

"Alright." They both smiled. "See you at the ball."

I returned their goodbye before looking in the mirror, carefully brushing his hair to the side. I really was jealous of his hair. Something else I would miss.

Suddenly, a splitting headache completely over took me. I grabbed both sides of my head, feeling like it was trying to explode.

I groaned loudly as the room began to swim and I grew very dizzy, forgetting where I was or why I was there.

I grabbed for the table in front of me, but only managed to knock off a bottle of cologne.

I fell hard, the room still spinning wildly, my head pounding, my eyes unable to focus.

"Draco! Draco, please! Open your eyes! Are you okay?"

I forced my eyes open, the sudden bright light blinding me.

Who was holding me?

"Draco!"

Harry?

I opened my eyes and they slowly adjusted to the light.

Harry was leaned over me, concern and fear in his eyes. The room behind him was a cornucopia of red and gold. I could feel my dress on me, my long hair heavy on my shoulder.

Despite my pounding headache, I had to smile.

I was back.

"Draco?"

I shook my head.

"Hermione?"

I nodded, smiling wider.

Harry helped me up before hugging me tightly. "Oh, it's good to have you back, 'Mione!"

The door to the girls' door opened and Neville, looking handsome in a plain black suit with a black vest and aquamarine tie, walked in, smiling broadly.

"Are you guys ready to go? Hermione should be here soon. You really made her look gorgeous, by the way."

"She's already here." Harry laughed brightly.

"She is? Where is-," he cut himself off, obviously realizing what we meant. "But that means…" He turned and sprinted from the room, all thoughts obviously turned to Draco.

The two of us couldn't help but laugh.

(Draco POV)

My head was splitting open.

Thankfully, the lights were somewhat dim when I finally forced my eyes open.

What had happened? Why was I alone? Where was hair?

Climbing shakily to my feet, I suddenly realized many things at once. I was much shorter. I was skinnier. My hair was much lighter. The makeup and dress were gone.

I smiled.

I was me. I would get to spend the entire evening with Neville as myself.

Nothing sounded better.

Eager to get to the Gryffindor common room and meet them (surely they knew by know), I ran out into the common room and was greeted by a not so pleasant sight.

Graham and Christian sat at a set of chairs by the fire, talking just to themselves.

There was no one else in the common room.

But I wouldn't let them intimidate me. No way in hell.

But as I walked toward the door, I suddenly heard Christian's shrill voice call out. "Well, look who's back, Graham!"

"I would know that look anyway. That look that you're better than everyone else. Happy to be back in your little whore body again? Grateful that you can fuck Longbottom now?"

A witty remark wouldn't bother him. He would just laugh if I stood up for myself.

So I went for what I knew would get him.

"I am actually."

Then I turned and headed for the door again.

I heard his angry snarl, but I didn't hear him get up. I didn't hear him cross the floor. I didn't know he was behind me until he had a grip on both of my arms.

"Get off me!" I screeched at him.

"Chris and I have been waiting awhile for you to come back, you know." He hissed in my ear, grinding his hips against me. "We've both been wanting to fuck you into the ground, to put you in your place."

He turned and threw me to the ground, giving me no chance to catch my balance.

He went for his belt, undoing it slowly. "Have at it, Chris. I just want to watch."

But as Christian rose to his feet, a blast of red hit him square in the chest, sending him flying.

"Lay another finger on him, Montague, and I will have your fucking head."

I smiled broadly at the brunette in the doorway.

Neville.

Montague snarled at the Gryffindor, obviously angry. "I really think you should learn your pla-,"

"Stupefy."

Graham froze in place, eyes still angry, mouth wide open.

Neville merely smiled at me, crossing the floor and offering me his hand. "We'd better go. The others are waiting on us."

I took his hand and stood, taking his offered arm, and giggled as I joked, "My hero. Again."

(Next Part)

"There you two are!" Hermione squealed. "We were starting to get worried."

"We ran into a uh… a little diversion."

"Montague?" Harry asked sounding nervous.

"Yeah, but," I smiled at Neville, laying my head on his arm. "we're okay."

The lot of us walked into the crowded Great Hall, taking in the sparkling decorations and loud music. We grabbed a table for ourselves when Neville turned, obviously to say something, but stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes went wide and his mouth hung open, just looking at me, making me feel self-conscious.

"What?" I pressed.

"I guess when I heard and saw what was happening in your common room, my only thoughts were to get you out. But now… Now I'm actually looking at you and… wow. Gods, you're beautiful."

I could feel myself blush which only made him smile wider.

"Would you do the honor of giving me this dance?"

"I would love to."

(Next Part)

After dancing for a straight hour, Neville and I were both admittedly exhausted.

"Tell you what," he said, pulling me close so I could hear him over the music. "Why don't you go take and a seat and save me a chair? I'll go grab us some drinks."

I was seriously distracted by his hands on my waist and his lips near brushing my ear, but I simply nodded and did as he said.

Upon sitting down, I quickly noticed that Harry and Ginny were not only heatedly arguing, but hadn't moved from that table since we got here.

"Are you two not dancing?" I called to them.

"No." Harry snapped. "Ginny doesn't feel like it because this ball is 'stupid and pointless.' It seems like you'd be able to see what it represents."

"Well, I don't. This is just a waste of my time."

"Oh, Godric. Whatever." Harry spat, turning from her.

"I'm leaving." Ginny snapped, getting up and walking away.

"Don't expect me to follow!" Harry yelled after her.

"Oh. Wow."

"We've been on the rocks as is." Harry sighed. "She's just so… unhappy about everything."

I felt a small tap on my shoulder and I turned to look.

"Oh, Daph! You look gorgeous!" I jumped to my feet and hugged the tiny blonde.

"You do too!" She squealed. "Hermione told me you two switched back."

"Yep. Everything's back to normal." I smiled. "Well, sort of."

"Except now you've got a gorgeous new boy-toy?"

I chuckled. "Speaking of, where's your date?"

Daphne suddenly grew solemn. "He um… decided to go with someone else."

"What? When did you find that out?"

"When he came and got Allisa Sheppard instead of me."

"That piece of shit! I oughta go and cut his fuckin' throat!"

Daphne laughed, pushing me back down in my chair and sitting in the one next to me. "It's fine, Dray. Really. It's not like anything would've happened between us anyway. His nose hair freaked me out."

I could only laugh.

"I'm back." A deep voice said behind me.

I turned in time to see Neville handing me a crystal glass filled with a pink punch. I thanked him, moving my chair slightly closer to his when he sat.

"You know what?" Harry suddenly said, pushing himself out of his chair. He walked around in front of Daphne and smiled. "You look much too beautiful to be spending tonight alone. And I don't look any different than I usually do but I spent a fuck ton on these dress robes, so I'm gonna get some use out of them." He bowed, holding out a hand. "So, may I have this dance, Ms. Greengrass?"

Daphne blushed deeply and giggled, putting her pale hand in Harry's. "Why, of course, Mr. Potter."

The blushing pair made their way out on the dance floor, beginning an awkward waltz.

"Aw! Yay!" I exclaimed, smiling broadly at Daphne as she smiled up shyly at the bespectacled boy.

Neville laughed openly at me, his knee gently touching my own.

"I hope you feel like you made the right decision coming with me tonight." He said to me.

I smiled and nodded. "I feel like it's the best decision I've made in a long time."

(Hermione POV)

Ron had a death grip on my waist, trying to keep up with my moving feet.

"I'm supposed to lead." He grumbled.

"Hard to lead when you can't keep up." I teased.

Ron just looked at me and smiled broadly, laying a small kiss on my lips. "I'm so happy you're you again. I was… I mean, it make sense now, but at the time, it felt like you were distancing yourself from me and… I was afraid you were going to break up with me."

"Of course not!" I exclaimed.

"Oh, I know that now." He nodded. He looked me in the eye, a familiar emotion shining there. "I love you, Hermione Jean Granger. More than I've ever loved anything."

"I love you too, Ronald Bilius Weasley."

At the use of his middle name, his mouth fell in a tight, straight line. "You had to ruin it, didn't you?"

I could only laugh before I pressed my lips against him.

I hadn't realized just how much I missed him.

(Next Part)

The ball had gone on for hours, yet it felt like I could've gone for more. Everything was perfect. Everything.

The Gryffindors and Slytherins said their goodbyes at the stairs to the dungeons (Harry's and Daphne's goodbye being suspiciously long with a hug that lasted longer than it should have. Especially after dancing together for hours.) before we parted to go our separate ways, all hiding in a certain area to watch Draco's and Neville's goodnights.

"We're still planning on hanging out in Hogsmeade tomorrow, right?" Neville asked.

Draco had his hands on Neville's shoulders; Neville's arms were wrapped around his tiny, feminine waist.

"Of course."

"And if either of those pieces of shit gives you any trouble, you promise to tell me, right?"

Draco giggled. "Of course."

The two's faces were so close. A kiss was bound to happen.

Neville parted his lips slightly, his eyes trailing down to Draco's pink, full lips. There was longing in his eyes. Draco moved slightly closer, his eyes fluttering shut.

Suddenly, Neville gave him a tight hug and pulled away. "Goodnight, Draco. I had a wonderful time."

Draco looked scandalized.

I was just about to yell at him when I heard Draco shout, "Neville Longbottom! You get back here this instant!"

Neville looked at him with wide eyes, but walked back to his former position. "What did I-,"

Draco grabbed the taller boy by both sides of his collar and pulled him down, pressing his lips to Neville's.

Neville's eyes went wide before they fluttered slightly, then shut. His arms found his way around Draco's waist and pulled him against him. Draco's fingers tangled themselves in Neville's short hair.

After a few moments of their passionate kiss, Draco pulled away slightly, breathing hard.

"Now that's a proper goodnight."

Neville chuckled nervously before pecking him on the lips once more. "Goodnight, beautiful. I'll see you in the morning."

(Draco POV)

Oh, I was on cloud nine.

I could've danced. I could've sung.

I still, however had a reputation to uphold.

But, he was all mine. And I was all his. And I hadn't been this happy in a long time.

As dorky as it sounds, I missed him. I wanted him there with his arms around me, holding me close, waltzing perfectly with me, kissing me so passionately.

I couldn't wait for morning.

Suddenly, pain shot through my arms as someone grabbed me and jerked me roughly into a small supply closet along one of the hallways.

I grunted as I was thrown roughly to the cold stone floor.

I heard a spell and saw a white light. What I recognized as a silencing charm. In a voice that was much too familiar.

Blue eyes glared at me in the dark of the enclosed space. A shrill laugh behind me sent shivers up my spine.

"I hope you enjoyed your night with Longbottom, because he won't want you after tonight. No one likes a whore.

Hands grabbed at my outfit, choking me with the tie, ripping the buttons of my shirt.

"Now we're going to finish what we started."

(Page Break)

I'm so sorry! I just had to ruin it, I know. But, really. What did you expect?

Well, here's chapter 14, the longest so far (17 PAGES!). I hope you guys like it, though I know a few of you will probably be upset with me.

Hopefully I'll be able to get the next chapter up real soon.

Let me know how you liked it!

Reviews are Love!