Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or Harry Potter universe. It all belongs to JK Rowling.

A Tale of Ron and Hermione

Chapter-6

(Perks of Having a Date)

Ron's dancing skills are pretty good, Hermione eyed her date who's enjoying the snacks they were served. They both danced for no longer than twenty minutes. There was less talk and more of, both of them trying their best to not to look at each other faces.

They both were now sitting at the tables, watching other people dance. Hermione noticed Harry and Ginny having a dance together, she took a glance at Ron who, fortunately, has not Ginny and Harry yet.

She roamed her eyes to see where Dean has gone off to. She found him near the corner with window, with a glass of butterbeer in his hand and a stupid smile on his face, and shockingly he's getting cosy with Lisa Turpin. Who apparently helped Seamus in this whole scenario of asking out Lavender, and the rumour of her being Seamus's date were false.

Though the dance between Ginny and Harry seems friendly, she feels a strange feeling emerging from them. Also, Dean's sudden attentiveness on Turpin gave her signs of trepidation.

"You seem worried."

She turned her head towards Ron who's eyes looked perturbed. "Something's bothering you?" he asked.

Hermione shakes her head slightly, it is not good to let the things of their group to go outside. She gave him a smile, "It's nothing. It's just the whole thing was tiring," she plated her hair with her hands and sighed heavily. "We worked very hard, since the last week. Now professor McGonagall says there will be a play—"

"A play?"

"Yes," Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. "It's some Drama Festival. Have you heard of the Theatre Group of Gilderoy Lockhart?".

"Oh, Lockhart," Ron laughed, "My mum's barmy about that guy and his plays. She once took me and Ginny to one of his Drama."

"What happened then?"

"I had a good sleep and Ginny vomited twice." Ron chuckled.

"What!? For real?" Hermione chortled.

"In my sister's defence. She was overwhelmed"

"By what?"

"By the passionate climax snog of Lockhart with the love of his life. The poor actress was dying to over it as soon as she can," he laughed at the remembrance. Hermione joined this little laugh, "Don't tell my mum though; she still thinks Ginny had too much apple pie in the breakfast."

Hermione shook her head, wheezing a little with the laughter. She sighed, "Are they really that bad?".

"You'll survive," Ron said shrugging.

"Hope so," she leaned back in her seat, sighing tiredly and letting her shoulder fall. "Why aren't they here yet?" she asked frustratedly.

"Who? The ministry officials?" Ron asked.

"Yeah," Hermione's eyes were closed. They feel heavy she couldn't get much sleep last night. She sometimes regrets being the Student Council's president. She couldn't do the Ancient Runes essay last weekend. Yes, they were allowed to leave the work given by the teachers, but she still regrets for letting it go. She wanted the time back when she and her friends used to sneak to the Shrieking Shack and spend their whole time there, laughing and relaxing around the old Shack, though that place was prohibited, but they still found that place a second home for them.

"Hermione, did you cast any supernatural spell?"

"What?" Hermione opened her eyes and gave Ron a ridiculous gaze. Ron signalled toward the gates of the Hall. There stood three men with two women in Ministry robes, five of them were the Heads of the five departments, she had read about them in the records of Ministry Of Magic she found in the library, the records are charmed to update every year as soon as a batch of Hogwarts passes out.

Among the officials were Amelia Bones, Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Bartemius Crouch, Head of Department of International Magical Cooperation. Pius Thicknesse, Department of Magical Transportation. Ludo Bagman, whose presenting the Department of Magical Games and Sports. At last, Rufus Scrimgeour, head of the Auror Office.

Hermione straightened her back and took a calm breath, Ron gave a weird look at her new stance. Hermione ignored his look and stood, her eyes met Anthony's and other Council members, they all exchanged the nod of good luck.

"You must be the President?" a firm and cold voice made Hermione turn around and she came face to face with Bartemius Crouch, who has a cup of tea in his one hand. Hermione nearly gulped at the sight of his cold and harsh face, his stare on her, she's sure that he can give Professor McGonagall a good competition if they ever try to hold a staring competition.

"Yes, it is me sir. I am Hermione Granger, President of the Student Council."

She said politely, Crouch gave her a scanned her whole face, trying to find, she doesn't know what. He sighed, with the same face of indifference, he moved his hand forward. Hermione shook his hand firmly.

"I have heard about you a lot, Miss Granger," Crouch said, his gaze on Hermione. "Remus Lupin talks about you a lot," a small smile appeared on her face, Professor Lupin was too fond of her, "He had talked about you till that extent, that now, I get annoyed at the mere mention of your name."

Hermione's smile vanished. Now her first impression on the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation is annoyance. She screwed it even before it all started, and the irony is that even she didn't have to do anything to screw up.

"However," Crouch took a sip from his cup, "When even Minerva was talking in your favour, I thought it wouldn't hurt anyone to investigate you a little. I can say that I intrigued and impressed by your academic records. Your record is the best in the recent years of Hogwarts, even better than my assistant Percival Weasley."

"Then I heard, you were elected as the president of The Student Council. Though the logic of this ridiculous council is still not understandable to me. Yet it was a impressive goal to achieve," he sipped his tea while his eyes were on his ministry fellows, who are also keen to have a talk with this bright witch.

"Say Miss Granger, Would you like to do internship for the International Magical Cooperation Department?" he asked gruffly, his tone made it clear that he doesn't need stalling in her answer, he expects either yes or no.

"Thank you very much for your consideration, Mr Crouch," Hermione said, her palms are sweating, "I would love to work in your Department, but the aim I have, cannot be fulfil if I choose to work in your department. I apologize, but I decline your proposal."

Crouch peered over her with his firm gaze. Hermione clenched her fist, her decision is final and there's nothing which can change it, it's her only aim, since she was fourteen.

"You don't think your aim can be achieved, if you associate with my department?"

"Yes sir," she said quietly.

"And you do know that International Magical Cooperation Department is one of the most influential office of the ministry?" Crouch's eyebrow twitched as he directed the question to her.

"Yes," she cleared her throat, "Yes I do know how much power your department holds in the ministry."

"Hmm," Crouch sipped his tea, rather loudly. "Yet you stand with your decision?".

"My answer will remain the same," Hermione sighed. "I did my research sir, and I know the post you are offering to me is the one for which hundreds of students aspire to have. But if I choose to work for your department, I will be limited to the projects of your department only, which is I definitely do not want from my career in the ministry."

Crouch's frown didn't fade away from his face, but Hermione is sure that he understands.

"Very well," Crouch sighed, "I am impressed that you did the research. Well, all the best, is all I can say." He put his hat on his head, "Hoping to see you at the ministry soon," with a nod, he walked away to his colleagues.

Hermione breathed a relieved sigh, she was tempted, but as Professor McGonagall once said. Secure future is important, but a thoroughgoing dream is necessarily imperative.

"I think you had impressed Bartemius today," Hermione's head swivelled towards direction of the voice.

"Madam Bones?" Hermione asked surprisedly. Amelia Bones stood in front of her, her hands joined together, her sharp eyes on Hermione, but there is a surprising and small smile on her face which further confused Hermione.

"A pleasure meeting you, President Hermione Granger."

Hermione gave her a gracious bow, few people know that, but she's a huge admirer of Madam Bones.

"Pleasure is all mine, madam Bones," she said politely.

"Walk with me," she said and they both started trudging beside each other, the talk went here and there with Madam Bones asking questions while Hermione replying them all confidently, talking with clear intentions helps you a lot with confidence, and Hermione realised it after her talk with the Mr Crouch.

"I was fascinated," Madam Bones said, Hermione's face turned up towards her.

Madam Bones sighed, "Ever since I joined the ministry, I had witnessed many men and women to the top of ministry. Some of them were the capable, meanwhile some of them were far from capable. Some earned their position, where some of them stole it. Some of them dutifully did their job while some of them just filled their Gringotts vault with galleons, using that job," she took a long glance at her, "But there is one thing they all shared… none of them was a muggleborn."

Hermione felt her composure going upheaval as soon as Madam Bones said that. Yes, the bigotry is really worked upon in the Wizarding World, but there is a unspoken truth in this Wizarding World is that till now, not a single Muggleborn has been chosen as a Ministry official. There had been many Acts and Steps taken by the ministry, but they all know it's all in vain until a muggleborn political figure rise in the ministry's higher ranks.

"But you know how I got into this fascination," Hermione looked puzzled. Madam Bones tugged on her hair, "When I last visited Hogwarts during the Triwizard Tournament, all the teachers told me a few names to pay attention to. I was really surprised when nearly every teacher suggested me a same name, Hermione Granger," Madam Bones eyes met hers'. "You don't know how fascinated I was, after working in the ministry nearly for three decades, it's the first time I am hearing about a prodigy who's a muggleborn."

"Hermione you might not realise that but you rising in the ranks of the ministry might create a huge uproar. There are still hundreds of prejudiced jerks who sits on the seats of the deserving, and to be fair with you, I might not be able to help you once you get into the ministry because there are many things which even I or Bartemius can control," Madam Bones said grimly, she glanced upon the young witch whose eyes were on her shoes. "My intentions are not to sca—

"I know…" Hermione said determinedly, her eyes met Madam Bones', "I was twelve.. when I was first called a mudblood on my face…" Madam Bones flinched, "I was hurt, but I decided that if I don't want another twelve year girl to be called that like me. Then I had to fight… don't worry Madam Bones, It cant intimidate me now anymore, it has become a part of me now. I am a muggleborn and I just don't want something for muggleborns, but also want the other parts of this magical society to be equal with the wizards and witches."

Madam stares at her, her left side of lip twitched up, "Hmm.. I heard about your wish to work with Department for the Regulations and Control of Magical Creatures?"

"Yes."

"And this is the reason for you to decline Bartemius's offer?"

"Yes."

"Hm.. If I ask you to work for my department. Will you still be staying on your wish for work with Magical Creature department?"

"Yes," Hermione said, not a slight hesitation in her answer.

Madam Bones raised her eyebrow. "You're exactly like what she described me," she chuckled.

Hermione frown, "She?".

"Miss Greengrass," Madam Bones replied, surprising Hermione further.

"You know Daphne?" Hermione asked perplexedly.

"Wouldn't I know my own student, Miss Granger?" Madam Bones replied amusingly.

"What!? Daphne is you student?".

"Yes," Madam Bones said, "I've been teaching Daphne chess, since she is six."

"Oh, well I have heard Daphne's chess skills are quite astonishing."

"Oh don't give her too much of credit," Madam Bones rolled her eyes. "She lost to Minerva's student, still gives me a hard time, that Minerva."

"Well, Miss Granger," Madam Bones cleared her throat, "It was a wonderful conversation we have and I think about the whole rumours of yours capabilities were not rumours after all."

Hermione felt her cheeks and heart warm. Madam Bones gave her a nod as a farewell and turn around. She had walked a little when Hermione called her again.

"Madam Bones!" Hermione called. Madam Bones stopped and turned around.

"Who was that student of Professor McGonagall who defeated Daphne?" she asked curiosly.

Madam Bones gave her a joyous smile.

"That person happens be your date, Miss Granger."

Nearly after an hour Hermione walks back to the table where Ron was sitting. All of this was overwhelming, she just wants to go and collapse on her bed and sleep for a whole day. The party is nearly over, most of the students are getting tipsy and many of them were getting cosy with their dates in the corner.

She can notice Professor Snape's eyes scanning the whole hall, hoping if he can find any student who are doing 'inappropriate' things, and he can take points from them or give some detentions, so he can get some peaceful sleep.

She reached near the tables but the scene she got there wasn't pretty at all. Malfoy with his cronies was sitting near table where Ron is, by the smirks on their faces, she can definitely guess that they're again started with their petty commentary.

"Well shit!" she cursed herself under her breath, she shouldn't have left Ron alone like this, even when Tracey had warned her in the first place. Ron's back was on them, to her relief he's ignoring them, there's a fork in his hand and he's just swirling in the empty glass.

"Why ain't you answering us, Weasel?" she heard Zabini's voice.

"What got your mouth shut?" it was Malfoy's voice this time, she is nearly close to the tables by now, she just hopes Ron doesn't takes the bait, she don't want a wrestling match in the event. Also the ministry officials are still here, she can sense Malfoy's plan here, he somehow wants Ron to react and cross the last warning he was given by the ministry.

"What? You don't remember how to swear Weasel? Come on, you're boring us, at least say something," Malfoy mocked Ron, who still finds the empty glass more interesting.

"Well if you really want to hear some cursing.." all heads on the table swivelled towards her, ".. then allow me, I have many of them in the store. Especially for you."

Ron snorted in amusement, while Draco's smirked widened. "Oh I apologize, we should not anger the President, should we Blaise?" he asked his companion.

Blaise grinned at her Hermione, who found their behaviour peculiar. "Oh we should not Draco, not at all.." he drawled, "After all, President Granger is the epitome of a perfect student, here in Hogwarts. We would not look good at all if we mess with her."

Hermione narrowed her eyes, "What are you on about, Zabini?".

Blaise made a mocking scandalous face, "Me!?" he asked, his hand on his chest. "I had been a well behaved person all this evening I swear president," he smirked, "Oh but I can't say the same thing about your best friend, Seamus though."

"What about Seamus?" she asked crossly. "What did you do!?".

"Us!" Draco jeered, "We didn't do anything… except offering Finnegan and Brown a few glass of firewhisky."

Hermione's eyes went wide. The expression alone gave the Slytherins a satisfaction to laugh about.

"You bloody… gits..," Hermione said, her jaw tightened. It only increased Slytherins' glee.

Hermione gritted her teeth. She turned around and dashed towards the bathrooms, "Hermione wait!" she heard Ron, it didn't took him long to reach her.

"What's wrong?" Ron asked, they both are walking rather fast.

"It's Seamus. He-he… he is a little weak when it comes to alcohol. But those gits! They might have done this on purpose."

"Don't worry, we'll find a way out of thi—

Ron's words didn't came, they both were silenced by the scenery in front of them. The smell of puke is all in the air in that bathroom, Seamus is lying on the floor, Lavender is asleep on his chest.

"Oh hey guyssss…" Seamus grinned sloppily their way, he has his hand half raised in the air. Lavender shivered in her sleep, "So cold.." she moaned in her sleep.

"Here, my love!" Seamus said gleefully, wrapping his hands around Lavender tightly. "You'll feel warm now," Though what Seamus didn't realised is that he is hugging his coat instead of Lavender.

"Merlin why!?" Hermione slapped her hand on her forehead. "My first responsibility and my own friends are lying drunk on the bathroom floor!".

"Hermione," Ron said, "I think we have a bigger problem here," he turned towards her, his eyes wide with fear, "McGonagall's coming this way."

"Oh merlin!"

कहना ही क्या... ये नैन एक अनजान से जो मिले।

Notes:

Hey guys! here's another chapter of this fic, I'm so thankful for that even after my inactivity during past few months, you people still gave this fic so much appreciation and I'm beyond touched after all this love.
🙌🙏

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