Dancing Shoes

by Cybaster

(Chapter 3 uploaded 03/16/2001)The last dance of their Hogwarts years. Everyone's going to be there...and both Harry and Hermione have the same big problem. What else would they find trying to solve it?

2. Implementation

Dancing Shoes: Implementation

* * *

Author's Note: Second part of 'Dancing Shoes' (of three). If you haven't read 'Dancing Shoes: Problem' before coming here, go back and read it first!!! Okay, things begin heating up quite a bit here. No, it's still light-hearted. Sort of. Promise. ^^ However, I think this part probably isn't all that good, though, and if you didn't like it, my apologies. *Sniffle sniffle* Really, I'm sorry...*sniffle, sob*...I am...Waaaaaahhhh! I'm sorry! I'm really sorry if you didn't! Romance writing has never really been my department before, so I'm sorry if I somehow messed it up! Waaaaaahhhhhh! ;_;

Disclaimer: Almost the same as before. All names and places except the two pairs of dancing shoes and two new additions --- Medea Shennas, the NPC Slytherin student who at least deserves a name, and Semie, the wonderful almost- anime-like half-house elf extra! --- belong to Joanne Kathleen Rowling, Bloomsbury Publishing and Raincoast Books.

Special Thanks: Special thanks go out to, again, Sarah Jane and Shadow Dragon for betaing this part. Merci Beaucoup, since Sarah Jane won't take the Japanese thanks…

* * *

"Do you know how to enchant a pair of dancing shoes?" Both Harry and Hermione asked each other at once.

The Library was silent at once; Harry and Hermione blinked at each other in confusion, neither understanding why the other had asked the same question, Harry expecting Hermione to know, Hermione expecting Harry to be able to help. Both were more confused than embarassed, though, and because of that neither dared speak until they could sort their thoughts out and be sure that they *did* ask the same question.

It was Harry who asked next. "You...you need a pair of dancing shoes, too?"

Hermione blinked in slight disbelief and nodded silently, hoping against hope that Harry was asking the same question. If he did, that would mean Hermione wouldn't have to be afraid of letting Harry know about her problems. After all, Harry had always been a reliable, strong-willed and understanding friend to her in the past, always knowing what has to be done and when to draw the line when his friends were endangered. If she didn't trust Harry Potter of all her friends, who else could she trust? Her grip on her books loosened somewhat. "You too, Harry?"

Harry relaxed considerably and nodded in reply; to hear that Hermione had the same problems was a relief to him that he won't embarass himself any more than he already did and was an assurance that Hermione won't spread that to the entire school, although Harry had always known that Hermione was one who kept those type of things, especially about her friends, to herself. Also, she was almost always calm and quick on her brains, whereas Ron was admittedly a bit hot-headed when it suited him. Although Harry was closer to Ron, that made Hermione all the more...comfortable to talk to, oddly. Maybe it's something else he doesn't know about, but that told Harry that somehow, he could trust her.

"Yes." Harry answered plainly, beyond joy of knowing that his problems had gotten even lighter.

Harry and Hermione didn't have to tell each other their problems, then; purely because they're considerate enough not to mind, but also they both understood that the other was sharing the same problems as they were...and they also knew that the other would definately prefer not to repeat it again, if it could be helped.

"So, Harry, both you and me are after the same things, right?" Hermione asked, a sudden prospect reaching into her head and cheering her up as well. "We each need a pair of dancing shoes for the Last Moments that'll help us dance really good, and..."

Harry had caught the prospect, as he was thinking of the same thing...and smiled. He sat down on a chair opposite Hermione's. "...We could help each other out! None of us had done any enchantments for so many possible things like this before, and it would go much easier if we helped each other on finding information on it, right?"

Hermione seemed equally bright. "Exactly." She replied. "Oh! Should we get Ron to help us, as well?"

Harry thought about the prospect about getting Ron to help them and shook his head doubtfully. "I don't know. I really want to, he's our best friend, hot-headed sometimes but we could trust him and I don't want him to feel left out, but..." He then gave consideration to the fact that Ron would usually, whether he liked it or not, be accompanied by Mandy Brocklehurst, and shook his head again hesitantly. "I really don't think we should, Hermione. I know we can trust Ron, but I'm not sure about Mandy at all. Besides...I think the less people that know about our little problem right now, the better."

Hermione gave some further thought and nodded in agreement. "I thought so, too. Well, Harry...maybe we should get started right away, shouldn't we? I don't think you have any more time than I do right now." Hermione answered with a slight chuckle.

"Of course."

With that, Harry began to get up from his seat and look as Hermione opened her books again. "Oh, and Harry?"

Harry turned around from where he stood and his emerald-coloured eyes met Hermione's again. Her own eyes were bright as gems and she was wreathed in a wide smile that none had really seen of her in a long, long time. The smile felt not only heartwarming to Harry, it also felt pleasant, in a way.

"Great minds really do think alike, don't they?" Hermione asked with a bright smile. Harry looked at her playfully and smiled back.

"Yes, they do."

* * *

For the next four days onwards, Harry and Hermione kept working in the Library on making two pairs of dancing shoes, and during that time very few had seen them around outside of the Library. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners went by; the common rooms bustled with activity. Everyone was anxious about the End of the Year Feasts and Graduation, and the seventh years prepared for the Last Moments with unmatched excitement. And still neither Harry or Hermione joined them. At meals they would sit down beside Ron --- who was only becoming warmer and warmer with Mandy outside of Gryffindor --- and eat with the other Gryffindors, but then they would go right back to the Library soon after. Nobody knew what Harry and Hermione were up to, and most didn't really mind at all.

A few did, though. Occasionally a student would walk into the Library to calm down from the excitement of the entire Graduation schedule, sometimes with his or her boy/girlfriend. Harry and Hermione would cover up their notes right away, not wanting to risk exposure, but usually the student would whisper or mutter something conspicuous and leave them alone. A very rare few asked what they were doing, Hermione would answer something plausible and Harry would cover for her. Then the student would leave by himself or herself.

Harry and Hermione were thankful for it; they had yet to see either Draco (who was probably off teasing the other students or hanging out with his Slytherin girl somewhere isolated) or Ron (who was most likely preparing for the Last Moments in the Gryffindor Tower or frolicking with Mandy somewhere, although when Harry and Hermione were resting from their studies Ron would talk to them playfully for quite some time) in the Library, and all the other students either didn't mind what they were doing or went back to his/her own business. And whatever was whispered between boyfriend and girlfriend as they saw Harry and Hermione there, they both knew well, couldn't possibly be any worse than the embarassment they'd end up with if they didn't get those dancing shoes in time.

Eventually, on the night before the Last Moments Dance, Harry and Hermione had finished their task --- and were feeling rather proud of themselves for it. They felt as if all the weight had finally been taken off their shoulders, both being able to at least dance well enough in front of the entire seventh year as they had expected from the both of them. As for finding a date to go to the Last Moments with, it was as if that no longer mattered.

Due to their continuous hard work and time spent together working, Harry and Hermione had solved their own problems at last. On the table in front of them were two pairs of dress shoes: one pair blue for Harry, and one pair red to match Hermione's clothes. The sneakers were seemingly of the ones even Muggles wore, of fine construction but nothing too fancy, with the only distinguishable features marking them differently being the rubies engraved on the pads of each shoe. The sneakers themselves sparkled more than normal, and although the sneakers gave off no visible sign of magic, Harry and Hermione knew it was definately there.

They were the dancing shoes that Harry and Hermione needed.

"Harry..." Hermione whispered, at a loss for words to express the happiness she felt, her eyes tenderly meeting Harry'' own looking for the same happiness that she knew was there. She panted and breathed heavily as she looked at him, barely able to contain her excitement, and at the same time very much thankful for Harry being there for her when she felt she could go to nobody else. In fact, Hermione, for some reason unknown, felt very thankful that Harry had always *been* there for her, especially now, and that brought Hermione some sadness. "So...we've finally done it..."

Harry nodded, sharing Hermione's feelings. He was equally glad the task of making the dancing shoes was done, and now he knew that he and Hermione could finally get back to actually enjoying the Last Moments Dance tomorrow. Things were going much better than even he could've hoped for and both Harry and Hermione knew it. "We did." Harry replied, smiling. "Thanks to you, Hermione. I never would've gotten it done without you."

"Yes...we really did it...we really, really did it..." Hermione repeated, at first a whisper but growing louder and louder in pitch until it was nearly a shout, her eyes still on Harry with a gleeful look in them. Her excitement was beyond words, as was her thankfulness for Harry who was always there for her when she really needed him, especially now. Even she seem stunned at how happy she was, repeating the words. Harry was equally thankful for Hermione's help but now, for some reason unknown, he was also very much glad that she was born. Probably it was because Harry was also very excited about his problem being solved, Harry thought.

"Harry, we really did it!" Hermione suddenly squealed with delight and, her joy at its peak, suddenly threw herself into Harry's arms and hugged him tight, burying her head onto his left shoulder as if to cry, but the tears that drenched themselves on Harry next were those of happiness. Harry, caught off-balance by this new feeling, could only stagger back slightly and, gaining his balance, hug her back, sharing her joy. "Thank you, Harry! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou! Thank you for being there for me now when I---"

It was then that both Harry and Hermione fell quiet and became quite stunned --- half of the extent of their hug finally got to them, and both Harry and Hermione stayed quite still, still daring not to let go, trying to sort out their feelings. The feelings of happiness and thankfulness were mutual but at the same time, the touch felt pleasant to them and neither of them wanted to let go. Hermione hugging Harry was by all means nothing new to them, but this time it was quite different for them. This time, they were, consciously or not, relishing in each other's company and the thankfulness of one being there for the other deepened more, Hermione being glad for Harry always being there for her when it counted most, Harry glad that Hermione was even born.

It was as if the dancing shoes meant nothing. It was as if---

"Hermione?"

"Um?"

"I think we should let go now."

Then the other half of the extent of the hug hit them and, with quite startled gasps, Harry and Hermione broke away from each other abruptly and stood apart, both blushing red and not daring to look each other in the eye again, notably embarassed by the act. Harry stood there in dumbfoundedness and could only guess at why he felt the way he did, which he failed to do, and Hermione cursed herself where she stood. She didn't know why she did that --- although she had hugged Harry before it was when they were both children and out of urgency. The pleasant feelings that she got out of this hug confused her and Harry even more. Harry and Hermione held their breath, trying to think of words to say.

Hermione spoke first. "S...sorry." She whispered meekly, looking down.

Harry blinked slightly at her and nodded understandingly, smiling. He didn't mind Hermione's hug as much as he had thought and, in fact, he wanted her to do it again but Harry knew that whatever it was he's feeling there was no time for that. "That's alright." Harry replied, and turned back to the dancing shoes. "So, Hermione...how do these shoes exactly work? I mean, they won't go off the moment I wear them, would they?"

Hermione chuckled and, glad to have a change of subject, turned towards the shoes as well. "Nope." Hermione answered. "Put them on before the Last Moments and when you have to dance, mutter 'Jundolis'---" Hermione glared briefly at the shoes to make sure that they don't jump by themselves yet, and signalled Harry to grab his shoes off the table first. She and Harry slowly plucked the shoes from the table and held them tight. "And then the speed of the dance. The shoes will guide your legs. So if you have to dance slow, just mutter 'Jundolis Slow'---" As if on cue, the two pairs of shoes began wiggling slowly in Harry and Hermione's hands and they held the shoes even more tightly. "And if you have to dance fast, you would mutter...well, you know."

Harry nodded and looked down at his shoes. "Okay. But Hermione? How would we stop the shoes when the dance is over?"

"Simple." Hermione grinned, and turned to the shoes. "'Jundolis Stop'." On cue, the shoes stopped and remained limp as if lifeless. Harry smiled and nodded. "And that would do it. We'll dance even though we don't really know how to." Hermione finished.

"I see." Harry answered, and awkwardly they both remained silent. "So...uh...I guess this is it, then. We're...done."

"Yeah." Hermione replied, and even more silence ensued, one not knowing what else to say to the other and not knowing how to part. It was then that a sudden instinct got to Harry as he thought of the dance and his final, yet by now insignificant, problem. The more he thought of it, the more it sounded pleasant to him.

"Wait, Hermione." Harry called out. "Do you have a date to the Last Moments already?"

Hermione shook her head, some intuition and fear taking hold. Harry isn't thinking of...is he?

"Want to go with me, then?" Harry suddenly asked before he knew what exactly he was saying.

Hermione seemed suddenly shocked by Harry's question, and Harry could only stand there and gawk at her worriedly. She didn't think Harry would ask her at all; in fact, in all her past years, she had never even had the time to really think about things like this. After all, busy years at Hogwarts, right? And Harry and Hermione had never really been anything but friends despite their time together during the past years, right? But Hermione soon found out that she wasn't somehow really shocked because it sounded unplausible or unpleasant or anything --- come to think of it, Hermione realized that going to the Last Moments with Harry, hand in hand, wouldn't be as bad as she would've thought if she was younger. In fact, it actually seemed like a good idea. In fact---But why me? And why now? How am I going to answer Harry now?

Unfortunately for Harry, he didn't see things in quite the same perspective, although he was sure by now he was genuine in wanting to go with Hermione, if not a bit rushed. He took Hermione's shock as being appalled at his question and, eagerly and nervously wanting to undo the mistake of going too far, hastily opened his mouth and staggered forward to apologize. "I'm--I'm sorry, Hermione, I didn't---didn't---didn't mean---"

Those words brought Hermione back into reality and she quickly turned away from Harry, gripping her dancing shoes tight. Fully conscious, she blushed brightly and didn't want Harry to see any more than he already did. Of course he didn't, Hermione thought somewhat dejectedly, why would he? What would he see in me other than a friend and a living textbook? Why would he really like me? Why would anyone?

"I'm…I'm going to bed now, Harry. Thank you." Hermione blurted out abruptly and dashed out of the Library half-blindly before Harry could even stop her. She didn't want to remember anything beyond solving her problems anymore. As she made her way up the Gryffindor Tower and into her dormitory, Hermione just wanted to, for the night, shut herself out from what had just transpired with Harry. There she climbed into bed, held back the urge to cry, and fell asleep eventually. She didn't even notice where she put her dancing shoes before she climbed into bed.

And Harry was left in the Library to stare behind Hermione dumbfoundedly, unable to speak to her and at a complete loss of knowing what was wrong with her. Completely worried, Harry didn't want Hermione to feel shocked or scared or anything, and it seemed to Harry that it was now quite---really---very important that Hermione didn't feel anything of the sort. But at the same time, Harry knew that he'd only make it worse if he talked to her now --- he at least also knew, and frowned at, that Hermione's shock had something to do with him. He no longer knew what to do. He really did want to go to the Last Moments with her.

Harry somehow had the feeling that whatever had happened just then in the Library would eventually come back to haunt him and Hermione in some unexpected way. Although nobody can be completely sure of Fate especially now --- Professor Trelawney and Divination classes proved that --- Harry was completely clueless as to how close to being right he would be.

* * *

As sunlight shone brightly into the windows of Gryffindor Tower, Hermione slowly woke up and realized that she felt better. The confused thoughts and emotions that had plagued her the night before was no longer there and, as Hermione slowly remembered what was to happen today, she eventually felt that absolutely nothing could possibly bring her down ever again. The Last Moments Dance was tonight, her problems were solved, thanks to Harry's help --- there was just some hesitation as Hermione struggled to hold back memories of what she felt with him that night and slowly, but somewhat painstakingly, succeeded --- and for once she was actually really happy for herself.

Because of her dancing shoes which she and Harry had completed last night, Hermione knew that she couldn't lose anything. Reaching down for her shoes, she knew that once she wore those, she'll show everyone what she's made of. And Draco will get off her case. And Harry's.

Her dancing shoes were gone.

Frantically Hermione jumped up from bed and looked around --- the dancing shoes couldn't have been gone, she just had them last night! She remembered that she had placed them…rather, threw them beneath her bed before she went to sleep. Hermione checked again. They weren't there. She checked underneath other beds, and they weren't there. Soon, she had combed every single section of her dormitory and they still weren't anywhere in sight, and Hermione began to panic. There was nobody else in the dormitory, fortunately; Hermione had missed breakfast and, with everyone else pretty much completely prepared for the Last Moments by now, they were probably well on their way to hanging around somewhere or another.

Not even bothering to change out of her nightgown, Hermione walked out into the Gryffindor Common Room (the dancing shoes were still not there) and there, sitting down and thankful for being alone for now in the entire Common Room, began to think. I was in the Library last night with Harry…he took his pair and I took mine when…um…I ran up to the Gryffindor Tower, right into my dormitory, and then…and then…what did I do with the shoes before I climbed into bed!?

As she continued thinking, a horrifying thought hit her; Today's the Last Moments, which means…the laundry'll be done now! Professor Dumbledore timed it so that we'd have clean uniforms right before the Graduation Ceremony! If that Semie took my shoes…oh, no…

With a panicked dash, Hermione ran back to the dormitory and checked the place where the laundry was usually done, hoping that the shoes were there and hoping that Hermione didn't throw them into the laundry chute while trying to drown out Harry. Hermione began to feel anxious, as she knew that she'd metaphorically die if she didn't have those shoes at the Last Moments…she'd embarrass herself to no end!!! Hermione looked and looked and the more she looked, the more desperate she became. The shoes were nowhere in sight, as were the laundry.

Just as Hermione was going to try the Library again, she bumped hard into a small shape as she got to the door.

"Ouch!" A squeaky, high-pitched voice cried out as Hermione tripped and fell unceremoniously onto the ground, and she frantically pulled herself up to see what it was that she bumped into. Semie, a house-elf who was hired to help with the Gryffindor Tower chores back when Hermione was in her fifth year so Caretaker Filch wouldn't have an excuse to complain, sat bruised in front of her in all of Semie's 3', long-eared, golden-hair pigtailed and big, blue-eyed glory, with an almost Muggle anime-like quality to her looks --- quite unlike other house elves, which once made others speculate on what exactly Semie was (it was once rumored that Professor Dumbledore had taken in Semie since the other wizards didn't want her out of her 'strange' looks). Hermione was normally glad to see Semie; Semie was cheery and bright almost all the time, although she could be a bit childish if it suited her. However, Hermione soon remembered that she had no time for games.

"Semie!" Hermione exclaimed as she helped Semie to her feet, and Semie gave the obligatory wide, cute smile in return. It made her look a bit cartoonish, but nevertheless sweet in her ways. "I was just going to look for you! Listen...sorry I don't have time to play, but this is important. Have you picked up a pair of red dress shoes with two rubies on the soles by any chance?"

"Shoes?" Semie asked back playfully. "Shoes? Poor Miss Hermi lose her shoes?"

Hermione held back the frustration and urge to slap Semie and nod back. "I need those shoes today, Semie! Well? Have you seen them?"

Semie shuffled nervously, and Hermione felt herself sweat. "Semie...you didn't."

Semie pouted, blinking once at Hermione, and lowered her head with a guilty look. "Semie...took Hermi's shoes to the laundry! Semie saw Hermi's shoes lying on the ground next to the laundry chute and thought Miss Hermi wanted her shoes washed...so Semie took them!"

Hermione gasped in both surprise and terror. "Oh, no! I...I must've accidentally thrown my shoes next to the laundry chute by mistake when I went to bed last night! Semie, you didn't wash them already, did you!?" If Semie did wash them, I'm finished! The Jundolis enchantment wears off when completely washed with magical means or water, and if Semie washed them, those dancing shoes will be useless! "Semie, why didn't you ask me before taking it down to laundry!?"

But Hermione's words of panic only served to further depress Semie, who had now sunk onto the ground and curled into a ball, holding her mouth, her eyes watering. "Semie...Semie's sorry, Miss Hermi!" Semie cried out despairingly. "Semie saw Hermi's shoes lying next to the laundry chute and Miss Hermi's asleep and Semie thought Miss Hermi wanted them washed! Semie's sorry, Semie's sorry, really, Semie's sorry!!!"

Hermione managed to calm down enough to kneel down and pat Semie on the comfortingly as the house elf began to cry. The fault, after all, wasn't Semie's for not knowing, nor was it Harry's. It was Hermione's fault and now she had to deal with it. "I'm sorry I yelled at you, Semie. I know it's not your fault."

"Semie really am sorry, Miss Hermi..." Semie whimpered, still curled up into a ball.

"But what am I going to do now? I needed those shoes...and now..." Hermione sighed resignedly, more to herself than Semie, slumping down onto the ground in front of Semie and felt all energy gone. "I needed those shoes for the dance tonight! What am I even supposed to do now at the Last Moments!? How am I going to look at everyone?"

Semie looked up and blinked at Hermione, some tears in her eyes and her face puffy. "Semie don't know what's going on but Semie really wish Semie could help Miss Hermi..."

Hermione waved dismissingly. "No...that's alright, Semie. You better go. I just need to think..."

Semie nodded and began walking away. "Al...alright, Miss Hermi. Tell Semie if Semie can help."

After Semie was well away from the dormitory, Hermione uneasily picked herself up and sat down onto her bed, where she sighed, put her hands on her head and felt whatever was left of her dignity slowly leave her. Without her shoes, she couldn't bear to go to the Last Moments with anyone, even herself. And if she didn't go, it'd be much worse than actually going. She sat there and, trying hard not to cry again, hoped against all hope that everything will, somehow, turn out alright in the end like a classic Muggle fairytale, near-impossible that it was.

* * *

The Last Moments dance was held, for perhaps the first time in years, in a grand banquet hall somewhere in Hogsmeade and the seventh years that attended it --- most of them --- couldn't have been more happier to see it. Looking generally much like a medieval-times castle banquet hall, the Last Moments dance was a myriad fantasy of many colors of enchanted lights and florescent colored banners. The banquet hall is divided into two halves; one half held a neat array of long banquet tables and chairs, more elaborately decorated than those at Hogwarts, and a variety of refreshments lay at one side of the hall, and the other half had a podium where a music band and DJ sat among the many instruments and music players --- some made by wizardry, others being Muggle objects enchanted to work effeciently, to play Muggle songs without interference. Between the tables and the podium, a large section had been left cleared to be the dance floor and above it a shining silver sphere, enchanted yet designed to copy a Muggle 'disco sphere', hung with multicolored lights.

A variety of house-elves and other attendants milled about while the music band played and played to keep with the constant demand of music. To the other end of the podium, Professor Minerva McGonagall --- easily recognizable with the glasses and tied-back black hair but more radiant and shimmering in a long, emerald nightgown --- sat beside another attendant, holding a wineglass in her hand and generally, although observant as always, looking quite pleased with herself. It was, after all, the last year for the students, and Minerva was quite pleased to have had taught them. At her request she was the only senior Hogwarts staff to be allowed to be present, much to the consternation of the other staff members (in particularly Snape, who insisted he be present until Dumbledore pointed out that house points were no longer being counted in the dance); she knew she asked to be here to make sure nothing went wrong, but her years had also taught her to allow herself a little indulgence now and then. And besides supervision work, Minerva intended to do just that.

In fact, even without her, the seventh years were already enjoying themselves; some dancing with their partners to the beat of both magical tunes and Muggle music, some seated down on tables to eat and drink or to talk, and some lying along the walls merely to observe the scene. All were nevertheless dressed for the occasion, shining in many robes, cloaks and clothes of many colors, groomed well and made up. A select few, though, still hadn't gotten into enjoying themselves at the Last Moments dance and were either waiting outside for someone they missed or seated around looking for others.

Harry, Ron and Mandy belonged to the former.

All of them, too, were dressed well for the occasion: Ron's curly, reddish hair was brushed back neatly, and Mandy curled her black hair into braids, and while Ron wore a neat black and white suit Mandy had on a sparkling black dress. Both she and Ron wore bright red cloaks over them and as they waited they held each other's hands tight. As for Harry, he was no less impressive; although his messy brownish-black hair had remained the way they did each strand seemed to shine reflectively with polish, his glasses were now gold-rimmed --- a small present that his godfather Sirius had given him a year ago --- with the same round lenses, and about him he wore elaborate black robes with blue trimmings on them which, although they didn't sparkle nearly as much as the others did, still made Harry nevertheless look both handsome and radiant. Even his lightning scar, a permanent mark which not even the Dark Lord's demise could remove, seemed lighter-colored and less stuck out. And on his feet, most importantly for him, were the sparkling dancing shoes he and Hermione made the night before.

The warm night winds nicely complemented the stars that shone above Hogsmeade on the night sky and the atmosphere couldn't get even more pleasant...but Harry, Ron and even Mandy knew that without Hermione, the Last Moments dance seemed incomplete. Even Mandy, who had eventually grown to like Hermione as a friend but not nearly as close as Harry or Ron, seemed concerned. "Where is Hermione?" Ron asked slightly impatiently. "Is she even going to be here?"

"I hope so. I don't see why she shouldn't." Harry whispered back, sounding faraway, and both Ron and Mandy blinked at him. "She's probably just a bit late getting ready." Harry knew that with the dancing shoes finished, Hermione should have no reason not to come to the Last Moments anymore, and whenever Hermione really wanted to do something she would do it unless something big happened in the meantime. Harry was concerned for her this way, partly because he was expecting Hermione to be here and partly because he wanted to see her here. "I hope." Harry added silently to himself.

"Um, are you sure you're alright, Harry?" Ron asked curiously and Mandy shared his inquiring gaze. Ron hadn't seen Harry that out of tune with reality since...well, since the Dark Lord got resurrected three years ago. Ron was naturally concerned with Harry's well-being; Mandy shared his feelings, but also managed to devise something else of the scene and held back the urge to chuckle. "You've been quite out of it since you noticed that Hermione isn't here yet! What's wrong?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, Ron. I'm just a bit worried about her, really. Hermione said she'd be here."

"A bit, Harry?" Ron asked doubtfully. "Are you really alright?"

Harry mutely nodded again. "Yes."

Mandy then conspiringly whispered something in Ron's ear, and instinctively his eyes widened as he gawked at Harry about something. Harry didn't answer or seem to notice anything. "Harry..." Ron blurted out in surprise, blinking once for effect, and then his surprise melted away with a sly smile on his face. "Why aren't you and her---" Before Ron could finish, however, Mandy was already well onto trying to drag Ron back inside the dance hall, giggling, as Ron stared intently at Harry.

"Ah, she'll be alright. Don't worry, Harry." Mandy cheerfully replied. "Come on, Ron! Dance with me!"

"B-But Mandy! Harry..." Ron began to protest.

"He'll be okay! Trust me! C'mon, they're playing our song!" Mandy reassured and Ron, doubtful at first but eventually catching Mandy's drift, smiled at her warmly and went with her into the dance hall. Harry, grateful for being left alone, was left to both think and to wait for Hermione. With one last look in Mandy and Ron's direction, Harry sighed. Mandy does have a way of cheering people around her, I guess. I don't know how, but she does, Harry thought to himself resignedly. Maybe that's what Ron likes about her. I mean, she's always so cheery, it does get infectious...

Harry looked forward again, looking for any telltale glint of a broom or the swing of long, brown hair but found no trace of her. She's rarely like this, Harry frowned. Especially since she should have no reason why she shouldn't come to the dance. Maybe I should go back to Hogwarts and see if she's alright...come on, Hermione...what happened to you?

"You're looking for me, Harry?" Hermione's voice whispered from behind him.

"Hermione! I thought you wouldn't---"

Harry turned around to look at her, and was confronted with an extremely pleasant sight. Hermione looked absolutely beautiful compared to past times, at least to Harry; Her normally flowing hair was tied back into a single, long ponytail with a red butterfly ribbon, and the dress she wore under a red, silk robe was also a shimmering red, long and flowing with sparkling patterns adorning the dress lines. An orange ribbon was tied around her waist like a loose belt and, as well, her fingernails were of a matching, glowing shade of red (thanks to magical enchantments, Harry guessed). Even for going to a ball, she looked stunning.

Harry, blushing intently as he looked at her, seemed to lose hesitation to tell her such. In fact, Harry was so absorbed with how Hermione looked that he didn't notice that she wasn't wearing her dancing shoes at all, nor did she have them anywhere near her. "You look beautiful, Hermione." Harry iterated, stunned beyond belief that the young woman standing in front of him was his Hermione.

But then Harry saw that although she looked stunning, she also seemed suddenly distant and reluctant, and his disbelief gave way to concern. Hermione merely nodded, her lips curled into a small, forced smile.

"Th...thank you, Harry." Hermione whispered and looked down, half to avoid his inquiring eyes and the concern that she knew was forthcoming, and half to see if Harry had on his dancing shoes. "I see you've got your dancing shoes on."

"Yes, I do. What about you?" Harry looked down at his shoes and grinned at her. Hermione didn't return the smile. Now very concerned, Harry blinked and took an involuntary step towards her --- in response, Hermione instinctively stepped back and Harry stopped where he stood. "Hermione, what's wrong? Is everything alright?" Harry asked worriedly. Hermione shook her head.

Other than facing the biggest embarassment I'd have in my Hogwarts years in front of every seventh year, yes, everything's alright, Hermione bitterly thought, wanting to tell Harry that, wanting someone, anyone (except Draco) to just hold her and tell her that everything was really alright. She wanted Harry to tell her that as he stood in front of her, because coming from him, Hermione had known for years, was the most assuring. However, she knew that it was all wishful thinking, and resigned herself to whatever she could make of it. Hermione nodded absently as Harry waited patiently for her answer. "Everything's fine, Harry. Everything's just fine." Hermione answered more firmly and, having composed herself somewhat, smiled a little wider.

Harry wasn't completely convinced, but decided not to pursue it any further. After all, the Last Moments Dance would certainly cheer her up --- that is, as long as she didn't have to dance in front of everyone because they wanted her to. "Shall we go, then?" Harry asked in his most polite voice, smiling.

Hermione replied with a wide, but forced smile of her own, reaching out her right hand towards him. "My pleasure, Harry." Harry took Hermione's arm and, hesitantly at first but gathering up courage as time passed, put it around his as they both walked into the dance hall together. Harry didn't know at the time what happened to Hermione, but he had a hidden feeling that he would soon find out.

* * *

Both Harry and Hermione could tell that most of the others were having fun already, without them, which was a sort-of blessing for the both of them. As fast songs played on the enchanted stereo equipment on the podium, much of the seventh years --- single or not --- were already dancing to the beat without care, while the others lounged around at the sides or on the refreshment tables to take in the scene. Only a few attentive ones noticed Harry and Hermione walk in together, and although the music drowned out any individual noise from far away, those Slytherins laughed conspiringly while those of the other houses sighed dreamily at them. Although Harry still didn't take it in at the time, Hermione saw that differently. Knowing what to expect, she saw everyone --- Slytherin or not --- snickering at her, waiting for the embarassing show that she would put on eventually, and for a moment she wanted to just leave Harry and back out of the dance altogether.

But Hermione knew she couldn't do that. Shaking her head to clear her mind, Hermione snapped into reality long enough to catch a glimpse of Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, a few other Slytherins and his date --- a cruelly beautiful, blond haired girl with a proud, yet almost sinister smile and a willowy body which others would die for --- talking up a storm and snickering at something every five words or so. Harry gave a small 'hmmph' at the sight, and although Draco had yet to notice them, Hermione felt scared and involuntarily took a step back, hiding behind Harry.

By now, Harry was sure something else was wrong with Hermione, other than her problem. "Hermione, what is it?" Harry inquired. "You look afraid of something!"

Hermione blinked at him and moved forward again awkwardly. She couldn't bear to tell Harry that she was afraid of Draco and what embarassment he would bring her --- not now, not in public. "N-Nothing, Harry. I guess I'm just nervous."

Thankfully, however, Ron and Mandy, hand in hand, soon appeared in front of them and blocked Draco away from their view. It didn't take a master wizard to see that they, too, had been having fun; Mandy had a satisfied grin on her and Ron seemed slightly exasperated with the dancing. Notably relieved, Harry and Hermione smiled at Ron, who smiled back warmly, and Mandy giggled at something. "I don't think Professor Trelawney ever saw this day coming." Ron teased, and Harry laughed. "I thought you'd never come here."

Harry broke away from Hermione momentarily to hug Ron. "I almost didn't want to." Harry replied happily.

"I know." Ron replied proudly, and smiled.

Mandy snickered. "I'm sure." She turned to Hermione, who gave her a weak grin in return. "And you look good, Hermione. I'm glad you came also."

Hermione nodded in acknowledgement.

"It's a shame you and Hermione missed the first songs, Harry." Ron chimed in. "Everyone who danced was going crazy. Even Draco and Medea were so into it, although they didn't dance, they stopped cursing at the other seventh years for the first hour or so."

They turned to see Draco and his girl, Medea Shennas, who were still talking away with the other Slytherins around them ignorant of the dance. "Thankfully." Mandy said jokingly. "Draco cursing at us would be clearly heard even if the band up there turned up the volume until Hogsmeade got destroyed." Everyone laughed heartily in reply, and even Hermione held back a giggle.

"I'm sure, Mandy." Harry replied between chuckles. "Question is, would you and Ron have any energy left to dance the slow ones at this rate?"

Both Ron and Mandy blushed. It was true: both the band and the DJ handling the Muggle objects seemed to be playing purely fast-paced, upbeat songs for the beginning hours, saving the slow ones for the later hours of the dance. Usually, the first slow song at these dances were dedicated to one couple, and one alone; it was by no means obvious which couple it would be, though, even to themselves. "We'll see, Harry." Ron answered, smiling both proudly and a bit shyly. "But I'm not going to miss that, am I?"

Hermione remained silent, and Harry nodded. "I know you won't, Ron. You never were the type to back away from anything."

Ron snickered quietly. "I almost wanted to."

"I know." Harry answered cheerfully.

The end of the fast song that was playing brought about a momentarily silence that brought Harry, Hermione, Ron and Mandy to attention, followed by loud cheering and clapping of hands from almost everyone else in the dance hall that quickly drowned out all other conversation, and the multicolored lights gave way to bright white that illuminated the hall brightly. Although the noise was deafening, seeing was clear; on the podium, they could see the DJ conversing with the band. As the cheering died down, Harry began to smile with excitement but Hermione knew what was going to come and, unnoticed by Harry, began to shiver.

"They're starting the slow dance." Ron whispered.

"Yes." Harry said.

"I know." Hermione whispered back with notable nervousness, and both Harry and Ron turned towards her quizzically.

"What's wrong, Hermione?" Harry asked back, his voice down to a whisper. What could go wrong? Don't you have your dancing shoes, too?

"I...I'm fine." Hermione answered absently. No, everything's going downhill. "I'm just nervous." So nervous that I could die. I might as well, since in three minutes I'll be embarassed to death anyway.

"Alright, what happened?" Ron asked. Even Mandy looked at Hermione with concern.

Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out. She wanted to tell Ron and Harry her imminent problems, but it was too late for that either way. All eyes were suddenly on the podium as Minerva McGonagall, smiling and prepared, strode up to the center and began to speak. Harry, Ron and Mandy awaited her words with enthusiasm, but Hermione shivered with fear as she waited.

"Greetings to all of you, ladies and gentlemen." Minerva exclaimed firmly, her voice magically amplified and echoing within the walls of the dance hall. Everyone recognized the firmness and impressiveness in her tone of voice which was heard so many times throughout their school years, guiding them in more ways than one, but they could also notice some joy and pride --- which was not at all unusual for her --- in her voice as well. "Well, it almost seemed like only yesterday I was still teaching you all in Transfiguration class, or keeping some of you in check---" Minerva's eyes darted momentarily to Draco and his group of Slytherins and then at Harry, Ron and Hermione. "---Or helping you get along in a direction." Her voice began to quiver slightly. "Many memories of that."

Minerva covered her eyes for a minute, and it didn't take a good wizard to see that she was crying. Nobody seemed to mind at all, though, and after awhile Minerva, eyes slightly red and cheeks damp, put a slightly forced smile on her lips and continued on. Both Harry and Hermione knew that she was sincere, but even they wondered if strict, firm Professor McGonagall even cried at least once like that every single graduation and felt the better for it. "I certainly do remember, and I can say that even though almost every single one of you had done some magic outside of school rules and even got yourselves that close to not being allowed to finish, I'm sure, I'm still proud to have had taught you."

There was a bout of laughter --- even Hermione chuckled briefly --- followed by a round of applause which died down after a few moments. Minerva continued on. "I'm sure you all remember that, too, and I'm sure you're all proud of yourselves. After all, you have no reason not to, right?"

More clapping and cheering. "Although in a few days many of you will be on your separate ways in the wizarding world, I know that many of you will still remember your years at Hogwarts in the future, when your own children will go to school. You'll remember what you learned here, what you saw here, and did here, and the people you met in Hogwarts. Most of all...you'll remember the friends you've found here that helped you get by your years and stayed with you, and maybe that special someone who you're more than friends with. There'll be people you admire, people you hate, but generally there'll be people you want to remember for the rest of your life.

"Before the Graduation Ceremony tomorrow, this is what tonight, the Last Moments Dance is about: getting together with your friends and special someones and enjoying both those moments you've seen with them, and those that you will in the future."

The magical lights above constricted into a single, large beam of light as Minerva continued with the rest of her speech. "So, as we continue on with the Last Moments Dance tonight, I hope that you will enjoy tonight and treasure those close to you as you spend your time with them, as I will enjoy being in your company tonight. Thank you very much, everyone, for my memories of you."

There was even more excited clapping and cheers. Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, Hermione could almost see that Draco had finally noticed her and turned towards her, with what seemed to be the most malicious and obnoxious smile on his face, and Hermione felt as if she was going to be sick. Didn't he have that look? Hermione couldn't be sure, as he was quite some distance away from her, but already she didn't have a good feeling about it --- that look on Draco's face as Hermione saw him seemed as if he was waiting for something from her. Could Draco really have...?

Hermione shook her head hesitantly and turned back to Professor McGonagall to hear her finishing words --- which she might as well not have. "Therefore, by your requests, we dedicate this first song to a very special couple we have with us this evening and ask them to step forward for the first dance. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a round of applause for Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."

Both Harry and Hermione felt their hearts pound suddenly as everyone in the dance hall turned to them and the large light beam shone upon them. They knew everyone was expecting them to dance already, but being asked to dance like this, being put right on the spot in the dance, was completely beyond even their expectations. Harry nervously looked around at everyone else, and Hermione began to sweat with panic. Surprised, they turned conveniently towards Mandy; in fact, this seemed to have surprised Ron as well, as he was also glaring at Mandy with a mostly shocked, a-little-amazed look in his eyes.

"Mandy, what's going on here?" Harry, Ron and Hermione asked simultaneously.

Mandy shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "Well, uh...since everyone saw Harry and Hermione around each other so much after the exams and everyone seemed to feel they're so cute with each other we, um, sort of asked to have them do the first dance. I just voted, I didn't have anything to do with planning it, I swear!" Mandy added quickly and giggled. The words had another effect almost right away; Harry and Hermione turned away from each other blushing like the sky fell open --- neither of them had obviously thought about that at all, and the conspiring whispers in the ears were suddenly clear to them now, and both Harry and Hermione didn't know how to react to that --- and Ron glared at them in disbelief, also having not seen this predicament.

"Why didn't you tell me about it at least, Mandy?" Ron asked loudly, slightly peeved at being left out at both ends.

"They wanted it to be a surprise. Sorry, Ron." Mandy smiled innocently. "And besides, don't they really look cute together?"

Ron blinked and gave a sly smile the more he thought about it. "Not at first, but now that you mention it, Mandy..."

"Ron!" Both Harry and Hermione exclaimed, exasperated.

"Sorry, sorry, but honestly, you, uh, somewhat do, really..." Ron giggled and replied, and looked back to Mandy curiously. "But if you didn't think of this, who did?"

"You're not afraid now, are you, Mudblood?"

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Mandy turned towards where Draco Malfoy now stood beside Mandy, with Medea next to him, both with an expectant, cruel smile on their faces --- the same cruel smile that Hermione could've sworn she had seen on Draco earlier during Minerva's speech. Hermione shivered and stepped away from him towards Harry, and both Harry and Ron glared at him angrily. "Draco Malfoy." Harry muttered. "I should've thought you would be behind this. But if you wanted to embarass Hermione, you really didn't need to do this."

Draco kept his smile, but shook his head with expectance. "Oh, no, Potter. Do not get me wrong. I would never get my hands dirty on things like this." Draco sneered proudly. "I did not have to. Everyone else did --- I merely went 'along with the flow' as Muggles say, and waited to watch the show. How does it feel to be famous for all of five minutes, Mudblood? I thought you were going to 'teach' me how to dance?"

Hermione remained adamantly silent. "Leave her alone, Malfoy. Tonight's not a good time." Ron stated firmly.

"If not now, what other time is there? You tell me, Weaselly." Draco countered.

"It's not your business whether she wants to dance or not, Malfoy. She doesn't have to if she doesn't want to, not for anyone." Harry retorted. "It's not, even if you use the Imperius Curse on Hermione to force her to dance, in which case I'll---"

"It is now. Everyone's waiting, Potter. Would you much rather disappoint them?" Medea chimed in a cruelly bell-like voice. "Why don't you let everyone around you see how good you and Mudblood dance, as Mudblood said she would?"

"But---" Harry began, but Draco and Medea had already turned around and walked away from them.

"Good luck, Potter. You and Mudblood will need it." Draco countered and, with an arrogant laugh, disappeared back into the crowd. Harry looked around; the clapping had stopped and everyone, from the Slytherins to the bands, and even Professor McGonagall --- with a puzzled look on her face --- were looking at him and Hermione, waiting. Some had already began to talk and mutter. Seeing that, Hermione remembered her new problem and her nervousness returned full force, and she looked down to avoid everyone's eyes as Harry turned to Hermione, and then to Ron.

"Hermione? Ron, what do we do now? We can't go out there like this!" Harry whispered desperately, and looked back to Hermione worriedly. It had occured to Harry that he had no real problem with dancing anymore, now that he had his shoes, but he also knew that Hermione shouldn't go dancing if she was scared of it --- and it had occured to him that the fact that Hermione was unhappy with dancing seemed infinately more important than the fact that Harry was ready to. "Hermione can't go out there! Can't you see how scared she is?"

Ron also looked at Hermione and turned back to Harry with a sigh. He also noticed that Hermione was scared, but since he didn't know that Harry and Hermione had a problem with dancing in the first place or that Hermione had lost her dancing shoes, he didn't understand Hermione's problem as much as Harry did. "I know, Harry." Ron whispered back solemnly, trying to offer any consolation at all. "But rather than not going, you and Hermione might as well get it over with. Just don't mind them at all --- dance for yourselves. Sure, the Slytherins will keep at you and Hermione for the rest of the year, but who listens to them? No one'll say anything."

"Just go ahead, Harry. Don't worry about anything." Mandy added.

Dance for yourselves. Harry pondered that line with some interest and realized that Ron and Mandy's advice was right. Somehow, that line alone stuck out at Harry and he felt that it would be important in the long run, but quickly Harry shrugged it off, smiled wryly, and turned back to Hermione wistfully. "You're right, Ron. We might as well get it over with, it's just five minutes. Shall we, Hermione?"

But Hermione wasn't listening at all --- her head was lowered avoiding all eye contact, her face was puffy and her entire body shivered with nervousness. Tears were welling out of her eyes, and although Hermione's lips were sealed tight, Harry could see that she was on the verge of crying. He blinked, concerned, and hesitantly reached out a hand towards her shoulder. "Hermione?" Harry asked, concerned.

Hermione still didn't hear him. The more she thought about the first dance, the more nervous and frightened she became. She lost her dancing shoes, and Harry didn't know it at all, and everyone else was waiting for her to embarass herself. In her mind's eye, she saw a completely different scene and her tears flowed more freely; she saw herself on the dance floor, clumsy as never before as she tried to dance to whatever tune was playing, the disaster she had with Krum three years ago repeating on Harry. She saw everyone snickering to themselves, and Draco's look of satisfaction as he saw her embarassment. She then saw Ron and Mandy nervously look around, sympathetic for their friend, and Harry standing beside her, blushing nervously, embarassed to no end right beside her...

Leave me alone, Hermione wanted to suddenly yell out in her loudest voice, wanting to get away from everything, and that thought became so prevalent that she actually did. "Leave me alone, Harry! I don't want to dance! I never even wanted to come here, so everyone just leave me alone!!!"

Everyone heard her. The crowd was silent with disbelief and slight pity, and Minerva looked at Hermione with concern. The Slytherins, who were waiting for Hermione's embarassment but were still not prepared for Hermione's sudden reaction, were stunned into silence, and even Draco was momentarily surprised. Ron and Mandy gasped and shivered involuntarily as they looked at Hermione; Harry began to sweat. "H...Hermione, wait..." Harry managed to blurt out.

Having brought the hall to silence and completely ashamed of herself, Hermione began to sob pitifully --- a chilling, sad sound that pierced Harry's heart and made him and Ron doubly worried --- and, her head still lowered and covering her face with both her hands, Hermione ran blindly out of the dance hall. The sounds of her sobbing eventually died down the further she got from the hall, leaving Harry, Ron and Mandy to look behind where she left --- and it was then Harry finally noticed that Hermione wasn't wearing her dancing shoes at all.

In full understanding and cursing himself for his stupidity, Harry instinctively took a step forward towards the exit and turned worriedly to Ron and Mandy, who seemed equally concerned but more clueless. Harry was about to call Ron over when he suddenly remembered that Ron and Mandy don't know about the problem he and Hermione had, and the one now, and he knew that Hermione would prefer it if Ron and Mandy didn't know about it. "Hermione!" Harry called out, and turned to Ron apologetically. "I'm sorry, Ron. Let me talk to her. I know you want to help, but Hermione would prefer that only I talk to her. Sorry..." Harry whispered, and quickly left after Hermione.

"Wait! Well, I'm going, Harry! She's my friend, too!" Ron tried to stop him and, seeing that it was to no avail, followed Harry out as well with concern. Mandy followed Ron, wanting to help although she was as clueless as Ron was. And as Minerva followed suit by giving some semblance of orders to the bands and leaving behind Harry, Ron and Mandy, Draco, with Medea close to him, leaned back against a wall and snickered in an attempt to break the mood, somewhat satisfied but still surprised.

"I knew that Mudblood would get scared away! I was right, was I not?" Draco sneered, looking behind where Hermione and her concerned and worried friends left the hall in haste. "Better that she does not come back, too! This is not at all the place for her at all..."

* * *