AN: Hi! Okay, this is the REAL chapter 2! ^.~ Okay...that ^ don't look
right with this font. Oh, well. Baka font! Anyway...^^ (there it is
again!) Onto the real fic!
Disclaimer: Not mine. Don't sue.
& & &
Ron entered the Great Hall late into the night. He was hoping for a snack since he couldn't sleep. He smiled a little at Dean's words at dinner. "Don't eat now and you're not going to be able to get to sleep." (3)
"I hate it when you're right, Dean," he muttered.
"What? Is someone there?" a familiar voice asked.
Ron jumped, then the voice registered in his head. "Hermione?" he asked a bit uncertainly.
He saw her sitting at the Gryffindor table with a sandwich on a plate in front of her. A jug of lemonade was on the table and she had a cup in her hands. She was standing gaping at him. "Ron?" she asked.
Ron flushed. "Uh...yeah. I couldn't...sleep," he croaked. For some reason, he found it difficult to speak in front of her. He took in her slender frame. She was dressed in a long, white nightgown that looked made of almost silk.
"Oh," Hermione said.
& & &
Hermione was as much surprised at Ron's appearance as he was of hers, though she didn't know it. Even with his red hair disheveled and him only in a t-shirt and jeans (that Harry bought for him as a gift before school), he was still very handsome. His eyes were dancing along with the fire as she gaped.
"Are you looking at something?" he asked, almost amused.
Hermione flushed and looked away. "No," she said hastily.
"Hn." He sounded almost a bit forlorn.
Hermione then decided to speak as a plate arrived for Ron with a chocolate cake by magic. "I heard you and Seamus almost got into a fight. What happened?"
"If you must know it was on your account," he grumbled, slamming his fork into the plate as he attempted to pick up a piece of his chocolate cake.
"How could it be my fault that you got yourself into a fight?" Hermione demanded, standing up as she felt herself swell with anger.
Ron stood up and met her angry gaze. "It's none of your business!"
"You're the one that mentioned me!" she argued. "Oh, why am I even trying to reason with a hothead like you? I hate you Ron Weasley!"
"The feeling is mutual right now," he said coldly. As he turned to leave, his plate disappeared.
& & &
"Stupid!" Ron muttered as he entered the seventh-years' dormitory and fell into bed. He rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes. He knew that there was no reason to get mad at Hermione, but his temper had flared up again. He was no longer in control of his actions.
'But if I were I could at least tell her I love her,' he thought miserably to himself.
Harry nudged him on the shoulder and he opened his eyes. "What happened?" Harry whispered.
There was no point as by now everyone in the room had woken up and was watching them. "It was nothing," Ron muttered. He turned to everyone else and sighed. They all scowled and none showed a sign of relenting. "Oh, all right. I'll explain tomorrow when it's light."
They seemed content and fell asleep again. Ron, however, had a more difficult time. Every time he closed his eyes he could think only of Hermione. 'What did you do to me?' he thought to himself. 'Did you put me on a spell?'
That was a very possible notion in the wizarding world, but he knew Hermione wouldn't do that. At least not intentionally. The fact of the matter was, he was placed under a spell. But it was something Hermione emitted naturally. It wasn't unnatural. It was her. And there was no way to break the spell that she had placed on him. That was what he regretted.
'I wish I'd never fallen in love with you, Hermione Granger...' His eyes fluttered close and he finally fell asleep, a single tear dropping from his eye.
& & &
~1 and 1/2 months later~
Hermione had a more easy time avoiding Ron. She had simply been burying herself in her work. But the Winter Masquerade kept being mentioned and she wasn't sure whether or not she was still going.
"But you have to go," Neville Longbottom insisted as they again began discussion of the Masquerade.
Hermione sighed and looked at him. It was hard to believe that the strong seventh-year Neville was the same struggling fourth-year only three years ago. He was even a Beater on the Quidditch team! (Though his memory was still at its worst.) (4)
"Neville...I just don't feel like going."
"It's Ron, isn't it?" he asked a bit shyly. Neville was still very sensitive.
Hermione didn't speak for a moment. "No, it's not Ron. I don't care about what he does anymore," she lied. "I just...can't. I mean, I've still got to write a request letter to Mr. Weasley to ask to be his intern. And it's got to be perfect."
"If you want, I could go with you."
"It's a Masquerade. No one would see my face, anyway."
Neville blushed. "I just meant maybe I could escort you there. Please, Hermione? This is the last one you'll go to unless you become a Hogwarts teacher."
"Oh, all right, Neville. I'll go. Will you leave me alone to finish my letter?"
Neville beamed at her. "Sure!" And he left the common room.
Hermione twirled a strand of hair in her index finger. "What am I setting myself up for?" she thought miserably to herself.
& & &
"Why are you dawdling?" Professor Serpencia told Ron sharply as he tried to stuff his books into his bag.
Ron looked up and blushed. "Well, I'm hoping Seamus will hurry up ahead so I won't have to face him. We're arguing, you see."
"Oh. But whatever about?"
Ron turned as red as his hair, though it wasn't quite as red as a long while ago. "Uh..."
"You don't have to answer boy. Don't think I don't know what goes on at this school. You and that girl Hermione are having problems, eh?"
Ron nodded slowly and his face paled somewhat. There was an awkward pause then Ron looked up. "I have to go. I'm going to be late for lunch, and I promised my friend we'd talk. Thanks, Professor Serpencia."
He nodded soberly. "Right then. If you ever need someone to talk to, my classroom is always open."
"Thanks," Ron repeated as he hurried out. 'Just what I needed. Someone else who wants to help me.' But inside he was glad. At least he had some support.
& & &
Ron ran up to the empty seat beside Harry's at the Gryffindor table. Seamus was on the other side, glaring at him. He ignored him and looked to Harry. "What've we got today? I'm starving!"
"Sandwiches and hot cocoa," Harry replied, pushing a plate full of sandwiches to Ron. Ron took one and began to bite on it. "So, are you going to come to the Winter Masquerade with us?"
"I hear it lasts four nights," Colin said. He was sitting in the seat beside Harry with Ginny on his other side. "Isn't that great?"
"What do you mean by four nights?" Dennis asked.
Harry began to explain. "It means that it starts one night, then everyone goes back to their room. Then the next night it starts up again. Hold on. Do you know the story of Cinderella? She went to the balls that were held for three nights straight? It's the same as that."
"Oh," Dennis said. He beamed. "I understand now!"
"Are you still going with me?" Colin asked Ginny promptly, though his cheeks had turned a slight rosy color.
Ron gaped at them. "Going with you? Ginny, you never told me you had another boyfriend already!"
Ginny turned the same shade as Colin. "He's not my boyfriend yet, Ron. It's just for the Winter Masquerade. And yes, I'm going with you, Colin," she replied.
Seamus glared at all of them. "I believe the original question was, is RON going?"
Harry nodded in agreement. "Yes, it was. Well, Ron?"
Ron looked away. "I might not," he replied slowly. "It's just a stupid party, anyway."
"Oh, no, you don't," Dean said. "You're going to go. You have to face going alone sooner or later. Or, if you want, there's always the Patil twins."
Harry and Ron both winced at the thought. "No," Ron said firmly. "I don't want to go."
Seamus looked like he was going to yell at him when Hermione walked in with a pile of books on her arms. He gave a look to her, then to Ron. Ron understood immediately and shook his head. Harry caught the exchange. "I will," Harry said warningly. "If you're not going, that is."
Ron glowered in defeat. "Fine," he muttered angrily. "I'll go. Just keep your big mouth shut."
"Fine with me," Harry said, a smile growing on his lips. He grinned at Seamus. Ron sat glowering at his lap. Ginny and Colin looked worriedly at him while Hermione sat down and began to look through her countless notes.
& & &
The week before the Winter Masquerade went by too quickly. The halls were bursting with discussions of what to wear and who would go with whom to it. It was a great mess for Ron and Hermione. Both were unsure of what to answer when people asked them those questions. Hermione was, yet again, burying herself in her work. Ron, on the other hand, had been completely solitary and would not speak to anyone if he could help it.
But by the night of the Masquerade everyone was hurrying to get ready. Girls gossiped and boys talked about how the girls gossiped. Dennis Creevey even had a date and he was feeling worried. The boys gave him advice on how to act. He got greatly confused in all they had to say.
"Is that what you're wearing?" Harry asked when Ron finally appeared in a black dress-robe with a black mask that covered his forehead and eyes and nose. His hair was dyed a new color. It was a dark brown instead of red. (5) "Did you mess up on a spell?" Harry asked.
Ron took off his mask. His face was the same. His lips scowled at Harry, but his eyes showed a slight bit of laughter. "Oh, shut up, Harry," he muttered. "I didn't mess up on a spell. I just thought I'd dye my hair to see how I'd look."
"You don't look half-bad," Seamus commented. "But you won't be as popular as me."
"Or me," Dean said. Both were in dark-green dress-robes with their own different colored masks.
Ron snorted. "Like I care. Help me come up with a name." (Everyone learned just the day before they didn't have to use their real names at the banquet and everyone wanted to try it out. Well...except for those that were going as couples.)
"I'm keeping mine," Colin said. "Why not keep yours, Ron?"
Ron shook his head. "Nah. I'd like to enjoy myself and NOT be Ron Weasley tonight."
"Can't help you," Seamus said. "I'm having trouble of my own."
The others nodded in unison. "Why don't you ask a girl?" Neville suggested. "They often tend to have better taste than boys." He looked very handsome in his black robe and dark-blue mask.
Ron shrugged. "Fine. I'll ask Ginny."
& & &
The Gryffindor common room was a great mess when everyone was getting ready to leave. Ron had quite a time trying to find Ginny. Colin had decided to come with him as he would be escorting Ginny out. Neville had mentioned finding his date, but left before anyone could question him on who it was.
"Look, there she is!" Ron said, pointing to a girl with red hair in a white dress that reached to her ankles. It was in a tube-top style but with spaghetti straps. Her hair was brushed out and was straight and silky and tied up into a tight bun. On her face was a feathery, white mask.
"Ginny!" Colin called as he and Ron pushed through people excusing themselves. When they finally reached Ron's little sister, both stared in awe.
Ginny looked slightly nervous. "I don't look too bad, do I?" she asked Colin.
Colin looked back in disbelief. "Bad?" he said. "Hardly!"
She blushed and smiled at him. "Who's this?" she asked Colin.
"Oh, it's Ron. He needs a name."
"A name? Whatever for? I'm using my real name, though most of the other girls are using their own made-up ones."
"I just don't feel like being Ron tonight," Ron replied. "Could you help?"
"Sure. Um...well...with your clothes and mask, how about MidKnight?"
"What? I don't want to be the night!"
"No, Knight. A soldier in bright armor? Not the actual night, no."
"Well...all right," Ron said. "If you say so. I'd better go. See you later tonight. And watch out for her Colin."
"I will," Colin said, barely paying attention. Ron turned to see him put out an elbow for Ginny, who appeared to be laughing as she tucked her arm in it.
& & &
Hermione entered the Great Hall on Neville's arm and looked around. She saw no familiar face because everyone was in masks. Before she could say anything more to Neville, he left her. She wished she hadn't said that he could only escort her to the Masquerade. Unsure of where she was going, she walked around talking to people and trying to guess who they were, but to no avail. Everyone seemed more mysterious when they were in masks.
"Hi," a friendly voice said from behind her.
"Huh? Oh, hi," she replied, turning. She looked at the person and saw green eyes. Though she wasn't sure if anybody else at Hogwarts had green eyes, she was sure it had to be Harry. "Harry?" she asked a bit meekly.
"How'd you guess? Ouch." Someone walked into him from behind. "Who're you?"
"It's me, Hermione," Hermione said. "How are you?"
"Oh, hi, Hermione. Sorry. It's just complicated here. I can't find anyone I know and I don't know who's who anymore. It's nice to see a friendly face, or at least someone that knows me. But I have to go soon. Some girls have been following me."
"They fancy you," Hermione said with a giggle. "But all right. Bye. I'll see you later tonight."
"You, too." In a flash, Harry had walked away.
Hermione scanned the room, then spotted a lonely figure sitting on the other side of the room. They were more observing than joining in. 'Maybe I can join him,' she thought when she noticed that the person had hair too short to be a girl.
Hermione made her way past the mass of people to the lonely person sitting in the corner and sat down beside him. "Hi," she said. She had her own made-up name and knew she could make small-talk without anyone knowing who she was because she, too, had picked a name for herself and had fixed her hair.
"Hi," the person said, his voice soft. Hermione looked down at his hands. There was a tulip and a rose in them. "What're you doing over here? I didn't expect anyone to want to join me," he said. He had dark hair and was dressed in complete black.
Hermione blushed. "I got a bit lonely. I'm Ceres," she said. Her friends had suggested the name Cerulean since she was dressed in complete blue down to her hair band. But she didn't want to use it.
The person smirked. "I'm MidKnight," he replied. Then he added, "With a K. Someone else came up with it for me."
"Oh. My friends came up with a different name for me, but I like Ceres better than Cerulean. It reminds me of a fairy-tale I once read in the Muggle world."
"You're from the Muggle world?"
Hermione almost regretted her words. Then she said indignantly, "So what if I am?"
"I don't mean any offense by it," the stranger said immediately. "I'm very intrigued by the Muggle world. And I've got a family member who is obsessed."
'He's not a Slytherin, at least,' Hermione thought. "Really? I'm more intrigued by the Wizarding world. But then again, I suppose it depends on where we grew up in. It's not as though I don't understand the Wizarding world, it's just I've read many interesting documentaries and books on it."
The stranger was quiet and Hermione thought she was babbling. But then she looked up and saw the person's eyes were fixed on hers, listening intently. She blushed and continued to talk about all the stuff she'd read. Apparently MidKnight did not know everything she did, either. And sometimes she broke off into talk about the Muggle world. MidKnight listened to every word. (6)
Hermione was actually sad that she had to leave when Dumbledore announced that the first night was over.
"I'll meet you here tomorrow?" MidKnight asked, surprisng her.
Hermione nodded and smiled. "It's a deal."
& & &
"I saw Hermione," Harry said as he stripped out of his robes and into his pajamas.
Ron remained quiet as he hung his up. Seamus cast him a look. "What's with you, Ron? I didn't see you at all. Where'd you go?"
"I went to a corner," Ron replied simply as he got into bed.
Seamus shook his head. "I thought you were going ot have a good time tonight, MidKnight."
Ron shrugged. "I did."
"Sitting in a corner?" Dean questioned.
"Not exactly..." Ron muttered. "I talked with someone."
This caught everyone's attention. They all turned to look at him. "Who was it?" Neville questioned. "Did you know them?"
"No. It was a girl, though," he replied. Nobody seemed surprised by this. "I'm going to get some shuteye. See you all tomorrow morning." He pulled his blanket over himself and went to sleep with an actual smile on his lips.
& & &
Hermione slipped her mask on just as someone knocked on the girls' dormitory. "Who is it?" everyone called.
"Colin. Is Ginny there?"
"Yeah, she is," another sixth year replied. "Ginny, your boyfriend's outside," she said in a sing-song.
Ginny blushed and slid off her mask. "Shut up." She opened the door and slipped out quickly before anyone could see Colin standing outside.
"Isn't she so lucky?" a fifth-year gushed. "Colin's so cute!"
A sixth-year shook her head, but smiled. Another fifth-year shook her head seriously. "Colin's cute, but Dennis is so much better."
"You would think so," a fourth-year replied, nudging her on the arm. "He IS your boyfriend, after all."
The fifth-year blushed. "Shut up," she said. Everyone giggled.
& & &
As soon as Ron left the boys' dormitory, he was pulled away from the crowd by someone he was familiar with to be Colin. "Hi, Colin. What's up?"
"Nothing. Listen, you're going to meet with your friend from yesterday, right?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Uh...no reason. Just wondering. Hey, did you know we have to take off our masks on the last night."
"We do?"
"Yeah. When it strikes midnight. Stay with your friend, all right?"
"Uh...why?"
"Just do it. Trust me."
"Whatever you say, Colin," Ron muttered.
"Good."
& & &
Though Ron wasn't aware of it, almost the same conversation was going on between Hermione and Ginny.
& & &
The three days went by quickly and soon it was the final night of the Winter Masquerade. Ron waited patiently at the corner where he was suppose to meet Ceres. He was very curious and eager to find out who she was. 'Only five hours to go,' he thought to himself as he checked his watch and found it to be 7:00.
A few moments later, Ceres appeared and sat down in the chair beside him. "Hi, MidKnight," she said.
Ron smiled. "Hey. You know, it's too bad that this is the last night we might talk to each other. So, can I find out who you are?" he asked. He wasn't sure whether she wanted to reveal her identity.
Ceres smiled warmly. "Not until midnight. Someone told me we can remove our masks then."
"Good. I'll take off my mask, too." And then they launched into a conversation on how Muggles used microwaves.
& & &
"Midnigh'!" a voice (Hagrid's) boomed over everyone as the clock struck 12:00 exactly. Ceres and MidKnight turned to each other and grinned, then took off their masks.
For that one second, everyone became quiet. Then there was cheering, but not for them. Seamus, Dean, and Harry were watching Ron's face as his lips turned into an O. "H-Hermione?" he managed to gasp out.
Hermione stared at him in the exact same way. "Ron?"
Ron and Hermione both wanted to speak, but neither could find the words. 'This entire time it's been...'
'Ron?!'
'Hermione?!'
They turned away and took off in different directions. Seamus, Dean, and Harry watched them, then turned to the middle of the room, where everyone else was staring. Right in the center were Colin and Ginny underneath the only bit of mistletoe. They were kissing each other sweetly, unaware that their plan hadn't worked out.
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AN: Yeah, I know that this chapter isn't EXACTLY even with the other, but oh well. I want to end at this part. Makes you want to find out what happens next, huh? Hehe. Hey! For those who read this AFTER I'm done with chapter three, don't skip the author note yet! Wait until I finish, will you? Okay, question-answer segment. Why am I making Ron/Hermione suffer so much? Two reasons. Number one, I'm only through with the second chapter! It'd be pretty boring to have a two-chapter story. Number two, I'm trying to aggravate my friend, Chibi Chibi. Hehe. And number three, it's all a part of the plot. This is suppose to be an angsty ficcie. Romance and angst, but there's gotta be angst, first. ^^ Don't worry, I won't make them suffer TOO much. O.O ::ducks from the rotten tomatoes being thrown:: Hey! I'm not done yet! ::ducks again:: ^.^;;;;;;;;; ::slowly gets up:: Anyway, other questions you might have right now. Um...oh, yeah! When do the footnotes come in? Well...you'll have to wait for the end of that in my final Author Commentary. When they DO come in, your comprehension of this fic will be better. Trust me. But you'll have to wait. Okay, since I can't think of more to write, jya!
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Disclaimer: Not mine. Don't sue.
& & &
Ron entered the Great Hall late into the night. He was hoping for a snack since he couldn't sleep. He smiled a little at Dean's words at dinner. "Don't eat now and you're not going to be able to get to sleep." (3)
"I hate it when you're right, Dean," he muttered.
"What? Is someone there?" a familiar voice asked.
Ron jumped, then the voice registered in his head. "Hermione?" he asked a bit uncertainly.
He saw her sitting at the Gryffindor table with a sandwich on a plate in front of her. A jug of lemonade was on the table and she had a cup in her hands. She was standing gaping at him. "Ron?" she asked.
Ron flushed. "Uh...yeah. I couldn't...sleep," he croaked. For some reason, he found it difficult to speak in front of her. He took in her slender frame. She was dressed in a long, white nightgown that looked made of almost silk.
"Oh," Hermione said.
& & &
Hermione was as much surprised at Ron's appearance as he was of hers, though she didn't know it. Even with his red hair disheveled and him only in a t-shirt and jeans (that Harry bought for him as a gift before school), he was still very handsome. His eyes were dancing along with the fire as she gaped.
"Are you looking at something?" he asked, almost amused.
Hermione flushed and looked away. "No," she said hastily.
"Hn." He sounded almost a bit forlorn.
Hermione then decided to speak as a plate arrived for Ron with a chocolate cake by magic. "I heard you and Seamus almost got into a fight. What happened?"
"If you must know it was on your account," he grumbled, slamming his fork into the plate as he attempted to pick up a piece of his chocolate cake.
"How could it be my fault that you got yourself into a fight?" Hermione demanded, standing up as she felt herself swell with anger.
Ron stood up and met her angry gaze. "It's none of your business!"
"You're the one that mentioned me!" she argued. "Oh, why am I even trying to reason with a hothead like you? I hate you Ron Weasley!"
"The feeling is mutual right now," he said coldly. As he turned to leave, his plate disappeared.
& & &
"Stupid!" Ron muttered as he entered the seventh-years' dormitory and fell into bed. He rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes. He knew that there was no reason to get mad at Hermione, but his temper had flared up again. He was no longer in control of his actions.
'But if I were I could at least tell her I love her,' he thought miserably to himself.
Harry nudged him on the shoulder and he opened his eyes. "What happened?" Harry whispered.
There was no point as by now everyone in the room had woken up and was watching them. "It was nothing," Ron muttered. He turned to everyone else and sighed. They all scowled and none showed a sign of relenting. "Oh, all right. I'll explain tomorrow when it's light."
They seemed content and fell asleep again. Ron, however, had a more difficult time. Every time he closed his eyes he could think only of Hermione. 'What did you do to me?' he thought to himself. 'Did you put me on a spell?'
That was a very possible notion in the wizarding world, but he knew Hermione wouldn't do that. At least not intentionally. The fact of the matter was, he was placed under a spell. But it was something Hermione emitted naturally. It wasn't unnatural. It was her. And there was no way to break the spell that she had placed on him. That was what he regretted.
'I wish I'd never fallen in love with you, Hermione Granger...' His eyes fluttered close and he finally fell asleep, a single tear dropping from his eye.
& & &
~1 and 1/2 months later~
Hermione had a more easy time avoiding Ron. She had simply been burying herself in her work. But the Winter Masquerade kept being mentioned and she wasn't sure whether or not she was still going.
"But you have to go," Neville Longbottom insisted as they again began discussion of the Masquerade.
Hermione sighed and looked at him. It was hard to believe that the strong seventh-year Neville was the same struggling fourth-year only three years ago. He was even a Beater on the Quidditch team! (Though his memory was still at its worst.) (4)
"Neville...I just don't feel like going."
"It's Ron, isn't it?" he asked a bit shyly. Neville was still very sensitive.
Hermione didn't speak for a moment. "No, it's not Ron. I don't care about what he does anymore," she lied. "I just...can't. I mean, I've still got to write a request letter to Mr. Weasley to ask to be his intern. And it's got to be perfect."
"If you want, I could go with you."
"It's a Masquerade. No one would see my face, anyway."
Neville blushed. "I just meant maybe I could escort you there. Please, Hermione? This is the last one you'll go to unless you become a Hogwarts teacher."
"Oh, all right, Neville. I'll go. Will you leave me alone to finish my letter?"
Neville beamed at her. "Sure!" And he left the common room.
Hermione twirled a strand of hair in her index finger. "What am I setting myself up for?" she thought miserably to herself.
& & &
"Why are you dawdling?" Professor Serpencia told Ron sharply as he tried to stuff his books into his bag.
Ron looked up and blushed. "Well, I'm hoping Seamus will hurry up ahead so I won't have to face him. We're arguing, you see."
"Oh. But whatever about?"
Ron turned as red as his hair, though it wasn't quite as red as a long while ago. "Uh..."
"You don't have to answer boy. Don't think I don't know what goes on at this school. You and that girl Hermione are having problems, eh?"
Ron nodded slowly and his face paled somewhat. There was an awkward pause then Ron looked up. "I have to go. I'm going to be late for lunch, and I promised my friend we'd talk. Thanks, Professor Serpencia."
He nodded soberly. "Right then. If you ever need someone to talk to, my classroom is always open."
"Thanks," Ron repeated as he hurried out. 'Just what I needed. Someone else who wants to help me.' But inside he was glad. At least he had some support.
& & &
Ron ran up to the empty seat beside Harry's at the Gryffindor table. Seamus was on the other side, glaring at him. He ignored him and looked to Harry. "What've we got today? I'm starving!"
"Sandwiches and hot cocoa," Harry replied, pushing a plate full of sandwiches to Ron. Ron took one and began to bite on it. "So, are you going to come to the Winter Masquerade with us?"
"I hear it lasts four nights," Colin said. He was sitting in the seat beside Harry with Ginny on his other side. "Isn't that great?"
"What do you mean by four nights?" Dennis asked.
Harry began to explain. "It means that it starts one night, then everyone goes back to their room. Then the next night it starts up again. Hold on. Do you know the story of Cinderella? She went to the balls that were held for three nights straight? It's the same as that."
"Oh," Dennis said. He beamed. "I understand now!"
"Are you still going with me?" Colin asked Ginny promptly, though his cheeks had turned a slight rosy color.
Ron gaped at them. "Going with you? Ginny, you never told me you had another boyfriend already!"
Ginny turned the same shade as Colin. "He's not my boyfriend yet, Ron. It's just for the Winter Masquerade. And yes, I'm going with you, Colin," she replied.
Seamus glared at all of them. "I believe the original question was, is RON going?"
Harry nodded in agreement. "Yes, it was. Well, Ron?"
Ron looked away. "I might not," he replied slowly. "It's just a stupid party, anyway."
"Oh, no, you don't," Dean said. "You're going to go. You have to face going alone sooner or later. Or, if you want, there's always the Patil twins."
Harry and Ron both winced at the thought. "No," Ron said firmly. "I don't want to go."
Seamus looked like he was going to yell at him when Hermione walked in with a pile of books on her arms. He gave a look to her, then to Ron. Ron understood immediately and shook his head. Harry caught the exchange. "I will," Harry said warningly. "If you're not going, that is."
Ron glowered in defeat. "Fine," he muttered angrily. "I'll go. Just keep your big mouth shut."
"Fine with me," Harry said, a smile growing on his lips. He grinned at Seamus. Ron sat glowering at his lap. Ginny and Colin looked worriedly at him while Hermione sat down and began to look through her countless notes.
& & &
The week before the Winter Masquerade went by too quickly. The halls were bursting with discussions of what to wear and who would go with whom to it. It was a great mess for Ron and Hermione. Both were unsure of what to answer when people asked them those questions. Hermione was, yet again, burying herself in her work. Ron, on the other hand, had been completely solitary and would not speak to anyone if he could help it.
But by the night of the Masquerade everyone was hurrying to get ready. Girls gossiped and boys talked about how the girls gossiped. Dennis Creevey even had a date and he was feeling worried. The boys gave him advice on how to act. He got greatly confused in all they had to say.
"Is that what you're wearing?" Harry asked when Ron finally appeared in a black dress-robe with a black mask that covered his forehead and eyes and nose. His hair was dyed a new color. It was a dark brown instead of red. (5) "Did you mess up on a spell?" Harry asked.
Ron took off his mask. His face was the same. His lips scowled at Harry, but his eyes showed a slight bit of laughter. "Oh, shut up, Harry," he muttered. "I didn't mess up on a spell. I just thought I'd dye my hair to see how I'd look."
"You don't look half-bad," Seamus commented. "But you won't be as popular as me."
"Or me," Dean said. Both were in dark-green dress-robes with their own different colored masks.
Ron snorted. "Like I care. Help me come up with a name." (Everyone learned just the day before they didn't have to use their real names at the banquet and everyone wanted to try it out. Well...except for those that were going as couples.)
"I'm keeping mine," Colin said. "Why not keep yours, Ron?"
Ron shook his head. "Nah. I'd like to enjoy myself and NOT be Ron Weasley tonight."
"Can't help you," Seamus said. "I'm having trouble of my own."
The others nodded in unison. "Why don't you ask a girl?" Neville suggested. "They often tend to have better taste than boys." He looked very handsome in his black robe and dark-blue mask.
Ron shrugged. "Fine. I'll ask Ginny."
& & &
The Gryffindor common room was a great mess when everyone was getting ready to leave. Ron had quite a time trying to find Ginny. Colin had decided to come with him as he would be escorting Ginny out. Neville had mentioned finding his date, but left before anyone could question him on who it was.
"Look, there she is!" Ron said, pointing to a girl with red hair in a white dress that reached to her ankles. It was in a tube-top style but with spaghetti straps. Her hair was brushed out and was straight and silky and tied up into a tight bun. On her face was a feathery, white mask.
"Ginny!" Colin called as he and Ron pushed through people excusing themselves. When they finally reached Ron's little sister, both stared in awe.
Ginny looked slightly nervous. "I don't look too bad, do I?" she asked Colin.
Colin looked back in disbelief. "Bad?" he said. "Hardly!"
She blushed and smiled at him. "Who's this?" she asked Colin.
"Oh, it's Ron. He needs a name."
"A name? Whatever for? I'm using my real name, though most of the other girls are using their own made-up ones."
"I just don't feel like being Ron tonight," Ron replied. "Could you help?"
"Sure. Um...well...with your clothes and mask, how about MidKnight?"
"What? I don't want to be the night!"
"No, Knight. A soldier in bright armor? Not the actual night, no."
"Well...all right," Ron said. "If you say so. I'd better go. See you later tonight. And watch out for her Colin."
"I will," Colin said, barely paying attention. Ron turned to see him put out an elbow for Ginny, who appeared to be laughing as she tucked her arm in it.
& & &
Hermione entered the Great Hall on Neville's arm and looked around. She saw no familiar face because everyone was in masks. Before she could say anything more to Neville, he left her. She wished she hadn't said that he could only escort her to the Masquerade. Unsure of where she was going, she walked around talking to people and trying to guess who they were, but to no avail. Everyone seemed more mysterious when they were in masks.
"Hi," a friendly voice said from behind her.
"Huh? Oh, hi," she replied, turning. She looked at the person and saw green eyes. Though she wasn't sure if anybody else at Hogwarts had green eyes, she was sure it had to be Harry. "Harry?" she asked a bit meekly.
"How'd you guess? Ouch." Someone walked into him from behind. "Who're you?"
"It's me, Hermione," Hermione said. "How are you?"
"Oh, hi, Hermione. Sorry. It's just complicated here. I can't find anyone I know and I don't know who's who anymore. It's nice to see a friendly face, or at least someone that knows me. But I have to go soon. Some girls have been following me."
"They fancy you," Hermione said with a giggle. "But all right. Bye. I'll see you later tonight."
"You, too." In a flash, Harry had walked away.
Hermione scanned the room, then spotted a lonely figure sitting on the other side of the room. They were more observing than joining in. 'Maybe I can join him,' she thought when she noticed that the person had hair too short to be a girl.
Hermione made her way past the mass of people to the lonely person sitting in the corner and sat down beside him. "Hi," she said. She had her own made-up name and knew she could make small-talk without anyone knowing who she was because she, too, had picked a name for herself and had fixed her hair.
"Hi," the person said, his voice soft. Hermione looked down at his hands. There was a tulip and a rose in them. "What're you doing over here? I didn't expect anyone to want to join me," he said. He had dark hair and was dressed in complete black.
Hermione blushed. "I got a bit lonely. I'm Ceres," she said. Her friends had suggested the name Cerulean since she was dressed in complete blue down to her hair band. But she didn't want to use it.
The person smirked. "I'm MidKnight," he replied. Then he added, "With a K. Someone else came up with it for me."
"Oh. My friends came up with a different name for me, but I like Ceres better than Cerulean. It reminds me of a fairy-tale I once read in the Muggle world."
"You're from the Muggle world?"
Hermione almost regretted her words. Then she said indignantly, "So what if I am?"
"I don't mean any offense by it," the stranger said immediately. "I'm very intrigued by the Muggle world. And I've got a family member who is obsessed."
'He's not a Slytherin, at least,' Hermione thought. "Really? I'm more intrigued by the Wizarding world. But then again, I suppose it depends on where we grew up in. It's not as though I don't understand the Wizarding world, it's just I've read many interesting documentaries and books on it."
The stranger was quiet and Hermione thought she was babbling. But then she looked up and saw the person's eyes were fixed on hers, listening intently. She blushed and continued to talk about all the stuff she'd read. Apparently MidKnight did not know everything she did, either. And sometimes she broke off into talk about the Muggle world. MidKnight listened to every word. (6)
Hermione was actually sad that she had to leave when Dumbledore announced that the first night was over.
"I'll meet you here tomorrow?" MidKnight asked, surprisng her.
Hermione nodded and smiled. "It's a deal."
& & &
"I saw Hermione," Harry said as he stripped out of his robes and into his pajamas.
Ron remained quiet as he hung his up. Seamus cast him a look. "What's with you, Ron? I didn't see you at all. Where'd you go?"
"I went to a corner," Ron replied simply as he got into bed.
Seamus shook his head. "I thought you were going ot have a good time tonight, MidKnight."
Ron shrugged. "I did."
"Sitting in a corner?" Dean questioned.
"Not exactly..." Ron muttered. "I talked with someone."
This caught everyone's attention. They all turned to look at him. "Who was it?" Neville questioned. "Did you know them?"
"No. It was a girl, though," he replied. Nobody seemed surprised by this. "I'm going to get some shuteye. See you all tomorrow morning." He pulled his blanket over himself and went to sleep with an actual smile on his lips.
& & &
Hermione slipped her mask on just as someone knocked on the girls' dormitory. "Who is it?" everyone called.
"Colin. Is Ginny there?"
"Yeah, she is," another sixth year replied. "Ginny, your boyfriend's outside," she said in a sing-song.
Ginny blushed and slid off her mask. "Shut up." She opened the door and slipped out quickly before anyone could see Colin standing outside.
"Isn't she so lucky?" a fifth-year gushed. "Colin's so cute!"
A sixth-year shook her head, but smiled. Another fifth-year shook her head seriously. "Colin's cute, but Dennis is so much better."
"You would think so," a fourth-year replied, nudging her on the arm. "He IS your boyfriend, after all."
The fifth-year blushed. "Shut up," she said. Everyone giggled.
& & &
As soon as Ron left the boys' dormitory, he was pulled away from the crowd by someone he was familiar with to be Colin. "Hi, Colin. What's up?"
"Nothing. Listen, you're going to meet with your friend from yesterday, right?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"Uh...no reason. Just wondering. Hey, did you know we have to take off our masks on the last night."
"We do?"
"Yeah. When it strikes midnight. Stay with your friend, all right?"
"Uh...why?"
"Just do it. Trust me."
"Whatever you say, Colin," Ron muttered.
"Good."
& & &
Though Ron wasn't aware of it, almost the same conversation was going on between Hermione and Ginny.
& & &
The three days went by quickly and soon it was the final night of the Winter Masquerade. Ron waited patiently at the corner where he was suppose to meet Ceres. He was very curious and eager to find out who she was. 'Only five hours to go,' he thought to himself as he checked his watch and found it to be 7:00.
A few moments later, Ceres appeared and sat down in the chair beside him. "Hi, MidKnight," she said.
Ron smiled. "Hey. You know, it's too bad that this is the last night we might talk to each other. So, can I find out who you are?" he asked. He wasn't sure whether she wanted to reveal her identity.
Ceres smiled warmly. "Not until midnight. Someone told me we can remove our masks then."
"Good. I'll take off my mask, too." And then they launched into a conversation on how Muggles used microwaves.
& & &
"Midnigh'!" a voice (Hagrid's) boomed over everyone as the clock struck 12:00 exactly. Ceres and MidKnight turned to each other and grinned, then took off their masks.
For that one second, everyone became quiet. Then there was cheering, but not for them. Seamus, Dean, and Harry were watching Ron's face as his lips turned into an O. "H-Hermione?" he managed to gasp out.
Hermione stared at him in the exact same way. "Ron?"
Ron and Hermione both wanted to speak, but neither could find the words. 'This entire time it's been...'
'Ron?!'
'Hermione?!'
They turned away and took off in different directions. Seamus, Dean, and Harry watched them, then turned to the middle of the room, where everyone else was staring. Right in the center were Colin and Ginny underneath the only bit of mistletoe. They were kissing each other sweetly, unaware that their plan hadn't worked out.
& & &
AN: Yeah, I know that this chapter isn't EXACTLY even with the other, but oh well. I want to end at this part. Makes you want to find out what happens next, huh? Hehe. Hey! For those who read this AFTER I'm done with chapter three, don't skip the author note yet! Wait until I finish, will you? Okay, question-answer segment. Why am I making Ron/Hermione suffer so much? Two reasons. Number one, I'm only through with the second chapter! It'd be pretty boring to have a two-chapter story. Number two, I'm trying to aggravate my friend, Chibi Chibi. Hehe. And number three, it's all a part of the plot. This is suppose to be an angsty ficcie. Romance and angst, but there's gotta be angst, first. ^^ Don't worry, I won't make them suffer TOO much. O.O ::ducks from the rotten tomatoes being thrown:: Hey! I'm not done yet! ::ducks again:: ^.^;;;;;;;;; ::slowly gets up:: Anyway, other questions you might have right now. Um...oh, yeah! When do the footnotes come in? Well...you'll have to wait for the end of that in my final Author Commentary. When they DO come in, your comprehension of this fic will be better. Trust me. But you'll have to wait. Okay, since I can't think of more to write, jya!
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