Chapter 8 - The Upcoming Valentines Ball

Harry's Christmas break didn't get any better. He walked up and down corridors mindlessly like a zombie. He hated being alone with no one to talk to and he wanted someone to keep him company. He thought that maybe Lavender would want to talk about something or anything with him as long as he wasn't alone. The scorn looks that Lavender gave him in halls told him not to even bother asking her to hang out.

Lavender was right. Being alone hurt him indeed. He was getting the same feelings when he spent his time alone over the summer with the Dursleys on Privet Drive. He missed Ron. And he missed Hermione. He was startled when he almost bumped into the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore.

"Sorry Professor," said Harry. "I should've been watching where I was going."

"That's quite all right Harry," said Professor Dumbledore looking at him through his half moon spectacles. "And how are you?"

"Honestly Professor, I feel terrible," said Harry looking down. "I really hate this. I hate being alone and I miss my friends. And I miss…"

"…Hermione?" finished Dumbledore. Harry looked up at Dumbledore as if he couldn't believe what he just heard. Dumbledore was smiling.

"Yes Professor," said Harry softly. "I miss Hermione. But because of my promise, I can't talk to her anymore. And I think that I'll never have a conversation with her again."

"I see," said Dumbledore. "Harry, I give you great admiration for keeping your promise to Hermione. And I must admit that I am very impressed by the intelligence of your plan." Harry smiled. "However, I feel that after a certain amount of time that has passed, that the idea to go on with the plan seem unnecessary."

Harry, who was no longer smiling, had gone into a state of consideration. He looked at Dumbledore again.

"I am not going to force you to stop your plan Harry, since it was, ingeniously, your idea. I am, however, recommending that you stop it right now. And give Ms. Granger a big surprise when she returns."

Harry had gone into a big state of ponder. For some reason, Professor Dumbledore was right. The plan was great up to a point. And just as everyone had told him, it was getting to out of hand. But what would Hermione feel? She seemed happy that Harry Potter had vanished from her life and she could very well be still mad with him. Harry gave a sigh. He knew what his answer was going to be.

"No Professor. I can't…" said Harry regretfully. Dumbledore looked slightly disappointed.

"Very well Harry. Even though I do not agree with your decision, I do respect it. Just remember Harry," said Dumbledore. He leaned in and put a hand on his shoulder. "Whenever you are ready, you may discontinue your plan. I know you'll do the right thing Harry. You've done it for the past 5 years here at Hogwarts."

Harry smiled weakly at him and felt a little better. Dumbledore withdrawal led his hand as spoke once more.

"Will you be attending the Valentine's Day Ball Harry?"

Harry immediately shook his head.

"I can't professor," said Harry. "First, I don't think I'll be able to find a dance partner that I would want. And second, Hermione will be there."

Dumbledore nodded. "I have been curious from day one Harry, and if I may ask, how did you end up in this little dilemma?"

Harry's body sort of jumped at Dumbledore's question. After all this, Dumbledore didn't even know how or why he came up with the plan. He was shocked that Dumbledore hadn't asked him in the first place."

"Well," started Harry, turning red, "to make it easier for you to understand, I like Hermione…a lot." To his surprise, he got no great reaction from Dumbledore. He merely blinked and nodded.

"She told me that she likes this wizard and it kind of broke my heart. And well…" Harry said. He couldn't believe he was telling Professor Dumbledore all of his feelings. "Even though I knew that she liked someone, I asked her to the Valentines Ball anyway and…she told me no, which really upset me. I asked her why and she couldn't tell me. Or she wouldn't tell me. We argued for a while and she told me to stay out of her life. I told her that if she really meant it, to say it again and I promised I would. She did, and here I am now."

"I see," said Professor Dumbledore. He was very polite and listened to Harry's every word. He didn't flinch or anything. "Well, I have nothing more to say to you Harry. Just be careful."

"Yes Professor," said Harry. Dumbledore walked past Harry and down the corridor. And as surprisingly as he had shown up, he was gone.

*A/N: The next chapter should be a HUGE turning point for the story. I have it written already, but I am self editing it right now. I just want it to be really good and perfect. I also want it to make a big impact for all of you. I will post it up as soon as possible. I promise ;)