WOW- I completely forgot the disclaimer (chalk it up to late nights of
studying for finals) so, here it is. I don't own harry potter, or any of
the characters- if I did I'd be rich, famous, and JKR.
Chapter 3
When Harry woke up Friday morning he was ecstatic. He hadn't had had any Voldemort dreams for the last 2 nights. He wasn't sure whether it was because he'd cleared his conscience by telling Dumbledore or because he'd somehow made the Dark Lord stop his plans. It didn't really matter, either worked for him. Besides, today was the day of the dance, and amazingly he didn't have any bad or ominous feelings about it- that had to be a good sign.
Classes had been canceled for the day so students could get ready. Harry's costume wasn't really difficult- he was going to put in contacts, so that he could wear his mask, and he intended to wear a hood so that no one could see his hair.
Ron's costume wasn't that easy, however. Ginny went into his room to help him and didn't come out for 4 hours. Hermione, however, had the most difficult thing to do of all. She straightened her hair, putting highlights in for effect. Ginny (who was becoming quite the stylist) helped her put it into an updo.
It was time for the ball.
~~*~~**~~*~~
The two girls glided down the steps, captivated by the different masks everyone wore. "Hmmm. Didn't Dumbledore say there would be a surprise tonight?"
"What kind of surprise, Ginny?"
"I'm not sure- he wouldn't say. Something about finding people even with their masks on. Although I don't think you'll need a spell or anything to find Ron, Hermione." Ginny dashed down the stairs, closely followed by Hermione who was beginning to truly believe that the girl had a death wish.
As they walked down the stairs to the ball Ron nudged Harry. "Why does it have to be a masquerade ball, Harry? Why can't it be regular, I mean, what happens if I get stuck with someone like Millicent? What if she has a huge wart, and it's hidden by her mask?"
"Ron." Harry warned.
"Well, I'm just saying, I don't see the point of masks, that's all."
"Don't worry- I'm sure you'll find Hermione, even if she has a mask on." Harry continued down the stairs, leaving Ron standing there, stunned and speechless.
~~*~~**~~*~~
As she walked into the Great Hall Hermione gasped. The room was dark, illuminated by only half as many candles as normal. The entire room was decorated in silver, whit, and black- so it shone in the darkness.
More people began to file in and mingle. Neville was recognized immediately (he spilled punch on himself) but decided to remain in costume and stay for the surprise. Witches Wonders was playing, and people were talking in little groups spread out throughout the dance floor. As Parvati told Hermione that she was sure she could pick any person out of the crowd and tell her who it was (Hermione wasn't so sure about this, since Parvati continued to call her Lavender), for the zillionth time, 'Mione let her mind wander. Where was Ron? She sighed. He was probably with Lavender, in one of the dark corners somewhere.. She nodded at Parvati and walked outside. She needed air, before she became too upset.
Where was she? Bloody Hell! Ron huffed, as he adjusted his mask. He would never find Hermione. Not that it mattered, she was probably off with another guy. Seamus, or Dean, or even Harry! He shook his head. What was the matter with him? He couldn't stop thinking about her. It was all Harry's fault of course. He brought her up right before the dance started. Yea, that was it. Hermione was just on his mind because of Harry.
Ron knew he was hopeless. He liked her- he had to stop lying to himself. He needed to think- maybe some fresh air would help.
~~*~~**~~*~~
Hermione sat on the terrace trying to think. She didn't realize that she wasn't alone until someone walked over to her. "Hello- having fun?"
"Hi." Hermione replied weakly.
"What on earth are you doing out here? You could be in that room dancing with anybody you want."
"Truthfully, I think it's wonderful out here. It's beautiful."
"Well, I came out here for some fresh air. Then I saw you, and now I believe it's beautiful out here too."
Hermione gasped. She looked up, and saw that the guy was reaching up so that he could lift her mask and kiss her. She shook her head, motioning for him to stop. Instead, he kissed the lips of her mask, and disappeared inside.
When Hermione entered the Great Hall again, she saw that Dumbledore was trying to get people's attention. "Ahem. Ok, there will only be a few more dances left tonight, so we'll start the "surprises" now. We'd like each of you to pair off with a person who you. feel a connection with."
Oh no! Hermione looked around. She saw couples beginning to pair up around her. Great- she'd probably end up alone. And then she saw him.
Ron looked around trying to find someone to dance with. Agh, he was such a prat. Why had he even come in the first place? Finally, he turned around, and saw her. She was beautiful. They started moving towards each other, walking faster with every step. As they met the music started, and when he put his arms around her he thought his heart would explode. She was amazing!
Granted, he didn't exactly know who she was, but so far she was amazing. Her dark hair (or was it just the light, or lack there of?) was soft and beautiful. She was even a great dancer. Ron didn't even think Hermione was that great. He smiled to himself. He'd found the perfect girl.
He was an amazing dancer. At one point his hood slipped off, and she saw his black hair. He quickly pulled his hood up, but she now had at least one clue to who he was. His robes were dark green, and sooo soft as she swayed her body against them. Not even Ron- Wait! She cut herself off. Why was she thinking about Ron as she was dancing with an amazing guy who obviously adored her? Forget him, she thought to herself, as she giggled and leaned closer.
Harry smiled to himself. He'd found an amazing girl. She had been standing next to him when Dumbledore told them to partner up, and he'd gravitated towards her because she had seemed familiar. However, when they began to move he realized that he might want to be more than familiar with this girl. There was something about her. almost like he knew who she was, but he couldn't quite figure it out.
The dance ended, but Hermione was reluctant to let go of her mystery date. They stood looking at each other, until Dumbledore again cleared his throat. "I trust you all had fun on the last dance. However, we'll try to make this even more fun by doing it again. Different partners, everyone." He clapped his hands.
Hermione looked around, trying to figure out where her mystery man had gone to, when suddenly someone else stepped into her view. It was the guy from the terrace, and he was walking up to her! Bowing, he looked at her. "Care to dance, my lady?"
She laughed, and taking his hand, they stepped out onto the floor. She loved dancing with him, but her mind focused on the kiss that had taken place earlier in the night. Well, would it be called a kiss? She hadn't even been expecting it. Not that she had minded it. Hermione closed her eyes and melted into his arms.
~~*~~**~~*~~
Again, the dance ended, and again, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Well, now that you have gotten your. er. romantic needs out, it is time for the surprise." As he said this, the room went absolutely black. But was it black or. Hermione gasped, she couldn't see!
Ron groped around him. Why was Dumbledore doing this? The blindfolding spell was rarely used on anyone, unless that person was going into a secret place they couldn't know about. Like, if someone was to leave Azkaban. Prisoners couldn't just know where it was, so the blindfolding spell was used to temporarily blind them. He heard Dumbledore telling everyone to be quiet.
"For a group of students trained to deal with all kinds of creatures every day, you certainly are not taking this well." Somehow Ron had known McGonagall would have to say something. "Ok. Now that you cannot see, you should go around- try to find someone who is your perfect partner. This is an excellent way to find your true love. In years past, this was a common game at parties, but it was stopped because people tended to get hysterical when their sight was -"
"Professor McGonagall, this is a ball, not a lesson." Dumbledore cut in. "Let's go!"
This was one of the times Hermione wished she had been brought up in a wizarding family. Apparently everyone else in the room had heard of this game already. Someone grabbed her hand, and she realized what people were doing. If your hand "fit" with the other persons- if your hand felt comfortable like it belonged in theirs, and both people agreed, then you could step off, and you would have found your partner.
Hermione already knew who she wanted her partner to be. She knew she probably wouldn't find him- what were the chances. Still. she began to grope around and grab hands along with everyone else. She started to walk, hoping that she didn't run into anything, or trip over anyone. Finally, she stopped. Her instincts told her that there was someone there. She slowly lifted up her hand, and someone grabbed it. She gasped- it was the perfect fit!
~~*~~**~~*~~
As Hermione's "partner" pulled her out of the crowd, someone grabbed her other hand. She tried to pull away, but the person wouldn't let go. She continued to walk, but she was suddenly stunned. She could see again! She looked up at the person holding her hand- it was him! Her first dance partner. The one with the black hair, and green robes. Hermione then looked across from her, at the person who wouldn't let go of her hand before. It was the one from the terrace. He beckoned to Hermione "Come with me, we'll be the perfect match!" But she didn't budge.
Instead, she looked up towards the guy whose hand she was holding. He leaned down, hugging her, and she smiled. She had found her perfect match- the perfect fit.
Later, Ginny would ask Hermione why she had picked him instead of the polite, gentlemanly, romantic guy from the terrace, and Hermione wouldn't hesitate with her answer. Her partner was polite, gentlemanly, and romantic. And she felt comfortable with him. When she was dancing in his arms, she could have stayed there forever.
Harry looked down at the girl on his arm. She was beautiful. Again, he was amazed by the magic found in the wizarding world. There was no other place where he could find the girl of his dreams, dance with her, and then find her again in the darkness, without ever even knowing who she was.
Ron couldn't have been any happier. She was so incredibly beautiful. He was amazed that they had found each other in the darkness. Personally, he hadn't thought it was going to work. He had figured that people had stopped playing the game at parties because it didn't work and couples kept ending up with other people (that could cause some problems).
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I believe it's time to unmask."
Hey guys- PLEASE review. What do you think I should do with Ginny?
Chapter 3
When Harry woke up Friday morning he was ecstatic. He hadn't had had any Voldemort dreams for the last 2 nights. He wasn't sure whether it was because he'd cleared his conscience by telling Dumbledore or because he'd somehow made the Dark Lord stop his plans. It didn't really matter, either worked for him. Besides, today was the day of the dance, and amazingly he didn't have any bad or ominous feelings about it- that had to be a good sign.
Classes had been canceled for the day so students could get ready. Harry's costume wasn't really difficult- he was going to put in contacts, so that he could wear his mask, and he intended to wear a hood so that no one could see his hair.
Ron's costume wasn't that easy, however. Ginny went into his room to help him and didn't come out for 4 hours. Hermione, however, had the most difficult thing to do of all. She straightened her hair, putting highlights in for effect. Ginny (who was becoming quite the stylist) helped her put it into an updo.
It was time for the ball.
~~*~~**~~*~~
The two girls glided down the steps, captivated by the different masks everyone wore. "Hmmm. Didn't Dumbledore say there would be a surprise tonight?"
"What kind of surprise, Ginny?"
"I'm not sure- he wouldn't say. Something about finding people even with their masks on. Although I don't think you'll need a spell or anything to find Ron, Hermione." Ginny dashed down the stairs, closely followed by Hermione who was beginning to truly believe that the girl had a death wish.
As they walked down the stairs to the ball Ron nudged Harry. "Why does it have to be a masquerade ball, Harry? Why can't it be regular, I mean, what happens if I get stuck with someone like Millicent? What if she has a huge wart, and it's hidden by her mask?"
"Ron." Harry warned.
"Well, I'm just saying, I don't see the point of masks, that's all."
"Don't worry- I'm sure you'll find Hermione, even if she has a mask on." Harry continued down the stairs, leaving Ron standing there, stunned and speechless.
~~*~~**~~*~~
As she walked into the Great Hall Hermione gasped. The room was dark, illuminated by only half as many candles as normal. The entire room was decorated in silver, whit, and black- so it shone in the darkness.
More people began to file in and mingle. Neville was recognized immediately (he spilled punch on himself) but decided to remain in costume and stay for the surprise. Witches Wonders was playing, and people were talking in little groups spread out throughout the dance floor. As Parvati told Hermione that she was sure she could pick any person out of the crowd and tell her who it was (Hermione wasn't so sure about this, since Parvati continued to call her Lavender), for the zillionth time, 'Mione let her mind wander. Where was Ron? She sighed. He was probably with Lavender, in one of the dark corners somewhere.. She nodded at Parvati and walked outside. She needed air, before she became too upset.
Where was she? Bloody Hell! Ron huffed, as he adjusted his mask. He would never find Hermione. Not that it mattered, she was probably off with another guy. Seamus, or Dean, or even Harry! He shook his head. What was the matter with him? He couldn't stop thinking about her. It was all Harry's fault of course. He brought her up right before the dance started. Yea, that was it. Hermione was just on his mind because of Harry.
Ron knew he was hopeless. He liked her- he had to stop lying to himself. He needed to think- maybe some fresh air would help.
~~*~~**~~*~~
Hermione sat on the terrace trying to think. She didn't realize that she wasn't alone until someone walked over to her. "Hello- having fun?"
"Hi." Hermione replied weakly.
"What on earth are you doing out here? You could be in that room dancing with anybody you want."
"Truthfully, I think it's wonderful out here. It's beautiful."
"Well, I came out here for some fresh air. Then I saw you, and now I believe it's beautiful out here too."
Hermione gasped. She looked up, and saw that the guy was reaching up so that he could lift her mask and kiss her. She shook her head, motioning for him to stop. Instead, he kissed the lips of her mask, and disappeared inside.
When Hermione entered the Great Hall again, she saw that Dumbledore was trying to get people's attention. "Ahem. Ok, there will only be a few more dances left tonight, so we'll start the "surprises" now. We'd like each of you to pair off with a person who you. feel a connection with."
Oh no! Hermione looked around. She saw couples beginning to pair up around her. Great- she'd probably end up alone. And then she saw him.
Ron looked around trying to find someone to dance with. Agh, he was such a prat. Why had he even come in the first place? Finally, he turned around, and saw her. She was beautiful. They started moving towards each other, walking faster with every step. As they met the music started, and when he put his arms around her he thought his heart would explode. She was amazing!
Granted, he didn't exactly know who she was, but so far she was amazing. Her dark hair (or was it just the light, or lack there of?) was soft and beautiful. She was even a great dancer. Ron didn't even think Hermione was that great. He smiled to himself. He'd found the perfect girl.
He was an amazing dancer. At one point his hood slipped off, and she saw his black hair. He quickly pulled his hood up, but she now had at least one clue to who he was. His robes were dark green, and sooo soft as she swayed her body against them. Not even Ron- Wait! She cut herself off. Why was she thinking about Ron as she was dancing with an amazing guy who obviously adored her? Forget him, she thought to herself, as she giggled and leaned closer.
Harry smiled to himself. He'd found an amazing girl. She had been standing next to him when Dumbledore told them to partner up, and he'd gravitated towards her because she had seemed familiar. However, when they began to move he realized that he might want to be more than familiar with this girl. There was something about her. almost like he knew who she was, but he couldn't quite figure it out.
The dance ended, but Hermione was reluctant to let go of her mystery date. They stood looking at each other, until Dumbledore again cleared his throat. "I trust you all had fun on the last dance. However, we'll try to make this even more fun by doing it again. Different partners, everyone." He clapped his hands.
Hermione looked around, trying to figure out where her mystery man had gone to, when suddenly someone else stepped into her view. It was the guy from the terrace, and he was walking up to her! Bowing, he looked at her. "Care to dance, my lady?"
She laughed, and taking his hand, they stepped out onto the floor. She loved dancing with him, but her mind focused on the kiss that had taken place earlier in the night. Well, would it be called a kiss? She hadn't even been expecting it. Not that she had minded it. Hermione closed her eyes and melted into his arms.
~~*~~**~~*~~
Again, the dance ended, and again, Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Well, now that you have gotten your. er. romantic needs out, it is time for the surprise." As he said this, the room went absolutely black. But was it black or. Hermione gasped, she couldn't see!
Ron groped around him. Why was Dumbledore doing this? The blindfolding spell was rarely used on anyone, unless that person was going into a secret place they couldn't know about. Like, if someone was to leave Azkaban. Prisoners couldn't just know where it was, so the blindfolding spell was used to temporarily blind them. He heard Dumbledore telling everyone to be quiet.
"For a group of students trained to deal with all kinds of creatures every day, you certainly are not taking this well." Somehow Ron had known McGonagall would have to say something. "Ok. Now that you cannot see, you should go around- try to find someone who is your perfect partner. This is an excellent way to find your true love. In years past, this was a common game at parties, but it was stopped because people tended to get hysterical when their sight was -"
"Professor McGonagall, this is a ball, not a lesson." Dumbledore cut in. "Let's go!"
This was one of the times Hermione wished she had been brought up in a wizarding family. Apparently everyone else in the room had heard of this game already. Someone grabbed her hand, and she realized what people were doing. If your hand "fit" with the other persons- if your hand felt comfortable like it belonged in theirs, and both people agreed, then you could step off, and you would have found your partner.
Hermione already knew who she wanted her partner to be. She knew she probably wouldn't find him- what were the chances. Still. she began to grope around and grab hands along with everyone else. She started to walk, hoping that she didn't run into anything, or trip over anyone. Finally, she stopped. Her instincts told her that there was someone there. She slowly lifted up her hand, and someone grabbed it. She gasped- it was the perfect fit!
~~*~~**~~*~~
As Hermione's "partner" pulled her out of the crowd, someone grabbed her other hand. She tried to pull away, but the person wouldn't let go. She continued to walk, but she was suddenly stunned. She could see again! She looked up at the person holding her hand- it was him! Her first dance partner. The one with the black hair, and green robes. Hermione then looked across from her, at the person who wouldn't let go of her hand before. It was the one from the terrace. He beckoned to Hermione "Come with me, we'll be the perfect match!" But she didn't budge.
Instead, she looked up towards the guy whose hand she was holding. He leaned down, hugging her, and she smiled. She had found her perfect match- the perfect fit.
Later, Ginny would ask Hermione why she had picked him instead of the polite, gentlemanly, romantic guy from the terrace, and Hermione wouldn't hesitate with her answer. Her partner was polite, gentlemanly, and romantic. And she felt comfortable with him. When she was dancing in his arms, she could have stayed there forever.
Harry looked down at the girl on his arm. She was beautiful. Again, he was amazed by the magic found in the wizarding world. There was no other place where he could find the girl of his dreams, dance with her, and then find her again in the darkness, without ever even knowing who she was.
Ron couldn't have been any happier. She was so incredibly beautiful. He was amazed that they had found each other in the darkness. Personally, he hadn't thought it was going to work. He had figured that people had stopped playing the game at parties because it didn't work and couples kept ending up with other people (that could cause some problems).
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "I believe it's time to unmask."
Hey guys- PLEASE review. What do you think I should do with Ginny?