Chapter 3-Makeup and Hogsmeade

Hermione awoke the next morning in good spirits, remembering that it was Saturday and to find a note and a box at the bottom of her bed. She looked at the two and decided to open the note first. It read:

My Dearest Hermione,
Would you accompany me to the winter ball? Inside this box you will find a present from me that has been in my family for years and I would like you to have it. Also, would you like to come with Ron and me to Hogsmeade today? (Oh, she had completely forgotten about that!) I shall miss you until I see you once again.
Love,
Harry

She heard giggles and looked up to see Lavender and Parvati craning their necks to try and read the letter. They had obviously been standing there for quite a while. Ignoring them, she opened the box to find—

Oh, my! That is soooo beautiful! I cant believe Harry gave you a gold necklace with a diamond! It must have cost a fortune! Parvati almost shouted. I have a fantastic idea! Lavender, lets dress Hermione up to go out with Harry today! Lavender said in response.

Hermione had a bad feeling about this as they plopped her down on a chair in front of a mirror. First, they put a charm on her hair so that it was very straight and shiny. Hermione hated to admit this, but this was the best her hair had ever looked. They then proceeded to spend the next half our tying to decide what to dress her in. Oh, I have just the thing! Parvati said pulling out a yellow turtleneck. Look, its a canary yellow!

Exactly why we are going with this lavender sweater, Lavender snapped. Oh, YOU only like it because your name is Lavender! We are going with the yellow. Which do you like, Hermione? Parvati asked.

Well, I do like the purple, but...

SEE? Ok, well that settles that. Now for the makeup! There was a tap at the door and Parvati went over to answer it as Lavender pulled out her makeup bag.

Hermione heard a voice behind her say, Harry is wondering if Hermione is ready yet. I personally wonder what could be taking so long! It was Ron. Parvati said, She will be ready when she is ready! and closed the door in Ron's face mumbling, ...no patience...

Another half hour went by as she watched Lavender and Parvati apply what seemed to be all of the makeup they possessed, making mental notes so she might attempt this makeup thing in the future. Finally, she was finished. And now for the final touch! Lavender said as she put the necklace Harry had given her on. Wow, Hermione had to admit, she thought she looked very pretty and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. As she grabbed the hat and scarf to match her purple sweater, Parvati ran ahead to announce her to Harry and Ron, making Hermione embarrassed.

As she climbed down the stairs, she heard Parvati say, ...And now, our masterpiece! As she came into view, Ron began to say, It's about time, but didn't finish his sentence and just let his jaw drop. Wow, you look... was all Harry managed to say.

You..you, don't like it? Hermione sid nervously. No, I mean, you are just so beautiful, I can't even find the words to describe it. Parvati and Lavender beamed at Harry and Ron as they began to finally close their mouths.

Hey, you guys want to come with us to Hogsmeade? I don't think I could handle Harry and Hermione together on my own, Ron asked. Lavender looked at Parvati and said, Sure! Why not!

Later at Hogsmeade Harry and Hermione were able to leave Ron at the Three Broomsticks with Lavender, Parvati, and a big smile on his face. They waked down the street, snow crunching under their feet. Harry stopped suddenly and looked at Hermione. Slowly, he leaned forwards, and just as Hermione thought her was about to kiss her—

Harry! WHAT are you doing here! I haven't talked to you in AGES! Oh, hi Hermione, I didn't recognize you. It was Cho, Harry's ex-girlfriend. Hermione and Cho never seemed to be able to get along. Well, I was on my way to the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer, would you like to come along? Oh, you too, Hermione, she said almost if by force.

Sure, we need to go get Ron any ways, Harry said cheerfully to Hermione's surprise. Although, she WAS happy when Harry scooted away from Cho and held Hermione's hand under the table at the Three broomsticks.