Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all associated names, things, spells, places etc. belong to J.K. Rowling, Raincoast Books, Bloomsbury, Scholastics Inc. Warner Bros., and her publishers, I guess. The name O'Keefe and the name Calvin were borrowed from The A Wrinkle in Time books, by Madeleine L'Engle, which are awesome books. The name Carlton was borrowed from Vanessa Carlton. And, the name Ella is borrowed from a book I adore, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. They're making a movie out of the book, with Mia from Princess Diaries (Anne Hathaway). I own Amethyst Carlton, Emmie/Emerald Carlton O'Keefe, Victoria Carlton O'Keefe, Jonathan Carlton O'Keefe Calvin O'Keefe and Lila Malfoy (but not the name O'Keefe, Calvin or Malfoy!). I own some of the plot, me thinks. Destiny's Child owns themselves and "Emotions".

Enjoy!

Sorry it is kind of short!

The Real Me

Last time..

After an hour of hard work, it was 7:00, and she was ready. She flew out of the guest suite and arrived at the Great Hall, were the ball was to take place, 5 minutes late. She had told everyone to go on without her. She was late, because the ball had started at 7, and everyone had arrived at 6:45. Hermione looked down at herself, made sure her mask was tightly on, and opened the doors to the Great Hall with a BANG!

Chapter 16 The Yule Ball Part 1

Everyone turned to look at the sudden noise. Their eyes were met with a person, a girl, who we know to be Hermione. Their eyes scanned her, she was beautiful. It was the costume that was amazing though. She looked, she looked. wow!

The girl came as an angel. Well, not really an angel, but an angel all the same. No one could quite describe what she came as, but she could describe it perfectly. She was representing good and evil, light and dark, heaven and hell. On her left side, she was all white. On her right, her costume was all black. This is what she was wearing:

She had on a long flowing gown, similar to the one she had worn at the talent competition. It was long and graceful, and ended around her feet like a puddle. One half was white, the other black. It was divided perfectly down the middle. You couldn't see her shoes, but one was white and one was black, both being sandals. Her mask was the classic masquerade mask, it covered her eyes, forehead and most of her cheeks, so you really only saw her mouth. Her mask was white and black of course. And, on her lips, she had used white and black lipstick. She was probably one of the only people in the world who had white lipstick. Like Lila, Hermione had wings. Hers, though were conjured by magic so they looked very much real. As you probably guessed, they were one half black and the other white. On her hair she had used an extension charm so it came down to the middle of her back, and she had made it half black, and half white, but the white had a silver tint. And she had conjured a halo to sit above her head, and made that half-white, half black.

No one recognized her, not one single person. She looked very different. While everyone was scanning her, she took in the Great Hall. It looked very different too.

First of all, she was standing at the top of a staircase. The stairs led down to where everyone else was. There was a stage, like there had been at the Competition. In the middle of the room, there was a dance floor. The house tables were gone, little tables around the corners of the room, which could seat from 2 to 8 people, replaced them. There were candles on the tables and floating high above the dance floor for light. Amazingly, the Hall seemed to be decorated to match Hermione. It was all done in black and white.

Hermione started descend down the steps, her long gown forming a small train after her. She almost tripped, but the only one who noticed was Hermione. The Hall was now filled with whispers, all wondering whom the girl was. Hermione finished her descent, and went over to where a blue fairy and a green medieval princess were standing. As she did that, Dumbledore, dressed as an old fashion judge with wig and all, went on stage.

"Welcome to Hogwart's First Annual Masquerade Ball! We have decided to try two new things this year, and I think both went very well!" exclaimed a smiling Dumbledore, he paused, and his eyes landed on Hermione, and he winked at her, as if he knew who she was, then he continued, "Well, I hope you all remembered that you were not to show anyone your costume, or let anyone know who you were. And, you were not supposed to get any dates. The reason for this, if you remember, is that we are going to play a game that will match us with someone. This person will be someone who you are compatible with. They might not be from your year. You are not to reveal to your partner, or anyone who you are, till 'The Un-Masking', which is exactly like the name implies, you will take off your mask. After the Un- Masking, there will be a final dance, and then the ball will be over."

He paused for a moment, letting everything sink in, then he continued, "Now, the band we have today is the same band that we had at the Talent Competition, it is conjured by magic. They can play every song ever written, and you are invited to make requests. Most of you will remember how we ordered food at the Yule Ball, we are using the same system today. You just tell your plate what you want, and it will appear. I think that is all, now let us start the game!" Everyone waited expectantly for him to continue, but he did not say anything, just beamed down at them. Instead, McGonagall and Flitwick both came forward. McGonagall addressed the crowd, "Boys to your right, girls to the left."

As the girls and boys separated, Lila had enough time to comment, "Love your costume, and very cool entrance!" Hermione didn't say anything, but grimaced behind her mask. Once everyone was gathered on either side of the room, they were instructed to turn and face the other group. Then Professor Dumbledore spoke again.

"Now, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick will come around with a hat. It has pieces of blank paper in it. When you stick your hand inside the hat, it will find you match by consulting with its counter part that will go around with the other gender. When everyone has been 'read', a number will appear and you will stand on the square with your number on it", Hermione looked down and noticed that the floor was covered with numbers, she hadn't noticed it before, "And the person with the same number as you will be your partner. You are required to spend most of the evening with your partner. Alright lets begin!" Dumbledore exclaimed, his eyes twinkling.

Professor McGonagall came around with one of the 2 identical hats, which looked similar to the Sorting Hat. When Professor McGonagall reached Hermione, she stuck her hand in, and felt a strange tingly sensation, but at the exact moment, she sensed a thousand eyes on her. She quickly grabbed a piece of paper and pulled her hand out hastily. She looked around, feeling paranoid. There were 3 people looking at her, Victoria, the medieval princess, Lila, the blue fairy, and Professor Dumbledore, the old-fashioned judge. Hermione pulled herself out of her strange thoughts when she heard that their numbers were appearing. Hermione looked at her piece of paper. 22. Nice number. Lila got a 54 and Victoria's number was 78. They all giggled and wished each other luck, and then left to find their square.

Hermione found hers quickly, one of the first to do so, actually everyone was walking around, staring at the ground and laughing. Hermione stood impatiently, and out of the blue she remembered her parents, both sets of parents. A single tear rolled down her cheek. Unfortunately, her partner came at that same moment saw the tear. Hermione looked up when she heard someone's voice saying, "What's wrong?" The person sounded very concerned. Hermione's eyes were met with a, shall we say interesting site.

Zorro. Hermione was met with a person dressed like Zorro, a popular muggle character. He was wearing black paint and a tight fitting black shirt that really showed off muscles. He had a black cape on. His mask was the traditional, black Zorro one. He had a sword too. His hair was black and cut in a Zorro-ish fashion. Hermione's eyes found their way up to the person's eyes. They were concerned and a blue that was so clear it was like a diamond colour. She was reminded of Harry's remarkable eyes, for they always hypnotized her, just as this person's eyes were doing now. Hermione snapped out of her trance at Professor Dumbledore's voice. He said, "Okay, everyone must open the dance with their partner, you may do other things after that. I am sure you are all very hungry!" He smiled merrily, and then music started. Hermione recognized it straight away as "Emotions" by Destiny's Child. "A slow song, great", though Hermione. Her partner moved closer and put one of his hands on her waist, and grabbed her other hand with his spare hand. She put her hand on his shoulder.

Now, Hermione never had danced much, save the Yule Ball. But her partner obviously had, so she began to relax and listened to the words of the song and she sang along softly without realizing it,

"It's over and done

But the heartache lives on inside

And who's the one you're clinging to

instead of me tonight?

And where are you now, now that I need you?

Tears on my pillow wherever you go

I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean

You never see me fall apart

In the words of a broken heart

It's just emotion taking me over

Caught up in sorrow

Lost in the song

but if you don't come back

Come home to me, darling

Don't you know there's nobody left in this world to hold me tight

Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight

Goodnight, goodnight

I'm there at your side,

I'm part of all the things you are

But you've got a part of someone else

You've got to find your shining star

And where are you now, now that I need you?

Tears on my pillow wherever you go

I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean

You never see me fall apart

In the words of a broken heart

It's just emotion taking me over

Caught up in sorrow Lost in the song

but if you don't come back

Come home to me, darling

Don't you know there's nobody left in this world to hold me tight

Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight

Goodnight, goodnight

And where are you now, now that I need you?

Tears on my pillow wherever you go

I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean

You never see me fall apart

In the words of a broken heart

It's just emotion taking me over

Caught up in sorrow

Lost in the song

But if you don't come back

Come home to me, darling

Don't you know there's nobody left in this world to hold me tight

Nobody left in this world to kiss goodnight

Goodnight, goodnight"

The song made her think of her parents, and Hermione struggled to keep the tears in as she sang softly. Her partner looked at her in surprise, Hermione didn't realize by singing she gave a clue to who she was. When the song ended she quickly let go of him and stumbled blindly to a corner. Her partner was about to follow her, when the old fashioned judge, Dumbledore, stopped him. "Leave her be. And besides, I think someone else has it covered." He told him, and they both looked towards the corner to see someone approaching Hermione swiftly.

Hermione did not see the person coming. She sat down in the shadows, with her head in her hands, and tried desperately to not cry. The next thing she knew, someone had gathered her in their arms, and was rocking her back and forth slowly. Hermione managed to say, "Who are you?" She didn't need an answer, because as soon as she spoke the question, she knew who it was. Her father, her daddy, Severus Snape. He was ironically dressed as a vampire, with fangs and all. Hermione felt the tears that were threatening to come out stop. She felt safe in his arms. She stood up and hugged him. "Thank you", she whispered into his chest and added, "Daddy, and Happy Halloween." She walked away and sat down at a nearby table. She spotted the Emerald Princess and the Blue Fairy quickly. Hermione turned as someone came and sat down next to her.

"I know we are not supposed to tell anyone who we are, but since I already know who you are, might as well tell you who I am", the person said. The person was definitely female, and the voice sounded familiar, she then continued, "It's Emmie." Hermione nodded, recognizing the voice and took in Emmie's costume. It was very interesting and Hermione was surprised by the choice. Emerald was dressed as a belly dancer. Her costume was in shades of purple and pink. It had a gypsy look to it. She was wearing a bikini tip thing for clothes, and then had a silky see through cloth around her. Her bikini was light pink, and her mask was dark purple. She looked extremely authentic.

Hermione smiled and said, "Nice costume." Emmie grinned, but said, "Mine's okay, but you are going to win for best costume." Seeing the blank look upon Hermione's face, she added, "The awards for costumes. Did you forget?" Realization dawned upon Hermione's face, and she nodded, and said, "Yah." Emmie was about to say something else, but she was interrupted by the appearance of Vickie and Lila.

"My partner is so cool, and so hot!" Lila squealed. This set them other 3 into laughing. "Where is he?" Emmie asked, through her laughs that she made no attempt to contain. She was sometimes more immature than her daughter. She was still a giggly teenager inside, but that was not her fault at all. She acted the way she acted before James and Lily, some of her best friends ever, died. She didn't want to be an adult if they weren't there to be adults too.

"I dunno", Lila answered dully, irritated by all the laughing. "What if your partner is your brother? You must be compatible, so he could be it!" Vickie said, laughing very hard. Lila took the question calmly, and answered, "Nah, I know what he came as. I gave him the perfect idea. He is dressed as Zorro." Hermione abruptly stopped laughing and asked, "What?" "Yah he is right over there", Lila told her and pointed. Hermione looked in the direction where she was pointing. It was her partner, the guy that she was dancing with, and well felt quite attracted to him. "That's Draco?" she asked. Lila nodded. Hermione wanted badly to lose conciseness, but instead she was interrupted by Dumbledore, who was now standing on the stage.

"Okay, now it is time for our awards! Everyone gather around please."

End of Chapter 16

A/N: Well, sorry it was so short, and sorry for no cliffhanger ending. I couldn't find one. I'm very sorry, I'm sure you will all hate me for not leaving you hanging. Oh well. OH, and a HUGE thanks to my betas, Annie Potter and Silveretta. You guys rock! Here are my Thank yous:

Cho Chang: Thank yah! You found out now. I hurried, I hurried, hope it was fast enough. Thank you for reviewing!

Crystal Words: Thank you for your answers. You are too nice! Wow, thank you! I gave you your description, don't worry, you have it now.

Hpz26: Sorry, sorry! But I didn't leave you hanging that much this time. Thanks for the review, and I told you about her costume!

KawaiinessPnay: Thank you! And thanks for the new words. I love funky names. I hope you enjoy the books, they're really good.

TiGgEr: Wow, such big compliments! Thank you, thank you! Yah, I like Vanessa Carlton too, she has such an amazing voice. No cliffie this chapter.

Arime Setta: You like many, wanted to know about her costume. We'll I told yah, hope I described it good. Thanks for the review!

Annie Potter: Thanks for the notice with the names. I get confuzzled (my word for confused) easily. Penny and Peter, lolz. And thanks for the vote. And the review!

Silveretta: I'm never eloquent. Look at my little responses. Thanks for the review! I don't think I'll get to 200. But thanks for helping get to it if I can!

Fang-gurlie: No problem. I'll email you when I post this chapter too. Thanks for the review, glad you like it. Kewlies! Like that word.

Twinangels: Thank you! I wrote more, wrote more, wrote more. Lolz, don't ask me. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, thanks for the review.

Bubbles-123: Thanks for your opinion, it is greatly appreciated by me. Thanks for the review too, of course! And the sweet compliments!

Holy crap! Thanks everyone for reviewing. You all got your costume description. I am going to get maybe 2 more chapters up during the March Break, because I get 2 weeks, and I'm not going anywhere. Staying in cold Canada, and if you live in Ontario, you'll know how cold it is. It was -35 today, and that isn't the coldest weather we have had this winter. Anyhoo, that isn't part of my story, so I'll shut up about the weather. Thanks to everyone who reviewed, and answered my questions. Still not certain about the pairing, I probably won't decide till the end. I hope everyone liked. This chapter turned out different then I planned. Oh, and the song, think of her parents when you read it, okay? It fits better if you do. Anyhoo, please review, it is so much appreciated by me! Wow, 129, never dreamed I would get that much. I am hoping for 10 reviews for this chapter before I post the next one. Anyhoo, thanks for reading. Oh, and if your thinking the story is a bit plotless, don't worry, I have a big something to happen, it should happen in the next I dunno, within the next 4 or 5 chapters. Not sure..

Anyways, please review!

Thanks for reading.

Hope you liked.

Please answer my questions I asked in the last chapter if you haven't yet, favourite song and chapter.

Thanks for your time. Again, please review!

I love reviews!

Should have the next chapter up sometime next week.

Thanks for your time again,

-Eliza