A/n: I decided to update earlier than usual again because I wanted to make up for the long wait for the next chapter! I also wanna warn you, there's more sickening D/H in this chapter so brace yourself! You can skip it if you want…it disgusted me to write this.

Note: I had to rewrite some parts of this because I forgot that it was supposed to be a dress-up-as-a-song ball. Sorry to those who read this already!

Disclaimer: Ugh please, you all know the routine by now.

Chapter Nine

On the day of the Christmas ball, everyone was extremely nervous. The girls were fussing over their clothes, hair, make-up and just about everything. The boys were making sure their breath smelled good and if they wore enough cologne.

"Ginny! I've never put on make up before!" Hermione whined. "The most I've ever put is lipstick and powder."

"Don't worry, Herm. I'm a pro at this." Ginny assured her. She and Hermione were in Hermione's room, doing Hermione's make up. "You saw how I did mine easily."

Hermione looked unsure. "Well, you're naturally pretty. I don't want to look like a clown!"

Ginny laughed. "Oh shush. You sound as if you don't trust me."
"I don't." Hermione said sarcastically.

"Ugh." Ginny replied, pretending to be insulted. She put a towel over Hermione's white gown. "Close your eyes and don't open until I say so."

Hermione nodded and shut her eyes tightly. About 10 minutes later, Ginny said, "Open them now!" Hermione slowly opened her eyes and was amazed. She looked extremely exquisite and well…she had to admit…stunning.

Her hair was neatly cascading down her back. It wasn't bushy but it had curly locks instead. She had white powder all over her face and she cast a spell on her nose to make it look like a carrot. She was dressed up supposedly as Frosty the Snowman. She added stuffing in her gown to make her body round. She was also wearing a sapphire necklace.

"Wait till Ron sees how beautiful you look." Ginny giggled. Ginny on the other hand, was dressed up as Rudolph, the reindeer. Hermione put a spell on her nose to make it red and shiny. Ginny also wore a headband with antlers sticking out and she wore a brown dress and high-heeled shoes. "I wouldn't talk Ginny. Just make sure Harry doesn't get too excited." Hermione teased. Ginny gave her a friendly slap and they applied some perfume on. Then they went downstairs. On their way, the came across Malfoy. He was looking funny in his green robes and green painted face.

"Well if it isn't Granger and the red head." Malfoy snickered. However, he couldn't keep himself from staring at Hermione who was smiling proudly.

"Excuse us, Malfoy. We don't have time to waste on ferrets like you." Hermione grinned.

"What on earth are you two supposed to be?" Malfoy demanded.

"I'm Rudolph, the reindeer and Hermione's Frosty the snowman." Ginny explained. "And what are you?"

"The grinch who stole christmas." Malfoy snickered.

"It fits you perfectly. I knew I recognized you because you look the same in the movie." Hermione joked.

Ginny laughed and walked ahead. Hermione gave Malfoy a quick pinch on the cheek and followed her.

"What's a movie?" Ginny asked as Hermione caught up to her.

"It's a motion picture. It's hard to explain." Hermione said.

"Oh." Ginny said. Then, the two girls met up with harry and Ron in the Great Hall. Harry was dressed up as Santa Claus and was wearing a fluffy white beard and he added some pillows on his chest. He wore a read sweater, a black belt and red pants.

"Let's go, Gin." Harry smiled as he linked his arm to Ginny's. He looked at Ginny and said, "Wow. You look absolutely beautiful. Did you know that?"

"Duh." Ginny joked as she waltzed away with Harry. She turned back and saw Ron drooling at Hermione again.

"Ron, my face is up here." Hermione teased.

"Y-yeah. I was looking at your necklace." Ron excused. "They're – it's – big – er – lovely."

Hermione laughed. "What are you supposed to be?"

"I was supposed to be a bell from the jingle bells song but I didn't have time to make a costume." Ron explained. He was wearing yellow robes and had a stick sticking out from his head.

"That's alright. I don't mind." Hermione smiled.

"Good." Ron smiled. Hermione smiled back as he put his arm on her waist and they walked to the dancing area. Some students were dancing to a fast song. The tables were removed so there was a huge space in the center for dancing. There were smaller tables at the side and a bigger table at the corner where there was food and drinks. In the exact center, there was a 60 feet tall Christmas tree, decorated with bows and sashes and beads and pearls and candles and other wonderful ornaments. At the very top was a star shining brightly. There was also floating candles with red and green ribbons around them. There were also elves dressed as Santa's workers who gave away free food and chocolate.

Hermione caught a glimpse of Draco and Pansy, happily flirting. Hermione felt jealous but had to admit that Pansy looked pretty in her dark violet gown. She's not even wearing a proper costume! Hermione thought.

"S-so, d-d-do you wanna dance?" Ron asked Hermione. He began to turn red again.

"Sure." Hermione nodded. Ron carefully pulled her close as she put her arms around his neck. Hermione could still see Draco and Pansy giggling with Draco's arm around Pansy. So that's how you wanna play huh? Hermione thought. Well two can play at that game. "Hold me closer." Hermione whispered.

Ron's crystal blue eyes widened. "Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes. Go on." Hermione nodded. He pulled her closer to him and their faces were only inches apart. Celestina Warbeck began singing a slow song. Ron could smell Hermione's perfume. This feels so right, he thought. He was gazing at her but she seemed to be looking at something else. All Ron wanted to do was hug her and tell her how much he loved her and adored her. He saw Ginny and Harry giggling at the corner of his eye. How lucky they are, he thought enviously.

Hermione saw Malfoy pull Pansy closer. How she wished she was in his arms instead. Then, without warning, Hermione tiptoed, closed her eyes and leaned forward and kissed Ron's lips. Ron closed his eyes and felt as if time stopped and that he was dreaming. But here he was, in the Christmas Ball on his 7th year, kissing the girl he loved. He pulled her closer and kissed her back fiercely.

Hermione was amazed. Ron's kiss seemed so needy. It was different from Draco's sweet, romantic ones. I should stop before I lead him on, she thought but something was preventing her. She slowly opened her eyes and saw Draco's jaw drop. Perfect, she thought. As the song ended, she pulled away from Ron who still had his eyes closed.

"Hermione, I - " Ron began but Hermione put a finger on his lips.

"Shhh." She whispered. "I'll be back. I have to go to the ladies' room." She walked away from Ron and saw Malfoy follow her from a distance. She turned to a dark hallway and waited. Then, Malfoy came.

"What was that all about?" Draco demanded. "Why did you kiss that Weasley?"

"Why were you flirting with that big headed bitch then?" Hermione snapped.

"That's different." Draco said defensively. "I can't help it if she worships me. But you…"

"I only gave Ron what he wanted." Hermione fought back. "Nobody said there's anything bad with being generous."

Ok I'm warning you guys! Go on if you want to be disgusted!

"Shut up Granger." Malfoy spat. He cornered Hermione into a wall and looked at her intensely. "Why do you have to look so damn beautiful tonight?" He leaned forward to kiss her but stopped. "Can you somehow, magic this ridiculous carrot away from my face?"

Hermione giggled. "Of course." She took out her wand and said, "Nasalus disappearus!" Her nose shrank back to normal size and color. "Wait a second, I have to do something to you too." She pointed her wand at his face and said, "Cleasorus!" The green paint on Draco disappeared. Draco smiled and pressed his lips against hers as she wrapped her arms around him. They kissed passionately for a few minutes until Hermione broke off.

"What's wrong?" Draco asked.

"Nobody's gonna be at the Head rooms tonight…" Hermione suggested. Draco nodded and smiled. He lifted her up and carried her to the Head room. Then, they went to Draco's room and locked the door. Draco lay Hermione on the bed and they continued kissing. Eventually, they felt hot. Draco took off his shirt and Hermione unzipped her gown and threw her pillows everywhere.

This is your last warning!

They continued kissing for hours. Then, Draco did something unexpected. He pulled down Hermione's gown, leaving her with nothing but her underwear. Hermione pulled off from the kiss and looked at him mischievously. She unzipped his pants and revealed dark red boxers.

"Oohhh! Very classy." Hermione teased. Draco laughed and kissed her neck over and over. Hermione ran her hands through his hair and his back. Draco's hands ran up Hermione's back as well and found her bra. He slowly took it and undid it. Hermione looked at him surprisingly.

"Draco…" She began.

"I want you so bad, Hermione. You have no idea…" Malfoy told her as he took off her bra.

Ok glad to have that over with!

Meanwhile, back in the Great Hall, Ron sat on one of the chairs by himself. He was patiently waiting for Hermione to come back. A few girls, some he didn't know, asked him to dance. He said no, insisting that he had a date. Ron looked gorgeous in his formal, navy robe and his red hair combed nicely.

The music quieted down and Professor Dumbledore stood up from front area. "Students! I would just like to congratulate the Head Boy and Girl of this year in making this ball successful." Professor Dumbledore announced. "Let us give a warm hand to Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy." There was a loud applause and cheer for them, but neither of them were there. Ron looked around in case Hermione had returned but failed. "Please carry on with your dance."

Ginny and Harry walked up to Ron. "Where's Herm? Did she come back yet?" Ginny inquired.

"No." Ron yawned. He was starting to feel bored.

"I wonder what's taking her so long." Harry said. "Oh by the way, we saw that lip-lock thing with Hermione. Nice move."

Ron shook his head. "Actually, she made the move."

Ginny looked bewildered. "Wow…who would've thought Hermione had it in her! We told you she liked you!"

"She seemed preoccupied while we were dancing. She kept looking at something." Ron said doubtfully.

"Then, Starlight, a beautiful, blonde haired girl wearing a golden dress announced, "This'll be the last song for the night, so go and ask that guy or girl now before you miss the opportunity!"

Harry offered his hand to Ginny and Ginny gladly accepted. Ron was again, alone by himself when a tall, black-haired girl approached him.

"Would you like to dance, Ron?" The girl asked. She was wearing a turquoise gown with a scarf around her neck.

Ron stared at her. She looked quite attractive. Well… I doubt Hermione's coming back…there's no point sitting here like a bum, he thought to himself. "Alright Lavender." He took Lavender's hand and they made their way to the dance floor. He put his arms around her waist as she put hers around his shoulders. Ron gazed into her charming black eyes. He never noticed how pretty she was. He always thought of her as a ditz.

"Is something wrong?" Lavender wondered.

"No. Everything's fine." Ron answered. The song was about to end when Ron pulled Lavender closer and she rested her head on her chest,

"Are you supposed to be a mop?" Lavender asked, staring at the stick on Ron's head.

"No, I'm a bell from jingle bells." Ron explained.

Lavender smiled. "Ohhh…that's ok, I didn't get to pick out a good costume either and I wanted to wear this gown so badly."

"Maybe it's time to move on…" Starlight sang sweetly. Maybe it is time to move on, Ron thought. He thought back to all the hours he spent, dreaming of Hermione but she never took notice of him. How many times had he noticed Lavender? Twice? Five times? Who knows?

Then, the song finally ended and everyone clapped in appreciation. "I had a good time dancing with you, Ron." Lavender said shyly. "You're not too bad at dancing."

"You're not too bad yourself." Ron smiled. Soon, the students were leaving. "Well, I'll see you tomorrow." Lavender nodded and walked away to Parvati. Ron couldn't help but feel extremely confused about his feelings.

A/n: AHH! DON'T GET MAD YET GUYS! There's more coming! Please be patient! It's R/H so chill! Hehehehe. I hope you guys liked this chap. I made it extra long just for you guys. Well, the next time I'll update is next week so come back soon! Oh and, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!

Thanks to:

RonsInnerVoice and hermandronever – Sorry I just put the thank you for the two of you together. I'm so glad you guys still manage to read my dumb little fic when there's so many other good ones out there. That makes me feel extremely special. J Thanks a lot!