On the way back up to the castle, Harry and Hermione were met up by Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, who started serenading the couple with what they thought were love songs'. Laughing, Harry joined in and shared a few jokes of his own. Hermione frowned at the boys, all of whom were snorting with suppressed laughter. Spotting Parvati and Lavender, now her closest friends, Hermione waved. They waited for her, and together, Harry Dean and Seamus, and Hermione Parvati and Lavender, who were all rather giggly, walked up to the castle. But upon reaching the Carriages, the small group halted. Harry took Hermione's hand, Dean Parvati's, and Seamus Lavender's. Harry helped Hermione up the steps, before settling himself beside her, and drawing the blanket over both of their laps. On a beautiful December day, three carriage set out, embarking silently, carrying the couples across the Hogwarts grounds.
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A little while later, the sun was shining brightly through the clouds. Harry and Hermione were making their way up to the Hospital Wing, chatting merrily. Harry was accepting small chunks of Chocolate Frog Hermione hand fed him. But when she was about to pop another morsel into his mouth, Harry pushed aside the chocolate, and kissed her, a soft romantic kiss. Hermione ran her fingers through Harry's hair, while Harry had his arms around her. Nobody took much notice, as these sort of things happened everyday at Hogwarts. Pulling back, they grinned somewhat awkwardly and put their arm's around each other, walking on.

Upon reaching the Hospital Wing, they broke apart. Harry reached for the door when it was blasted open and Malfoy flew across the hall, landing sprawled on the floor. Cautiously looking around the smoldering doorway, Harry peered into the surprisingly calm Hospital Wing. Ron was waving his wand at odd bits of ruggage, magicking them into birds. Ron watched them fly out of the window, before they were hit by the strong winds. He laughed, picking a feather out of his hair. Hermione was crouching beside Malfoy, taking his pulse. Harry glanced over at her, she didn't give him a very reassuring look. Stepping into the Hospital Wing, Harry stepped slowly towards Ron.

Ron? Ron spun around, his wand held high. Seeing it was Harry, Ron dropped it wand, and grinned cheerily before grabbing his side, his face a mask of pain. Harry helped Ron back into his bed, who lay groaning.

Looks like I came just in time! You know you ought not to be up, you're not well. Ron smiled weakly.

Nonsense, I had Malfoy beggin' for mercy. Believe me Harry, he couldn't hit me with one spell! I was brilliant! Harry eyed Ron's now very tattered pajamas, scorched hair, dirty face and gave Ron a skeptical look. Ok so he hit me with a couple of spells, not like I couldn't handle them. Harry heard some shouting, and a sound like someone being slapped, before he saw Hermione run through the door, looking quite huffy. Malfoy coming after her like a wolf comes after a lamb, rubbing his red cheek. Hermione glared at him, standing close to Harry.

I warned you Malfoy, don't you ever call me a Mudblood again, or you'll come off with worse then a bruised cheek! Malfoy leered, but sighting Harry, his eyes hardened.

Oh, its you. Suppose you're visiting your little Weasel, eh Potty? I must leave this little lovefest, I have work to do. Grinning maliciously at Hermione, Malfoy started to walk towards Madam Pomfrey's office. But Harry seized the back of his robes.

Right, since when have you been interested in cleaning? I thought that was servants work! Ron's expression brightened up immediately.

Oh Malfoy doesn't want to, but he has no choice. He HAS to!

What? Harry and Hermione chorused. As Ron gleefully told them of Malfoy's punishment, Harry and Hermione's grins got wider and wider, while Malfoy stood looking murderous in the background. When Ron was finished, Harry let out a great whoop of laughter not unlike Ron's.

You mean to tell me that Malfoy has to clean bedpans, be a teacher's assistant, AND be your slave for two weeks?? Oh man thats wicked sweet!! Harry slapped Ron a high five, who clutched his side, but still beamed at Harry.

I tell you Harry, these are going to be the best two weeks of my life! Hey you, slave, fluff my pillow, it's getting flat! Malfoy eyed Ron dangerously.

Watch your step, Weasley, or one of these days you'll end up like Potter's parents. I'm not your slave! At least not this week, you have two weeks to have your precious Potter to look after you, along with your girlfriend, Granger. Malfoy spat. In an instant, he was staring down at Harry's wand, aimed directly between his eyes.

One more word about my parents Malfoy, and I'll have you crying for yours. said Harry, his voice as cold as steel. Malfoy blanched, and knocking Harry's wand out of his hands, fled into Madam Pomfrey's office, slamming the door shut. Hermione picked up Harry's wand, and handed it to back to Harry, who was breathing heavily.

Harry-

Leave it Hermione Ron snapped, giving her a warning look and Hermione fell silent. Getting a hold of himself, Harry looked at Hermione.

I'm fine Mio, don't worry. There was a long silence. Then Hermione snapped her fingers.

Oh!! Ron, we went to Honeydukes, got you some sweets! With some difficulty, Hermione heaved the enormous bag onto Ron's bed. Digging in, even though he did just eat, Ron shared his candy with Harry and Hermione, and they talked well into the night, just as it was time for dinner. Eager to go spread the news about Malfoy, Harry and Hermione said good bye to Ron, and went downstairs.

Great Hall was buzzing with talk about adventures had at Hogsmeade. Fred and George were discussing with Lee Jordan plans for Ernie's Explosive Eclairs, and other new tricks bought at Zonko's . Snow was falling from the ceiling, but thanks to a charm from Prof Flitwick, disappeared before landing on anyone's head, and blazing fires made the hall luxuriously warm. Harry and Hermione took off their scarfs and cloaks, settling themselves near some of the more delectable dishes. The House Elves had outdone themselves; thick soups wafted a delicious aroma into the air, hot cocoa, expertly seasoned chicken, boiled potatoes, lamb chops, roast potatoes, gravy and peppermint humbugs. Helping themselves to the food around them, Hermione and Harry laughed , listening to Fred and George's account of what happened when Ton Tongue toffee's were passed out; Fred and George fled the scene cackling happily, being pursued by many angry tourists, weighted down with heavy tongues.

Harry took a deep draught of pumpkin juice, but not before inspecting it closely. If Ron was poisoned, he had to be extra careful, especially with the game against Slytherin fast approaching. Harry'd made the mistake earlier of asking George to test his Yorkshire pudding for poison; George devoured the whole lot, Just to be safe. Now Harry decided he'd just best be careful, and keep any food of his away from George's mouth.

After the desserts had disappeared, leaving the plates sparkling clean, and everyone was feeling very full and happy, Professor Dumbledore stood up make an announcement before sending them all off to bed.

As all of you are well aware, it is indeed winter. The snow is falling, little creatures are hiding away to hibernate for the winter, and some new events are happening here at Hogwarts. The first announcement comes from Professor Sprout to all those who were diagnosed with . The Flutterby bushes were not in the best mood when students tried to prune them. As most of you know, Flutterby bushes must be pet and talked to soothingly before pruning. In the class before, three students upset the bushes, causing them to lash out on the next classes. Professor Sprout gives her assurances that the three miscreants have been dealt with. Dumbledore paused, then continued.
On a far more joyous note, we are very pleased to inform you that Hogwarts will hold a new event! The Winter Ball! Only students fourth year and up may attend, and dress robes are required! The dance will be held the night before Christmas break begins. That is the day after the second Quidditch match of the season, between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff will take place. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, looking over the sea of black hats. I'm sure those who can go are extremely excited, while others are bitterly disappointed. But do not worry. Dumbledore raised his hand to restore quiet. Those not going to the dance will be able to go on a carriage ride. We will embark when the dance starts, go around Hogwarts, then take flight for a magical and fun ride around the surrounding countryside. The carriage is compliments of Beauxbatons, in memory of Cedric Diggory. A long silence followed this statement, only broken by the Hufflepuff's sniffing, holding back the tears as they remembered their hero. Harry looked over at Cho, her head was bowed in respect. Harry forced himself to look back at Dumbledore, whose head was also bowed. Dumbledore looked up, clearing his throat,and took a deep breath before continuing. Anybody wishing to go on the ride, please write your name down on the parchment in the Entrance Hall,located next to the House Points Hourglasses . Now that all babbling is done with, I dismiss you to your dormitories! Have a wonderful night's sleep, and a good rest of the weekend!

Dumbledore and the rest of the teacher's exited through a door behind the High Table. Walking with the crowd, Gryffindor's made their way up to the Gryffindor Tower. Feet growing heavier with every step taken, they went up staircase after staircase, and through secret passage after secret passage. Climbing through the portrait hole and yawning widely, they went up the staircase, girls and boys going off to their separate dormitories, mumbling good nights to each other.

Harry kissed Hermione good night, before walking up the stairs, opening the door marked, Fifth year boys and walked in. Fumbling with the buttons on his shirt, Harry changed into his pajamas, and flopped wearily into bed. He was thinking about the Winter Ball. He guessed he would ask Hermione, but would Ron want to ask her? Hermione wasn't Harry's girlfriend, well, officially. She cut him off right before he could tell her... Tell her that he loved her. But Harry supposed Hermione knew, after all, these weren't exactly the feelings you get when you have a crush on someone. That is, if she didn't feel the same way? Harry had a lot to sort out, but decided he'd confront it in the morning, when he could think straight. He then slipped into a peaceful slumber.

Harry dreamt he and Hermione were at the ball. He was in his bottle green dress robes ( To match your eyes! Mrs. Weasley had remarked), and Hermione was looking stunning in robes of periwinkle. The candles had gone down, but a light was focused on Harry and Hermione. The crowd encircled them, and Harry offered his hand to Hermione, who accepted with a devious grin. They waltzed, tangoed and did the Macarana as everyone looked on, cheering, oohing, aahing and gasping as Harry threw Hermione up in the air, did a quick Russian hat dance, then caught Hermione like she was as light as a feather, smiling widely. Then the entire mood changed as the room went dark, people screamed and pushed roughly past Harry. Harry struggled to hang onto Hermione's hand as the crowd threatened to separate them. Then, as a boy appeared, Harry's age. Harry tried to see who it was, but it was too dark. The boy held out a box, Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Harry realized, and unwittingly, reached for a jelly bean, letting go of Hermione's hand. In an instant, the boy had snatched Hermione and swept her up into his arms. To Harry's great surprise, Hermione wrapped her arms around the boys neck, smiling up at his face( Harry thought it was his face, he couldn't see that well). But the final blow was when Hermione glared at Harry and spat,

I don't love you Harry Potter! Leave us alone! Then the two began to laugh at Harry. Hermione drew out of nowhere a sword, and stabbed Harry in the heart. He screamed in agony, and collapsed on the floor,their laughter echoing in his head.

Harry, Harry! Someone was slapping his face.

Harry opened his eyes, and reached for his glasses. Putting them on, he felt cold sweat on his face. Harry saw Neville, Dean and Seamus all were standing over his bed, looking worried.

What's going on?

You were screaming Harry, you were screaming in your dream, clutching your heart. What the hell were you dreaming about? Harry with a spasm of fear remembered the dream, the joyfulness of it, then the pain.

I'm fine, it was just a dream, right? Nothing happened, I'm fine! Harry tried to keep the panic out of his voice. Dean, Seamus and Neville exchanged skeptical looks. Well I am!

Whatever you say Harry. The boys climbed into their beds, and were soon snoring loudly. Harry took off his glasses once more, and laid back down, but sleep didn't come to him as easily as it did to the other boys. Harry looked up at the velvet ceiling of his four poster. What could his dream mean? Harry rolled his head to the side, and looked at Ron's empty bed. Boy did he wish Ron was here now. Before falling into an unrestful sleep, Harry placed a charm on his bed, to wake him up before anyone else would be up. If he was to talk to Ron about this, he didn't want anyone tagging along.
********** Thats chapter 10!!! Hope you liked it!! I really read over it to make sure that all the mistakes were taken care of! If there's any, sorry, I must've skipped over them! ^o^ Please with a cherry on top review if you read my story!! Come on, just press that little button down there!!