All of Hogwarts was still sleeping peacefully when Harry was rudely awakened by his bed hurling him halfway across the room. Though it did efficiently wake him up, it was not the alarm Harry had in mind. Flipping through his spell book, Harry saw instead of the Pleasant Dreams charm he'd intended, he had instead put the Hurling Hex upon his bed. Muttering darkly to himself, Harry got up rubbing his sore bum, and reached for his glasses. In the place they normally would be, there instead was a letter, addressed to him. Locating his glasses, Harry looked at the envelope curiously. Normally mail arrives at Breakfast. But seeing the fancy scrawl, Harry realized it must be from Sirius. Harry had written him the night after Ron had fallen. Harry looked at the door, hesitating, before cautiously getting back onto his bed. Satisfied his bed wouldn't be throwing him out the window any time soon, Harry ripped open the envelope, and unrolled the letter. The letter read;

Dear Harry,

Glad to hear Ron is doing better, tell him I wish him good luck on making the team. Though from the way you describe it, Ron doesn't have anyone to compete with.
Buckbeak and I are doing well. It's nice to spend a day relaxing on a warm beach, rather then hiding in a dark damp cave, fearing you'll be captured at any moment. The food package you sent along was quite delicious, give my compliments to the House Elves, but of course, not actually from ME but well, get Dobby an extra pair of socks for Christmas, and send me the bill.

But enough about me, Harry. How are you doing? Defense against the Dark Arts going well? Miss Delacour sounds like an excellent teacher, better then that slimy ...- well, better then Snape, lets leave it at that. This Christmas, I think the Dursley's will give you considerably less then what you usually get. I mean, you did tell them I'm an insane cannibal who likes to stalk my victims, and if they didn't let you go to Ron's, they'd have an extra shadow with them. I wouldn't worry about it Harry, they'll forget about it in time.

I have to go, Buckbeak's clawing my robes; he wants to stretch his wings now that it's dark. I recently bought an Invisibility Cloak. Its a new kind, you can't be seen by any sort of magical tracer.

Keep in touch Harry.

Sirius

Harry folded Sirius' letter up, and put it in his pocket, feeling considerably happier. It cheered him up to know Sirius was somewhat happy. Ever since he had escaped on Buckbeak, Sirius had never written he was relaxing, he was always hiding, starving because he couldn't find food. He deserved the relaxation, after all, he was being chased down by the Ministry for a crime he didn't commit. That, and he was Harry's Godfather. He wished mail was faster, like you would send an owl, and the person would receive it in seconds. Then Harry could write Sirius about the Ball, and hear from him this morning. Harry laughed to himself. Like that could ever happen! Harry looked at his watch. Only two hours until classes started, he would have to hurry. Harry picked up his bookbag, going quietly down the stairs, stepping with extra care going past the girl's dormitory's, and checking to see if the coast was clear, sprinted across the common room, which was mercifully empty.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief, looking back at the Fat Lady. He straightened his robes, strode to a picture of Dumbledore, pushed it to the left, and walked through. Deep in thought about Quidditch strategy for the upcoming game, Harry wasn't paying all that much attention to where he was going, and as a result, passed right through Nearly Headless Nick. Harry stopped dead in his tracks, grabbing his shoulders and shuddering violently. Teeth chattering, Harry tried to grin but ended up looking quite murderous. Sir Nicholas looked ruefully down at Harry.

Please excuse me Harry, I'm afraid I wasn't looking where I was going! Ooo I always hate when people pass through me. Many believe I can't feel a thing, but do you think it's all that fun to have someone walk right through you? Harry opened his mouth to reply, but Nick cut him off. Its always about them, never about poor Sir Nicholas who couldn't even be beheaded properly! Poor Nearly Headless Nick who can't join the Headless hunt! Nick halted his tirade, and sighed bitterly. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Harry edging slowly down the hall.

Listen Nick, I'm awfully sorry about walking through you, I was just thinking about the Quidditch match, you know, this Friday? Yeah, well, um I guess I'd best be off . See you! Harry turned and started down the hall, but Nick caught up with him.

Please except my apologies, I am in a rather tetchy mood. I just received a Christmas card and photograph from Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore. Nick took a photo out from his pocket, and thrust it at Harry, his jaw jutting out. Harry accepted the picture, looking curiously at it. In it was a group of ghosts, standing around a sparkling Christmas tree, laughing as Sir Patrick put his head on top of the tree, instead of a star. They saw Harry and waved energetically at him, before taking off their heads and singing Silent Night'. At the bottom of the photograph, there was a note from Sir Patrick.

Best wishes to Sir Nicholas,a ghost with his head still properly attached to his body. Happy Holidays from the Headless Hunt!

Trying his best not to grin at the ridiculous picture, Harry handed it back to a very pompous looking Nearly Headless Nick.

Outrageous, isn't it? Sir Properly Decapitated-Podmore takes every chance he gets to rub it in my face I'm not really headless! Honestly, every year, the same old Christmas card, that windbag's head gets bigger with every passing second.. Sir Nick took several deep breaths. Calmed down sufficiently, he looked at Harry with a smile. Do excuse me, I must've bored you stiff with all this talk of beheading! So, young Harry, how are you, and where might you be headed to, so early in the morning? Come let us walk. Nick floated beside Harry, as they strode down the corridor, Harry keeping a close eye on the distance between himself and Nick, having only just warmed up.

Not that much Nick, just you know, trying to finish off all the homework we've been getting, practicing Quidditch, but without a Keeper, Angelina's yet to announce who it is. When Ron fell, there were still some people to try out, so before each practice, Angelina's been looking at those people. She said she'll announce who it is today after practice. I'm actually heading down to the Hospital Wing, to see Ron. Harry didn't really feel like going into detail about the Winter Ball, but from the look on Harry's face, Nick knew Harry wasn't telling him everything. Adjusting the ruff around his neck, Nick cleared his throat importantly.

Harry, I am Gryffindor ghost you know, I can keep secrets, and I've had hundreds of years of experience in helping students. Now, is there anything you want to ask me? Harry hesitated. Though he did trust Nick, he wasn't too sure if he was comfortable telling him about his great big
decision. Nick might let it slip to the Bloody Baron, who would then indulge in telling the whole of Slytherin. Who knows, Peeves might compose one of his infamous songs, that would be remembered as much as Potter you rotter, or the time one of Lockhart's sang Harry a valentine from Ginny, His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad!.
The latter Fred and George thought it uproariously funny to sing over and over the entire week at night, when everyone was gathered in Gryffindor Common room. After turning this over many times in his head, Harry decided it was best to keep quiet.

No, well, ok I was wondering, well I was wondering if you could give me any information on the Ghouls of Ireland? Nick guffawed and attempted to slap Harry on the back, but his hand went right through him, causing Harry to shiver once again.

Oh dear, sorry about that young Harry! Are you alright? Harry who was focusing on warm places, nodded slowly. Excellent! Well about the Ghouls of Ireland, never knew the fellows! Too dreary for my liking! No, after I became a ghost, I decided to come back to wonderful old Hogwarts. Well, sorry I wasn't of more help! You might want to ask the Bloody Baron about the Ghouls, he certainly knows more about them then I do! I guess I ought to be going then! See you at breakfast Harry!

Harry waved and started shuffling down the hall. Blowing on his hands, Harry knocked on the door of the Hospital but a powerful charge of electricity shocked Harry, not so hard as to seriously hurt him, but it did send Harry flying through the air, and ended up sprawled on the floor in the exact spot where Malfoy had lain yesterday. Groaning, and smelling burnt hair, Harry tried to get up, but his ankle seared with pain. Harry felt helpless, he had no choice but to lie on the floor until someone came a long.

Harry stared up at the ceiling twiddling his thumbs, until he heard a clicking noise, and a door opening. Struggling to lift his head, Harry sought a glimpse of who it was that opened the door, hoping desperately that it wasn't Malfoy. Ron poked his head out of the Hospital Wing, and seemed to be nerving himself to make a run for it. Harry acted quickly.

Ron! Ron help, over here!! Ron looked puzzled, searching for the source of the voice.

Who said that?

Me you bloody git! The one thats sprawled on the floor! Hurrying to Harry's side, Ron helped Harry sit up.

Blimey Harry! What happened? This is an odd place to be at 7:30 in the morning! Come on, up you get, we can talk in the Hospital, it's warmer then this drafty hall. Harry gripped Ron's shoulder tight, as Ron helped him limp slowly into the Hospital. Harry sat on a bed, while Ron gingerly took hold of Harry's feet and swung them gently up onto the bed. Harry gave a sigh of relief, sinking back into his now very fluffy pillows.

Thanks, thought you were Malfoy! Ron made a face.

Ug, hope no one ever mistakes me for Malfoy again! Now what happened Harry? I suppose you came down to visit me? Harry nodded.

Yeah, but the magical lock on the Hospital shocked me, and threw me across the hall. I think I broke my ankle. Listen, Ron, there's something I have to tell you. Ron was rummaging through a large bureau, pulling out drawers, throwing their contents all over the floor, until he finally found what he was looking for.

Aha! Ron held up a roll of what looked like ordinary medical tape, only it was lime green. Pulling out a strip, Ron started to wrap the tape around Harry's ankle, and as he did, Harry felt the pain lessen, and lessen, until he felt no pain at all. Tapping his wand on the tape to cut it, Ron tossed it back into the drawer of the bureau, who sprouted arms and started picking up all of its things Ron discarded on the floor, and put them back into their proper drawers. Sitting down, Ron acted like it was entirely normal for an inanimate object to come alive. Harry was a bit startled, but after attending Hogwarts for five years, he had gotten used to the odd ways of the School and it's various objects. So Harry, what'd you want to tell me?

Well, Ron I don't know how to say this so I'm going to come right out and say it; Hermione's my girlfriend. I mean, she's like my girlfriend, though I haven't really asked to be yet, but I suppose she is, I mean after all, the Three Broomsticks, and the sleigh ride- Ron cut Harry off.

What? What about the Three Broomsticks and a sleigh ride? Harry looked at the bureau, trying to buy some time to think. Harry! Tell me! I promise I won't get upset! Harry bit his lip.

Ok, but don't say I didn't warn you.... Harry told the events of Hogsmeade, but skipping over what Fred had said, the Winter Ball, to Ron, who's face grew paler as Harry continued.

...And so I just came down here to tell you that, and that I want to take Hermione to the Ball, but if you have a problem with it, I promise I won't. Ron was silent, he was staring at the side of Harry's bed with a spaced out look on his face. Ron? Ron blinked.

What? Oh, no, I mean, yeah, yeah it's fine with me. After all, you did make the first move, and she seems to like you too.. Ron trailed off, looking out the window, and swallowed hard before continuing. Honestly Harry, its fine, there are other jelly beans in the box aren't there? Its fine, go with Hermione. Harry grabbed Ron's hand, who looked at him funny. You know Harry, I did just say you could go, feeling bad for me's no reason to go all touchy feeley on me. I'm fine!

But to Harry, that I'm fine seemed a whole lot like the one he said to Dean Seamus and Neville last night. Ron was not fine, just like he, Harry was not fine.

Listen Ron, whatever happens, I want us to promise that we'll always be friends, deal? Ron's face broke into a smile.

Right, Harry! Friends! They clasped each other's hand, shaking hands and clenching it hard, smiling at each other.

Owwwwww!! They broke off quickly, both Ron and Harry shaking out their hands, grimacing from each other's strong grips, but laughing at each other's expression. Harry felt a huge weight lifted from his shoulders. He knew Ron was hurt by the fact of him and Hermione being together, but he would be better in time, and they were still friends. It was while they were laughing that Harry remembered something.

Hey Ron, what were you doing, sneaking out of the Hospital? I thought you had to stay in here for another day, but here you are, all dressed in your robes! Ron rolled his eyes.

Oh that. Its so dreadfully boring in here! Even bossing Malfoy around was losing it's fun! I was planning to run back up to Gryffindor Tower, and what's the harm, seeing how they have the person who poisoned me being punished, and I feel fine!

Well I guess you're right, but maybe they don't have the nutter who tried to poison you. Malfoy loves taking credit for his dirty work, and he wouldn't let up that he did poison you. Ron shook his head.

Malfoy only admits he did something when someone else has gotten in trouble for it! Now that he's actually been caught, Malfoy's acting innocent. Come on Harry, even if it wasn't Malfoy, would you really care? He's going to be my assistant for a week! There is no WAY I am going to pass that opportunity up! Now come on, I'm starving, lets go down for some breakfast, we only have an hour before Potions! Harry's face turned white.

Oh no! I forgot all about my homework! I didn't even do the half roll of parchment for Miss Delacour, I mean Fleur! At the mention of Fleur, Ron sighed and stared off into space with a dreamy look on his face.

Oh yes, Fleur, I forgot about her class too. Hmmm maybe she could tutor me! OW! Harry! Ron rubbed his head furiously where Harry had hit him with the water jug. What was that for??

For acting like Hermione whenever the name Gilderoy Lockhart was mentioned. Now come on, help me get down.

Oh no you don't, that tape doesn't mend broken bones, it just takes away the pain. I'll have to go find Madam Pomfrey. Ron went and knocked on the door of Madam Pomfrey's office. Instantly, she came striding out and hurried over to Harry.

Oh you poor boy! I'm terribly sorry about the lock, precautions you know. Here, let me fix it, what's this? Lime medical tape? Who took this out? Ron meekly raised his hand. Good boy, ten points to Gryffindor. This'll just take a second... Madam Pomfrey took out her wand and tapped twice on Harry's ankle, which was instantly healed. She then unraveled the tape from around the mended ankle, and sent the two on their way.
If you're feeling well enough to walk Mr. Weasley, you may go. Oh if you see Mr. Malfoy tell him to report to me first thing after his last class has been dismissed.

Out in the hall, Harry and Ron laughed at Malfoy, before rushing down five flights of stairs. Slightly winded, they decided to slide down the grand staircase in Entrance Hall, instead of walking down. Jumping off, they stopped to look at the hourglasses. Ravenclaw 364, Hufflepuff 370, Slytherin 388, Gryffindor 420. Delighted at having something else to rub in Malfoy's face, Harry and Ron walked into Great Hall, and sat down next to Hermione.

Good morning Hermione! Hermione grinned at Harry, but when she saw Ron, beamed.

Ron!! Oh Ron you're back! How're you? Did you two see the hourglasses? This is bloody brilliant! Oh Ron! Hermione surprised both Ron and Harry by getting up and hugging Ron tightly. Harry, feeling slightly jealous and hurt, tapped on her shoulder.

Hermione? I said good morning, don't I get a hug? Hermione let go of Ron, who looked very relieved, and put her hands on her hips, smirking at Harry.

Aww, are you jealous Harry? Don't worry, I was just saying hello! Do you want a hug? Here you go! Feeling very stupid indeed, Harry patted Hermione on the back as she gave Harry a hug.

Yes, um, well, thanks Hermione. Oh, Harry whispered to Hermione. Ron knows, its alright. Hermione looked at Ron.

You know? And you're perfectly ok with it? Ron nodded.

Absolutely spiffing. I'm fine, honestly. Harry could tell Hermione didn't quite believe Ron, like he had.

Well, if you say so... So Harry, who're you taking to the Ball? Harry was taken a back.

Umm, nobody yet... Seeing the look on Hermione's face, it dawned on Harry. I mean, Hermione, would you like to come to the Ball with me?

Love to!

Ok wonderful, now can we eat? Ron spooned large amounts of porridge in his bowl and began to shovel the hot porridge into his mouth.
Smiling at each other, Harry and Hermione took some food and started to eat

Harry knew this wasn't the end of everything. Things seemed too perfect, bad things always seemed to happen to him when he let his guard down. Now was no time for that to happen. Shouldering his bag, Harry walked to Potions with Hermione and Ron, chatting merrily about the Holidays. Things would happen, Harry would just have to wait and find out what they were.
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^o^ Hope you liked the chapter!! Sorry not that much took place, yet it was long, I promise some more stuff will happen in the next chapter!! Now, please REVIEW!!! Come on, It's soo easy to! Just press that little button down there! Please no flames!! You'll be blocked from ever reading my story again!! :D Thank you to all of my wonderful reviewers!!