HERMIONE! Hermione jumped, and let go of Orlando, her eyes widening.

Harry!? What're you doing here? What happened with going to Divination? Harry strode over, and took Hermione by the hands, adding to Orlando, Excuse us, please. He led her over to the far side of the classroom.

What're you doing with him? I leave you alone for one class... Do you always hug boys whenever I'm not around? Hermione wrenched her hands out of Harry's grasp, and held Harry's face in her hands.

Harry calm down! It was just a friendly thing! Honestly, they hug all the time in Italy! Of course I don't Harry, you're the only boy I've ever been with, besides Viktor.. Hermione broke off. She didn't like to talk about Viktor, she had gone to see him over the summer, and things hadn't exactly gone that well. I don't want to go into that, but Harry, I promise, nothing was going on! We're friends! Orlando transferred into this class only today!
Harry raised an eyebrow, eyeing Orlando, who waved cheerfully back at Harry.

You must be Harry Potter! Harry walked over to Orlando, Hermione following.

Yeah, I am. And you're Orlando Cione, aren't you? Harry put out his hand for Orlando to shake it, but instead Orlando took Harry up in a great bear hug. Hermione grinned at Harry, who looked quite uncomfortable.

Told you they hug a lot! Harry scowled at Hermione.

Um, Orlando? Thanks for the um, hug and all that but I would like to move my arms again.. Orlando set Harry down, and thumped him on the back, knocking Harry to the floor.

Harry!! Come here quick!

Getting up from the floor, Harry saw that Ron, Seamus and Dean were waiting for Harry out in the hall, all three looking deathly pale. Harry excused himself once again, and stepped out into the hall, and what he saw made the breath catch in his throat.

Oh Lord... Neville had a large gash on his head, and there was a spreading pool of blood around him on the floor. Harry rushed over to Neville's side, and quickly muttered a spell, which stopped the bleeding, and wound a bandage around Neville's head, covering the gash. Levitating Neville onto a stretcher, Harry broke into a sprint, flanked by Dean and Ron at his side, and Seamus behind him, wands at the ready. Peeves was still on the loose, and they couldn't take any chances against him attacking them again. Hermione had opened the door, wondering what was keeping Harry, and saw him running up the hall. Orlando joined her.

Where are they going? Hermione shook her head.

I don't know.. Harry! Harry what's- Oh my god.. Hermione spotted the large pool of blood on the floor where Neville had lain. Face white, Hermione's mind raced as she went through the names of everyone she knew, searching for who it might be. HARRY! WHO IS IT? IS RON ALRIGHT? Ron turned, still by Harry's side, and waved.

Yeah, I'm alright! It's Neville, he was hit by Peeves, and we're taking him to the Hospital Wing! Ron caught up to Harry and all of them disappeared from sight. Orlando walked over to where Neville's blood was spilt, knelt down, and picked up something from the carpet. It was a piece of pottery, from a vase Peeves must've broken..

Neville must have been hit in the head by Peeves, cutting him, though I'm not sure where... Orlando combed his finger's through his dark curly hair.

Seems to me that it was most likely a head wound. A cut on his face or arm wouldn't have done this so quickly. Orlando put his arm around Hermione. Hermione looked at his hand draped over her shoulder and shrugged it off.

Orlando, I told you, I'm going with Harry to the Ball! Please, stop touching me! Orlando turned Hermione around and looked her straight in the eye.

Why? Does it make you feel uncomfortable? Orlando took her hand and started stroking it, his eyes twinkling, just daring Hermione to stop him. Hermione gazed back at Orlando, letting him continue to massage and stroke her hand, until she came out of her dream-like state, shook her head, and pulled her hand away.

Orlando, please! You don't know what Harry would do if he saw you doing this! Orlando looked at Hermione with a sincere look on his face.

So, that's it, isn't it? You're Harry's girlfriend aren't you? Hermione blushed, and turned to walk back into the classroom, but Orlando seized her shoulder's, spun her around until he had her up against the wall. Hermione looked for a way to escape, but Orlando blocked her by placing both of his hands on the wall. Hermione trembled in fear, and looked down at the floor. It'll all be over soon, you can do this, just close your eyes and it'll all be over... Orlando gently lifted up her head, placing a finger on her chin. Hermione opened her eyes, and found herself looking into Orlando's eyes, and he smiled, his lips slowly getting closer to hers....

Hermione! Orlando? Where are you guys? You're totally missing the party!

Orlando drew back, and Hermione bit her lip in disappointment, but tried not to let it Orlando see. Pointing her wand at the pool of blood, she murmured a simple Scrubbing charm she learned over summer break, that cleaned it up. Orlando eyed Hermione but quickly looked away. Hermione avoiding eye contact with him also.

The door to Muggle Studies opened, and confetti burst out of the class, which appeared to be the center of a great party. People from three floors down were coming, telling their friends until eventually, Professor Moon moved the party out into the hall, which wasn't a problem; every class on that floor was emptied, and the party now was a huge event. Two floor's up, Harry heard the yelling and music and wondered what was going on.

Harry, hand me those tweezer's will you? Harry located the tweezer's and handed them to Madam Pomfrey. She grasped a tiny shred of pottery out of Neville's gash and deposited it on a tray. Wiping her hands, she twirled her wand and stitched up Neville's gash. Walking briskly over to her office, Madam Pomfrey disappeared for a moment, then reappeared the next, holding a bottle filled with swirling pink and purple liquid.

Madam Pomfrey then poured some of the liquid into a spoon and put the spoon in Neville's mouth. Instantly, Neville's face cleared up, becoming more flushed and life like, instead of Neville looking like a corpse. Madam Pomfrey sighed and wiped her brow.

I admit that was a close one boys, if Harry hadn't preformed that spell, and brought Neville up here as quickly as he didn't, I'm afraid I might not have been able to save Mr Longbottom. Madam Pomfrey looked seriously at Harry, though there was the slightest hint of a smile on her lips. Always the hero, aren't you Potter? Thirty points to Gryffindor. Now be on your way, your next class'll be starting soon, and I bet you would all like to get back down to that party in the Muggle Studies corridor! Harry's eyes widened in horror.

Damn it! I have to get back to Hermione and that Orlando guy! Probably hugging him again! Harry dashed out of the Hospital Wing, and hurried down the stairs, Ron close at his heels.

Hey wait for me Harry! Dean dashed out of the Infirmary, calling thanks over his shoulder to Madam Pomfrey. Seamus, however, lingered, eyeing Neville.

He'll be fine Mr Finnigan, now run along! Seamus nodded and followed Dean.
*******

Harry pushed his way through the crowd, searching for Hermione, but at the same time getting pushed and hit by people who were dancing, and not paying too much attention to their surroundings. Harry spotted Hermione over by the punch bowl, chatting to Kit, and Sara, two other Gryffindor girls. Orlando, Harry quickly spotted, was some distance from the girls, talking to some other Hufflepuff's.

Hermione spotted Harry, fighting through the crowds and waved at him. She set down her drink and ran to Harry, flung her arms around his neck and kissed Harry. Harry was surprised, but not too surprised to stop Hermione. Hermione gave Harry a hug , breathing in the smell of his robes. Harry cautiously tapped Hermione on the shoulder.

Um, Hermione? Thanks for the kiss and all that, but why did you kiss me? ....and now you're smelling my robes.. Hermione are you ok? I was just up at the Hospital Wing, there's plently of bed's... Hermione let go of Harry and put her hands on her hips.

Why can't I kiss you whenever I feel like it! Lets just say, I needed a little reminder, and your robes smell nice! Like a forest, all woods-ey and fresh.. Hermione grinned. Harry shook his head, and noticed Sara was looking quite glum.

What's wrong Sara? Oh wait, don't tell me.. It's about the dance isn't it? Sara nodded sadly.

No one's asked me yet! I'll have to go with some pathetic nerd who somehow know's ALL about me!! Harry rolled his eyes.

Sara, it's only been one day since Dumbledore made the announcement! Honestly, stop worrying and enjoy the party! Hey, Elijah! Over here! I have someone I want you to meet! A boy walked over, a little shorter then Harry's five foot eight inch height. He had cutely spiked hair, and a little growth of a beard, and blazing blue eyes. He came over to Harry's right side, and winked at Sara.

Wassup Harry? Who exactly am I meeting? Harry looked at Sara, who was looking at Elijah with wide eyes and a large grin on her face.

Elijah, meet Sara. Sara, meet Elijah. Sara, Elijah's a sixth year Gryffindor, and Elijah, Sara's same year as me. Well, thats the introductions done. Hermione, you want to dance? Hermione nodded, and Harry took her hand, leading her out onto the dance floor, leaving Sara to talk to Elijah.

It was one of a few slow dances, Harry put his arms around Hermione, and she nestled against him, putting her head on Harry's chest. Slowly revolving, Harry looked around for Ron, who was dancing with Lavender ( Lavender was leading), and actually looking quite happy. Harry nodded at Ron who grinned back at Harry. Harry slowly moved his way over to where Ron was dancing with Lavender.

Hermione opened her eyes, and looked at Lavender, (who was also slowly revolving) and she came around to face Hermione.

Hello Lavender, having a good time? Lavender had to wait until she could see Hermione's face before responding.

Oh yes! It's pretty good, though Ron needs some help with his dancing-

Lavender!

- I mean I have to lead! Come on Ron, the least you could do is do something spontaneous! It gets a little boring seeing the same part of the wall, and I'm getting dizzy! Ron sighed and looked at Harry with an exasperated look, Harry just shrugged and kept dancing with Hermione.

Ok, you want something spontaneous? Then you'll get spontaneous! Ron picked up Lavender and put her over his shoulder and waltzed around the room, to the great enjoyment of everyone in the hall. Harry laughed openly, while Hermione decided to chuckle behind her hand.

RON!! LET ME DOWN!! This isn't a very good view of you you know!!!! Ron set Lavender back down and attempted to continue dancing as Lavender was fuming as she set her robes right.
Sometimes Ron, I just want to... Oooh!!

Want to what? Cover me with kisses and shower me with love and presents? I was thinking the exact same thing! Gosh, we're like a Perfect Couple! Harry laughed and caught Ron's eye as Ron winked at Harry, who was wiping tears of laughter from his eyes,Lavender shaking her head in disgust.
You know Lavender, you should just be happy I'm dancing with you! Seeing as I'm a fearless and confident young man, and I stop at nothing to get what I want, I could have my pick of any of the girls here!, Ron winked at Harry who rolled his eyes.

Let's just pretend we don't know him... Harry said to Hermione in an undertone.

Good plan...now, just inch slowly away... Hermione and Harry slowly but steadily spun away from Ron, who was in the middle of a great tirade.
What one of any of the girl's here wouldn't be happy just to be near me? Lavender gave a hollow laugh and let go of Ron. She stepped a few feet away from him, spread her arms wide and called out,

Ladies! Look! It's the amazing fearless and confident Ronald Weasley! I hear he's going to be the Keeper for the Gryffindor Quidditch team! Oh my! I quiver to stand near to him! Whoever is strong of heart, and thinks themselves brave enough to DANCE with him, I challenge you to try your luck, come right over! To Lavender and Ron's extreme surprise, many girl's left their dance partner's and came over to see Ron, crowding around him, oohing and aahing over him.

Oh Ron! Are you really going to be Keeper? I just LOVE Quidditch! Ron didn't really know what to do, but he looked like he was nonetheless enjoying himself.

Yes, yes I am as a matter of fact ladies! Lavender, over there, told the truth! Yep, I'm going to be Keeper alongside Harry Potter! The girl's all laughed and Harry saw some very nice white teeth, but then there were some hags whose teeth were a disgusting sort of yellow, and were oddly enough, jagged. Harry pointed them out to Hermione, who had to stifle a laugh.

Harry! It's not nice to laugh at the misfortune of others! Harry tried to look outraged, but made Hermione laugh even more as Harry gave himself a headache.

Ow! Me? I didn't laugh! You're the one who was sniggering at them! Hermione, however wasn't listening to Harry.

Shush, Harry, I want to hear!

Really Ron? That is SO interesting! Aren't you the most adorable thing? Ooh you're strong..- The girl's felt Ron's muscle's and ran their hands over his face, which was now a very bright red.

Ok, THAT'S enough! Coming through, excuse me! Lavender, apparently, had seen enough, and pushed through Ron's admiring throng, seizing his arm.

Alright that's enough you blood suckers! Leave him alone, he's MY partner! Go on! Shoo! You all make me ashamed to be a woman! Lavender put a gentle but firm arm around Ron. You can all giggle over him on Friday at the Quidditch game, but at ground-level! I don't want any of you flinging yourself from the bleachers in an act of passion! All the girls skulked off sullenly, looking daggers at Lavender.Ron looked at Lavender, quite amused.

Why Lavender, I didn't know you cared! Lavender blushed, but tried to hide it from Ron.

Me? Care? Bah, I just didn't want those girl's to defile your robes with their simpering hands and vile words. No, I don't care... Not one bit. Ron grinned.

Ok, if you don't care so much, then I'm sure you won't mind me going over and asking one of them for a dance! Ron turned a took a very slow step towards the girl's by the punch bowl, but Lavender had a hold on the back of his robes.

OH NO you don't! You're dancing with me, aren't you? Lavender pouted. You mean to tell me that you'd rather dance with one of them rather then me? Ron could never hold against a good pout, so he turned his back on the girl's, and right as Hermione looked over, kissed Lavender.

There's no one I'd rather dance with Lavender, not one person... Ron felt himself being watched, he looked to his left and saw Hermione staring at him, her face full of shock and surprise. Forcing himself to look away, Ron smiled at Lavender, who was frozen from shock. I promise I won't dance with one of those girls, alright? Lavender? Lavender? Ron shook Lavender, but she keeled over on the floor in a dead faint.

Harry ran over to help Ron with Lavender. Together they lifted her up and set her down on a chair, where her head rolled onto her chest. Ron pushed back her head, trying to make her a little more comfortable for when she woke up, but ended up banging Lavender's head on the wall. Ignoring Hermione's giggles, Ron tried to set Lavender's head right.

Not like that you twit! She'll get a crick in her neck! Here, use a pillow, use these two chairs so she can lie down. Harry swung Lavender's leg's up onto a chair Hermione had carried over, as Ron put a pillow beneath her head.

Wow, Ron, you really know how to make a lady comfortable... Hermione laughed as Ron's face turned the colour of a tomato.

Oh shut up Hermione, would you rather I let her head loll around?

Calm down, all I meant is I'm sure she's had a fantastic time today, getting dizzy, being flung over your shoulder and having a lovely view of your arse and nearly getting sick again, and then of course she faints after you kiss her. Wow, I mean, she's going to remember this party isn't she? Goodness, and it isn't even lunchtime! Hermione stalked off into the girl's bathroom, slamming the door behind her. Kit, Parvati, and Sara all saw her go into the bathroom in a rage, left their dance partner's, and went into the bathroom, calling to Hermione,

Oh Hermione don't be sad! You have Harry!

Yes you do! He's very nice!

Come on, Hermione, all Ron was trying to do was- That was all Harry heard as the door shut, making it impossible to hear anything else that was being said. Elijah, Orlando and a Ravenclaw boy Harry had never seen before came over to where he and Ron were standing. The Ravenclaw boy introduced himself,

David Bullock, Parvati's dance partner... Do any of you have a clue what this is all about? I mean, this isn't the first time this has happened to me! Harry shrugged and jabbed a thumb at Ron.

I dunno, you'd better ask him, he's the one who chucked Lavender over his shoulder, and got Hermione so huffy! Ron glared at Harry, cleared his throat, searching for the words to explain to the four boys why their girlfriends had abandoned them and fled into the girl's bathroom.

Ron opened his mouth, but shut it again, screwing up his forehead, before opening his mouth, pausing, then shutting it again, before shaking his head.

Guys, there really is no way to explain why women do the things they do.. I mean I've known Hermione for five years now is it? I still don't understand when she gets so mad at me for calling some girl's hags! I mean it's true isn't it? Or burping in public! Sheesh! Elijah nodded.

Women! The boys all nodded and chorused,

Aye, women! Harry took a swig of his punch, and looked very thoughtful.

Yep, can't live with them, can't live without them.

Oh really? Is that so Harry? I'm sure Hermione'll be glad to know that. Harry choked on his punch, and turned around to see that Lavender had come to, her hands behind her head. She grinned at Harry mischievously.

Well, Harry? Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends? Then maybe I'll just forget what you said! Harry gave a horrified look at Lavender, before pointing to everyone, who waved sheepishly and then went off to find something else to do. Lavender, stretched and yawned, getting up.

Well, I'll be seeing you boy's later, I have to go see Hermione..

WHAT? You said you wouldn't tell Hermione!! Lavender walked to the door, and winked at Harry.

I said I'd forget, Harry darling! I never said I wouldn't tell Hermione! Relax! Maybe Hermione won't be tremendously mad with you! Harry stood there, staring at the door, opening and closing his mouth in fury. Ron walked past Harry and clapped a hand on his shoulder. Harry turned to look at Ron.

You have one sonofabitch girlfriend, you know that? Ron sighed.

Yeah, well you learn to live with it after a while... Hmm, only took me, well less then a class! Speaking of class, when's this one over? I'm starving! Just then the bell rang and there was a sudden rush of students wanting to get downstairs. Harry and Ron waited for Hermione and Lavender to come out of the bathroom.

Just then, the door opened, Hermione stepped out of the bathroom, and walked over to Harry, ignoring Ron.

Shall we go Harry? I'm famished! Harry looked at Lavender with a puzzled look on his face, but Lavender walked to Ron's side and took his arm, avoiding Harry's gaze.

Uh, sure, I am too! Glad we only have two more classes! Harry sat infront of Hermione on the banister, behind her Ron and Lavender, and then Kit, Sara and Parvati, who had to go down to the Great Hall alone, seeing as Elijah, David and Orlando hadn't waited for them.

Jumping neatly off, Harry caught Hermione, before racing her down the Grand Staircase. Laughing, Hermione beat Harry and took a bow, before walking into the Grand Hall with Harry.

They all sat down at the table nearest to the High Table, where the teachers all sat, and helped themselves to lunch, sampling new foods the House Elves had whipped up. Hermione still eyed some foods with a look of distaste as though her eating a grilled cheese sandwich would decide the fate of all House Elves everywhere. Gradually over the summer, through countless Owl Posts, Ron and Harry had actually sort of convinced Hermione that House Elves enjoyed working for humans, and slaving over hot stoves with no thanks. Hermione still had a bit of the old S.P.E.W. left in her, but she was gradually beginning to stop worrying about sick leave and pensions. A good thing too, since O.W.L.S. were coming up in March, and they had enough to worry about besides Elves.

Hermione cleared her throat, and everyone turned to look at her.
Now that I have your attention, I'd like to make an announcement!

As I'm sure many of you know,tonight, there's another Quidditch practice, just like it always is. But also, tonight is the night that Angelina makes her decision about who's to be Keeper! I'd like to invite everyone to join me, and Harry, to cheer Ron on! We all know he has a very good chance of making the spot, so I think it'd be cool if you all could come! Of course, to see Harry fly as well! Hermione smiled at Ron. We know you can do it! Ron grinned back.

Thanks Hermione! Harry drank some of his pumpkin juice and looked at his watch.

We've got about twenty minutes until History of Magic. Any idea what we want to do? Lavender looked out at the Grounds. A tree branch that was sagging under a large amount of snow was shook by the wind, and the snow fell heavily to the ground. The sun was barely visible, shining dimly through a dense barrier of grey snow clouds. Lavender sighed.

Well lets see, it's looks like snow.. oh wait, what's that? Oh well now, it's MORE snow! I don't know how we're ever going to survive out there when we go to the Care of Magical creatures class! You know Hagrid, he loves this sort of weather! It could be the Apocolypes, and he would still insist on carrying out class! Harry sighed, playing with Hermione's hair.

It's not snowing that hard Lavender! What, are you afraid of a little snow? I say we go outside! Hermione grinned evilly.

Yes, I have a little score to settle... Harry? Harry laughed and got up from the table.

Why so we do! Come on, let's go get some spare cloaks from the Entrance Hall so we don't have to go all the way back up to Gryffindor Tower! Getting up, Hermione followed Harry, and Ron went to follow, but Lavender held him back.

Let them be by themselves Ron, you can see Harry in thirty minutes. Come on, let's go up to the library. Kit, Sara? Are you coming? Lavender searched for the two but they had migrated to their respective boyfriends, and were already out of the Great Hall, and walking up the plush carpet of the Grand Staircase.

Harry smiled at Hermione as he held her coat for her, and holding her gloved hand, walked out into a snowy Winter Wonderland.
************
Hey! Hope you liked it! LOL I know!! I'm so bad! Yes, Elijah is Elijah Wood!
So sue me! I put my friend with Orlando, why can't I have Elijah? *Laughs* No flames please! Nice reviews!!