At a quarter to nine, Harry and Ron headed down the stairs. They turned the corner, and met Seamus, Neville and Dean. All stopped at stared at each other curiously. Ron voiced what everyone was thinking, but didn't dare to say allowed.
You all going to Hogsmeade? Seamus, Neville and Dean all nodded.
Fred cornered us after the match. He first pretended to be trying to sell me a new kind of snack joke he'd invented, trying to act nonchalant since a teacher was near. Then he slipped me a piece of paper that burned after I read it. Also told me to tell Neville and Dean, so that's what I did.
Seamus poked his head around the corner of the stairway, looking into the Common Room. Ron looked at Harry.
How exactly are we supposed to get out without everyone asking where a huge lot of people are going? We'll be out well after curfew. Harry nodded, he was thinking the exact same thing. Seamus turned around, and whispered, We're getting a signal to go out, one at a time. Then Lee'll direct us, after we're out of the Common Room, to the quickest route to the one eyed old crone. Secret passageways, you know.

There was a loud BANG! and Seamus, Neville and Dean all ran down the staircase, sprinting for the door. Looking quickly at Ron, Harry sprinted down the steps too, people running past him for the dormitories, and Harry soon knew why; a large crate of Dungbombs had been set off, and were giving off the most nose curling smell Harry had ever experienced.
Putting his robes over his nose, Harry ran past George, who was at the Portrait Hole. George winked at Harry, and continued to keep a look out for anyone else who was supposed to come.

Outside, there indeed was Lee, wearing black robes, and holding a lit wand. He silently directed them to a section of wall, and tapped three times on it. A door cleverly appeared, and swung open without a sound. Behind Harry, came Hermione, Angelina, Katie, Alicia, Lavender, Parvati, Sara, Elijah, and Kit. Harry took Hermione's hand, and they hurried into the passageway. As they treaded carefully but quickly, torches burst into flame as they passed, giving an eerie look to the stone way. The party kept going straight, taking turns and going down slides, and taking more turns before Harry couldn't tell which way was up. Finally, Ron halted, and turned back, a finger to his lips. Harry looked over Dean's shoulder; it appeared they had come to a dead end at a stone wall. Harry's heart sank. Now what?

But Ron reached out, and parted the stone wall. Harry quickly realized it was a tapestry. Ron stepped out into the third floor corridor, and saw that there were no prefects or Filch around. Fred's head leered around a corner, he cocked his head, indicating for people to follow him. He went to the one eyed witch's statue, tapped her hump, and said,
Dissendium! The witch's hump opened up, and Fred shoved himself in first. George and Lee had joined them. Lee kept guard, and George ushered people in. Ron put his legs into the statue, sat down and gave Harry the thumbs up before pushing off.

Harry was the next to last person when Lee hissed, Filch! Back into the passageway, hurry! There was a frenzied scramble in which everyone stuffed themselves back into the now dark passageway. Harry's face was squished up against the cold wall, his breath fogging up his glasses. Lee and George threw themselves in just as Filch stepped into view of them all. George muttered a spell, and the stone wall shone, before becoming normal. Lee silently charmed the wall so they all could see Filch, as if through glass, but he could not see them.
Everyone barely breathing, Harry watched as Filch ran his hand over the witch's hump, muttering to himself. To his utmost horror, he saw Filch turn, and look straight in his eye! Filch turned and walked slowly towards them. Several people around Harry had also seen Filch look straight at them, and were starting to panic, some turning to go back. George hissed, No! Filch had stopped, right in front of them, and reached a hand out.... He smoothed out something on the center of the wall. Harry was amazed he couldn't find them. He leaned towards George as much as he could.
What did you do to that wall? Fred craned his neck to look at Harry.
Sealing Charm. It appears that the tapestry has a wall behind it, but really there isn't. Feels as much so too. Only way to reverse it is with magic, and Filch's a Squib.
Filch then dropped his hands, and wiped his nose on his sleeve, slinking away. Waiting another minute, George reversed the spell, and ran to the one eyed witch's statue, opening it again. George said to Harry,
Wait for us below. Don't go anywhere and don't let anyone go ahead. Harry nodded and lowered himself in and pushed off. The wind whipped his face. Before he could stop enjoying it, Harry came to a stop at the bottom, and moved out of the way so Hermione wouldn't bowl him over.
I'm surprised you agreed to come, you always telling us not to sneak out and all. Harry picked Hermione up and moved her to his side, closer to the wall, as Angelina got to her feet. Hermione spoke out of the corner of her mouth.
Like I'd leave you alone with all these girls. Anyways, can't I ever be a little, rebellious? Hermione grinned, though Harry couldn't see in the dark, putting extra emphasis on the word. Rebellious, rolls off your tongue... Lovely. Harry rolled his eyes.
When everyone had come down, and George and Lee slid down, they set off, walking on level ground, before going up the stairs.
It took just as long as Harry remembered. Hundreds of hundreds steps. Harry clutched the stitch in his side as George stopped, and lifted up the trap door, looking around, before hoisting himself out into the Honeydukes store room. Seeing the coast was clear, George signaled for Harry to follow him. They crept out into the empty store, and to the door. It was open, and George opened it, stepping out onto the cobbled road of Hogsmeade. People filed out onto the road, singing and glasses clinking could be heard coming from up the street at the Three Broomsticks. George darted across the road, keeping in the shadows. Everyone followed as George led them to Zonko's going through an alleyway, behind a few shops Harry could've sworn were never there before, and into a pub.

When Harry stepped in, he could've sworn he was at the Three Broomsticks, only this pub was slightly dingier, and the menu was unlike anything Harry'd ever seen. Everyone walked in, blinking their eyes at the harsh change in lighting. Fred was at the bar, talking with a pretty bar maid. Her eyes opened wide at the sight of all the costumers. She smiled.
The name's Lady Scott. Now, what'll all ye have? Harry searched for butterbeer on the menu, and was relieved to find it.
A butterbeer please. Hermione cleared her throat. Er, sorry, make that two butterbeer's. Harry dug out some gold from his pocket, and slapped it on the bar.
Come on Harry, live a little! Order the firewhiskey! Harry shook his head.
No thanks. Harry said firmly. Hermione beamed at him.Lady Scott smiled at harry, and retrieved two foaming mugs of butterbeer in an instant.
There ye go cutie. Harry smiled at her, and walked to a round table, where Dean, Seamus and Neville were sitting, three empty shot glasses near their hands, as they drunk deeply from mugs of butterbeer. Harry groaned.
Please tell me you didn't have the firewhiskey? Dean lifted his head out of the butterbeer, a slight mustache under his nose.
Nope, we did have a Russian Muggle drink, not really sure what it was. Modya? No, that's not it.. Kodva?
Vodka perhaps? Harry volunteered. Dean slammed the table.
That's it! Really strong in big doses, alright if you take a shot. Dean hicupped, and drank from his butterbeer again. Harry rolled his eyes, and drank deeply from his mug.
Ron joined them, holding a butterbeer, and throwing dirty looks back at Fred.
Stupid git, wouldn't let me order firewhiskey. Says mum would kill them if they let me get drunk. Hermione sighed.
Well, they're only thinking for what's best for you. Ron glared at Hermione who pretended not to notice and looked around at the bar. Harry ignored the pair's quibble and enjoyed another drink from his mug.
It neared midnight, and everyone had ordered several butterbeer's, except for some of the older students and boys. Hermione hicupped, which Harry could barely hear over the drunken laughter filling the bar. She looked oddly at her drink, and stared at Harry.
It's only butterbeer, and I've barely had three. She hicupped again, just as George, looking very tipsy, grabbed a chair, turned it around and made space for himself at their table. Grinning bemusedly at Harry, George's eyes went crossed. Having a good time now Hermione?
Sorry George, that's Hermione. I'm Harry. And it's alright, though I am feeling a bit peckish. Is there any food here that's not shot with liquor? George shook his head, uncrossing his eyes. Course there is. What fun would there be getting drunk off of chicken when you could get drunk off of firewhiskey? And with that, George fainted clean away, falling backwards in his chair and landing in a heap on the dusty floor, still smiling. Hermione shook her head and took a huge swig of her butterbeer.
She giggled, and blushed. Ron looked oddly at her.
Are you feeling alright? Hermione turned to Ron, smiling.
I've never felt better, Ron dearest. Have I ever told you how fantastically good looking you are? Hermione burst into giggles, and collapsed into Ron's arms, still giggling madly. Ron looked desperately at Harry, who quickly got up, and took Hermione in his arms.
Damn bar maid, she must've given Hermione something else, Harry peered at the menu, Ah, spiked butterbeer, lovely. Ron, I think it's time we all left. Everyone's celebrated enough. Right at that moment, several more people keeled over on the floor. The other guests of the bar kept talking as though nothing happened, and Fred kept flirting with the bar maid. Harry got up, leaving Hermione with Ron.
Harry- But Harry was already halfway to the bar. He came up to Fred, and tapped him on the shoulder. Fred looked at Harry, and turned back to the bar maid.
I'll be right back. Harry and Fred made their way back to a table. Fred sighed, running his fingers through his short hair like his younger brother did on an almost daily occurance.
What is it Harry? Meg has really never warmed up to me before, and I've finally gotten her talking. Harry looked around quickly, before talking.
I think it's best if we left now Fred. Harry gestured to many people who were on the floor, their sober friends trying to get them into a booth. Fred's face fell. Shit, this was never meant to happen. He glared back at Meg. That damn woman, I bet she gave every other person spiked butterbeer. The things she'll do to let a guy know she's not interested. I'm sending her a load of hexes tomorrow in the mail. Now Harry, we need to get people out of here, and fast. One sober person per drunk or tipsy one, got it? And just for your own good Harry, I'm not putting you with Hermione. That's too much temptation, even for a good guy like yourself. Fred nodded at Harry, before rounding up the people at the other table, mostly seventh years. Harry strode back to his table.
Alright, how many people are not drunk? A few hands flew up.
Ok, find one person who wouldn't be able to make it back to Hogwarts unassisted, or in other words, drunk or tipsy, and escort them back to Hogwarts. Wait for Fred to lead us out. Ron made to stand back up and hand Hermione over to Harry, but Harry held up a hand. Fred's orders, go on, you take her back to school. Prove I can trust you mate. Ron swallowed, before nodding, looking down at Hermione, who was smiling serenely up at him.
Are we going somewhere Ron? Ron nodded.
Yeah, we're going somewhere Hermione. You just stay with me, alright? Hermione giggled and hicupped. Ron looked helplessly at Harry.
Just how are we supposed to get back quietly to Gryffindor with half our group like this? Harry shook his head.
No clue, ah dammit, looks like I have to help Katie back to the castle. Fred sort of thrust Katie at Harry, who hicupped, looking very green. Harry held Katie firmly by the arm, and walked out the door of the pub, and squinted at the swinging sign. Three Toed Pubsman. Lovely, Harry thought to himself. Just at that moment, Katie fell to her knees and vomited on the street. All around him, other people began retching and falling to the ground. Stepping out of the pub, George on his arm, Fred looked horrified. Lee quickly waved his wand, and cleaned up all the vomit.
Everyone listen! We have to hurry; we have to get back to the castle as quickly as possible, and we can't go back through Honeydukes. We'll have to go through the main gates. Appear nonchalant, and as though you have every right to be here. With some luck, the guards will be none the wiser. Fred took the lead, keeping out of the shadows, and walking straight into the main street. He kept walking right up the middle of the street, George teetering next to him.
Harry looked around quickly for Hermione. He found her, near where Lavender and Elijah were trying to walk, Elijah having a difficult time moving his feet. She looked completely dazed, her head moving from side to side, and humming an unknown tune to herself. Ron, Harry was glad to see, was only holding her arm, and was not very close to her. Ron caught Harry's eye and Harry quickly turned around, facing ahead, swallowing as they neared the gate.
The doors to the Three Broomsticks was propped open, the buttercup light flooding out onto the street. Harry linked his arm in Katie's, who was looking slightly less likely to vomit then she did a few minutes ago. Fred walked with George, Lee directing Angelina behind him, through the gates, the guards never giving a second look at anyone of them. Harry breathed a sigh of relief when he walked through, seeing Hogwarts was a reassuring sight. He turned around to see how Hermione was, but to his horror, she wasn't in sight. Squinting in the darkness to see a red headed crown running across the grounds, Harry couldn't see any sign of Ron or Hermione. He turned slowly back around, biting his lip. Had he really done the right thing when he gave Hermione to Ron? Harry also saw that Elijah was by himself, something Sara quickly saw, and took him by the hand as she also lead Parvati to the castle. Harry shook his head. Maybe they were just lagging behind.

Hermione! Hermione, no don't do that, now come on! Ron dashed after Hermione through the snow, Hermione giggling and dodging behind fountains and statue's in the garden. Ron sighed. This was the place he and Harry retreated last year during the Yule Ball, and saw Hagrid with Madam Maxime and Snape with Karkaroff. Not to mention all those couples in the rose bushes...

The rose bushes were covered in frost, glistening in the light of the moon. Ron sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
Hermione, this really isn't funny! Where are you? Hermione poked her head from behind a rose bush.
Right here you -hic- silly -hic- goose! Hermione giggled, and tried to run away, but tripped and fell into the snow. Ron sighed with relief and walked over to Hermione to help her up.
Now let's go back up to the castle Hermione, Harry's probably worrying where you've gone.
Hermione looked at Ron with a truly perplexed expression on her face.
Harry? Whose Harry? Ron's heart skipped a beat. If she didn't know who Harry was, then who did she think he was?
Harry Potter.. your boyfriend? You're just drunk, you can't think straight. Hermione bit her lip, and turned her back to Ron.
But, I -hic- am thinking straight. Ron edged up behind Hermione, nearly so he was sandwiched between her and the castle.
You're drunk, and I am taking you back to the castle. Ron said firmly.
Hermione spun around, a fire in her eyes. She came close to him, so Ron's back was firmly against the castle. She took Ron's face in her hands and standing on her toes, kissed him, hard. Ron started to panic as he felt her tongue sliding across his lips. But Ron relaxed, and put his arms around Hermione, bringing her even closer, if possible to him. Hermione's tongue slid into Ron's mouth, as Ron's heart beat faster. This was all he wanted, what he had longed for... He kissed her passionately, as he moved away from the castle, down into the snow. Hermione moved with him, their lips still locked.
But little known to either one, was that over a hedge at the end of the garden, a pair of blue eyes had peered, watching and taking in the whole incident. The owner of those blue eyes ran off towards the castle, her brown hair swishing behind her.
Ron wrenched his lips from Hermione's, panting. Hermione rolled off his chest, to lay in the snow. Ron sat up, and looked at Hermione.
I can't do this. Hermione sat up, and looked at Ron, her eyes crossed slightly.
What do you -hic- mean? Ron took a deep breath.
I guess, I don't want this happening, unless you're really sure of what you're doing, and what is going on. I can't do this to you, or Harry. Hermione? Hermione had fainted, falling back into the snow, a slight grin on her face, her eyes closed. Ron sighed, got to his knees, and picked Hermione up. Walking with her to the exit from the garden, Ron walked slowly through the Great Hall. He looked down at Hermione, as he climbed the stairs. So beautiful..
Ron gave the password to the Fat Lady, who gave Ron a surprised look.
You? Out of all people, I never would've expected you. Well, no actually I would have. Ron clenched his teeth.
It's not what it looks like! And stomped through the portrait hole.

Harry was waiting for them. He got out of his armchair, and walked quickly over to Ron.
What took you? Ron looked at Harry.
She got away from me, and it took me a while to get up here carrying her. Here you go mate. Harry took Hermione into his arms, and looked at Ron.
You alright? You look really pale. Ron shook his head.
No I'm fine. G'night. He walked up the staircase to the boy's dormitories. Harry shrugged. He was acting awfully weird... Now, let's get you up to bed. Harry thought, looking down at Hermione. He walked to the girl's dormitories staircase, and carefully put a foot on a step. Nothing happened. He continued walking up the stairs, to the fifth year dormitories. He knocked, and the door opened.
An astonished looking girl opened the door.
How the HELL did you get up here? Oh give me her. The girl grabbed Hermione around the shoulders, and dragged her into the room. Before closing the door, she smiled at Harry, and said, Thanks Harry, come back any time! She laughed and closed the door. Harry sighed, and as he put his foot on the first step, the stairs turned into a stone slide.
Harry grinned, and checking his robe, slid all the way down.

He got dressed into his pajamas, and fell into a deep sleep
Harry again dreamt the dream where he was dancing with Hermione, and woke up with cold sweat on his face in the middle of the night. Harry fell back into his pillow, trying to sleep. Tomorrow would be a good day. He could tell.
******
(A/N) Now don't hate me for that scene with Hermione and Ron! It HAD TO BE DONE!!! So don't yell and kick and scream at me. This is no way going to change into a Ron/ Hermione love fic. I swear it upon my red hair. Hope you enjoyed the drama, humour and romance( I guess! ^.~) so leave a review on your way out! Thankee! Irish Lass