A/N: That last chapter was a long one full of crap. I had nothing to write!
And I needed some kind of a plot to follow on from! This one will be heaps
better.
~*~*~*~ Chapter 10: Winter Wonderland Unmasked ~*~*~*~
HERMIONE'S POV
It was a Saturday and today was a Hogsmede weekend. The ball was coming up and the students had to go and get outfits for the ball. I had planned the Hogsmede weekend with Professor McGonagall. All the girls were going there today, and all the guys would head down tomorrow, so people wouldn't see each other's out fits. Malfoy and I had prepared the invitations and they had been distributed. The prefects had finished decorating, but an invisibility charm had been put on it by Dumbledore, and would be revealed on the night. I still hadn't found anyone to go with to the ball. I knew that I could always ask Neville, but I decided that I'd rather go alone. It's not like anyone would know who I was anyway. There was an unmasking scheduled at midnight. The ball would start at six pm, and the years 4 and under would be transferred to another room at 9.00pm for another two hours of partying, then finish up at 11.00. It was all planned and set to go.
"Mione, hurry up or we'll miss all the good stuff!" Ginny was tugging my arm. There were masses of girls on their way out. The kids who couldn't go to Hogsmede had been given magazines with all the dresses. There had been a system set up. They would choose one, and a replica would appear. They would try it on, and find which size fit them. The dresses would disappear after 15 minutes. The one's they liked were then ordered and sent in.
"Move mudblood. You're blocking the way." Pansy was pushing her way through. I was about to throw back a comment when Hilary dragged me off. We walked around Hogsmede. There were 5 shops to choose from.
"Ooh Mione. That looks wonderful on you!" I was wearing a gold shimmery gown. It was satin half way down my stomach, then a see through shimmery material that flowed over the skirt and the rest of my stomach. It was beautiful, but I could see my scar through it. That definitely wasn't going to work.
"OMG Hilary. That is so gorgeous. I spun around and gasped. She was wearing a light bluey silvery dress. It had spaghetti straps and little diamantes all over it. The top was tight and satiny, and the bottom was also satiny, but flowed to her feet. It was beautiful.
"You should really get that Hilary. It looks so nice!"
"Thanks Mione. I think I will get It." she payed for it and we went into the next shop.
"Hey Hilary. There's a pair of shoes here that would look nice with that dress." they were silver and strappy with diamantes on them. She bought those, and we resumed looking at the dresses.
Ginny squealed. We hurried over. She was holding a deep green strapless dress.
"It's beautiful isn't it? Green is a wintry colour isn't it?"
"Yeah of course it is Ginny. Go and try it on," I told her. The dress was really nice, but looked even better when she stepped out. It was a silk flowing material that wasn't flowy. It hugged her figure, but loosened out a bit from the hips down. There was a lighter green chiffon covering the dress over the satin.
"Oh, Ginny. That's beautiful. You should really get it." I could hear Hilary doing something behind me. I turned around to ask her what she was doing, when she stood up with a smile on her face.
"And I've found nice shoes to go with the dress." She was holding a pair of criss crossed strapped dark green shoes. They appeared to change colour in the light to silver and back.
Ginny bought her dress and shoes and we went on. In the next shop I found my dress. It was a deep aqua colour, which changed colours with movement, from bluey green to a pale blue. It was beautiful. The straps where about 5 cm in width, and sat around the shoulders instead of on them. The top half was satiny, and slowly faded out into a chiffon type material at the ankles. The bottom was cut crooked, some bits long, some long. I only needed to buy a good pair of shoes, because my feet could be seen under the dress.
I was really disappointed that Hilary and Ginny had to know who I was at the ball, but I really didn't want to go shopping by myself, and if I got bored I would know who they were at the ball. We left the shop. All our dresses and shoes were supposed to arrive in Ginny and Hilary's dorm at 10.00am the next weekend, which was the day of the ball. We went into the next shop. I had to find the perfect pair of shoes. We looked for a long time. I tried on so many shoes. Finally I found a pair. They were straight strapped and a mix of silver and pale blue. I bought the shoes and we made our way to shop of masks. Ginny found one straightaway. It was a dark green like her dress and had silver designs all over it. Hilary and I took a bit longer.
At last I found one. It was a paleish blue, and had silver tiny snowflakes stuck on. Hilary took much longer. She finally found a silver mask with pale blue stars. We bought them and then made our way to the three broomsticks. I went and ordered three butterbeers and returned. We spent the rest of the evening drinking butterbeers, eating lunch, and making plans for the ball.
DRACO'S POV
It was a cold and windy day outside, and I was loving it. There was no Granger in the common room, so I had it all to myself. I had made specific plans with the house elves. I had ordered my lunch and little snacks in between for certain times. All was going well until my lunch came in. I heard a house elf squeak behind me.
"Here is your lunch Miss Granger Miss." The elf sounded very familiar, not to mention had called me Granger. I spun around to tell it off.
"Dobby?" it was Dobby. He had new clothes on, and looked much healthier than he did at our place.
"Master! Dobby is so sorry sir. He thought you's were Miss Granger Sir. Dobby will punish himself Master Sir." He started banging his head on the wall.
"Uh, Dobby, hello? I'm not your master anymore, remember?" I didn't know he had got a job here. I sort of felt sorry for him. He had been treated like dirt at our place. I would have to remember to tell father that Dobby was here.
I actually believed for a moment that my father was still alive. I felt sadness and anger stir up inside me. "Get out Dobby now, and I don't want you to serve me ever again!" I threw an apple that was sitting on the tray at the wall and put my head in my hands. I needed to get a grip on myself.
I needed to find a date to go with to the ball. I couldn't take Pansy because she had a boyfriend, and I didn't really like or know any other Slytherin's. But, then again, no one would know it was me behind a mask. All I had to do was make my hair a different colour and no one would recognise me. It was all set. Who knew, I might even meet someone interesting there.
GINNY'S POV
Hurry up Mione. She was meant to be here by now. It was 3.00 and Mione was supposed to be here after her shower and meet us here. Hilary had just showered and was sitting on my bed flipping through a magazine. Hermione came through the door looking flustered. She was wearing a t-shirt and a skirt.
"Sorry guys, I lost track of time."
"That's ok Mione. Now take you hair out of the towel." She took her hair out and I dried it with a flick of my wand. Mione's hair had grown a bit more since Malfoy had cut it, but there wasn't enough to do a lot with. I straightened it with my wand and then sat with Hilary and looked through the magazines for ideas. Mione came over and flipped through them as well.
"You do know that we have to change our hair colour don't you?" Mione was really into this whole thing.
I flicked my wand and my hair turned a darker shade of red. Hermione changed her hair to a nice light brown and Hilary made her already blonde hair have platinum blonde streaks. We looked a bit different, but not much. I found a nice one for Hilary.
"Ok Hilary, we're using this one on you." I muttered the incantation and her hair became straight. It was pulled up and put into a messy bun with large bits of hair falling out here and there. It looked wonderful.
"That looks great Hilary. Ok now that's you sorted, me an Ginny have to pick one."
"This one is right for you Ginny." Mione muttered another incantation and I felt a funny tingling sensation. It was as if invisible fingers were doing my hair. The sensation stopped and I looked in the mirror. My hair was down, but the front bits had been pulled back into a mice clip. It looked really nice.
"Ok Mione. I have chosen one for you." I flicked my wand and her nice straight hair began to curl. Soon she had random curly strands throughout her hair, with straight bits in between. It looked really good. I wished I had thought of it for myself.
"Wow Ginny. That's really nice. Now we have to put on our dresses."
"No, first it's make up." Hilary had already pulled out her make up case.
"Why do we need make up? We're going to have masks on you know" Hermione said looking at us quizzically.
"Ok firstly, the mask only covers the eyes and secondly, what about the unmasking!" she really needed to get a clue sometimes.
"Oh, of course. I forgot." We rounded on her and did her make up. She did Hilary's and Hilary did mine. Hermione flicked her wand and our nails were painted in a flash. Mine were a light shimmery green with a small leaf painted, Hermione's were a shimmery aqua with a small silver snowflake, and Hilary's were silver with pale blue stars all over them. I got into my dress as did the other two. We put on our shoes. Hermione then charmed each of our masks to stay on our faces and not fall off until we took them off. She had done a good charm. It felt as if I wasn't even wearing a mask. I grabbed my bag and walked down with the other two.
RON'S POV
These dress robes were great. They felt like a soft blanket, not to mention they were a dark blue and manlier unlike those maroon ones. This was the first time I was wearing them. Fred and George had got them for me last Christmas. My mask was dark blue with icicles hanging off, and it looked good with my red hair. Harry told me to change my hair because everyone would know who I was. As if! No one would guess it was me.
"Hey Ron. I like your outfit." Someone in plain blue said to me. I cursed under my breath. I should have changed my hair. Harry was standing next to me and started sniggering. He was wearing the green dress robes my mother had gotten him in fourth year and a green mask.
"Shut up Harry! I bet that was just a fluke." But it wasn't everyone who walked past recognised me.
"Right, that's it. I'm going to go and change my hair colour."
"To late mate. Here come the girls." I looked up and saw Hermione, Ginny and Hilary come down, they looked beautiful. Harry walked up to the girl in the green dress and took her away. That was Ginny. So which one was Hilary?
"Hey Ron" said the one with brown hair. I took a stab.
"Hi Hilary."
"I'm Hilary Ron. The one with blonde hair came and took my hand. "oh, sorry Hilary."
"Don't worry. Come on, or we'll be late."
I linked one arm with Hilary and one arm with Mione. I didn't want her to be by herself. We got to the ball and entered the doors. A couple of people looked at us. We all let go and looked around. I spotted a drinks table.
"Hey! Drink! I'm going to get some butterbeer." I went off and dragged Hilary along with me.
HERMIONE'S POV
"Hey Mione. Dow you want to come and get a drink with us?" Ginny looked sincere, but I knew she wanted to dance with Harry.
"No, I'm not really thirsty. I'll just go and sit here, and talk to some other people. Save me a seat at dinner if I haven't already got one!" I winked at them and then went and sat down. This was going to be a long night. I looked around and saw someone sitting by themselves at another table. I got up and headed towards them.
DRACO'S POV
"Hi. Is this seat taken?" I looked up and saw a gorgeous girl standing there. I nodded and looked at her. She had light brown hair and brown eyes. I couldn't remember ever seeing anyone like her. Then again, she could have changed her hair and eyes. I realised I was staring.
"Do you want a drink?" I asked her, just so I'd have something to say.
"Yeah, that would be nice thanks." I got up and got two butterbeers. We just sat in silence for a while.
"so, what house are you in?" she asked me.
"I can't tell you that otherwise you could guess who I was."
"Yeah I guess. So, what are your interests?"
"Um, I like a lot of stuff. I like to swim, play quidditch, you know, ordinary things."
"Oh really. I love to swim and play quidditch too. Are you on one of the house teams?"
"Yeah, are you"
"Yeah I am as well. Which position do you play?"
We had a conversation about quidditch and swimming and an of assortment things ranging up to toothpastes, when the dinner bell rang.
"Well I'd better get back to my table now. I'll come back afterwards."
"Ok, and when you come back, we are going to dance." She blushed and went over to a table I couldn't see.
HERMIONE'S POV
He was really nice and handsome. I wondered who he was. Well I guess I'll find out at the unmasking.
"Hey Mione. Are you having fun?" Hilary asked me cautiously.
"Yeah Hilary, I'm having a great time. I met a guy over there, and he likes a lot of the stuff I do, so I can have a well-based conversation with him."
"That's great Mione!" Ginny and Harry had just joined us.
"I wonder when and how the food gets here, and if it'll be enough." Ron looked very bored. He hadn't eaten for a long time, which can have consequences.
As if the house elves had heard him the tables all around them erupted with plates and plates of food. The prefects really had done a great job of decorating. Snow was falling and disappearing just before it touched someone. There were icicles hanging around everywhere and small ice fairies were darting here and there. There was never melting snow everywhere, which was soft and dry to the touch. It looked great. The food was also fantastic. There were little tables placed everywhere with a mini snowman holding a candle in the centre. We ate and talked for about an hour. After the plates had been wiped clean, the music came back on. Everyone stood up and made their way to the dance floor. I stood up and walked around looking for the mystery man. I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Looking for me?" he was standing behind me smirking. That smirk was oddly familiar, but it couldn't be Malfoy. He wasn't as nice as this. I took his hand and led him onto the floor. There was a fast song on and we were dancing in the centre of everyone. I looked around and saw Ginny and Harry dancing, and I saw Ron dancing with Hilary with a cupcake in one hand. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the man.
The music stopped and a slow song came on. I looked at the guy horrified. He looked back at me, and I swear I could see fear in his eyes.
"You know what, I feel a little thirsty. Do you want to go and get a drink?" I was already making my way to the drinks before I finished.
"Good Idea." The man followed me and I got two glasses of butterbeer.
"At least their playing slow songs for all those couples out there huh?"
"Yeah I suppose so. Do you know what would be funny, if we started to dance as if a fast song was on in the middle of them all."
He laughed. The slow song finished and a fast one came on. "Lets go." I pulled him back and we continued dancing. I had seen Ron eating his cupcake while slow dancing with Hilary. He was so tactless sometimes, but Hilary didn't seem to mind. We danced and talked for another hour until the music stopped.
"Well it is nine o clock. I am going to have to ask the fourth years and under to follow Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Trelawney and Snape to another venue." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as ever as he watched the young kids leave. Once they had all gone the music resumed. Another slow song was put on. I groaned and headed off the floor. The guys stopped me.
"We might as well dance, other wise we're going to be in the loo all day instead of here from too many drinks." I was glad that he had suggested it and I put my arms around his neck.
DRACO'S POV
I think that I really liked her. It felt so right when we were dancing together. She was just the right height. I don't know what made me ask her to stay; I guess I was just sick of not having a girlfriend.
"You can tell me now who you are you know. I'm going to find out in a little while," I said in her ear. I could feel her shiver.
"No I can't. You'll just have to find out after two hours." I smiled and continued dancing with her.
She was still reluctant to dance with me in the slow songs, which were more frequent now that the little kids had gone. Soon enough though she relaxed. I couldn't wait to find out who she was. Imagine if she was Granger. I snorted out loud at this thought.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing." Come to think of it, it could be Granger, she was a little bit nice, but she could never have the same interests as me. That wouldn't work. I had tensed up during that thought, but relaxed when I realised where I was.
We kept dancing in all the songs. Over the hour, there had been only one fast song. We went to get a drink before going back out onto the floor. I danced with her until Dumblerdore stopped the music at ten minutes to midnight.
"Now this is the last song before the unmasking. There will be half an hour more afterwards, and then I daresay you may go to the after parties in you common rooms." Some people looked around sheepishly.
The music began again. It was another slow one. I took her into my arms. We danced in silence this time. I looked at her and looked at me. I couldn't stop myself. I kissed her. She kissed me back. It felt so good. We would have kept going if the damn music hadn't stopped. I looked at her. it was time to take off our masks.
"Ok, I'm going first" she said. I waited in anticipation. She took her mask off, and looked at her. I was speechless for a few seconds. I turned around and ran out of the hall without taking off my mask. I ran up to the common room and whipped off the mask. I threw it into the fire. I sat down, until I realized that she would be coming up any second. I was about to go to my room when I heard footsteps outside the portrait. Luckily I had worn a decent shirt and pants under the dress robes. I threw off the robes and stuck them under the couch. I threw myself on the couch and tried to look as if I had been there for a long time.
"What are you doing here?" she had tearstains. I could see them, but she still looked beautiful.
"Well the ball's finished isn't it Granger?" Why aren't you there dancing with some prissy boy? Didn't find one did you?"
I could tell she didn't want to cry, but she couldn't stop herself. I just wanted to dance with her again, but Malfoy's did not associate with muggle borns. She walked briskly to the stairs. I could see she was crying again.
"Hey Granger!" she stopped but didn't turn around.
"What?"
"Um, nothing. Just go and keep crying like a baby!" I shouted at her. She ran and slammed her door. I was angry now. Angry because I wanted to be with the girl at the ball, but not with Granger, and they happened to be the same person.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: I know, I know. I'm evil and this chapter is fluff, fluff, fluff! Trust me, I wanted to make it much more fluffier, but I couldn't. I didn't want to do that to all you people out there. Review. Did you like the chapter? They're still not together, and I'm glad about that. I never thought I could keep it off for this long! O well. THANK YOU ALL YOU DEVOTED REVIWERS! Personal notes will come next chapter, as my chapter hasn't had time to upload yet, so I haven't seen what you guys think of it yet.
~*~*~*~ Chapter 10: Winter Wonderland Unmasked ~*~*~*~
HERMIONE'S POV
It was a Saturday and today was a Hogsmede weekend. The ball was coming up and the students had to go and get outfits for the ball. I had planned the Hogsmede weekend with Professor McGonagall. All the girls were going there today, and all the guys would head down tomorrow, so people wouldn't see each other's out fits. Malfoy and I had prepared the invitations and they had been distributed. The prefects had finished decorating, but an invisibility charm had been put on it by Dumbledore, and would be revealed on the night. I still hadn't found anyone to go with to the ball. I knew that I could always ask Neville, but I decided that I'd rather go alone. It's not like anyone would know who I was anyway. There was an unmasking scheduled at midnight. The ball would start at six pm, and the years 4 and under would be transferred to another room at 9.00pm for another two hours of partying, then finish up at 11.00. It was all planned and set to go.
"Mione, hurry up or we'll miss all the good stuff!" Ginny was tugging my arm. There were masses of girls on their way out. The kids who couldn't go to Hogsmede had been given magazines with all the dresses. There had been a system set up. They would choose one, and a replica would appear. They would try it on, and find which size fit them. The dresses would disappear after 15 minutes. The one's they liked were then ordered and sent in.
"Move mudblood. You're blocking the way." Pansy was pushing her way through. I was about to throw back a comment when Hilary dragged me off. We walked around Hogsmede. There were 5 shops to choose from.
"Ooh Mione. That looks wonderful on you!" I was wearing a gold shimmery gown. It was satin half way down my stomach, then a see through shimmery material that flowed over the skirt and the rest of my stomach. It was beautiful, but I could see my scar through it. That definitely wasn't going to work.
"OMG Hilary. That is so gorgeous. I spun around and gasped. She was wearing a light bluey silvery dress. It had spaghetti straps and little diamantes all over it. The top was tight and satiny, and the bottom was also satiny, but flowed to her feet. It was beautiful.
"You should really get that Hilary. It looks so nice!"
"Thanks Mione. I think I will get It." she payed for it and we went into the next shop.
"Hey Hilary. There's a pair of shoes here that would look nice with that dress." they were silver and strappy with diamantes on them. She bought those, and we resumed looking at the dresses.
Ginny squealed. We hurried over. She was holding a deep green strapless dress.
"It's beautiful isn't it? Green is a wintry colour isn't it?"
"Yeah of course it is Ginny. Go and try it on," I told her. The dress was really nice, but looked even better when she stepped out. It was a silk flowing material that wasn't flowy. It hugged her figure, but loosened out a bit from the hips down. There was a lighter green chiffon covering the dress over the satin.
"Oh, Ginny. That's beautiful. You should really get it." I could hear Hilary doing something behind me. I turned around to ask her what she was doing, when she stood up with a smile on her face.
"And I've found nice shoes to go with the dress." She was holding a pair of criss crossed strapped dark green shoes. They appeared to change colour in the light to silver and back.
Ginny bought her dress and shoes and we went on. In the next shop I found my dress. It was a deep aqua colour, which changed colours with movement, from bluey green to a pale blue. It was beautiful. The straps where about 5 cm in width, and sat around the shoulders instead of on them. The top half was satiny, and slowly faded out into a chiffon type material at the ankles. The bottom was cut crooked, some bits long, some long. I only needed to buy a good pair of shoes, because my feet could be seen under the dress.
I was really disappointed that Hilary and Ginny had to know who I was at the ball, but I really didn't want to go shopping by myself, and if I got bored I would know who they were at the ball. We left the shop. All our dresses and shoes were supposed to arrive in Ginny and Hilary's dorm at 10.00am the next weekend, which was the day of the ball. We went into the next shop. I had to find the perfect pair of shoes. We looked for a long time. I tried on so many shoes. Finally I found a pair. They were straight strapped and a mix of silver and pale blue. I bought the shoes and we made our way to shop of masks. Ginny found one straightaway. It was a dark green like her dress and had silver designs all over it. Hilary and I took a bit longer.
At last I found one. It was a paleish blue, and had silver tiny snowflakes stuck on. Hilary took much longer. She finally found a silver mask with pale blue stars. We bought them and then made our way to the three broomsticks. I went and ordered three butterbeers and returned. We spent the rest of the evening drinking butterbeers, eating lunch, and making plans for the ball.
DRACO'S POV
It was a cold and windy day outside, and I was loving it. There was no Granger in the common room, so I had it all to myself. I had made specific plans with the house elves. I had ordered my lunch and little snacks in between for certain times. All was going well until my lunch came in. I heard a house elf squeak behind me.
"Here is your lunch Miss Granger Miss." The elf sounded very familiar, not to mention had called me Granger. I spun around to tell it off.
"Dobby?" it was Dobby. He had new clothes on, and looked much healthier than he did at our place.
"Master! Dobby is so sorry sir. He thought you's were Miss Granger Sir. Dobby will punish himself Master Sir." He started banging his head on the wall.
"Uh, Dobby, hello? I'm not your master anymore, remember?" I didn't know he had got a job here. I sort of felt sorry for him. He had been treated like dirt at our place. I would have to remember to tell father that Dobby was here.
I actually believed for a moment that my father was still alive. I felt sadness and anger stir up inside me. "Get out Dobby now, and I don't want you to serve me ever again!" I threw an apple that was sitting on the tray at the wall and put my head in my hands. I needed to get a grip on myself.
I needed to find a date to go with to the ball. I couldn't take Pansy because she had a boyfriend, and I didn't really like or know any other Slytherin's. But, then again, no one would know it was me behind a mask. All I had to do was make my hair a different colour and no one would recognise me. It was all set. Who knew, I might even meet someone interesting there.
GINNY'S POV
Hurry up Mione. She was meant to be here by now. It was 3.00 and Mione was supposed to be here after her shower and meet us here. Hilary had just showered and was sitting on my bed flipping through a magazine. Hermione came through the door looking flustered. She was wearing a t-shirt and a skirt.
"Sorry guys, I lost track of time."
"That's ok Mione. Now take you hair out of the towel." She took her hair out and I dried it with a flick of my wand. Mione's hair had grown a bit more since Malfoy had cut it, but there wasn't enough to do a lot with. I straightened it with my wand and then sat with Hilary and looked through the magazines for ideas. Mione came over and flipped through them as well.
"You do know that we have to change our hair colour don't you?" Mione was really into this whole thing.
I flicked my wand and my hair turned a darker shade of red. Hermione changed her hair to a nice light brown and Hilary made her already blonde hair have platinum blonde streaks. We looked a bit different, but not much. I found a nice one for Hilary.
"Ok Hilary, we're using this one on you." I muttered the incantation and her hair became straight. It was pulled up and put into a messy bun with large bits of hair falling out here and there. It looked wonderful.
"That looks great Hilary. Ok now that's you sorted, me an Ginny have to pick one."
"This one is right for you Ginny." Mione muttered another incantation and I felt a funny tingling sensation. It was as if invisible fingers were doing my hair. The sensation stopped and I looked in the mirror. My hair was down, but the front bits had been pulled back into a mice clip. It looked really nice.
"Ok Mione. I have chosen one for you." I flicked my wand and her nice straight hair began to curl. Soon she had random curly strands throughout her hair, with straight bits in between. It looked really good. I wished I had thought of it for myself.
"Wow Ginny. That's really nice. Now we have to put on our dresses."
"No, first it's make up." Hilary had already pulled out her make up case.
"Why do we need make up? We're going to have masks on you know" Hermione said looking at us quizzically.
"Ok firstly, the mask only covers the eyes and secondly, what about the unmasking!" she really needed to get a clue sometimes.
"Oh, of course. I forgot." We rounded on her and did her make up. She did Hilary's and Hilary did mine. Hermione flicked her wand and our nails were painted in a flash. Mine were a light shimmery green with a small leaf painted, Hermione's were a shimmery aqua with a small silver snowflake, and Hilary's were silver with pale blue stars all over them. I got into my dress as did the other two. We put on our shoes. Hermione then charmed each of our masks to stay on our faces and not fall off until we took them off. She had done a good charm. It felt as if I wasn't even wearing a mask. I grabbed my bag and walked down with the other two.
RON'S POV
These dress robes were great. They felt like a soft blanket, not to mention they were a dark blue and manlier unlike those maroon ones. This was the first time I was wearing them. Fred and George had got them for me last Christmas. My mask was dark blue with icicles hanging off, and it looked good with my red hair. Harry told me to change my hair because everyone would know who I was. As if! No one would guess it was me.
"Hey Ron. I like your outfit." Someone in plain blue said to me. I cursed under my breath. I should have changed my hair. Harry was standing next to me and started sniggering. He was wearing the green dress robes my mother had gotten him in fourth year and a green mask.
"Shut up Harry! I bet that was just a fluke." But it wasn't everyone who walked past recognised me.
"Right, that's it. I'm going to go and change my hair colour."
"To late mate. Here come the girls." I looked up and saw Hermione, Ginny and Hilary come down, they looked beautiful. Harry walked up to the girl in the green dress and took her away. That was Ginny. So which one was Hilary?
"Hey Ron" said the one with brown hair. I took a stab.
"Hi Hilary."
"I'm Hilary Ron. The one with blonde hair came and took my hand. "oh, sorry Hilary."
"Don't worry. Come on, or we'll be late."
I linked one arm with Hilary and one arm with Mione. I didn't want her to be by herself. We got to the ball and entered the doors. A couple of people looked at us. We all let go and looked around. I spotted a drinks table.
"Hey! Drink! I'm going to get some butterbeer." I went off and dragged Hilary along with me.
HERMIONE'S POV
"Hey Mione. Dow you want to come and get a drink with us?" Ginny looked sincere, but I knew she wanted to dance with Harry.
"No, I'm not really thirsty. I'll just go and sit here, and talk to some other people. Save me a seat at dinner if I haven't already got one!" I winked at them and then went and sat down. This was going to be a long night. I looked around and saw someone sitting by themselves at another table. I got up and headed towards them.
DRACO'S POV
"Hi. Is this seat taken?" I looked up and saw a gorgeous girl standing there. I nodded and looked at her. She had light brown hair and brown eyes. I couldn't remember ever seeing anyone like her. Then again, she could have changed her hair and eyes. I realised I was staring.
"Do you want a drink?" I asked her, just so I'd have something to say.
"Yeah, that would be nice thanks." I got up and got two butterbeers. We just sat in silence for a while.
"so, what house are you in?" she asked me.
"I can't tell you that otherwise you could guess who I was."
"Yeah I guess. So, what are your interests?"
"Um, I like a lot of stuff. I like to swim, play quidditch, you know, ordinary things."
"Oh really. I love to swim and play quidditch too. Are you on one of the house teams?"
"Yeah, are you"
"Yeah I am as well. Which position do you play?"
We had a conversation about quidditch and swimming and an of assortment things ranging up to toothpastes, when the dinner bell rang.
"Well I'd better get back to my table now. I'll come back afterwards."
"Ok, and when you come back, we are going to dance." She blushed and went over to a table I couldn't see.
HERMIONE'S POV
He was really nice and handsome. I wondered who he was. Well I guess I'll find out at the unmasking.
"Hey Mione. Are you having fun?" Hilary asked me cautiously.
"Yeah Hilary, I'm having a great time. I met a guy over there, and he likes a lot of the stuff I do, so I can have a well-based conversation with him."
"That's great Mione!" Ginny and Harry had just joined us.
"I wonder when and how the food gets here, and if it'll be enough." Ron looked very bored. He hadn't eaten for a long time, which can have consequences.
As if the house elves had heard him the tables all around them erupted with plates and plates of food. The prefects really had done a great job of decorating. Snow was falling and disappearing just before it touched someone. There were icicles hanging around everywhere and small ice fairies were darting here and there. There was never melting snow everywhere, which was soft and dry to the touch. It looked great. The food was also fantastic. There were little tables placed everywhere with a mini snowman holding a candle in the centre. We ate and talked for about an hour. After the plates had been wiped clean, the music came back on. Everyone stood up and made their way to the dance floor. I stood up and walked around looking for the mystery man. I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Looking for me?" he was standing behind me smirking. That smirk was oddly familiar, but it couldn't be Malfoy. He wasn't as nice as this. I took his hand and led him onto the floor. There was a fast song on and we were dancing in the centre of everyone. I looked around and saw Ginny and Harry dancing, and I saw Ron dancing with Hilary with a cupcake in one hand. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the man.
The music stopped and a slow song came on. I looked at the guy horrified. He looked back at me, and I swear I could see fear in his eyes.
"You know what, I feel a little thirsty. Do you want to go and get a drink?" I was already making my way to the drinks before I finished.
"Good Idea." The man followed me and I got two glasses of butterbeer.
"At least their playing slow songs for all those couples out there huh?"
"Yeah I suppose so. Do you know what would be funny, if we started to dance as if a fast song was on in the middle of them all."
He laughed. The slow song finished and a fast one came on. "Lets go." I pulled him back and we continued dancing. I had seen Ron eating his cupcake while slow dancing with Hilary. He was so tactless sometimes, but Hilary didn't seem to mind. We danced and talked for another hour until the music stopped.
"Well it is nine o clock. I am going to have to ask the fourth years and under to follow Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Trelawney and Snape to another venue." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as ever as he watched the young kids leave. Once they had all gone the music resumed. Another slow song was put on. I groaned and headed off the floor. The guys stopped me.
"We might as well dance, other wise we're going to be in the loo all day instead of here from too many drinks." I was glad that he had suggested it and I put my arms around his neck.
DRACO'S POV
I think that I really liked her. It felt so right when we were dancing together. She was just the right height. I don't know what made me ask her to stay; I guess I was just sick of not having a girlfriend.
"You can tell me now who you are you know. I'm going to find out in a little while," I said in her ear. I could feel her shiver.
"No I can't. You'll just have to find out after two hours." I smiled and continued dancing with her.
She was still reluctant to dance with me in the slow songs, which were more frequent now that the little kids had gone. Soon enough though she relaxed. I couldn't wait to find out who she was. Imagine if she was Granger. I snorted out loud at this thought.
"What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing." Come to think of it, it could be Granger, she was a little bit nice, but she could never have the same interests as me. That wouldn't work. I had tensed up during that thought, but relaxed when I realised where I was.
We kept dancing in all the songs. Over the hour, there had been only one fast song. We went to get a drink before going back out onto the floor. I danced with her until Dumblerdore stopped the music at ten minutes to midnight.
"Now this is the last song before the unmasking. There will be half an hour more afterwards, and then I daresay you may go to the after parties in you common rooms." Some people looked around sheepishly.
The music began again. It was another slow one. I took her into my arms. We danced in silence this time. I looked at her and looked at me. I couldn't stop myself. I kissed her. She kissed me back. It felt so good. We would have kept going if the damn music hadn't stopped. I looked at her. it was time to take off our masks.
"Ok, I'm going first" she said. I waited in anticipation. She took her mask off, and looked at her. I was speechless for a few seconds. I turned around and ran out of the hall without taking off my mask. I ran up to the common room and whipped off the mask. I threw it into the fire. I sat down, until I realized that she would be coming up any second. I was about to go to my room when I heard footsteps outside the portrait. Luckily I had worn a decent shirt and pants under the dress robes. I threw off the robes and stuck them under the couch. I threw myself on the couch and tried to look as if I had been there for a long time.
"What are you doing here?" she had tearstains. I could see them, but she still looked beautiful.
"Well the ball's finished isn't it Granger?" Why aren't you there dancing with some prissy boy? Didn't find one did you?"
I could tell she didn't want to cry, but she couldn't stop herself. I just wanted to dance with her again, but Malfoy's did not associate with muggle borns. She walked briskly to the stairs. I could see she was crying again.
"Hey Granger!" she stopped but didn't turn around.
"What?"
"Um, nothing. Just go and keep crying like a baby!" I shouted at her. She ran and slammed her door. I was angry now. Angry because I wanted to be with the girl at the ball, but not with Granger, and they happened to be the same person.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: I know, I know. I'm evil and this chapter is fluff, fluff, fluff! Trust me, I wanted to make it much more fluffier, but I couldn't. I didn't want to do that to all you people out there. Review. Did you like the chapter? They're still not together, and I'm glad about that. I never thought I could keep it off for this long! O well. THANK YOU ALL YOU DEVOTED REVIWERS! Personal notes will come next chapter, as my chapter hasn't had time to upload yet, so I haven't seen what you guys think of it yet.