Disclaimer: I own absolutely none of the characters in this story. All belong to J K Rowling.

A/N: Thanks, you guys. Padfoot04, the Desert Fox, GinnyHarryP, and Estella luna: you crack me up!

A CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY'S NIGHTMARE

or IT'S GONNA BE LOVE

by Lina Shay

Chapter Three: A Game Gone Awry

"You're joking," Moaning Myrtle said. "You're making fun of me!"

"No, I'm not," George insisted. "Myrtle, honestly, I would do anything for you."

George tried to take her hand, but his went right through her's.

"You lie!" Moaning Myrtle cried.

"I'll prove it to you," George promised, kneeling down. "Command anything of me."

Moaning Myrtle peered at him suspiciously. If she requested something ridiculous, he would have to admit the prank. Then he would no longer torment her.

"If you really loved me," Moaning Myrtle began, "then you would run through the school stark raving naked."

George smiled at her.

Dobby snuck swiftly down the hall after Harry, Ron and Hermione. He was waiting for the perfect opportunity to put on the love spell. He couldn't do it just yet. He had to make sure that she would see Harry first. It was just such a fun game. Dobby wondered if it was a popular game among wizards.

Dobby stopped when he saw that the three friends had stopped. He jumped behind a dragon statue and glanced at them.

"I guess it's time for my detention," Ron muttered.

Hermione put an arm around his waist and said, "Why did you have to fashion that celery catapult?"

"How was I to know the bloody grape would hit Snape right in the eye?" Ron grumbled.

Hermione gave him a quick kiss, then Ron went into the Potions room. Now that Ron was out of the way, Dobby snapped his fingers. Pink sparkles fell from the ceiling onto Hermione's head. She swayed a bit and put a hand to her head.

"Hermione, are you all right?" Harry asked, lending an arm to steady her.

"Yes," She sighed as she looked into his eyes. "Oh, Harry. It was quite gentlemanly of you to steady me the way you did."

"What are friends for?" Harry shrugged.

"Friends?" Hermione repeated sadly, standing closer to him.

"I wonder what Fred and George are up to," Harry mused, glancing down the corridor obliviously.

"Who cares about Weasleys!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air.

Harry looked at her curiously. "You know, Ron's a Weasley."

"Who needs him either?" Hermione said, folding her arms.

"Is there something wrong, Hermione?" Harry asked, tempted to feel her for a temperature.

"I don't see why everyone automatically fixes me with that redheaded git," Hermione declared.

Harry stared at her in confusion.

"I'd prefer someone else," Hermione quieted down, twisting her fingers shyly. "I'd prefer someone strong and kind; Someone with the heart of a warrior and the soul of a saint."

Harry couldn't figured out what she was rambling about.

"I'd prefer someone," Hermione went on, "whose eyes one could just drift in for eternity, whose hands could mend any girl's troubles..."

Hermione reached over and grazed her fingers against the back of Harry's hand. He watched this action, in shock, for a moment. Then he jumped back.

"Hermione, what on earth are you saying?" Harry demanded.

"How could I settle for Ron, when I've only really ever loved you?" Hermione told him, taking a step toward him.

"What?" Harry shouted, backing into the wall.

Hermione put a hand on either side of his waist, staring up into his eyes.

"Harry, darling," she cried, "please tell me that you care for me too. Please give me the kiss I have so long longed for."

"Are you crazy?" Harry exclaimed. "Either that or you're ill. I think we should see Madam Pomfrey."

Harry grabbed one of her hands away from the wall and pulled her through the corridor.

"I'd go anywhere with you, my darling," she sighed.

A/N: I know Hermione isn't likely to be this forward, but it's just funner this way.