Hey there! Sorry if this chapter seems a little rushed, I'm just so pumped up to write some of the upcoming scenes! I could just burst! Enjoy! Sigh And even now, I still don't own Harry Potter... : (

Weeks had past and it was now the day of the masquerade – Lunch time to be exact. The students buzzed about excitedly. Chattering away about their excitement, and who they hoped they would meet.
"Oh I do hope I get to meet that 6th year stud from Ravenclaw. He's so debonair!" one Hufflepuff could be heard swooning.
"Man, that Slytherin chick is a real fox isn't she?" a male student whistled.
Hermione seemed to be the only one not quite interested. Finally, Harry ventured forth to ask her about it.
"So...Hermione. Are you going to go to the masquerade? Ron and I are, and we were hoping to see you there, maybe," Harry said shyly.
"I'm still not so sure. It sounds like fun, but what about our homework?" Hermione exclaimed.
"Oh come off it Hermione. We all know full well that the teachers are easing up the homework load so we can all attend this thing!" Ron said, losing his patience.
"Ron! Shut up! If she doesn't want to go, then she doesn't have to go!" Harry chided Ron.
"Fine, go and defend her. I'm just gunna' go back to the dorms and 'study' some more!" Ron said bitterly. Ron finished off his glass of pumpkin juice, grabbed a roll and headed off towards the tower.
"Did I say something wrong?" Hermione asked, turning to Harry.
"No. Ron is just a bit peeved because Ginny has been idolizing an upperclassman. He's just a little stressed out and very worried about his sister" Harry said.
"Oh. Alright then...What do you think Harry? Should I go to the masquerade tonight or not?" Hermione asked doubtfully.
"Of course you shouldn't!" a shrill voice cut in. Hermione and Harry's eyes flew up and saw Pansy Parkinson standing over them.
"Who would want to see ugly little you at the ball? Do you actually think anyone would dance with someone like you? You must be kidding yourself! Why don't you go bury your nose in a book some more huh? Or did even the books reject you?" She turned to her friends who all mock "Aww-ed" while Hermione turned a deep shade of pink.
"Shut your trap Pansy," Harry hissed.
"No Harry – She's right. Who would want to dance with me? I'm far from pretty...I...I have to go!" Hermione said, tears stinging at the back of her eyes, threatening to fall. Pansy just smirked happily as Hermione ran from the room.
"Hermione! Wait!" Harry called after her. But it was too late, she was already out of the Great Hall, while the rest of the school murmured about what had happened. Harry just watched the door sadly and sat back down.
'Poor Hermione...' Harry thought.