Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters, they belong to JK Rowling . . . I only own a few of the new characters, Gitana being one, and others which will be named later.

Lunch the next day was an exciting one as word had spread amongst the 7th years about the news of their end of the year ball. Midway through the lunch hour, the Headmaster arose and held his hand up for silence. Once the chatter had dies down, he spoke, "This is an announcement for all 7th years. Your Head Boy and Head Girl have chosen a theme for your graduation ball this May. Please give Miss Granger and Mr Weasley your full attention," he sat down and let Hermione start.

"Ron and I have come up with the theme of an 18-century medieval masquerade ball. We ask that each of you who are attending the ball to make or buy a masquerade mask that matches your outfit, and covers at least half your face, showing but your eyes and mouth," Hermione announced.

"The mask should be on your face the instant you leave your house, so that your identity shall remain unknown. Upon arrival at the entrance to the ball, every witch will receive a tiara to wear," Ron added.

"You will only be admitted into the ball if you are a 7th year, and it will be the staff who will monitor those going into the ball. Although, if you are not a 7th year, but have been asked by a 7th year to accompany him or her as a date, you and that 7th year must inform either myself or Ron, so we can make a list of guests," Hermione continued.

"Any questions?" Ron asked.

"What's the point of being masked?" Terry Boot from Ravenclaw asked. The two Heads looked at each other, neither of them knowing the answer. Dumbledore noticed this and began to talk,

"The purpose is just to be able to have fun. Being masked, you can become someone else for a night, possibly get to know other people better. Imagine the possibilities of being a mysterious person for one night. Imagine the new things one can find out about others and about yourself, while being masked. During this event, you will not be permitted to give out your real name, but instead choose an alias for the evening that matches your costume and personality and see how much you can find out about your fellow peers," Dumbledore wisely spoke. Enthusiastic chatter filled the Great Hall as Hermione and Ron threw grateful looks at their Headmaster.

The day continued with people talking left and right about gowns, masks and dates. Many 7th years stopped Hermione and Ron to comment on their wonderful idea. After classes where done, the two Heads buried themselves in their tower library to organize and plan the rest of the ball. Harry in the meantime dropped his books of at his tower then headed to the Hufflepuff tower where he caught up with Gitana just before she could enter the tower.

"Gitana!" He called out. She spun around to see Harry rush up to her.

"Hi Harry," she said shyly.

"Listen, if you're not doing anything tonight, I could show you around the castle," he offered.

"I would love that," she smiled, "But let me drop off my books first." He nodded and watcher her run into the tower, only to return minutes later. Together they walked around every floor, Harry showing her each classroom, closet and bathroom, even Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. In there, the two were greeted by Moaning Myrtle herself.

"HARRY!" Moaning Myrtle squealed with delight as she floated down to where they stood.

"Hullo Myrtle!" Harry said, "U just came by to say hullo and to show Gitana here your bathroom." Moaning Myrtle turned her attention to the shy girl next to Harry, floating around her as if to inspect her.

"She's not your girlfriend is she?" Myrtle asked looking back at Harry, her eyes as wide as the frames of her glasses.

"No, no Myrtle," Harry blushed, hoping Gitana hadn't noticed.

"Good, then she's welcome to use this bathroom." "Thank you Miss Myrtle," Gitana spoke up.

Moaning Myrtle squealed once more," Did you here that Harry?! She called me MISS Myrtle! No on has EVER called me Miss Myrtle!" Harry laughed then said, "Ok Myrtle, we should be on our way now, I still have to show Gitana more of the castle." "Alright then! Come back again soon!" Harry and Gitana left to the sounds of Myrtle shrieking with happiness about being called Miss Myrtle.

"She seems to like you a lot Harry," Gitana observed.

"Oh. . .yeah. . .well. . .Hey come on! I'll show you the Quidditch pitch!" Harry changed the subject as the two headed outside to the snowy pitch. Up on the stands they sat close to one another in silence as they took in the view of a dark and snowy Hogwarts landscape.

"What was it like to fight Lord Voldemort over and over again?" Gitana's accented voice broke the silence. Harry looked at her in shock as she was the only witch at Hogwarts who wasn't hesitant to call Voldemort by his name.

"I'm sorry Harry," she apologized, "I shouldn't have asked you that. It's probably a personal question, I-" "No, it's not that," he interrupted her, "It's just that no one has ever called him Lord Voldemort without any hesitation of fear, except for me. Everyone else just calls him You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, but never Lord Voldemort," he told her.

"Oh," she turned red in the dark.

"I don't know what it's like," Harry spoke up, sensing her discomfort, "I mean I'm not afraid of him... but there's something about him that makes me feel..." Harry stopped trying to think of the right word to say.

"Corrupted," she finished off his sentence.

"Yes," he looked at her once more as she stared off into the darkness. They stayed silent again before Harry found something else to say.

"So...Gitana...that's a very unique name," he said.

"It's a Spanish name," she answered.

"Oh, so where are you from then?" Harry asked.

"Spain. You know Harry, most people just call me Tana, you're most welcome to call me that too," she smiled.

"Ok...Tana it is!" They talked more about Spain and its tradition.

"You should come to Spain one day Harry. You would love it there. The sights are most breath-taking. So much to see and do there. Oh and Madrid is just spectacular with its castle like churches! You should really see Madrid at night! It's no wonder why it's such a hot spot for tourists! The many fiestas! It's quite the nightlife!" Tana told Harry.

"It's sounds like a wonderful place!" Harry exclaimed, having never travelled beyond London in his life.

"It is!" "So if you're from Spain, how come you went to Durmstrang instead of Beauxbatons, which is much closer to you?" Harry wondered.

"My family moved to Germany when I was eight, so Durmstrang was the closest school." "But you never lost your accent." "I never stopped speaking Spanish. At home, that's the only language we speak. My mother knows no other and my father has much trouble with his English, but he speaks German very well along with Spanish." "And how about you?" Harry wondered.

"I learned to speak German and English at Durmstrang," she told him. They talked some more until they both realized how late is was getting. Harry walked Tana back to her tower.

"Thank you so much Harry for being so kind to me. I hope I am not a burden to you," Tana said.

"It's no trouble at all Tana. Tomorrow, if you want to see more of the castle, don't be afraid to tell me," he told her.

"I won't be. Goodnight Harry," she whispered.

"Goodnight Tana." He watched her disappear behind her towers entrance, then he headed back to his own tower, Tana permanently embedded in his thoughts.

The weeks had flown by and it was already Valentines day at Hogwarts. February the 14th landed on a Saturday that year, allowing couples everywhere to spend a full day with each other. Harry had already invited Tana to spend the day with him at Hogsmeade and he was getting ready to pick her up.

"Hot date tonight eh mate?" Ron teased as he helped his best friend pick out some clothes.

"I dunno, she's different from all the other witches here," Harry said, pulling out a mocha cream-coloured turtleneck sweater out of his closet.

"I think we all know that judging by the way you always have goo-goo eyes around her," Ron joked, pulling out Harry's black leather jacket to wear overtop the sweater.

"I do not," Harry denied, slipping the sweater over his head.

"Half the school begs to differ!" Ron handed him the jacket.

"Ron!" Harry snatched the jacket from him, "This is serious!"

"Okay! Sorry there mate! If you're really serious about her, just take things slow okay?"

"I plan to," Harry said, fixing the collar of the jacket, then moving to fix his hair.

"We don't need a male version of Pansy Parkinson walking around Hogwarts!"

"RON!" Harry tried to be mad, but burst out laughing instead, "Oh don't worry! Pansy'll remain the reigning champ for years to come!" Ron joined in on the laughter.

"Okay," Harry took a deep breath, "How do I look?" Harry turned around to face Ron. He was wearing black casual pants with a tight fitting turtle neck sweater, which really outlined his defined lean muscles and his leather jacket on top.

"Ready for a date," Ron answered truthfully.

"Wait, I'm forgetting something," Harry pulled out his wand, "Orchideous." He gathered the flowers in a bouquet then said a quick goodbye to Ron, "I'll see you later Ron."

"Have fun Harry!" Harry waited by the Hufflepuff entrance for just five minutes before she emerged, wearing brown suede pants and a black v-neck top.

"Hi Tana," Harry said, presenting the flowers, "These are for you." She blushed as she took the bouquet.

"Thank you Harry."

"Shall we be on our way then?" He asked offering his arm. She took it smiling, "Si senor." They walked to Hogsmeade hand in hand as they talked some more. Once at Hogsmeade, they browsed around the town, stopping every now and then to check out the stores. They were having so much fun just walking around the entertaining wizard town in each other's company. They headed to The Three Broomsticks for a late lunch, where they bumped into Hagrid.

"Hello Hagrid!" Harry greeted his giant friend.

"Harry! Go ter see ya! Miss Gitana! How nice ter see ya too!" Hagrid said in his booming voice,

"Now where are yer two other companions, 'Ermione and Ron?"

"Oh, they're back at the castle planning out that ball," Harry said.
"Oh, I see, I see. Well you two have fun okay? I'll see ya around." With that Hagrid got up and left.
"Harry, I noticed that you and Draco don't get along very well," Tana said as they ate.
"Yea, Malfoy and I haven't exactly been on the same side of things ever since the first day that we arrived at Hogwarts. It only got worse after te fifth year, when I released his father's name as on of the Death Eaters associated with Voldemort's return."

"Harry, Voldemort's been quiet the past two years, do you think he's still alive?" She asked.
"I know he's still alive, and I suspect he's planning something, but what, I don't know," Harry looked up from his plate to her worried eyes.
"Tana, is something the matter?" He took her hand in his, "Tana, you can tell me, you know that right?"

"There's nothing wrong Harry, it's just that since his return, I've been somewhat afraid now that he's stronger, and I can only talk to you about these things because you're the only one who's willing to. Everyone else just runs away from the subject."

"Tell me about it," Harry muttered, "Listen, why don't we head back to the castle, we can talk more there." She nodded and Harry paid for the two and they made their way back to Hogwarts.
Harry found an empty classroom and led Tana inside. They sat down and Harry said, "Tana, tell me what's on your mind." She looked up at him, her blue eyes searching for comfort in the emerald eyes in front of her, "It's just since Voldemort's return, it's like all the innocence in the world has been swept away; killed even. It's as if there's no hope to grasp onto anymore. Before life was pretty predictable. I went to school, I went home, we went back to Spain for vacation and so on. Now no one knows what's going to happen," tears glistened in her eyes as the thought of death crept to her mind.
"You're right," Harry said, moving closer to her and gathering her in his arms, "No one knows what is going to happen. But I know one thing, I'm not going to let anything happen to you okay Tana?" She didn't answer, but he felt her nod her head. Later that night he walked her back.
"I had a wonderful time, thank you so much," she let go of his hand to brush a few hairs hanging over Harry's eyes. Harry took her hand and kissed it. Cupping her chin in his hand, he brought her face closer to his. Just as their lips were about to meet.
"Ooooohhhhh! Potter's kissing a GIRL!" Peeves shrieked, laughing. Harry closed his eyes and sighed.
'Perfect timing,' he thought.
"PEEVES!" He yelled.
"Potter is kissing a gi-rl! Potter is kissing a gi-rl!" Peeves sang as he floated around the hallway.
"Don't make me get the Bloody Baron!" Harry threatened. Peeves stuck out his tongue then floated away.
"I'm sorry about that. Peeves is. . . well. . .Peeves," Harry turned back to Tana. She giggled then lifted up her head to kiss him gently on the cheek.
"Goodnight," she whispered into his ear and then disappeared behind the entrance.

"You think Harry's back from his date?" Ron asked Hermione. She shrugged, "Maybe."

"Ron?" She asked moments later.
"Yeah?"

"What do you think of Tana?"

"She's really a nice girl, and she makes Harry happy."

"Mmm."

"Why?" Ron looked curiously at Hermione.

"I don't know. I mean I'm happy for Harry, but there's something about her that makes me worried," Hermione looked up from her work.
"Don't worry Hermione," Ron said in that soothing voice of his. The two continued on the planning of the ball until midnight, then headed to their separate bedrooms.
The next morning, during breakfast, Harry told Hermione and Ron about his day with Tana.
"Sounds like you guys had fun then," Hermione said.
"Yeah." "Did you kiss her?" Ron asked.
"Ron!" Hermione smacked his arm.
"It's okay Hermione," Harry smiled, "I tried to but Peeves-" He didn't have to finish his sentence.
"That Peeves can really ruin things eh mate?" Ron shook his head.
"She's really something though. She speaks so proudly of her native country of Spain. I'd love to go there one day," Harry told them, "She speaks Spanish very well, and German too."

"Wow, she's a keeper Harry!" Ron said. Hermione stayed quiet but listened as Harry continued to praise Tana.
After breakfast, Hermione excused herself and headed to the library. It had only been a week since Tana's arrival, and already she had seemed to entrance Harry, which slightly worried her. Once inside the library she headed straight to the Names and Meanings section at the back. There she found a handful of books on different names of people and spells, and their meanings. As she was browsing the pages of one book, the unmistakable voice of Pansy Parkinson filled the room.
"Oh come on Draco," Pansy said, as she stood behind where Draco sat. Pansy began to massage his shoulders as she lowered her lips to his ears.
"You know you can't resist me," she hissed. From where Hermione stood, she could see everything. Anything Pansy did disgusted her, even if it was Malfoy that Pansy did. In a huff, Hermione left the library, several books in hand.
For the next few hours, Hermione lay across her bed scanning the pages of the books, searching for the answer to her question.
"Aha! I knew it!" Hermione said aloud, slamming the book shut, causing Crookshanks to stir in his sleep.

"Tana?" Harry asked as they casually strolled the school's corridor that Sunday, after Valentine's day.
"Yes Harry?" "Would you like to accompany me to the 7th years ball this May?" He asked her, watching for her reaction.
"I-I would love to," she blushed looking down to her feet. Harry smiled as he reached for her hand, intertwining her fingers with his.

"HERMIONE!" Ron called from their common room. Hermione's door creaked open as she stepped out.
"Yeah?" "I'm going out to the quidditch pitch to just fly around with Harry okay?"

"Sure."

"I'll see you at dinner." Hermione watched him go, then went back to her room where she was in the middle of reading a letter from Viktor Krum. She loved hearing form him as he always made her feel special and also always sent little gifts and pictures from wherever he was. This letter came from Canada, as his Bulgarian Quidditch team was playing the Moosejaw Meteorites. She wrote back to him, telling him the latest news at Hogwarts, including the updates on the ball and problems with Malfoy. After sending off the two page letter, she grabbed her coat and headed to the Quidditch pitch hoping to maybe tell Harry and Ron about her find on Tana.
"Oh great," Hermione mumbled as she grew closer to pitch, seeing Tana already sitting in the stands.
"Hello...Hermione isn't it?" She said sweetly, extending her hand, "I'm Tana." Hermione shook her hand, "Hello Tana. Mind if I sit here?"

"Not at all." Hermione sat and the two watched Harry give some tips to Ron on his keeper skills.
"So, are you and Ron, what you say in English 'an item'?" Tana tried to start a conversation.
"Oh, no," Hermione blushed, "Well we were about a year ago, but it just didn't work out. We were meant to be friends. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Oh." Silence.
"I really loved you theme idea for a masquerade ball. I can't wait to start looking for a dress," Tana tried again.
"Thank you Tana. Umm, but this ball is sort of only for the 7th years," Hermione put it lightly.
"Oh," Tana blushed a deep pink colour, "Harry didn't tell you yet?"

"No," Hermione already guessing what was to come next.
"He asked me to the ball just today."

"Oh," Hermione forced a smile, "That's great. You two really look happy together." "Yeah." For the rest of the time, they watched in silence until Ron and Harry finally descended from their brooms.
'About time,' Hermione thought.
"Looking good out there you two!" She said aloud.
"Thanks!" Ron grinned, "Come on Hermione, I just got aa idea for the ball, let's go!" He grabbed her arm and fast walked away.
"See you later Harry! Bye Tana!" Ron called out.
"Ron!" Hermione whispered, "What's going on?" "Let them be alone!" Ron said, "Didn't you hear about Harry asking Tana to the ball?" "Yeah, she told me." By now they were already back inside the castle.
"Is there any time in the day when Harry ISN'T with her?" Hermione asked.
"Why?" Ron was curious at Hermione's attitude.
"Well, I kind of want to talk to you and Harry alone. Without her there."

"He's not with her when he sleeps...or at least I don't think so," he teased, hoping to liven Hermione up. It didn't work as she just threw him a dirty look.

It was 10pm when Harry returned to his tower, heading quietly to his room.
"Finally!" Hermione sighed as he entered. He nearly jumped, not expecting to see Ron and Hermione sitting on his bed.
"What are you guys doing here?" Harry asked.

"Waiting for summer to arrive," sarcasm dripping from Hermione's voice.
"How long have you been here?"

"About an hour," Ron answered before Hermione could open her mouth.
"Is everything alright?" Harry looked from Ron to Hermione, then back to Ron. Ron shrugged pointing to Hermione.
"Hermione?" Harry asked.
"Sit down Harry," she said, her face showing some expression. He sat, his eyes curious yet worried.
"Harry you know that you being happy makes me and Ron happy right?" Hermione started.
"Leave me out of this Hermione," Ron warned, not liking where this was going.
"Harry...I'M happy that you've found someone that you like very much. And Tana seems to be a wonderful girl. Well I happened to come across some books that explain the meaning behind names, and I sort of stumbled upon Tana's name. I only did this because something about her worries me. Gitana is the Spanish word for gypsy, and her last name Malivado is similar to the Spanish word Malvado, which means evil or bad spirits. Harry, even in the wizard world, gypsies are not to be trusted, they often hold hidden agendas, which aren't for the good."

"Your point?"

"Harry, I just want you to be careful with Tana because her name just tells all," Hermione warned. Harry shook his head in disbelief, "I don't believe this! How could you Hermione? Tana's not like that! Maybe it's just some freaky coincidence that her parents named her that." "I don't think it's just some coincidence Harry. Gypsy and evil spirits. Come on Harry," Hermione pushed forward, trying to get him to understand.
"Hermione you always to this to me! You always find a way to ruin something I like!" Harry's voice began to get louder.
"What?! Harry, I just want you to be careful! And please, do tell me, ONE time that I didn't something like this!" Hermione shot back.
"In third year, when you told McGonagall about the broom I received anonymously, because you thought it was from Sirius and it was somehow cursed!" Harry told her remembering how mad he was at her during that time.
"I was right though! It WAS from Sirius!"

"Yeah, but it wasn't CURSED!"

"That's because we didn't know Sirius was on OUR side!!" "Alright enough!" Ron stepped in between them.
"Harry, Hermione's not saying that Tana isn't to be trusted, all she wants is for you to KNOW what she found out. Hermione, I think we should go back to our tower, it's late," Ron left Hermione to the door saying his goodnights to Harry.
"What are you trying to do?" Ron asked the moment they stepped foot in their tower.
"Warning Harry," she said as innocent as possible.
"Hermione," Ron said sternly.
"What Ron? Can't I be concerned for a friend?"

"Not like that you can't! Hermione...Harry's in love...face it," Ron plumped down on the couch, placing his feet on top of the coffee table. He didn't understand why Hermione was acting all defensive about Harry's new interest. Then it hit him.
"Do you like him Hermione?"

"Of course I like him Ron!" Hermione was a bit surprised with the sudden question, "He's one of my best friends!"

Ron shook his head, "No, you know what I mean Hermione."

"No," she answered truthfully, "I can't believe that you don't trust me Ron! Something inside of me tells me that Tana is not what she seems to be!"

"What's telling you Hermione?" Ron asked, searching for more answers. "It's-it's hard to explain Ron...it's just a gut feeling." Ron threw her a very confused look.
"That's a muggle expression for instincts," she answered.
"Fine, but just be careful around Harry. He's become sensitive about Tana. He's happy Hermione. Maybe neither of us have found that special someone yet, but he has, so just let him be alright?" Ron looked into her restless eyes.
"Fine," she spoke, her tone saying something else. She left him sitting alone as she headed to her bedroom.
Months had past and Hermione keep her suspicions to herself, never again bringing them up with anyone other than her parents and Viktor. Harry and Tana's relationship grew to the point where they spent every waking minute with each other. It was now exactly five days before the big ball and Hermione and Ron were stressed beyond imagination. Hermione hadn't even gotten a dress yet and the two were up to their heads with work from school.
"Ron! You have to pick up the tiaras tomorrow afternoon!" Hermione yelled from her room, where she sat in a sea of menus for the food.
"I know Hermione! It's only like the TENTH time you told me today!" Came Ron's reply from their library where he was painting the finishing touches to the banner. The decorations lay scattered across the common room floor, ready to be hung.
"Hermione! Get your BLOODY cat away from here! I can't finish the banner with that - that MONSTER in here!!" "Wait Ron!" Hermione jumped from her bed and ran to the library, ignoring his screams.
"What now Hermione?!"

"I'll pick up the tiara's because I still don't have a dress OR a mask! So you have to finish the guest list, then give it to McGonagall, and I need you to head down to the kitchen and talk to Dobby about the food. I'll be done the menu by tonight alright?"

"Fine. Your cat? Listen, can you just hold up this side of the banner for a second? I want to see if it's even," Ron put his brush aside and stepped back to look at his masterpiece.
"Do we have any more ribbons or paint?" Hermione asked, picking up Crookshanks.
"No, I just finished that last of them," Ron said.
"Great. Alright, I'm going back to the Room of Requirement to see if we can get more art supplies," Hermione said, grabbing her wand from her room, and putting Crookshanks on her bed.

"Do you need anymore stuff?"

"NO!" It was only Monday, and Hermione and Ron were already beyond exhausted. The ball was this coming Saturday, and the last minute preparations were deadly. Hermione quickened her pace, hoping to just get in and out of the Room of Requirement then head back to her room and finish up her Defence Against the Dark Arts essay along with her Transfiguration, Potions and History or Magic homework. As she neared the Room of Requirement, she concentrated on what she needed.
'Paints, ribbons, art supplies,' she thought. She opened the door to a candle-lit room, the many tiny flames burning the sensational scent of vanilla beans. Hermione closed her eyes and took in a deep breath, the vanilla smell instantly filling her lungs, calming her senses immediately. Opening her eyes slowly, she saw the same wooden shelves that held the art supplies she was looking for, but in the middle of the room, on a silver wire rack, hung something that caught her eye in shock and surprise.