Disclaimer – Nothing familiar is mine
AN – Hey all I'm guessing some of you are pretty surprised to see another chapter for this story quite a few of you seemed to think that Chapter 19 was the end when in fact Chapter 20 is lol. I laughed so much I'm really sorry. I didn't realize it sounded like I was ending it but oh well at least you get a nice surprise and Lyssa you should be happy there will definitely be some Ron/Hermione in this Fic how could I end it without some??? Well as always Enjoy and Review :D
"You look amazing" Pavarti said
Hermione looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. Ever since she'd returned from the hospital wing she'd been getting ready for the feast that evening.
She'd also been telling and retelling the story of how they'd defeated Voldemort. She now knew what it was like to be Harry.
She didn't mind really as she'd had some questions of her own. She now knew that while they'd been asleep the school had been told everything that had happened from the eventful Hogsmeade visit to the rebirth of Voldemorts victims. They just wanted the details. Every last one of them.
"So why did you run after Ron knowing what was gonna happen?" Lavender asked
"Yea weren't you scared you might die?" Pavarti added sitting on the bed next to Lavender
"Well yea I guess so I don't know." She laughed turning round to face them. "I mean it's not like I wasn't scared of dying I mean I am its just I didn't really think of that I just thought of Ron running in to danger and knew I had to go to"
Pavarti smiled "Love makes you do crazy things"
"Insane things" Lavender finished
Hermione merely shook her head and returned her gaze to the mirror.
Pavarti began to giggle and Lavender pretended to look shocked "Where is the denial where is the he is just my best friend where is the were you born with half a brain between you? We are nothing but friends?"
Hermione grinned in to the mirror "well maybe I came across some self truths on the way"
"Meaning?" Lavender coaxed
"SHE LOVES HIM" Pavarti screeched rushing at Hermione and enveloping her in a huge hug
"Watch her dress" Lavender shouted over Pavarti's squeals of delight
"I'm so proud of you" Pavarti said letting go of Hermione and smiling at her
"Yea me to it's about bloody time" Lavender laughed
"GIRLS WE NEED TO BE DOWN IN LIKE 10 MINUTES WILL YOU GET A BLOODY MOVE ON"
Pavarti laughed
"I'm gonna miss the silence we had while they slept" Lavender said only half joking as she yelled back that they would be down when they were ready and if they didn't like it they could turn up to the feast/dance alone
Hermione had returned to her Dorm at 5 in the afternoon. They'd spent so much time talking and catching up getting things straight in their minds and just being happy. Pavarti and Lavender had pounced on her the moment she was through the door demanding details and making sure she was ok.
Once she'd told them the story for the second time they told her of the dance/feast they would be attending that evening. Dumbledore had arranged it in their name. It would be the usual feast of course but with a celebratory theme and a dance to end it. They would then end the term 3 weeks early. Extending their Christmas holiday to six weeks instead of the usual three.
Then they had showed her the beautiful dresses they had bought for themselves.
A School Hogsmeade visit had been announced so that everyone in the school was given the opportunity to purchase clothes and anything else that they needed ready for the dance. Which would be held as soon as the school heroes awoke.
Pavarti's was a soft pink that complemented her dark skin. It was cut to just below the knee and sparkled when the light hit it just right. Her dark hair was straight and hung down her back in a shiny black wave. Glitter shimmering whenever she moved.
Lavender had chosen a lilac colour for herself to commemorate her namesake. Or so she told them Pavarti had whispered to Hermione that at the Yule ball in their 4th year Seamus had told her she looked stunning in lilac and she had taken to wearing it in some form whenever the 2 of them were going somewhere together.
Hermione had smiled at one time she would have rolled her eyes but now if Ron told her she looked lovely in a potato sack she would probably wear one.
Lavenders dress had no straps unlike Pavarti's that had a halter strap, and hung all the way to her ankles. It had a split in one side up to her knee and trailed a little at the back. Her hair lay in soft waves framing her face.
Hermione had told them both how beautiful they looked and they had then surprised her.
"Don't think we forgot about you Miss. Granger" Pavarti had giggled as Lavender had removed something from her wardrobe and handed her a bag.
Inside was the most beautiful dress of Periwinkle blue.
"We couldn't think what colour to buy you" Pavarti admitted as Hermione stared at it. "I was all for emerald green"
"But I wanted a deep red" Lavender laughed
"But we remembered you had periwinkle blue for the Yule Ball so we hoped for the best"
Hermione looked up at them standing their awkwardly awaiting her approval. She beamed at them and couldn't help the tears that slid down her cheeks. "I love it" she gushed "It was so thoughtful"
"Well we couldn't have you going to the dance in just anything" Lavender had proclaimed once Hermione had hugged them both
"Especially considering one Ron Weasley shall be there," Pavarti added which earned her a pillow to the head.
Hermione had dressed quickly while Pavarti had redone her hair. Bed Head apparently wasn't the look she was going for.
Now she stood in front of the floor length mirror smiling at the reflection, her reflection.
The dress had spaghetti straps that crossed up her back with a single strap to hold it to her shoulders. The dress flowed down to just above her knees showing off her shapely tanned legs. Her hair had been transformed from bushy electric socket look to that of elegant shiny curls some were left to frame her face while the rest were pinned up with dainty flowers woven in for decoration.
They looked fabulous.
"Wow"
All three girls spun to the doorway where the amazed voice had came from
Seamus stood there and he appeared to have forgotten what he had been sent for.
"We're coming now" Lavender said suppressing a giggle as she kissed him lightly on the cheek and followed him downstairs "how did you get up here anyway?" she asked as they made their way down.
"Ready?" Pavarti asked
Hermione nodded and they left for the celebration.
Ron watched in amazement as Hermione descended the stairs. She looked beautiful. Of course he'd always thought so but now she was proving this to everyone.
"You look great" he told her as she took his arm.
He leaned towards her and Hermione felt her heart flutter just as she was about to close her eyes she felt his lips on her cheek. They were back to being friends.
She sighed what had she expected a Happy Ever After. They only existed in fairytales.
She forced a smile and thanked him as he led her to the great hall. He along with the rest of the guys were dressed in tuxes of different fashions much to Rons relief who had always hated dress robes.
The other Gryffindor's followed suit. Neville with Pavarti, Dean with Padma (who had come to meet her sister and ended up leaving with Dean who Pavarti had revealed was who she had hoped to leave with) Seamus with Lavender and Harry with Ginny
They entered the great hall and took their seats. The hall had been transformed. The night sky was clear the stars in perfect view. Fairy lights were strung everywhere leaving the hall in a magical like glow. Tables were pushed against the far walls circling the dance floor. The Christmas tree stood tall and spectacular on the little stage by the teacher's table, which was only ever used for the sorting ceremony.
Draco greeted them with a smile and Hermione couldn't help but notice how different he looked. He was happy and smiling genuinely rather than sarcastically he hugged Ron and nodded to Hermione as they sat down. Hannah Abbot, Draco's date told her how beautiful she looked and Draco agreed. Gone were the days of name calling and making fun. It was so surreal.
Harry waved to his parents who were sitting at a table with Sirius, Remus Lupin Ron's family Deans, Nevilles and Seamus parents, Cedric, Seamus sisters and Helena. They waved back and Lily looked like she might be crying. James had his arm around her and she mouthed how proud of him they were.
They sat and talked as the hall began to fill. When the last seat was filled Dumbledore stood up and waited for silence. As the noise decreased he beamed around at them all. When it was quiet he spoke.
"Welcome one and all. Family members loved ones Students and Teachers. Welcome. I won't bore you with talk of what has happened, as we already know. I have explained as best I can with help from others." He smiled at Madame Pomphrey who blushed
"All you need to know is that you can now enjoy the rest of your childhood and hopefully the rest of your lives"
Everybody cheered
"The war is over"
Everybody cheered louder
"Tomorrow is a new day. Make of it what you will"
Harry laughed as he clapped along with his peers
"The Christmas holidays will begin three weeks early starting tomorrow you will return as usual on January 1st. This feast is not only held to mark that or the diminish in evil but to celebrate the bravery that has taken place to free us."
Harry looked at Ron who shrugged
A trophy and 6 medals appeared on the table before the head master.
"For Services to the school and the Magical world as we know it I would like to thank and personally award Mr. Harry Potter, Mr. Ronald Weasley, Mr. Seamus Finnigan, Mr. Dean Thomas, Mr. Neville Longbottom and Miss Hermione Granger with Hogwarts medals of loyalty, bravery, and chivalry. Your house kinsman, Godric Gryffindor couldn't have picked finer students himself."
The cheering in the hall if it were possible got even louder and the applause was almost deafening. Harry couldn't help but grin and Hermione noticed Rons blush was back.
"Well come on" Hagrid yelled above the noise as Dumbledore failed to quiet them down "Come and get yer awards"
Neville laughed and they all made their way towards the teacher's table. Standing in a line they each leant their heads forward as he placed the medal around their necks. They shook hands with every member of the teacher's table and faced their fellow schoolmates before they were allowed to sit back down.
Draco shook each of their hands and kissed Hermiones on their return, which earned him a playful warning look from Ron.
When the noise had ceased Dumbledore spoke again.
"And this will live forever in the school trophy room commemorating all you have done until the end of time. No one will forget the work of the spectacular six"
The Trophy rose in the air as everyone clapped again and with a loud pop vanished.
Several floors up and over, many moving staircases and a few long hallways later the trophy reappeared in the school trophy room inside the protective glass case. It shone proudly with the words:
In recognition of the Spectacular Six
Neville Frank Longbottom
Seamus Patrick Finnigan
Hermione Jane Granger
Ronald Bilius Weasley
Dean Robert Thomas
Harry James Potter
All as Brave and Loyal as each other
single handedly brought down the
Dark Lord and saved us all
may we remember them always
For their services to the school
and the magical world we know
Back in the Great Hall
"And for now I think I've done enough talking so with these final words"
"Until after the feast" Flitwick jokingly added.
Dumbledore laughed "Yes until after the feast. Eat cheese be merry drink butterbeer get drunk. Or just mildly happy" he grinned raised his arms and the feast began.
Once everyone had eaten as much as they could Dumbledore stood again
The plates disappeared and the Head Master spoke. "Now that you have eaten your fill the dance can begin. Justin of Hufflepuff house sixth years will demonstrate his music capabilities then the band will start. Refreshments can be retrieved from the stand in the corner"
They all looked and up and in the corner of the stage a bar had been assembled
"Enjoy" he smiled and re took his seat as Justin made his way to the stage guitar in hand
He sat himself down and pulled the microphone towards him and began the intro
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
Ginny and Harry stood and made their way to the dance floor Justin's voice was incredible and the song was amazing.
You're the one I want to chase
You're the one I want to hold
I won't let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
The rest of their table made their way to the floor
I know that you are something special
To you I'd be always faithful
Ron looked at Hermione who smiled at him. "Wanna dance?" he asked hopefully
I want to be what you always needed
Then I hope you'll see the heart in me
"I'd love to" She replied taking his hand and letting him lead her to the floor
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I want to chase
You're the one I want to hold
I won't let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
Your beautiful soul, yeah
You might need time to think it over
But I'm just fine moving forward
I'll ease your mind
If you give me the chance
I will never make you cry, c'mon let's try
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I want to chase
You're the one I want to hold
I won't let another minute go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
Am I crazy for wanting you?
Baby do you think you could want me too
I don't wanna waste your time
Do you see things the way I do?
I just want to know that you feel it too
There is nothing left to hide
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
You're the one I want to chase
You're the one I want to hold
I won't let another minute go to waste
I want you and your soul
I don't want another pretty face
I don't want just anyone to hold
I don't want my love to go to waste
I want you and your beautiful soul
Your beautiful soul, yeah
The song finished and everybody clapped no sooner had Justin left the stage the music started up again. The Weird sisters made their entrance for another Hogwarts night of entertainment.
After what seemed like the hundredth song Hermione had to sit down, Ron being the gentleman joined her.
"Fancy some fresh air?" he yelled in her ear so as to be heard
She nodded to out of breath to speak
Once they were outside Hermione immediately cooled down and began to shiver, before she could return for her cloak Ron's arm was around her shoulders holding her closely to keep her warm. Hermione smiled as he led her around her grounds resting her head against him. So they were friends she could dream couldn't she?
Ron finally stopped as they approached the lake. The moon shone down on the calm water casting a glow around its surface.
"Can I ask you something?" Ron asked not looking at her "Other than can I ask you something obviously"
Hermione smiled and repressed the urge to say yes anything and instead said "sure"
"Would you like to dance?"
Hermione looked at him and nodded turning to go back to the Great Hall.
Ron however didn't move except to grab her hand in his.
"Here's fine" he practically whispered
She looked at him in surprise "Ron there's no music" she told him. He didn't seem to hear her however as he took her in his arms.
His arms around her waist he began to slowly dance with her under the moonlight
Hermione couldn't do anything but lean her head on his shoulder and wrap her arms around his neck.
As she leant against him a soft tinkling of music reached her ears she looked at Ron but he didn't seem to be able to hear it and if he did he didn't show it.
A light flashed from the other side of the lake and the music got louder, but not to loud to spoil the moment.
"Did you see that" Hermione asked him
Ron shook his head and whispered something Hermione thought was "I'm only looking at you"
As the music continued Hermione could make out words as someone sang along. She knew she wasn't imagining it now as Ron had slowed his movements down to keep in time with it.
Letting him lead her she swayed along in time to the music filling her mind
Young girl don't cry
I'll be right here when your world starts to fall
Young girl it's alright
Your tears will dry you'll soon be free to fly
When your safe inside your room you tend to dream
Of a place where nothings harder than it seems
No one ever wants to bother to explain
Of the heartache life can bring and what it means
When there's no one else, look inside yourself
And like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you'll find the strength that will guide your way
You'll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Young girl don't hide
You'll never change if you just run away
Young girl just hold tight
Soon your gonna see your brighter day
Now in a world where innocence is quickly claimed
Its so hard to stand your ground when your so afraid
No one reaches out a hand for you to hold
When you look outside look inside to your soul
When there's no one else, look inside yourself
And like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you'll find the strength that will guide your way
You'll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Life is a journey
It can take you anywhere you choose to go
As long as your learning
You'll find all you'll ever need to know
Be strong
You'll break it
Hold on
You'll make it
Just don't forsake it because
No one can tell you what you can't do
No one can stop you, you know that I'm talking to you
When there's no one else, look inside yourself
And like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you'll find the strength that will guide your way
You'll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Young girl don't cry I'll be right here when your world starts to fall
Hermione continued to sway not noticing the music had stopped.
She would have carried on if a loud bang, crackle and fizzle hadn't roused her from her romantic stupor.Looking up she saw Ron's bright blue eyes looking down at her and as he leaned his face towards her own another firework exploded lighting up the night sky as his lips met hers.
After a few minutes of the most amazing kiss of Hermiones life Ron pulled away. She felt her heart was about to explode and her lips tingled pleasantly.
He looked down at her smiling "Bond doesn't get the girl till the end of the movie"
Hermione laughed as he brought his lips to hers once again his tongue sweeping against hers felt so right. Nothing could spoil this moment.
"Its about bloody time"
Ron and Hermione looked up to see the group of Gryffindor sixth years looking down at them. Not even that.
Laughing and smiling they joined their friends. Rons hand around Hermiones.
Sitting down by the lake the friends sat and watched the fireworks explode above them. Ron sat with Hermione in front of him his arms around her as she leant in to his body. Holding her close. Their friends in similar positions they sat and reveled in each other's company. Glad that the old was over.
Glad that the new was beginning.
From the other side of the lake Helena smiled to herself. "Trust the Voice within" she whispered and then she was gone.
AN – Well sadly my friends that is in fact the end. For now, a sequel is in fact blossoming in my mind as we speak but the details are a little hazy at the moment. But hey I made this one up as I went along hopefully I can do the same with the sequel lol. Hopefully this was an amazing ending for you lol hopefully a better story ending than the end of the last chapter that everyone seemed to think was the ending lol. I've loved every minute of this Fic thanx to everyone for sticking with it so long and reviewing and everything you made all my hard work worth it lol. Well until the sequel I suppose. Feel free to check out my other work, which will get some attention now that this is finished and I'm working on my sequel lol. Don't forget to Review hopefully you liked it :D Thanx bye for now :D