Chapter 9

Yule Ball

The Yule Ball was fast approaching and everyone was getting more and more excited about it. It was just what the school needed to get the pupil's morale levels up. Harry was still rather off Ron at the moment but it wasn't like he could blame Ron, as Harry had told no one that he liked Cho. Harry and Hermione were discussing the ball one night, while Ron went to talk to Cho about the arrangements.

"I'm glad Ron's got a nice date. I hear Cho is a lovely girl, but I reckon Ron only likes her because she's pretty and the Ravenclaws Seeker." Hermione was telling Harry.

"I very much doubt if anyone will look prettier than you Hermione," he smiled at her. "I've heard she's a nice girl too." Luckily for Harry, Hermione failed to notice the envy in his voice, and talked about the Yule Ball all night.

Harry was hoping that Christmas might put Snape in a better mood. He had to know what his Godfather, Sirius, was on about. What were his suspicions? It was confusing Harry so much that for the last two lessons he's been very tempted to ask, but bottled out at the last second. Snape was not the sort of person you could easily talk to, unlike Evi. Then it hit him. Evi! She knew Snape and she might know.

"Hermione, do you think that Evi will know why Snape hates my dad?" He asked knowing she would be able to give him an answer.

"Probably Harry, but then again, she is close to Snape and might not tell you." Harry hadn't thought of that, if she was close to Snape, she would also keep his secret. If Harry's own godfather, who hates Snape, won't tell him, why would one of his closest friends? But he had to know, and one night after dinner he went to see Evi.

"Evi, I need a word with you about something private," He said when she answered her door. She let him in, and to Harry's surprise, Snape was there sitting on the sofa with a mug of something in his hand.

"What do you want Potter?" Snape said in his usual tone when he was talking to Harry.

"Now, now, Severus, we have to be nice to our guests. He wants a word with me, but I don't think he meant in front of you. Do you mind?" Evi said. Snape sighed, got up and walked out of the door.

"I'll be in my room if you want me." He said and he left. Harry was still standing by the door looking rather nervous; he had totally lost the guts to ask now.

"Come and sit down Harry and I'll see if I can help you." Her voice was warm and inviting and Harry couldn't refuse, she made him a cup of tea ("Milk, two sugars please") and they sat down to chat.

"So what seems to be the problem?" She said and took a sip of tea in her Bagpuss mug.

"Well, it's hard to tell you, but I'll try. My problem is…Professor Snape." Evi looked at him and laughed.

"Thought as much by your reaction on seeing him in here. What part of Severus bothers you?" her relaxed tone to Harry's confession calmed him down.

"I know he hates my dad, but I don't understand why. I know about my dad saving his life, but surely he can't still hate him for that? There's too much hatred there for it just to be a small thing like that."

"Small thing like that! I'm sure Severus would see it as something completely different. Harry, imagine being the laughing stock of the school because of that and the people who played the trick on you, heroes. It's just the injustice of it all that gets Severus. He hated school here and it was because of James." That didn't help Harry much at all.

"My godfather, Sirius Black, seems to reckon there is another reason to why he hated my father. Do you know anything about this?" Harry was trying to be very careful, as Evi has got a temper on her and it didn't want to see it.

"Honestly Harry, I couldn't tell you. Severus is not one of those people who can open up very easily, as I can gather you understand by you asking me not him." Harry was a bit embarrassed that it was that obvious.

"Evi, something I was also curious about, well actually the whole class; why did you leave Hogwarts?" She tensed up and shuffled around in her seat.

"Harry…it's not something I'm willing to talk about. I will only ever say that it was the best decision I ever made and that's it. To be truthful, even Dumbledore doesn't know why I left." She drank more of her tea. Harry realised he wasn't going to get it out of her and rose to leave. He got to the door and turned back towards Evi.

"Was it anything to do with Draco's older brother?" Harry boldly asked. Evi remained silent for a moment as if she was not going to answer.

"Yes and no," she slowly said. "Just before Crispin died, he told me to leave Hogwarts as I was in danger. When news of his death reached the school, I left. It was not the only reason though. I never did like the politics of this school, where they don't prepare the pupils for the outside world and how they keep important information from them too," she explained.

"Surely that's to protect us?" Harry butted in. She smiled.

"You would say that, you like Dumbledore. I never did as what you see as protecting, I see as hiding. I will always maintain that this school has something to hide." Harry turned to leave.

"Harry, I hope I can count on your discretion?" she said to him.

"Of course, Miss. Out of curiosity, which house were you in?" Harry asked.

"Isn't it obvious? I was a Slytherin." She smiled and Harry left the room and went back into the common room to find Ron and Hermione talking in the corner with Ginny and Angeline working on the table beside them. Ron has been with Cho all evening and repeated every conversation to Hermione and then Harry, even though Harry really didn't want to hear. Ron ran off when he realised that he had forgotten to ask Cho something and he sped out of the common room so fast that he bumped straight into poor Parvati Patil, nearly knocking her over.

"He seems to really like her. It's a good thing that he's realised that looks aren't everything." Harry knew what she was getting at. Last year, Ron and Harry only asked Hermione to be their dates when no one else would, but Harry had learned his lesson, and she was the only one he asked.

"Hermione, have you got a dress for the ball then?" Harry asked turning back to Hermione.

"Yeah, but don't think that you get to have a look. It's going to be a surprise." Harry laughed, as last year was surprise enough, when she walked into the Hall on the arm of Krum looking like a million pounds. She looked amazing and the whole room was looking at her. This year, she would be on the arm of Harry and he couldn't be prouder to have her as his date.

It was the last Muggle Studies lesson before Christmas and everyone was excited about what fun Evi had planned for them this lesson. They all piled into Evi classroom and it looked like they had just walked into a winter wonderland with a Christmas tree, lights and lots of sparkling decorations around her room. Evi had moved all the desks to the side of the room and there was a huge pile of cushions in the middle of the floor and a TV was set up at the front of the class.

"I have a slightly different lesson planned today. I though I would treat you all to pop, crisps and a movie." There were some cheers from the back of the class.

"Before we start, where is Draco?" she said scouring the class for him.

"Making your tea," he said coming out of her back room and putting her Bagpuss mug in the desk for her.

"Aww bless you Draco. It's automatic now," she said smiling and picking up her mug. Draco rolled his eyes and sat at the far side of the room.

"Draco?" she said as soon as he sat down.

"What now? You want me to dust?" he said sarcastically. Evi laughed.

"No. What pop and crisps do you? You get first choice." Draco seemed shocked at her sudden kindness towards him.

"Coke and any type of crisps please," he said.

"Look at that, you have manners. Damn I'm good." Draco, along with the rest of the class, couldn't help but laugh at that comment as she handed him a cup and a packet of crisps.

Harry watched her. He couldn't help but think that part of her was hoping that Malfoy was like his brother Crispin. But Harry knew she would be disappointed as Little Malfoy was as bad as his father, or perhaps worse.

After everyone had some crisps and pop, Evi turned the video on. She had chosen 'The Lion King' and she later confessed to Harry that it was the only film she thought the rest of the class would understand with their limited knowledge of Muggles. But Harry suspected that there was another reason, especially when she knew all the lines and all the words to the songs including the expressions on the faces of the lions. That had to be the best Muggle Studies lesson they have had in a long time. Even though she had to tell them to be quiet, even some of the Slytherins seemed to enjoy the film too – including Draco Malfoy who didn't say much the whole lesson.

On the last day of the autumn term, Evi made an announcement at the evening meal in the Great Hall.

"Everybody!" she shouted and everyone quietened down. "I have an announcement about the Yule Ball. Professor Dumbledore has kindly given me the task of organising the Yule Ball this year. Although last years was brilliant by all accounts, I kind have guessed that the Weird Sisters were not everybody's cup of tea. So this year, there are some slight differences. For one, modern, Muggle music will be played and see me if you have a request for a particular song you wish me to play. Also, the dress code is formal and since dancing is rather difficult for the boys in those…dress things, I had an idea. I'm scraping those and instead, you will be expected to wear formal muggle clothing." There were some groans from the Slytherin table, with Malfoy being the loudest. "Yes Mr Malfoy, Muggle clothing. That means suits for the boys and evening gowns for the girls. Boys, a little suggestion: girls love a guy in a tux. So if all, and I mean ALL," she said looking up and down the faculty table, "who wish to attend the dance…"

"Ball," McGonagall corrected her.

"Ball, must wear formal muggle wear. If you can't get your hands on suits boys, just come as smart as possible. Thank you," and she sat back down.

"Now that sounds much better than last year," Ron said.

"Good music and good clothing. This will be brilliant," Harry agreed.

And just imagine our boys in suits," Hermione whispered to Lavender Brown and they both started giggling.

"Wonder what they are giggling about?" Ron wondered.

"I think at the prospect of seeing us in suits," Harry said having heard what Hermione had said.

"So, Evi was right; girls like a guy in a tux," Ron said and seemed to get an idea. Harry had a suit with him, but it was rather tatty and he really didn't want to show up Hermione as she was going to look amazing, he just knew it.

No students were allowed home this year so, for once, the Gryffindor common room was full of students on Christmas day. There were piles of Christmas presents under the tree when harry awoke early that morning. Ron and Hermione weren't up yet, but Harry wanted to give Hermione her present on her own. He made his way to the girls dormitory.

The door is slightly open; he peers in and sees that she is awake. She's unpacking her presents for everyone. Harry stands staring at her for a couple of minutes. He shakes himself and knocks on the door as he enters. Hermione starts and a beaming smile come across her face when she realises who it is.

"H…hey Harry. Merry Christmas. Something wrong?" She asks rather worried to see him there.

"Hi, I just wanted to give you your present when we are alone."

Harry hands her a little neatly wrapped box. She opens it and there is a velvet box in it. She opens that and can't believe what she's looking at, it's the silver necklace she was looking at in Diagon Alley. She has tears running down her face and she's speechless.

"Oh Harry, you shouldn't have. It's beautiful!" She cries as she throws her arms around his neck. As they pull away, their eyes meet. They look at each other for what seems like hours and then Harry moves in for a kiss. Hermione couldn't have asked for anything more. Harry has felt for Hermione for sometime now and didn't know how she felt, but now he did, there was nothing stopping him. They kissed. They broke off when they heard Ron shouting after Harry. Harry turns to leave, but Hermione stops him.

"Let's keep this between ourselves." Harry nods in agreement and leaves her with her emotions all in a flutter.

Down stairs people are gathering around the busy, green Christmas tree. There are four presents under the tree for Harry. There is one from Ron, it was the supporters scarf of Ron's favourite team, The Chudley Cannons. It was great, and Harry wrapped it tightly around his neck, and opened his next present. It was Mrs Weasley, another hand knitted jumper, this time in the Gryffindor colours. Ron also got one and again, it was maroon. Hermione handed him his present, it was another set of Broom Cleaning Equipment. Harry gave her a hug for it, he was getting low on supplies on the last one she gave him, so he loved it, also it came from Hermione so he would love it whatever it was.

Harry's last present was from Sirius, and Harry didn't know what to make of it. It was a suit, a very nice suit at that. Hermione came to look and started to scream.

"Oh my God! Who gave you that?" She seemed very excited about it.

"It's from Sirius. At least I have a new suit to wear to the Yule Ball now," Harry said.

"Harry, that's not just a suit, it's an Armani Suit. They are really expensive, and stylish, it must have cost him a fortune." She looked like she dared not touch it, in case she ruined it. Harry was very surprised and curious why he had bought it for him, until he found the note that came with it, which had dropped on the floor.

Hey Harry,

I thought you might like a suit to go to the Yule ball in. Even Malfoy wouldn't have one of these and your date will probably look nice so I thought you better too.

You might have noticed it's an Armani suit, and guessed they are expensive, but I have a lot of money and no one to spend it on and why can't I treat my favourite godson (alright, I know you're my only godson!). Hope you and Hermione enjoy the Yule Ball!

Love

Sirius

Harry couldn't believe that he had a suit bought for him, (or that Sirius knew he was taking Hermione). Hermione, on the other hand, couldn't get over the fact that it is an Armani suit.

Christmas dinner was always good, and Harry always enjoyed all the food on offer. After spending the morning in the common room, they were brought to the Great Hall for lunch by McGonagall. She seemed more relaxed than usual but that was not saying a lot. They walked into the Hall and the Hall looked amazing, the ceiling was bewitched to resemble the sky with snow coming down, and there were little fairy lights flying around the room. Not surprisingly, Harry discovered that they were indeed really fairies flying around the ceiling. It was so magical and the mood of the room was very relaxed and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

The teachers were enjoying their lunch too, and Evi seemed to have brought back Snape's good mood, and they sat their laughing together and pulling crackers, and simply enjoying themselves.

"Professor Grimalkin, I see, has decided to join us." Hermione whispered gesturing towards the table. Harry looked up and sure enough, there she was sitting eating her lunch quietly and looking very much like she had been forced to come and was taking no enjoyment in being there.

Malfoy seemed to having as much fun as Grimalkin was. He was unusually quiet and Harry was certain that he could see him look at Hermione every so often. But nothing could spoil the day in Harry's mind. Hermione loved her Christmas present, and Harry was finally able to express his feeling to her, and what was best, was that Hermione seemed to feel the same about him.

After lunch Dumbledore made his Christmas speech when he could finally be heard over Evi and Snape's laughter.

"I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, and tell you that the Yule Ball starts tonight at six o clock. I have been assured that the music will be appropriate," Evi gave out a little laugh, ("Sorry Professor"). "So I would like everyone in her by ten to six for the festivities to begin."

It was quarter to six, and Harry was waiting down stairs in the Gryffindor common room for Hermione. He was getting worried that they would be late, and all but Ginny and Neville, had gone down to the Great Hall. Harry was pacing up and down the room, when she appeared from the stairs. She looked amazing. Her dress was made of dark blue velvet and was rather low cut with a shawl around her arms. She not only looked stylish she looked just amazing. Harry was speechless as she did a little spin to show off the dress.

"What do you think?" She said, not really wanting an answer.

"You look the same as you always did to me." Hermione was a bit taken back by this. "You look like the most beautiful woman in the world!" And Harry handed her the corsage he had bought for her. She linked in with him and all four made their way to the Hall. When Harry and Hermione entered, the whole hall went quiet and everyone turned to see Hermione, but she wasn't embarrassed, she was happy, and so was Harry.

They all took their seats and waited for the rest of the teachers. Harry had been used to seeing Evi in jeans and a punky top, but was shocked to see her in a long, purple, flowing gown. Snape escorted her into the room and they took their seats at the teacher's table. Harry noticed Malfoy had also ditched his dress robes and opted to wear a black suit too, just like Malfoy to try and out do everyone, but Harry had an Armani suit and Harry guessed his wasn't.

After the meal, the music commenced. And it was just what was expected from Evi, but it got most people up dancing. Evi had set up a DJ stand with the full works; lights speakers, and a smoke machine. She appeared to be the DJ and started off with a few Christmas songs. Snape stood behind her leaning against the wall. He was wearing a black suit with a black shirt and tie. Harry couldn't help but laugh. He looked like he was going to a funeral not a ball but also it was funny as he always wore black and here was his one opportunity to wear some other colour and still he came in all black. He stood there talking to Evi refusing to dance, but that doesn't mean she wasn't. She was standing behind her desk dilly dancing around to the music, much to the amusement of Snape who found it funny. One of the older students asked her to dance, and she accepted, although she turned to Snape for permission first. She wasn't the only member of staff enjoying herself. McGonagall and Dumbledore had gotten up to dance and most of the student body were up on their feet.

Harry and Hermione got up and danced to 'Another Rock 'N' Roll Christmas' and 'Merry Christmas Everybody' and were thoroughly enjoying themselves. But it wasn't just Christmas songs that were played. Evi had put her favourite songs in there as well, and much to the delight of Hermione, Avril Lavigne was played, along with Bon Jovi, Michelle Branch, and Bryan Adams. But where the Sex Pistols came from was a mystery. Harry joked that it came from Snape, but they never knew, it could have done.

Malfoy happened to walk past the DJ stand where Evi was strutting her stuff and Harry heard her wolf-whistle at Malfoy. He spun around and gave her the most evil look. A small staring contest followed, which Evi won. She smile to herself and returned to her DJing duties.

"You know, that's called harassment," Harry heard Snape say to Evi.

"Yeah. But it's so fun." Harry could tell that she was drunk but if he could get his hand on something, he would be too.

After two hours of dancing, Harry and Hermione rested alongside Ron and Cho. Cho looked great, but Harry thought Hermione looked better. They were sitting chatting about something. Harry happened to notice that they were holding hands and was rather surprised, but not hurt, he had Hermione now. He did think it was unfair, as he wanted to hold Hermione's hand but they had agreed to keep it quiet.

They were sitting together watching the other couples dancing and Evi trying to persuade Snape to go and dance with her, when Draco Malfoy walked over to their table. Ron rolled his eyes and for the first time that night, turned his attentions to someone other than Cho.

"What do you want?" Malfoy looked nervous (this was probably the first time Harry had seen him like this) and looked at Hermione.

"Miss Granger, would you do me the honour of dancing with me?" Harry and Ron just sat there in complete shock. Ron looked like he wanted to say something but wasn't sure what. Harry couldn't believe it, he had just plucked up the courage to show Hermione how he felt and it looked like she was going to be taken away from him.

Draco was standing there; not too sure what she was going to say, anxiously awaiting her answer. Hermione stood up, causing Draco to take a step back thinking she was going to explode or something but he couldn't be further from the truth.

"Alright Draco, I would love to dance with you." She said. That was it; Ron and Harry's jaw dropped to the floor. Hermione, their friend (or something more in Harry's case) was accepting a dance with their arch nemesis Malfoy. Harry was so full of jealousy that you could see his eyes flash green.

Hermione must have seen Harry's expression, as she whispered in his ear, "Don't worry Harry, you still get the last dance." That didn't help Harry calm down. That was his girlfriend, dancing with some else. Neither Ron nor Harry took their eyes off Draco and Hermione dancing. They weren't the only ones, the whole of the Slytherin house seemed to been staring at the pair dancing. Their leader, a Malfoy, dancing with a Mudblood. Not any old Mudblood either, Hermione Granger the one girl who befriend their worst enemy, Harry Potter.

They seemed to be enjoying themselves, Malfoy was smiling and Hermione just couldn't stop laughing. After a few minutes dancing to "Inside Out" by Bryan Adams, Draco returned Hermione to her place beside Harry, kissed her hand, and walked off. Hermione seemed to see the funny side of this as she was still laughing, but Ron and Harry weren't so amused.

"What was all that about?" Harry asked still furious that she accepted.

"Well you were the one who told me I was the most people woman, and you're not the only one to think so." She laughed, but soon stopped when she saw Harry wasn't. "Harry, it was only a dance."

Harry's evening was good on the whole. He got to dance the rest of the night with Hermione. But something was still bothering him. The shock of Draco asking Hermione to dance had worn off and Harry realised that she did look beautiful and nearly everyone wanted to dance with her. It was that she accepted that bothered him: why did she accept the one person they all hate? Harry kept a keen eye on Malfoy the rest of the night and watched as Evi dragged him on to the dance floor with her. Malfoy didn't seem very pleased and she seemed to be asking him questions and even looked at Hermione, which Harry understood as Evi quizzing Malfoy about his dance with Hermione.

Harry did get the last dance though, which cheered him up a bit, and got to hold his dear friend close in his arms. The last dance was 'Everything I do (I do it for you)' and the whole room was up on its feet, and even Evi got Snape to dance, sort of. She was holding his hands and moving his arms but it wasn't a voluntary and his face was like thunder. Harry thought it was a perfect Kodak moment. Harry and Hermione were the cutest couple on the dance floor; everyone thought so, apart from Ron who thought he had the best looking date for the ball with Cho. All in all, it was a good night for everyone and everyone was glad that Evi had taken control.

Harry and Hermione made their way up to the Gryffindor common room after everyone else had already gone up. Harry was bold enough to hold her hand and they walked into the common room which was completely deserted.

Have you enjoyed yourself Hermione?" Harry asked as they sat on the Gryffindor sofa.

"Yeah, of course I have. It's been a great Christmas. What about you?" Harry turned to her, grabbed hold of her and held her in his arms.

"The best ever!" He gave her a kiss and they sat like that watching the fire getting lower and lower until it was almost out, and then made their way to their rooms. Harry didn't want to leave her, but he knew he had to. They separated with a kiss and Harry watched as her door closed quietly behind her and then made his way to his own room, for the best night's sleep he's ever had dreaming and remembering the whole night.