Chapter 10: Hogsmeade Discussions
The week seemed to fly by as students discussed the upcoming ball in all its glory and wonder. By the end of the week, the professors announced severe detentions "to the next student who mentioned the ruddy ball." Dumbledore had to be the only staff member who didn't mind the commotion. After all, it was his plan to announce it that early in order to distract the students from the Gryffindor still frozen in the infirmary. The professors were still trying to discover the cause since they couldn't determine the antidote to counteract it without knowing what caused it. No one had any luck in that area. Ginny continued having dreams with the exception of the night she spent in the common room. After that brutal night, the peace of the following night was welcomed by both teens.
Saturday morning dawned bright and early as Ginny awoke from another dream. Thoroughly used to waking up in this manner, Ginny dragged herself to the bathroom for blood control and then washed up. Ten minutes later, she found herself standing in the common room, towering over a very unsuspecting young man with black hair. She took the opportunity to let her eyes graze over his appearance and the open book that doubled as a pillow. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she opened her mouth to help him welcome in the new day.
"Up, Potter! The world is ending! You need to save it!" she yelled. Harry bolted up and had his wand and hand outstretched, ready to jinx her into next week. As he came to his senses, he found Ginny clutching her sides before him, shaking with laughter.
"You should have seen your face. You looked like a deer caught in headlights of a muggle car. It was priceless!" she said as she slowly began regaining her breath.
"Oh I did, did I? Well, I wonder why, you minx," he replied, finally calming down. Shaking his head like a wet dog, he cleared his mind of the last vestiges of sleep. "I'm going to go get dressed. I'll meet you down at breakfast." Without waiting for a response, he turned and made his way to his dormitory, leaving a still giggling Ginny in his wake.
Sometime later, Harry, a slightly calmer Ginny, Hermione, and Ron stood in the Great Hall, ready to leave for Hogsmeade.
"Everyone ready to go? Remember, stay close to Harry; he'll protect us from evil and danger," Ginny said, snickering. Harry's threatening glare merely sent her into more peals of laughter. Finally giving up, as this was the routine the whole morning so far, he slumped his shoulders and stalked out of the school. Ron and Hermione shook their heads and ran after their friend. Ginny, still shaking slightly, brought up the rear.
The trek to the village was uneventful yet extremely exhilarating as the wind blew around them; a slight nip in the air, but not enough to be cold. The cool breeze wrapped its fingers around the students, banishing all traces of fatigue and replacing it with a newly found excitement. The three seventh years and one sixth year were no exception.
"So, where does everyone want to go, today?" Hermione asked upon reaching the town gates.
"You have to ask? I'm going to Zonko's. I've got to try to find some ammunition to use against the twins," Ron answered firmly.
"I'll join you and give you some pointers," replied Harry as they began walking away, leaving the girls in the street.
"Wait, guys. We should meet for lunch or something," Hermione called out to them.
"I suppose we could do that. See you at noon then." Without another word, the boys disappeared down the street.
"It's a miracle they even remember we exist sometimes," Hermione observed.
"Oh, it's always been that way and you know it. So what are we going to do?" Ginny asked her.
"I want to get new dress robes for the ball. I could certainly use your help and we could even find you something to wear, too." Hermione's face looked too hopeful and too full of energy for Ginny to deny her friend. However, Ginny had no intentions of looking for new robes of her own as they hurried off down the street.
Madame Malcolm's shop was at the end of the road and the girls had to squeeze past a group of third years eyeing the dress robes with dreamy looks in order to get in. The shop was small and several other girls crowded the counter, vying for attention. Ginny and Hermione stayed towards the back and soon a small plump witch came up to them.
"Can I help you my dears?" she asked. At Hermione's nod, the witch swept them away to a secluded spot that served as a fitting room. Hermione wasted no time in spelling out what she was looking for. It sounded awfully extravagant and complicated to Ginny but the seamstress seemed to know exactly what she was after. With a swish of her wand, a dress appeared and Hermione disappeared behind a curtain to try it on.
"What about you, my dear? What are you looking for?" she turned her attention to Ginny.
"Oh, no. I'm not after a dress," she said.
"Well, it certainly doesn't hurt to try some on, dearie."
"Yes it does."
"Oh, just try some on, Ginny. You never know what will happen," Hermione said stepping out of the room. Ginny and the seamstress turned to her as she walked up to the middle platform and spun around. The dress looked wonderful on Hermione. Though it looked extravagant on the hangar, Hermione toned it down very effectively.
"I think we found the one. It looks simply stunning on you, my dear," the seamstress gushed.
"Yes, it definitely looks good. It accents all the right areas and I'm sure Ron will love it," Ginny said evilly. Her remark served its purpose and Hermione blushed a deep rose color.
"Ok. Your turn, Missie," Hermione retorted.
"No. Hermione, no. I can't. I – I don't have a date."
"Maybe not right now, but who knows what might happen in the future. I don't and I'm pretty sure you can't either."
"But-" Before she could finish her complaints, Hermione dragged her back to the fitting room with an armful of robes to try. Ginny had the first one on in a whirlwind of cloth and suddenly found herself standing before the mirror. The dress looked good on her but Ginny's eyes were drawn to the large scars on her neck and shoulders that were just beginning to heal.
"Oh, dearie, has-"
"No, I don't like it. I'm going to get changed. We need to get going anyways, Hermione," Ginny cut off any more comments by stalking back into the changing rooms. Ten minutes later, Hermione bought her dress robes and both girls stood outside, turning and heading back down the road to the Three Broomsticks.
"Ginny, I'm really sorry about that. I completely forgot about the scars. Maybe some sort of spell can cover it up?"
"It's alright, Hermione. Don't worry about it. It's a mute point anyway. Oh, look. The guys actually beat us in there. Let's join them before they think we ditched them."
Hermione shook her head at Ginny's avoidance but followed her in anyway. As usual, the place was crowded and the girls had to wind around several tables bursting with people before they managed to reach the boys in a booth at the back of the room.
"Welcome. Glad you could make it. You know, we were starting to wonder if you had been taken or something. So, who wants a butterbeer?" Ron asked and the other three voiced their acceptance.
"I think I'll join you since I'm sure you could use some help, butterfingers," Hermione said affectionately. Ron scowled at her but followed her to the bar anyway to retrieve their drinks. Harry and Ginny looked at each other and began snickering at their antics.
"Did you enjoy your morning?" Harry asked, leaning over to speak with Ginny.
"It was okay. Hermione had fun at least so I guess it was a success," she replied. "Did you and Ron find what you were after?"
"Unfortunately, yes we did." They lapsed into a comfortable silence as they waited for their friends to return.
"It couldn't have worked. There are way too many students running around here for the letter to have activated correctly," a familiar voice said as it floated over the top of the booth. Both Ginny and Harry recognized it as one of the two voices from the room in the passageway.
"I assure you, the potion worked. A student is in the hospital wing, completely petrified. It's not my fault the kid picked it up instead of Potter. Besides, how could the warning be understood if he was petrified? It's better this way," sneered the second voice.
"Harry, it's them," whispered Ginny.
"I know."
"Obviously, the warning wasn't heeded. We need to do something more. Master must not know about the 'failure'. We will do something bigger, grander; something to get Dumbledore's attention and something that can't be ignored. Turning students to stone doesn't cut it. A death would, though," the first voice said.
"No. It's too drastic. Something will happen but it's imperative that we keep it small. We will have a much greater affect if students just begin freezing up or small accidents happen to them. If they don't know what is happening, it will be much more effective. After all, ignorance breeds fear and terror. That's how we will do it. Keep it subtle and build the fear," the second voice replied. "Now, no more of this. We can be overheard and that's the last thing we need."
"Here you go. Man, who would have thought it would be so difficult to get four drinks," Ron said as he and Hermione returned to the table.
"What do you think they are up to?" Ginny asked.
"I'm not sure but it can't be good," Harry replied.
"Huh? What are you guys talking about? Who's up to stuff? What's Malfoy doing this time?" Ron asked, thoroughly confused.
"Malfoy isn't doing anything that we are aware of. We'll tell you later what's going on. What took so long to get the drinks? Did you get side tracked?" Ginny asked suggestively.
"Ginny Weasley. I can't believe you just said that," screeched Hermione. The other two laughed but Ron's face was doing its best to match his hair color. Over his shoulder, Harry noticed two people get up from the only other table around them.
"Okay, here's the deal," he began.
"Harry, shouldn't we save this for later?" Ginny inquired.
"No, I think it will be okay. They just left so we should be fine." From there, Harry preceded to tell Ron and Hermione about overhearing the conversation in the deserted hallway and then the conversation they just overheard. By the end of the tale, Ron and Hermione sat staring at Harry and Ginny with wide eyes.
"That means they were responsible for the attack in the common room," Ron stated slowly, obviously piecing the puzzle together.
"Yes, but we now know that it was a potion of sorts that did so maybe that will help the staff find a cure. We need to tell Dumbledore so they can get going on solving the problem," Hermione said, logically.
"Yes, but we can wait until later. A few more hours aren't going to hurt anyone and I have a few more things to get," Harry answered.
"Great. So do I. Ginny, I need you to come with me this time, please?" Ron asked his sister, throwing in the largest puppy dog eyes he could manage.
"You know you look ridiculous like that, right? I suppose I could join you but if you pull any pranks on me or anything like that, I'm leaving you," Ginny threatened. Ron grinned and pulled her out of the booth and out the door.
"Good grief. One would think he was expecting the place to go up in flames if he stayed a moment later," Hermione observed. Harry smiled but he suddenly seemed somewhat hesitant and uneasy.
"Harry, are you alright?" Hermione asked him.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"Well, since fifth year was such a disaster, I want to know how the female brain works."
"Harry, there is no way I can explain the inner workings of our brains. Maybe it would work better if you told me what specifically you were after. It has to do with Ginny, doesn't it?" Hermione pinned him with a calculating look.
"Yes it does and I can't afford to alienate her and butcher this."
"I'm sure she'd love to go to the ball with you." Hermione's guess proved correct when Harry gave her a surprised look.
"How – how?" he stuttered.
"It was painfully obvious, Harry. But don't worry; I'm sure she'd love to go with you. Goodness, its certainly taken you long enough to do something," Hermione laughed.
"Yeah, yeah. So, is there any advice or anything I need to know about when I do this?"
"Don't be an idiot and you should be fine. Just ask her and I'm sure she'll say yes, though you may want to do it with a little more finesse than Ron did."
"Alright, I'll keep that in mind, thanks."
"Oh, wait – um, never mind," she mumbled.
"What? Hermione you can't do that. Please, what is it?"
"Well, this morning we tried on some robes and it didn't go well for her because the seamstress saw one of the cuts on her shoulder and neck. At least, I think that's why she was upset," Hermione explained. "But Harry, I think you should still ask her. I'm sure she'll say yes. Now, anything else you would like to talk about?"
"Nope, that was it. Thank you," Harry answered. "So, do you have anything else you want to look at or just browse or would you like to sit here the rest of the afternoon?"
Hermione laughed and they decided to just browse the shops until something grabbed them or they ran into the Weasleys.
*********************
"Ronald Weasley! If you don't stop and tell me what is so bloody important, I'm going to go back in there where there is some sanity!" Ginny said to her brother, exasperated.
"Sorry, Gin. I'm looking for a gift for Hermione. I want to get her some jewelry or something really nice for her for the ball and I'm just really nervous. That's why I wanted you to come with. I want your opinion," Ron explained.
"Alright, I'll help but you have to calm down first. There's the jeweler's if you're interested in that." Ron gulped and hesitantly walked in the door, Ginny, rolling her eyes, followed him in.
Inside, the store was lined with glass cases of all different types of rings, necklaces, and the works. Ron ambled over to a case with sets of earrings and necklaces and began scrutinizing each one. They were nice but not what he was after. Just as he was ready to leave, he saw it. Quickly calling Ginny over, he pointed it out to her. Ginny looked at it and was struck with an idea.
"Ron, you didn't follow us this morning, did you?" she asked.
"No, why do you ask?"
"That would go perfectly with the robes she chose. Find out how much it is and let's get going." She wandered around while Ron haggled with the salesperson, coming to rest before a case of elaborate chokers. Some were very extravagant and gaudy but others were simple enough that she could pull it off. Unfortunately, cost was the driving factor and there was no way she could even afford it.
"You don't think I should have gotten her one of those do you?" Ron asked as he came up behind her.
"Huh? Oh, no. I think you picked the right items. Well, if you're done, let's get going," she said as she walked to the door. They spent the remainder of the afternoon wandering around and buying Christmas gifts for their friends and family since they had the time. By mid afternoon, both couples exhausted their funds for the day and met up together again in front of the shrieking shack.
"Well, it certainly looks like you have been productive," Hermione said as she saw her boyfriend and his sister coming up the path. Ron carried most of the packages while Ginny only had a few.
"Yeah, well, what can I say?" Ron replied as he offered Hermione an arm while shifting all the other packages into his other arm. She took it and they began walking back to the castle, completely forgetting about Harry and Ginny.
"You know, we could easily jinx them so they don't go anywhere or maybe make the road jump up and bite them," Ginny said as she and Harry slowly fell into step behind them.
"We could but that wouldn't be very nice, now would it?" Harry responded.
"Who said nice had anything to do with it? I just wanted to have some fun."
Harry laughed at Ginny as she turned her mouth into a pout. "Right, like that's going to help your cause," he replied.
"Is it working?"
"Nope."
"Dang."
Harry and Ginny spent the rest of the trek back to the castle in amiable conversation, occasionally throwing in quips loud enough to reach Ron and Hermione. Harry, though, seemed a little preoccupied to the redhead and she didn't miss it. Just as they reached the main doors into Hogwarts, both had enough. 'Okay, this is it, Harry, just ask her,' he thought, giving himself the last pep talk. But Ginny beat him to the punch.
"Harry, are you okay? You've seemed distant or distracted on the way back. Did something happen?" she asked.
"Uh, no, nothing happened, yet. I mean lots of things did happen but nothing that upset me or anything. Well, maybe it's more a question of what hasn't happened yet. I mean – oh, heck. I'm rambling, aren't I?"
"Yup. It's rather amusing though."
"Gee, thanks. I think what I'm trying to get out is this. Ginny, um, will you, um, will you go to the ball with me?" he finally got out.
Ginny's eyes went through a torrent of emotions before finally settling on sadness, bordering on despair. Harry watched her, breath held until she began speaking.
"Harry, I would love to go with you but I can't. I'm really sorry. Find someone else who will have fun with you and don't worry about me," she said slowly.
"But Ginny, I don't want to go with someone else and I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it nearly as much as if you joined me. Please, why can't you go? Did someone else ask you first? Or are you waiting for someone else? If that's the case, please, just tell me."
"No. There isn't anyone else and no one has asked me. It's just that I can't go. With anyone. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Without another word, Ginny pushed through Ron and Hermione and ran up the stairs and out of sight.
****************************
Well, there's chapter 10. I hope it's not too bad of a cliffy that sends mobs of raging HP fans after me cuz that's just scary. I will try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible but I'll warn you that I have to move into an apartment next month that doesn't have the internet so it might be awhile in coming, but I'll try. Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed so far. I really enjoy reading your comments so please, keep it up. And I promise for those of you who are a little tired with the fluff, it will get into more of a plot soon, but, as I am a hopeless romantic, I'm sure there will always be strains of it. Hehe. Anyway, thanks for reading with me and don't forget to review. Oh, one last thing. Do you guys prefer the author's notes at the beginning or the end or do you not really care? Just let me know in your reviews. K, this time I really am done. (
The week seemed to fly by as students discussed the upcoming ball in all its glory and wonder. By the end of the week, the professors announced severe detentions "to the next student who mentioned the ruddy ball." Dumbledore had to be the only staff member who didn't mind the commotion. After all, it was his plan to announce it that early in order to distract the students from the Gryffindor still frozen in the infirmary. The professors were still trying to discover the cause since they couldn't determine the antidote to counteract it without knowing what caused it. No one had any luck in that area. Ginny continued having dreams with the exception of the night she spent in the common room. After that brutal night, the peace of the following night was welcomed by both teens.
Saturday morning dawned bright and early as Ginny awoke from another dream. Thoroughly used to waking up in this manner, Ginny dragged herself to the bathroom for blood control and then washed up. Ten minutes later, she found herself standing in the common room, towering over a very unsuspecting young man with black hair. She took the opportunity to let her eyes graze over his appearance and the open book that doubled as a pillow. With a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she opened her mouth to help him welcome in the new day.
"Up, Potter! The world is ending! You need to save it!" she yelled. Harry bolted up and had his wand and hand outstretched, ready to jinx her into next week. As he came to his senses, he found Ginny clutching her sides before him, shaking with laughter.
"You should have seen your face. You looked like a deer caught in headlights of a muggle car. It was priceless!" she said as she slowly began regaining her breath.
"Oh I did, did I? Well, I wonder why, you minx," he replied, finally calming down. Shaking his head like a wet dog, he cleared his mind of the last vestiges of sleep. "I'm going to go get dressed. I'll meet you down at breakfast." Without waiting for a response, he turned and made his way to his dormitory, leaving a still giggling Ginny in his wake.
Sometime later, Harry, a slightly calmer Ginny, Hermione, and Ron stood in the Great Hall, ready to leave for Hogsmeade.
"Everyone ready to go? Remember, stay close to Harry; he'll protect us from evil and danger," Ginny said, snickering. Harry's threatening glare merely sent her into more peals of laughter. Finally giving up, as this was the routine the whole morning so far, he slumped his shoulders and stalked out of the school. Ron and Hermione shook their heads and ran after their friend. Ginny, still shaking slightly, brought up the rear.
The trek to the village was uneventful yet extremely exhilarating as the wind blew around them; a slight nip in the air, but not enough to be cold. The cool breeze wrapped its fingers around the students, banishing all traces of fatigue and replacing it with a newly found excitement. The three seventh years and one sixth year were no exception.
"So, where does everyone want to go, today?" Hermione asked upon reaching the town gates.
"You have to ask? I'm going to Zonko's. I've got to try to find some ammunition to use against the twins," Ron answered firmly.
"I'll join you and give you some pointers," replied Harry as they began walking away, leaving the girls in the street.
"Wait, guys. We should meet for lunch or something," Hermione called out to them.
"I suppose we could do that. See you at noon then." Without another word, the boys disappeared down the street.
"It's a miracle they even remember we exist sometimes," Hermione observed.
"Oh, it's always been that way and you know it. So what are we going to do?" Ginny asked her.
"I want to get new dress robes for the ball. I could certainly use your help and we could even find you something to wear, too." Hermione's face looked too hopeful and too full of energy for Ginny to deny her friend. However, Ginny had no intentions of looking for new robes of her own as they hurried off down the street.
Madame Malcolm's shop was at the end of the road and the girls had to squeeze past a group of third years eyeing the dress robes with dreamy looks in order to get in. The shop was small and several other girls crowded the counter, vying for attention. Ginny and Hermione stayed towards the back and soon a small plump witch came up to them.
"Can I help you my dears?" she asked. At Hermione's nod, the witch swept them away to a secluded spot that served as a fitting room. Hermione wasted no time in spelling out what she was looking for. It sounded awfully extravagant and complicated to Ginny but the seamstress seemed to know exactly what she was after. With a swish of her wand, a dress appeared and Hermione disappeared behind a curtain to try it on.
"What about you, my dear? What are you looking for?" she turned her attention to Ginny.
"Oh, no. I'm not after a dress," she said.
"Well, it certainly doesn't hurt to try some on, dearie."
"Yes it does."
"Oh, just try some on, Ginny. You never know what will happen," Hermione said stepping out of the room. Ginny and the seamstress turned to her as she walked up to the middle platform and spun around. The dress looked wonderful on Hermione. Though it looked extravagant on the hangar, Hermione toned it down very effectively.
"I think we found the one. It looks simply stunning on you, my dear," the seamstress gushed.
"Yes, it definitely looks good. It accents all the right areas and I'm sure Ron will love it," Ginny said evilly. Her remark served its purpose and Hermione blushed a deep rose color.
"Ok. Your turn, Missie," Hermione retorted.
"No. Hermione, no. I can't. I – I don't have a date."
"Maybe not right now, but who knows what might happen in the future. I don't and I'm pretty sure you can't either."
"But-" Before she could finish her complaints, Hermione dragged her back to the fitting room with an armful of robes to try. Ginny had the first one on in a whirlwind of cloth and suddenly found herself standing before the mirror. The dress looked good on her but Ginny's eyes were drawn to the large scars on her neck and shoulders that were just beginning to heal.
"Oh, dearie, has-"
"No, I don't like it. I'm going to get changed. We need to get going anyways, Hermione," Ginny cut off any more comments by stalking back into the changing rooms. Ten minutes later, Hermione bought her dress robes and both girls stood outside, turning and heading back down the road to the Three Broomsticks.
"Ginny, I'm really sorry about that. I completely forgot about the scars. Maybe some sort of spell can cover it up?"
"It's alright, Hermione. Don't worry about it. It's a mute point anyway. Oh, look. The guys actually beat us in there. Let's join them before they think we ditched them."
Hermione shook her head at Ginny's avoidance but followed her in anyway. As usual, the place was crowded and the girls had to wind around several tables bursting with people before they managed to reach the boys in a booth at the back of the room.
"Welcome. Glad you could make it. You know, we were starting to wonder if you had been taken or something. So, who wants a butterbeer?" Ron asked and the other three voiced their acceptance.
"I think I'll join you since I'm sure you could use some help, butterfingers," Hermione said affectionately. Ron scowled at her but followed her to the bar anyway to retrieve their drinks. Harry and Ginny looked at each other and began snickering at their antics.
"Did you enjoy your morning?" Harry asked, leaning over to speak with Ginny.
"It was okay. Hermione had fun at least so I guess it was a success," she replied. "Did you and Ron find what you were after?"
"Unfortunately, yes we did." They lapsed into a comfortable silence as they waited for their friends to return.
"It couldn't have worked. There are way too many students running around here for the letter to have activated correctly," a familiar voice said as it floated over the top of the booth. Both Ginny and Harry recognized it as one of the two voices from the room in the passageway.
"I assure you, the potion worked. A student is in the hospital wing, completely petrified. It's not my fault the kid picked it up instead of Potter. Besides, how could the warning be understood if he was petrified? It's better this way," sneered the second voice.
"Harry, it's them," whispered Ginny.
"I know."
"Obviously, the warning wasn't heeded. We need to do something more. Master must not know about the 'failure'. We will do something bigger, grander; something to get Dumbledore's attention and something that can't be ignored. Turning students to stone doesn't cut it. A death would, though," the first voice said.
"No. It's too drastic. Something will happen but it's imperative that we keep it small. We will have a much greater affect if students just begin freezing up or small accidents happen to them. If they don't know what is happening, it will be much more effective. After all, ignorance breeds fear and terror. That's how we will do it. Keep it subtle and build the fear," the second voice replied. "Now, no more of this. We can be overheard and that's the last thing we need."
"Here you go. Man, who would have thought it would be so difficult to get four drinks," Ron said as he and Hermione returned to the table.
"What do you think they are up to?" Ginny asked.
"I'm not sure but it can't be good," Harry replied.
"Huh? What are you guys talking about? Who's up to stuff? What's Malfoy doing this time?" Ron asked, thoroughly confused.
"Malfoy isn't doing anything that we are aware of. We'll tell you later what's going on. What took so long to get the drinks? Did you get side tracked?" Ginny asked suggestively.
"Ginny Weasley. I can't believe you just said that," screeched Hermione. The other two laughed but Ron's face was doing its best to match his hair color. Over his shoulder, Harry noticed two people get up from the only other table around them.
"Okay, here's the deal," he began.
"Harry, shouldn't we save this for later?" Ginny inquired.
"No, I think it will be okay. They just left so we should be fine." From there, Harry preceded to tell Ron and Hermione about overhearing the conversation in the deserted hallway and then the conversation they just overheard. By the end of the tale, Ron and Hermione sat staring at Harry and Ginny with wide eyes.
"That means they were responsible for the attack in the common room," Ron stated slowly, obviously piecing the puzzle together.
"Yes, but we now know that it was a potion of sorts that did so maybe that will help the staff find a cure. We need to tell Dumbledore so they can get going on solving the problem," Hermione said, logically.
"Yes, but we can wait until later. A few more hours aren't going to hurt anyone and I have a few more things to get," Harry answered.
"Great. So do I. Ginny, I need you to come with me this time, please?" Ron asked his sister, throwing in the largest puppy dog eyes he could manage.
"You know you look ridiculous like that, right? I suppose I could join you but if you pull any pranks on me or anything like that, I'm leaving you," Ginny threatened. Ron grinned and pulled her out of the booth and out the door.
"Good grief. One would think he was expecting the place to go up in flames if he stayed a moment later," Hermione observed. Harry smiled but he suddenly seemed somewhat hesitant and uneasy.
"Harry, are you alright?" Hermione asked him.
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"Well, since fifth year was such a disaster, I want to know how the female brain works."
"Harry, there is no way I can explain the inner workings of our brains. Maybe it would work better if you told me what specifically you were after. It has to do with Ginny, doesn't it?" Hermione pinned him with a calculating look.
"Yes it does and I can't afford to alienate her and butcher this."
"I'm sure she'd love to go to the ball with you." Hermione's guess proved correct when Harry gave her a surprised look.
"How – how?" he stuttered.
"It was painfully obvious, Harry. But don't worry; I'm sure she'd love to go with you. Goodness, its certainly taken you long enough to do something," Hermione laughed.
"Yeah, yeah. So, is there any advice or anything I need to know about when I do this?"
"Don't be an idiot and you should be fine. Just ask her and I'm sure she'll say yes, though you may want to do it with a little more finesse than Ron did."
"Alright, I'll keep that in mind, thanks."
"Oh, wait – um, never mind," she mumbled.
"What? Hermione you can't do that. Please, what is it?"
"Well, this morning we tried on some robes and it didn't go well for her because the seamstress saw one of the cuts on her shoulder and neck. At least, I think that's why she was upset," Hermione explained. "But Harry, I think you should still ask her. I'm sure she'll say yes. Now, anything else you would like to talk about?"
"Nope, that was it. Thank you," Harry answered. "So, do you have anything else you want to look at or just browse or would you like to sit here the rest of the afternoon?"
Hermione laughed and they decided to just browse the shops until something grabbed them or they ran into the Weasleys.
*********************
"Ronald Weasley! If you don't stop and tell me what is so bloody important, I'm going to go back in there where there is some sanity!" Ginny said to her brother, exasperated.
"Sorry, Gin. I'm looking for a gift for Hermione. I want to get her some jewelry or something really nice for her for the ball and I'm just really nervous. That's why I wanted you to come with. I want your opinion," Ron explained.
"Alright, I'll help but you have to calm down first. There's the jeweler's if you're interested in that." Ron gulped and hesitantly walked in the door, Ginny, rolling her eyes, followed him in.
Inside, the store was lined with glass cases of all different types of rings, necklaces, and the works. Ron ambled over to a case with sets of earrings and necklaces and began scrutinizing each one. They were nice but not what he was after. Just as he was ready to leave, he saw it. Quickly calling Ginny over, he pointed it out to her. Ginny looked at it and was struck with an idea.
"Ron, you didn't follow us this morning, did you?" she asked.
"No, why do you ask?"
"That would go perfectly with the robes she chose. Find out how much it is and let's get going." She wandered around while Ron haggled with the salesperson, coming to rest before a case of elaborate chokers. Some were very extravagant and gaudy but others were simple enough that she could pull it off. Unfortunately, cost was the driving factor and there was no way she could even afford it.
"You don't think I should have gotten her one of those do you?" Ron asked as he came up behind her.
"Huh? Oh, no. I think you picked the right items. Well, if you're done, let's get going," she said as she walked to the door. They spent the remainder of the afternoon wandering around and buying Christmas gifts for their friends and family since they had the time. By mid afternoon, both couples exhausted their funds for the day and met up together again in front of the shrieking shack.
"Well, it certainly looks like you have been productive," Hermione said as she saw her boyfriend and his sister coming up the path. Ron carried most of the packages while Ginny only had a few.
"Yeah, well, what can I say?" Ron replied as he offered Hermione an arm while shifting all the other packages into his other arm. She took it and they began walking back to the castle, completely forgetting about Harry and Ginny.
"You know, we could easily jinx them so they don't go anywhere or maybe make the road jump up and bite them," Ginny said as she and Harry slowly fell into step behind them.
"We could but that wouldn't be very nice, now would it?" Harry responded.
"Who said nice had anything to do with it? I just wanted to have some fun."
Harry laughed at Ginny as she turned her mouth into a pout. "Right, like that's going to help your cause," he replied.
"Is it working?"
"Nope."
"Dang."
Harry and Ginny spent the rest of the trek back to the castle in amiable conversation, occasionally throwing in quips loud enough to reach Ron and Hermione. Harry, though, seemed a little preoccupied to the redhead and she didn't miss it. Just as they reached the main doors into Hogwarts, both had enough. 'Okay, this is it, Harry, just ask her,' he thought, giving himself the last pep talk. But Ginny beat him to the punch.
"Harry, are you okay? You've seemed distant or distracted on the way back. Did something happen?" she asked.
"Uh, no, nothing happened, yet. I mean lots of things did happen but nothing that upset me or anything. Well, maybe it's more a question of what hasn't happened yet. I mean – oh, heck. I'm rambling, aren't I?"
"Yup. It's rather amusing though."
"Gee, thanks. I think what I'm trying to get out is this. Ginny, um, will you, um, will you go to the ball with me?" he finally got out.
Ginny's eyes went through a torrent of emotions before finally settling on sadness, bordering on despair. Harry watched her, breath held until she began speaking.
"Harry, I would love to go with you but I can't. I'm really sorry. Find someone else who will have fun with you and don't worry about me," she said slowly.
"But Ginny, I don't want to go with someone else and I'm sure I wouldn't enjoy it nearly as much as if you joined me. Please, why can't you go? Did someone else ask you first? Or are you waiting for someone else? If that's the case, please, just tell me."
"No. There isn't anyone else and no one has asked me. It's just that I can't go. With anyone. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Without another word, Ginny pushed through Ron and Hermione and ran up the stairs and out of sight.
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Well, there's chapter 10. I hope it's not too bad of a cliffy that sends mobs of raging HP fans after me cuz that's just scary. I will try to get the next chapter up as soon as possible but I'll warn you that I have to move into an apartment next month that doesn't have the internet so it might be awhile in coming, but I'll try. Thank you so much to everyone who has reviewed so far. I really enjoy reading your comments so please, keep it up. And I promise for those of you who are a little tired with the fluff, it will get into more of a plot soon, but, as I am a hopeless romantic, I'm sure there will always be strains of it. Hehe. Anyway, thanks for reading with me and don't forget to review. Oh, one last thing. Do you guys prefer the author's notes at the beginning or the end or do you not really care? Just let me know in your reviews. K, this time I really am done. (