Chapter 11: The Christmas Ball
Hey everyone! Glad to see you all seem to be enjoying my fic so far. I'm at
around halfway now I'd say. Though I have a tendency to stretch things a
lot. In fact, to the point of not wanting to continue writing any more.
However, I'm confident that won't be the case in this fanfic.
Reviews, reviews . . .
*~*sarah: hey. You thought the convo's were a bit short, did you? So did I actually. I'll try and stretch them out a little bit more in this chap, coz there are going to be quite a few convo's between them. Are you Australian, coz your time zone seems similar to mine.
*~*paprika90: same to you. Are you an aussie? Anyhow, in Hermione's case it's a particular kind of love she's missing out on. One that her parents can only ordinarily give her. You'll find out. She'll find out somehow as well. And I hope you enjoy this chapter too. And ta for the name compliment. Do you get what it means?
*~*dree: you too. Are you an aussie? Because I posted this chapter before I went to see rotk at 3:30 and already I've had three reviews. It's freaky. Anyway, you find kedua freaky? Cool. I want it to be freaky. And thanks for your liking of the pairing. I find it quite lovely too. And never fear. This fanfic (unlike my others) is still going. So stay tuned.
*~*Crippled Butterfly: Aww, thanks for being moved
*~*Crippled Butterly (again): hmm.it's interesting isn't it. Now to figure out how Hermione finds out, and what happens during this Christmas Ball.
*~*serena: yes it's all very exciting isn't it? Draco and Ron/Harry? Well, we'll see. I'd say they'll learn how to tolerate each other.
*~*iluvronweasley: Ahh, I see you've gotten lazy with your capitals. And I'm glad you are understanding it a bit more.
*~*Amy: hiya. Yes, your theories are quite good, and most probably true. We'll see what happens
*~*bombshell: there you are. I was getting worried when I saw you hadn't reviewed the last chapter. Happy New Years to you as well.
*~*bombshell (again): yes, poor Hermione . . .
*~*Lymaris: interesting name. Lymaris . . . hmm . . . and you have suspicions? Excellent. You'll have to keep reading to find out if they're correct :D
I saw rotk. Pippin ROCKS!
Disclaimer: I'm still hanging out for that video camera mum better bring me back from America. Also, hopefully, I will own cool Beatles bag soon enough. Need money first. Oh, got an earpiece today too, for my phone. I owe mum money.
OK, let's role.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione woke up next morning with no recollection of the previous night's experiences. The memory charm Dumbledore had used on her probably helped this.
When she woke Madam Pomfrey came bustling in. 'OK,' she said. 'We've collected the information we want from you, so you're free to go after you've eaten breakfast and I've checked on you one more time.'
'You've collected the information?' Hermione repeated. 'Well then, you know what I need to cure this disease! What is it? And how come I don't remember dreaming it?'
'Professor Dumbledore put a memory charm on you,' the nurse replied. Hermione was about to ask why, when the nurse continued 'You were very distraught when you awoke. He didn't want you remembering that.'
'So . . .' said Hermione. 'What do I need to get better?'
Madam Pomfrey turned and smiled grimly at her. 'I think you best go and ask the Headmaster about that.'
Hermione sank back into her pillow in response, now becoming slightly worried. Also, her back was hurting somewhat.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione left the hospital wing at around 10 o'clock that morning. She dimly recalled that it was, in fact, Christmas Eve. Hmm, she thought to herself, smiling. She had a more serious motive of her mind however, and that was to talk to the Headmaster.
Professor Dumbledore, seemingly sick of students guessing his passwords, had installed a new system in Hermione's sixth year. That was, whenever someone needed to see him, they would knock on the door, and an illuminated voice would ask who it was, they'd give their name, and enter.
So that's what Hermione did. She approached the huge wooden door, and knocked on it loudly.
'Who is it?' Professor Dumbledores voice questioned.
'It's Hermione,' she said into the air.
'Ahh, Miss Granger. I've been expecting you,' he replied, as the door opened.
Hermione ran up the staircase and arrived, slightly breathless, at Dumbledores office. Professor Dumbledore, who was polishing his glasses, replaced them on his nose and turned to smile at Hermione.
'Have a seat Miss Granger. I see you've been let out of the hospital wing. How are you feeling?'
'Um,' she replied, really intelligently. 'I feel achy. Madam Pomfrey said that was understandable however.'
'Yes, that it is,' replied the Professor, in a more serious tone then usual.
'So, um, what's wrong with me, Professor. What do I have to do to get rid of the Keduas syndrome?'
'Well,' replied the Professor. 'We saw in your dream, a symbol, that you were trying to reach. The symbol you were reaching for represents Peace, and Love.'
Hermione, despite her brilliance, couldn't really separate that from John Lennon songs.
'Err, what does that mean?' she asked.
'It means,' continued the Professor. 'That you need Peace in the world, and Love.'
Hermione tried to figure that out, but it was proving quite difficult. 'Peace? But there is Peace in the world, isn't there?'
'Oh my word no,' replied Dumbledore, standing up and looking out the window, which was currently displaying a beautiful view of the Great Lake and the Quidditch pitch, where a few third years were tossing cricket balls around whilst on broomsticks. 'Until this great wizard battle between us and Voldemort is over, we are a long way from Peace in the world.'
He turned and fixed his gaze back on Hermione. 'And this is what you need Hermione. Until this battle between good and evil is over, you will never be fully healed of this disease.'
He shrugged to himself. 'Of course, as long as we can sort out your Love problem, you'll only have a few scars. If we can sort out your Love problem, you won't be at risk of dying from the disease.'
Hermione was baffled at that. 'What Love problem?'
Professor Dumbledore sighed. 'You got this disease at the beginning of the school year, correct?'
'Yes . . .' said Hermione slowly.
'Which is, in other words, a few months after your parents lost their minds, am I correct?'
Hermione looked at the ground, but nodded.
'Well, my guess is that you got this disease because you came to a realisation.'
'A realisation?' asked Hermione, looking up again. 'What sort of realisation.'
'The realisation that your parents were not going to get better any time soon.'
'But,' asked Hermione, completely lost 'What's that got to do with Kedua Syndrome?'
Professor Dumbledore sighed at this, in a tired sort of way. He didn't want to be the one to tell Hermione this. But if it wasn't him, then who would tell her?
'Your parents now have no sense of who they are, where they are, and what's happening. They are getting a little better, as I understand it, but they still have quite a way to go.
'Your parents loved you, Hermione. As any parent loves his or her child, they loved you. And when they went insane, their love for you went as well. Your parents do not currently love you, because they don't know who you are. Not very well anyway.'
Hermione didn't find this news remotely reassuring, but she still didn't quite get it. 'But they aren't the only people in the world that love me' she said. 'There's my friends, there's Ron's family, my peers . . . doesn't that account for anything?'
'No,' answered Dumbledore honestly, making Hermione feel rather taken- aback. 'Because they don't love you as fiercely as your parents did. Your parents are the most dear people in your life Hermione, and not having their love, combined with the witchly power you possess, is enough to send anyone into self-harming sleep.'
'Wow,' replied Hermione after a while. 'So that's what I need, is it? To be loved, in return for my love?'
'Yes,' replied the Headmaster.
Hermione stood up then, clear in her head that she needed to think about this. 'Could I excuse myself to the Quiet Room, sir?'
Dumbleore smiled at her. 'Be my guest,' he said. 'And Hermione, if you have any questions, please come and ask me. I command it. We need to cure you of this illness before it's too late.'
'I understand sir,' she replied, getting out her key. 'Quiet room,' she said to it.
She flew around for a few seconds, in some kind of void, before landing in the Quiet room.
She began pacing the room about 2 seconds after she entered it, talking to herself.
'So, I need someone to love me. What can I do about that? I need to see my parents. Maybe they so still remember me. Do I have an aunt I can begin to love? I don't know. I'll have to force myself to love some kind of parental person soon, or it'll be too late . . .'
'Talking to ourselves, are we Granger?'
Hermione grinned, and turned around. Malfoy had just entered.
'No Malfoy. I was thinking.'
'Oh yes?' he replied, sitting down on one of the chairs. 'What about?'
'About -' Hermione almost did it. She almost told Malfoy the truth, but she stopped herself in time. Why do I need to tell him? She asked herself. He wouldn't be able to help. He would care, certainly. He's my friend and all. But he wouldn't be able to do anything. Anyway, I'm not entirely sure I trust him yet. Better not to say.
'About tomorrow.' She concluded finally.
'Really? So why the talk about forcing someone elderly to love you?'
'So . . . so I can get more presents. And if I don't force them to love me before tomorrow, it might be too late.'
Hermione wasn't entirely sure Malfoy bought this, but he didn't seem to be in the mood for questioning, so he just said 'OK then.'
Hermione smiled at that and took a seat opposite him.
'So, I see you're not in the hospital gown.'
'Nope! They released me! Finally. It's so boring in there.'
'Aww, even the parts where I came to visit?'
Hermione grimaced at that. 'They were the worst parts of all.'
Malfoy whacked her with a cushion.
'Oi!' she cried, throwing it back.
'So,' he said, throwing the cushion to her again (she caught it neatly this time, however). 'Did the nurse find everything she needed to find?'
'Apparantly so,' Hermione replied, chucking the cushion back.
'So?' Malfoy continued, throwing back the cushion, 'What's the verdict?'
'I don't know,' Hermione lied, hurling the cushion again. 'They wouldn't tell me.'
'Aww, that's not very nice. Did you ask?'
'Yes. They told me not to worry about it. They were more eager for me to have a nice Christmas then to worry me. They said it wasn't anything I needed to be immediately concerned about.'
'Well, that's good.' He seceded this by hurling the cushion, really hard, over to Hermione. Because she wasn't ready, she got it right in the face.
'Hey!' she said, getting up and beginning to hit him with said cushion repeatedly.
'Ow, ow! OK, I'll surrender, I'll surrender!' he cried. Hermione lifted the cushion away.
'Honestly Granger. Have a little respect for your elders.'
'Ha! You're some two months my elder,' she replied.
Malfoy shook his head. 'You'll pay for that one.' And he revealed the cushion in his hand.
Hermione's eyes widened. 'No!' she cried, running away. Malfoy began chasing her, and both of them were laughing. When Malfoy caught up with Hermione she turned and they began hitting each other with the cushions. Feathers began flying. Hermione at one point managed to get away, and ran halfway through the Quiet Room before Malfoy caught up with her, and she fell over.
Malfoy towered above her, and said 'I declare it a win, on my part, Granger.' He ran his hand through his hair, so's to remove missing feathers.
'Nuts to you Malfoy,' replied Hermione, standing up. She waved her wand and made all the feathers rise. Then she released her wand, and they all fell down again, like a little snow storm.
'Hey, that's neat.' Said Malfoy.
'Yup. Back when I was a muggle and you couldn't make meltless snow, we use to chuck feathers into the air instead.'
'Who's we?'
'Me and my parents. Like I had any friends.'
'Ahh, right.'
Hermione waved her wand again at all the feathers, Summoned them all to her, then Banished them to the garbage disposal.
After several minutes of silence in the quiet room, throughout the course of which Malfoy sat down and Summoned a book to himself, Hermione asked 'Do we have to dance together tomorrow?'
'Why?' asked Malfoy, looking up from his book. 'You make it sound like it's a chore.'
'It's not,' said Hermione honestly. 'I just want to know.'
'Right,' he replied. 'Well yes, Professor Dumbledore has asked this of us. On Wednesday, while you were unconscious (Hermione smiled slightly) he approached us and told us he wants the Prefects and Heads to have a dance or two together to start the after-dinner entertainment.'
Hermione nodded slowly. 'OK. That'll be fine.'
'Yeah . . . so . . . do you have any friends coming to this Ball?'
'Er . . .' replied Hermione. What an odd question. 'I think they've all disappeared to their parent's homes. I know Harry and Ron are at Ron's family's home. I'd be there with them if it weren't for this damned disease.'
'Language Granger.'
'Yeah yeah. So . . . why did you ask that?'
'Well, I figured we might as well stay together during this thing, as neither of us really have anyone else.'
'Yeah, sure.' Hermione was surprised he had to clarify.
'Excellent.' He stood up. 'Why don't we go and have a look at the Great Hall?'
Hermione stood up aswell. 'All right.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione woke up the next day in high spirits. Mainly because she hadn't had any bad dreams. Also, perhaps the fact that today was incredibly exciting and the most enjoyable day of the year had something to do with it.
She was the only girl in her dormitory. Funnily enough though, it didn't have that spooky kind of look an empty room tends to have. It looked . . . peaceful.
She sat up and noticed the pile of presents by her bed. She grinned to herself, and began opening them.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
By lunchtime Hermione had accumulated several new books, sweets, money (from her parents) and a cape from Mrs Weasley. She wore the cape to lunch. It was purple, and really nicely made, with tussels on the edge.
Malfoy was leaning on the door to the Great Hall.
'I am SO one day going to open the door while you're leaning on it,' she said.
'Uhhuh. Likely. You hungry?'
'Starving,' she replied. They both entered the Great Hall.
About half the school was around for the Christmas holidays. The Great Hall had been decorated rather splendidly. Multicoloured tinsel everywhere, ice sculptures dotted around the place, and of course the 12 traditional Christmas trees lines up around the perimeter of the hall. Both Hermione and Malfoy smiled. The Christmas Ball venue would look a treat.
'Wouldst thou like to sitteth with us Gryffindors this late morn?' said Hermione.
'It would be an honour,' replied Malfoy.
The went across the Great Hall to the Gryffindor table, and both sat down.
A few moments later they were joined by the Prefect body, who had just arrived via train. They looked a little tired.
'My word' said Susie as she sat down next to Edward. 'I was up at around 6. Though being youthful is great, it's very tiring.'
Professor Dumbledore stood up, looked at the students, and said. 'I have nothing to say to you all, except to enjoy yourselves, and eagerly anticipate the Christmas Ball, as constructed by our Hogwarts Prefect and Head Body. Thank you.'
He sat down, and the food magically came up on their plates. Such a grand Christmas feast. Turkey and Ham and baked potatoes and steamed peas. Hermione found it a pity that Christmas pudding was so foul-tasting. She hated Christmas pudding (A/N: that I put in because I just have to make clear to everyone that I find Christmas pudding REVOLTING and everyone must know that).
Lunch was fun. It wasn't a hurried affair. Everyone sat around and talked and laughed and pulled Christmas crackers. Hermione got a box of chocolates, a mirror that squawked at her, and a very amusing (and large) hat.
The ball was due to start at 7pm. At 4pm, Hermione went up to Gryffindor tower to get ready. She needed time. It took something like an hour and a half to get all her hair steady. And she wanted to look her best.
At 5:30 she could hear noises from the common room. She supposed other people were arriving to get ready. She'd nearly managed to get her hair tamed and into a bun by then. Hurrah, she thought. I could begin to change soon enough.
At a quarter to seven she stepped downstairs, careful not to step on her dress and fall flat on her face. She met Susie and Edward there. They were talking to themselves on the couch.
'Hello,' she said to them both, from behind them.
'Hi Hermione' they both said, turning around.
Susie's eyes widened. Edward removed his sunglasses (he and Susie were dressing as the mafia). 'Woah', he said, in a similar way to Marty in Back To The Future (I) just after he was blown across the room with the gigantic speaker.
'Hermione,' breathed Susie. 'You . . . you look amazing.'
Hermione blushed furiously, then hid herself amidst a waving fan that was attached to her dress. She was going for a more medieval look then most. She thought the fan a nice accessory.
Susie grinned at Hermione, then casually slapped the back of Edwards head, because Edward was ogling Hermione.
'Let's go, shall we?' said Edward, coughing awkwardly.
Susie rolled her eyes, then poked Edward forward towards the door.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
They entered the Great Hall and a sight met their eyes. The streamers, the ice statues, the Christmas Trees, the huge huge space for dancing. Well, it would be a huge space as soon as dinner was over. Hermione, Susie and Edward rushed over to their table, where the others were all sitting.
Hermione took her seat next to Malfoy, who looked over at her and said 'Why hello madmoiselle. You are looking very . . . what's the word . . . human, tonight.'
Hermione whacked him over the head with her menu.
They ordered their food and began eating it. Portus was very particular about how his steak was cooked, and kept yelling at his plate 'No! Rarer then that!' until it was basically blue, he took a bite out of it and paled at how bad it tasted. Everyone was in hysterics.
Susie and Edward, meanwhile, were planning tactics for surveying the building. Neither of them really fancied the idea of slow dancing. Susie found it dull and Edward hated being stepped on all the time. Susie, who had Muggle blood, was a passionate watcher of Men In Black. She had explained the principles to Edward, who found them very intriguing, and was desperate to avoid having to spend the evening being common.
After dinner, Professor Dumbledore magicked all the tables away, and this invisible music began sounding around the Hall. Everyone grinned happily, and one by one, partners began stepping on to the dance floor.
After a while, Malfoy stood up and bowed deeply and mockingly at Hermione, who fanned herself in response.
'Shall we, Miss Granger?'
'Why, it would be my pleasure.'
They went hand in hand onto the dance floor, met in the middle, and began dancing quickly to the fast song that was playing. Every now and then Malfoy would twirl Hermione around, or they'd begin pretending to tango. It was just very funny and silly.
'I'm going to show you this move I learnt when I was young,' said Hermione at one point.
'Oh yes?' replied Malfoy. 'And what would this move be?'
'OK. Take hold of both my hands,' he did so. 'Now, let go of this one, and step out. OK. Now, I'm, as the girl, suppose to twirl towards you, then you hold on to me, and I lean back elegantly and similarly to famous dancers residing in Mexico.'
'Like the ones in those bright red frilly dresses?'
'Yeah.'
'Cool.'
'Yes. So there's another move for you.'
'OK.'
At that point, a slow song came on. Most of the other people on the dance floor began to dance very slowly. Susie and Edward, who were observing the Ball, made faces.
'This is funny,' said Hermione. 'It's like embracing, then swaying to and fro.'
'Shall we?' asked Malfoy again.
'All right.'
So the pair of them figured out what the best position was, and began to sway on the spot. It seemed the appropriate atmosphere to whisper, as that they did.
'This is peaceful,' said Malfoy.
'Glad you find that,' Hermione whispered back. 'You're the one that keeps stepping on my feet, after all.'
'Ha! I've taken my fair share of beatings over those heels of yours this evening.'
'Too bad. I'm not giving up the heels. They make me taller. The top of my head reaches your nose this way.'
'Charming. Did I mention, by the way, that a lot of people have been staring at you?'
'Huh?'
'Yes. I think they think you're a stranger.'
Hermione looked around, and noticed several people staring at her. They quickly looked away as soon as their eyes locked. She turned back.
'Either that,' continued Malfoy, 'Or they can't believe I've managed to find such a beautiful partner.'
Hermione reddened. She knew Malfoy only complimented when it had sarcastic undertones.
'I know you don't mean that,' she said back.
The slow song stopped. They untangled themselves from each other, and took to staring at each other while the next song started. It was another first one.
'Quite the contrary,' he replied, talking her hands and leading her in another fast, ridiculous dance. Hermione stopped soon though.
'Do you mean that?' she asked. 'Like, really?'
Malfoy shook his head in confusion. 'Of course I do. Why are you so shocked about it?'
'Well . . . no-one's told me that before.'
'Well, these past 3 months, I've seen a change in you. I'm finding you very pleasant to look at. And trust me, I've looked at my fair share of ugly people.'
Hermione seemed satisfied by that, because she began ridiculously dancing again.
Near midnight, everyone was told they had to begin heading back, despite the objectory howls of all the students, Hermione included. The teachers would not back down, however, so they had to go. The Prefects and Heads sighed, and left in a large cluster, all running after Susie and Edward, who were crawling along carefully, making sure the coast was all clear.
'You two are being ridiculous,' said Hermione.
'It's for the greater good,' said Susie seriously, sunglasses adding to the seriousness.
Hermione laughed and stopped concentrating on where she was going. Bad mistake. Her foot caught the hem of her dress, and she fell over. Malfoy noticed and ran over to her.
'You're such a klutz, Granger', he said, offering her a hand.
Hermione laughed. It hardly mattered. It was all part of the fun. She stood up and nearly overbalanced. Malfoy grabbed hold of her shoulders and steadied her.
'Easy . . . easy does it Granger,' he said.
Hermione looked up and him and smiled. 'Thanks,' she said softly.
'You're very welcome,' he replied, letting go of her.
They walked back pretty much in silence, mainly because Hermione was being ultra-careful not to trip again. She was also feeling a very strange mixture of emotions.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Done! I feel so so glad. Sorry this takes a while to post. . . I've been a little busy with commitments and seeing friends and stuff. Go the holidays! I'm concerned this chapter's a bit rushed though. When you review (note my suggestive tone of lauguage) could you tell me if it was? Cheers
Reviews, reviews . . .
*~*sarah: hey. You thought the convo's were a bit short, did you? So did I actually. I'll try and stretch them out a little bit more in this chap, coz there are going to be quite a few convo's between them. Are you Australian, coz your time zone seems similar to mine.
*~*paprika90: same to you. Are you an aussie? Anyhow, in Hermione's case it's a particular kind of love she's missing out on. One that her parents can only ordinarily give her. You'll find out. She'll find out somehow as well. And I hope you enjoy this chapter too. And ta for the name compliment. Do you get what it means?
*~*dree: you too. Are you an aussie? Because I posted this chapter before I went to see rotk at 3:30 and already I've had three reviews. It's freaky. Anyway, you find kedua freaky? Cool. I want it to be freaky. And thanks for your liking of the pairing. I find it quite lovely too. And never fear. This fanfic (unlike my others) is still going. So stay tuned.
*~*Crippled Butterfly: Aww, thanks for being moved
*~*Crippled Butterly (again): hmm.it's interesting isn't it. Now to figure out how Hermione finds out, and what happens during this Christmas Ball.
*~*serena: yes it's all very exciting isn't it? Draco and Ron/Harry? Well, we'll see. I'd say they'll learn how to tolerate each other.
*~*iluvronweasley: Ahh, I see you've gotten lazy with your capitals. And I'm glad you are understanding it a bit more.
*~*Amy: hiya. Yes, your theories are quite good, and most probably true. We'll see what happens
*~*bombshell: there you are. I was getting worried when I saw you hadn't reviewed the last chapter. Happy New Years to you as well.
*~*bombshell (again): yes, poor Hermione . . .
*~*Lymaris: interesting name. Lymaris . . . hmm . . . and you have suspicions? Excellent. You'll have to keep reading to find out if they're correct :D
I saw rotk. Pippin ROCKS!
Disclaimer: I'm still hanging out for that video camera mum better bring me back from America. Also, hopefully, I will own cool Beatles bag soon enough. Need money first. Oh, got an earpiece today too, for my phone. I owe mum money.
OK, let's role.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione woke up next morning with no recollection of the previous night's experiences. The memory charm Dumbledore had used on her probably helped this.
When she woke Madam Pomfrey came bustling in. 'OK,' she said. 'We've collected the information we want from you, so you're free to go after you've eaten breakfast and I've checked on you one more time.'
'You've collected the information?' Hermione repeated. 'Well then, you know what I need to cure this disease! What is it? And how come I don't remember dreaming it?'
'Professor Dumbledore put a memory charm on you,' the nurse replied. Hermione was about to ask why, when the nurse continued 'You were very distraught when you awoke. He didn't want you remembering that.'
'So . . .' said Hermione. 'What do I need to get better?'
Madam Pomfrey turned and smiled grimly at her. 'I think you best go and ask the Headmaster about that.'
Hermione sank back into her pillow in response, now becoming slightly worried. Also, her back was hurting somewhat.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione left the hospital wing at around 10 o'clock that morning. She dimly recalled that it was, in fact, Christmas Eve. Hmm, she thought to herself, smiling. She had a more serious motive of her mind however, and that was to talk to the Headmaster.
Professor Dumbledore, seemingly sick of students guessing his passwords, had installed a new system in Hermione's sixth year. That was, whenever someone needed to see him, they would knock on the door, and an illuminated voice would ask who it was, they'd give their name, and enter.
So that's what Hermione did. She approached the huge wooden door, and knocked on it loudly.
'Who is it?' Professor Dumbledores voice questioned.
'It's Hermione,' she said into the air.
'Ahh, Miss Granger. I've been expecting you,' he replied, as the door opened.
Hermione ran up the staircase and arrived, slightly breathless, at Dumbledores office. Professor Dumbledore, who was polishing his glasses, replaced them on his nose and turned to smile at Hermione.
'Have a seat Miss Granger. I see you've been let out of the hospital wing. How are you feeling?'
'Um,' she replied, really intelligently. 'I feel achy. Madam Pomfrey said that was understandable however.'
'Yes, that it is,' replied the Professor, in a more serious tone then usual.
'So, um, what's wrong with me, Professor. What do I have to do to get rid of the Keduas syndrome?'
'Well,' replied the Professor. 'We saw in your dream, a symbol, that you were trying to reach. The symbol you were reaching for represents Peace, and Love.'
Hermione, despite her brilliance, couldn't really separate that from John Lennon songs.
'Err, what does that mean?' she asked.
'It means,' continued the Professor. 'That you need Peace in the world, and Love.'
Hermione tried to figure that out, but it was proving quite difficult. 'Peace? But there is Peace in the world, isn't there?'
'Oh my word no,' replied Dumbledore, standing up and looking out the window, which was currently displaying a beautiful view of the Great Lake and the Quidditch pitch, where a few third years were tossing cricket balls around whilst on broomsticks. 'Until this great wizard battle between us and Voldemort is over, we are a long way from Peace in the world.'
He turned and fixed his gaze back on Hermione. 'And this is what you need Hermione. Until this battle between good and evil is over, you will never be fully healed of this disease.'
He shrugged to himself. 'Of course, as long as we can sort out your Love problem, you'll only have a few scars. If we can sort out your Love problem, you won't be at risk of dying from the disease.'
Hermione was baffled at that. 'What Love problem?'
Professor Dumbledore sighed. 'You got this disease at the beginning of the school year, correct?'
'Yes . . .' said Hermione slowly.
'Which is, in other words, a few months after your parents lost their minds, am I correct?'
Hermione looked at the ground, but nodded.
'Well, my guess is that you got this disease because you came to a realisation.'
'A realisation?' asked Hermione, looking up again. 'What sort of realisation.'
'The realisation that your parents were not going to get better any time soon.'
'But,' asked Hermione, completely lost 'What's that got to do with Kedua Syndrome?'
Professor Dumbledore sighed at this, in a tired sort of way. He didn't want to be the one to tell Hermione this. But if it wasn't him, then who would tell her?
'Your parents now have no sense of who they are, where they are, and what's happening. They are getting a little better, as I understand it, but they still have quite a way to go.
'Your parents loved you, Hermione. As any parent loves his or her child, they loved you. And when they went insane, their love for you went as well. Your parents do not currently love you, because they don't know who you are. Not very well anyway.'
Hermione didn't find this news remotely reassuring, but she still didn't quite get it. 'But they aren't the only people in the world that love me' she said. 'There's my friends, there's Ron's family, my peers . . . doesn't that account for anything?'
'No,' answered Dumbledore honestly, making Hermione feel rather taken- aback. 'Because they don't love you as fiercely as your parents did. Your parents are the most dear people in your life Hermione, and not having their love, combined with the witchly power you possess, is enough to send anyone into self-harming sleep.'
'Wow,' replied Hermione after a while. 'So that's what I need, is it? To be loved, in return for my love?'
'Yes,' replied the Headmaster.
Hermione stood up then, clear in her head that she needed to think about this. 'Could I excuse myself to the Quiet Room, sir?'
Dumbleore smiled at her. 'Be my guest,' he said. 'And Hermione, if you have any questions, please come and ask me. I command it. We need to cure you of this illness before it's too late.'
'I understand sir,' she replied, getting out her key. 'Quiet room,' she said to it.
She flew around for a few seconds, in some kind of void, before landing in the Quiet room.
She began pacing the room about 2 seconds after she entered it, talking to herself.
'So, I need someone to love me. What can I do about that? I need to see my parents. Maybe they so still remember me. Do I have an aunt I can begin to love? I don't know. I'll have to force myself to love some kind of parental person soon, or it'll be too late . . .'
'Talking to ourselves, are we Granger?'
Hermione grinned, and turned around. Malfoy had just entered.
'No Malfoy. I was thinking.'
'Oh yes?' he replied, sitting down on one of the chairs. 'What about?'
'About -' Hermione almost did it. She almost told Malfoy the truth, but she stopped herself in time. Why do I need to tell him? She asked herself. He wouldn't be able to help. He would care, certainly. He's my friend and all. But he wouldn't be able to do anything. Anyway, I'm not entirely sure I trust him yet. Better not to say.
'About tomorrow.' She concluded finally.
'Really? So why the talk about forcing someone elderly to love you?'
'So . . . so I can get more presents. And if I don't force them to love me before tomorrow, it might be too late.'
Hermione wasn't entirely sure Malfoy bought this, but he didn't seem to be in the mood for questioning, so he just said 'OK then.'
Hermione smiled at that and took a seat opposite him.
'So, I see you're not in the hospital gown.'
'Nope! They released me! Finally. It's so boring in there.'
'Aww, even the parts where I came to visit?'
Hermione grimaced at that. 'They were the worst parts of all.'
Malfoy whacked her with a cushion.
'Oi!' she cried, throwing it back.
'So,' he said, throwing the cushion to her again (she caught it neatly this time, however). 'Did the nurse find everything she needed to find?'
'Apparantly so,' Hermione replied, chucking the cushion back.
'So?' Malfoy continued, throwing back the cushion, 'What's the verdict?'
'I don't know,' Hermione lied, hurling the cushion again. 'They wouldn't tell me.'
'Aww, that's not very nice. Did you ask?'
'Yes. They told me not to worry about it. They were more eager for me to have a nice Christmas then to worry me. They said it wasn't anything I needed to be immediately concerned about.'
'Well, that's good.' He seceded this by hurling the cushion, really hard, over to Hermione. Because she wasn't ready, she got it right in the face.
'Hey!' she said, getting up and beginning to hit him with said cushion repeatedly.
'Ow, ow! OK, I'll surrender, I'll surrender!' he cried. Hermione lifted the cushion away.
'Honestly Granger. Have a little respect for your elders.'
'Ha! You're some two months my elder,' she replied.
Malfoy shook his head. 'You'll pay for that one.' And he revealed the cushion in his hand.
Hermione's eyes widened. 'No!' she cried, running away. Malfoy began chasing her, and both of them were laughing. When Malfoy caught up with Hermione she turned and they began hitting each other with the cushions. Feathers began flying. Hermione at one point managed to get away, and ran halfway through the Quiet Room before Malfoy caught up with her, and she fell over.
Malfoy towered above her, and said 'I declare it a win, on my part, Granger.' He ran his hand through his hair, so's to remove missing feathers.
'Nuts to you Malfoy,' replied Hermione, standing up. She waved her wand and made all the feathers rise. Then she released her wand, and they all fell down again, like a little snow storm.
'Hey, that's neat.' Said Malfoy.
'Yup. Back when I was a muggle and you couldn't make meltless snow, we use to chuck feathers into the air instead.'
'Who's we?'
'Me and my parents. Like I had any friends.'
'Ahh, right.'
Hermione waved her wand again at all the feathers, Summoned them all to her, then Banished them to the garbage disposal.
After several minutes of silence in the quiet room, throughout the course of which Malfoy sat down and Summoned a book to himself, Hermione asked 'Do we have to dance together tomorrow?'
'Why?' asked Malfoy, looking up from his book. 'You make it sound like it's a chore.'
'It's not,' said Hermione honestly. 'I just want to know.'
'Right,' he replied. 'Well yes, Professor Dumbledore has asked this of us. On Wednesday, while you were unconscious (Hermione smiled slightly) he approached us and told us he wants the Prefects and Heads to have a dance or two together to start the after-dinner entertainment.'
Hermione nodded slowly. 'OK. That'll be fine.'
'Yeah . . . so . . . do you have any friends coming to this Ball?'
'Er . . .' replied Hermione. What an odd question. 'I think they've all disappeared to their parent's homes. I know Harry and Ron are at Ron's family's home. I'd be there with them if it weren't for this damned disease.'
'Language Granger.'
'Yeah yeah. So . . . why did you ask that?'
'Well, I figured we might as well stay together during this thing, as neither of us really have anyone else.'
'Yeah, sure.' Hermione was surprised he had to clarify.
'Excellent.' He stood up. 'Why don't we go and have a look at the Great Hall?'
Hermione stood up aswell. 'All right.'
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hermione woke up the next day in high spirits. Mainly because she hadn't had any bad dreams. Also, perhaps the fact that today was incredibly exciting and the most enjoyable day of the year had something to do with it.
She was the only girl in her dormitory. Funnily enough though, it didn't have that spooky kind of look an empty room tends to have. It looked . . . peaceful.
She sat up and noticed the pile of presents by her bed. She grinned to herself, and began opening them.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
By lunchtime Hermione had accumulated several new books, sweets, money (from her parents) and a cape from Mrs Weasley. She wore the cape to lunch. It was purple, and really nicely made, with tussels on the edge.
Malfoy was leaning on the door to the Great Hall.
'I am SO one day going to open the door while you're leaning on it,' she said.
'Uhhuh. Likely. You hungry?'
'Starving,' she replied. They both entered the Great Hall.
About half the school was around for the Christmas holidays. The Great Hall had been decorated rather splendidly. Multicoloured tinsel everywhere, ice sculptures dotted around the place, and of course the 12 traditional Christmas trees lines up around the perimeter of the hall. Both Hermione and Malfoy smiled. The Christmas Ball venue would look a treat.
'Wouldst thou like to sitteth with us Gryffindors this late morn?' said Hermione.
'It would be an honour,' replied Malfoy.
The went across the Great Hall to the Gryffindor table, and both sat down.
A few moments later they were joined by the Prefect body, who had just arrived via train. They looked a little tired.
'My word' said Susie as she sat down next to Edward. 'I was up at around 6. Though being youthful is great, it's very tiring.'
Professor Dumbledore stood up, looked at the students, and said. 'I have nothing to say to you all, except to enjoy yourselves, and eagerly anticipate the Christmas Ball, as constructed by our Hogwarts Prefect and Head Body. Thank you.'
He sat down, and the food magically came up on their plates. Such a grand Christmas feast. Turkey and Ham and baked potatoes and steamed peas. Hermione found it a pity that Christmas pudding was so foul-tasting. She hated Christmas pudding (A/N: that I put in because I just have to make clear to everyone that I find Christmas pudding REVOLTING and everyone must know that).
Lunch was fun. It wasn't a hurried affair. Everyone sat around and talked and laughed and pulled Christmas crackers. Hermione got a box of chocolates, a mirror that squawked at her, and a very amusing (and large) hat.
The ball was due to start at 7pm. At 4pm, Hermione went up to Gryffindor tower to get ready. She needed time. It took something like an hour and a half to get all her hair steady. And she wanted to look her best.
At 5:30 she could hear noises from the common room. She supposed other people were arriving to get ready. She'd nearly managed to get her hair tamed and into a bun by then. Hurrah, she thought. I could begin to change soon enough.
At a quarter to seven she stepped downstairs, careful not to step on her dress and fall flat on her face. She met Susie and Edward there. They were talking to themselves on the couch.
'Hello,' she said to them both, from behind them.
'Hi Hermione' they both said, turning around.
Susie's eyes widened. Edward removed his sunglasses (he and Susie were dressing as the mafia). 'Woah', he said, in a similar way to Marty in Back To The Future (I) just after he was blown across the room with the gigantic speaker.
'Hermione,' breathed Susie. 'You . . . you look amazing.'
Hermione blushed furiously, then hid herself amidst a waving fan that was attached to her dress. She was going for a more medieval look then most. She thought the fan a nice accessory.
Susie grinned at Hermione, then casually slapped the back of Edwards head, because Edward was ogling Hermione.
'Let's go, shall we?' said Edward, coughing awkwardly.
Susie rolled her eyes, then poked Edward forward towards the door.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
They entered the Great Hall and a sight met their eyes. The streamers, the ice statues, the Christmas Trees, the huge huge space for dancing. Well, it would be a huge space as soon as dinner was over. Hermione, Susie and Edward rushed over to their table, where the others were all sitting.
Hermione took her seat next to Malfoy, who looked over at her and said 'Why hello madmoiselle. You are looking very . . . what's the word . . . human, tonight.'
Hermione whacked him over the head with her menu.
They ordered their food and began eating it. Portus was very particular about how his steak was cooked, and kept yelling at his plate 'No! Rarer then that!' until it was basically blue, he took a bite out of it and paled at how bad it tasted. Everyone was in hysterics.
Susie and Edward, meanwhile, were planning tactics for surveying the building. Neither of them really fancied the idea of slow dancing. Susie found it dull and Edward hated being stepped on all the time. Susie, who had Muggle blood, was a passionate watcher of Men In Black. She had explained the principles to Edward, who found them very intriguing, and was desperate to avoid having to spend the evening being common.
After dinner, Professor Dumbledore magicked all the tables away, and this invisible music began sounding around the Hall. Everyone grinned happily, and one by one, partners began stepping on to the dance floor.
After a while, Malfoy stood up and bowed deeply and mockingly at Hermione, who fanned herself in response.
'Shall we, Miss Granger?'
'Why, it would be my pleasure.'
They went hand in hand onto the dance floor, met in the middle, and began dancing quickly to the fast song that was playing. Every now and then Malfoy would twirl Hermione around, or they'd begin pretending to tango. It was just very funny and silly.
'I'm going to show you this move I learnt when I was young,' said Hermione at one point.
'Oh yes?' replied Malfoy. 'And what would this move be?'
'OK. Take hold of both my hands,' he did so. 'Now, let go of this one, and step out. OK. Now, I'm, as the girl, suppose to twirl towards you, then you hold on to me, and I lean back elegantly and similarly to famous dancers residing in Mexico.'
'Like the ones in those bright red frilly dresses?'
'Yeah.'
'Cool.'
'Yes. So there's another move for you.'
'OK.'
At that point, a slow song came on. Most of the other people on the dance floor began to dance very slowly. Susie and Edward, who were observing the Ball, made faces.
'This is funny,' said Hermione. 'It's like embracing, then swaying to and fro.'
'Shall we?' asked Malfoy again.
'All right.'
So the pair of them figured out what the best position was, and began to sway on the spot. It seemed the appropriate atmosphere to whisper, as that they did.
'This is peaceful,' said Malfoy.
'Glad you find that,' Hermione whispered back. 'You're the one that keeps stepping on my feet, after all.'
'Ha! I've taken my fair share of beatings over those heels of yours this evening.'
'Too bad. I'm not giving up the heels. They make me taller. The top of my head reaches your nose this way.'
'Charming. Did I mention, by the way, that a lot of people have been staring at you?'
'Huh?'
'Yes. I think they think you're a stranger.'
Hermione looked around, and noticed several people staring at her. They quickly looked away as soon as their eyes locked. She turned back.
'Either that,' continued Malfoy, 'Or they can't believe I've managed to find such a beautiful partner.'
Hermione reddened. She knew Malfoy only complimented when it had sarcastic undertones.
'I know you don't mean that,' she said back.
The slow song stopped. They untangled themselves from each other, and took to staring at each other while the next song started. It was another first one.
'Quite the contrary,' he replied, talking her hands and leading her in another fast, ridiculous dance. Hermione stopped soon though.
'Do you mean that?' she asked. 'Like, really?'
Malfoy shook his head in confusion. 'Of course I do. Why are you so shocked about it?'
'Well . . . no-one's told me that before.'
'Well, these past 3 months, I've seen a change in you. I'm finding you very pleasant to look at. And trust me, I've looked at my fair share of ugly people.'
Hermione seemed satisfied by that, because she began ridiculously dancing again.
Near midnight, everyone was told they had to begin heading back, despite the objectory howls of all the students, Hermione included. The teachers would not back down, however, so they had to go. The Prefects and Heads sighed, and left in a large cluster, all running after Susie and Edward, who were crawling along carefully, making sure the coast was all clear.
'You two are being ridiculous,' said Hermione.
'It's for the greater good,' said Susie seriously, sunglasses adding to the seriousness.
Hermione laughed and stopped concentrating on where she was going. Bad mistake. Her foot caught the hem of her dress, and she fell over. Malfoy noticed and ran over to her.
'You're such a klutz, Granger', he said, offering her a hand.
Hermione laughed. It hardly mattered. It was all part of the fun. She stood up and nearly overbalanced. Malfoy grabbed hold of her shoulders and steadied her.
'Easy . . . easy does it Granger,' he said.
Hermione looked up and him and smiled. 'Thanks,' she said softly.
'You're very welcome,' he replied, letting go of her.
They walked back pretty much in silence, mainly because Hermione was being ultra-careful not to trip again. She was also feeling a very strange mixture of emotions.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Done! I feel so so glad. Sorry this takes a while to post. . . I've been a little busy with commitments and seeing friends and stuff. Go the holidays! I'm concerned this chapter's a bit rushed though. When you review (note my suggestive tone of lauguage) could you tell me if it was? Cheers