"What do you mean you're not taking anyone?" questioned Ron as he finished off a sandwich.
"If I can't go with Hermione then I'll just go by myself," said Harry plainly.
"You could get any girl in the school Harry," piped up Ginny.
"Guys I've told you already, it's either Hermione or no one," he said as he finished eating his food. "Alright I'm heading to the hospital wing. I'll see you later." Harry left the hall and headed up to the hospital wing, a routine Harry had gotten use to in these last weeks before the winter break. He'd get up before breakfast, spend a half hour or so with Hermione and Julia then go to class, eat lunch quickly then visit them again and spend the majority of nights with them. Dumbledore had spread the word to all of the students in the army that they weren't going to start training until they got back. Harry figured the teachers had enough to worry about trying to cover for Julia's classes and patrolling the castle grounds. He entered the hospital wing to find Draco Malfoy and Dumbledore standing at the foot of Hermione's bed. Harry quickly made his was over to them, thinking something might be wrong.
"Professor is something the matter," his voice showing signs of panic.
"Not at all Harry, I was just talking to Mr. Malfoy about how we can try and prevent something like this from happening again," said the very composed Headmaster. "Now if you'll excuse me I must talk with Madam Pomfrey." Dumbledore walked to the opposite end of the hospital, leaving Malfoy and Harry by themselves.
"I'm sorry I didn't warn you sooner," said Draco as he continued to look at Hermione.
"It's okay, we're just lucky Julia was able to save her," Harry half smiled as he looked at Julia. The bandages had come off of both Julia and Hermione and they were now wearing regular clothes. Harry and Draco stood in an awkward silence for a moment.
"When did you know you liked Hermione?" Draco asked quietly. For a moment Harry didn't know how to answer. He was lucky enough to be shown just how much Hermione cared for him. But then he also started to notice things about her. Little things that just made her seem perfect.
"It was the night you told me about you guys spying for us," he whispered.
"What made you think that you might like her?" Draco was being completely sincere.
"Well, I started to look at her in a different light," Harry felt very strange talking to Draco about this. "I found myself wanting to spend more time with her. I was counting down the minutes to the next time I'd see her. But most of all when she gave me a hug I never wanted to let her go." Harry started to feel himself getting upset that he had not been able to give her a hug in weeks.
"Draco, it's time for you to leave before the other students get out of lunch," came the voice of Dumbledore. Draco didn't say a word as he left the hospital wing, but Harry had a feeling he was talking about Ginny. Dumbledore was about to leave when Harry remembered a conversation he had with Hermione before the attack.
"Professor." He said timidly.
"Yes Harry," he slowly turned and walked over to the young man.
"Before Hermione was attacked, I had a conversation with her and it sounded like she was hiding something. She mentioned coming to Grimmauld Place for winter break and when I said that her parents might miss her, she told me you had spoken to them over the summer," Harry couldn't look the old wizard in the eye, he felt bad for asking the question.
"Do you really want to know Harry?" asked Dumbledore. Harry slowly moved his head up and down. "Well we had a feeling that Hermione and Ron might be targeted for attacks once Voldemort couldn't get to you. So in order to keep her family safe Hermione stayed at Grimmauld Place for the summer."
"So not only did the Weasley's have to go into hiding cause of me, but Hermione did to?" Harry felt terrible, they're lives were in danger all because of him.
"Don't forget what Lupin said Harry," said Dumbledore as be put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "They have chosen to stick by you until the very end, they all know the risk and are willing to take it . . . Now I do believe you have a couple more classes before the Yule Ball tonight," he smiled.
"Yes sir," Harry gathered his things and headed for the door. He sat through the next class thinking about the tremendous sacrifices his friends were making for him. The fire that was lit within him during the reading of Sirius's will began to burn again, he was more determined then ever to end the fear and stop Voledmort once and for all, if not for his sake then for his friends.
As the rest of the afternoon rolled by Ron continued to try and push Harry to find a last minute date, while Ginny continued to keep Dean Thomas at arms length. Everyone was excited about the dance and winter break. Several of Fred and George's joke shop products were released in the hallway in celebration. Every time Harry left a class some new prank had been pulled and Filch would be running one way or another trying to catch who did it. Before to long Harry was up in his room getting ready for the dance. He put his dark navy blue pinstriped pants on then the non-pinstriped but matching color button up shirt. He had finished tying his new black dress shoes when he heard a knock on the door.
"Come in," he said as he went to put his belt on.
"Harry Potter sir, Dobby has your robe all cleaned and ready for you," squeaked the house elf.
"Thanks a lot Dobby," Harry finished putting the belt on then grabbed his dark navy pinstriped jacket and put it on. "What do you think," Harry did a little twirl for Dobby.
"Dobby thinks the young ladies of the school will be very pleased," said the house elf with a smile. Harry laughed then looked in his mirror, he left his collar unbuttoned which gave him the "not trying too hard" look.
"Unfortunately there is only one lady I'm trying to impress Dobby," Harry's mood changed for a moment as he realized Hermione would not be able to see how good he looked.
"Would Harry Potter be needing anything else?" asked Dobby, who snapped Harry out of his sad thought.
"Oh no, thanks again for cleaning the robe," smiled Harry.
"Anything for the great Harry Potter, have a Merry Christmas sir," said the elf as he began to leave. Harry started to put his Order robe on when he got an idea.
"HEY! DOBBY!" he shouted hoping the house elf didn't get to far. He heard the little pidder padder of his small feet coming back to his room.
"Is there something wrong sir," Dobby looked as if he was preparing to be hit.
"Oh no, I was just wondering what the house elves do while the kids are away
"We just take care of the castle and any students or professors who stay," said Dobby. Harry continued to think for another moment.
"Dobby how would you and Winky like to spend Christmas at my house, of course I'd pay you to work for me, I know Mrs. Weasley would love the help and it gets you out of the castle for a while," asked Harry. Dobby began to cry.
"Harry Potter wants Dobby to join him for Christmas," the elf threw himself onto Harry's feet. "You truly are a great wizard," he cried.
"Umm Dobby," Harry slowly pulled his foot lose.
"Sorry sir Dobby has never been invited to anyone's house before," smiled the elf.
"It's okay Dobby," laughed Harry. "Just make sure you tell Dumbledore so you guys can be at Grimmauld Place tomorrow."
"Dobby will go to the Headmaster right away," the house elf was out the door before Harry could utter another word. Harry adjusted his robe then ruffled his hair with his hand, just like his father did. He made his way out into the common room and sat down on the couch to wait for Ron.
"Ron let's go!" shouted Harry.
"Hang on, hang on," Ron said as he opened the door. He had his dark emerald pants, jacket and robe on with a white button up shirt underneath. He too had chosen not to wear a tie and leave his collar open also. Both Harry and Ron's robes had silver highlights to them, when light reflected off of them in certain angles the dark blue and green were accented by this silver halo.
"You look good," said Harry as he stood up from the couch.
"You don't look that bad yourself," joked Ron. The two friends made their way out of their common room and stepped into the Gryffindor common room where several first year girls swooned at the sight of the upper classmen dressed up. Harry and Ron just laughed as they made they're way down to the front of the hall. It was mostly guys waiting for their dates to arrive. Dean, Seamus and Neville were all huddled together and waved Harry and Ron over to them.
"Gentlemen I must say that Gryffindor's know how to look good," boosted Seamus. It was true, that at least the sixth year Gryffindor's all dressed to the nines. Seamus was wearing black pants with a green button up shirt and matching green robe, no jacket. Dean wore a deep purple robe with a matching button up shirt with a black jacket and pants. Neville was the biggest surprise. He was wearing a dark maroon colored robe, with a matching waste coat and tie, white button up shirt and black jacket and pants.
"Neville, who are you trying to impress?" asked Ron
"He won't tell," said Dean as he nudged Neville. Just then Neville's eyes became as big as apples, he was looking in the direction of the Hufflepuff girls who were making their way down to the large group. Hannah Abbott slowly made her way over to Neville. She was wearing a daisy colored dress with a matching robe.
"Hi Neville, ready to go in?" she asked. Neville's mouth hung wide open and if Harry hadn't nudged him he might never have moved.
"Uh – yeah le – let's go in," said Neville as he nervously offered his arm to Hannah. Once they were gone the rest of the group just stood in amazement.
"Way to go Neville," said Ron to the rest of the group. They continued to chat with each other until Ginny and Padma Patil came down. Ron leaned over to Seamus before the girls got to them.
"Good luck mate," Ron winked at him.
"Thanks," smiled Seamus as Padma reached his side. Now it was just Harry and Ron and a handful of other guys waiting for their dates.
"So are you gonna tell me who you're taking?" asked Harry as he watched more people entering the great hall.
"Won't have to . . . here she comes," smiled Ron as he tapped Harry to turn around. Harry saw Luna gliding down the stairway towards them. She was wearing a pale purple dress and robe. The front of her hair was tied back into a ponytail that was curled and the rest of her hair was curled as well.
"You look wonderful," breathed Ron as Luna approached.
"Thank you,' blushed Luna.
"See you inside mate," said Ron as the two walked into the hall leaving Harry by himself. He waited for a moment and looked towards the hospital wing hoping that his date might emerge, but after another minute of waiting Harry slowly walked into the hall. The four long tables were gone and now replaced by a dance floor in the middle and round tables filling the sides. The ceiling was bright with stars and comets wizzing by and soft candle chandeliers hung in mid-air all around the hall. Harry found Ron and went over to the table. He found a place card with his name on it and sat down. Ginny and Dean were also at his table. Seamus and Neville were at the table next to them. Harry noticed the empty seat next to him and saw the place card that sat on the plate. It read Hermione Granger. Again Harry felt sad that Hermione was not beside him. However he didn't have much time to dwell on it, the food soon appeared. Before they started, Dumbledore stood and quieted the crowed.
"Before we start let's give Professor Flitwick and our caretaker Mr. Filch a round of applause for helping make this Yule Ball possible," the crowed clapped. "You may, dig in!" the old wizard cheered. The hall was soon filled with the sounds of forks and knifes clicking against plates. Laughter could be heard all around, Harry looked round to see all the happy faces of his classmates. From the Slytherin's to Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, the fourth through seventh years were all enjoying this party.
"I think I'm going to get some punch," said Ginny as she rose from the table.
"I'll come with you," said Dean as he started to get up Harry looked over at the punch table and noticed Draco was there.
"I'll go with her Dean, I need to get a drink anyway," said Harry as he quickly stood.
"Oh okay," Dean sat back down. Harry did feel a little sorry for Dean, he could tell Dean really liked Ginny, but she had her heart set on someone else. They started to walk to the punch table and Ginny leaned over to Harry.
"Thank you Harry," she whispered.
"No problem," Harry whispered back. Harry and Ginny stood several feet away from Draco. After a few seconds Draco made a comment.
"Where's your mudblood pal tonight Potter?! That's right still sleeping!" he hissed. Harry instinctively took one stride over to Malfoy and grabbed him by the robe.
"Say something else Malfoy and we'll see how long I can make you sleep," said Harry in a murderous tone.
"Give this to Ginny," whispered Draco, who slipped a piece of paper into Harry's pocket. Harry let Draco go and turned back to Ginny who had a horrified look on her face. Harry gave her a wink to let her know it was all for show, they poured several glasses of punch but before they left Harry slide the piece of paper over to Ginny. She eyed him for a moment.
"Draco?" mouthed Ginny. Harry nodded and she quickly took the note. They walked back to the table and handed everyone their punch.
"What did that rat want?" growled Ron.
"Just trying to egg Harry on that's all," said Ginny as she handed Dean his cup.
"So ya want me to talk to him," said Dean, who looked like he was about to get up.
"It's okay Dean, I took care of it," said Harry as he took his seat. The group continued to chat as they ate. A little later desert carts were wheeled to every table.
"What would you like Luna," asked Ron.
"Strawberry Cheesecake please," she smiled. Ron had been very kind and considerate towards Luna all night and Harry could tell she was having a wonderful time.
"What would you like sir," asked the house elf. Harry snapped out of his train of thought and looked at the desert cart.
"Um – Chocolate Cake please," he said. A rich chocolate cake was handed to Harry who immediately started to eat it. As people began to finish their deserts, the lights dimmed and a spot light was shown on Dumbledore.
"It is now time for the dancing to begin!" he smiled. "But before we start the music I have a very special guest I'd like to introduce," whispered conversations began as kids tried to guess who Dumbledore might be talking about.
"I hope it's no one from the Ministry," said Ron.
"With our luck it's probably Umbridge," joked Ginny but all she saw were grim looks from everyone at the table. The door to the hall opened and a figure walked in.
"Can you see who it is?" Ron asked Ginny.
"No its too dark," she whispered as they all continued to crane their necks to try and get a glimpse.
"Calm down–," Harry's heart stopped as he saw the person walking to the middle of the dance floor. There was one collective gasp as everyone now saw who Dumbledore's gust was.
"Oh my god its –"
"Hermione?" whispered Harry in a shaky voice. The spotlight danced around her, giving her an angelic glow. She was wearing a pale blue dress and robe. Her hair was tied up in a French bun. Harry slowly rose to his feet still not convinced that the vision he was seeing was the girl he loved. His knees were unsure of themselves but as he stepped closer to her he was more convinced that it really was Hermione. The air had become thin and Harry found it hard to breath but he was soon face to face with Hermione who was flashing her wonderful smile at him. The hall was still and no one dared to move.
"Hermione?" whispered Harry, still shocked that she was standing before him. She slowly nodded her head.
"It's me Harry," she breathed. Harry slowly raised his hand and softly caressed her cheek. Her skin felt warm and soft just as he remembered. So many feelings overwhelmed him but one impulse was screaming for him to kiss her, and so Harry slowly bent his head down and kissed her with all the love he had.
"THAT"A BOY HARRY!" shouted someone. Harry completely ignored the person and continued to kiss Hermione. Pretty soon more cheers erupted from the crowd and as Harry deepened his kiss the shouts grew louder. Once they parted Harry picked Hermione up and slowly spun her around. Music began to play and Hermione leaned her head on Harry's shoulders as the couple began to sway back and forth.
"I love you Hermione," whispered Harry. She lifted her head and looked him right in the eye.
"I've always loved you Harry," smiled Hermione. It was the happiest moment Harry ever had, a surge of energy pulsed through him. He could take Voldemort on with one hand right this minute if he had to. He wrapped his arms around Hermione and lightly squeezed.
"I don't ever want to let you go," he whispered into Hermione's ear. She pulled back slightly to look at him.
"You know what Julia said to me before we hit the poll," she asked. Harry shook his head. "She said to me, 'Think of the thing that makes you happy. Think of Harry.' And then everything went black, but in my dreams you were always there to protect me," she whispered.
"And I always will be," smirked Harry. They kissed one more time and continued dancing, trying to make up for the time they lost. No one dared to interrupt them, even Ron and Ginny knew they could talk with Hermione on the train. Over at the teachers table and old wizard drew a deep breath and looked at a women he cared for.
"He's finally happy Albus," smiled McGonagall.
"The boy who lived has finally found love," beamed the old wizard.
"Albus when will you tell the boy about Julia?" McGonagall didn't want to bring up a subject that might dampen the mood.
"After Christmas, I promise," a look of concern on Dumbledore's face. "He may not forgive me for keeping this from him."