DISCLAIMER: I own nothing of Harry Potter

Chapter 15: Asking Raven

Before anyone knew it, Christmas was just around the corner. The Great Hall was decorated lavishly and Christmas carols could be heard all over the school. Snow covered the ground and fell copiously outside.

A Hogsmeade trip was planned for tomorrow, the last day before break. Harry wanted to ask Raven, after all, he didn't want to be the only one without a date. But Raven had yet to get back from her detention; her and Snape got into it again.

Hermione and Ron had long ago went to bed. Hermione was actually going to write Bill to make sure he knew where to meet them. So that left Harry, sitting patiently in the Gryffindor common room, waiting for Raven to return.

It was nearing midnight when Raven finally returned. She came in, slamming the portrait shut behind her making the Fat Lady yell in offense. Harry could hear her mumbling obscenities underneath her breath. He chuckled softly and stood, making his presence known.

"Harry!" Raven said, startled.

"Hey. I gather detention was not fun."

Raven just grumbled as she walked over and sat on the floor in front of the fire. She pulled her knees up and wrapped her arm around them. "I think I will have detention again after break."

"What happened?"

"Well let's see. First off, I told Snape that I wasn't going to clean up the Slytherins' mess. Then I told him he was nothing but an ass-kissing, greasy-haired git. I don't think he liked that very much. Then, after he sat there and ridiculed me for a good bit of time, I told him where he could go."

Harry could just chuckle as he looked at the anger on her face. "We have got to work on getting you to hold your temper."

Raven looked up at him with raised eyebrow. "We? You're going to help me?"

"Yeah, of course."

Raven just studied him like she was trying to see if he was joking or not. He obviously passed inspection because she smiled. "Thanks Harry."

"You're welcome, but really, it's no big deal."

"Sure it is, but let's just change the subject," Raven replied. She grew serious. "Were you waiting up on me?"

"Well," Harry wasn't sure whether he wanted to ask her or not, "um…yeah, I was actually."

"Really?" Raven was smiling really big. "And why's that?"

Harry looked around the room, searching for nothing in particular. "Um…."

He felt a hand on his arm. He looked over and found Raven staring at him.

"Harry?" she inquired.

He soon realized that he was sweating slightly because he was nervous. He glanced at her and found himself lost in her deep black eyes.

"Um….Harry?" She looked at him as if she was scared he might be sick. "Are you alright?"

"Um….I'm not sure." Harry tried to smile at her but found he couldn't.

"You're not sure?" she asked skeptically.

"Er…actually I'm just kind of nervous," he told her shyly.

"Nervous? About what?"

"Well, see, there's a Hogsmeade trip tomorrow and…"

He was interrupted by Raven laughing lightly. "Harry," she started, smiling brightly at him, "would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me?"

Harry just stared at her. "What?"

She chuckled again. "Would you, Harry Potter, like to go to Hogsmeade with me as a date?"

"Er, yes," he answered, smiling happily.

"Good," she stated, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek. "Good night Harry." And then she left.