October
The last weeks of September flew by while the seventh years had homework pilled up. Since this year was the last year for them and they would be taking their N.E.W.T.S. the teachers had given them tons of homework. Every weekend the seventh years were either sitting in the common room or in the library doing homework. They barely had any free time. Hermione was even struggling under the pressure!
On the second week of October, the only thing people could talk about was the Halloween Dance on the 31st. Hermione barely even noticed because, once again, she was taking as many classes as she could and doing extra credit. Hermione did notice, however, that Harry and Ron had begun to act very weird around her. Hermione dismissed their weird behaviour though and focused on her school work.
Harry had been struggling under all the homework, but luckily Hermione had offered to help him, on top of all the other things that she was doing. One night when Harry couldn't sleep, he walked down to the common room and found Hermione fast asleep in a chair with an Ancient Runes book in her arms. Harry had brought down a blanket from his room and covered Hermione with it, noticing that she was wearing the charm bracelet he had gotten her. He had then kissed her lightly on the head and headed back to his room.
Ron was also struggling, though he tried to hide it. He would hide out in the library, not wanting to ask Hermione for help. Ron wanted to prove to Hermione hat he could accomplish things without her help. Ron thought that if he did this, Hermione would find it more attractive. Hermione had her eyes on Harry though, but was too nervous and embarrassed to say anything. Harry felt the same way about Hermione.
--
"Okay class, don't forget three feet on the transfiguration of animals and I will see you Wednesday." Professor McGonnagal dismissed them.
"Professor!" Hermione called.
"Yes dear?" McGonnagal asked.
"Advanced class is tonight at 7 right?" Hermione asked.
"That's correct, but tonight isn't mandatory attendance." McGonnagal reminded.
"I'll be there." Hermione promised hurrying to catch up with Harry and Ron so they could go to potions.
"What's up?" Ron asked.
"Just advanced trans." Hermione explained.
"Is everything okay?" Harry asked.
"Oh yeah it's fine, I was just seeing if there was a class tonight." Hermione told them.
"Sure." Ron looked away trying not to stare at Hermione, she was so pretty.
"Well if it's all okay then?" Harry asked.
"Yes." Hermione nodded glad that Harry cared despite Ron's obvious attempts not to care...oh the complications.
"Hermione!" Ginny called racing up to them.
"What's up Gin?" Hermione asked, "You two go on ahead." Hermione told Ron and Harry.
"Okay." Ron raced off.
"I'll wait over here." Harry stepped off to the side.
"Thanks Harry." Hermione smiled.
"Did you decide?" Ginny asked Hermione.
"Decide what?" Hermione asked.
"Who you like more." Ginny said impatiently.
"No, now leave me alone." Hermione tried to walk away.
"Sorry Mi." Ginny told her.
"Yeah whatever, let's go Harry." Hermione began to walk down to potions.
--
Hermione walked out of potions, shoving notes into her bag. Hermione walked up toward the Gryffindor tower, thinking hard. Hermione thought about what Ginny had asked her. Hermione did know that answer but she didn't want to admit it to Ginny. Hermione thought about how Ginny would feel when she told her that she liked Harry. Harry had been Ginny's not-so-secret crush since her 1st year when Harry had saved her from the Chamber of Secrets. Also, Hermione didn't even know if Harry liked her. Knowing Ginny, if she told her at breakfast, the whole school would know by lunch. Hermione giggled to herself. "What's so funny?" came a voice from behind.
Hermione was so startled that all the notes she had been holding flew every which way. She quickly fell to the ground, desperate to retrieve her precious notes. Hermione looked up to see Harry helping her. "Sorry I scared you," Harry grinned.
"It's okay," Hermione said, trying to pick up certain notes so Harry wouldn't see what was written. Hermione had written "HP+HGLOVE FOREVER" along some of the them and "I LOVE HARRY" on others. When Hermione was satisfied that she had retrieved all the "important ones" she helped Harry pick up the others.
"Hey Hermione, what's this?" Harry asked, "It says "Hermione Granger loves…"
Hermione reached out and grabbed the note out of his hands before he read any further. "Oh it's nothing," Hermione said, taking out her wand and erasing what it said.
"Okay," Harry said suspiciously.
"Can you help me put my notes in my bag?" Hermione asked giving him puppy eyes, "Please."
"Of course," Harry said. He just couldn't resist her puppy eyes and pouting lips. "Hermione I think you're bag is getting too full."
"Nonsense. My bag is the perfect size," Hermione argued, turning around and using an enlarging spell on it. She turned around and showed Harry, "See."
Harry laughed and continued to stuff things into it. "Hermione," Harry said looking serious, "I have to ask you something…"
"Hey Hermione!" a voice called. Hermione turned around to see Neville running up to her.
"Hi Neville, is there something I can help you with?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, can we talk over here?" Neville answered leading her away from where Harry was.
Harry was still close enough too hear. Neville turned red and began to talk, "Umm…Hermione…I…," Neville sputtered.
"Yes Neville," Hermione encouraged, getting annoyed.
"Will…umm…willyougotothedancewithme?" Neville asked hurriedly.
"What?" Hermione asked puzzled.
Neville took a deep breath. "Will you go to the Halloween dance with me?"
"Oh Neville," Hermione answered, "That's really sweet but I'm kinda waiting for someone else to ask me." Hermione eyed Harry who was looking at the floor. Hermione could not see, but Harry had a huge look of shock on his face.
"Oh okay," Neville said looking to the floor embarrassed.
Hermione hugged him, "That you so much for asking though. It's very sweet."
Neville muttered a thank you and hurried off. Hermione walked back over to Harry. "Sorry bout that," Hermione apologized, "Was there something you wanted to ask me?"
Harry got up and handed Hermione her bag. "No it's nothing," Harry said and he walked away.
Hermione slung her bag over her shoulder and mentally hit herself. She should have just told Neville that she was busy. Hermione had a suspicion that Harry was going to ask her to the dance and she had blown it. Good going Hermione. she thought. You have officially ruined you're chances with him. Hermione shook her head sadly and continued up to Gryffindor tower, hating herself even more every step of the way.
--
"Curl this way, braid that way...oh my goodness I'm confused." Hermione shook her head.
"You're hair is going to be straight with some curls and crimped pieces scattered around, you're wearing that beautiful costume and he will ask you to dance." Ginny made Hermione sit down and began to do her hair.
"Look whose taking control." Hermione laughed and allowed Ginny to do her hair without any fuss.
Hermione stood up and turned to the mirror, she actually looked good. Wow.
"You look amazing." Ginny squealed.
"Thanks." Hermione said in a small voice.
"Now let's get you ready." Ginny said picking up the elegant, strapless dress that Hermione was supposed to wear for her princess costume.
"What about you?" Hermione asked taking off her robe and slipping into her dress.
"I'm wearing a wizarding costume so I only need to two seconds to get ready, besides it's a surprise and no one gets to see it before the ball." Ginny reminded.
"Here's the yellow rose you needed me to conjure." Hermione handed it to her.
"Thanks." Ginny put it on her bedside table.
"What's it for?" Hermione asked.
"So my date can recognize me and no I'm not telling you who it is, so don't ask." Ginny reprimanded.
"I hope you have a good time." Hermione said.
"We will but stop asking, I won't tell you." Ginny smiled.
"Fine." Hermione rolled her eyes and stomped her foot as Ginny helped her step into her glass slippers.
"Here's your tiara, it's tight so it won't fall off while you're dancing." Ginny placed it right at the back of her head.
"Thanks Gin, I'll meet you at the dance later?" Hermione asked.
"Just look for the yellow rose." Ginny told her pushing her out of the dorm.
"Thank you!" Hermione called she slowly began to step down the stairs to the common room.
"Wow." Lavender said. No one knew who this mystery girl was, her mask covered just enough of her face to disguise who she was but she was gorgeous.
Hermione gave a nervous laugh and smiled. The whole common room was staring at her as they waited for various people, "I'm going to go now." Hermione rushed as fast as she could through the room.
--
Harry changed into his costume, a simple black tuxedo. Harry didn't feel like dressing up since the love of his life was probably going to the Halloween dance with some loser. Harry sighed as he tried to flatten his hair, which was physically (and magically) impossible. Harry walked down the stairs and noticed a girl with brown hair, wearing a beautiful white dress run through the portrait hole. Harry bolted down the stairs and followed the girl. He was attracted to her in a way, even though he didn't know who she was. Harry unfortunately lost her in the crowd as he entered the Great Hall. "Alone Potter," came a drawling voice.
Harry turned to see Draco standing behind him. "You too I see," Harry answered coldly.
"I'm meeting somebody," Draco said and hurried off.
Harry walked into the dance and noticed that Dumbledore had already announced that the dance had begun. Harry saw him dancing with Professor McGonagall, his pointed hat hitting passing dancers. Harry laughed to himself and walked over to the drink bar. Harry noticed Ron alone and walked over to him. "Hey Ron," Harry greeted, "Seen Hermione?"
"No," Ron said glumly, "I went to ask her to the dance today and Ginny pushed me down the huge stairs!"
Harry stifled a laugh and ordered a Butterbeer. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to see the mysterious girl in the white dress. "Care to dance?" she asked, turning red.
"Sure," Harry said putting down his Butterbeer and taking her in his arms. As the next song began, Harry noticed it was a slow song. Harry brought the girl in closer and then wondered why he did. He loved Hermione, not this mysterious girl. Harry looked into her cinnamon eyes and noticed something. "Hermione?" Harry asked.
The girl immediately stopped dancing and ran from the room. Harry ran after her as she ran toward the Gryffindor common room. Harry watched as Hermione ran to her room. Harry ran to his room, got his Firebolt and flew up the girls dormitory stairs. Harry knocked on Hermione's room. "Go away," came Hermione's voice from the room.
"Hermione why did you run?" Harry asked.
"Because you don't like me, you like the mysterious girl," Hermione explained.
"No way. Hermione I don't know how to say this. Hermione I like you. Will you go out with me?" Harry asked nervously.
The door of Hermione's room flew open and the next thing Harry knew Hermione was kissing him. Harry broke the kiss, took her hand and walked back to the dance. The rest of the night was the best night of Harry's life. Hermione danced with him every single time and they walked back to the common room together. Harry kissed Hermione good night and Harry went to his room, remembering every detail he could of that night.
--
"You what?" Ginny squealed.
"I know, I was so happy." Hermione sighed contentedly as they walked around the lake.
"So he kissed you?" Ginny asked.
"I kissed him." Hermione corrected.
"Oh mi dios." Ginny squealed.
"Those Spanish classes are really paying off, but I don't know what you mean." Hermione laughed.
"Oh my god." Ginny laughed.
"He said he liked me and I just wanted to tell him I liked him." Hermione explained.
"Oh mi dios." Ginny repeated.
"Stop saying that." Hermione pleaded.
"I just never expected you to make the first move." Ginny explained.
"Oh." Hermione looked shocked.
"You're not that kind of girl." Ginny reminded.
"Touché" Hermione laughed.
"Is he still talking to you?' Ginny asked as they reached the doors.
"Yeah, he smiled at me at breakfast...do you know how hot he is when he smiles?" Hermione asked.
"Yes, I was obsessed with him for 4 years. Oh look there he is." Ginny pointed.
"Mi!" Harry called rushing over.
"Can we help you?" Ginny asked giggling.
"I need to talk to you." Harry requested of Hermione.
"Okay." Ginny snuck off.
"What is it?" Hermione asked worriedly, Harry looked nervous.
"In here." Harry pulled her into an empty classroom and began to kiss her.
"Mmm, Harry." Hermione pushed him away smiling slightly.
"Sorry. I guess I should start with this. Go out with me? Please." Harry requested.
This time Hermione started to kiss him and within the second he was kissing back all thoughts off lunch gone...
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