Disclaimer: i don't own anything... not even Draco... he is one fine hunny

CHAPTER 1:

Harry awoke with a start; slowly he began to take in his surroundings. Ron was already awake sitting on his four-poster bed scribbling away on a piece of parchment, but wasn't the reason for him waking. Nor was he the reason behind the tightly knotted feeling within his stomach. His eyes instinctively, it seems, drawn to the quidditch calendar hanging above his bed.

'Valentines Day' he breathed.

This explained the knotted feeling in his stomach, his last having ended with his date crying her eyes out. Then his own eyes spied the small gift box on his dresser, this time he thought to himself was going to be different. This time everything was going to go according to plan.

Meanwhile…

Hermione's dreams for the last three weeks had been plagued by only one man. Unfortunately she hadn't yet been able to discover his identity and he remained an illusive figure. Something or someone rather would always disturb her.

The man had the most distinctive appearance, but she couldn't quite figure it out. He wore a long black clock that fitted the contours of his body and the material flowed around his ankles with ease. His hair gleamed in the moonlight. She wore a sparkling crème gown with a dark green trim and plunging neckline. As if sensing her presence, he would begin to turn… the moment of discovery would draw closer and closer and… Harry would enter pulling her away from the beautiful stranger. By the time she would free herself from Harry's grip to look back, the stranger would be gone as if by magic. The dream always left her feeling flustered and annoyed. If only Harry would leave her be for just one night.

She sighed and resigned herself to the fact that further sleep just wasn't possible and she arose out of bed. She then made her way to the bathroom to wake herself before descending downstairs. Upon entering the bathroom she saw Ginny chatting to Parvati. Noticing Hermione's arrival, Ginny smiled,

'Happy valentines Day!' she squealed throwing herself on Hermione.

Damn morning people thought Hermione and slowly Ginny's words sank in, registering conscious thought within her brain and her already weak smile vanished.

'Great just what I needed' mumbled Hermione sarcastically, but was interrupted by Ginny.

'So how many cards do you expect to get Hermione?'

At the mention of this her heart sank further into its pit of shame, but she simply stated,

'None if I'm lucky. I'm not really into Valentines Day much. To me it's just another Thursday that will bring more homework to do.'

Ginny and Parvati exchanged slightly worried glances but let the comment pass with no judgment call.

'So who are you going to take to the Masquerade Ball Parvati?' Ginny asked, quickly trying to change the subject.

'Oh I'm not sure, possible… no that would never happen in my wildest dreams. I was more thinking… oh honestly I just don't know!' she replied throwing her hands up in the air in mock defeat.

'You don't ask the guy, they ask you! Don't you girls know anything' said a young girl entering the bathroom. Hermione rolled her eyes at this statement. The young girl noticed this and said 'It's more romantic that way and you know it. I bet you loved it when Krum asked you last time.'

Hermione simply shrugged her shoulders.

'Oh would you look at the time, we better get down to the Great Hall and fast, the owls will be arriving any moment.' Ginny said grabbing the other two and the three of them ran out the door giggling with glee.

Hermione took her time changing and stopped at the notice board for a moment. There it was the notice for the next ball. It read:

Attention All Students!

The Masquerade Ball will be

held on the 24th February at

7pm sharp all must attend

bring your partners

Hermione smiled to herself, it was she who'd made it all possible. Only she'd forgotten one small thing, this time there was no Victor Krum to ask her. If only she'd had a better reputation at Hogwarts. If only she wasn't such a bookworm, a know it all and worse ugly then maybe she'd stand a chance. She was (as she thought) all these things and she'd have to face the fact that she was doomed.

'Hermione' called Ron who was waiting by the door with Harry, 'are you coming to breakfast?'

Hermione placed a fake smile on her lips and followed the two boys down to the Great Hall.

Slytherin Common Room…

'Come on Malfoy! Hurry up!' shouted Blaise.

'I'm coming, keep your shirt on! Malfoy called down to him. With a cheeky wide grin, Blaise said to Pansy,

'Who do you think will get the most cards this year?'

'Draco offcourse, what else would you expect! He gets all the girls affections' she replied looking in a dreamy manner up at Malfoy.

'Including yours' said in a bitter tone and Blaise chuckled to himself. Upon arriving on the first floor Malfoy said, 'Oh well better not keep the love-struck puppies waiting.' They exited their common room

At the entrance to the Great Hall the trio paused and upon seeing all the pink, red and white Valentines Day decorations that floated above tables and lined the walls, Hermione's heart and face plummeted. She thought to herself; I can't take this… not now.

'Well, well, well. Look who we have here.' There was no second guessing who that sarcastic drawling voice belonged to. Harry, Ron and Hermione turned around to see Malfoy flanked by his followers Crabbe (left), Goyle (right) and Pansy hanging from his arm. 'Weaselby and Potter… a pathetic pair. Did you two lovers send each other a card?' snickers arose from his group. Ron turned bright shade of red and Hermione instinctively threw an arm across Harry's chest knowing his reaction before he'd even moved a muscle. Harry gave Hermione a knowing glance and with Ron they began to turn around and walk away.

'Oh and Mud blood, how many cards have you received this year?'said Malfoy smirkingand he and the others began to laugh. Hermione's eyes began to water and Harry spun around to face Malfoy brandishing his wand at the same time.

'Why you…' he began but Hermione cut him off by grabbing him again and saying or almost spitting.

'Don't Harry, that piece of scum isn't worth the life his mother gave him.'

Malfoy instantly stopped laughing. Crabbe and Goyle clenched their fists in rage and Pansy wore an even sourer look upon her face (if it's possible). I wonder if she's that feisty in bed pondered Malfoy and he set off in the opposite direction, shouting to the others.

'I'll be back in a minute; you guys go ahead without me.'

hey guys this is my first attempt at one of these so any advice is welcomed.

this format will change the whole thing isn't so choppy and stop starty. plz review