Valentine's Day part 3
The sight of a crowd of Gryffindors walking back to the castle surrounding a couple of Slytherins would normally have indicated that a brawl was about to begin. In fact, Professor McGonagall was preparing for the worst when she heard the sound of laughter coming from the group. As they passed her, several of the Gryffindors turned and waved at their Head of House before turning back to the conversations going on. Professor McGonagall couldn't help but return the gesture, pleased to see the group and equally pleased to note that at least one member of each house was present. Perhaps there was hope yet.
At the center of the group she could see Ron Weasley and Daphne Greengrass bantering back and forth about who was better at Defense Against the Dark Arts while Blaise Zabini, Harry Potter and Susan Bones debated the chances of their favorite teams winning the League Championship. McGonagall couldn't help her astonishment not expecting Ron and Harry to lead the charge to befriend Slytherins, but she also knew enough about the two rambunctious youths not to underestimate their capabilities. McGonagall caught sight of Professor Snape hurrying towards the group, a dark scowl etched across his face. Trouble could come from many directions, Minerva thought, as she followed the Professor towards the students. Too many students nearby were avidly watching the group of sixth years and a fight between them would only incense the House separation more.
"Is there a problem here Greengrass?" Snape's cold voice startled the group into silence.
They stopped as one and turned to face the scowling Professor. The Gryffindors all returned the Professor's scowl, only Daphne, Blaise, and unsurprisingly Luna seemed undisturbed by his presence.
"No, Professor everything is fine," Daphne replied with a puzzled look on her face.
Snape frowned at her gesturing towards Ron and Harry, "So these Gryffindors aren't harassing you?" he asked barely disguising his disgust.
"No Professor, we were just discussing our class work," Daphne replied evenly, all traces of her good humor vanished.
"Isn't it nice to see the members of our Houses getting along Severus?" Professor McGonagall spoke up approaching the group. She watched the Gryffindors visibly relax at her presence.
Professor Snape turned his scowl towards Professor McGonagall, "Of course Minerva. However, I would prefer not to see any of my students get caught up in the adventures of your Gryffindors. They are a little too spirited for Slytherin House after all."
Profess McGonagall let the insinuation pass without comment and turned to the students who were watching the exchange with a great deal of interest, "It is almost dinner, I believe it is time for all of you to get inside."
The group nodded their agreement and entered the castle in silence. Once they stood inside the Great Hall, Ron turned to Daphne and Blaise, "Do you want a couple of us to go to the dungeons with you in case Malfoy tries something?"
Daphne and Blaise exchanged a look of surprise before bursting out laughing. Harry and Ron shrugged at each other baffled at their response.
"Malfoy knows better than to bother us," Blaise smirked looking at Daphne as if they were sharing a private joke. "The only reason he still bothers you Gryffindors is because you're too bloody noble to really put him in his place."
Daphne nodded in agreement, "We Slytherins, on the other hand, know how to take care of our problems."
Ron and Harry chuckled at the evil grins on Daphne and Blaise's faces. While Blaise was large enough that he could hold his own, the thought of the petite blond Daphne Greengrass scaring Malfoy was quite impressive.
The entire group laughed when Neville shook his head, "Merlin, I'm glad I'm not in Slytherin. You people are vicious."
Seamus threw his arm around Neville's shoulders, "You're right where you belong mate, and the rest of us wouldn't have it any other way."
All the other Gryffindors voiced their agreement, while both Blaise and Neville looked a bit dubious.
Daphne touched Ron's shoulder to get his attention, "Ok we're going to go by our common room before dinner, so we'll see you there then?"
Before Ron could answer, Hermione stepped up next to Ron, entwined her arm around his, and laid her head on his shoulder watching the blond Slytherin.
Ron smiled down at his girlfriend, glad of the unusual affectionate display before replying, "Ok Daphne, we'll see you there."
Daphne nodded to Ron and looked at Hermione with a slight sarcastic smile, "Holding on a bit tight there Granger?"
Hermione just smiled back and looked up at Ron, "You've got to be hungry love after the afternoon you've had. Let's go eat ok?"
Ron smiled at Hermione oblivious to the tension between the two girls, "A woman after my own heart you are." He took Hermione's hand and walked towards the Great Hall and Hermione only took a moment to smile back at Daphne where she stood next to Blaise.
While the Gryffindors cheered on their mate, Blaise caught himself watching the blond Hufflepuff where she stood between Neville and Luna. Bones looked over and studied him in kind for a moment before turning back to her friends. She had startled him, going after Malfoy in Three Broomsticks. He had expected Weasley or Potter to do something rash, not Bones. He had been able to convince her to ignore Malfoy, but in retrospect he found it odd that she had listened to him. Blaise corrected himself, Bones' showed too much trust in a stranger by listening to him. A Slytherin would have ignored him and gone for Malfoy's throat and then his own, resentful of the interference.
Besides, Blaise paused in his thinking, why did he bother enough to stop her? He did not need the Hufflepuff interfering where he and Daphne had the situation well in hand. That was the answer he would accept for now. However, Blaise still considered that he may have underestimated the spineless Hufflepuffs. He had met one today with a little backbone.
Blaise watched Daphne speak to Ron and Hermione and noticed the looks between the two girls. He didn't know if Daphne had designs on the tall red head, or if she just enjoyed annoying the perfect Hermione Granger. Blaise suspected that it was a little of both.
"Let's go," Daphne spoke nodding towards the dungeons. Blaise cast one last look at the Hufflepuff before following her. Daphne, unfortunately, noticed the direction of his gaze and the same evil smile crossed her features. Blaise frowned at that, the last thing he needed was Daphne considering that he felt anything towards a Hufflepuff other than total disregard.
Daphne walked beside him lost in her own thoughts. Blaise still wondered at her motivations for befriending Ron Weasley. While he agreed that they would need allies in what they both knew was coming, he still wondered why she had chosen that particular group. Blaise also had to admit that Daphne had been correct, those Gryffindors may not be the annoying, self-important, hotheads Blaise had always considered them to be.
"I was right," Daphne murmured to Blaise, "We will need them. You know the saying, the enemy of my enemy is my friend."
"I dislike involving people outside our own House," Blaise countered, this argument common to them both.
"You know as well as I do that Malfoy is pushing too far. Give it enough time. I want to be ready," Daphne replied. "Besides, Granger always was a little too perfect for my taste. Taking her down a couple of rungs would be good for her."
Blaise said nothing to this. What did he care if Daphne wanted to have fun at the know-it-alls expense? He and Daphne were only friends. She had proven herself loyal over the years and for his part he would be in no one's debt. They had studied together in order to excel in their classes. They watched out for each other and for, the most part, they shared the same views on the rules to which one should lead their life. It was not, and never would be, a romantic relationship. Their friendship was an alliance of survival and, with time, respect. She was one of the few people Blaise would consider worthy of his trust.
"Susan Bones," Daphne spoke aloud interrupting his thoughts. "I'm surprised a Hufflepuff would stand up to Malfoy like that. She has some spirit."
"She shouldn't have interfered," Blaise replied further annoyed at himself that he had looked back at the girl.
"I'm surprised you stopped her. After Malfoy's comment about Diggory, she had a right to defend her friend's memory," Daphne pressed.
"It wasn't the right time. She would have been punished and Malfoy would have walked away," Blaise responded knowing that Daphne realized the same thing he did.
Daphne nodded and changed her tack, the evil grin returning, "Her Aunt is in line to be Minister of Magic, her family is well off in its own right, and doesn't she play Quidditch for the house team? What position did she play again?"
"Chaser," Blaise answered shortly growing tired of her insinuations.
"Chaser," Daphne replied again with the same smile. She dropped the subject as they entered the common room. While she felt no fear of torturing him in private, Daphne was loyal enough that she would never give away any information that could be used against him.
As Daphne and Blaise walked away, everyone followed Ron and Hermione into the Great Hall. Ron could hear Seamus' voice over the din of the crowd, "I've said it before, and I'll say it again, that Greengrass has a magnificent arse."
This caused a good bit of laughter and nodding heads from the males and groans from the females along with a resounding slap to the back of Seamus' head from Lavender.
"Oy, what was that for? It's not like I grabbed it or anything," Seamus exclaimed looking over at his girlfriend.
SMACK! Lavender smacked Seamus across the face, her face red with anger.
This caused the rest of the male Gryffindors to start howling with laughter. The girls all frowned at the confused boy. For Ron though, between Lavender's indignant expression and Seamus's confused look it took a very long time before he was able to catch his breath.
"Can we eat before Seamus gets himself killed?" he managed to spit out trying to save Seamus from the hole he had just placed himself in.
Dean seized on this to try help out his mate, "Yeah we need to eat so we can get ready for the party, unless you girls are going to wear your school robes."
Lavender gasped and instantly forgot about being mad at Seamus. She grabbed Parvati and Ginny and drug them to the table to immediately begin discussing what they were going to wear.
Seamus meanwhile put one arm around Ron's shoulders and one around Dean's "Thanks for that mates, I thought I was done for there."
Luna and Susan waved good-bye to Neville and Harry and returned to their own table, "I thought you were done there as well," Neville agreed sitting across from the three boys.
Harry nodded sitting next to him, "Mate, talking about another girl's arse with your girl friend standing RIGHT NEXT to you is not smart. You're lucky to be breathing."
Ron walked around Seamus to sit down, pulling Hermione along with him, "I'm going to be a bit late to the common room after dinner, love. I have to take care of something, do you mind?"
He smiled, relieved, when Hermione shook her head.
"I'd love to be able to tell you about it but it's for my special project."
Hermione frowned at that, "Ok Ron, but soon we are going to have to talk about all of these special projects."
Ron nodded, not relishing the thought of telling Hermione what he was about to do. He followed Hermione into the Great Hall for dinner where they joined their housemates who were already engaged in a lively discussion about who was the best dueler.
The sun had totally set as Ron made his way out to the Quidditch pitch. He turned his head from side to side looking to see if any of his fellow students happened to be moving about. Fortunately for Ron, it seemed the cold weather had kept everyone inside getting ready for the party. Even the warming charm he had used couldn't keep the winter chill out as he pulled his cloak tighter about him.
He approached the north end of the Quidditch pitch, looking for the person he was to meet. It didn't take long to see the long black cloak and mask that proclaimed to the world that the wearer was a follower of Lord Voldemort. The minute he moved within one hundred feet of the Death Eater, a silver circle glowed briefly on the ground. Ron took out his wand and spoke the words that would finish the Circle of Peace.
"Merry meet," he said firmly.
"And Merry part" the Death Eater responded.
"And Merry meet again," Ron finished.
Reaching into his robes he pulled out a loaf of bread wrapped in a napkin, two metal goblets and a flask of pumpkin juice. The warmth of the Circle of Peace made his cloak unneeded as he spread it upon the ground and sat on one end. The Death Eater approached and knelt on the other end watching as Ron tore the bread in half and poured the pumpkin juice into the goblets. Handing one of the pieces of bread and a goblet of pumpkin juice to the Death Eater, he carefully spoke the ancient words of greeting."
"I, Ronald of the House of Weasley, do hereby enter into this Parley most willingly with the Lady Bellatrix of the noble house of Black."
The figure removed its mask and pulled back the hood of the cloak to reveal a striking woman in her early forties. Long dark hair, almost dark enough to be another cloak, whipped in the wind and deep green eyes regarded him most interestingly.
"I, Bellatrix of the House of Black do enter into this Parley most willingly and I thank thee Ronald for thy courtesy."
Ron took a deep breath as soon as the ritual niceties were out of the way, "Why are you here?" he snarled.
"I have come to repay my debt to you." Bellatrix replied softly not affected by his anger.
"You don't owe me anything," Ron answered unable to keep the confusion out of his voice, "If anything you owe Harry for murdering Sirius."
Bellatrix looked at him for a long moment, "I did not kill Sirius."
"You bloody well did, you hit him with a spell and he fell through the veil," Ron thundered back.
"Listen to your own words Ronald. I hit him with the Stupefy curse and he fell through the veil. His death was an accident, though he was a fool to try and face me." Bellatrix replied as if speaking to a small child.
"Are you trying to convince me that you aren't responsible?" Ron snarled.
"I am responsible for a great many things, Sirius's death is not one of them," Bellatrix replied with a dismissive wave of her hand, "This may be hard for you to believe, but when I was young I was very fond of Sirius. Though we chose different paths, he was family and family is everything."
"What about the Longbottoms? That was a nice piece of work, torturing two helpless people until their minds snapped," Ron shot back at her unwilling to give up his anger.
It seemed, if it were possible, that Bellatrix turned even paler "I was not of sound mind when I broke the Longbottoms."
"Are you trying to say you regret it?" Ron sneered.
"I regret nothing I have done for my Master. I would have used a different method, however, had I not been mad," she replied her voice ringing with pride.
"What's this, a Death Eater who doesn't want to hurt people?" Ron snarled sarcasticly.
For the first time since they had started talking Bellatrix seemed to grow angry. "There is that Gryffindor arrogance. You would do well to keep that under control. People become Death Eaters for many reasons and do not pretend that you in your inexperience can comprehend them all."
"I would rather be an arrogant Gryffindor than a slave to Voldemort," Ron spat back at her.
Bellatrix gathered herself and the very air about her seemed to crackle with barely restrained magic. "You have so much power and so little knowledge Ronald Weasley. My Master is the only one who has ever shown me honor. My parents promised me in marriage to my future husband when I was eight. In school I was considered his property and subject to his every whim. The Dark Lord saw my power where my fool of a husband did not. Now, I am my Lord's most trusted servant and he honors me above all others."
"Why are you here?" Ron asked through gritted teeth.
"You killed my husband and I have come to repay the debt I owe you for removing him from my life," she stated simply.
"You want to thank me for killing your husband?" Ron asked incredulously.
"Do you think that my husband was a kind man? Do you think he was a loving husband? My husband was not the sort of man you are becoming. He was cruel and saw no difference between wife and servant. His death was no loss and there was nothing for me to mourn. Now I wish to be rid of the debt I owe you so I have come to warn you," she replied as if disgusted by lowering herself to speak with him.
"Well I consider myself warned, now you can leave," Ron dismissed her.
Bellatrix laughed, "So fiery and full of self righteousness aren't you? This is no joke Weasley, the Dark Lord has a Dark Seer and the Seer has seen the part you may play in the upcoming battles."
"Well good, now he can let me in on it so I don't feel so useless," Ron replied as if it was a joke.
"This is no laughing matter Weasley. The Dark Lord knows you are the Golden Knight and he knows the key to your heart. He is raising up a Dark Knight to set against you. If he gains control of the Cauldron he will have power beyond reckoning," Bellatrix hissed at him.
"What's this nonsense about a Cauldron?" Ron asked considering that she may be telling him the truth.
Bellatrix drew her robes about her as if chilled by a sudden wind, "The Dark Lord seeks an item of great power, a Cauldron of the ancient world. This Cauldron was old when Hogwarts was built and was coveted by many powerful witches throughout the ages. The original owner was a witch named Medea who used it to brew potions of such power that they were able to bring the imbiber back from the brink of death. Later witches used the Cauldron to brew poisons of deadly strength and potions that fortified both the body and mind against attack. When my Lord gains control of the Cauldron we will be unstoppable."
For a moment Ron looked taken aback but he recovered quickly, "I can't imagine Voldemort would be very happy about your telling me all of this."
"My Lord knows I would never betray his confidence. That fool Dumbledore knows of the Cauldron and seeks it as do we. I am telling YOU so you understand the importance of what is happening around you. You say I am a slave, but you are the one who is being kept in the dark."
Ron was unable to keep his cheeks from flushing red but his voice remained steady, "If I haven't been told about something, then there is a good reason for it."
If it were possible Bellatrix seemed sad, "Will you be content forever to remain a pawn on the losing side? Will you always do what's asked of you without complaint? Are you ready to sacrifice EVERYTHING in a foolish quest to support a doomed child and a doddering old man?"
Though Ron had often wondered how long he would be able to let others decide the course of his life, his loyalty to Harry would never waver and he knew it. "I will be with Harry to the end, however it turns out."
To his great surprise Bellatrix nodded, "As I will be with my Master. We are not so different you and I. We have both taken the lives of our enemies and we will both stand with our comrades until the end. I will regret your death Ronald Weasley."
"I will regret all deaths, but I thank you for the honor none the less," Ron replied sincerely, marveling why a death eater would mourn him.
"Malfoy has always underestimated your family. He has only seen the laughter on the outside and not the fire and steel underneath. It is our greatest failing that such a pureblood family stands against us," Bellatrix spoke rising to her feet.
"My family would never support Voldemort, never," Ron rose as well, insulted at her remark.
"Not even to save the Mudblood?" Bellatrix asked slyly.
To her surprise Ron laughed, "Now really Bellatrix, do you take me for a fool? You know, as well as I, that should Voldemort win the Muggle born will be the first to go."
Bellatrix shook her head, "Many of them, yes, but not all. The Dark Lord is quite generous with his loyal followers and would certainly give the Mudblood to you if that was what you truly desired."
"You cannot give one person to another," Ron sputtered.
Bellatrix seemed to be ignoring his last statement "My time runs short and I must go. Remember my words Ronald Weasley, the only way to save the Mudblood is to join us. Then she will be safe no matter who wins. Do not let all that you love be destroyed for a lost cause. Do not lose your family to save an orphan. You shall hear my voice again."
With a flourish Bellatrix reached into her robe and pulled out a small golden ball and disappeared in an instant.
"Must have been a port key." Ron muttered to himself. Putting the cloak back on as the Circle dissipated. "Everyone knows you can't apparate into or out of Hogwarts. Well, everyone who has read 'Hogwarts, a History.'"
Ron walked back to the castle and tightened his cloak against the cold. It had grown even colder since he had first stepped into the Circle of Peace and a light snow had started to fall covering his foot prints. He walked with a purpose, his meeting the Bellatrix ending admittedly better than he had expected.
Professor Dumbledore looked up from the papers littered upon his desk as the door to his office opened. He smiled when Ronald Weasley walked through the door.
"What can I help you with this evening Mr. Weasley?" the Professor asked.
"Well Professor," Ron started taking a seat before Dumbledore's desk, "I just had a very interesting conversation with Bellatrix Black on the Quidditch pitch."
A brief look of concern crossed Professor Dumbledore's face, "I don't suppose there is any point in trying to pursue her, is there?"
Ron shook his head, "As soon as she finished talking to me she took a portkey away from the castle."
"Why did Bellatrix Lestrange want to speak to you? Or were you in the wrong place at the wrong time?" Professor Dumbledore asked leaning back in his chair.
"She's calling herself Bellatrix Black now and she wanted to thank me for killing her husband," Ron answered sheepishly.
"I see," Dumbledore said placing the tips of both index fingers on his lips, "And just how did she thank you if I might ask?"
Ron flushed feeling his resentment towards Dumbledore grow, "She told me that the Dark Lord has a Dark Seer who has seen what I might do in the coming war. She also told me that Voldemort is looking for an ancient Cauldron, but you already know about that."
Dumbledore nodded, "I believe that I should introduce you to the Order member who is doing the research on the Cauldron, Mr. Weasley"
"You mean Hermione?" Ron asked the knowledge clicking into place like a chess move. All of the time he had been frustrated with Hermione and even Harry studying in the library suddenly had a purpose.
Dumbledore frowned, "Miss Granger informed you of the task she was working on?"
At that Ron laughed, "No sir. Hermione would never do that. Honestly Professor, who could you get for that job that would be better at it? It explains quite a bit actually."
"Very true Mr. Weasley, perhaps you could bring Miss Granger and Mr. Potter with you tomorrow morning for a visit here in my office? I believe you may be able to assist them," Dumbledore asked with a smile.
"I could go get them now if you want Professor," Ron asked rising to his feet. Patience was never one of his strong suits.
"No thank you Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore chuckled rising to his feet. Ron noticed the ice blue dress robes he wore and almost groaned, "I believe that the three of you have a party to attend at the moment, and you Mr. Weasley are going to be late if you don't hurry."
Daphne enjoyed the looks the young Ravenclaws gave her as they scurried out of her and Blaise's way. It wasn't like she went out of her way to instill fear in the minds of other students but she did find it useful to have them become uneasy whenever a Slytherin walked by. Blaise's usual frown of disdain helped to reinforce that outsiders were not welcome.
Despite the fact that she rarely mixed with members of the other Houses, Daphne knew that the older Slytherins were widely believed to have an extensive knowledge of the Dark Arts. Of course both she and Blaise had heard a great deal about the Dark Arts and she was certain she had seen Dark spells used during visits to friends of her families when she was younger. Despite that, Daphne had never cast any herself and didn't intend to start.
Her family had gathered it's wealth by being careful and prudent with it's choices. History was littered with Dark wizards who rose for a moment, spread fear and terror through out the world, only to end up being defeated by the do-gooders like Weasley and Potter.
That was part of the reason that she and Blaise had become friends. While her family was wealthy and cultivated power and influence, Blaise's family could buy hers five times over. However, they preferred to leave well enough alone, finding most things below their notice. That haughty pride and ambivalence of Blaise's was a good compliment to her drive for power making them easy allies without competing against the other.
Then again, the cultivation of power and influence was a Greengrass tradition and Weasley and Potter were her latest goals.
As if Blaise could sense the turn her thoughts had taken, he turned to her with a smirk "So ready for the Lion's den tonight?"
Daphne caught the double meaning in his question and chose only to respond to the obvious, "How bad can it be? Most of them will be scared of us to begin with."
"True.." he replied with a slight smile noticing the elegant green dress and heels. Daphne had gone out of her way this evening and Blaise knew enough to recognize that it wasn't for him. "Though some of them aren't scared at all. In fact, Weasley doesn't seem to be concerned at all about what either of us might do."
"Well, why should he be? Think about it, neither of us lack power, but how many Death Eaters has he killed. We told those Gryffindors they were too noble to take care of their Malfoy problem but you can bet that when it comes down to it Ron will do what it takes."
Blaise turned his head to brush an invisible piece of lint to hide his smile and asked casually, "So you think Weasley is powerful then?"
Daphne missed his teasing tone entirely, "Of course he's powerful. He's a shapeshifter for Merlin's sake. He's a big ginger cat prowling around the castle looking for a new toy to play with."
"Doesn't Granger have a ginger cat as a pet?" Blaise asked not bothering to hide the smirk. Revenge was sweet.
Daphne looked up sharply stopping in the hall, her eyes narrowing, "Yes I believe she does" she said coldly. "Then Granger probably doesn't express how fond she is of it enough."
Blaise couldn't contain his laughter, "Are we still talking about a cat?"
Daphne smiled sweetly and walked away calling over her shoulder, "Let it go Blaise, I have no Bones to pick with you tonight."
Blaise's humor turned to anger as he grabbed her arm. A stupid look. Blaise chafed at the insinuation that he had felt something towards a Hufflepuff. A few Ravenclaws stood nearby and with a glare from Blaise they left, murmuring to themselves. Once the two Slytherins were alone Blaise released her arm, and sneered down at the girl, "Perhaps Daphne you should spend less time trying to be clever and more time trying to find out if we can really expect help from the Gryffindors. I have all ready up held my end with the Slytherin House."
Daphne met Blaise glare for glare for a long moment before nodding. "This bickering will not help our plans."
"You are correct. There will be no more discussion of Weasley and no more insinuations that I think of Bones as anything other than another asset to our plan," Blaise agreed offering Daphne his arm.
Daphne accepted his arm, and they walked in silence for a moment, "Do you think the Gryffindors will agree to back us?" Blaise whispered as the two neared the crowds of students entering the Great Hall.
Daphne nodded, "I think we can, but we truly need to be sure before we commit to a course of action."
"Very well. More research," Blaise agreed leading Daphne into the Hall. Looking over the crowd of students, he noticed a certain blond Hufflepuff across the room with Terry Boot. He frowned at the girl for a moment before leading Daphne to the large group of Slytherins near the far wall. Susan Bones had caused enough trouble for one evening. Unfortunately for Blaise, Daphne had noticed his frown, but as agreed, said nothing.
Hermione looked up from her book at the sound of the portrait door opening to see Ron regarding her with smile. "Sorry I'm late love. I'll be changed in just a moment. Did everyone else leave?"
"Yes, you missed all the fun." Hermione examined Ron closely noticing the wet cloak and muddy shoes, "Have you been outside Ron?" concern evident in her voice.
He looked down at himself and realized lying would get him nowhere. She would know tomorrow what he had been doing and he would be in for it. Tonight he would enjoy her good humor as long as he can, "I had to take care of a bit of business. I'll just get out of these wet clothes and be right back down."
Hermione frowned, "Is it anything I can help with?"
A huge smile broke across Ron's face, "As much as I would love for you to help me with my wet clothes, I think it might be a bad idea if we want to make it to the party."
Hermione's face flushed bright red, "That's not what I meant you prat."
Ron tried to pretend his feeling were hurt, but did a poor job of it. "It's not nice to tease Hermione."
She flushed again, but held his gaze with her own, "You should know by now, I don't tease."
Then it was Ron's turn to flush pink and he could feel the tips of his ears burning. "Ok, well, umm. . . I reckon I should get changed."
Hermione just nodded returning to her book, the hint of a smile on her face.
Ron took a bit longer to get ready than he though as the steaming hot water of the shower lulled him into a state of lethargy. It was in times like this that Ron did his best thinking and he used his relaxed state to consider how he was gong to tell Harry and Hermione about their meeting in the morning with Professor Dumbledore. It might be a bit odd to have the three of them confessing secrets to each other. They were supposed to be each other's best friends and shouldn't have the need for any secrets. Unfortunately, what was normal for most was a luxury that Ron, Harry and Hermione did not share. Stepping out of the shower Ron dried off quickly, pushing the thought of tomorrow out of his mind. He was determined to enjoy the rest of the night with Hermione and deal with the rest in the morning.
By the time Ron and Hermione arrived at the dance, the party had been in full swing for a while. Pausing at the door to the Great Hall, Ron looked around the room noting the different groups of students dancing, talking, and in general having a good time. His Divination girls were all dancing in a circle laughing in a clear space. Susan waved as she caught his eye.
"They are having fun," Ron yelled over the loud music to Hermione, nodding towards the circle of girls.
Hermione shook her head with a smile, "Do you see Harry and Ginny?" she yelled back into his ear.
Ron shook his head no. He did see the group of Slytherins off to the side. A few of them were dancing and even a few braver Ravenclaws had joined them, but for the most part the Slytherins kept to themselves and kept any unwelcome students away from their territory.
Ron caught site of Malfoy and his crew standing in a bunch together. Crabbe and Goyle's dates were at least the same size they were and Ron had to wonder where the girls were from. Malfoy and Pansy stood in the middle of the group inspecting the other students in the Hall.
Ron also spotted Daphne on the dance floor with a Ravenclaw seventh year looking like she was having the time of her life. Blaise stood nearby in deep conversation with another group of Slytherin fifth and seventh years watching the dancers with evident boredom.
Ron turned away from the group and finally found Harry standing with Ginny, Luna and the other fifth year Gryffindors watching his Divination girls dance towards the back of the room where it was a little quieter. He took Hermione by the arm and nodded towards them as they wound their way through the groups of people over to their friends.
Harry smiled and nodded as they approached, "So where have you two been?" he smirked.
"In the shower," Ron replied promptly.
Harry laughed and waggled his eyebrows at them. "Ron, you dog you."
Both Ron and Hermione turned bright pink at that. "Not with me you prat," Hermione frowned. "I was just waiting for him."
"Sure you were," Seamus chuckled winking at her.
"Seamus Finnegan, I'll have you know that not everyone lives in the gutter like you do," Hermione fumed.
Seamus just gave her his patented winning smile and patted Ron on the shoulder, "Are you saying you've never thought about our boy here in the shower?"
Hermione gulped at Seamus' words and replied primly, "I hardly think that's any of your business."
Everyone laughed at that, and then a new voice broke through the laughter. It was a woman's voice warm and almost purring, "So we're talking about Weasley in the shower? Come on Granger don't be shy, brag a little."
Ron turned to see Daphne walk up to his left side and smile at him.
"I prefer to keep my private life just that, private." Hermione sniffed.
Daphne shook her head looking Ron over, "If you say so. I, on the other hand, wouldn't be the least bit shy about it." Ron felt Hermione stiffen beside him and put his arm around her looking at Daphne a question in his eyes.
"You don't strike me as the shy type, Greengrass," Ginny smirked as she looked Daphne up and down. Daphne's green dress left little to the imagination. Ron noticed Seamus look the Slytherin over, an almost predatory gleam in his eye.
At Ginny's snide comment, Daphne laughed, her green eyes sparkling at the younger girl. Ron noted that not only did she have a lovely laugh, but he definitely wasn't the only one who seemed to notice.
"I have found that being shy doesn't get you what you want," Daphne said looking at the young red head. The music changed to a slower number and Susan, Lavendar, and Parvati returned to the group. Daphne watched Lavender and Parvati walk over to Dean and Seamus, both girls staking their claims on the two males. She loved a challenge. "Speaking of which I feel like dancing," Daphne smiled towards the awkward Gryffindor. "Longbottom, come dance with me."
Daphne didn't give Neville any time to say no as she reached out and him out to the dance floor. Neville open and closed his mouth rapidly several times looking shocked, flattered and scared all at the same time.
The guys started to chuckle at Neville's discomfort. The girls all looked from one to the other relaxing, when they heard Luna hiss, "That ruddy slapper had better get her hands the hell off of my Neville."
Everyone froze at the anger in Luna's comment. Susan put her hand on the small blonds shoulder comfortingly as they all watched Neville and Daphne dance. Seamus's thick brogue cut through the silence, "Ah Luna lass, don't worry your head about it, Neville is mad for you."
"But she's beautiful and I'm…..not," Luna said softly. Ginny and Susan looked down at the blond girl ready to object.
"If I were you Lovegood, I wouldn't worry about it," a slow cultured drawl spoke up.
Blaise Zambini had approached them, unnoticed in the unfolding drama, "As highly as you regard Longbottom, he's not Daphne's type."
"She would be lucky to have him," Luna sniffed loyally.
Blaise chuckled at that, "I can see where you might think that Lovegood, but I assure you that Daphne would not see it that way."
"Why not?" Luna demanded her jealousy forgotten in her indignation on Neville's behalf.
"Daphne doesn't find short and dark particularly appealing," Blaise smiled insolently.
"Oh really, well what does she find appealing?" Ginny huffed now clearly affronted on Harry's behalf.
Blaise rested his hand on his chin as if he were pondering the question looking over each guy in his turn, "Well, unless I am mistaken, Daphne has always found blokes who are tall and fair haired very attractive. She is drawn to a fiery sort of fellow, nothing matters to her more than passion," nodding ever so slightly at Ron as he looked directly at Hermione.
At Blaise's words, Ginny turned to look at Hermione and was startled by the look she saw. Hermione nodded once, was smiling at Blaise in understanding, and while holding his gaze, ducked her head under Ron's arm and nuzzled his chest. Blaise had just explained the rules.
Another slow song struck up and Blaise looked at Susan Bones standing next to him, "Shall we?" he asked motioning towards the dance floor.
Susan looked at him for a moment hesitating, and then allowed herself to be lead away from the group.
"I can't believe him," Ginny burst out frustrated at the two Slytherins dancing near by.
"I can. He's gorgeous," Lavendar piped up with a smile and a wink at Seamus' frown.
Luna watched Neville dancing with Daphne and he seemed more relaxed. Daphne hadn't done anything to Neville and nothing inappropriate since stepping onto the dance floor. She had been all talk. Blaise and Susan danced nearby and they were both smiling as if they were enjoying each others company, "I think they are both good people. They just haven't realized it yet."