Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Harry Potter and any of its characters and much to my…displeasure…never will. I assure you though, the plot is entirely my own.

This might be a bit long…but I didn't see the point in separating it into two chapters. Anyway this chapter has one purpose which I cannot reveal to you as it will ruin the rest of the story, but to make my idea work, I had to put in a Christmas Dance because I could think of no other alternative…anyway…enough of that…enjoy…

Chapter 9 – Christmas Dance

"So, Harry, are you coming to Hogsmeade with me, Lewis and Ron?" Hermione asked for the 4th time that day.

"Ok, ok. I'll come!" Harry gave in. Hermione smiled.

"Good! We're all meeting in the entrance hall at 7pm-"

"Isn't that a bit late, the trips only last until 8?" Hermione shook her head.

"Dumbledore said that the 7th years could stay until 10 as long as they all behaved themselves"

"Let's be grateful Malfoy isn't here then"

"Yeah. Anyway, I'm meeting Lewis, see you later, and don't forget we have that Christmas dance tonight!"

"Whatever!" Harry called as she walked out the portrait. He heard her laugh.

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The Christmas dance had been organised by the house elves, which had come as a massive surprise to the entire school…the announcement had gone something like this:

"And now, two of our house elves would like to make an announcement!" Dumbledore said. Dobby and another house elf walked out from behind the staff table.

"I is Dobby and this is Gary. Mr Dumbledore said that we could do a dance for Hogwarts, so all us house elves we have organised a dance for you students of Hogwarts!" There was mumbling on all of the tables before Dumbledore raised a hand.

"Go on Dobby"

"Thank you sir. All us house elves think that everyone should have a good time before Christmas. We hope that you all enjoy it!" Everyone cheered and started talking again. Dumbledore once again raised his hand.

"The dance will be held on Friday night, just before the Hogsmeade weekend…"

Harry sat in the Heads Dorm on the sofa, looking at the fire. He hadn't bothered to ask anyone to the dance…there was only one person he wanted to go with and she'd been taken. He sighed and sipped his coffee. Hermione walked in.

"Come on Harry, we'd better get dressed for the dance" Hermione said.

"I'm not going" he replied, taking another sip of his drink.

"What? Why not?"

"Because I have no one to go with"

"Didn't you ask anyone?"

"The only person I wanted to go with was taken unfortunately"

"Oh. Well…how 'bout if I promise you a dance will you come then?"

"I don't want to come, but thanks for trying Hermione." She looked upset.

"Well…can you at least tell me what you think of my dress?"

"Sure, put it on and I'll tell you." He heard Hermione leave and sighed. Swirling the coffee around in his mug he let the steam blow over his face.

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"What do you think?" Hermione asked, half an hour later. Harry turned round and his jaw dropped. Hermione had let her hair down over her shoulders. A few clips held it in place. Her dress was pure white, and fell all the way to the floor. She twirled round and smiled. "Well?"

"You look…wow…" Hermione giggled.

"Could you put this on for me?" Hermione asked, holding out a necklace.

"Sure" Harry replied, standing up. He took the necklace. "This is the one I brought you for your birthday."

"I know. If you're not coming, then I have to have some memory of you while I'm there." If Hermione had been facing him, she would have seen him blush. She lifted up her hair so Harry could fasten the necklace. It clipped neatly into place. She turned round and held it in her hand.

"Thanks Harry" she leant forward and kissed him on the cheek. "See you later!" she called as she walked out of the room. Harry's fingers brushed against his cheek and he smiled.

"Yeah, see you later."

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Hermione and Lewis sat down next to Ron and Padma after another dance. Ginny and John joined them shortly afterwards.

"Drinks anyone?" Ron said, standing up.

"Yes please" everyone replied. John and Lewis started talking about Quidditch.

"So, where's Harry?" Ginny asked.

"He didn't want to come?"

"Why not?"

"Because the person he wanted to come with was already taken, apparently" Hermione sighed.

"Oh. Any idea who it is?" Ginny asked.

"Not a clue" Hermione replied.

Well, maybe I do have one idea who it might be Hermione thought. She smiled.

"What's so funny?" Ginny questioned.

"N-nothing, never mind." Ginny raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything else.

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Harry looked at himself in the mirror and smiled.

Perfect!

He darted out the door and ran to the Great Hall. He saw Ron getting some drinks and smiled.

"Do you need any help?" Harry asked.

"Oh, Harry. I thought you weren't coming" Ron said, handing him a few of the drinks.

Well I didn't want Lewis to have all the fun! Harry thought.

"No neither did I" he replied. Ron led him to their table and Hermione's eyes lit up when she saw him.

"Harry!" she said. "I thought you didn't want to come!"

"Well…you convinced me"

"I did?" she looked puzzled. He laughed.

"Yep"

"Lewis…can I have a dance?" everyone spun round. A girl was standing behind Hermione. "I understand if you don't want me to or anything but…" she said to Hermione.

"Go on then" Hermione finally said. Lewis jumped up and walked with the girl to the middle of the dance floor. Harry crossed his fingers behind his back.

"Err…Hermione…can I have a dance?" Harry asked, reaching out a hand. Hermione smiled and jumped up off the chair. They walked onto the dance floor. The band on stage began to sing. Hermione put her arms round Harry and he did the same to her. Harry sang along to the song in his head, looking at Hermione the whole time, who had her head resting on his chest.

If you're not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?
If you're not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?
If you are not mine then why does your heart return my call
If you are not mine would I have the strength to stand at all

I never know what the future brings
But I know you are here with me now
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with

I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am?
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

If I don't need you then why am I crying on my bed?
If I don't need you then why does your name resound in my head?
If you're not for me then why does this distance maim my life?
If you're not for me then why do I dream of you as my wife?

I don't know why you're so far away
But I know that this much is true
We'll make it through
And I hope you are the one I share my life with
And I wish that you could be the one I die with
And I pray in you're the one I build my home with
I hope I love you all my life

I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I can stay in your arms?

'Cause I miss you, body and soul so strong that it takes my breath away
And I breathe you into my heart and pray for the strength to stand today
'Cause I love you, whether it's wrong or right
And though I can't be with you tonight
And know my heart is by your side

I don't want to run away but I can't take it, I don't understand
If I'm not made for you then why does my heart tell me that I am
Is there any way that I

Hermione's heart was beating fast, but she could hardly hear it over the sound of her blood rushing. The song…

God Harry thought. That song is exactly how I feel…Little did he know Hermione felt the same.

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Lewis looked at Harry with such hatred it scared him.

Hermione…how could you? You danced with him! Harry and Hermione stood talking on the dance floor and Hermione's face suddenly fell. Lewis frowned.

Stupid girl…you can't get rid of me now

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"Please don't leave Harry" Hermione whispered.

"I don't want to stay any more. I had a dance. That's all I wanted"

"But you don't have to leave. You could have another dance." Harry shook his head.

"You promised me one dance, that's what I wanted and that's what I got"

"Well I can promise you another one"

"No. Just the one"

"Please stay"

"Sorry Hermione" and before she could say anything else he had disappeared into the crowd of people. She sighed.

"Wanna dance?" Hermione spun round. Lewis was standing behind her. She faked a smile.

"Sure"

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A/N – I enjoyed writing that chapter and I hope you enjoy reading it!