Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Wish I did, though.
Author's Note: YAY! Nine chapters! I'm so proud of myself. Here is chapter nine. I would like to thank all of my fateful reviewers, who have stayed with me through thick and thin. You guys are the best. I'm going to thank all of my reviewers from chappie 6 to chappie 8, so, here goes:
blondiluvbanana: you should feel special. Glad you like my story!
Conestoga Angel: you are so totally welcome! Thanx!
RonniekinzLuvr: it's good that you don't like the pansy/Ron part cuz your not suppose to. Your suppose to be rooting for Hermione/Draco. But I guess since u read the pansy/Ron part, it's not that horrible. She is gonna get pulled to Draco, but I dunno if Ron will know.
Hermione Charlotte Granger: he is jealous of Hermione and Draco. That is how he could do that. I hope chappie 8 is better. I had writers block. Yes, poor Draco.
I-hAd-No-Id3a-FoR-a-NaMe: I, like, don't have a life, either, but I am young, and I will hopefully have a life when I get older. I think I want sugar cookies. It's okay you couldn't review last chappie. I got enuff reviews!
Hermione-Granger-420: thanks!
mysteriouscharm: maybe he will, maybe he won't. I had major writers block when I wrote chappie 7, so, yeah.
kissmesweetly: yes your poor heart! Yes, there is soooo much angst. I'm surprised I could make it angstie!
Horse girl3: I think there was a fight scene in chappie 8. I will use ur idea, or part of it. I would also wait till the end to review.
cArnivor: glad you like it
PenScribble06: here ya go! Glad you like it!
angel40689:I've never been to a masquerade ball, so I wouldn't know, but I like writing and reading about them!
Remember, I wrote the thank you's in order of the chappies. My computer wouldn't let me load this one for like a week, so sorry about the wait!
Chapter Nine
Hermione was woken up the next morning by Ginny. The two girls hurried down to the common room, and began opening the presents. Hermione got a set of books from her parents, a self writing quill from Harry, Hogwarts: A History Volume II from Ron, a pink halter top and jean skirt from Ginny, and a few other things from people that aren't that important.
After opening all of their presents, the two girls went to the Great Hall, and began eating. Hermione felt a pair of eyes on her, and looked up to see Draco looking at her. She blushed and looked down. Ginny noticed this, and prayed that Ron or Harry didn't see it.
-&-&-&-
After doing a bunch of nothing, Hermione joined Ginny, Lavender and Parvati in the girl's dormitory. They got dressed into their new dresses they had bought earlier that day, and changed their hair. They went downstairs, and greeted the boys, who were just as awe-struck as before. The group went to the Great Hall and danced some. Hermione danced with Draco about 8 times. Finally, the clock struck twelve o'clock. Hermione felt an invisible force pulling her towards a figure. Hermione prayed that it was Draco, then instantly regretted it when she remembered that she was suppose to be dating Ron.
She wasn't quite sure who got paired with, but she didn't care. She loved the feeling she got whenever he dipped her. But, unfortunately, the night had to end. Hermione sadly left her dance partner, and went up to her dormitory. She wasn't tired, so she changed out of her clothes, and into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She put her hair into a messy bun, and, since it was Christmas, and she was allowed to stay out later, went to the library. She was reading a book about something or other, when she felt someone looking at her. She looked up, and noticed Draco sitting a few tables away. When he saw that she had seen him looking at her, he looked down. Hermione smiled to herself, stood up, and sat down next to him.
"Are you avoiding me, Draco?" she asked, leaning in.
Draco had an urge to smell her, but he resisted. "N-no, I d-don't know w-why you w-would think t-that," he stuttered.
"Really," Hermione said, enjoying every moment of this. "It seems like you are."
"W-well, I'm n-not," Draco said, defensively.
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked. Draco nodded. "Okay," Hermione said, standing up. "Later, Draco," she said, leaving. Draco watched her receding figure, and mentally slapped himself.
Why am I such an idiot? he asked himself as he stood up. Why does she always make me seem stupid? I can make any girl crumble with just one glance, yet she is harder. She is the one that makes me crumble. He walked to the Slytherin Tower, and went up to his dorm to sleep.
-&-&-&-
Hermione was walking down the corridor to the Gryffindor Tower, when Professor McGonagell rushed up to her.
"Hello, Professor," Hermione said.
"Good , Hermione," McGonagell said, " you're up. Professor Dumbledore has some…news that he needs to tell you."
"Okay," Hermione said.
"I must go check on Peeves," McGonagell said. "He seems to have broken into Professor Snape's potion cupboard. The Headmaster's new password is 'Laffy Taffy.' Please hurry."
Hermione watched McGonagell run in the direction of the dungeons, then turned around, and walked to the Headmaster's office.
She told the gargoyle the password, and got on the stairs. She stepped off, and was greeted by Dumbledore.
"Ah, good evening, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling.
"Evening, Professor," Hermione said, sitting down.
"Now, I have called you into my office because of something that has come up."
"Come up?"
"Yes. Well, let me see. It's not really horrible, or anything, but given the state that you are in, and what has been happening around Hogwarts lately, and the, ah, rumors I hear, this may be a problem."
"What is it?" Hermione asked, confused.
"You have a visitor." Dumbledore stood up. "You may come in, Mr. Krum."
Hermione turned around, and saw something she hoped would go away.
-&-&-&-
There ya go. I think it is a cliffy. I'm not positive. Anyways, please review, and give me any ideas you can think of. I will take anything. I will also take CONSTRUCTIVE CRITISM. I don't really like flames, I think they are called, so please be nice. Thanks!