Attention: I have a mistake to correct for the last chapter, but I am too lazy to re-post it all. Anyway, I've visited the official J.K. Rowling website and it is posted there that Ginny Weasley's name is NOT Virginia, but is Ginevra. So, from this point forward, she will be referred to correctly. Everybody say it with me... GINEVRA...

Faded Pictures:

Chapter 6: Are You Serious?

"'Mione," Ginny called softly as she knocked on the door adjoining their hotel rooms, "are you okay in there?" Not hearing a response, she pushed the door open and peeked inside. There, lying on the bed was Hermione.

She was huddled into a ball against the headboard of the bed, her face buried in the pillows as her body was wracked with sobs. She didn't look up when her friend took a seat on the edge of the bed. Neither did she pause for a moment as Ginny rubbed her back.

"It's okay, Hermione. Everything is going to be okay." Hoping that her voice was soothing, Ginny murmured a constant stream of reassurances.

After an hour or so, no more sobs came from the brunette curled up on the bed. She had cried herself to sleep. Ginny got up, swore that she'd talk to Hermione first thing in the morning, and moved to fulfill her duties as assigned by Draco. An owl had come on the way back from the restaurant which said simply "Get that ring."

Transfiguring a bit of string, Ginny quietly searched Hermione's purse for the small box. "Yes," she cried triumphantly as her fingers wrapped around the object she was searching for. Covering her mouth, she checked to make sure her companion was still asleep.

The brunette groaned and rolled over, but remained asleep. Ginny covered the woman with the blankets and returned to her task. She removed the ring from the box, tucking it securely into her pocket, and replaced it with the transfigured string. "Perfect..." She announced to no one in particular. Then, returning the box to her friend's purse, she quietly returned to her own room.

Hermione yawned and wondered sleepily why she was still in the same clothes she'd had on the day before. "Oh." Memories came flooding back to her as she slipped from the hotel bed. She padded into her bathroom and stripped, filling the bathtub with steaming hot water and lavender scented soap bubbles.

Fine mess you've gotten yourself into this time, Granger, Hermione thought irritably. You couldn't just listen to your mother in the first place. Nooooo, you had to go and run off to another country and get engaged to a bloody arsehole who poses as Mr. Perfect. She slid into the tub letting the hot water come up over her and sighed as it began to loosen the muscles in her back. Settling back against the tub, she let her thoughts roam over her predicament.

I love Ron, and I'm pretty sure he loves me too, but I know that Xan loves me. Xan is an arsehole though, and after what he just pulled, I don't know if I can be with him. Hermione's head was beginning to pound. She wished someone else would just settle things for her. How much do I love Xan? In her heart of hearts, she knew it wasn't enough. Ron was her true love, and Xan was just a cheap, though quite sexy, replacement. I'd run back to Ron in a heartbeat if he asked me to. I just don't know if he wants me back or what I'd do about Xan if he did.

"Hermione?" Ginny called from the other side of the bathroom door.

"Yes, Gin? Do you want to come in?" Hermione peered at the door as it creaked open to admit her red-headed friend.

"How are you feeling, sweetie?" Ginny's voice was comforting and concerned as she seated herself by the edge of the tub. "Are you doing okay? You've been put through a lot in a short amount of time."

"I'll be okay, Gin. I just don't know what to tell the guests when they arrive. Most of them should be getting here around noon. Harry, Draco, and Ron will be getting here at 10 though." Hermione's eyes were downcast as she spoke.

"Don't worry about the guests, 'Mione. I'll take care of them and give them a quick explanation of how a few things came up and the wedding is postponed. Make sure they have fun for a bit and they'll hardly even notice anything is wrong." Ginny smiled secretively. If things went her way, there'd definitely be a wedding, just not the same one.

"Alright, but what time is it now?" Hermione looked up into her friend's eyes and braced herself for the day.

"It's 9:30, you'd better get a move on. They'll be here in a half an hour." Ginny giggled at the look of horror on the other witch's face.

"Shit, Ginny, why didn't you say something sooner?" Hermione scowled at the redhead who had broken down in laughter. "You're gonna pay for that."

"Why you evil little..." Harry stood gaping in horror in front of the Potter Paradise Hotel. "I... I can't even come up with a good enough name for exactly what it is you are. But you can rest assured that as soon as I figure it out, I will make sure your picture goes in the dictionary next to it." He turned, emerald eyes blazing, toward Hermione who was clutching her sides in laughter.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I just couldn't resist. It was just... too... perfect." The last bit was forced out through a fit of laughter which made Harry's already pink face redden in a cross between anger and ironic amusement.

"Love, relax. It's not that bad, is it?" Draco draped an arm around Harry's shoulders, but removed it quickly at the icy glare sent in his direction. "Honestly, darling, it wasn't me, so don't give me that look. For once, I had nothing to do with your horrific embarrassment." He raised his hands in defense.

"Oh, but you knew about this and didn't warn me, isn't that right?" Harry scowled at his husband who was trying to look as innocent as possible.

"Well, it's possible that Hermione might have mentioned it in a letter, but it must have slipped my mind." Draco left a quick kiss on Harry's cheek and grabbed some luggage. "So, shall we check in or are we going to stand here all day?"

"Bloody wankers..." Harry muttered under his breath. He, Draco, and Ginny made their way into the hotel, completely forgetting that Ron and Hermione had yet to speak to each other. The thought never really crossing their minds that the two hadn't seen each other in five years, they were quickly wrapped up in the Harry hotel thing.

"Hi, Ron," Hermione began shyly, looking at her feet, "long time, no see."

"Yeah, how've you been? You look great." Ron was blushing and fidgeting nervously as he watched the woman he loved.

"Thanks, I've been fine. You look good yourself..."

"Oh, yeah... thanks."

"..."

"..."

Silence... the two just looked at each other, sort of. Hermione was still avoiding Ron's bright blue eyes, and Ron was awkwardly trying not to ogle her in return.

"I've missed you, y'know." Ron finally broke the silence. He knew that it probably wasn't the best way to start out, but at least it was something.

"I've missed you too, Ron." Flushing, Hermione met Ron's gaze and almost gasped. She could see the love shining in his eyes. Stepping forward, she pulled the tall man into a tight hug. "Oh, how I've missed you... It's been way too long."

"You're telling me..." Ron muttered gently, stroking her hair. "I've been waiting a long time to see you again. There's a lot we need to talk about, I reckon."

Burying her face against Ron's hard chest, Hermione nodded her agreement. She had known she was still in love with the man, but until she'd actually had him in her arms again, she hadn't realized quite the extent of that love. "We'll talk later though." Giving him one last tight squeeze, she released him. "Right now, I want to see Harry's reaction to the rooms."

"They're that bad, eh?" Ron joked, leading Hermione back into the hotel.

"Just wait till you see them." Something about the look on her face told Ron that he had no idea what they were in for.

"Karaoke, are you serious?!" Hermione shrieked. She looked horrified at the possibility that her friends were even slightly interested in such an activity.

"Yes, 'Mione, I'm quite serious." Neville flashed his old friend a dazzling smile and placed an arm around her. "You know I love to sing."

It was 7:30 and most of the guests had arrived. Oddly enough, all of her old friends were in agreement as to the activity they wanted to partake in. Fred and George were nodding emphatically as Katie and Angelina smiled from their sides. Lee looked like he was about to start jumping for joy, and Alicia, though silent, conveyed her consent through her brightly shining eyes. Neville, shockingly handsome devil that he was, had suggested the idea a few moments ago. Harry, Draco, and Ginny had backed him immediately along with Luna, Pansy, and the rest.

"Fine, you all win. We'll do karaoke, are you happy now?" Hermione barely concealed a smile as her friends began to cheer in excitement. "Let's ask the hotel staff where there is a good place nearby." She pulled Ginny toward the front desk, completely missing the smug look on Draco's face or the furtive glances Ron and Harry shot each other.

It was definitely going to be a night to remember...

Hermione couldn't believe she was seated at a table in a dark, rather smoky karaoke bar with a ton of her Hogwarts friends. Of all the things her friends could've possibly wanted to do... karaoke...

Sitting at the center of the table, on one side, Hermione glanced around her. Seated to her left, grinning broadly, was Ginny. Ginny wasn't smiling for her, however. It was Neville for whom that was reserved. He sat on Ginny's other side, next to Blaise Zabini. Beside Blaise sat Pansy Parkinson, who was looking as bored as ever but still somehow managing to look more enthusiastic about karaoke than Hermione. Luna Lovegood sat, staring oddly into space as always, from the end of the table between Pansy and Lee Jordan, who was sending suspicious looks her way every now and again.

Lee's wife, Alicia Spinnet, sat beside him, chatting quietly with Angelina Johnson. Fred kept leaning over from his spot beside the tall black girl, adding his two cents. The women would just laugh and roll their eyes, so Fred would turn to his other side and mutter to George about how Katie must be the best of the three, because she knew how to take a joke. Katie Bell, who was seated on the other side of Fred simply laughed and continued her conversation with Leslie about how fascinating America must be.

Dean Thomas, seated next to Leslie, was holding up a conversation with Lavender Brown about her fascinating modeling career. Lavender was seated between him and Seamus Finnegan, who was seated at the end of the table. Seamus just kept running a hand through his sandy hair and eyeing Severus Snape suspiciously.

Snape had surprised everyone by accompanying the group to the karaoke bar. Dumbledore and McGonagall had gone out to a nice dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, the Grangers, and Hagrid, Madame Maxime, and Remus Lupin. Hermione supposed each group seemed equally unsavory to the Potions Professor. At least at the karaoke bar he'd get in a few laughs.

Snape was seated non-coincidentally next to Draco. Draco was carrying on a nice, civilized conversation with his godfather although he wondered why the man was even there. Harry alternately gaped in wonder at Snape and talked to Ron from his seat between his best friend and his husband. Ron, however, wasn't really listening to Harry because he was too busy staring at Hermione on his other side.

"So, who is going to go first?" Hermione asked, grateful that Xan had gracefully declined his invitation. Too polite not to invite him, she had still made it perfectly clear that his presence wasn't exactly wanted. "We're basically the only people here, so it looks like it's up to us."

The group looked at each other for a few minutes before Leslie finally spoke up. "I'll do it, sheesh." Motioning to Lavender and Katie to join her, she moved toward the stage.

A moment later, all three girls were on stage and the music started:

Lucy Liu... (Lavender struck a pose) with my girl, Drew... (Katie followed suit, much to the amusement of George) Cameron D. and Destiny (Leslie motioned to herself and struck a pose)

Charlie's Angels, Come on

Uh uh uh...

Hermione giggled as she watched her friends sing and attempt to dance on stage. Maybe karaoke wasn't as bad of an idea as I thought. What should I sing?

Dean was holding a stitch in his side as he watched the three girls prance across the stage looking haughty. Seamus pulled the dark-skinned guy toward him at one point, gesturing toward the stage. Uh oh, Hermione thought, this night is going to get quite interesting. She glanced around the table to see everyone conspiring about their songs.

...Girl I didn't know you could get down like that

Charlie, how your Angels get down like that

Leslie, Lavender, and Katie struck poses once again, all smiling broadly. Making their way back to the table, they received many catcalls and high fives. Hermione had to admit that they weren't half bad. Snape begged to differ, but he was the only person who didn't look like he was about to get up on stage.

Dean and Seamus stood before anyone else could take the stage and grabbed Harry and Ron. They whispered madly before dragging the other boys up to the stage. The two unsuspecting men looked anxiously about before relaxing into huge smiles. Stepping up onto the stage, they grinned and started their song.

What's up Fresh, it's our turn baby

Everyone at the table immediately burst into laughter. It was just like that group to do a song like that. Even Snape couldn't keep from cracking a smile as the boys sang rather badly.

Gator Boots, with the pimped out Gucci suit
Ain't got no job, but I stay sharp
Can't pay my rent, cause all my money's spent
but that's ok, cause I'm still fly
got a quarter tank gas in my new E-class
But that's alright cause I'm gon' ride
got everything in my momma's name
but I'm hood rich da dada daaaaaaaaaaa

"You all have issues." Hermione smiled at her friends as they returned to the table. Ron, plopping into the chair beside her, grinned back.

"What? I am still fly. I don't know what you're talking about." He turned to Harry and whispered something to him.

Hermione cast a suspicious look their way, but soon returned to pondering what the perfect song would be for her to sing. She wanted to sing something serious... something that would really convey what she was feeling.

Lee Jordan glanced down the table, gesturing to his two best friends. Hermione groaned, knowing that something really funny was about to come on. The boys stood, Fred leaning over to whisper in Angelina's ear. As they headed toward the stage, everyone was surprised to see Angelina stand and gracefully follow them. She took the head position on the stage and looked around before beginning to speak in her best "white girl" imitation:

Oh, my, god. Becky, look at her butt.
It is so big. (Angelina smiled as she scoffed) She looks like,
one of those rap guys' girlfriends.
But, y'know, who understands those rap guys?
They only talk to her, because,
she looks like a total prostitute, 'kay?
I mean, her butt, it's just so big.
I can't believe it's just so round, it's like,
out there, I mean - gross. Look!
She's just so ... black! (Angelina managed to get through the whole thing wearing a look of disdain and disgust at different parts.)

"It's ironic that they got the sole black girl present to do that for them." Leslie smiled. "I should've been the one to go up there. I suffer from a very common disease among Caucasian women." She suddenly looked very serious and though Hermione hated to do it, she asked what the disease was. "Well, nasitall, of course." She grinned as Hermione and most everybody else groaned.

"Hold on, what is she talking about?" Luna piped up from the end of the table. "I've never heard of a disease called nasitall. What is it?" She had apparently snapped out of her daze long enough to catch the end of the corny joke.

"Nasitall," Leslie explained, "I have no ass at all... nasitall."

Luna's eyes opened wide, but apparently she didn't find the joke very funny because she turned away again to stare into space. Leslie looked at the girl as if she'd grown another head, but then turned her attention back to Fred, George, and Lee.

Little in the middle but she got much back

The boys made a big deal of making the sound at the end of the song, motioning as though they were cracking a whip. Laughing merrily, they returned to their seats.

Draco turned up his nose. "Your rapping is atrocious. Stick to your day jobs." He crossed his arms as though the whole thing was thoroughly offensive.

"I don't know what you're talking about. That was hilarious!" Ron was holding his sides, near tears from all the actions the three had been putting to the song.

"If you think you can do better, be my guest." Lee stuck his tongue out at the blond. "As if you'd know anything about rap..."

"Is that a challenge?" Draco raised one eyebrow disdainfully.

"Yes." Lee, Fred, and George all chorused.

"I accept then and I'll put all of you to shame." Draco scowled at Harry who was looking at him in utter disbelief. "It's obvious no one here thinks I can do it, so I'll have to prove you all wrong."

Nobody except Hermione seemed to catch an uncharacteristic smirk take residence on Neville's face as he observed the scene. He leaned back in his chair and glanced between Draco and the twins. What is going on here? Neville doesn't smirk. Neville never smirks...

"Well," Snape drawled icily, "it was highly amusing in its own crude way." Ron scowled at the man and turned his back toward him. "So, who is next up to thoroughly embarrass themselves?"

"I'll go." Draco stood and strolled up to the stage alone. Standing there, he flashed Harry a quick smile and started to sing, instantly capturing everyone's attention with his voice. It was strong, yet quiet and beautiful at the same time.

Always and forever
Each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me
That somehow came true, yeah

And I know tomorrow
Will still be the same
Cause we got a life of love
That won't ever change and

Every day love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Ooh baby, I'll always love you forever...

Draco's eyes never left Harry's, and as Hermione followed his gaze, she saw tears falling slowly from his eyes. That is so sweet, Hermione was starting to tear herself, I wish I had that. She sniffed aloud and Ron turned to meet her eyes. His eyes, also clouded with tears, were shining brightly.

...Ever, ever, ever
There'll always be sunshine
When I look at you
It's something I can't explain
Just the things that you do
If you get lonely
Call me and take
A second to give to me
That magic you make and

Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
Ooh baby, I'll always love you forever

Returning to the table, Draco kissed Harry softly. "I'll always love you, Harry." Snape gagged in the background, receiving scowls from everyone.

"That was not rapping, Draco." Fred crossed his arms. "You aren't chickening out, are you?"

"Please... Do I look like the type to back down from a challenge? I don't think so. That was for Harry. Besides, I'm still thinking of what will best prove myself." Draco smirked suddenly. "I know what it is now. You'll see in a few minutes." He motioned toward Blaise and Neville respectively. Each nodded and turned to look at a grinning Pansy.

"Well, I think Draco's song was beautiful, and since he's gonna wait for a few minutes to go again, I'll go." Ginny stood gracefully, choosing to ignore the questioning glances everyone was sending her friends. A moment later, she stood quietly on the stage. Her mere presence commanding attention, she instantly drew everyone's eyes to herself.

Ooh baby
I love the way you make me feel
It slows down time
Come in my bedroom and turn off the lights

You whisper softly in my ear
Makes me unwind
The way you touch me
Lets me know you're mine

Ginny moved in a slow sensual dance onstage, her voice casting a spell over her audience. Running her hands down her sides provocatively, her gaze lingered over a sole figure at the table. Their eyes locked and Hermione witnessed a spark of fire between the two.

"Whoa," Hermione muttered quietly, watching transfixed as the redhead continued her dance, "that is intense."

"What?" Ron followed his sister's line of sight and froze. His mouth formed a perfect 'O' as he glared at the man seated near Hermione. "Neville..."

I love the way you look at me
Stare into my eyes
What do they say to you
Boy don't be shy
Tonight's the night your fantasies
Will all come true
I am your woman
I belong to you

There is nothing I won't do for you
I know my soul connected me to you
I feel so safe when I'm alone with you
I'm holding back nothin
Saving it all for you
Baby I love making love to you
It's like a high I can't come down from you

Neville was blushing intensely, but his eyes never left those of the woman's onstage. Wetting his lips with his tongue, he mouthed something to her. Hermione couldn't quite make out what he'd said, but she had a sneaking suspicion that it entailed a rendezvous she'd rather not have known about.

I'd rather be with you
Because I love the way
You scream my name
And there's no other man
That gives me what I want
And makes me feel this way
I'd rather be with you because
You hustle hard to take care of me
I'd rather be with you
Boy I'd rather be with you

I don't want nobody else
I'm happy with you
You got me baby

Ginny hopped girlishly off stage, ignoring the irony of the innocent action in comparison to the song she'd just performed. Making her way around the table, she received catcalls from a few of the guys and finally flopped unceremoniously into her seat. She grinned at the looks of horror that remained plastered on her brothers' faces and leaned over to plant a kiss on her companion's lips.

"Ginny," Ron groaned, placing a hand over his eyes, "please don't do things like that, they might make me sick."

Hermione landed a hand on Ron's chest with a thump. "Oh, shut up, Ron Weasley. I think it was sweet, Gin." She sent a smile at the couple and giggled.

"Ooh, my turn now!" Hermione grinned as George made a hand motion and Fred and Lee hopped up again and made their way to the stage.

You've got a cute way of talking

You've got the better of me

Just snap your fingers

and I'm walking

like a dog hanging on your leash

I'm in a spin, y'know

Shaking on string, y'know

You make me feel like dancing

I'm gonna dance the night away

You make me feel like dancing

I'm gonna dance the night away

You make me feel like dancing

I feel like dancing

dancing

dance the night away

I feel like dancing

dancing

Katie giggled as George pointed to her, wiggling his eyebrows and dancing ridiculously. Everyone else was also laughing (with the exception of Snape) at George's attempts to sing in a high voice. Fred and Lee joined in on the chorus, dancing in the mock style of guy groups everywhere.

And if you'll let me stay

We'll dance our lives away

You make me feel like dancing

I wanna dance my life away...

The trio returned happily to their seats. They were quite pleased with their singing, though it was pretty rough on the ears. Chatting amongst themselves, no one stood to take the stage.

Well, Hermione thought anxiously, here goes nothing. Without saying a word, she stood and walked shakily to the stage. This ought to be interesting. She selected the song out of the memory and stood in the center of the platform, looking nervously out at the table of all her friends.

Author's Note: Yo, ummm... this is just part one... I'm sorry it took so long for me to update this, but karaoke is strenuous. On top of that, I have school to deal with now. Not to mention my delinquent adventures with the infamous N.C. PsyChick and our friend Billy. Anyway, I'm almost done with part two. I just wanted to get something out for those people who are reading. Big thanks to my beta reader/roommate/partner-in-crime, the ever popular N.C. PsyChick, and to my little sister who was a tremendous help to me.

: Yo, ummm... this is just part one... I'm sorry it took so long for me to update this, but karaoke is strenuous. On top of that, I have school to deal with now. Not to mention my delinquent adventures with the infamous and our friend Billy. Anyway, I'm almost done with part two. I just wanted to get out for those people who are reading. Big thanks to my beta reader/roommate/partner-in-crime, the ever popular and to my little sister who was a tremendous help to me.

ATTENTION!!!!!!!! In order to get the full effect of Draco's rapping... You'll want to hear the song... for those of you who know it... you'll love it. For those of you who don't know it, go find it and listen to it... then you'll love it too. The song is... drumroll please, Heidi... Bone Thugz n Harmony's "Thug Love."

Responses to Reviews:

Sophie: It's all good... I'm sorry about chewing you out and everything... I know it kinda ruined the intense moment, but that's what it was intended for. It was a bit of comic relief. I hope you continue to read this story... I know it's been a while since I've updated.

ilive4cake00: I'm glad you like Harry and Draco, they are funny aren't they? I'm not so sure Hermione is bitchy as "needing to sort out her priorities" and such. In my story she just tends to overreact. If that comes off as bitchy, I'm sorry... Oh, and thanks for the compliment. I'm glad you like it.

RaDcLiFfE'sLiTtLeHoTtIe: I'm glad you liked her outburst... I enjoyed writing it.

N.C. PsyChick: Sigma Mu Beta, biotch!!! And what????? Nobody messes with Omicron Phi Alpha fratority!!!! Oh, umm... riiight. So, uh, what's new with you?

Shwenny: Meh, don't feel bad about people flaming me... At least I have some truly wonderful reviewers like you to cheer me up. I'm glad you like this so much and I'm sorry this chapter was so late in coming...

eVe, Lee74, and miSzjaYj0ckSz: I'm so glad you all like the story... again, I'm sorry this installment is so late. I hope you all can forgive me. Well, stay tuned.