A/N: Hey guys! I hope you all enjoyed the last chapter. Don't have much to say, but I'm a bit irked by one review I received. Well, if you could call it a review. More like a flame. So they get a special acknowledgement.
hellakat: My beta basically covered everything in her review. I can't please everyone, but the people I've pleased are enough for me. I wouldn't want to please someone like you, anyway, who apparently gets some sort of amusement out of flaming people. First of all, you only read the first two chapters of my story, so you can't really judge it fairly. Second of all, if the HG/DM fandom has such a 'bad reputation', why are you going around reading the stories? And your example of Americans is very stereotypical. Who says we all run around yelling "OMG" and "like!" all the time? Yeah, so some advice on my part, instead of flaming people (as I see you often do), try constructive criticism, helping the author, not trying to put them down. And since you seem to have a problem with most stories on here, why don't you try writing one yourself, hmm?
PS: Indeed, I am very proud. Cheers.
Chapter 17: A Quiet Place to Think
After dinner, Hermione decided to take a stroll. It was quiet and peaceful outside; the air was cold and crisp, and the dark sky was dotted with twinkling stars. Just then, Harry came up behind her.
"Hey, 'Mione, can we talk?" Harry asked, seeming a bit nervous.
Hermione instantly became worried. Did Harry know something he wasn't supposed to?
"Y-yes, of course! You know I'm always here to talk," Hermione said, trying to keep her cool.
Harry sighed. "Right, then. I bet you were wondering why I was acting so strange at dinner."
Hermione nodded slowly.
Harry sighed again. "Well…I think I fancy Ginny."
Hermione's expression automatically lightened. In fact, she began to laugh.
"Oh, Merlin, 'Mione, is it that funny?" Harry asked.
"No, no," she said in between breaths, "it's just that, I thought it was something serious!"
"But this is serious! I wanted to ask her to the Ball, but I'm not sure how she would react," Harry said.
Hermione chuckled. "Oh, Harry, just give it a try! I'm almost positive you won't regret it."
Hermione couldn't help but notice how nervous Harry was when it came to girls. One would expect the brave Harry Potter to tackle any obstacle. Except, perhaps, the female species.
---
The next morning, Ginny approached Hermione in the corridors. Students were scattered about chatting excitedly or anxiously while awaiting the trip to Hogsmeade.
"Hey, 'Mione! I noticed you and Harry talking lat night. What happened? Does he hate me? Does he wish to never lay eyes on me again?" Ginny said all at once.
Hermione laughed. "Oh Gods, Ginny, no! I'm not going to give away anything, but don't worry. Plus, today is the start of the winter holiday! We've got a Hogsmeade trip!" Hermione exclaimed.
Ginny's eyes seemed to brighten. "You're right! Mum and dad have gone off to visit Bill and his wife for the holidays. So naturally, Ron and I are stuck here."
"Well, you'd better get ready! We'll be leaving in a bit."
---
Up and down the streets of Hogsmeade, people milled about doing some last minute shopping or just enjoying the town around the holiday season. Many shops were adorned with ornaments and garland; some shopkeepers had bewitched the tinsel to turn different colors for each witch or wizard who entered.
"Strange, the first snow of the season has yet to fall," Ginny mused.
Hermione nodded, slipping her hands into her pockets. It was incredibly cold, as if on the verge of snowing. The day was a gray one, with clouds cluttering the sky.
As her friends chatted, Hermione's mind was clouded with thoughts. Who would she go with to the Ball? Harry wanted to ask Ginny, and Ron was going to go with Lavender. Seamus was obviously out of the question, so who would be her date?
'There's plenty of time to think about that. Enjoy Hogsmeade!' Hermione assured herself.
She snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Ginny's voice.
"I've still got to do loads of Holiday shopping," Ginny was saying.
Hermione nodded. "So do I."
Just then, Draco, accompanied by Blaise, Vixen, Crabbe, and Goyle brushed past.
"What are you doing in Hogsmeade, Weasel? It's not like you can afford anything," he sneered.
"Shove it, Malfoy," Harry muttered.
"Oh, the Potty's standing up for his boyfriend! How sweet," Draco returned.
Hermione was sending Draco close to a death glare, and, getting the message, he turned to leave.
"Insufferable git," muttered Ron.
"Just don't listen to him, Ron," Ginny said to her brother, and then added, " We'll meet up later."
The friends split up, leaving Hermione and Ginny to freely roam the shops in search of presents.
---
After what seemed like hours of looking through shops, Hermione and Ginny were set. Hermione had bought Ron a Chudley Cannons album that contained photos and facts about the team, and Harry, a book titled 'Famous Seekers and Their Techniques'. Ginny's present, which she had already purchased, was a lovely muggle outfit. Ginny had always been fascinated by muggle clothes.
The girls found Harry and Ron gazing at some sweets outside the window of Honeydukes.
"You finished?" Harry turned asked the two, who were both carrying a few bags.
"All done," Hermione said, grinning.
"Then what do you say to some Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks? My treat," Harry offered.
Hermione thought for a moment.
"I think I'll pass. You go ahead," Hermione said.
"Are you sure, 'Mione?" Ginny asked.
"Positive," she replied, then added with a whisper, " go off with Harry, you know you want to!"
Ginny rolled her eyes playfully and, with a wave, walked away with the two boys.
---
Draco waited by Blaise as he looked at some Quidditch gear.
"Check this set out, it's wicked!" he exclaimed, showing Draco a complete set of exclusive Quidditch balls.
"Yeah, it's cool," said Draco, without much interest. "Listen, I'm going to take a walk and see if I find…well, you know."
Blaise grinned. "Alright mate, good luck with that, then."
Draco sauntered out of the shop and into the chilly streets.
---
Hermione ambled through the somewhat busy streets of the little town. She continued off past the carolers and crowds until she came near the Shrieking Shack, wishing to get away from all the bustle. A quiet place to think was always welcome.
---
After a bit of casually searching for Hermione, Draco made his way past the busy streets of the town over to a clearing near the Shrieking Shack, where in third year, he had been ambushed by an invisible someone and in fifth year, made out with…well, that wasn't important now.
Much to his surprise, a familiar curly-haired girl sat upon a rock, staring out into the distance. She appeared to be in deep thought…
---
Hermione took a seat upon a rather large rock, and began to gather her thoughts. The cold bit at her, and the gray clouds threatened snow, but she enjoyed it nevertheless.
Just then, a voice startled her.
"Mind if I join you?" the voice drawled.
Hermione instantly whirled around to find Draco standing there, looking handsome as usual, but also a bit…nervous?
"Gods Malfoy, you must fancy frightening me, hmm?" she said, scooting over a bit as Draco sat beside her.
"Apparently I do," he chuckled.
The two sat in silence for a bit, each unsure what to say.
'Why is he here? What does he want?' Hermione thought to herself.
'Come on, Malfoy, you've best just ask her now,' Draco told himself.
He took a deep breath.
"Hermione, there's something I've got to ask you…"
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A/N: CLIFFFAYYY! Sorry this chapter was short, but I wanted to have this one up now so I can have the next one up by Christmas Eve. That's right, folks, don't expect anything until Christmas Eve. Let's just call it…my Christmas present to you guys?
Anyway, while you await some more chapters, allow me to recommend one VERY awesome story by dracosgirl2515. Try her No Longer Just A Mudblood Series (finished), or Relationships Change (in-progress!) Don't be startled by any Grammar mistakes in No Longer Just a Mudblood. She has perfect Grammar throughout all her other stories.
Thanks, and Happy Holidays!!
Now, some thanks to my reviewers…
paper-sky: Aw, thanks! Here you go, I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)
JaxDepp (one of my betas!): Thanks, Jax, I appreciate it :)
azn-modern-miko: The ball is probably in the next chapter…as for that other thing, you'll have to read and see!! :)
Luisa: Thanks, Lu! I appreciate that, too (:
Schoolqueen: Yeah, I know what you mean. Even though he doesn't appear too much in the books, fan fiction gives him such a great character, don't you think? Thanks for reading!
AngelSerpent91: Lmao, you could say that…
HPFanatics311: Lmao, yeah, Super Draco to the rescue!! As usual..! Hehe, thanks! Glad you like it XD
MJ432: AH I KNOW! IT'S BEEN COLD HERE LATELY AND I HEARTS IT. XD Heh, that's a typical Ron thing. Well, let's see what happens, shall we? Ah yes, Draco –faints- and Blaise, so cute :)
Syren: Really? Oh…I just thought I noticed some similar things, so I wanted to make sure people didn't think I copied her. Aw, thanks!! I don't know, and I have yet to check my book, but for now I'm sticking with Zabini…Au revoir!
hannah-901: Nah, not expelled, cause Draco hit someone, too. Hmm, we'll see what happens…Thanks for reading!!
Trulyshadowed: Thanks!! Remember, this is an R-rated fic. Eh, I don't plan on too much smut, cause I don't want things to get too NC-17, but yes, in later chapters, you will find an R scene. I hope that's not all you're reading the story for though 0.o
Sally: Cool! Thanks! Keep reading :)
flower.OF.eden: Heh, yes, so short…yet so awesome, right? I will!
CranKy: Whoa tiger, thanks! Hope you enjoyed this chapter :)
Tiniowien Undomiel: Heh, thanks!!! As I've told others, R-rated stuff will come in time. You can just randomly have them jump on each other, now, can you? Anyway, thanks again! Yeah, that would be nice, but if it did happen, the books wouldn't be the same :- I mean, SOMEONE needs to play the hot villain!
'Till next time! Oh and, my beta didn't fully check this over, so if there are some mistakes, you'll know why :)