Life is a Masquerade- Chapter 1- A Mysterious Invitation
Hermione sat in the library after dinner, reading as usual. She looked up at yet another group of giggling girls that had just disturbed her peace. Giving them a glare, she couldn't help but over hear them talking about the up coming masquerade ball. She sighed and turned back to her book, a favorite since her first year. She fondly flipped through the pages of her worn and torn copy of Hogwarts: A History. When she was about to reach her favorite chapter, she felt hands on her shoulders from behind. A boy's head reached around and kissed her gently on the cheek. She turned around and gazed at her long time friend and more recent boyfriend Ronald Weasley. She smiled at him.
"Have you finished your essay for Astronomy yet, Ronald?" she ask fondly.
He pouted. "I really wish you wouldn't call me that."
Hermione gave him a look. "All right, Ronniekins." She burst out laughing at his expression. "I'm sorry, Ron. Never again unless you're being a real prat." she promised. "So, who are you going to the ball with?" she asked teasingly.
Ron gave her a look. "You of course."
Hermione feigned indignation. "What? No formal invitation? No begging for me to honor you with my presence? I won't go unless I get a long and very romantic letter from you."
Ron sighed. "Sometimes I wonder what makes me like you so much." he said, rolling his eyes. He excused himself, saying he was going to finish his essay.
Hermione sat back and read some more. After doing some quick research for an upcoming essay, she headed back to the Gryffindor Tower. She said a few quick "hellos" to passing friends and headed to the 6th year girls dormitory. She changed into her pajamas and crawled into her bed. After awhile the rest of the 6th year Gryffindor girls came up and fell asleep, leaving Hermione to stay up to read awhile. She was about to go to sleep when an owl rapped on her window with its sharp beak. She quickly opened it and took the letter. She climbed back into bed before opening it. As she unfolded the parchment, beautiful magickal flowers unraveled around the edges. She read it. Someone asking her to go to the up coming masquerade ball with them. She mused who and realized it could only be Ron. After her little stunt earlier, it was of course him. When she reached the end, it only read 'Someone who has always loved you.' She thought Ron had gone a little far with 'love', but she never knew how much he really did fancy her. She wrote a quick 'yes' and sent the owl away again. As she was falling asleep, the only thing Hermione thought about was why Ron had used a Hogwarts owl and not his own little Pigwedion.