Hey ya'll! I haven't forgotton about u, I swear. I still haven't written chapter 14. I feel like a faliure. But any way, I will most likely post up to chapter 13 like I usually do, and then take suggestions from u guys! haha yay. ALSO! I posted 2 chapters here today b/c well I luv ya guys so much and wanted to say thanks for reading! haha Im sorry about the three broomsticks/ leaky cauldron thing that was buggin u guys, I always get them mixed up and I'll probably never get it right. Oh well. Anyway, here ya go!

Chapter 8

The Ball Part 1

The day of the ball, Harry's eyes popped open in alertness and he had butterflies of anticipation in his stomach. Dean, Seamus, and Neville, were stirring, but Ron lie sleeping in the bed across from Harry.

Harry got up, stretched, and grabbed a pillow from his bed. Then he quietly walked over to where Ron lay and WHAM hit him over the head with the pillow.

"Get up!" he yelled at Ron, who stirred to alertness and sat up.

"Harry, S'Saturday" he mumbled, massaging his head, and his eyes still closed.

Harry tossed to pillow over his shoulder. It landed on Ron's head once again. Dean, Seamus, and Neville erupted with laughter as Ron was forced backwards by the airborne pillow.

Ron got out of bed, rubbing his eyes. He stumbled across the floor and picked up a pair of wrinkled robes

off the ground, and pulled them over his messy red hair. He slipped his shoes on without tying them, and he and Harry headed downstairs.

They found Hermione downstairs, in a chair, head in hand, fast asleep.

"Hermione, wake up!" Ron yelled. Some people turned to look at him, but Hermione didn't stir.

Harry walked over to where she lay and pulled her up into a hug.

"Mmmm Hi Harry." she breathed, still practically asleep.

"Hey you" he said, still holding her in his arms. "Wake up" he gently eased her down into the chair and she slowly awakened.

That's how it had been since they got back from Hogsmeade. Ever since they knew there might be something between them, they couldn't keep their minds off each other, so to speak. They were often found in the common room, holding hands and chatting in front of the fire, staring at each other during classes, or giving each other random hugs almost every morning, every night, and every moment in between.

"Did you sleep well?" asked Harry in a concerned, soothing voice.

"Terrible" mumbled Hermione, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "I was up all night, excited about today."

"Yeah, I know the feeling," said Harry. "Why don't you go take a nap? You don't look too good."

"Yeah, good idea." Said Hermione.

Harry and Hermione gave each other one last hug, before she disappeared up the stairs. Harry stared at the door she walked through a few moments longer, before Ron proclaimed "Come on, I'm starving" and they both ventured downstairs to breakfast.

"So do you think Snape will be there tonight?" asked Ron, on their way back from breakfast.

"Dunno" said Harry. "I hope not. He sucks the fun out of everything. The only reason he'd be there is to make sure no one was having fun." They both laughed.

"Quite Amusing Potter" said a voice behind them. Harry was afraid to turn around, for the characteristically malice voice could hold no other host.

"Weren't you ever taught manners? To respect your elders?" asked Snape.

"Yes Professor Snape" said Harry glumly.

"I know you've spent countless hours in my office writing lines or polishing trophies. Nothing seems to get through to you does it boy?" Snape asked coldly.

Harry didn't answer.

"Answer me boy!"

Silence. Harry was unsure of what to say. What was the way out?

Snape's lip curled into a snarl. "You loathsome, evil little urchin!" he spat, in a voice quivering above a whisper.

"We'll teach you a lesson. While all your friends are at their little ball, you can sit in detention with me!" Snape smiled evilly.

Ron had sat in shock.

"But Sir, that isn't fair!" screamed Harry.

"Do you want to hear about fair? I'll tell you about-" Snape was cut off by a new voice.

"What are you doing, Severus?" asked Lupin soberly.

"I will handle this myself thank you very much," said Snape coldly.

"I think you know, as well as I know, as well as Dumbledor knows that that keeping Harry from the ball is a big price to pay for hurting your feelings, don't you think?" asked Lupin sweetly.

Snape opened his mouth to argue, but nothing came out. "25 points from gryffindor" he mumbled, and stalked away, not looking back.

"Thank you sir" said Harry, once Snape was out of sight.

"Don't mention it" said Lupin.

"What's he got against me?" asked Harry, hotly. By this time Ron had fled to who-knows-where.

"He's just a lonely old man" Said Lupin. Harry looked taken aback. "He's gone through a lot in his life. I suspect that over the years it's caused to him to grow bitter."

"Like what?" asked Harry,

"That is for another time" Lupin smiled. "Don't give him a reason to get on your case. I won't always be around to pull you out of the fire, so don't dance around the coals." and with that, he walked away.

Harry sat staring in the mirror. He was wearing a handsome black suit, perfectly altered thanks to Hermione. He learned a new spell to temporarily correct his vision, and he went without his glasses tonight. Now what to do about his hair? It stuck up, same as usual. He had tried a few spells before, to which had very little effect. But what if Hermione liked his hair? What if it was the one thing she found irresistible in him? He began to panic.

"Ron, what if she just likes me for my hair?" asked Harry, nervously.

Ron looked up from lacing his shoes. He gave Harry the once-over. "Trust me mate, it isn't the hair" said Ron.

Harry heaved a sigh of relief. Of course it wasn't his hair.

"You're just nervous, that's all," said Ron.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. Do I look ok?" he turned around.

"Yeah, sure" said Ron, barely glancing up.

"Ok then, you ready?" Ron nodded.

"Then let's go" and with that they left.

It was 10 minuets before Lavender came down. She was wearing a stunning orange dress, which clashed badly with Ron's hair, and her own hair was tied up in an intricate bun-type thing.

Next to come down was Hermione. As she stood at the top of the steps, all eyes were on her. The whole common room had stopped to stare.

Hermione was wearing a midnight blue gown that stopped at her belly button, and instead of being once piece of material, it crossed over her chest and tied around her neck, leaving her back and well as her belly button exposed. On the bottom of the dress was an intricate pattern of moon and stars, all gold and there were stars around the fabric around her naval. Her hair lay in gentle curls over her shoulders, with just a couple pieces tied back in gold clips. She had just a touch of make-up on, and none of her earlier scars were visible. She was breathtaking.

As she walked down the stairs, people turned back to what they were doing, all except for Harry. His mouth hung open and his eyes sparkling.

When Hermione reached where they were standing, she tuned around once, slowly, and then turned to face Harry.

"Well, what do you think?" asked Hermione. She sounded anxious, nervous, worried.

"You look beautiful!" Harry exclaimed. Hermione gave a small sigh of relief and threw her arms around him with a squeal, then took a step back to examine him.

"You look great Harry!" she exclaimed, all smiles. "But where's your glasses?" she asked, a bit confused.

"Up in the dorm." said Harry. " I won't be needing them tonight." he smiled.

"Are you ready to go?" Asked Ron, looking over at the two of them. They looked at each other and nodded.

They all walked toward the portrait hole, Harry's arm comfortably around Hermione's slim waist, Ron's hands shoved uncomfortably in his pockets.

Chapter 9

The ball part 2

The great hall was beautiful. It had pumpkins the size of cars, and well as canals that floated and moved in intricate patters, rubber bats bewitched to fly around, and balloons with phrases that changed, phrases like "boo" and "Happy Halloween".

Instead of having four long house tables, there were probably about 1 or 2 hundred small round tables. Harry, Ron, and their dates approached a table where Luna and Neville sat.

"Hey guys!" exclaimed Neville.

"Hi Neville" they all responded in their own way. Neville was wearing your average muggle suit; Luna was wearing a bright purple dress with a vine as a belt and a smaller vine as a headband.

Ron plopped into a chair, Lavender looked to him, disgusted, as Harry pulled Hermione's chair out for her and she sat down.

'Well are you going to sit down or what?" asked Ron. Lavender slumped into a chair. She was particularly quiet most of the night.

"So Hermione, you like Harry's hair?" asked Ron with a devious smile.

Hermione smiled and ran her hand through Harry's hair. "It's uniquely you Harry." she turned to Ron "I love it"

Harry smiled smugly. They all laughed.

Menus appeared on the tables. You had a choice of pork chops, chicken, roast beef, all kinds of things.

"How do these work?" asked Neville, flipping his menu over.

"Watch" said Hermione. She looked at her menu. "I'll have the roast chicken, garlic potatoes, and a small dinner salad with French dressing. To drink I'll take iced tea please." Her order appeared on the table.

Everyone seemed amused as the directed his or her orders to the table. Once everyone had gotten their food, Harry stood up and raised a glass. " A toast, to being here with great friends, and to a very special night!"

Shouts of "here, here!" rang through the table, and everyone dug in.

20 minuets later, when everyone had eaten, Dumbledore stood up to his podium (?).

"I have but a few words to say. First, I would like to thank you all for coming tonight, and hope you will enjoy yourselves. I always find balls and the like to bring our students together, not as Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, but as Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry! Now without further ado, allow the dancing and festivities to begin!"

A speedy song began to play and Hermione jumped up, grabbing Harry's hand and rushed out to the dance floor, along with all the other couples.

For about a half an hour, it was like that. A couple times, Harry and Hermione, Ron, and sometimes Lavender, would stop for a butterbeer break. Then suddenly, the lights dimmed and the only illumination came from the candles hovering over the ceiling, as a slow song began to play.

"Oh Harry, let's dance!" said Hermione with sparkling eyes, pulling him toward the dance floor.

"I have a better idea" said Harry, and pulled Hermione toward the exit.

Outside, there was a small section by the lake, decorated just for the ball. It was extremely warm, just right for a night outside. There was a large tree by the lake, covered in lights, and lilies. The lake held lily pads, with candles floating on top of them, and you could hear the music, clear as a bell.

Hermione's eyes sparkled as she marveled at the scenery around her. "Oh Harry, it's beautiful!" she breathed.

"A beautiful night, for the most beautiful, and special person, in my life." Harry nuzzled into her ear.

He stood back, arms open. "May I have this dance?" he asked.

Hermione rushed into his arms. As they rocked in each other arms, Hermione rested her head on Harry's shoulder. When the song stopped and she pulled away, she had tears sliding down her face.

"Hermione, what's the matter?" asked Harry, in a soothing voice.

"It's just," she hesitated. "When my parents died, I never thought I would be happy again. Then I moved in with you, and well, I was. And then" her voice quivered " They took me away, and I was miserable again. I came back, and it's like you're the only thing that can make me happy. I don't know what I would do without you Harry," she bit her lower lip. "I love you."

Harry wiped the tears off her face. She looked up to him, he eyes filled with fear. Did he love her back? He leaned down to her, she leaned up, and their lips met. He pulled his arms around her waist, her arms around his neck. It was a soft, gentle kiss, holding happiness, trusting, hope, longing, and just a tiny bit of lust and desire. It was a kiss of love.

They pulled back, looking into each other's eyes. "I love you too," said Harry.

They both smiled and pulled into another kiss, just as magical as the first.

"Is this how it is supposed to be?" asked Hermione. " I mean, this doesn't seem right"

"That only makes it more desirable" said Harry, a coy smile playing across his lips.

Another slow song played and once again, they rocked slowly in each other's arms. It ended with a kiss.

"Do you think we should get back?" asked Harry.

"This moment is so perfect, I don't ever want to leave it," sighed Hermione.

"This isn't the end," said Harry "It's just the beginning"

Hermione smiled as they walked hand in hand back to the ball.

As they entered the great hall, the band was slowing down, only playing 1 song about every 7 or 8 minuets. People were sitting around, tired of dancing, tired of eating, just talking.

Harry and Hermione sat back down at the table, where Ron, Neville, and Luna sat.

"Where were you two?" asked Ron.

"Out by the lake" said Harry.

"Doing what?" asked Luna.

They both smiled at each other. "Nothing" they said in unison.

"Where's Lavender?" asked Hermione.

"Beats Me," said Ron. "She left with Dean for a dance about 20 minuets ago. Then she never came back. She wouldn't talk to me. At least she's been having fun."

"Oh, I see," said Hermione.

"I'll dance with you, if you like" said Luna. "Just so this night won't be a total loss to you."

Ron looked to Neville. "It's ok, I don't mind," he said. Ron and Luna walked to the dance floor.

"Would you like to dance Neville?" asked Hermione. Neville looked to Harry.

"Of course" said Harry, and they too exited.

Harry sat there in silence for a while, until he was stirred by a familiar voice. "Hi Harry"

Harry looked over to see Cho Chang, dressed in a soft pink.

"Hello, Cho" said Harry, casually.

"Are you here alone?" she asked.

"No, I'm with Hermione."

"I thought she wasn't your girlfriend," she asked slyly.

"Things change" said Harry, cockily.

"I don't suppose you would want to dance then," asked Cho.

Before Harry could say no thank you, the song ended and Hermione, Neville, Luna, and Ron came back. Hermione worked her way into Harry's arms.

"Ok, I get the picture" said Cho, and walked away.

"What was that about" asked Hermione.

"Nothing important" said Harry.

The band stopped abruptly, and Dumbledor took the stage, waiting a moment for people to get seated.

"Thank you once again for coming. I hope you all enjoyed your night here at Hogwarts. It isn't often we have an occasion like this, but does Hogwarts know how to party or what?" screams and whistles, and chants of "Here Here!" sounded throughout the hall.

Dumbledor held up his hands for everyone to calm down. "This is where I leave you tonight. Please give a warm thank you to our band as the play their last song."

A fast paced song started again, and everyone from the table jumped up to dance. Harry and Hermione had something else in mind though. They both gave a desiring look to each other, across the table and jumped up eagerly. They locked hands and walked slowly out from the hall. When they entered to corridor they broke into a run. Destination: room of requirement.

When they reached the door to the room of requirement, they paused for a moment. Neither knew what lay behind the door. They knew that whatever was in the room was something they strong needed, wanted, desired though neither was sure exactly what that was. Harry took a deep breath and opened the heavy door to a lush, Victorian style bedroom, complete with king sized bed. Only one. Hermione walked into the room, eyes sparkling. Harry turned and locked the big iron lock that was conveniently placed on the door, all the while wondering what all this meant.

Ok, just remember, I rated this story pg 13 and it will stay that way...at least for this chapter. Leave me a review and tell me what you think. Of if u have suggestions or something I have AIM and my s/n is DuskColoredEyes, or u can email me at My xanga is in my profile on fanfiction if u wanna see that... anyway please leave me a review if u love this story!