The Yule Ball
"You'd be proud of her. She's intelligent, loyal, hard-working, brave, and proud…much like her mother. Of course, if you tell anyone I said that, I'll deny it."
Selena laughed. "Oh, Sev. When are you going to stop pretending?"
The black-clad man sighed. "I'm afraid I don't have much choice in the matter. I must, at least, appear to be loyal until we have sufficient proof that the Dark Lord is gone. I know that is not the case, however. My mark has been burning in increasing intensity for nearly two months. I fear for the headmaster…and the wizarding world."
Selena leaned forward and brushed his cheek with her lips. "I'm glad that she has had you to protect her, Severus. You're a very valiant man."
A pink tinge appeared on his cheeks. He cleared his throat.
…
"Hermione, I need to talk to you," Gohan whispered as he approached.
Hermione cast the silencing wards. "What is it, Gohan?"
"I've been thinking. Since we're all going to the world martial arts tournament this summer, maybe we should look for the Dragon Balls, as well."
Hermione stared at him.
Gohan smiled. "How do you feel about wishing your mother and Harry's parents back to life?"
Hermione squealed and launched herself at the demi-Saiyan. "Oh, Gohan! But, we have to plan that carefully. We don't want to draw attention to the existence of the Dragon Balls."
Gohan nodded. "We'll talk more about it, later."
...
"Enjoying the party, Legolas?"
"Very much, Headmaster. It's nice to finally have some friends. I'm afraid I've been rather alone since being ostracized by my family and the Slytherins."
"This is your last year at Hogwarts. I have a business proposition for you."
Legolas turned to face him. "What do you have in mind?"
…
"You wanted to see me, Professor?" Harry shifted nervously.
"Potter, what do you know about Occlumency?" The potions master sneered.
"Not much. What is it?"
"Come by my office in two days, five o'clock. Bring Son and Granger."
"Mind if I join?" A tall, green-pallored being with a deep voice inquired.
Snape studied him for a moment before inclining his head.
...
A large, black, shaggy dog happily chased an orange half-kneazle, a snowy owl, a giant spider, and a large, purple dragon, his barks echoing loudly through the large, already noisy chamber. Lily Potter laughed. "Same old Padfoot. Do you think he'll ever settle down?"
Her husband smirked. "Woe will be poor Severus if the kids use the dragonballs to wish us back. I know Siri's always had a crush on Selena. But she has her eyes on Snape. You know how Sirius is about women-"
Lily raised a brow. "You mean like you?"
James gulped. "We were just kids, Lils."
She rolled her eyes. "So is Harry, love. You don't see him bullying others. Well, you're not children anymore. Sirius isn't a child anymore, and neither is Severus. This time around, it's going to be fair. You will not get involved, understand?" She turned to face her husband.
"Honey-"
"Understand?" She demanded forcefully.
James smiled. "Of course. I already apologized. Potters never apologize when they don't mean it. I misjudged him. Based on what we've seen, I'm surprised he was a Slytherin at all."
Lily smirked knowingly.
"Lily?"
"Nevermind, James."
…
"Ronald Weasley!" Molly Weasley fumed. "What is your problem? You've been unbearable all day! Not to mention the complaints I've been getting from teachers and your siblings for the last few weeks! If you don't shape up—"
The gangly red-haired boy glared. "So I'm the problem? Of course I am! Saint Potter can do no wrong!"
The woman scoffed. "That's it? You're jealous?"
"I am not jealous of that attention-seeking prat!" Ron retorted bitterly and stomped off.
"Ronald Weasley! You come back here!"
...
"KAKAROT! How dare you! How dare you express such sentimental garbage, especially in public! YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS! Now everyone thinks I'm a softie!" Vegeta snarled furiously.
Goku chuckled and scratched his head sheepishly. "Aw, come on, Vegeta! There's nothing wrong with expressing feelings for the ones you-"
"So help me if you finish that sentence, Kakarot! Of all the humiliating...I...and IN FRONT OF EVERYBODY!" Vegeta spluttered in indignation. "YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS! NOONE MAKES A FOOL OF PRINCE VEGETA! NOONE!"
Goku continued rubbing his neck. "I...think I'll go get some punch-"
Veteta grabbed him roughly by hi gi. "You're no going anywhere, Clown, until we've settled this," he let go as soon as Goku stopped struggling. "And you want punch?" Vegeta chuckled darkly as he cracked his knuckles ominously with a smirk. "It's the least I could do."
...
"So, when are you two going to make it official?"
Gohan blushed deeply. "Bulma! Shush! Someone will hear you!" A crash was heard in the background as Goku's voice rang out, "Ow! Vegeta!"
Both ignored them. Bulma smiled. "Come on! It's so obvious that you two have feelings for each other." "GET BACK HERE, YOU CLOWN!"
Gohan scratched his head. "You really think she likes me back?" "NO, VEGETA! ARGH!" Crash!
Bulma laughed. "You mean you don't see it? She lights up everytime you walk into the room, kiddo."
"Really?" "TAKE THAT, CLOWN! OOF! YOU'RE GOING TO PAY FOR THAT!" Boom!
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Of course." "VEGETA, STOP SHOVING!" "Now if you'll excuse me, I have something to take care of," she added as she pulled a frying pan from seemingly nowhere.
"OW! WHY, YOU...WOMAN! WHAT IN THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?"
"TEE HEE-OW! BULMA, THAT HURT!"
"GROW UP, YOU TWO!"
Gohan chuckled as he left to find a particular Ruroushan, but he was stopped by a Ruroushan, a different one.
"You have feelings for my daughter." It wasn't a question.
Gohan blushed. "Erm.."
...
"WOOF. WOOF!" Sooo close...
"REOW! MIAOUW! RAWROOL!" Come closer, mutt. I dare you!
Never dare a Black, Shanks!
Nooo, I'm sooo scared!
"ARF! OOF!" The black dog pounced and skid several feet on the catless stony ground.
The half-kneazle smirked. Alright, boys. Let's get him!
The Grim whimpered as cat, spider, and dragon closed in, each wearing maniacal grins.
The night of the ball came. All of the girls were getting ready as the young men awaited anxiously. Hermione Granger had finished the last touches on her hair and exited the portrait. Just as she turned, she was nearly bowled over by a sobbing, soaking wet girl in a ripped and dirty antique dress.
Hermione blinked. "Mill?"
"Oh…oh, don't look at me!" The young woman wailed.
"Mill, what happened?"
"Crabbe invited me to go to the ball with him last week. I said yes. When I came down, he and Goyle began making fun of me. They threw dungbombs at me and soaked me with water, and they threw cutting hexes at my dress! They said I deserved it because I hang around a half-breed and a Mudblood! I can't go to the ball like this!"
Hermione glared. "And you won't have to. Come. Let's get you cleaned up."
As Millicent used the Gryffindor shower, Hermione muttered 'Gohan' into her communicator.
"Gohan?"
"Hermione?"
"I need you to do me a favor."
…
Hermione expertly arranged Mill's hair and pulled out her make-up potions stores. Millicent stared down at the dress gown she was wearing, a perfect shade of blue that matched her eyes. "Where did this come from, Hermione? This gown is gorgeous!"
Hermione smiled as she applied the make-up. "I always have a few spares, just in case." I wore it last year to an award ceremony for my parents. A few magical alterations and voila! A perfect fit for a distraught friend.
"It's so beautiful! Are you sure you want me to wear it? I mean, I'm not sure I even want to go without a date."
"Don't worry about it, Mill. I've got everything handled."
They stepped out of the portrait and proceeded to the top of the stairs in the main foyer. Gohan stepped out of the shadows, wearing a slightly darker blue than Mill.
Mill stared stupidly. "What are you doing here, Son?"
Gohan smiled. "You look beautiful, Hermione," Hermione blushed as Gohan turned his attention on Mill. "As do you, Millicent. I'm here to escort a friend to the ball, of course. That is, if you will permit me the honor." He gestured with a bow.
It's a good thing I thought of using anti-smudge charms, Hermione mused as the tearing Millicent nodded her consent. Gohan extended his arm for Mill to take as Hermione prepared to descend the steps toward her date.
Gohan watched sadly as Hermione accepted Viktor Krum's offered arm. Well, at least I get a dance.
...
Because the champions had to make their debut and dance first, Gohan and Mill entered the room with the throng. Gohan immediately spotted Ron Weasley with a date he didn't recognize. Crabbe and Goyle blinked stupidly at him and Mill for some odd reason. Draco Malfoy smirked and nodded at the half-Saiyan, who replied with his own nod. Gohan frowned thoughtfully. For some reason, Malfoy appeared shaken up about something.
The four champions entered the beautifully decorated Hall: Legolas Malfoy and Gwendolin Rosekain , Fleur Delacour and Roger Davies, Viktor Krum and Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and…Luna Lovegood? The other attendees murmured at the unusual couple. Harry wore his elegant emerald green robes with newly added sunny yellow trim. Luna wore shimmery sunny yellow dress robes with subtler emerald green trim. The two twirled gracefully across the dance floor, attracting stares and whispers.
"Are Potter and Looney an item?"
"I always said Potter was a complete nutter, and there's the proof."
Gohan and Mill glared at the last speaker, a Ravenclaw. "That wasn't very nice," Gohan said in an agitated voice.
The Ravenclaw smirked. "Oh? You're not exactly normal, Son. I mean, really! Coming to the Yule Ball with the Horse?" Mill reddened; Gohan saw red. But before he could do anything, a fist came from nowhere and collided with the Ravenclaw's face. The boy crumpled.
Mill blinked in surprise. There, standing in his regal, platinum beauty, was none other than Draco Malfoy, blowing on his smarting knuckles. Smirking at her shocked expression, Malfoy smirked. "Don't get used to it, Bulstrode. I've been waiting for an excuse to nail Boot for ages." He spun on his heels and left.
The first dance ended, and the signal for the others to join was given in a burst of red sparks. Gohan and Mill danced a few rounds before going to get drinks. Gohan looked around for Hermione or Krum. Hmm, I wonder where the two of them are.
…
Hermione laughed at her date's antics. It was so strange seeing the Bulgarian seeker in such high spirits, in such a good mood. Usually he was sour, scowling, menacing and intimidating. As the young man excused himself to get the two of them drinks, Hermione realized for the first time that she was seeing the real Viktor. Like Harry, the famous Quidditch star was repressed by everyone's misconceptions of who he was.
A soft tap on the shoulder redirected her attention. She frowned in confusion. "Malfoy?"
Draco Malfoy appeared distinctly frightened. "We need to talk. Privately," He said shakily.
Hermione followed him into the shadows of a Christmas tree. Casting privacy wards, she stared at his behavior. "Are you okay? Malfoy?"
"It would seem there are loopholes in the Fidelius Charm, Miss Riddle."
Hermione paled. "How did you find out?"
Draco took a steadying breath. "My house elf. I sent him to discreetly spy on the people you are friends with. Apparently, the Fidelius doesn't work on the elves, because everyone could speak freely in his presence without even needing the secret keeper. My elf was also able to communicate freely with me, proving Fidelius is useless on him."
Hermione spoke bluntly. "What are you going to do with this information?"
"I've already swore him to secrecy. To be honest, this is more information than I wanted to be burdened with. The Dark Lord, if he's still out there, would kill for this type of information. Not to mention the fact that I've lived in the same castle with his…his—if he knew that I knew, there's no telling what he may try to glean from me. He's a master Legilimens. Even if it's true the information is protected by Fidelius, he'd still be able to see how I found out. Then, he'd start using house-elves to spy for him or worse, to capture you or Potter."
Hermione breathed heavily. "This will require some thinking."
Malfoy nodded. "I'd ask Uncle Sev to teach me Occlumency, but then he'd know—"
"He already knows, Malfoy. He saved me from Voldemort when I was a baby."
Draco flinched at the name. "The Dark Lord tried to kill you?"
Hermione made a disgusted face. "Worse, actually. You may ask Professor Snape for the details. I don't even want to think about it, actually."
"I will. You need to get back to your date. He'll be wondering where you are."
Hermione nodded. She moved to return to Viktor, but was accosted by a red-faced Weasley. "You're a traitor!" He said hotly.
Hermione stared.
"Fraternizing with the enemy. First, you accept Krum's invite to go to the ball. Then, I catch you behind a tree with Malfoy! Does Harry know?"
Hermione snarled. "I don't need to explain myself to a jealous prat! As if you're concerned with Harry's interests anyways. You're not his friend anymore, remember?" She stalked away to find her date.
"Oh, there they are! Hermione! Viktor!" Gohan waved them over enthusiastically. His grin turned upside down at her red face. "Are you alright, Hermione?"
She gave a small smile. "I'm fine. Let's find a table and talk." After securing a table, Harry and Luna joined, followed by Neville and Ginny. Hermione had almost forgotten the confrontation from earlier, when—
"All right there, Vicky?" Ron Weasley approached the table. Viktor Krum scowled. "Did she tell you?"
Hermione huffed and rolled her eyes.
"I caught Hermione behind a Christmas tree snogging Draco Malfoy," he accused.
Hermione stared in disbelief as Gohan blinked in confusion. She rose from the table and screeched. "YOU DID NOT!" Scores of eyes trained upon them, but Hermione ignored them.
"What were you doing back there then, if you weren't locking lips with the ferret? Maybe you were shagging—"
Gohan and Krum stood at the same time. "That's enough, Weasley!" Gohan barked.
"Oh! It's Weasley is it?" Ron approached Hermione in a rage. "I just make one mistake and get ostracized! She fraternizes with the enemy school, associates with the sons and daughters of Death Eaters! Don't you even remember who she is—"
"Ron—" Harry growled in a warning tone, but Ron ignored him.
"Can't you see the signs? She's becoming one of them! Maybe even like him…just like her father—"
POP. The sound of flesh colliding with flesh echoed through the hall as she slapped him. Her eyes filling at the realization of her worst fears being realized, Hermione's breath caught. With a whimper she fled the Grand Hall. Gohan cast a disgusted glare at his former friend and pursued her.
"Vell done," Krum said with a contemptuous glower and strode away as well, Harry and the others making their exit.
But it was Malfoy that broke Ron from his shocked stupor. "Congratulations, Weasel. You've finally proved what I've been saying for years. You're an idiot."
Ron shot a glare at Malfoy before running from the hall into the foyer where Hermione's friends were trying to comfort her. Considerably paled and contrite, Ron approached the group. "Hermione, I—"
The woman-child whirled hysterically, blue flashing in her eyes ominously, her ears already formed into their points. "RONALD, YOU'VE SPOILED EVERYTHING!" She turned and sobbed brokenly into Harry's arms; Harry alternated glaring at him and patting his friend awkwardly.
Dumbledore entered the foyer, his trademark twinkle absent. The darker form of Professor Snape followed after, scowling darkly. "Congratulations, Mr Weasley," Professor Snape sneered mockingly. "You've managed to perfectly circumvent the Fidelius Charm. Do you feel accomplished?"
Ron's shoulders slumped.
"Follow me," Snape commanded, swishing his robes and billowing down the corridor. Ron paled even further, following along in the potion master's wake without protest.
Hermione turned to face the headmaster. "What's going to happen?"
Dumbledore shook his head sadly. "I'm afraid I don't know. Mr Weasley said enough to stir quite a bit of interest. It would be nearly impossible to obliviate them all." Dumbledore flinched as Draco and Legolas Malfoy entered the foyer.
"I already know," the younger one said bluntly, defiantly. "In fact, I was discussing with Hermione the flaws of the Fidelius Charm, hence the incident with Weasel-Breath. He accused us of snogging behind the Christmas tree."
"A house-elf told him, sir," Hermione supplied, her eyes rimmed red from crying.
"Ah," Dumbledore said gravely. "If I may, I suggest that you all keep confidence on this issue until tomorrow morning. I will be summoning you into my office for a discussion. Try to enjoy the rest of the dance."
Hermione stared sullenly at the floor. The others slowly and wisely filed out of the foyer, leaving Hermione, Gohan, Krum, and Mill.
Gohan turned toward the other young man. "Viktor? Why don't you ask Millicent to dance? She's really good." Viktor frowned for a bit at Gohan's pleading look and nodded.
…
Hermione and Gohan were alone in the foyer. The music softly sounded from the room.
"Hermione, you owe me a dance," Gohan said quietly.
"Oh, Gohan," Hermione said passionately. "I can't go back in there! I look dreadful!"
Gohan pulled her toward him, blushing slightly. "We can dance out here," he whispered.
Hermione leaned her head onto the Saiyan's chest and closed her eyes, moving quietly to the sound of the music, listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart. She wrapped her arms around his chest and further buried her face, inhaling the musky scent of parchment, cedar, and grass. Her eyes snapped open with a discovery.
"Gohan?" Her muffled voice inquired.
"Mmm?"
"We're hovering in the air, aren't we?"
"Mmm-hmm."
Hermione lifted her head, peering at him through her long, wet eyelashes. "Gohan?"
Gohan looked into her reddened chocolate-colored eyes with his sparkling onyx. She was beautiful even when she was like that, puffy from crying. "Yes?"
She blushed. "I like you."
Gohan smiled brightly. "Oh! I like you, too, Hermione!"
"No, Gohan. I really like you."
Gohan frowned in confusion. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he blushed. "Oh. I, well, I…I like you…a lot," he said lamely. They both laughed at their complete lack of eloquence.
The moment seemed to transcend time, as if time was moving too slowly…and too quickly. Their faces seemed to be slowly getting closer…closer…closer. Then, their lips met in a soft, chaste kiss.
When they broke apart, Hermione reburied her head in Gohan's chest.
"Hermione? Does this mean we are having a relationship?" Gohan inquired innocently.
Hermione laughed a soft, tinkling laugh. "Yes. I imagine it does."