Chapter 10

Hermione was frantic. It was the day before the Halloween Ball and she had forgotten to get a dress. Everything with Harry and studying, she put the dress shopping at the back of her mind.

"Alright, Hermione. Open the door and calm down. I'm here to help."

Hermione opened the door to Tonks standing there with a package in her hands.

"What's this?" Hermione asked, pointing to the box as she let her friend in.

"A package for you. I was told to deliver it but told to let the contents stay a secret until tomorrow evening." Tonks placed it on Hermione's vanity and sat down.

"Well, tomorrow evening is a bust. I've been so occupied with other things that I've completely forgotten to buy a dress. I don't even know what Draco wants to go as. I'm a horrible person for this." Hermione sat on her bed, rubbing her eyes.

Tonks rolled her eyes. "No you aren't. And it will all work out. Let's walk to dinner together and we will discuss everything."

Hermione nodded. The girls walked out and headed downstairs. "Harry isn't speaking to me anymore."

"And why not?"

"Because he asked me to go to the dance with him and I told him I'd love to but Draco and I were going together per McGonagall's request. He blew up and told me I couldn't go with Draco."

"He's your friend, not your father. He cannot tell you who you can and cannot go with." Tonks said.

"That's what I told him!" Hermione exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air. "But he stormed off saying he's not my friend anymore and don't come running to him when Draco breaks my heart." Hermione scoffed. "Like it will ever get that far."

"Why do you say that?" Tonks questioned.

"Because, he's a pure blood and I'm muggleborn. Those two just don't mix. Besides, he hasn't shown much interest in me other than getting to know me."

Tonks rolled her eyes again at her young friend. "Oh, Hermione. You just don't pay attention, do you?"

Tonks gave her a wink as they entered the Great Hall. Hermione sat at her table and waited for the food to appear. She watched as the Headmistress stood and raised her arms to silence the Hall.

"As you all know, tomorrow is Halloween. Since it falls on a Friday, the teachers and I have decided to cancel all classes tomorrow so everyone has the full day to finish preparations for costumes and decorating. As such, any assignments that were due tomorrow will be due first thing Monday morning. No exceptions. Now, let's eat."

The food appeared and everyone began to fill their plates. Hermione sat alone again, picking at her food. She only looked up when she felt someone sit down. She looked up to see Neville sit across from her.

"May I ask why you're alone again, Hermione?" He asked with a smile.

Hermione shrugged. "Quiet. Besides, Harry isn't speaking to me, so I sit alone down here."

Neville nodded while he ate. "I heard. He hasn't stopped going on about it." He rolled his eyes. "Want to know my opinion?"

"Sure, Nev."

"Don't worry about Harry. I think you going with Draco is a good choice. Even if you didn't have one. Draco has shown a lot of improvement since last year. Besides, I can see the way he looks at you lately." Neville winked.

Hermione smiled. "Thanks, Nev. And I don't know what you or Tonks is going on about. Draco doesn't like me."

"Oh, Hermione." Neville chuckled. "You are the brightest witch of your age, but only in knowledge. You really can't see it, can you?"

"See what?"

"I'll just let that remain a mystery to you, my friend. Now, you need to eat." He pointed at her plate.

Hermione gave him a smile and began eating. The two chatted about nothing important the rest of dinner. Hermione walked with Neville to his dorm then went up a few more flights to hers. She gave the password and went to her room.

She wasn't surprised to see Draco not there again as she walked through the common room. She pulled off her robe, used the bathroom and laid down. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Draco awoke the next morning to the smell of breakfast cooking. He slipped his T-shirt on and went downstairs. At the little kitchen, he found Hermione, making breakfast. He smiled.

"Good morning." He said as he sat.

"Morning." Hermione smiled at him. "Coffee?" She asked, placing the pot before Draco.

"Thanks. So what is this for?"

"To apologize. I have been so busy lately that I haven't been able to discuss with you about costumes or anything." She smiled sheepishly.

Draco chuckled. "Don't worry. I have everything set. I hope you dont mind, but I already had our costumes made. And don't worry, they're nothing horrible. Something simple, elegant, and just to your liking."

Hermione was dumbfounded. She quickly recovered, smiled and placed food in front of Draco. "So that's what Tonks delivered to me then?" Draco nodded. "Well, I do hope you're right."

She sat opposite Draco and began filling her plate with pancakes and bacon. "Let's eat then get changed so we can oversee the decorating. Do our last minute checks before tonight."

Draco nodded and ate. He couldn't help but groan at the taste of Hermione's cooking. He couldn't help but think to himself, she just got better and better with anything and everything.

As they finished, Draco put the dishes into the sink and left to change. Hermione followed suit. They went their separate ways, meeting again ten minutes later and heading for the Great Hall. The Prefects were there, awaiting instructions.

Hermione gave each one a list of things to do then sent them about. She herself went to set the long House tables against one wall, where the food and drink would be served. She then transfigured several smaller tables and chairs to sit out of the way for people to eat and relax. She charmed candles to stay lit and placed glass jars over them, with a bit of decorations at the base. She had tablecloths covering every tabletop.

When she was satisfied with that, she went about overseeing the others. She gave her insight and moved on. Happy with how things were going, she sat at the front and looked around. Draco had just finished setting up the band stand for the music. He took a seat beside her.

"Well, I must say, Granger. You have a knack for decorating. You should become an interior designer or a party planner of some sorts. You're very good and organized." He smiled.

"I thought about it." She shrugged. "I think this place looks marvelous. I cannot wait to see it at night."

"Neither can I." Draco smiled.

"Alright everyone!" Hermione said as she stood. "Everything looks perfect! The elves will have the food and drink out before the party starts. Now, ho, enjoy the rest of your afternoon and get ready."

Everyone nodded and went on their way. Hermione and Draco left together. Once in the common room, they said their goodbyes until later in the evening. Draco could not wait for Hermione to see her costume. He went to his room to relax awhile before getting dressed.

A/N: Here we go! Next chapter will be the big reveal of who Draco chose for them to go as and will we possibly see some romance? Stay tuned!