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It was about 7:00am when Ginny started to stir. Yes that's right stir.

There was no one gentle nudging her or shouting in her ear.

No one pushing her off her bed or throwing a glass of water over her (That always happened when Gemma was left to wake her up).

Ginny just awoke by free will after a restless nights sleep.

Gosh you make me sound so bad!

She got the first shower and it was nice for a change to have hot water, after always being left with no hot water left.

She was dressed and ready for Hogsmead in under 15minutes. That was one of her weekend records.

But Ginny knew that the only reason she got dressed so quickly was because she was not with it, her mind was somewhere else.

The fact that she had realised that she had not only befriended the Griffindor enemy, she had taken a certain shine towards him.

Hey, its not like I am head over heals or anything! Gosh talk about making a big deal out of nothing. It's a crush. A silly schoolgirl crush, which will blow over like the wind.

Ginny was seated by the fire when the first lot of eager third years came tumbling down both girl and boy staircases.

It was half seven when a worried Hermione came running down, and seemed to scan the room quickly for Ginny doing a double take when she saw her.

'What's wrong?' She ask worriedly

'…Nothing…' Ginny said slowly.

Hermione put he hands on her hips and gave Ginny one of those I-know- you- are-lying-you-might-as-well-tell-me looks.

'You call being the first one up when you are usually the last, downstairs and ready nothing? The last time I saw you up this early was when you...y'know…in your first year and everything' She mumbled the last bit.

Ginny gave her a pointed look 'you can say it y'know Hermione. When I was 'possessed' by the diary.'

'I know I guess I didn't want to dig up bad memories that's all. Anyway tell me, what is wrong?'

'There is nothing wrong! I was just excited to go looking for a dress because I really cant wait for the ball' She forced a smile.

'Oh yea for this mystery guy'

'Anyway lets get some grub' And Ginny lead them both out of the portrait hole.

&&&&&&

Halfway through eating their breakfast Ron and Harry decided to join them, both slightly more awake then usual, looking forward to Hogsmead.

Ginny scanned the hall and when her eyes passed over the Slytherin table she caught the eye of Blaise and he gave her an encouraging wink.

But when she saw Draco he seemed to look uncomfortable.

Damn! The way I ran out last night there is bout to be awkwardness between us.

The four Griffindor's ate their breakfast quickly and all headed off to get a carriage.

'…Exactly. What do you think Ginny?' Came Harry's voice.

'Oh…err, sorry what was that?'

Hermione gave her a look but she ignored it.

'We were just saying that Malfoy has been acting weirdly lately. He hasn't been spending so much time with Crabbe and Goyle, and he has barely been seen at dinner times, Zabini is always sitting by himself. Also I took a look at the map last night' Ginny quickly drew a sharp breath but they didn't seem to notice, well apart from Hermione. '…And both Zabini and Malfoy were wondering around the castle after hours.'

'And it wasn't even his night to patrol' Ron added proudly.

'Yea, but how do you know he hasn't had detentions? I wouldn't assume the worst Harry, that has got you into trouble before' Ginny rushed out.

'OK. Thanks, there is no need to drag up the past.' Harry shot her a glare and Ginny turned and looked out the window.

I am not in the mood to fall out with everyone just because I cant help but be so DAMN protective!

Ginny never realised how long the journey to Hogsmead was before, usually she was sitting with the gang laughing and joking as gossiping about everything.

As soon as the carriage stopped Ginny hopped out and soon felt Hermione slip her arm through hers and whispered in her ear 'Lets shop!'

Ginny had only ever seen Hermione act like this once before, and that was for the Yule Ball. Usually it was textbooks or quills she came to stock up on.

Ginny couldn't help but laugh out loud and they both marched off towards 'Right Robes'

They heard a distant 'So we will meet you later I guess?' From Ron but Hermione just threw her hand in the air and dismissed it.

&&&&&&

It was two hours later and Ginny was trying on her hundredth dress, but that was nothing compared to how many Hermione had tried on.

It was all second hand for Ginny, she couldn't afford anything special, but Hermione's parents had given her extra for this dance seeing as she organised it.

There were about eight other customers from Hogwarts, and the ladies working there were fretting around trying to get every dress they could, they had expanded the changing rooms so more customers could use them.

Ginny found it funny watching girlfriends drag their boyfriends in so they could get their dress robes, but they would hardly let them try anything on because they wanted them to tell her how pretty she was.

Makes me sick to be honest with you. Erugh.

It was when Ginny was watching one of the ladies that worked here run into the cloak room to fetch yet another dress for another customer, that they left the door ajar and she saw it.

The most gorgeous dress she had ever laid eyes on.

The one dress she was sure that would suit her.

She couldn't see the whole of it though but she knew she wanted to try it on.

'Um, excuse me?' She asked the helper walking past her.

'Sorry please give me just a moment.' And she scurried off carrying two robes in each hand.

Ginny watched every helper like a hawk, waiting for her moment to ask for help.

She watched as one of the customers decided on a dress and she was told to take it to the counter.

Ginny pounced on the assistant.

'Hi!' She practically yelled in her face with excitement

'Oh hello, sorry may I help you?' She asked politely.

'Yes I was wondering if you could get me a dress out the back'

'Yea sure one second please-'

'No! Sorry, no not just any dress, I saw a dress in there that I would really like to try on, please can I show it to you?'

The lady looked uncertain but nodded anyhow.

As soon as the door was open Ginny immediately spotted it and grabbed it.

Ginny gave the assistant an apologetic look but she simply smiled and asked 'Shall we go let you try it on?'

Ginny beamed and headed towards a changing room.

Whilst Ginny was trying on her dress Hermione had chosen a beautiful black satin gown with silver embroidery on it, flattering her figure immensely. She had paid and was sat waiting for Ginny outside the changing rooms.

Ginny stepped out of the changing rooms rather timidly, scared of what the reaction would be.

Both herself and Hermione were the last customers left in the shop now so it was all rather quiet.

She turned to face Hermione and watched her reaction as her hand flew to her mouth and she gasped.

'You… you look…amazing!' Ginny started to blush as the assistants started to gather around and start complimenting her.

No one heard the door open as the were all examining the dress, one of the assistants was flicking her wand to change the length ever so slightly but apart from that it was a perfect fit.

I now know I am in love. I never knew it was possible to fall for a dress. Wow love feels great; I now know why everyone raves about it.

Ahem hem.

Some one coughed by the door.

Everyone turned their heads to see Draco Blaise and Pansy standing in the doorway.

Both Draco and Blaise looked pretty miffed but Pansy was scowling at the assistance after having to wait for so long.

Ginny assumed that the boys were annoyed that they were landed with Pansy yet again.

One of the assistance made their way over to Pansy, and Ginny noticed both Blaise and Draco were starring at her in awe.

She shifted uncomfortable from foot to foot not quite knowing what to do or say.

My, this is…awkward.

'So madam what will it be? Would you like us to take it to be paid for now?' The assistant next to Ginny asked breaking the silence as everyone then turned to look at her again.

Well in my case that makes it even more awkward now they are ALL staring at me.

'Oh…err sorry, how much was it again?' Ginny asked.

'Oh this one is a limited addition so it is…' she reached over to the till and found a piece of parchment with the prices on. 'Oh that's right, its one hundred galleons' She smiled at Ginny.

Ginny felt, and looked like she had just been punched in the stomach and she heard a snigger from Pansy just behind her.

So this is how it feels to be heartbroken.

'Oh…err' Ginny stammered.

'Would you like us to send it to you by owl post, or would you like it wrapped so you can take it home today?' She smiled encouragingly.

'Um… well, you see, the thing is-' Ginny started.

'She has already seen one in another shop and she is still deciding, so we will come by or write to let you know' Hermione jumped it for her.

'Oh…right, yes we understand, well write to us and we can keep it aside for you'

'Not unless I get my hands on it' Ginny heard Pansy mutter to Draco.

She spun round in panic to face her and saw Draco glaring at her 'Shut up' He spat at her.

The both noticed Ginny watching and Pansy smirked.

Ginny felt in a state of panic. There was nothing she wanted more right now than that dress, yet she only had 35 galleons on her.

This is what it's like being poor. Stupid rich bitches make sure they show you how poor you are.

'Ginny…don't worry, lets go get changed' Ginny realised she was still starring at Pansy with panic, and she felt Hermione's arm on hers she felt reluctant to leave but did so anyway.

Ginny got changed with Hermione just outside her curtain, but she wanted to take as long as possible to get out of her dream dress.

She had felt the happiest she had eve felt for a long time in that dress, and all her dreams of being the most beautiful girl on the dance floor at the ball were smashed.

Oh which dreams are these…?

When Ginny opened the curtain Hermione gave her a sympathetic smile and linked her arm through hers as the walked towards the assistant.

As Ginny tried to hand over the dress she felt like she never wanted to let go, there was an awkward feeling in the shop as Ginny made towards the exit.

She walked past Blaise and she noticed him smile at her, and when she looked at Draco he gave her a small wink.

Ginny walked out the shop and heard a snort come from Pansy.

She only got a few yards when she let the tears fall from her eyes and her heavy sobs escape her.

'Hey Gin! Look don't worry, we can still get you a beautiful dress don't worry, that dress was totally over priced anyway. Honestly…. It didn't even look that good on' Hermione tried, but Ginny shot her a glare 'Okay it did look good on, it looked amazing, but we all have things we want but we cant have, hey?' She smiled.

&&&&&&

After having a warm butterbeer Ginny still didn't feel any happier, everywhere she looked girls and boys from Hogwarts were carrying bags which held dresses and dress robes for the boys.

'I think I am just going to head back now Hermione' Ginny said after finishing her butterbeer.

'Oh… are you sure? Would you like me to come with you?'

'No, you stay and meet the boys, I will be fine getting back' Ginny gave her friend a quick hug and made her way towards the door, preparing herself for the cold.

Ginny made her way towards the carriages the cold biting at her face.

Ginny hopped into a carriage by herself, wanting to be alone and not surrounded by people who had a successful shopping trip.

Just as Ginny went to slam the door shut it flew open again and Blaise climbed in after her.

'No, get out! Do not think I am standing a journey back to Hogwarts with Pansy' Ginny said.

'I am on my own! Don't worry yourself little red. Anyway there were no more carriages left' He smiled innocently. Ginny felt a little upset as she found herself waiting for Draco to come join them.

Obviously he is too preoccupied with Pansy…

Ginny looked out the window just as the carriage started to move 'There are still three more unused ones'

'Oh? Well the carriage is moving now and it would just be dangerous for me to jump out. Don't act like you don't enjoy my company freckles' He grinned.

Ginny started to feel a little happier as Blaise made smile and forget her problems for a moment, only for a moment though.

'Why so blue red?' He laughed at his own joke.

'Funny. Anyway, it doesn't matter' Ginny turned to look out the window.

'If it is about that dress then snap out of it, you are turning into Pansy'

Ginny's eyes opened in horror.

'I am not! I really liked that dress! Do you know how hard it is to find a dress that looks good on me and that I can afford? No! Because everyone else in this bloody school can afford everything unlike me!' Ginny was trying her hardest not to let her voice break as a lump formed in her throat.

Blaise quickly wrapped his arms around her to comfort her and she sobbed into his robes for about five minutes.

'Sorry' She said when her tears had subsided.

'Hey no problem, I am starting to get used to this' He smiled, but Ginny just threw him a look.

'Look Ginny, you are beautiful, I am sure whatever you went in would make you look ten times better than Pansy! I mean no piece of cloth is going to make that hag look nice' He told her.

Ginny cracked up, there was never a dull moment with Blaise.

He is the best agony…uncle ever! Haha

'Thank you, but I cant go anyway, I didn't even buy a cheap dress when I was shopping. I was so hung up about the dream dress that I told myself if I was not going in that, then I'm not going at all.'

'Right well we cant have that can we? I will get a magazine from Pansy and we can look for a dress in there. How does that sound?' He beamed at her.

'Have you ever read one of those magazines? The price of the cheapest dress costs more than my whole wardrobe put together'

'Well we are still going to look. There is no point fretting over it now Red, you still have all week' and he gave her a heart-warming smile before helping her out of the carriage and up the stone steps.

Pfft. What do boys know? He thinks that the first magazine I will pick up will have the most amazing dream dress in at the price of 10 galleons. Puh!

&&&&&&

Later, Ginny didn't head up to her room, she did not return to her room until 11.00pm that night.

She did not return because of the fact that she knew that when she walked in all the girls would be talking excitedly about the ball and about their dresses.

Ginny didn't care about the ball before, she wasn't bothered what happened.

But after seeing the dress she felt like she had a reason to go. To show off that gorgeous piece of expensive material.

Even if you had found a dress as beautiful as that I think you would faint! It was BEAUTIFUL!

So after her roommates had gone to bed Ginny trudged up the stairs towards her dorm.

She entered the room and her eyes immediately fell on the three dresses hanging up against the wardrobe at the back of the room.

Ginny felt a lump form in her throat and she fought to bite back the tears.

It would be shallow of me to cry about something so unimportant. I need to learn to grow up. Blaise was right I am turning into Pansy.

Ginny changed into her pyjamas and as she was about to throw her duvet over so she could climb in she noticed a package sitting on the middle of her bed.

She lit the candle beside her bed and noticed that on top of the package was a beautiful pink lily.

Ginny picked up the lily and placed it on her bedside table. Next she unwrapped the beautifully wrapped package.

It was silver wrapping paper with a light pink ribbon to match the lily.

Ginny couldn't conceal her gasp as she realised what was inside the wrapping.

Her dream dress all was neatly folded in front of her.

Frantically she searched for a note somewhere and soon a small white envelope fell onto her bed.

I bet it's from Blaise! All that talk about getting me a dress, and how I would look beautiful in anything. Ah he is one of the most amazing people!

Quickly Ginny opened the envelope, her excitement taking over her.

Slytherin colours. Good choice.

The princess shall go to the ball (even if she does need the most expensive dress)

D

Ginny couldn't move she was in such shock.

My worst enemy who is now my friends and I kind of fancy has bought me the most expensive and the most beautiful dress I have ever laid my eyes on.

Ginny didn't get much sleep that night. Or for two nights after that.

Her thoughts were constantly occupied with thoughts of Draco.

He had helped her through a lot, and when she had hit rock bottom and broken her heart on a dress, he bought the dress and bought her back.

The fact that Ginny now knew it was not just a 'school girl crush'.

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So sorry for late reply, please review so i can update i was upset because i noticed i havent got many reviews and the people who have reviewed have left me smiling for a week after! D

Thank you to all who have reviewed.

Let me know about this chapter.

PLF

xxx