Disclaimer: I don't own it. I'm not making any money from it. No harm intended.

At exactly seven, Hermione's doorbell rang. She was dressed. She looked good. She was a nervous wreck. Her nerves now had nothing to do with how many men she'd throw herself at but about the speech she had to give and of course that pesky little Ginny issue. She really didn't want Ginny to be hurt, but she knew that if things went her way, Ginny would be. There was no getting around it. Hermione couldn't exactly say "Hey Ginny, just because the man you want to marry is in love with me doesn't mean we can't go out for drinks." Her relationship with Ginny was broken the moment she gave her the potion and she wasn't sure it would ever be repaired. Her other friends had made an effort to ask for forgiveness but Ginny's attitude made Hermione angrier at her than anyone else.

Glancing in the mirror one more time, Hermione walked to the door. She secretly wondered if Harry would be on the other side but didn't get her hopes up. It was a good thing too. She opened the door to a devastatingly handsome Draco Malfoy, holding a bouquet of wildflowers.

"Gods Hermione, this is the second time you've taken my breath away. You look amazing."

Hermione blushed as she took the flowers he offered. She conjured a vase and set the flowers on her entry table. "Thank you Draco. You look very nice as well."

"Yes, well I am a Malfoy. I wear things well."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. "You have the biggest ego I've ever known! Somehow it's charming on you though."

"Charm is another Malfoy trait." He smiled at her and offered his arm. "Shall we go?"

"Why not." As they apparated away, she thought she probably should have told Harry about her date.

()()()()()()()()()()

Harry was impatiently waiting for Ginny to finish getting ready. He sat uncomfortably on her couch wondering if this would be the last time he would be welcome in her flat. He knew this wasn't going to go well. He had made his mind up to let her have this one last night with him but then he started to waver. The idea that he could go home with Hermione was so pleasant that he didn't know if he could wait to break up with her. He really did care for Ginny though, and wanted to do this the easiest way he could.

Ginny stepped out of her bedroom in a stunning green dress that was a perfect fit on her. He smiled, he couldn't help it. Ginny was a beautiful woman, there was no doubt about that. She was also a warm, fun, energetic woman that would make any man happy. Any man but him apparently. It would make his life so much easier if he could just get down on one knee and propose to her. Everyone expected it. The entire Weasley family was counting on him to marry Ginny. Most people would be very happy for him. Except Hermione. Except himself. Harry would be miserable. He didn't want what was expected of him, he just wanted Hermione.

"Ginny, you look stunning." He told her, and he was being completely honest.

"Thank you Harry. I don't think we should go though."

"What? Ginny, we have to go. I'm giving a speech, you are all dressed."

"I'm not feeling very well. I think we should stay in."

"I have to go. I don't have a choice. This is my charity. I've shirked all my duties for the last two weeks. I'm sorry you aren't feeling well, but I really need to go." Harry secretly hoped she'd just stay home, but Ginny wasn't about to let Harry out of her sight.

"All right. I understand. I'm sure I'll be fine once I eat something."

"Are you ready then?" Harry asked, preparing to take her arm and apparate.

"I'm ready, but you did mention bringing me a souvenir, I have to say I'm a bit anxious." Ginny completely expected a ring and wanted to wear it to the ball.

"Oh! I almost forgot." Harry reached in his pocket for her gift.

()()()()()()()()()()

Hermione smiled as she stood outside the ballroom. The room was getting full already which meant the turnout was better than expected. The music spilled from the open doorway and she took a moment to appreciate the hard work so many had put into this.

"You seem lost in thought." Draco said.

"I was just thinking how beautiful it all looks and how much it will benefit the charity."

"It is a good thing that you are doing. You should be proud." He looked down at Hermione and actually saw peace on her face for the first time in almost a month. "Hermione?"

"What?"

"How many guys am I going to watch you kiss tonight?"

"What? Oh! Well, none actually."

"You've kissed everyone?"

"Oh no, but the effects of the potion are over." She really didn't want to explain herself.

"Harry's back?" He said with a sigh and a scowl.

Hermione looked up at him. "Oh Draco, I'm so sorry. I should have told you earlier."

"If Harry is back and you kissed him, why isn't he here with you tonight? Is he not your true love?"

"No, he definitely is, but he's bringing Ginny. They are still technically dating."

Draco looked at Hermione and saw the hurt look in her eyes. "What did he do to you?"

"Nothing Draco. He promised me he would break up with her, he loves me. He just wanted to give her this last night, since they had planned to go together."

"She's a pretty hot bird, she could have found another date."

"He didn't want to hurt her. He's going to do it his way. I trust him."

"If you say so. We should go in and let everyone admire me."

Hermione laughed once again and let him lead her into the ballroom.

They were both admired as they entered the room. Eyes followed them as they made their way to their assigned table. They were a unique couple to say the least. It was still unusual for a Malfoy to spend time with a muggleborn and it was well known that this pair had never gotten along. Dinner would be served and then all the tables would move to the sides revealing a polished dance floor. Hermione had done the table assignments herself days before her relationship with Harry had changed. She had purposely assigned herself to a table as far across the room as she could get, sitting with Ministry officials. She regretted that now and wished that she were at the same table as her friends. At least Draco would feel comfortable with their tablemates.

()()()()()()()()()()

A very angry Harry escorted an equally angry Ginny to their table. He was pleased to see that he was at least sitting with most of his friends. He didn't think he could take much more alone time with Ginny tonight. Ginny sat down in her chair and immediately started a conversation with Lavender, casting furious glances in Harry's direction.

"Oi mate, what's wrong with my sister?" Ron whispered to Harry.

"I wish I knew. I brought her a souvenir from New York and she threw it across the room. Hasn't spoken to me since. I'm not particularly wanting to speak to her either." He glanced over at Ginny who gave him one long look, stood up and walked toward the restrooms with Lavender and Pansy following behind.

"What's she so mad about Harry?" Alicia asked, leaning across the table.

Harry shrugged and scanned the room looking for Hermione. He couldn't wait to spend some time with her.

"She's mad about the gift he brought her from New York." Ron supplied.

"What did you bring her?" George asked.

"A miniature crystal version of the Empire State Building. It's currently in several pieces on her hearth. Cost me a pretty penny too."

"You brought her a knick-knack?" Angelina asked, with a gasp. "Are you crazy?"

"What? It was very nice."

"Oh Harry. You foolish boy." Alicia said, shaking her head.

"What the hell did I do wrong? I brought her a gift! I got it at that jewelry store she kept talking about."

"It wasn't a ring mate. She wanted a ring." Ron said sadly.

"Well she's not getting one from me." He said firmly. He realized what he had said and looked around the table. Most of the women were quite shocked by his outburst, but the men seemed to understand. He knew they just thought he was mad and that was fine for now. They didn't need to know it was over between he and Ginny before she did.

"Did you see Hermione?" Luna asked Ron. "She looked lovely."

"No, I didn't see her. Where's she sitting?" Ron looked around the room.

"I don't know but she came with Draco." George answered.

"What?" Harry said, a bit louder than he planned. "Why would she come with that git? Especially after. . . " He trailed off. "After everything he did to her." He finally came up with.

"They've become close." Blaise supplied. "An unusual pairing for sure, but you never know, it could work."

Harry sat in his chair and sulked. He knew that Hermione loved him, he was her true love after all. It didn't mean he was happy about her being Draco's date. Ginny eventually came back and they politely ignored each other throughout their meal. As the plates were cleared, Harry was surprised to see Viktor Krum approaching the table.

"Hello Ginevra, Harry, everyone." Viktor said with a polite nod of his head.

"Viktor! What a surprise, I didn't know you were coming." Harry stood up to greet his friend.

"Well, I just heard about the ball a few days ago, thanks to the lovely Ginevra. I thought it was a good cause to support."

"I'm glad you came. I didn't realize you and Ginny were in contact." Harry said, giving Ginny a questioning look.

"Viktor and I have always been friendly, but we became good friends when I was playing Quidditch. I owled him about the ball thinking that he would like to support the foundation." Ginny explained. Harry couldn't help but notice a touch of defensiveness in her voice.

Ginny's real reasons of course were to provide one more distraction for Hermione. She hoped that Viktor might be her true love and that would solve all of her problems.

After a few more moments, Viktor returned to his table and Harry and Ginny merged back into their awkward silence. As the dessert was served, Harry knew that his speech was coming up soon. He searched the room looking for any sign of Hermione. As a last resort, he started looking for Draco, assuming the two would be together. Still unable to spot them, Harry decided to head out into the hall and go over his notes.

It wasn't long into his second lap around the hallway that Hermione showed up in front of him. He was so happy to see her, all he could do was open his arms and pull her in for a hug.

Hermione relaxed into his arms. She'd missed him terribly and hated not being with him tonight. "I missed you," she confessed.

"I missed you too. I can't wait to get you into my arms to dance tonight. Promise me you'll dance with me."

"All night long if I can." Hermione whispered.

"So what the hell are you doing here with Malfoy?" Harry tried to say in a teasing voice but came out more as a growl.

"He asked me before everything between us happened and I didn't want to come alone."

"I don't like it." Harry whispered into her hair.

"You don't need to worry about Draco. He knows about us and he and I are just friends."

Harry just grunted and knew that they'd have to sort his feelings out about this another time. They heard the string quartet end their last song and knew it was time for them to welcome their guests and make their speeches. "Come up on stage with me? I'd feel better knowing you were near me." Harry asked, pulling out of her embrace.

"Of course, but only if you stay on stage for my speech."

"Absolutely. Let's go." The couple walked onto the stage and greeted their guests. Each gave a moving speech, inspiring many of the men and women present to donate more money to the foundation. They were each given a standing ovation and the applause was so loud, they had to wait several seconds before ordering the tables moved and the dancing to begin.

The only person not applauding was Ginny. She felt her stomach drop when she saw Harry and Hermione together. It could only mean one thing. They had kissed.

George noticed it as well. He also saw his sister's face slowly growing redder and redder. He knew that sign. She was going to blow. He quickly took her arm and pulled her onto the dance floor, hoping to deflect the situation. Unfortunately she wasn't having any of that and Ginny ran across the room pulling a confused Viktor Krum off to the side of the stage where Harry and Hermione were talking.

"Hermione! Look who's here! Viktor! Your old boyfriend." Ginny said frantically. She grew only more panicked when she saw Hermione greet her old friend with a hug but not a kiss. "Why didn't you kiss him? Why?" She screeched.

"Ginny, calm down. It's over. The potion is not effective anymore. Relax." Hermione tried to calm her friend but could see that she knew. Somehow she knew.

"Who is it Hermione? Who is your true love? Don't tell me it's Harry. Please don't tell me that." She sobbed. "I heard you talking to George, but it can't be true because he doesn't love you. Right Harry? Tell her. God, please tell her." She was down on her knees now and inconsolable. Harry leaned down and picked her up.

"Give me a few minutes Hermione. All right?" Harry pleaded.

"Of course Harry. I'll be waiting." She watched the love of her life as he carried his girlfriend out of the room. She just had to be strong. There was no other choice.

"So Viktor, would you like to dance?"