A/N: In honor of last night's KICK-ASS episode of VM, here's a new chapter. Sorry it took so long to update; I'll try to be better but no promises. Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed, especially Lady-Delphinea for her Lupin-as-Keith suggestion. It's perfect, and we'll see more of that as the story progresses.

Disclaimer: I don't own VM or HP, cause if I did, Veronica would NOT be on the verge of cancellation. Keep your fingers crossed and your CW voodoo dolls handy.

"Katie Bell, huh?" Hermione said to Harry. "She's okay, I guess."

"She's the only person on the Gryffindor team who will still speak to me," Harry answered. "It was getting down to the wire; I had to ask someone."

"I'm sure Katie will be thrilled with your burning desire to go with her. Nice to know you didn't pick her out of a hat."

"That's not what I meant. I like Katie. She's really nice. Frankly, it's nice of her to go with me. They weren't exactly lining up like they did for the Yule Ball. I should be thankful I didn't have to ask Moaning Myrtle. Just be prepared to hear a lot of Quidditch talk at dinner. Between her and Viktor, I doubt you'll get to sneak much Hogwarts, A History talk in there."

"Honestly, you act like that's the only book I've ever read!" Hermione protested.

"No, Hermione, it's just the only book you've read seventy times," Harry said, grinning at her.

"Whatever. I think it's important to be well-informed."

"I know you do," he said, still smiling at her. "It's one of your more charming, yet irritating, characteristics. What are we doing for the dance? Do you want to go to Hogsmeade for dinner first, or stick to the Great Hall?"

"Great Hall, I think," Hermione said. "We'll see, though. I'll ask Viktor what he wants to do."

"What about Friday night?" Harry asked, his face now serious.

"You know what I'm doing Friday night, Harry," she said. "I'm going to Ginny's memorial service, same as you are."

"All the Weasleys are going to be there."

"And all the Weasleys know how much I loved Ginny. I'll not miss this, Harry, and you shouldn't either."

"You're right. Of course. Anyway, let's talk about the dance some more. A change of subject, if you will. At the risk of sounding incredibly girl, what are you wearing?"

"Hermione, please tell me these are not your dress robes," Ginny laughed, looking horrified. "Yellow? Has the Yule Ball taught you nothing? You were a knockout that year. I think you had to scrape Viktor's tongue off the floor, and he wasn't the only one. Why are you going back to this kid stuff?"

"Just because you've got red hair doesn't mean no one else can wear yellow, Ginerva," Hermione said prissily. "I think it's pretty. I assume you'll be wearing green?"

"But of course. Can't disappoint Draco, can I? C'mon, wear something a little more daring. Yellow floral? Ick! And it's out of season, wear yellow in the spring, if you must. Autumn is a time for red or purple or gold, at the very least, if you're stuck on this whole yellow thing. It's all a little too Hufflepuff for me. Show that Gryffindor pride!"

"I already bought my robes, Ginny. I'm not taking them back. Just wait, it'll look great. Ron will think I look pretty, and that's all that matters."

"If you say so."

Hermione looked at Harry. "Red. I'm wearing red robes this year."

O O O O O O

"Professor Lupin!" Hermione started in surprise and pleasure. She and Harry were approaching Defense Against the Dark Arts; their favorite former professor was standing outside the room, welcoming students into the class.

"What are you doing here?" asked Harry.

"Professor Dumbledore asked me to come back," he answered. "Your professor needed to take an emergency leave of absence. I'm just filling in for awhile."

"But that's wonderful!" said Hermione.

"I'm glad you think so," Lupin said, smiling at them. "I'm not sure too many parents will agree. I'm not sure I agree. But it's only for a short time, so I'm happy to help Dumbledore."

Ron and Draco came walking up behind them. Ron ignored Harry and Hermione, but greeted Lupin with genuine pleasure. Draco merely rolled his eyes and sauntered in to the room. Hermione watched him, her own eyes narrowing. She had given little thought to how Draco was dealing with the upcoming memorial - normally, she liked to ignore the idea that Draco might be in pain, too. He certainly betrayed no outward signs of grief. Ron was stone and Draco was a bastard. Harry spoke very little about Ginny. Hermione thought there was probably some truth to the rumors that they had been involved behind Draco's back. Harry was not the sneaky sort, but Ginny's long-time crush on Harry was common knowledge. Perhaps Harry had simply succumbed to her advances. Hermione knew Ginny loved Draco, but she thought Ginny's ideas on fidelity were not ones Draco would have supported. Ginny had hinted as much herself. She wondered who else was mourning the beautiful young girl.

Thoughts of Ginny subsided as the lesson started. Now this is a Defense Against the Dark Arts class, she thought with satisfaction. Lupin was at ease in front of the class, natural and knowledgeable. It was as if he had never left. With all that had happened in the last year, it was important for her to be well-prepared in defensive spells. One never knew when an attack was coming.

Hermione and Harry chatted with Lupin for a few moments after class before heading to lunch. Hermione was meeting Viktor in the Great Hall. Their relationship was becoming more serious, and although still wary, Hermione was glad. Viktor was handsome, kind and easy to talk to. His attentions were going a long way toward integrating her back in the school's good graces, too. Hermione was unlikely to ever regain her former status, but dating a famous wizard did have its advantages. She thought she had received one or two smiles from witches who had recently snubbed her. Slytherin House still treated her with snarls and swear words, but even they cooled their threats when Viktor was with her. She was very excited about the Halloween dance. It would be different this year.

"I thought we were going to the dance!" Hermione protested. She, Ron, Draco and Ginny were in a carriage outside of Hogsmeade. Fifth, sixth and seventh year students had been granted permission to have dinner there before the Halloween dance.

"Silly Hermione," Ginny laughed. "Who wants to go to a boring old dance? We're having our own private party right here!" Draco grinned at Hermione, hugged Ginny and pulled out a bottle of firewhiskey.

"Granger!" he said, dangling the bottle in front of her. "Where's your Gryffindor spirit?"

"Ron?"

"It'll be great, Hermione," Ron said, smiling her favorite lop-sided grin. "No prefect prattle. It's our night off."

"What about Harry?" she asked. "I thought we were supposed to meet him at the dance."

"Don't worry about Pothead," said Draco. "I think Cho Chang will be taking very good care of him."

"It's settled!" said Ginny. "Now, Hermione, you take the first swig."

"Hermy-own-ninny!" Viktor greeted her warmly. "Veasley was just telling me about Professor Lupin coming back." Hermione watched as Ron and Draco walked over to the Slytherin table at her approach, slapping Viktor on the back as they left. "I am thinking he vill be a good resource for me. Perhaps you could introduce us? I remember you and Potter speaking highly of him during the Trivizard Tournament."

"Sure. He's very knowledgeable. I know he'll be pleased to meet you."

"Great," he said, pulling her into a hug. "Now, vhat are our plans for the dance Saturday night? I heard ve can have dinner in Hogsmeade first. Ve are going vith Potter and his date, yes? Let us go to Hogsmeade. It makes a nice change, don't you think?"

"Hmm," Hermione said noncommittally. She wanted to make this year as different as possible from the last dance. Hermione had nothing but great memories from that night, but that was hardly a comfort now. With all that had happened, they felt almost false. Still, there was no point in depriving Viktor, if that was what he really wanted. "We'll see."

"Vhatever you vant to do is fine vith me," he said. She smiled and gave him a quick kiss.

"You're the best. I have to go to back to the common room for some books I forgot. I'll see you later?"

"Of course. Potter and I vill save you a place at dinner."

Hermione did not really have a book she needed to get; rather, she needed a little time to herself. As grateful as she was to her renewed friendships with Harry and Viktor, especially after the lonely year she'd had, she was not used to so much company. She still required "Hermione time." She wandered aimlessly around the school for awhile. It was raining outside, and the library for once did not appeal to her. Of course, it was sometimes dangerous for Hermione to be alone with her thoughts. Muddled images of Ginny and the Slytherin common room threatened to overwhelm her. She strove to keep her mind blank. That usually felt best. When she was feeling particularly vulnerable, she composed potions in her head. It calmed her. She was mentally adding powdered bihorn to wormswood when a familiar voice shook her.

"Go, Gryffindor! Harry! Harry! Whoooo! Nice save, Ronniekins! Come on, Draco, surely you can cheer for us when we're up against Hufflepuff! At least feel sorry for me that I can't play! Hermione, hex him!"

"Ginny?" Hermione whipped her head around. Her friend's voice was coming from Flitwick's classroom. She sprinted to the door. "Ginny, are you-"

Draco looked up at her. His eyes were damp, and he seemed unable to produce his usual sneer. "Hearing ghosts, Granger?" Ginny was smiling from a life-size picture. Although most wizard photographs has no sound, it was possible to capture an entire moment, speech and all, much like a muggle video camera. The special cameras were mainly used for Ministry propaganda. Draco was watching scenes from last year's Gryffindor/Hufflepuff Quidditch match, magically enlarged. Ginny had been injured and unable to chase, so she had borrowed her father's camera, with the intent of using the pictures for practice. Draco, Hermione and Ginny had a marvelous time passing it back and forth, joking, preening and catching very little of the actual match. Hermione could not tear her eyes away from her beautiful friend. Draco was next to her in the picture, smiling affectionately and wagging his finger at an unseen Hermione, who held the camera. It had been beautiful day.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

"I'm compiling pictures for the memorial. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley asked Ron to do it. I volunteered to take it off of his hands. A bit much for him."

"Yeah."

Draco looked at her and muttered "Silencio" to the picture. Hermione was both relieved and heartsick. Those conflicted feelings were mirrored in Draco's stormy eyes.

"Go away, Granger," he said. "I'm busy." Wordlessly, Hermione left the classroom, casting one last glance at her dead friend.

She only managed to pick at her dinner that night, sitting listlessly between Harry and Viktor, both of whom sensed her mood and kindly left her alone. They instead held a lively Quidditch debate and finalized plans for the Halloween Ball. Instead of Hogsmeade, the foursome would have a private picnic on Hogwarts grounds, a nice compromise, Hermione thought. Some of her earlier enthusiasm had left her after seeing Ginny. Buck up, Hermione, she told herself. You keep dragging around here and you're going to drive away the few friends you've got.

"I've got homework. Can I talk to you guys later?" she said, determined to give them a break from her mood.

"Sure," said Viktor, giving her a kiss. "Find me before you go to bed, yes?"

"Okay," she answered. "Why don't we meet in the library around nine-thirty?"

"It's a date."

She smiled at both boys and left the dining room. She looked at the Slytherin table before she left, catching Draco's eye. For once, there was no malice in this face. He looked sad. She finally broke away from his gaze and left the Great Hall. Draco's project inspired her. As much as it would pain her to work with him, she thought she might have a few fitting mementos of Ginny that would work for the memorial. Looking through them would perhaps be cathartic, too. Ginny was never far from her mind, but she didn't often torture herself looking through pictures of her life before that night. She sometimes thought she was punishing herself by depriving her eyes of that time. One picture in particular - Ron, Harry and Hermione with their arms flung around each other, Draco and Ginny beside them, unaware of the camera and kissing - called to her. It used to have a proud place on her dresser. Perhaps it belonged there again.

Hermione entered her dorm room and went straight to the box of pictures she kept hidden under her bed. She found the one she had been looking for, put it aside and continued rooting through the box. She paused when she came upon a picture from last year's dance. Ginny and Hermione were mugging for the camera while Ron and Draco stood behind them, grinning at each other. Ginny was wearing low-cut forest green dress robes and Hermione was in her soft yellow floral robes. They looked young, beautiful, happy and full of life.

"Okay, me first," said Ginny. She grabbed the bottle of firewhiskey and took a drink. The four friends were traveling in their carriage, laughing hysterically and well on their way to being drunk. For once, Hermione had no thought of the consequences of her actions. Ginny seemed to have that effect on her.

"Now, who saw that coming?" said Hermione.

"Don't be jealous, Hermione. Now watch an expert. Draco, truth or dare?"

"I don't trust you, Gin. Truth."

"Who was your first kiss? I want the real truth, now, Drakie. If you say Madam Rosmerta I'll know you're lying."

Draco mumbled something unintelligible. Ron and Hermione leaned forward, Ron cocking a hand around his ear."

"What was that, sir?" he asked. "We couldn't quite hear."

"Zabini," he muttered, averting his eyes.

"What?" Ginny asked. "Blaise has a sister?"

"God, I wish," Draco said, now covering his face with his hands. "Not Blaise's sister. Blaise. We were in second year and he bet me that I couldn't get Pansy to kiss me. I admitted I'd never kissed anyone before and he said I could practice on him. So, I did."

Hermione roared with laughter, clinging to Ron, who was laughing so hard he was almost hyperventilating. Ginny looked at Draco with renewed interest.

"Honey, that's hot," she said seriously, "Were there tongues involved? Did you get a hard-on?"

"Ginny!"

"Full disclosure, babe."

"Fine. You are an evil, evil woman. Yes, there were tongues; no I did not get a hard-on. Blaise may have, but I didn't. I mean, I don't know if he did or not, I certainly didn't check. It was totally bizarre and we've never spoken of it again. And then I went up to Pansy and snogged her later that night. And then I did get hard. Is that enough information for you?"

"Gross," Ron laughed. "I think I'd be more likely to get a woody from Zabini than that tramp."

"Lovely," said Hermione to Ginny. "Blaise Zabini is going to steal our boyfriends."

Hermione smiled at the memory before placing the picture with the others she had chosen. She went to find Draco.

O O O O O O

It was Friday night. The whole of Hogwarts was gathered outside on the Quidditch pitch. Arthur Weasley, current Minister of Magic and his wife and children stood on a raised platform in the middle of the field, a large covered object beside them. Ginny's memorial stone, no doubt. Everyone had their wands lit and the mood was hushed and reverent. Those who knew Ginny, and those who only knew of her were equally respectful and silent. Hermione stood with Viktor and Harry. Harry was crying openly, his brilliant green eyes shining even brighter than usual through his tears. Viktor pulled Hermione to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her for support. She leaned against him, thankful for his presence, her own eyes leaking hot tears.

"My daughter would be pleased and suprised to see this turn-out. We can all agree that she was a humble, shy young witch, who never asked for attention," Mr. Weasley said with a crooked grin. There was an appreciative chuckle from the audience. Ginerva Weasley was not often described as shy and humble.

"The wizarding world lost a brilliant young woman when Ginny was taken from us," Bill Weasley said, taking over for his father. "My sister's spirit remains in our hearts and in Hogwarts. If you were lucky enough to have known Ginny, I think you'll agree that there was no one else like her. She was a loving daughter, sister and friend. She was funny, resourceful, and brave - a true Gryffindor."

As Bill spoke, the pictures Hermione and Draco had gathered played in the sky like a filmstrip. There was no audio - perhaps the powers that be thought it would be too painful to hear her voice - but she looked lovely and high-spirited. Draco had accepted Hermione's pictures with a curt nod of thanks; for them, the interaction had been almost friendly. Hermione watched her friend dance across the star-studded sky: shots of the entire Weasley family; Ginny standing tall in her Quidditch uniform; linking arms with Hermione; kissing Draco; waving her Hogwarts letter proudly in the air. Mrs. Weasley was crying softly; Ron was pale and silent, flanked by Fred and George Weasley, almost unrecognizable without their signature grins. Percy and Charlie stood behind Bill. Hermione scanned the crowd. She shared a small, uncharacteristic smile with Draco and noticed Dean Thomas standing with his Quidditch cronies, subtly wiping his eyes. Interesting. She turned her eyes back to the pictures of Ginny. A rueful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Ginny really had been a great friend. She inspired a fierce devotion in those who loved her, and despite her wild ways, Ginny was loyal and giving. Hermione knew if their situations were reversed, Ginny would be standing here sobbing with Harry and Ron. God, she missed her. She wished she still had Ron to comfort her, and vice versa.

When Bill finished speaking, Mr. Weasley stepped forward again, and reached up to pull the curtain off of Ginny's memorial statue. It was modest enough; a rough stone marker emblazoned with a wand, a broomstick, a lion and Ginny's name. Her date of death was not on the stone; it did not look like a gravestone so much as a memorial to a great historical figure. The crowd murmured appreciatively. Dumbledore had given permission to place the marker on the edge of the Quidditch field Ginny had so loved.

Hermione tuned out the rest of the speeches from Professor McGonagall, Madam Hooch and a few of Ginny's classmates. When they were finished, the Weasley family moved through the crowd, accepting condolences and greeting old friends with hugs and smiles. Soon, Hermione and Harry were face to face with Fred and George.

"Hi, Harry, Hermione," Fred said warmly, surprising her. "I'm glad to see you both here. We were afraid you wouldn't come."

"Of course we would be here," Harry said, although it had taken quite a bit of pleading on Hermione's part to finally convince him. "How are you both?"

"Business is still good," answered George. "You know us, we like to pass on the tradition of rule breaking to the younger generation. We miss you guys at the Burrow. Draco Malfoy's not quite the laugh you two were, especially now that we can't spy on him and Ginny."

"That's sweet of you to say," Hermione said. "How are you parents?"

"Dad's busy at work, of course," said George. "Mum's okay. You know. She misses you two as well."

"But-" Harry started.

"No one blames you guys," said Fred. "It was just hard for everyone."

"It would have been nice to hear that," said Hermione, more sharply than she intended.

"I know," said George. "I'm saying it now. It's hardest for Mum and Ron. Ginny was the baby, the only girl. She-" He broke off, close to tears himself.

"We've got to get going," Fred filled in. "It was nice to see you both. You two, Krum. You'll have to bring Hermione to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes and fill us in on all the Quidditch gossip."

"Alright," Viktor said, smiling and pulling Hermione back into a hug.

"Hermione, I'm going to say hi to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," Harry said, squaring his shoulders.

"I'm not feeling that brave yet," said Hermione. "Do send my regards, though, won't you? Viktor, can you walk with me back to the castle? I'll see you tomorrow for dinner before the dance, Harry."

"Okay. I'll let you know how it goes. See you tomorrow, Viktor."

"'Night, Harry."

Hermione allowed Viktor to lead her back to the common room. He gave her another kiss and hug, then bid her goodnight. Speaking with Fred and George had been both reassuring and confusing. If none of the Weasleys truly blamed her for Ginny's death, why didn't they publicly declare this? True, they had never responded to any negative press about her, but neither did they rush to her defense. A word from Mrs. Weasley would have gone a long way in assuaging her own feelings of guilt about that night, and she knew Harry could have desperately used his surrogate family as well. Perhaps it was merely too painful for Ginny's family to speak to the two people who were with her when she died. Hermione could certainly sympathize with their plight; she just wished they could have mourned together. Ah, well. Perhaps the evening had started to bridge the gap somewhat. She would wait and see.

In the meantime, Hermione tried to shake Ginny from her brain as she prepared for sleep. Of course, as soon as she focused on the upcoming dance, she drifted right back to last year.

Draco, Ginny, Hermione and Ron had returned to Hogwarts right around the time the Halloween Ball was ending. The four friends joined the throng of students leaving the Great Hall; they were drunk and giggling happily. Harry spotted them and ran over.

"You creeps!" he admonished. "I was looking for you! You're lucky McGonagall and Snape didn't notice you were missing. I guess enough students were in and out to make it impossible to keep track of everyone. Where were you?"

"We were giving you and Chang your privacy," Draco slurred. "I hope you put your time to good use. Did you teach her how to summon your pants?"

"You're drunk!' Harry whispered furiously. "You guys suck; I can't believe you left me out of whatever craziness you had planned. Hermione, I'm ashamed of you. Well, really I'm enormously proud, but you should have invited me."

"I wanted to, Harry, they kidnapped me," Hermione giggled, throwing her arms around him. "Tell the truth, Ginny."

"Sorry, Harry," Ginny pouted. "But there wasn't room for six, and it would have been rude to leave Cho. You forgive me, right?" She batted her eyelashes at him. Harry laughed and threw his hands up.

"Fine. Cho and I did have a nice time, as a matted of fact. But you all owe me one. Especially you, Ron."

"Sorry, mate," Ron said, stumbling under the influence of the firewhiskey. "I could have used you there. It's hard when it's three girls and one bloke."

"Hey!" Draco protested. "Who are you calling a girl, Weasley King?"

"Well, kissing partners aside, you have more product in your hair than Hermione and Ginny put together."

Harry looked at Draco, cocking an eyebrow. "Kissing partner? Do tell."

Hermione awoke Saturday with a strange feeling of peace. As much as it pained her to think of Ginny, she thought that last night had been good for her. She still expected the specters of Ginny, Ron and Draco to loom over tonight, but she thought maybe she would enjoy herself nonetheless. Maybe everything she did would now be haunted by her red-haired friend, but she had to continue living her life. She pulled her dress robes out of her wardrobe and admired them, thinking that it was time to embrace her inner Ginny. She had all day to prepare herself, all day to primp and plan the look to best impress Viktor. She had work to do. It might even be fun. Humming, Hermione walked toward the bathroom, thinking that while things were a long way from perfect, this day at least, might be a success.