Things in the Gryffindor common room got more and more awkward; I just couldn't believe what Ron had said. Harry knew something had changed but didn't know what; the only person I had told was Ginny and she was disgusted with Ron. All the time I saw her with him despite what he had done, I couldn't bear to see it knowing that she didn't want him. I started to notice the way she looked at Harry, when Ron wasn't there she would try and talk to him and flirt; once I had seen one thing I saw more and more and more. Harry knew nothing about girls and didn't notice, Ginny did but I had already warned her.
My only escape was Blaise; we met in quiet places where no one would see us together. No body could find out about us, it was too dangerous for Blaise as he would be punished by the Slytherins. We would lie in The Room of Requirement and talk; our debates were affectionate and less heated.
Soon after we got together, just before the sheet went round for people to write whether they were staying for Christmas, a notice went up. The teachers had decided that because the first true year of being free from Voldemort in over two decades, there would be another Yule Ball.
Like the last time only fourth years and above were allowed to go unless invited by one in those years. The school was very excited except I knew I wouldn't be able to go with Blaise. A few days a sheet went round and nearly everyone above third year stayed. Ginny was asked by Harry, Lavender by Ron and Luna by Neville.
It was a Saturday and as usual I walked into The Room of Requirement to find Blaise waiting for me. This time he wasn't drawing, he had started to paint and use pastels in front of me, but today he was just sitting looking nervous.
I sat down next to him and he put his arm round my shoulder, I nestled into him and we sat in silence. A few times he opened his mouth and drew in a breath as if about to say something. After the tenth time of him closing his mouth and looking annoyed with himself I spoke.
"Blaise, are you ok?"
"Yeah, fine just enjoying your company" I smiled but I wasn't satisfied with his answer.
Merlin I was such a coward, I don't why I couldn't just ask her. She was my girlfriend, why would she say no? With that thought I drew in another deep breath and turned towards her.
"Hermione?"
"Yes?"
"Umm well I wasn't exactly telling the truth earlier, I am enjoying your company but I am not fine."
"What's wrong?"
"Well nothing in particular I was just wondering if you were staying at school over Christmas."
"Yes I am, why?"
"Would you like to go to the ball with me?" There I said it I just hoped she would say yes, Merlin she's not smiling and she's not answered me. "You don't have to go with me; don't feel pressured because I'm your boyfriend."
"No, Blaise that's not it. I would love to go with you I really but I don't want you getting hurt because of us."
"I can deal with it Hermione, I love you and don't care if the Slytherins know; they'll just have to live with out. We shouldn't have to hide it from everyone; your friends deserve to know. I can't of a better way of revealing it than going to the ball together."
"But, they could kill you Blaise, they're wizards."
"And so am I. I'm not helpless Hermione, I can fight back; I'm sick of accepting every kick and punch like a stray dog. I will never ever let anyone harm if that's what you're worried about."
"No, I'm not worried about me; I really really want to with you I just don't want you doing anything stupid.
"You saying no would hurt me more than anything more than they can ever do to me."
"I would never dream of saying no, I just wanted to make sure you knew what the consequences could be first. I don't want anything to happen to you, when you're with them I always worry what they are doing to you, how many more bruises you can take."
"Is that a yes then?"
"Yes Blaise, I would love to go with you."
I grinned, I couldn't believe it, not only had she said yes but she really cared about me.
We spent the rest of the day together, both excited at the prospect of Christmas together. Later that night as I lay in my dorm I brought out my old Transfiguration text book and opened it to page 159. I watched the girl I loved, at the same time still not believing she was mine. It was just too good to be true, yet true it was, I was just so lucky