December had finally come and the Christmas Ball was approaching. Draco had already asked Violet to go, same for Samuel and Daphne, Theo and Pansy, and Blaise and Jackie. Kaliban started dating Astoria Greengrass; Daphne's younger sister; therefore, he had already asked her to the ball.

Hermione was still waiting for Harry to ask her to the Ball.

"Hermione, do you think we could go out tonight?" Harry asked the Saturday, 2 weeks before the Ball.

"Of course, we can go out tonight Harry," Hermione said excitedly.

"So, I'll pick you up at 9 and we'll go from there," Harry said to his girlfriend.

"That's fine with me Harry. See you soon," Hermione said, as she kissed him on the cheek goodbye.

They parted ways and Hermione went to her dorm to finish up some last minute homework and prepare for her date.

That night at 6, Daphne, Violet, Pansy and now Jackie, and Astoria helped Hermione get ready for her date with Harry.

They put on dark amethyst colour eye shadow, light pink blush, black mascara, and dark pink lip-gloss.

Hermione got dressed in a beautiful red dress with gold accents. It came to the knees and was strapless.

"Thank you guys so much," Hermione said to her friends, as she hugged them one by one.

"Hey, this is what friends are for," Violet said and everyone let out a 'whoo' of agreement.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"Excuse me little sister, but your date has arrive and is waiting for you in the Common Room," Blaise said through the door and Hermione rushed to open it.

She opened it and saw that standing beside her brother was Harry.

"YOU TRICKED ME!" Hermione screamed at Blaise, while Harry turned her towards him.

"I wanted to surprise you tonight and asked him to lead me straight to your dorm," Harry said sweetly. (A.N: I know boys aren't supposed to be able to get to the girls dorms but I wanted Harry to pick Hermione up right at her dorm for this particular date.)

Hermione turned to her twin and said, "all is forgiven."

Harry then presented her with a beautiful bouquet of white and red roses. She thanked him and put the bouquet in a vase that was given to her by Phoenix for Christmas, the year before.

Harry extended his arm and Hermione graciously took it. She said goodbye to her friends and brother and left the Slytherin Common Room to go on her date with her boyfriend.

Hermione was surprised when Harry led her out of the castle, but she trusted him. After 3 minutes of walking, Hermione smiled widely as she saw a familiar sight. Harry had brought her to the very same place where they had had their first date.

It was on the shore of the Black Lake, and there was only a small table with a beautiful candelabrum lit. Hermione wondered if Dobby was going to apparated and sure enough 2 minutes after they sat down he did. Harry reassured her that he was paid for this night.

They talked about the upcoming trial of Albus Dumbledore and how Hermione's mother was finally going to get the justice she so desperately deserved.

After supper, Harry stood up and asked her to dance, Hermione gladly accepted and he led her over to the same small opening in the forest, where they had danced on their first date.

"Hermione?" Harry asked, as she twirled in his arms.

"Yes Harry," Hermione said contently.

"Will you go to the Christmas Ball with me?"

"Of course I will Harry. What took you so long to ask?" Hermione said happily.

"Well, I was waiting for the most opportune moment, and I thought asking you on a date would be the perfect time to ask you," Harry explained.

"I love you so much Harry James Potter," Hermione said, as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"I love you so much more Hermione Lila Zabini," Harry said, as he placed his head on Hermione's head.

"We should probably get back before my brother sends out a search party," Hermione said jokingly.

"Yeah, I wouldn't want to end up on your brother bad side," Harry said jokingly back, as they made their way back to the castle.

Harry gently escorted Hermione all the way back to the dungeons and when they were outside of the Slytherin Common Room. Harry leaned forward and kissed Hermione on the lips. Hermione and Harry said goodnight and parted ways.