THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEWS!!!KEEP THEM COMING!!! Once again this chapter is very long so be very comfortable when you read it. So I did a Quidditch match in as well as Slughorn's party and a few Hermione and Draco problems.
I DON'T OWN ANYTHING!!!
Timeline: Sort of Last day of November/First week of December
Chapter 7
A challenge.
"Alright Ron?" Dean asked his teammate. It was the day of the match against Slytherin. Seeing as Katie was still at St Mungo's, Harry had asked Dean to substitute Katie Bell, he was given a lot of practice. But it turned out he didn't really need it, with him going out with Ginny and having gone to nearly every game they held.
"Yea'...I'm...great." He replied nervously. He hadn't been himself since the moment he woke up.
Harry sipped on some orange juice. He really wanted Gryffindor to win, not because of beating Slytherin but because he had been getting a lot of grief from his classmates from picking two from his class.
"You better get some bacon down you." Hermione advised the pale boy. Ron shook his head. "Ronald!"
"Harry! After today I'm resigning! Don't talk me out of it!" Ron said to Harry ignoring Hermione's suggestion.
"You'll need it Weasley!" Hissed a voice from behind. Hermione had to bite back a smile at Draco. "But then again maybe your great big gob can save the Quaffle!"
"Shut it Malfoy!" Harry hissed defending his friend. But even he was having doubts; at practice his nerves weren't helping him. Draco and his friends sneered and walked by but as he sat down he glanced towards Hermione and gave her a quick nod. She gave him a small smile.
"Cheer up Ron! You'll be fantastic...no you'll be brilliant!" Lavender Brown said walking up to him. Ron was too busy stressing out to pay her any attention. She quickly walked away.
"Come on Ron! Drink something, tea? Coffee? Pumpkin Juice?" Harry offered. Ron looked at him.
"I'll take anything." He replied gloomily. Harry poured him a glass of pumpkin juice, Hermione eyed him suspiciously.
"Don't touch it!" She said making Harry jump, spilling some pumpkin juice.
"What?" Ron demanded. "Why not?" Hermione glared at her two friends.
"You put something in his drink." She accused glaring at Harry.
"What are you on about?" He asked.
"Just what I said. Ron don't drink it! Harry the bottle is in your hand!" Hermione hissed glaring at the goblet containing pumpkin juice.
"Stop pretending to be my mother Hermione!" Hermione gave Ron a punch in the elbow for the comment. He took the goblet and drank it in one go. "See nothing's happened!" Hermione got up and left the Great Hall. Draco quickly got up and hurried after her; Pansy soon followed but was careful at no getting caught.
"Hermione? What's the matter?" Draco said as he confronted a pissed off Hermione. "Was it the Weasley comment?" She looked at him.
"You men are all the same!" She hissed pushing him slightly. "Arrogant! Selfish! Pigs!" She screamed pushing him with each insult.
"Who told you?" Draco asked nervously. Hermione stopped calling the male race and stared at him confused. "Never mind...but Hermione-"
"Look at this. The Mudblood and the traitor." Pansy interrupted making Hermione and Draco jump. "Did he tell you about-"
"SHUT UP!" Draco yelled grabbing Pansy's wrist. "You just love to cause trouble!" As she withered in pain she smirked at him.
"At least I didn't lie. Can't face the truth?" She hissed. "Get lost Mudblood!" Hermione looked at Draco and left him shaking his head. "I assume Lucius doesn't know."
"Shut up!" Draco answered.
"If you don't want me to blab your secret out then stop being friends with her." Pansy threatened. Draco took a few deep breaths he watched as Hermione walked with Luna Lovegood to the stadium.
"Whatever." Draco said pushing away from her. "Get lost. I have a game to win." Pansy smirked at her achievement as Draco stormed off.
"Lucius is going to love this." She said giggling evilly.
--
The match had gone to Ron's satisfaction. He saved nearly all the goals, the Slytherin Vaisey had taken a Bludger to the head and had been replaced by Harper. A boy who could only use his fists and not his bat. "Shake hands!" Madame Hooch shouted above the roaring noise. Draco and Harry's firm grip sounded more like a bone crunching match. "MOUNT YOUR BROOMS!" The players stepped onto their brooms. "ON MY COMMAND...3...2...1" The loud whistle was heard and the game had begun.
"Well there goes the whistle! Look at Potter go! Mind you Weasley looks like he's improved! Watch that save! Mind you ever since last year's episode you'd think that he'd be off, bet it helps that you're best mates with the captain." Jeers erupted from the Slytherin side as Zacharias Smith told them the commentary. "Weasley saves another goal!" Harry eyed Hermione in the stands she was glaring at Smith.
Half an hour into the game it was sixty to ten, Gryffindor were winning the match easily, to them it was like a walk in the park. Ginny had scored four times and Dean Thomas the other two times. Ron was saving the goals like he was playing wizards chess. Zacharias had stopped commentating on the two Weasleys and now started on his choice in Bludgers. "I mean they've hardly got any muscle in them!"
Harry was about to charge at him when Draco passed by him. "Your mud-blood friend thinks he's special." He sneered.
"Well looking at the score Malfoy. I'd say yea' he is!" Harry shouted back. Then Malfoy shot up.
"Oh look! Malfoy's seen something. He's got a god eye for shiny things. This match may be over!" Harry looked up and realized how Zacharias was right, accelerating upwards he followed Draco, he was only mere inches away from it.
"Oi Malfoy! Your father's a git!" Draco stopped and looked at him. Harry smirked and accelerated inches ahead, once he felt sure the snitch was in his hands he went back down again and toured the Quidditch stadium with the Gryffindors cheering for them like crazy. "Ginny!" He cried out as the red haired girl flew past him. "GINNY!" His fear for her safety vanished into laughter, she had crashed into the commentary box, and Zacharias was on the ground looking slightly dazed.
"Sorry Professor...forgot to break." She muttered while giving the commentator a small kick in his side. Harry rushed to her side giving her a quick hug, then he rushed to Ron who was being lifted up and tossed around the ground by Gryffindor fans.
"GO GO GRYFFINDOR!" They chanted as Ron surfed the crowd.
"Well done Ron!" Harry yelled. Ron gave him a thumb up to say that he had heard him. He chuckled and entered the changing room, behind him he could hear Seamus telling everyone that a party would be held in the Gryffindor common room. He saw Hermione sitting on one of the benches, she looked upset at something. "Hermione, what's wrong?"
"Well I'm cross at you for starters! How could you have done that?" She demanded turning on him. Harry put his hands up in defence.
"I haven't done anything! I mean it!"
"You spiked Ron's drink! You used Felix Felicis!" Harry was smiling broadly.
"No I didn't." He chuckled and from the hidden pocket of his red cloak he pulled out the small liquid. The seal was still on. "I made him believe he was." Hermione stared laughing at it. "What else is on your mind?"
"Nothing." She replied though when she said it Draco happened to be walking past the changing rooms. "I'm going to leave you to get ready." She jumped up and hurried after Draco. "Draco!"
The boy turned round and smiled at her. "They sang the chant. But in a good way." Hermione nodded.
"Draco. Is there anything you want to tell me?" Draco's grey eyes avoided her brown ones. "We can't have a friendship based on lies."
"I wouldn't lie to you." He replied smiling at her, Hermione was no idiot; he knew he was hiding something from her, but she didn't say anything.
"Ok. I believe you. I better go or else people might get suspicious." She replied even though she didn't believe him she was giving him the benefit of the doubt.
--
"RON! RON!" The sixth years chanted as they drank on some smuggled firewhiskey courtesy of Fred and George via Floo powder. Hermione was writing a note to 'M' when this was happening.
M.
I'm worried about a friend of mine. I think he may be hiding something from me. I don't know what...it's been a while since we've written to each other, I miss it sometimes. We're drinking firewhiskey up here if you want to join, you can bring some of your friends if you want.
Yours Hermione
She used Hedwig who had recently bought in the sweets thanks to the Weasley twins. She took Harry's offer of firewhiskey. She felt herself feel dizzy under the influence of the golden liquor substance. "You know Harry...I used to have a small crush on you in our first year!" She said slurred. Harry laughed the remark off.
Ron had drunk enough firewhiskey to last him a long time, he was making out with Lavender and he wasn't shy to do more than kissing in public. Ginny was hiccupping but laughing with Dean. The common room looked like it was a picture and thanks to Seamus and Neville they photographed every detail all the while drinking firewhiskey.
"So I was facing the troll then boom! I knocked it out!" Seamus boasted about the time he went on holiday somewhere.
--
Draco smiled at the letter he received; he could tell she was enjoying herself. He smirked to himself, Pansy had told him to stay away from her but she didn't which one, it could've been 'M' or Draco. He was glad he had his own room; it gave him his much desired privacy. He knew better to reply the next day. She'd be partying.
--
A week after Gryffindor won against Slytherin, boys realized they had two weeks left until the dance. So what did they do? Pester girls. Harry didn't know who to ask, Ron had asked Lavender his girlfriend -they had come public the night of the celebration party. Neville had asked Luna so she was taken, Dean was taking Ginny. Hermione still wasn't going with anyone yet.
"Hermione...can I ask you something?" Harry asked during lunch. She nodded as she took a bite of chicken. "Have you got a date for the dance?" Hermione looked at him nervously.
"Sorry Harry. Someone's asked me. Ask Ginny." She said watching his face blush red at the name. "She's broken up with Dean, maybe you should ask her."
"Wouldn't it be weird? She's Ron's sister." Harry said keeping his crush a secret. Hermione grinned at him.
"Ok then, if Ginny says no, I'll go with you." Hermione said. "Look! She's just come in. Go on! Ask her!" Harry stumbled up and walked nervously towards Ginny.
"What's Harry doing?" Hermione looked up at Ron.
"He's asking Ginny to the dance." Hermione replied turning her attention back to her lunch. She gave quick glance towards the Slytherin table to see if Draco was there, recently he'd appear then vanish. She didn't pester him why, he'd tell her when he was ready.
"Oh ok." He sat down and reached out for the Daily Prophet that was next to Harry's bag. "Who are you going with?" Hermione smiled.
"Somebody." She replied. She finished eating and got up and picked up her bag. "You'll meet him at the dance."
"Where are you off to?" Ron asked eyeing her curiously.
"The library. I have to finish of my homework." She replied hurrying out of the Great Hall. She went up the stony steps and caught a flash of blonde hair, thinking he was alone she walked slightly faster. He wasn't. His father was talking to him. Draco was already showing his latest bruise above his eyebrow. He gave him a quick jab and walked away, Hermione dashed to her friend's side. "Draco?"
"Leave me alone Granger." He muttered. Hermione scowled at him but said nothing. She tried to touch his bruise but he backed off. "Back off!" He brushed past her leaving a startled Hermione.
--
Hermione was in the library when the note came. She was startled by the fact that Draco had just dropped it, she watched him as he browsed at some books. Taking the note she smirked when she noticed that he was looking at her.
Hermione.
I'm not good at asking you things, given our history. So would you go to the Winter Dance with me?
Draco.
Hermione frowned then pulled out another note, one she had received the night before.
Hermione.
You wanted to meet me so I'm giving you the chance. Will you be my escort to the Winter Dance?
M.
Draco smirked when he saw her frown over the two notes one from M the other from himself. Hermione remembered how he was when she saw him and stuffed the notes in her bag. She gathered her things and left the library. Draco frowned and went after her but he stopped when he saw Pansy walking towards him.
--
"Harry...who are you going with to Slughorn's party tonight?" Romilda asked Harry in the Gryffindor common room, he was sitting next to Hermione, they were playing exploding snap. She was twirling a lock of dark blond hair around her fingers.
"Um...Luna." He had asked Luna a week ago. "Sorry." The girl frowned at him and stormed off.
"And how does Ginny feel about this?" Hermione teased. Harry grinned at her.
"Well she's going and everyone knows nothing's going on between me and Luna. We're just friends." Harry said placing down a card. "Who are you taking?"
"Promise you won't laugh?" Harry nodded. "Cormac McLaggen. The guy that is Ron's substitute in Quidditch."
"Him?!" Harry hissed. "He's an idiot!"
Hermione rubbed the back of her hair nervously. "Hermione? You're going with Cormac?" Lavender said from behind, next to her was a bright-eyed Ron.
"Yes." She said with a high pitched giggle. "He asked me. I'm meeting him at eight, which means that I better get ready!" She leapt up from her chair and dashed to her room. Lavender scanned the room till she found her pack of friends and told them the latest gossip.
"Bloody hell! First Krum then him! You'd think she had had enough of Quidditch players!" Ron said shaking his head. Harry placed down his cards and smiled faintly to him. "I'm glad I'm not going."
"Wish I wasn't." Harry muttered under his breath.
--
Hermione was leaving the Gryffindor common room with Cormac, Harry had already left to meet Luna and Ginny had gone with Neville. Lavender and Ron watched as Cormac kissed her roughly on the cheek. Hermione looked ill. She had chosen a soft red long sleeved dress seeing as it was close to Christmas
As they wandered to Slughorn's office, Cormac told Hermione all about his time with the Puddlemere United. "They even asked if I wanted to join them but I said no, school and all." Hermione nodded and smiled uncomfortably. As they approached Slughorn's office they bumped into an entwined Draco and Pansy and for some strange reason Hermione felt uncomfortable at the scene. Just as they walked past them, Hermione grabbed Cormac and gave him a kiss on the lips. "Wow Hermione!"
"Heat of the moment!" She replied sounding as astonished as he was. Draco looked up and glared at them. Cormac ignored that the corridor was also occupied by them and took upon Hermione's surprise and kissed her. Hermione had not seen it coming. But when she felt his tongue trying to open her lips she pulled away. "We better get to the party." She muttered grabbing his arm and dragging him away.
"Oi Granger!" Draco called. Hermione looked behind her. Draco was standing in the middle of the hallway; anger was visible in his face. Hermione shook her head and hurried on with Cormac. "Think you're too good for me?"
"Hermione!" Harry said rushing to her side the moment she came into the well lit room, silver and green drapes were everywhere, there were enchanted plates that hovered in the air, it looked like everyone was in a massive tent rather than an office. "Thank god you're here!" He said grabbing her hand; Cormac has gone straight to Slughorn boasting about something big he'd done.
"He is impossible!" She whispered watching the boy laugh at something a minister had said. "He's cocky and rude and so immature!"
"Why did you bring him then?" Harry chuckled. Hermione nudged his shoulder hard. "Luna's not bad, she's with Ginny and Neville."
"Lucky you. At first Cormac was alright...then he started boasting about his achievements and that was it. He bad at kissing." Harry looked at her alarmed. "Don't ask."
They stayed for over half an hour talking and chatting to ministers. "Harry Potter!" The two teenagers turned round in surprise and stared as a short wizard came walking up to them. "I am simply delighted!" He said shaking their hands. "I was just saying to Horace, we've heard about everyone else's biography except yours! It's so long overdue!"
"Euh...right...is it?" Harry said nervously. He hated being in the spotlight over his scar.
"So modest too! Horace was right about you!" Suddenly the man's manner changed. "You know I could do it...if you want." Hermione stifled a giggle. "You could make millions!"
"No...I'm not interested." Harry said firmly. The man nodded and slipped him his card.
"If ever you feel the urge to tell someone...here's my card." Harry shook his head at the man.
"I'm sorry. Oh Hermione there's Luna!" Hermione turned and looked towards where he was pointing. "Sorry but we've just seen an old friend." Harry dragged Hermione to where Luna was chatting to Neville; Ginny had gone to get them drinks. The five teenagers chatted away hoping to be avoiding by any of the friends of Slughorn and himself.
Then suddenly. "Oi! Get off me! Do you know who my father is?" Hermione turned round and was surprised to see a tuff of blond hair.
"Draco?"
"Malfoy?"
Filch the caretaker had dragged him by the ear towards Slughorn. "Professor Slughorn!" He wheezed. "I discovered this student lurking around the top corridor. He claims that he was invited and had a small issue setting off." Hermione looked away as he looked towards her.
"Alright! I was gatecrashing! Happy?" He snarled.
"No I'm not! I'd say we punish him!" Flinch argued. Hermione noticed how pale Draco looked. But she stayed behind Harry.
"Come now Argus! It's Christmas! Just this once!" Slughorn boomed. Harry frowned at Draco. Why was in the top corridors? What's up with Snape looking worried at him?
Draco snarled at Flinch as he stormed out. Snape rushed to Draco's side and took him into a small room just by the tent. Harry backed away from his friends and followed Snape as he dragged Draco inside the room.
"I told you to be careful!" Snape hissed. Draco pushed him away.
"I told you! I didn't do it!" He shouted. "How many times must I tell you? I can do it by myself!"
"Really? And what about Miss Granger?" Harry froze and stared at Draco's reaction, he looked whiter than snow.
"She's nothing! She's a past time!" Draco hissed. Harry turned round and saw Hermione laughing with Ginny his hatred for Draco doubled.
"Really? You're mother asked me to watch over you. I intend to. Now let me help you!"
"I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP!" Draco roared. "I have a plan!"
"Let me help you! If you let me know I can assist you!"
"NO! I have friends who help me!"
"Crabbe and Goyle you mean?"
Harry clutched his hands in anger. Not wanting to hear any more he sought out Hermione. "We need to talk!" Taking her outside. "What are you doing being friends with Draco?"
The question startled her. "We're not! We've exchanged a few words at least." Hermione replied hotly.
"That's not what he said!" Harry shouted. Hermione paled and Harry knew something had happened.
"Harry. I haven't a clue what you're on about. I'm not friends with him!" Hermione said close to tears.
"Hermione...I'm sorry." Harry said placing his hand on her shoulder. Hermione pushed past him and ran off. Draco's face grim as he came out from the shadows.
--
Draco ripped his tie off and threw it on his bed; he changed into his dark ebony pyjamas and tossed his other clothes on the floor. It was then that he noticed the note. Well the two notes. He sat on his bed and opened them.
I will be honoured to go to the dance with you. I'll meet you at the entrance at seven. I'll be in white.
Hermione.
Then he opened the other one.
Sorry. Someone's asked me.
"Well it looks like I'll be going in any event." He said grinning.
I know you were expecting the ball next chapter but then it'll just make everything move quicker and no action. So like I said, Draco's lies are straining his friendship,Hermione is lying...but who did she reply to? REVIEW AND FIND OUT!!!!
Witchgal
Poll time!!! Should Draco tell who M is at the ball?
A- Yes
B- No
C-It's too early to tell
D- YOUR OPINION
It all started with...