A/N: DEAR READERS, THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT SO PLEASE READ!: Due to the fact that November is fast approaching, I thought it best to notify you all now that all through the month of November (National writers month) I will not be posting any chapters due to the fact that I will actually be working on an actual novel that has been buzzing around in my head for the past year and a half. I hope you all will understand that I am not abandoning the story by any means, I will begin to post all new chapters as soon as December kicks up. Thank you all for your reviews and your constant support through the story, I really appreciate it, so here is Chapter 29, please read and review.
Chapter 29: The rest of the Fall term
In the first week of October, the headmaster had wonderfully decided to have a formal ball with costumes and the whole enchilada. This is where all of the trouble of the year began, Hermione cracked.
"So I hear that your birthday went stupendicly Malfoy," Ron said as he approached Hermione from behind.
"So what if it did Ronald?" Hermione said sharply, "Besides, you're almost a month late."
"Oh well I thought that I would come wish you a good one and say that I will enjoy when the Daily Prophet gets word that your Muggle parents were in the school. I think that it would be very appropriate to contact Rita Skeeter on that one wouldn't you?"
"Go for it, do whatever you want, just remember that that woman hasn't gotten a single story right in her career. I just hope that she will get all you want in her story to ruin me and my family, I mean I assume that was your plan." She smirked at him and turned to walk away.
"Oh don't worry Malfoy, you and your family are rather pathetic with your pretending to like my family and Harry Potter, we all know that you all serve He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. It's no secret and you have nothing to fear, you will be outed as a true mudblood with due accuracy." Hermione turned and stared Ron down.
She leaned in to him as he grabbed his nose and said, "You do anything to harm my family's reputation, and I'll do more than break your good for nothing nose." And she stormed off.
The usual group that was with her looked at each other worriedly and then quickly packed up and ran off to fallow her.
She entered Minerva's office in a huff and shouted, "I can't take it anymore!"
"What can't you take Miss. Malfoy?"
"All of it, that boy is driving me nuts, he is using his new status as no longer a friend of Harry Potter's to his full advantage and it's driving me insane!" Hermione screamed and flopped down in her chair, it was then she noticed that both of her grandparents were there expecting her. The group came in behind her and put there things on a nearby desk before approaching the Gryffindor.
"Hermione, I believe that you are speaking of Mr. Weasley correct?" the headmaster asked.
"Well I don't see any other boy that makes me want to kill them."
"Besides your brothers." Minerva pointed out.
"That's sibling rivalry, not an act of a pissed off Gryffindor." Hermione retorted. "He is such a prick!"
"I assume that he said something that upset you?" Draco said.
"Assuming correct, he said that he heard that my birthday was a bash and that he was going to use Skeeter to ruin our family. I told him that she hasn't gotten a story correct yet so I just hoped that his plan went accordingly. He retorted that our family was pathetic and that we were known deatheaters and that he was going to out me as a 'mudblood.' He is just so insufferable I could kill him."
"Hermione remember, you said at the beginning of the year that he wasn't worth it." Ginny said.
"That was when we saw him with Pansy, threatening my family directly really pisses me off."
"Mr. Weasley was with Miss Parkinson?" Albus asked.
"Yes."
"That's odd." Minerva thought out loud
"That's what I don't understand Grams, why Pansy, what did he do to her that got her all giddy about him?"
"One, I think that you are only looking at the negative of the situation, second, it could be that she looks for that 'bad boy' that I have stopped being." Draco said.
"True, he has gotten awfully soft because of you Mia." Blaise said.
"Oh so now this is my fault."
"I didn't say that."
"But she still likes Draco," Ginny said.
"There's no way to tell that; you know what I think? I think that she is just a lying scheming little Slytherin bitch and…" Hermione fumed.
"Hermione Jean Malfoy!" Minerva scolded.
"What? Everything that we said to her could be in danger of him knowing, and there for its free game if he hexes us into oblivion." Hermione said.
"He can't hex you Hermione; he knows the consequences of such an action being a prefect." Albus said.
"Grandpa, he was our friend, why is this so bad for him?" Hermione had tears in her eyes at this point.
"Hermione," He pulled her to his chest, "He has always been jealous of you and Harry, there was no hiding it. Harry has endless fame for his survival of the killing curse and you have always been smart and witty. He is a sixth of seven children and he has always had to live up to what his older brothers have accomplished. When he met you two, it was just too much; I knew he would crack but I honestly wasn't expecting him to react to something like this, nor was I expecting him to react like this."
"I just… I hate him, he's an ass and he is surely going to turn the world against us all."
"My advice baby is to ignore him at all costs…" Minerva said.
"What do you think that we have been doing?"
"Ok so avoid him even more, just don't worry about it."
"Ok."
"No all of you are head to class." And the students left without another word.
The rest of the month had passed fairly quickly without another incident from Ron or any of his goons, thankfully. The week of the ball is when things really got crazy, her grandfather had told her that George wasn't going to be able to come this time because it was a school event but he said at the end of the year ball he was more than welcome. In which she wasn't as ecstatic about the whole event as she usually would be but she still tried to stay hopeful and positive for the others.
Luna had talked Hermione, Ginny, Draco, Harry and Neville to dress up as muggle dance competitors and Blaise to be the judge. Everyone was hesitant at first but soon got in on the laugh and decided to do it. Hermione was asked to be Harry's date and they took the waltz dancers, Ginny was Draco's and they took the Tango, and Luna was Neville's and they decided upon doing the foxtrot. Hermione had decided that the week before the dance, the girls would go to Hogsmeade without the boys and pick out their outfits, of course thanks to the shop keeper's help; they were quick in picking out their outfits.
Hermione had picked out a full length, off the shoulder, long sleeve, dark green dress that was form fitting to the hip and then the skirt was flowing and long. The dress had a screen and gem belt that was almost invisible except for when it hit the light just right. She chose simple matching green heels that were closed toed and had an elastic strap over her foot. Ginny had found a blood red dress that was off the shoulder and had long sleeves that had a strap that went over her middle finger. The dress had a slip that went up to about five or so inches below her hip with a silver buckle sitting on top of it. The dress wasn't long and only went down to the top of her calf. Her heels were also blood red and had a gem strap that went on top of her foot. Luna had decided to be a rebel and pick out a sea foam green dress that was very flowing and had a perfect heart cut at the chest. Her dress had thick straps that attached to the back of her dress before having a good two and a half feet of excess fabric flow down her back. She chose low heels of a cream color. Each had a mask that was an exact match of their dresses, it was absolutely perfect.
They had told the boys the color of their dresses and nothing more so they had decided that they would get matching outfits as well. Harry had gone with a simple black tux with a black satin shirt and Slytherin green tie, Draco had gone with black pants and a satin blood red top that was almost an 1800's style. Neville had also decided to keep it simple and got a black tux and black shirt and matching sea foam green tie. Blaise had gone with a simple black tux, black top black tie and had black shoes. Each had decided on a black mask that was completely simple.
Finally the night of the dance was upon them. Hermione had done her hair in a half pony twist and tamed her curls, Ginny had pulled hers into a bun that sat at the base of her neck and decorated it with roses, Luna had put her hair in a low ponytail that sat just behind her ear, she had put a few flowers in her hair. They applied their makeup, masks and grabbing their numbers which were their graduating years, except Luna had let Ginny and Draco have their graduating year and she took her mother's graduating year. When they were ready, they headed to the entrance hall where the boys had agreed to meet them. The boys were gob smacked when the girls reached them; each was stunningly beautiful in their ballroom gowns. The girls reached them and hugged each boy and told them how good they looked; and of course they quickly applied the numbers to the boys' jackets. Hermione was in the middle of hugging Neville when there was a tap on her shoulder. She turned and their stood her grandmother in a red heart masks and a costume resembling the Queen of Hearts from the children's story Alice and Wonderland.
"Well hello professor, you look wonderful." Hermione smiled.
"Well thank you Miss Malfoy, you and your friends look stunning as well, thank you for choosing appropriate costumes for your dances; I would have hated to have spent the day off tomorrow with the three of you ladies in detention."
"Oh Professor, we know the rules, let's hope that no one pulls a stupid stunt," Ginny shot a look at her brother as he came down the stairs with Lavender and Pansy, "So that you may enjoy your day off like the rest of us."
"Let's hope Miss Weasley. You all enjoy your evening now."
"Bye Professor," the students said in unison. As Ron passed the group he gawked at Hermione before he was pulled back by Lavender tugging on his arm. The trio entered the hall before the group of seven followed; arm in arm following Blaise of course, since he was the 'judge'. Each was happy and laughing with each other as they sat at a table and ate what the Headmaster had chosen for the meal. When the other chaperones arrived, Hermione and Draco were dumbstruck to find that their parents, grandparents and Severus had joined in on their own theme. Minerva they knew was the queen of Hearts, Albus was the king of hearts, Narcissa was Alice, Lucius was the mad hatter and Severus, which if you looked carefully was in blue instead of black he also had numerous arms as he portrayed the caterpillar. Hermione had to make a laugh, the story of Alice in Wonderland was her favorite and she knew that no one would notice but she did, she also thought Severus looked good in Blue. Soon it was time to dance, a few dances had gone by in which typical teen songs played, however Albus had another idea and walked over to the music stand.
Music started that was perfect for a waltz as Harry and Hermione made it to the floor. The two took the floor first and glided gracefully across the floor. She smiled and laughed at the little things Harry was saying.
"Your dancing has gotten better since fourth year." Hermione joked.
"You don't spend all summer with Fred and George and not learn something."
"Oh yeah?"
"Yes, who do you think they practiced with, they only have one sister?" Hermione laughed as they continued across the floor. Hermione noticed Blaise going around each of each of the couples, there were more than expected but the most surprising was Ron dancing with Pansy.
They went through the tango and other dances before arriving at the Vietnamese Waltz. "I'm sorry Mione, I don't know this one." Harry said.
"It's alright; we can take a short break catch our breath before the foxtrot."
"Yes that would be ideal, however, Miss Malfoy, would you do me the honors?" Came a familiar voice from behind her.
"Of course Professor, Excuse me Harry."
"Of course." Hermione took Severus' hand as he led her to the floor. He put his hand on her upper back and grabbed her hand as she rested her free hand on his shoulder. He led her around the floor avoiding the other students that knew the dance, thankfully there were few.
"You are a wonderful dancer Miss Malfoy," He said.
"Thank you, my brothers are wonderful teachers."
"I don't suppose that your boyfriend's smoothness on the floor has helped?"
"Oh, George is wonderful but he taught himself where Draco and Blaise were taught through the academy."
"This is true."
"How is your year Professor?"
"Surprisingly less stressful."
"Even with Harry and I still running around?"
"Yes." He looked at her and smirked but it quickly faded, "Your grandmother told me that you had a problem with Mr. Weasley earlier this month."
"Oh yes."
"Are you ok?"
"I suppose, I mean I can only control myself right, so I should attempt to make this a good year shouldn't I?"
"That is a wonderful thought Miss Malfoy."
"Thank you." The dance ended and he escorted her to the punch bowl where he poured her a drink before handing it to her. "Thank you."
"My pleasure, but I must say that I should be the one thanking you for doing me the honor of dancing with me."
"After allowing me into your personal space over the summer, it was nothing."
"Well it was actually nice having someone share my passion for the subject," she smiled at him and heard a familiar voice come from not too far away.
"I am waiting for Longbottom to take the floor, he is such a klutz." Hermione tightened her grip on her cup as she listened to Ron bash their friend of so many years, "I mean he and Luna deserve each other, they are both so odd and don't belong anywhere because no one wants him.
"I agree Won-Won." Lavender giggled.
"You know Ron, I hope you choke on your words, Neville has been practicing and is very good at his dancing, as for them being wanted, and they are wanted by more people than your ten fingers could count." She said this very politely before returning her attention to Severus, "Sorry Professor but Harry is signaling me to join him on the floor, he was so excited for the foxtrot it was like a child at Christmas."
"Of course Miss Malfoy, enjoy your evening."
"You too." She all but ran to Harry as he led her to the floor where they began to dance the foxtrot around with Draco, Ginny, Luna and Neville. Hermione stole a glance at Ron and saw that Ron indeed ate his words as Neville gracefully led Luna across the floor. Eventually the dance ended and they went to the side to watch Neville and Luna dance, Ginny and Draco stood next to them and watched the couple.
"Hermione, did you hear about Luna?"
"No, what?"
"Dad heard that her dad is in the hospital right now I guess he is not doing well right now."
"Oh my gosh, and she's here instead of being there."
"Yeah but Father heard him say that Luna has been the happiest that she's been in years simply hanging out with us and Mr. Lovegood said that Luna likes Neville."
"Can you imagine how she's feeling right now?" Blaise asked joining the conversation.
Hermione looked at the couple and said, "She must be going through an internal hell right now."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"Well she must be feeling somewhat happy since she is here smiling at Neville, but she is confused because her personal life away from Hogwarts is taking a turn for the worst, and therefore sad that her father is dying."
"No one could feel all of that!" came an annoyingly familiar voice.
Hermione sighed before retreating with the group to be next to the Headmaster and his deputy. Minerva and Albus greeted them with a smile and they returned it completely ignoring their shadow. He was alone but they didn't know if they could control themselves, Ginny had threatened to hex him numerous times already that day.
"Hello Miss Malfoy," Albus said.
"Hello Headmaster, are you enjoying your evening?"
"It is quite pleasant, how about yours? I saw you dance with Professor Snape."
"Oh yes, that was wonderful, I am quite enjoying my evening." She smiled at her grandfather.
"I know she heard me Malfoy, she isn't stupid so she sure as heck isn't deaf." Ron's voice said as he tried to get past her brothers, "I know what I said Malfoy."
"You know Ronald your antics are getting rather pathetic, but you're right I did hear you."
"SO you also know that no one could feel all of that, they would explode!"
"Well Ronald, just because you and your girls have the emotional range of a teaspoon doesn't mean the rest of us follow."
"I can't believe that you just said that you… you… mudblood!" Lavender said.
"Oh wow you guys, this night is just full of surprises, the blonde one can talk!" Blaise said. Some of the group laughed at his comment
"Miss Brown that language is NOT appropriate, ten points from Gryffindor!" Minerva said.
Hermione smirked before she walked away and joined her friends for more dancing and she enjoyed the rest of her evening just having fun.
The Monday after the dance, life had returned to normal and everyone was back in school doing homework and attending classes and the rest of the semester flew by. Christmas was upon everyone before they were ready.
Hermione had gone home for Christmas with her brothers and they enjoyed themselves; they decided against going to the ball this year because of the formal announcement of the Dark Lord's return. Instead they hung out at Malfoy Manor and Grimwald Place, since Ron had decided to stay at the school with Lavender and Pansy, their visits were always pleasant. Hermione had gotten a few trinkets and various items of cloths from her friends and family and she had given everyone something special in return. She had shopped with Ginny, Molly, her mother and grandmother and enjoyed reading with her father in the study. Her grandparents and Severus had joined them for meals like they had done over the summer, it was always pleasant.
Hermione had spent less and less time with George since he had to work at the shop, it was predicted to be a busy holiday season this year. So she visited him at work and brought him baked goods that she and her family had spent the day baking, it was nice. However, her fantasies came to an end when school started up again.