It was way past dawn when my violet blanket got dragged off my bed, leaving me to shiver in the cold. I opened one eye scarcely to find Ginny standing by the bedpost, tapping her foot impatiently. She has her hands on her hips and her left eyebrow raised. I sat up drowsily, rubbing my eye to adjust to the vibrant sun through the clear glass windows.
"Come on lazybones, Professor McGonagall has called everyone into the hall for an announcement. You best get prepared quickly, we are expected to arrive in 15 minutes."
I ran my fingers through my hair and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Alright I'll be right down."
Ginny nodded and advanced out of the room, waiting for me outside. As I ambled to the bathroom, my mind drifted back to last night's recent events. I sighed as I brushed my thick caramel curls. Looks like our talk with Harry will have to wait.
When I arrived at the hall, Ginny and I were greeted by Neville and Luna. I got a slight nod and smile from Harry. I sighed. He obviously knew that I had been hiding something from him. As for Ron, he didn't acknowledge me once. I rolled my eyes and went to take my seat. A few minutes passed when Professor McGonagall stood up. A sudden hush fell over the room and students beholded at their Headmistress.
"I have called you here today to discuss an important matter," Prof. McGonagall started in her familiar high-pitched tone. "As you all know, we lost our finest Headmaster a few years ago. The Ministry was going over Professor Dumbledore's last will this morning and they have made note that his last wish was to have a grand ball to lighten up our spirits."
A wave of murmurs began to betide over the crowd and the girls gave each other excited and ecstatic faces. Professor McGonagall raised her hand as a signal for silence.
"Now, I have decided to place the ball next Saturday. It will be a masquerade ball, please come in your best costumes and bring a date if you wish. I shall look forward to seeing you all."
With that, she stood up, nodded and left. Squeals of excitement from the girls erupted in the hall. The boys, however, moaned and dug their heads into their chests. I looked over at the Slytherin table and Draco gave me a wink. I circulated back to the Gryffindor table straight away and held my head down in embarrassment. A rough nudge in the shoulders caused me to jump and look around in alarm. Ginny was signalling me to head towards the Gryffindor Common Room. I reluctantly followed, knowing what was about to come.
I arrived in the Gryffindor Common Room to find a frustrated yet confused Harry sitting by the fireplace. Once he caught sight of me, he stood up and threw his hand in the air.
"What is going on, Hermione?" he asked with a huff.
Ginny eyed him carefully. "Sit and listen," she demanded. Boy was she fierce.
I took a seat next to him and began to speak.
"Harry…" I quivered. "Well, I don't really know where to begin."
"Just begin from the very beginning," Harry said. He gave me a comforting smile which reassured me.
So, I did. I started from the very beginning of when I bumped into Draco all the way till I reached last night's events with Ron. When I told him about Ron, he shook his head
"That boy never learned to control his temper," he mumbled.
Once I was done talking, Ginny brought Draco into the room and he sat next to me. His body was touching mine, causing me to agitate. I took a deep breath and inhaled his sweet body cologne.
Draco sensed that I was feeling nervous and put his arm around my waist. I gave him a weak smile and he smiled in return. While Harry was trying to make sense of all this, my stomach was in a knot and butterflies were swarming around inside.
Not before long, the affluent gold door opened and in strolled a chirpy redheaded boy. His smile instantly disappeared when he saw Draco. His face immediately turned red when he saw Draco's arm around my waist. Of course, Harry knew better. He held Ron back, keeping him from hurting Draco again.
"Let go of me, Harry!" Ron hollered.
"No Ron, stop!"
The constant arguing between Harry and Ron caused quite a commotion. Draco helped me up and Ginny casted a stupefy spell in between them. Luckily it missed and caused them to stop.
"Right. Harry, Ron, both of you sit. Draco, Hermione, you may leave. And 'Mione, we're going shopping tomorrow for the ball next week. No excuses."
I nodded and hurried out of the room with Draco. He looked at me with longing eyes.
"I never knew Ginny could be so tough." He laughed. I smiled at the fact that he called Ginny by her actual name; he actually has changed, for good.
"So, what do you say? How about going somewhere a little more private for the day?" He whispered into my ear. His voice sent tingles down my spine. I agreed and he led me away, letting me forget all of my problems.
Ginny gyrated immediately as soon as she heard the doors close.
"Ron, I have never been so disappointed in you!" She roared.
"Gee Mum, what did I do now?" Ron rolled his eyes dramatically.
"Ronald Weasley! What has gotten into you? Your best friend has now moved on from you –and she emphasised the 'you'- and you're not letting her! So what if it's Malfoy? If you can date someone as annoying as Lavender, I'm sure Hermione can date someone like Malfoy."
"Draco doesn't deserve her!" Ron yelled back. "He. Doesn't. Deserve. Her."
"Oh and I suppose you do? Honestly Ron, you are so selfish. You left Hermione ages ago to get back with Lavender. Lavender, you hear me? LAVENDER BROWN. Hermione was the best thing that happened to you and you just tossed her away like she was nothing."
Ginny was completely red in the face. She then turned to Harry. "I hope you can support Hermione."
She stormed up to her bedroom and slammed the door.
Ron yelled in frustration and plopped down next to Harry.
"Harry, do you really support Hermione and him?" He didn't dare say his filthy name.
Harry stuttered. "Well uhm Ron, I see no reason to be discouraging. It really does seem like Malfoy has changed. I'm curious though, why do you care so much?"
Ron began to feel ashamed. "Harry, I don't know. I'm still with Lavender although I haven't seen her lately and she really is a piece of work. Harry I'm confused. I- I think, I'm still in love with Hermione."
*Hey guys, sorry for not updating quickly. Hope this chapter is interesting enough for you! Thanks for the reviews and I have taken your advice to try make the chapters longer. Will update soon, I promise :) sapphire-lights x