Chapter 26

Ginny woke early the morning of the Yule Ball. She and Ritchie had been waking up before the sun most mornings to go down and get in a quick Quidditch training, so she down waiting impatiently in the common room, pacing in front of the fireplace. On the verge of leaving him behind, Ritchie finally descended the boys' staircase, broom in hand.

"Finally! What took you so long?" Ginny asked irritably.

"Oi, calm down! I needed my beauty rest for tonight!"

Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Hey, some of us haven't been in a relationship the last three months. I've gotta impress my date!" Ritchie said as he rubbed his eyes and followed Ginny towards the portrait hole.

"Who is it you're going with, again? Colin?" Ginny said, trying to keep a straight face.

"Very funny. We're taking a few girls in our year from Ravenclaw. I'm taking a girl from their Quidditch team," Ritchie grinned broadly, clearly proud of himself.

"Good for you, maybe she can teach you a thing or two out on the Quidditch pitch," Ginny said with a smirk.

"Oi!"

"I'm just kidding, clearly Fred and George have made it their duty to make you into the best Beater they can,"

"'Can't have the Beater position embarrassing the Gryffindor team once we've gone!' They say that just about every time I work with them," Ritchie said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

"You're doing great, Ritchie. And I certainly appreciate you getting up this early to work with me. I can't let what happened against Juliette happen again…"

"Ginny, you know you made just one mistake that whole training session, right? Everyone gets hurt playing Quidditch, think about how often Harry's in the Hospital Wing for it!"

"I know, I know… But if I don't work on my mistakes, how will I get better?"

"Hey, I'm not saying don't work on getting better. I'm saying maybe ease up on being so hard on yourself. You did great that day, everyone was impressed. You've gotta take the wins when they come, you know?"

"I know… Thanks Ritchie,"

"No problem. Let's get down to the Quidditch pitch and get this over with. I've gotta have a fair few hours to prep for tonight!"

This made Ginny laugh as they started to jog through the corridors to get down to the pitch.

"Ginny, you're covered in mud! What happened?" Demelza asked amusedly as Ginny and Ritchie climbed in through the portrait hole a few hours later.

"This one wanted to finish by working on dives…" Ritchie said, a bit irritated. "Couldn't leave until we got it right, could we? I'm off to get ready, see you two later!" Ritchie headed off to the boys' dormitory.

"And why wasn't he dirty?" Demelza asked.

"Didn't want to risk anything for tonight. He's taking a Ravenclaw girl, from their Quidditch team. It's a very big deal, if you didn't know," Ginny smirked as she went to close the gap between her and Demelza, leaning in for a kiss.

"Oh no, you don't! Go off and get cleaned up first!" Demelza laughed, leaning away from Ginny.

"What do you mean? I'm perfectly clean!" Ginny grinned and tried again to get close to Demelza.

"Ginny Weasley, don't you dare! Get upstairs and get cleaned up! Then we can kiss all you want," Demelza said with a smile as she fondly looked at her girlfriend.

"Alright, alright. I'm going to hold you to that, though!" Ginny called over her shoulder as she ran up the spiral staircase.

After she had gotten cleaned up and into a fresh pair of joggers and a t-shirt, Ginny was relaxing up against the headboard of her bed, reading the newest copy of Seeker Weekly. She looked up at the door as Demelza entered.

"All clean, see? I believe you have something for me, then?" Ginny smiled as Demelza walked over.

Demelza sat on the edge of Ginny's bed, leaned forward, and kissed her, softly. Ginny smiled into the kiss and brought her hand to Demelza's cheek. As the two pulled apart, Demelza ran a hand through Ginny's freshly clean hair.

"So… About tonight," Demelza started.

"Yes...?"

"Would you like to get ready on your own, or together?"

Ginny frowned at Demelza, "Why wouldn't we get ready together?"

"I don't know. I didn't know if we wanted to surprised one another or not. This will be the first time we've seen each other all dressed up!"

"I don't think I'm wanting any surprises tonight… Plus, I think I'll need your help getting into my dress…" Ginny muttered.

"Oh? That tight, is it?"

Ginny blushed, "No, it's not that! It's just got some complicated ties in the back, it's a bit old, and –" she stopped as she heard Demelza laugh.

"Ginny, I'd be more than happy to get ready with you, you don't need to justify it," she laughed lightly as she brought her hand from Ginny's hair to her chin, guiding Ginny's face towards hers for another kiss.

Right around 7 pm that evening, the Gryffindor Tower was positively buzzing with the anticipation of the Yule Ball. Everyone was dressed up and were nervously and excitedly putting on their finishing touches. Ginny had fallen asleep during the day and was rushing to get ready in time, but luckily, she had Demelza to help her.

The two were up in their dormitory alone as their roommates had already gone off to meet their dates. Demelza was already in her black dress with her hair intricately plaited back. Ginny had noted how the black dress made her girlfriend's grey eyes pop. Ginny's long red hair was down, as it usually was, but it was pinned back on one side. Her deep blue dress was nearly on, and Demelza was helping her tie up the back. Once she finished, Ginny handed her a blue necklace that had been passed down the Weasley family for generations. Demelza fastened it around Ginny's neck, then Ginny felt Demelza place a light kiss on her exposed shoulder. This sent a shock through her entire body, but she didn't move away from Demelza. Instead, she leaned back against the girl, comfortably. Demelza wrapped her arms around the redhead, putting her head on her shoulder.

"Ginny, you look incredible."

Ginny turned in Demelza's arms to face her, "Me? Demelza, you look amazing. How could your eyes possibly look even more beautiful than they usually do?"

Demelza blushed lightly, then stepped back, "Shall we go?" she offered her hand to Ginny, and they headed down to the common room. Colin and Ritchie were already downstairs, waiting by the fireplace.

"Well don't you two look nice! My brother and I are wearing matching dress robes, but he's already left with his friends. I made Ritchie take a picture though with my camera. Speaking of Ritchie, he took about an hour on his hair alone!" Colin rattled off, clearly very energetic and excited for the evening.

"Oh, shut up, Colin," Ritchie said as he ruffled Colin's hair and pulled him into a headlock. The girls laughed as they roughhoused.

"Oi, cool it you two!" Ron barked across the common room. The boys stopped as Ron, Harry, Lavender, and Parvati walked up. They all looked great, even Ron, whose dress robes collar was just a bit lacier than most other boys'.

"Where's Hermione?" Ginny asked, looking around.

"She said she'd meet us there with her date," Harry shrugged.

"Wait, I thought she was going to ask you?" Ginny asked, clearly confused.

"Oh really? She'd already gotten a date before she got back to Gryffindor Tower the night the Yule Ball was announced. Never did tell me who she was going with. Guess we'll all be surprised?" Harry shrugged again, not seeming to be particularly concerned.

If she's not going with Harry, then who is she going with? Maybe…

Ginny spun around suddenly in search of Neville, who she saw was heading through the portrait hole with Katie Bell. That's an odd pairing… Well, then who else?

Ginny thought hard, but couldn't come up with another name that she thought Hermione would be going with. Maybe one of those blokes on that little list of hers? She smiled, suddenly excited to see who Hermione would show up with.

Demelza nudged her, "Ready? Everyone else is leaving," she motioned towards the portrait hole where the group was headed.

"Yes, ma'am," Ginny smiled at Demelza and held out her arm.

"Miss Weasley, always so well-mannered," Demelza giggled as she took Ginny's arm.

"Well, you know us Weasleys. We're known for that, aren't we?" Ginny said dryly as Fred and George ran in front of them wildly with Angelina and Alicia, clearly ready to get the party started. Demelza and Ginny laughed as they carefully climbed through the portrait hole.

As they arrived at the doors to the Great Hall, everyone stood in amazement at the venue before them. The Great Hall had been transformed into a beautiful, icy ballroom of sorts. They all chatted and mingled for a while before sitting down for the feast. After the feast had concluded, Ginny offered to go get herself and Demelza drinks. On her way, Ginny looked around in search of Hermione. She hadn't seen her during the feast. Of course, with how many people that were in the Great Hall, it was indeed very difficult to find anyone unless you knew exactly what they were wearing, which Ginny had no clue what Hermione had arrived in. She still looked around as she waited in line, hoping she'd spot a glimpse of her friend and perhaps the date that she'd taken over Harry.

"Looking for somezing?"

Ginny turned to find herself face to face with Juliette. Her jaw dropped. Juliette was typically more beautiful than most, but she was absolutely gorgeous tonight. She was wearing a tight, form-fitting dress that showed off just about every part of her body. Her hair was plaited up top, but flowed freely down around her shoulders in a sheet of dark silk. Ginny noticed her eyes above all, which seemed to be actively working to mesmerize her. Ginny snapped her mouth shut and tried to turn back around, but Juliette stopped her.

"I zink what you are looking for is over zere," she gently, but firmly, grabbed Ginny's chin and directed her to look back at her own table, where Demelza was seated. Ginny looked back at Juliette, who had raised her eyebrows in a knowing look.

"Full range of motion in your neck, I see. You 'ealed up quite nicely," Juliette lightly ran her fingers from Ginny's chin, down her neck, to the spot on her chest where her collarbone had broken during their Quidditch session. Ginny's breath caught in her throat, causing Juliette to smirk. "'ave a good night, Little Ginny," Juliette winked before she walked away towards a group of Beauxbatons students.

"What would you like to drink, Miss? Miss?" Ginny snapped back to where she was, apologized to the witch behind the drink counter, and took two glasses of whatever was closest to her back to Demelza. She could still feel Juliette's fingertips on her chest. She shook it off, focusing on Demelza.

"Any sign of Hermione?" Demelza asked, sipping her drink.

"None at all. I hope she's alright," Ginny said, a hint of worry in her voice.

"I'm sure she's okay Ginny. We can go out and look for her, if you'd like?" Demelza offered.

"Oh no, you're probably right. I'm sure she's fine. I wouldn't want to miss out on a second of dancing with you," Ginny smiled. "When exactly does that start?"

As soon as she said that, the doors to the Great Hall opened and the crowd parted to accommodate for those who had just entered. Everyone at their table stood up to get a better view, and Ginny was the only one who's jaw didn't drop. The Champions had entered with their dates. Cedric with Cho. Fleur with some tall dark-haired boy that Ginny recognized as being from Ravenclaw. And Krum, with a glowing Hermione.

"What in the bloody hell? Is that Hermione, with Viktor Krum?" Ron asked, his voice higher than usual.

Nearly everyone from Hogwarts stared in shock at Hermione, but Ginny was smiling. Hermione looked stunning in her light blue dress, and her hair was done up beautifully. Suddenly, the three couples were dancing, and Ginny felt odd watching Hermione dance with Krum.

"Wow, Hermione looks beautiful, doesn't she?" Demelza whispered to Ginny.

"She does… Not as beautiful as you, though," Ginny, for the second time that night, refocused on Demelza, and smiled. She really did look beautiful, and Ginny felt her heart beat a bit faster as she looked into Demelza's light grey eyes. More and more couples were joining the Champions out on the dance floor now. "Shall we?" Ginny said, holding out her hand to Demelza.

"Lead the way, Miss Weasley," Demelza blushed lightly, taking Ginny's hand.

After many songs, Ginny and Demelza made their way off the dance floor to take a break and get another drink. As they walked, hand in hand, they heard an unimpressed drawl from behind them.

"Pity that they allowed just anyone to attend the Yule Ball this year. Father says that traditionally, it was only the older students that were invited to attend. Had that stayed true, we wouldn't have been exposed to this filth," Draco sneered, nodding towards Ginny and Demelza.

"And what exactly is the problem you have with us, Malfoy?" Ginny stepped towards him, looking directly into his eyes. "Go on, say it," she goaded as she confidently held her ground in front of Demelza.

Malfoy glared at her, and stepped forward so he was standing toe to toe with her. He looked down at her with a look of disgust. Ginny didn't flinch.

"It's bad enough that they let Mudbloods like Granger attend this school to begin. Then we've got to deal with the blood traitors such as yourself and the rest of your pathetic Muggle-loving family. But you had to go one step further and subject us all to your disgusting little bedroom habits as well?"

"I'm not sure that I'm subjecting anyone to anything of the sort. Honestly, I'm shocked at this, Malfoy. I thought with the way you, Crabbe, and Goyle all hung out so much without a girl in sight, that the three of you were together? No? If you three aren't each other's dates, then where is your date, Malfoy? Couldn't get one?"

The surrounding Slytherins were stunned speechless, and Malfoy had paled even past his usual pallor. "How dare you speak to me that way? You – "

"Go on and slither off Malfoy, you're starting to spoil my night," Ginny cut him off, turning to Demelza and walking away hand in hand.

"Nicely done, Miss Weasley," Demelza smiled at the girl admiringly as they walked away.

"It's only Malfoy, figured he'd like a taste of his own medicine. I can't imagine why he wasn't able to find himself a date? Knew that would get right under his slimy skin," Ginny grinned at Demelza. They continued walking towards the drink table until they ran into Colin and Ritchie, who were without their dates.

"Where are the girls?" Demelza asked.

Ritchie shrugged, "Apparently, they were just trying to make the guys they were actually interested in jealous. We're taking it as a compliment though, right Colin?" he wrapped his arm around Colin's shoulders and gave him a squeeze.

"Yeah… Right…" Colin answered glumly.

"Colin here is a bit distraught about it, but we've been invited by some Durmstrang blokes to go out and jump in the lake, so our night's already gotten better! You ready to head out, Colin?"

"Wait, you're doing what?" Ginny asked, shocked.

"Jumping in the lake! It's freezing, but the Durmstrangs say they swim in these temperatures all the time. Can't not defend the honor of Hogwarts, now can we?" Ritchie stated boldly.

The girls and Colin stared at him, worryingly.

"Well, we should probably go with them. Just to make sure nothing goes too wrong…" Ginny suggested to Demelza.

"See, now you've got to go, Colin! Let's go!" Ritchie started herding the group towards the doors of the Great Hall and out towards the lake.

Hermione POV

Hermione was having a great night with Krum. She hadn't yet gotten the chance to connect with her friends, but honestly, she was enjoying her time with Krum so much that she didn't mind. He was a fantastic date. He was polite, kind, and much more fun than Hermione had anticipated him being. Krum had shed his usual hard and apathetic exterior and truly appeared to be having a good time. After a particularly rowdy and upbeat song, they took a break from dancing to grab some drinks.

"Herm-own-ninny, I am so happy that you vere villing to come vith me to the Yule Ball tonight. You are haffing a good time?"

"It's my pleasure to be here with you Viktor, I'm having a great time! What about you? Are you having fun?"

"Oh yes, I am haffing a lot of fun. How the Great Hall has been decorated is reminding me a lot of the vinter veather back home, it has boosted my spirits," he smiled at Hermione as he handed her a drink.

"It's colder than it is here at Hogwarts back home?"

"Yes, much colder. It is much darker too, in the vinter, as the days get very short. I do like your vinters much better, but something about the icy and cold decorations tonight make me feel comfort from home."

"I see. So, are you content to continue dancing with me? Are you sure there isn't anyone you'd like to ask to dance? I'm sure many girls would be dying for you to ask them," Hermione offered.

"No, I am content to dance vith just you Herm-own-ninny," he insisted, "If you vould excuse me for one moment, I vill be back," Krum set his glass down and exited the Great Hall.

Hermione stood peacefully, sipping the drink that Krum had given her, when she saw her. She'd kept her eyes out for Ginny so she could say hello, although she was sure that seeing Ginny with Demelza would create quite a painful fracture in her heart. But it wasn't Ginny that she'd spotted, it was Juliette, over with the Beauxbatons group. Even as beautiful as all of the Beauxbatons students were, Juliette stood out above them all. Hermione could feel her pulse start to race, and consciously worked to calm herself down.

She's the reason Ginny got hurt, she's not worth being around. You can get over Ginny on your own, it's not worth it.

As if Juliette felt Hermione staring at her, she turned and locked eyes with Hermione, and smiled.

Okay, maybe she is worth it…

"Thank you for your patience Herm-own-ninny, vould you like to dance again?"

Krum had returned, and unknowingly broken Hermione's eye contact with Juliette.

"Oh, uh, sure Viktor!"

Krum offered his arm to Hermione as they walked towards the dance floor, and Hermione took it. As they walked, she chanced a look back at Juliette. She had never seen Juliette look angry before, but that very clearly was the emotion displayed on the girl's face. Not even angry, but livid. Hermione turned back to Krum as another fast song came on and they danced. Once the song ended, Krum went off to find somewhere to store his fur cape, having worked up quite a sweat.

"'Ermione, is zis a joke?" Hermione heard behind her. She turned to find Juliette standing in front of her, arms crossed, still looking plenty angry. "Did you actually come to ze Yule Ball with 'im?" Juliette motioned to where Krum had disappeared to store his cape.

"No, it's certainly not a joke. I did come to the Yule Ball with Viktor. I'm not exactly sure what the issue is, Juliette," Hermione said, as nonchalantly as she could.

"Ze problem is zat we both know zat you are not interested in men, 'Ermione. Unless I am mistaken? It seemed very clear zat not only do you have feelings for Little Ginny, but zat you 'ave felt somezing for me as well," Juliette had stepped forward and was speaking quietly into Hermione's ear, her tone just barely reflecting the anger building inside of her.

"So? I can't like Viktor too? He happens to be very kind and – " Hermione started, deciding that it would be better protection against Juliette if she wasn't here with Krum just as a friend.

"Oh please… Even if you do like men too, 'e does not compare to me, and you know it. You are just punishing me for what 'appened to Little Ginny."

"I am not! And kindness is something that I value! I care about how people treat other people! Viktor has only shown me thoughtfulness and respect and kindness."

"I believe I 'ave shown you plenty kindness and zoughtfulness, as well as some uzzer zings…" Hermione blushed at this. "Just as well, what 'appened on ze Quidditch pitch was me being kind to Little Ginny! It was not my fault zat she fell, I was trying to 'elp 'er improve!" Juliette maintained the whisper, but was on the verge of losing her composure.

"She doesn't need help, she's a fair enough flyer as it is! You're lucky Madam Pomfrey is such an accomplished Healer, or Ginny could've easily had her Quidditch career ended that day!"

"She approached me to ask for 'elp, I did not seek 'er out. If she wants to accomplish ze goals she 'as set for 'erself, she does need to improve. I can 'elp 'er. I was being kind to 'er. I zink ze real problem 'ere is zat you are wanting to blame me for what 'appened to 'er, even when you know zat it was not my fault."

Hermione stared at the girl furiously. She knew that Juliette was right. Everyone had told her so, and deep down, she knew it too. She couldn't fight it anymore.

"Fine. You're right," Hermione conceded, sharply.

"I am right zat Krum does not compare to me? I am glad you 'ave come to your senses," Juliette had returned to her smug nature.

"Why do you have to be like that?" Hermione asked, annoyed.

"Because I know zat I am right, and zat you 'ate to be wrong. Am I right?"

Hermione rolled her eyes as anger built up inside her. Anger and… Something else.

"'Ermione, I know zat you feel somezing for me. If I am not "kind" enough for you, zat is okay. If you are wanting to punish me for what 'appened to Little Ginny, zat is okay too. Do what you want. Spend your evening with Krum, be my guest. If I am remembering correctly, I believe you told me at ze First Task zat you are not looking for somezing boring and safe…"

Juliette reached out and slowly brushed a piece of hair from Hermione's face, tracing her jaw lightly with her thumb as she took her hand back.

"So, when you change your mind and want to be rid of 'im, feel free to come find me. Maybe do not wait too long, 'owever, as I do not intend on being alone tonight, 'Ermione…"

And with that, Juliette left Hermione standing there, stunned, her heart beating fast and hard. Hermione kept her eyes on Juliette as she walked away, disappearing from the Great Hall. As soon as she lost sight of her, Hermione briskly walked up to Krum who was just returning from storing his cape.

"Viktor, I'm so sorry, but I'm not feeling very well and I am going to have to call it a night. Thank you so much for the dances, will you forgive me for leaving early?" Hermione spoke genuinely, as she really did feel bad about abandoning him.

"It is okay Herm-own-ninny. I am sorry that you are not feeling vell. Vould you like me to valk you to Gryffindor Tower?" Krum asked, politely.

"No, that is quite alright Viktor. Thank you, though. I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Okay, I hope you are feeling better soon."

Hermione nodded, then strode as quickly as she could out of the Great Hall.

Ginny POV

Ginny and Demelza were walking hand in hand through corridor after corridor as they made their way back to Gryffindor Tower. It had been such a wonderful night, and even with the few hiccups, Ginny was elated with how much fun she'd had with Demelza at their first real social event. She motioned to Demelza to enter the portrait hole first, and then realized the necklace her mum had lent her for the occasion was no longer around her neck.

"Bloody hell…" Ginny muttered.

"What is it, Ginny?"

"I've lost my mum's necklace. I've got to retrace our steps and go look for it."

"Would you like some company?"

"No, it's been such a long night as it is. I'll be back in a bit. If you're asleep by the time I'm back, I'll see you in the morning, okay?"

"Alright... Ginny?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for such an amazing evening… I really enjoyed dancing with you. I'm glad you knew how to take the lead," Demelza grinned at the redhead.

"Absolutely didn't know, just went with it! Good to know you didn't notice, though!" Both girls laughed at this.

"And thank you for sticking up for us against Malfoy…" Demelza was looking at her softly now.

"Of course…"

They shared a brief and gentle kiss before Ginny went back through the portrait hole in search of her mum's necklace.

If I was a necklace… A family heirloom no less… Where would I be…

Ginny retraced her steps back through corridor after corridor. She stumbled across a fair number of couples taking advantage of empty classrooms, and moved on quickly to continue her search.

Where did we go? We were in the Great Hall. We were dancing, we got drinks, we… We went outside to watch the boys jump in the lake with their new friends from Durmstrang…

Ginny closed her eyes in frustration. The last thing she wanted to do was venture all the way out to the lake alone at this time of night. It was freezing and dark, and she could easily get caught. Who knows how much trouble that would get her in, or how many house points that would cost Gryffindor… But she couldn't not bring the necklace home to her mum… They didn't have much as it was, she couldn't lose something so special… Groaning and berating herself for suggesting that she and Demelza go and watch the boys jump into the freezing lake, she started the journey outside and down to the lake.

As she walked further away from the castle and closer to the lake, she desperately wished she could light her way, but she was fearful she'd get caught if she did. She continued walking until she got to the shoreline where they'd gathered earlier that evening, and began examining the gravel and plants the best she could, looking for any sign or sound that could reveal the necklace. She did this for a few minutes until she heard the snap of a branch nearby. Ginny froze and fear took over, "Lumos!"

"Ginny?!" a familiar voice asked, just as shocked as Ginny felt as she looked down upon the entangled pair.