Chapter 15: Yule Ball

December 24, 2001 – Monday

Great Hall

Snow fell heavily upon the castle and its grounds, creating a picturesque winter scene.

Fleur Delacour, however, was less enthused about the seasonal indulgences. "It is too 'eavy, all zis 'Ogwarts food," she complained one evening, her words reaching the ears of Ron and Harry. "I will not fit into my dress robes!"

Hermione couldn't help but respond with a hint of sarcasm. "Oooh, there's a tragedy," she quipped as Fleur exited into the entrance hall. "She really thinks a lot of herself, that one, doesn't she?"

Ron, on the other hand, had other concerns. "Hermione - who are you going to the ball with?" he inquired.

Hermione's response was guarded. "I'm not telling you, you'll just make fun of me."

However, their conversation was interrupted by none other than Draco Malfoy, who couldn't resist taking a jab at Hermione. "You're joking, Weasley!" he taunted. "You're not telling me someone's asked that to the ball? Not the long-molared Mudblood?" His derogatory remark echoed through the hall, stirring up tension and anger among those who heard it.

Dawn reacted swiftly, her protective instincts kicking in as she stood up and reached for her wand, ready to confront anyone who insulted her sister. However, before she could take any action, Hermione intervened, waving to someone over Draco Malfoy's shoulder and greeting them cheerfully. "Hello, Professor Moody!"

Malfoy paled and jumped backward, scanning the area frantically for Moody, but the eccentric Defense Against the Dark Arts professor was still up at the staff table, engrossed in his meal.

Hermione took the opportunity to deliver a scathing remark to Malfoy, leaving him flustered and humiliated. Dawn, Harry, and Ron joined in the laughter as they made their way up the marble staircase.

As they ascended, Ron suddenly frowned, looking sideways at Hermione. "Hermione," he began, "your teeth…"

Hermione was taken aback by his comment. "What about them?" she asked, a touch defensively.

"Well, they're different… I've just noticed," Ron pointed out, puzzled by the change in her appearance.

Hermione responded to Ron's observation with a smirk. "Of course they are - did you expect me to keep those fangs Malfoy gave me?" she retorted.

But Ron clarified his point. "No, I mean, they're different to how they were before he put that hex on you… They're all… straight and - and normal-sized."

Hermione's mischievous smile widened as she confessed, "Well… when Dawn took me up to Madam Pomfrey to get them shrunk, she held up a mirror and told me to stop her when they were back to how they normally were. And I just… let her carry on a bit." She smiled even more widely. "Mum and Dad won't be too pleased. I've been trying to persuade them to let me shrink them for ages, but they wanted me to carry on with my braces."

Dawn smiled at she remembered that Hermione's adopted parents were dentists.

The conversation took a different turn as Hermione noticed something else. "You know, they're dentists; they just don't think teeth and magic should - look! Pigwidgeon's back!"

Distracted by the arrival of the small owl, the group's attention shifted. "Oh, look at the weeny owl! Isn't he cute?" someone exclaimed.

However, Ron was less enamored with Pigwidgeon's antics. He hissed in irritation, "Stupid little feathery git! You bring letters to the addressee! You don't hang around showing off!"

Pigwidgeon, undeterred by Ron's scolding, hooted happily. Ron handed the letter to Harry, saying, "Here - take it, Harry."

Harry pocketed the letter, and they hurried back to Gryffindor Tower, eager to read its contents.

Gryffindor Common Room

Inside the common room, the festive atmosphere was in full swing, with students indulging in holiday merriment and revelry. However, Dawn, Ron, Harry, and Hermione had carved out a quieter corner by a dark window that was gradually filling up with snow. Harry took on the task of reading the letter to the group.

The common room was alive with the warm glow of holiday lights and the sound of laughter, but at their corner, a sense of solemnity pervaded. The snowfall outside created an almost magical backdrop for their hushed conversation.

"He sounds exactly like Moody," Harry remarked quietly, his voice tinged with a touch of admiration for the grizzled Auror.

"'Constant vigilance!' You'd think I walk around with my eyes shut, banging off the walls…" Ron grumbled, his tone mixed with a hint of annoyance and humor.

Hermione, however, agreed with Sirius's caution. Her words were filled with earnest concern as she leaned closer to Harry. "But he's right, Harry," she said, her eyes reflecting her genuine worry for their safety, "you and Dawn have still got two tasks to do. You both really ought to have a look at that egg, you know, and start working out what it means."

"Hermione, we've got ages!" Dawn protested, her voice carrying a hint of reluctance, not eager to start preparing for the next task just yet.

"Want a game of chess, Harry?" Ron asked, his voice carrying a hint of excitement and a desire for a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos.

"Yeah, okay," said Harry, his tone reflecting a willingness to embrace the distraction. Then, spotting the look on Hermione's face, he said, "Come on, how'm I supposed to concentrate with all this noise going on? I won't even be able to hear the egg over this lot."

Hermione's expression held a mix of understanding and resignation as she considered the validity of Harry's point. "Oh, I suppose not," she sighed, her voice tinged with a touch of disappointment.

Dawn, her curiosity burning like a bright flame, impulsively seized her sister's hand and whisked Hermione up the stairs into the quiet sanctuary of the girls' dormitory. The soft echoes of their footsteps created a sense of intimacy as they distanced themselves from the lively commotion below.

"Tell me who it is you asked," Dawn urged once more, her wide eyes filled with eager anticipation.

Hermione's lips curled into a mischievous grin, a secret well-guarded in the depths of her sparkling eyes. "Nope, it has to be a surprise," she teased, the thrill of keeping this secret from her sister adding an extra layer of excitement.

Dawn frowned, her determination growing stronger. "You know I could just get Buffy, and she would just forbid you from going to the ball."

Hermione's eyes widened in disbelief, a mixture of surprise and concern flashing across her face. "You wouldn't dare," she exclaimed, the thought of missing the Yule Ball almost unthinkable.

Dawn met her sister's gaze with unwavering resolve. "Try me," she challenged, her determination clear as day.

Hermione's laughter danced through the room, a joyful and infectious sound that couldn't help but bring smiles to both sisters' faces. "To tell the truth, I don't know why you didn't ask before now. It's Viktor Krum."

Dawn's jaw dropped in sheer surprise. "Really? I thought you didn't like him," she confessed, her eyes reflecting her genuine astonishment.

Hermione's response was thoughtful. "People can change, Dawn," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of wisdom born from her own evolving feelings.

Curiosity still dancing in her eyes, Hermione couldn't resist probing further. "So who asked you?" she asked Dawn, wanting to hear every detail of her sister's Yule Ball experience.

Dawn sighed, a mixture of frustration and resignation in her voice. "No one, really. More me saying, 'get off your ass.'"

Hermione chuckled knowingly, her gaze filled with sisterly understanding. "Harry?" she guessed with a playful twinkle in her eye, having observed the way Dawn looked at their friend.

Dawn shook her head, her expression carrying a touch of longing. "I wish," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "He was the one I wanted to ask me. But no such luck. He ended up asking Parvati. He was going to ask Lavender on Ron's behalf. But Parvati said she already had a date and then reminded them that I didn't have a date yet. So, I just went out and said I would go with Ron."

Hermione sighed in solidarity, her heart aching for her sister. "I know the feeling, Dawn," she confessed, her voice filled with empathy. "Those two are really thick-headed."

Buffy's Suite

That night, Hermione and Dawn found themselves in Buffy's warm and inviting suite, where the spirit of Christmas enveloped them in a cozy embrace. The suite was adorned with holiday decorations, and the soft glow of twinkling lights created a magical atmosphere.

As they settled in for their first family Christmas together, the sisters relished in the simple pleasures of the season.

December 25, 2001 – Tuesday

Buffy's Suite

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, gently illuminating the room, and Dawn was the first to wake up. She looked at her two sisters, still asleep, and couldn't help but smile at the sight. She wished, in that quiet moment, that she had a camera to capture the precious scene before her—the three of them together, a family.

Hermione stirred next, her eyes slowly opening. She noticed Dawn's gaze fixed on her and Buffy and couldn't help but ask, "What's on your mind?"

Dawn's smile remained as she replied, "Just wishing I had a camera. We don't have any family portraits yet, you know, with the three of us."

Buffy, now fully awake, joined the conversation with a warm smile. "No, we don't," she agreed. "I think there's a portrait photographer in Hogsmeade. I'll see about getting us an appointment to get a portrait done."

There was a shared understanding among them as Buffy continued, "I know it's cliché, but I think we all have our Christmas gifts sitting in front of each other. The three of us together."

Dawn nodded in agreement, a sense of contentment washing over her. "Yeah, I think I can agree with that. Besides, let's not jinx it."

Hermione's brow furrowed in concern at the mention of "jinxing it," not quite understanding the context. "Jinx it?" she questioned, seeking clarification.

Buffy sighed, her expression heavy with the weight of past events. "Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Birthdays have never gone well with us," she explained, her voice tinged with sadness. "My 17th birthday, I made love to Angel, and he lost his soul."

Hermione nodded, recalling the stories Buffy and Dawn had shared about the souled vampire. "the souled vampire," she confirmed, understanding the significance of the event.

Buffy continued with a sense of gravity in her tone, "My 18th birthday, the Watcher's Council put me through the Cruciamentum. They stripped me of my powers. The thing was they were supposed to put me in a room with a vampire, and I was supposed to kill it with no Slayer abilities. But the twist was that my mom and Dawn were kidnapped by the vampire I was meant to face."

Hermione's eyes widened in confusion. "I thought…"

Dawn chimed in, providing further clarification. "We know that I didn't exist before a year ago," she began, her voice steady. "But Buffy's, mine, Mom's, Buffy's friends, and probably anyone else who knew us in the last 14 years—our memories were modified to believe I had always been there. We're not exactly sure what is real from before I was created to hide the Key. We know Buffy's past was modified to include me; we just don't know how much of it. So we decided it would be better not to worry about it. It's why when we talk about our past, I'm usually there also because that's what we remember."

Hermione nodded in understanding, her sympathy for the complexities of their situation evident in her eyes. "Oh," she said softly. "That makes sense."

Buffy nodded, her gaze distant as she recalled the difficult moments tied to her birthdays. "Anyways, Dawn and Mom were kidnapped, and well, I went in to rescue them without my powers. Got beat up pretty bad, but I did manage to kill the vampire by making it drink holy water. On my 19th birthday, I found out my boyfriend was a secret government operative. Well, my 20th birthday is still a month away."

Hermione nodded in understanding. "Sounds like birthdays so far have been difficult for our family," she observed empathetically. "You said Christmas and Thanksgiving weren't all that good either."

Dawn confirmed her sister's observation with a solemn nod. "Our second Christmas in Sunnydale," she began, "Angel had returned from Hell. Buffy found out that the First Evil was tormenting him, trying to get him to kill her. When that didn't succeed, it tried to get him to commit suicide. And he was going to do it, walk into the sunrise and dust. Buffy found him with moments to spare. Turns out a higher power ended up saving Angel."

Hermione was intrigued by this turn of events and couldn't help but ask, "How?"

Buffy's eyes reflected a mix of wonder and gratitude as she explained, "It snowed. The first and only time it ever snowed in Sunnydale. The snow blocked out the sun."

"Wow, and Thanksgiving? That's the American holiday that celebrates the Pilgrims coming to America, right?" Hermione inquired, her curiosity about their family's experiences shining through.

Buffy nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, that's the holiday. Anyways, Mom was out of town doing something for the gallery. Xander works construction, and he was digging for the foundation of a building and uncovered a temple or a tomb or something. I don't remember what it was. But it released this spirit of a Native American Indian. The spirit attacked us at Giles's home. In the end, I managed to get rid of the spirit, and we did have Thanksgiving dinner."

Hermione empathized with the challenging holidays her sisters had experienced and was determined to change the pattern. She smiled warmly as she handed out presents to Buffy and Dawn, each containing matching lockets. "Let's start a new tradition, though, and have no more bad holidays. Starting with this one," she suggested.

Dawn's eyes sparkled with gratitude as she said, "It's beautiful, Hermione. Thank you."

Buffy echoed her sister's sentiment with a smile. "Yeah," she agreed, appreciating the thoughtful gesture. She then handed a package to Hermione, who eagerly unwrapped it to find a book titled "A Treatise on the Mythology and Methodology of the Vampire Slayer."

Hermione's face lit up with genuine delight. "Wow, Buffy, thanks," she said, touched by the meaningful gift.

Buffy's smile grew even warmer as she shared the backstory of Hermione's gift. "Believe me, that book was not easy to come by. The first time I ordered it, it was stolen by a vampire."

Dawn's eyes widened in surprise as she opened the envelope Buffy handed her, revealing a gift certificate for a clothing store in Sunnydale. "Wow, Buffy. When did you get this?" she asked, her appreciation evident.

Buffy's smile remained as she explained, "Actually, I had Willow get it and send it to me."

Dawn beamed with gratitude and pulled out two more packages, handing them to Hermione and Buffy. They eagerly unwrapped them to find matching bracelets, each adorned with their names and birthstones.

"Thank you," Hermione and Buffy chorused in unison, their voices filled with genuine appreciation and love. They exchanged hugs with Dawn, solidifying the bond they were building as a family, one filled with love, understanding, and the promise of brighter holidays ahead.

0 – 0 – 0 – 0 – 0

Buffy, Dawn and Hermione left Buffy's suite and joined Harry and Ron outside the Gryffindor tower. Together, they made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast. In a break from her usual routine, Buffy decided to sit with them at the Gryffindor table, adding an extra layer of warmth and camaraderie to their meal.

Afterward, they spent the morning together in Buffy's suite, sharing stories, laughter, and opening more gifts. Buffy, Dawn, and Hermione had surprises in store for the boys, adding to the festive spirit of the day.

In the afternoon, they ventured out onto the snow-covered grounds, where the pristine snow remained untouched except for the deep channels created by the Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students. Hermione, Buffy, and Dawn chose to watch Harry and the Weasleys' snowball fight, opting to enjoy the spectacle rather than join in the fray.

As the clock approached five o'clock, the girls announced their intention to head back upstairs to get ready for the Yule Ball. Ron, ever the inquisitive one, couldn't resist teasing. "What, you need three hours?" None of the girls answered. "Who're you going with?" Ron asked his curiousity getting the better of him. But Hermione just waved playfully before disappearing up the stone steps into the castle with Buffy and Dawn.

Gryffindor Common Room

Harry and Ron changed into their dress robes in their dormitory an hour before the Yule Ball. They meticulously groomed themselves for the special occasion, then made their way downstairs with a sense of anticipation and a touch of nervousness in the air.

As they descended the stairs, Dean couldn't help but mutter in disbelief, "I still can't work out how you two got the best-looking girls in the year."

Ron, wearing a grin of pride, responded with mock seriousness, "Animal magnetism."

Parvati, looking radiant in her dress, was waiting for Harry at the foot of the stairs. Harry, feeling a bit self-conscious, managed to stammer out, "You - er - look nice."

"Thanks," Parvati replied with a warm smile. She then addressed Ron, "Dawn's going to meet you in the entrance hall."

"Right," Ron said, his brows furrowing as he scanned the common room. "Where's Hermione?"

Parvati didn't offer a response to Ron's inquiry as she turned to Harry with a warm smile. "Shall we go down then, Harry?"

Harry, feeling a surge of nervousness, managed to muster a reply. "Okay," he said, his heart racing as he and Parvati readied themselves to descend to the Yule Ball together.

Entrance Hall

The entrance hall buzzed with excitement as students from all Houses gathered, waiting for the grand moment when the doors to the Great Hall would swing open. Among the throng, there were those who were searching for their cross-House partners, weaving through the crowd to find each other.

In the midst of this anticipation, Ron and Harry suddenly spotted Fleur Delacour. Ron's reaction was immediate as he muttered, "Oh no…" He bent his knees slightly, trying to hide behind Harry as he attempted to avoid Fleur's attention. Once Fleur had moved on, Ron straightened up and scanned the crowd with a growing sense of worry. "Where are Dawn and Hermione?" he wondered aloud once more.

The anticipation grew as the oak front doors swung open, and all eyes turned to watch the Durmstrang students enter, led by Professor Karkaroff. Viktor Krum, at the forefront of the group, paused at the stairs leading back to the Gryffindor Tower.

Then, the moment Harry and Ron had been waiting for arrived. Three stunning women descended the stairs, capturing the attention of everyone in the entrance hall. As they reached the bottom of the stairs, one of them extended her arm to Krum, while the other approached Ron.

It was in that moment that recognition dawned on Harry and Ron. The three striking women were none other than Buffy, Dawn, and Hermione, who had transformed into elegant and enchanting versions of themselves for the Yule Ball.

Buffy exchanged a nod with Krum and spoke with warmth in her voice, "You have a good evening with my sister."

Krum smiled and replied respectfully, "I intend to, Professor Summers. Thank you for allowing Hermione to be my date this evening."

"You're welcome," Buffy said, her gaze shifting to Hermione, who wore a bright smile in response to Buffy's support. She then made her way over to Ron and Dawn, her demeanor equally warm and protective. "Now, Ron, you have a good evening with my sister."

Ron, feeling a bit nervous, nodded, appreciating Buffy's words of encouragement.

As Professor McGonagall's stern voice rang out, saving Ron from having to answer Buffy, a mixture of excitement and trepidation filled the air. The emotions swirled around like a tempest, each champion and partner caught in its thrall.

"Champions over here, please!" Professor McGonagall's call resonated with authority, drawing the attention of the four champions and their partners.

"Hi, Harry!" Hermione's voice, tinged with a touch of nervousness and a whole lot of warmth, greeted Harry and Ron as she and Krum joined their side. "Hi, Parvati!" Her words carried a hint of reassurance as she acknowledged their fellow champion.

The Great Hall buzzed with anticipation, every eye fixed on the procession. As they made their way towards the large round table at the top of the Hall, where the judges were seated, the applause from the assembled students and staff washed over them like a wave of emotions. Excitement, pride, and even a touch of envy were palpable in the atmosphere.

Dawn, standing beside Ron, couldn't help but notice his nervousness. Her smile held a mix of understanding and encouragement. "Relax," she whispered, her voice soft and soothing, like a gentle breeze on a warm summer day.

Ron turned his gaze toward Dawn, his eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions. His brow furrowed with anxiety, and he stole a quick glance at Hermione. His feelings for her had always been a complicated tapestry, and now, in this moment of high tension, they seemed to weave themselves into a knot of regret.

Dawn sighed, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken emotions. "You wish now you had asked Hermione, don't you?"

Ron's puzzled expression met Dawn's perceptive gaze, and he couldn't help but shake his head in response. "Why would you say that?" His voice carried a blend of curiosity and uncertainty.

Dawn's eyes held a mixture of understanding and empathy as she replied, "Because I have gotten to know you, Ronald Weasley, over the last three and a half months. I think I can read you pretty well." Her words were tender, spoken with the familiarity of someone who had become a close friend. "Besides, you're not the only one who wished someone else had asked." Her gaze shifted toward Harry, a hint of sadness in her eyes.

"Why didn't you ask Harry?" Ron inquired, knowing Dawn well enough to be aware of her crush on their friend.

Dawn sighed softly, her voice tinged with a touch of regret. "Because I wanted him too," she admitted with a hint of vulnerability. "Maybe I was stupid for waiting and thinking he would."

As the champions and their partners made their way to the top table, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of emotions. Dumbledore's beaming smile radiated happiness, and Ludo Bagman's enthusiastic clapping matched the fervor of the students. Madame Maxime, on the other hand, maintained a more reserved politeness.

When they reached the table, Percy's pointed stare left no room for ambiguity. He had a seat saved for Harry, and Harry, understanding the unspoken message, sat down next to him.

Dawn couldn't help but roll her eyes playfully as she and Ron settled into their seats next to Buffy. On the other side of the table, Hermione and Krum took their places, despite the clear displeasure of Karkaroff. The tension between the champions and their partners was almost palpable, a mixture of rivalry and camaraderie.

Leaning over to Hermione, Dawn whispered discreetly, her voice carrying a mischievous undertone, "I think Ron's jealous of Krum. I think he wishes now he had asked you out before Krum did."

Hermione's lips curved into a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with a hint of amusement as she nodded in agreement.

As they perused the menus and began their meals, the tension in the air gradually gave way to more relaxed conversation. Krum, in his deep, accented voice, regaled the group with tales of his homeland. His words were filled with a sense of pride and nostalgia.

"Veil, ve have a castle also, not as big as this, nor as comfortable, I am thinking," Krum shared, his eyes lighting up with memories. "Ve have just four floors, and the fires are lit only for magical purposes. But ve have grounds larger even than these - though in vinter, ve have very little daylight, so ve are not enjoying them. But in summer ve are flying every day, over the lakes and the mountains -"

Karkaroff, seated at the judges' table, interrupted with a hint of caution in his voice, "Now, now, Viktor! Don't go giving away anything else, now, or your charming friend will know exactly where to find us!"

Buffy's smile radiated warmth as she engaged in the conversation. "Sounds quite beautiful. This is Dawn's and my first year at Hogwarts, and we have definitely found it an interesting change of pace."

Krum, ever the inquisitive one, was curious about their origins. "If I may ask, where were you before?" he inquired.

Dawn returned the smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Hermione has always gone to Hogwarts. Buffy and I, though, came from America."

Krum nodded, genuinely intrigued. "So how did Hermy-own…"

"Herm-oh-nee," Hermione corrected gently, her tone patient. "That's how you pronounce my name."

Krum made another attempt, and Hermione chuckled, "Close enough," she conceded, sharing a knowing grin with Dawn.

Dawn couldn't help but tease her sister, leaning in to whisper playfully, "Don't you wish our parents gave you an easier name to pronounce?"

Hermione nodded with a good-natured smile, appreciating the humor in Dawn's comment.

Krum's curiosity persisted as he asked, "So how did Herm-own-ninny come to be here when you were in America?"

Hermione's response carried a hint of sadness as she shared a piece of her past. "Our parents gave me up for adoption when Dawn and I were babies," she explained, her voice tinged with the weight of a complicated history.

Once the meal had been enjoyed and the tables cleared away with Dumbledore's wave of his wand, the atmosphere in the Great Hall shifted. A sense of anticipation filled the air as a raised platform appeared along the right wall, adorned with a diverse array of musical instruments—drums, guitars, a lute, a cello, and even bagpipes.

The Weird Sisters, the renowned wizarding band, made their grand entrance to wild applause from the assembled students and guests. They took hold of their instruments, ready to enchant the crowd with their music.

Dawn and Hermione simultaneously extended their hands to their respective partners, Ron and Krum, each wearing a mischievous smile. "Shall we dance?" the twins asked in unison, their voices harmonizing like a perfect melody.

The Weird Sisters struck up a slow, mournful tune.

Dawn led Ron out onto the dance floor, but it became evident that he was hesitating. She could feel his uncertainty, his lack of movement. Not one to let an awkward moment linger, Dawn decisively took charge. She seized Ron's hands, guiding one to rest on her waist while holding the other firmly in her own.

As the music played and the other couples swayed around them, Dawn and Ron began to revolve slowly on the spot, with Dawn clearly leading the dance. She couldn't help but tease him, her voice playful yet gently chiding. "Ron, you do know you're supposed to be leading here, not me."

Ron simply nodded, his attention still seemingly elsewhere, focused on someone else in the room.

Dawn exchanged a knowing look with Hermione, the unspoken understanding passing between them.

Finally, as the bagpipes played their final quavering note, Dawn felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was eager for a change of partner, having noticed Ron's fixation on Hermione throughout the evening.

"Let's sit down, shall we?" Ron suggested, breaking the silence.

Dawn sighed softly, her disappointment evident. "Sure," she replied, following Ron as he led the way to a nearby table. Moments later, Harry joined them.

"How's it going?" Harry asked Ron, trying to strike up a conversation, but Ron's silence remained unbroken.

On Harry's other side, Parvati settled in, mirroring his posture with crossed arms and legs. Within minutes, she was asked to dance by a boy from Beauxbatons. She turned to Harry, seeking his approval. "You don't mind, do you, Harry?" Parvati inquired.

Harry, still preoccupied with his thoughts, responded absentmindedly, "What?"

Parvati's patience wore thin as she snapped, "Oh, never mind," and began to rise from her seat.

Dawn, ever the empathetic one, sighed softly and leaned in to reassure Parvati. "Don't think too much about it, Parvati. We're not the ones either of them are interested in."

Parvati nodded, appreciating Dawn's words of wisdom, and she left to enjoy the dance with the boy from Beauxbatons. When the song eventually came to an end, Parvati did not return to their table.

Hermione gracefully settled into Parvati's empty chair, her presence bringing a semblance of normalcy to the table. Harry greeted her with a friendly "Hi," but Ron remained silent, his demeanor noticeably aloof.

"It's hot, isn't it?" Hermione remarked, attempting to break the ice as she fanned herself with her hand. "Viktor's just gone to get some drinks."

Ron, his irritation apparent, couldn't resist making a snide remark. "Viktor?" he retorted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Hasn't he asked you to call him Vicky yet?"

Hermione looked taken aback by Ron's comment, her brows furrowing in confusion. "What's up with you?" she asked, genuinely surprised by his sudden change in attitude.

Ron's response was sharp and cutting. "If you don't know," he said scathingly, "I'm not going to tell you."

Hermione's eyes widened in shock as she turned from Ron to Harry, who could only offer a helpless shrug in response to her unspoken question. "Ron, what—?" she began, her voice carrying a mix of confusion and concern.

Ron's frustration and jealousy boiled over as he exclaimed, "He's from Durmstrang! He's competing against Dawn and Harry! Against Hogwarts! You - you're - fraternizing with the enemy, that's what you're doing!"

Both Hermione and Dawn were taken aback by Ron's outburst. Their mouths fell open, and they exchanged incredulous glances. Hermione was the first to recover from the shock. Her tone was a mix of exasperation and disbelief as she retorted, "Don't be so stupid! The enemy! Honestly - who was the one who was all excited when they saw him arrive? Who was the one who wanted his autograph? Who's got a model of him up in their dormitory?"

Ron chose to ignore Hermione's points, his jealousy clouding his judgment. "I s'pose he asked you to come with him while you were both in the library?" he asked accusingly.

Dawn wisely chose to stay out of the escalating argument, though she couldn't help but silently side with Hermione.

Hermione didn't back down, her determination shining through. "Yes, he did," she admitted, her tone unapologetic. "So what?"

Ron's curiosity got the better of him as he probed further. "What happened?" he asked, still skeptical.

Hermione's voice remained steady as she explained, "If you really want to know, he - he said he'd been coming up to the library every day to try and talk to me, but he hadn't been able to pluck up the courage!"

Ron's response was laced with bitterness. "Yeah, well - that's his story," he retorted, his skepticism undiminished.

Hermione, growing increasingly frustrated, pressed on. "And what's that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

Ron's accusations flew like daggers. "Obvious, isn't it?" he said, his voice dripping with suspicion. "He's Karkaroff's student, isn't he? He knows who you hang around with… He's just trying to get closer to Dawn and Harry - get inside information on them - or get near enough to jinx them—"

Hermione's usually composed demeanor shattered as Ron's accusations hit her like a blow. Her voice quivered with emotion as she defended herself, "For your information, he hasn't asked me one single thing about Harry or Dawn, not one—"

But Ron, ever quick to jump to conclusions, changed his stance in an instant. "Then he's hoping you'll help him find out what his egg means! I suppose you've been putting your heads together during those cozy little library sessions -"

Hermione was incensed by the accusation. "I'd never help him work out that egg!" she protested vehemently. "Never. How could you say something like that - I want Dawn or Harry to win the tournament. They know that, don't you, Dawn? Harry?"

Dawn and Harry, caught in the middle of the escalating argument, nodded in agreement, affirming their trust in Hermione.

Ron, however, remained confrontational. "You've got a funny way of showing it," he sneered.

Hermione's frustration reached its peak as she argued passionately, "This whole tournament's supposed to be about getting to know foreign wizards and making friends with them!"

But Ron vehemently disagreed, his voice rising in anger. "No it isn't!" he shouted. "It's about winning!"

The intensity of their argument had drawn the attention of onlookers, and the disapproving stares of their peers began to weigh heavily on the trio.

"Ron," Harry interjected quietly, attempting to defuse the situation, "I haven't got a problem with Hermione coming with Krum -"

"Neither do I, Ron. And Hermione is my sister. Even Buffy is alright with it," Dawn added, hoping to bring some reason to the conversation.

But Ron remained obstinate, ignoring both Dawn and Harry's attempts to reason with him. He persisted in provoking Hermione, a cruel edge to his words. "Why don't you go and find Vicky, he'll be wondering where you are," he sneered.

Hermione, stung by Ron's callousness, couldn't contain her anger any longer. She rose to her feet and stormed off across the dance floor, leaving a tense atmosphere in her wake.

Dawn, standing up as well, couldn't hide her disappointment and hurt. Her voice quivered with emotion as she addressed Ron, "This has been the worst night of my life, Ronald Weasley. Thanks for ruining it."

Ron's conflicted emotions were evident as he watched Hermione storm away, a mix of anger and satisfaction playing across his face. His pride had led him into a confrontation he now seemed to regret, but his stubbornness still held strong.

Krum, who had returned with butterbeers, inquired about Hermione's whereabouts. "Vare is Herm-own-ninny?" he asked, his tone betraying his concern.

Ron, still sulking, responded in a defiant tone. "No idea," he muttered, looking up at Krum with a challenging glare. "Lost her, have you?"

Krum's surly demeanor returned, and he replied with a hint of frustration, "Veil, if you see her, tell her I haff drinks," before slouching away.

Dawn, not willing to let the situation escalate further, decided to intervene. She addressed Krum with a kind smile, "Viktor, wait up. I'll help you find my sister." With that, she and Krum left the table in search of Hermione, leaving Ron to reflect on the consequences of his actions.

Dawn and Buffy briefly separated, with Dawn setting off to find her older sister. She quickly spotted Buffy dancing with Dumbledore, and with a polite interruption, she asked, "Buffy, do you know where Hermione went?"

Buffy shook her head and graciously ended her dance with Dumbledore. "Thanks for the dance, Professor," she said.

Dumbledore smiled kindly in return. "Anytime, Buffy." With a nod, he walked away.

Buffy turned her attention back to Dawn, concern etched on her face. "What's wrong? Why are you looking for Hermione?" she inquired.

Dawn let out a sigh, recounting the details of the argument between Hermione and Ron. "She then went off. I wanted to find her to make sure she was alright."

Buffy nodded in understanding. "I have a feeling I know where she went," she said thoughtfully, her gaze meeting Dawn's. "The only place in the castle she could get away from everyone except us."

Dawn's eyes widened in realization. "Why didn't I think of that? Of course, your rooms!"

Buffy's Suite

Buffy and Dawn quickly ascended the stairs and entered Buffy's suite. True to Buffy's intuition, they found Hermione there, sitting alone with tears in her eyes. Her expression was a mix of sadness and frustration.

"'Mione?" Buffy said softly, concern lacing her voice.

Hermione looked up at her sisters, her emotions laid bare. Without a word, Buffy and Dawn exchanged a knowing look, and then they pulled Hermione into their warm, comforting embrace. Together, they offered their support and solace, knowing that sometimes, in moments of vulnerability, all one needed was the reassuring presence of those who cared about them the most.