Disclaimer: All character and the world in this story belongs to JK Rowling. I own nothing.

A/N: There is fair chance that there will be times during the story where you will want to beat me with a beater's bat but I assure you that there are small things which take care of themselves. A potion class duration I have assumed as ninety minutes, similar to a chemistry lab session. Please Review, it's encouraging.

Chapter Eight: The Date Desperation

"As I can see that you are full with the excellent dinner prepared in the Hogwarts kitchen, I have an announcement to make. The host school organises Yule ball on the Christmas day for the guests, it's a traditional part of the tournament and an opportunity for the students to socialize with our foreign guests. The ball will start at 8:00 PM and will end at the stroke of midnight. Formal dress robe is the dress code for the evening. Students, fourth year and up, are allowed to attend. Every student, not eligible for Yule Ball would be going home for the Christmas holidays. The train will be leaving on December 22 and the return ride will be on January 3."

As Dumbledore announced this news, there was murmurs and a few protests from younger students who were not allowed to attend the event. On the other hand, the senior students were excited about the prospect. The cheering, clapping and general chatter started the moment news was absorbed. Dumbledore scanned the great hall as in trying to read the reaction on every face. He continued a minute later.

"Keeping this in mind, the weekend before Christmas will be a Hogsmeade weekend, for those who forgot to bring their formal dress robes which were mentioned in the letters and for those too who want to do some last-minute shopping. I hope you will enjoy it."

He dismissed the students after this announcement with that twinkle in his eyes. Harry walked to the common room with Hermione and Neville on either side. Neville was fidgeting a bit and Harry noticed that he was a bit uncomfortable about it.

"Neville, what's going on?" Harry asked in a friendly way.

"Umm, Harry, after the task, I brought your stuff and your broom to the dormitory. Your broom tail is a bit singed from the task. I'm sorry." Neville answered with a bit of hesitation.

"Don't be sorry Neville, it was not your fault. Besides I have a broom servicing coupon left. The manufacturers gave a free servicing coupon for the first customers of the brooms, luckily I'm one of them." Harry answered with a genuine smile. It made Neville forgot all the uncomfortable feeling related to this subject. Hermione was looking at him, a bit surprised as she didn't know about it and she asked him the next moment.

"Oh, there was a letter by manufacturers, it seems someone bought the broom in my name. The company sent the coupon towards the end of last term. Sorry, I forgot to tell you." Harry answered, looking Hermione in the eye.

As they were walking towards the couch in front of the fireplace, Ron intercepted Harry. His eyes downcast and a bit of shame reflecting in the demeanour. His ears were just as red as his hair, if not more.

"Hey mate, how are you?" Ron asked, a bit hesitantly. From his voice, it was clear that he was feeling bad for what he did or how he behaved.

"Hey Ronald, I'm fine." Harry answered flatly. He knew that he won't remain angry at him for long but he also knew that what Ron did was betrayal of his trust. What was worse was, he was supposed to be his best-mate. It was not the right comparison but the situation felt a bit like the Marauders where Ron was Peter. Harry felt a bit ashamed for even thinking that Ron could do such thing but he was angry at him.

"Harry, I just…. Umm…. I wanted to tell you that I believe you. It was stupid to think that you would do something like that. But I was not the only one, others also wanted you to compete, everyone was talking behind your back." Ron answered, his face a bit flushed.

"I don't care about what others think Ron, I was your best mate, you should have believed me." He replied and started walking towards the couch.

"Harry, I want us to be back to being best mates." Ron asked, surprisingly, in a very humble way.

"Ron, you were my first friend, I trusted you and you broke the trust. It's not going to get back to 'normal' because you want to. You need to earn the trust back. I haven't forgiven you and you haven't apologized." Harry answered and instead of going to the couch, he started walking towards the dormitory. He wished good night to Hermione and stepped on the stairs leading to the boys' dormitory. Ron just stood there, in the middle of the common room, his right hand holding the armrest of the couch to give him support. Hermione followed Harry and walked towards the stairs leading to girls' dormitory.

-X-X-

It was after their morning run on Monday, when Harry was returning from the quidditch pitch with Hermione in tow. Harry stopped in his track as he entered the entrance hall, his heart just fell in the pit of his stomach. The scene unfolding in front of his eyes was a bit too painful to watch for him.

Across the hall, near the passage leading to the North where Ravenclaw tower was, student a couple, their arms around the other, their foreheads almost in contact. The tall Hufflepuff seventh year boy with curly golden hair was leaning down towards the beautiful black-haired Ravenclaw prefect girl from fifth year. Not wanting to stand there any longer, Harry ran towards the marble staircase leading towards the East wing where Gryffindor Tower was. It took Hermione as a minute to catch up with him.

"Harry, why are you running?" She asked, gripping his elbow to turn him around so they were face to face.

"Nothing, I just wanted to get to the common room soon." Harry answered, his eyes moving away from hers.

"Harry, it's not nothing. What's the matter?" Hermione was unaware of what happened in the entrance hall that sent Harry running.

"Ok, Come here." Harry relented, tugging Hermione towards an arch window in the passage in which they were standing at the moment. Harry stood leaning on the window parapet, looking in the distance. Hermione stood on his right, her elbows resting on the parapet, her left hand resting on Harry's forearm. After a minute's silence, Harry started to speak.

"You know Hermione, I…. kind of…. Had a crush on someone." Harry said, his voice stuttering a bit. Hermione just looked at his face knowingly, she just nodded to tell him to continue.

"you know the Ravenclaw seeker I played against last year?" He asked her. In reply, she just nodded with a small smile.

"I had a crush on her from the beginning of this term, actually since the train ride. I wanted to ask her to accompany me to the Yule Ball." Harry answered, still looking towards the quidditch pitch.

"when we came in the entrance hall, I saw Cedric and her together, standing there you know. I think they are together." He finally looked towards her, a bit hurt and somewhat disappointed.

"Harry, you will find a date, don't worry about it. And I know about your crush on Chang. I am your best friend, it's my job to know about these things." She replied and gave him a genuine smile. "You know, you could ask Zoe. I know she is older but I don't think you would mind her being older if Cho was any indication." She answered with a mischievous smile and her eyebrows wiggling.

"Although, she is a bit taller than me, I would need to stand on a stair to kiss her." Harry replied with an expressionless face. They both stared at each other for a few moments then laughter broke out. They both were laughing as if it was the most hilarious thing they have heard in months. It took them a couple of minutes to regain their composure and they started walking towards the Gryffindor common room, their arms around each other's shoulder.

-X-X-

The day couldn't have been worse, Harry thought. It was the worst one since he faced the dragon a week ago, or may be worst of the month. Harry had parted with his Firebolt during lunch, a representative from the company collected it for the repair work. He had sent them a letter about the condition and repairing requirement, they had replied the next day that they would be sending someone to collect the broom and will be returning it by the end of the month. That was not the bad part.

The bad part was, what came after the lunch. Gryffindors had double potions in the afternoon with the Slytherins. Harry never understood the reason anyone would couple Gryffindor and Slytherins together that too for the potions. A sneering Snape and a foul mouthing Malfoy was a bad combination and handling them for 3 hours was torture, as simple as that. Today, even the double potion was not the worst part either. The worst part came as they were leaving the dungeons.

"Hey scarhead, it seems like the Prophet was wrong when they said that you were found with the American girl. Looks like you are stuck with the mudblood." Malfoy said from behind the Gryffindor students, his cronies standing on his side. It looked like Parkinson and Nott had joined the Malfoy's crony brigade. His face had that characteristic sneer associated with both Snape and Draco. But before Harry could answer, Ron stepped in.

"Don't call her that, you ferret!" He spat.

"Oooh…. Weasley got hots for the mudblood. What you gonna do, 'Weasel'?" Draco answered, taking a step towards them. Ron drew his wand but before he could fire any hex, he was hit by a purple hex, he fell to the ground. Harry immediately reacted and drew his wand but Draco had fired another hex towards Hermione, which hit her in the face. Harry disarmed Draco, his wand flew towards Harry and he caught it with his left hand.

"What is the matter here?" Snape asked with the sneer pasted on his face and without waiting for an answer he continued. "Twenty points from Gryffindor for duelling in Corridor. Potter return Malfoys wand."

Harry saw the reaction to the spells first. Hermione's front two teeth were growing at an alarming rate while Ron's face had purple tentacles attached to it.

"But he fired the first shot! Can't you see it?" Harry answered, his anger rising. Hermione had started crying, her face downcast. Ron was now standing, his hands covered his face.

"I see no difference." Snape answered, looking towards Ron and Hermione. "Now return the wand and clear the passage." He commanded and left, his cloak billowing behind him like a bat. Hermione ran from the corridor crying hard, Ron following her. Harry just threw the wand on the ground and started running towards Hermione and Ron. They were going towards the infirmary.

Ron's spell was reversed in a moment but Hermione's situation was a bit tricky.

"Ms. Granger, I have halted the growth of your teeth but they can't be reduced by a spell. We would need to remove them and regrow them. It would be painful." Madam Pomphrey said. Hermione was lying on the hospital bed, the covers drawn towards her face, covering half of it to hide her overgrown teeth. She was still crying but much slower, she just nodded at madam Pomphrey's answer. "You would need to stay overnight for the Skele-Gro to complete its work." Madam Pomphrey continued. Harry was sitting on the chair on the right side of the bed. He was gently patting Hermione's shoulder while telling her that everything will be fine and trying to stop her from crying.

"Thanks Ron, for standing up for me." Hermione mumbled from behind the covers.

"What are friends for. Get well soon Hermione!" Ron replied and gave her and Harry a smile. He left the infirmary afterwards.

"Harry, promise me you won't laugh on me." Hermione asked, her face red with embarrassment, she was avoiding his gaze.

"You don't need to ask Hermione. I promise I won't." Harry answered truthfully, his eyes not leaving her face.

Madam Pomphrey walked towards them carrying a Skele-Gro potion vial and another couple of vials.

"Miss Granger, removing teeth would be very painful and re-growing them will be the same." She said while handing her a small vial. "It is pain numbing potion, just to help you with the initial part. Drink it in once." Hermione removed the covers, her teeth were a half a dozen inches long, may be more. She uncorked the vial and drank the potion, flinching and coughing at the taste.

Then Madam Pomphrey dipped a cotton piece in the second potion which was a scarlet coloured one. It was the one to remove the teeth, according to the matron. "tilt your head backwards and bare your teeth." Hermione followed the instructions. Madam Pomphrey dabbed her gums of the front two teeth and a moment later the two long teeth fell from her jaw. Madam Pomphrey picked up the teeth and administered the Skele-Gro and left her to take rest.

During this process, Harry held Hermione's right hand in his while rubbing the back of it gently with the pad of his thumb. She looked at him after madam Pomphrey had left. Her expressions reflected that even after the pain numbing potion, she was feeling a bit of pain. She gave Harry a smile and Harry could see in her eyes that she was thankful that he was sitting there with her.

-X-X-

Hermione was released from infirmary the next day before breakfast. She was sitting in the library in the evening alone. It had been more than a week since she had been on her own in the library, in her favourite spot next to the restricted section entrance. The table was hidden from the view with the shelves and the restricted section entrance. It was her secluded island in the ocean of knowledge. The table was named 'bookworm residence' by other students in her 'respect'. She had laid claim to that table in her first year and now nobody dared to use it except the trio. Hence it was a surprise when Victor Krum took the seat across from her a few weeks back, today it was the third occasion when they shared the table, not that she was counting or anything.

He was being a gentleman and asked her for some book about human transfiguration. It took her some time to guide him to the exact book. He was now sitting in front of her reading that book.

"Hermininny!" Krum asked her in his accented voice. He couldn't pronounce her name perfectly, she had tried to correct him last time but now she had given up on it.

"Hmm." Hermione replied, her eyes not moving away from the book.

"I 'ave to azk somezing." Krum continued, expecting her to raise her eyes away from the book.

"Ok." She answered, her unmoving gaze still fixed on the book.

"Will yeh go ball wiz me?" He asked a bit hesitantly. Her head jerked up as soon as the question was asked, her gaze now fixed at Krum. She was calculating and analysing reason why he would ask her. It seemed like Krum identified the confusion on her face. He tried to explain his situation and feelings. "Hermininny, yeh're not a fangirl. SO, I asked you."

Now her mind was racing and so was her heart. The quidditch star seeker was asking her, Hermione, to be her date to the Yule ball. Her blood rushed towards her face and in a moment, she rivalled the colour which was known as 'Weasley Red'. Her words were stuck in her throat, she was unable to make a sound and her lips were moving like a fish out of water.

"Hermininny!" Krum tapped on her shoulder to bring her out of her trance. She blushed as she saw that his hand was placed on her shoulder.

"I…. uh…." She started to answer but words wouldn't form.

"Are Potter and yeh a couple? Did he ask yeh already?" Krum inquired. He was confident that even if potter had, she couldn't refuse him.

"No." She answered quietly. She was expecting Harry to ask her but it seemed like he was not going to ask her to be his date to the Ball. She thought that Harry might not find her beautiful enough. Hell, she was nothing compared to the beautiful Ravenclaw seeker, Hermione knew that she was quite plain.

"Ok Victor, I will go with you to the ball." She answered excitedly. In response, Victor kissed her hand and walked away with the book in his hand. Hermione was blushing crimson as she was recounting what just happened.

"Victor!" she called him, he hadn't walked ten feet yet. He turned and walked back towards her. "Please try to pronounce my name correctly, it's Her-my-o-nee. Or just forget it, call me mione, Ok." She told him, a bit too fast for him but he understood somehow, "Ok, Mione." She could feel the flutter in her stomach as he said her name and left the library. She packed her books and bag and left the library a few minutes later.

Harry was confused, so confused that he could not concentrate on the game of chess he was playing against Ron. He had asked Harry for a game, trying his best to mend the bridges. Ron tried to not beat him badly and Harry was aware that he was doing it, Harry didn't confront him about it. His mind was on something else. He was supposed to open the Yule Ball with his partner. The problem was, he didn't know how to dance and at the moment it looked like his dancing skills won't be the only thing embarrassing him. It has been a week since he had been informed about the ball. His primary choice for the date was most probably the date of the 'original champion' of Hogwarts.

He was thinking about his situation when the portrait swung open to admit Hermione. She looked delighted, a goofy grin present on her face, her eyes were unfocussed as if she was completely lost in her thoughts. He called her twice but she just walked past him without any kind of acknowledgement of his presence as if he wasn't even there. This spiked his interest in the reason of Hermione acting non-Hermione-ish. But there was now nothing that could be done about it, she was halfway through to her dormitory on the staircase.

He was thinking about the prospective dates for the Ball. The list was quite short as his image in the school was not at its best at the moment. He previously thought that he might ask Ginny as a friend but she was not allowed and it was a good thing. It would have super weird if he had asked her. She was a fangirl to the Boy-Who-Lived and she was the younger sister to Ron. He did not want any more awkwardness between him and Ron, there was enough to last both of them a decade.

The second option was to ask Katie Bell, she was a year older but that wouldn't be such a problem as Cho would have been the same. Katie was quite pleasant looking and she had been good to him in the past as they were on the quidditch team together. The plan got scrapped as he came to know that the three Gryffindor chasers were dating the twins and Lee Jordan.

The third option was to Fay Dunbar, she was the only Gryffindor girl in his apart from Hermione who was not the gossip girl. She was positively interested in quidditch, she was a half-blood, her mother being a witch. So, they would have enough in common to talk about. He was informed by Neville that she was accompanying Kevin Entwhistle, fourth-year Ravenclaw.

For a moment, Harry thought that he would go without a date or he would ask McGonagall for a dance, if he was feeling too daring. He laughed on the level of stupidity of this thought. His options had been extinguished with that list.

The only option in his list was Hermione Granger, it was not that she was his backup plan, they would have obviously gone as friends. The only hesitation Harry had was that it might get awkward between them. She was his best friend and presently the only person he could talk about anything without the fear of being judged, not that he was afraid of it, he just didn't want to be exposed to it. He second problem in this choice was, he didn't want to expose her to the attacks, even more than she was now. There had been enough written about their supposed relationship and he did not want to fuel the fire. He did not want to see her get hurt even more.

He had come to the realization that it would be the best if he asked her for the ball. That would make sure that he enjoyed the ball and so would she and wouldn't have to worry about maintaining a personality which he was now used to, trying to shut people out. They would have enough to talk and maybe she can teach him how to dance so he does not crush her toes.

He was waiting for her to return from library so he can ask her about it but she just walked straight to her dormitory. He decided that the first thing he would do when he sees her would be to ask her.

When his mind restarted processing, he saw that Ron was waving his hand in front of his eyes and calling his name.

"Earth to Harry, where are you? It's your turn mate." Ron said jokingly.

"Nothing. You win Ron, I got to go." He rose left went to his dormitory to get changed from his school uniform robes to something comfortable from the limited wardrobe he had.

Fifteen minutes later he was sitting on the couch in the common room, Neville was sitting next to him, busy reading a Herbology book given by Moody. A few minutes later, she descended the stairs and walked towards him, she had a letter clutched in her hand. Before Harry could ask her anything, she spoke.

"Harry, can we go to the owlery? I need to send this home to mum." She asked, her excitement clearly visible in her eyes and her demeanour. Harry just nodded and they started walking towards the owlery side by side. Harry was thinking that it would be a good time as they won't have any interference or interruption to their talk. They reached the owlery and Hermione sent Mercury away after tying the letter to its leg. All this time, Harry was trying to form the question.

"Hermione, I wanted to ask you something." Harry put the question forward, he was fidgeting too much.

"Harry, you don't need permission to ask me something." Hermione replied, patting Hedwig on the chest and head with her fingers.

"Hermione, it would be a pleasure if you would accompany me to the ball." Harry asked a bit hesitantly. His eyes fixed on the side of Hermione's face. Her head jerked towards him and Harry could see the something in her eyes which looked like guilt and sadness.

"Oh, Harry." She walked towards him and put her right hand on his arm, squeezing it lightly. "I want to but I can't. Someone already asked me and I agreed. I'm so sorry." She gave him a guilty smile, her eyes showed that she was really sorry about it. All the anxiety and excitement he was feeling a few minutes before was replace by disappointment and an underlying sadness. This reflected on his face as Hermione came closer and gave him a hug, whispering in his ear that she was really sorry.

"Uh…. It's ok Hermione, it's fine. I…. I will ask someone…. Not a big deal." He broke the hug and walked out of the owlery. The warmth he was feeling inside himself a moment ago, was suddenly changed to an all freezing cold. Hermione followed him a moment later. They were on their way back to the great hall. A thousand questions and doubts were running rampant in Harry's mind. He was walking towards the great hall purely on mechanical mode. His brain was busy processing about Hermione and her date to the ball. Who? When? How? Where? There were only questions and no answers. He needed to know. He wasn't going to waste another moment to try to deduce on his own when he could just ask.

"So, who is this guy?" He was trying to ask her flatly but even he could hear the slight rude tone of his voice.

"Uh…. It's a secret Harry. Don't worry, he is a good person. I will tell you later." She answered, her voice filled with excitement and happiness but it also had the caring tone she reserved for him. He was confused and a bit angry that she didn't mention it, although the anger was not exactly directed at her. But Harry knew that it would be impossible to remain angry with her.

He maintained a smile on his face for the rest of the dinner. Harry thought that it would be enough to make sure nobody notices. He was wrong with that assumption. Hermione was trying her best to decipher what exactly Harry was feeling. She was in a dilemma, she wanted to go with him but he had waited too long and she had agreed to go with someone else and now she was feeling guilty. It wasn't like they had any obligation in that regard, there was no compulsion to wait for the other and besides Harry wanted to go with someone else previously. It was too confusing to decide what exactly she was feeling right now. The day was emotionally taxing enough and she did not want to overdo it.

Harry rose from his seat before the dessert to go to the dormitory, Hermione offered to accompany him and without his answer she tagged along. As they were just leaving the entrance hall to walk towards the passage leading to the Gryffindor tower, there was a shout from behind them.

"Wait, Mione!" Victor was calling her at the top of his voice. They both turned simultaneously to look at him. He was walking towards them with steady pace and big steps. He stopped a couple of feet away from them and asked Hermione if they can talk in private. She just nodded and led him down the passage. Harry was getting angry and he was not sure why though. Right now, he just wanted to push Krum away and take Hermione to common room with himself.

Krum and Hermione stopped a dozen steps or so away from Harry, Krum held Hermione's left elbow gently and turned her towards him so they were facing each other. Her breath hitched in her lungs for a moment as she looked in his eyes, there was something underlying which she was unable to identify.

"Mione, the 'Ogsmeade weekend, can yeh show me 'round?" Krum asked, his eyes pleading.

"I am…." She glanced at Harry just for a moment, he was trying to avoid looking towards them. She was certain that she would be answering a lot of questions in a few minutes. "I am not sure about it Victor; can I tell you later?" He nodded and left with a kiss on her hand. A second later, Hermione walked towards Harry who was standing near a window at the end of the passage looking outwards, gazing at the violet sky of sunset.

She stood at his left, waiting for him to bombard her with questions but there were no words for a few minutes. Then Harry finally spoke after five minutes.

"So, you are going to the Ball with Krum?" Harry asked, his eyes still looking at the rising moon. It wasn't exactly a question rather than a confirmation. Hermione just mumbled the affirmation. Harry's insides constricted for a moment then he sighed and looked towards her.

"'Mione'?" He raised an eyebrow in a questioning way. "I thought you hated it when people give you nicknames, it seems I was wrong."

He turned away from her and started walking towards the Gryffindor tower. Hermione was not sure how to react, Harry's reaction had thrown her off track. She followed him on the way to the common room, there were no more words said between them. The silence was uncomfortable for Hermione, Harry on the other hand, had quite a habit to live in uncomfortably long silences. In the end, it was Hermione who broke the silence.

"Harry?"

"I thought I was the only one who called you 'Mione' and that too because I was your best friend. It looks like things have changed." He replied, without looking towards her, she flinched at the flatness of his tone. He was feeling like she would leave his side the moment she got close to Krum. She was the only friend he had right now and his life would be miserable if he lost her or being second placed in her priority list.

She pulled at his elbow so he would turn and look at her. She was now looking directly in his eyes, she could see that he was a bit hurt and worried. She needed him to listen to her, she wanted to explain the situation to him.

"Harry, you are my best and you will always be. You are the only friend who calls me 'Mione', not even my parents. Victor can't pronounce my name correctly so I told him to call me 'Mione'. I still hate when people give me nicknames." She replied, her voice filled with concern and something else which felt like guilt, maybe.

He did not respond to it right away, he was looking straight into her eyes. His gaze so intense, Hermione felt that he might be looking directly into her soul.

"What did he want now? After dinner?" he spoke after a minute of silence.

"He was asking if I can show him around Hogsmeade on the Hogsmeade weekend." She said while diverting his gaze from him. It felt like she was doing something wrong by agreeing to Krum. "I haven't decided though." She added as an afterthought.

"We were supposed to go for Christmas gift shopping together and on Sunday we were to meet padfoot and moony. How can you forget that." His pitch was rising with each word. He did not want to shout on Hermione, he took a couple of deep breaths and tried to control his temper.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I thought we could go separately for gift shopping. And I remember about meeting padfoot and moony. Please tell me now, what exactly are you angry about?" She was trying to keep the slight irritation she was feeling hidden from him. What exactly does he want her to say?

He did not answer, huffed and started walking towards the fat lady portrait. It was a good thing that the common room was empty as everyone else was still in the great hall. Harry sat at the couch in front of the fireplace, Hermione kneeled down in front of him. She brought both his hands in front and held them tight. She started making random patterns on the back of his hands, it was a soothing sensation. It took a couple of minutes for Harry to calm down enough. He was avoiding the eye-contact with Hermione. He squared off his shoulders and answered in a somewhat shaky voice.

"Hermione, I wanted to thank you for standing by me when nobody else did, I wanted to show my appreciation by taking you to the ball. Now it feels like you will be busy with Krum and again I would be the one left alone. I don't want that, not now, not after knowing what's going on." He paused for a minute, took a few deep and long breaths and waited for his mind to cool down.

"So, Victor huh? How did that happen? I want the whole story." Harry tried to release the tension with some light-hearted humour. It wasn't good but Hermione appreciated the attempt. She told him what happened in the library that day and the two occasions when they had spoken before today, then she narrated the conversation after the dinner. Harry wasn't happy about the situation but he understood that it was Hermione's decision, she was her own person and it won't do any good for their friendship if they interfered unnecessarily in each other's personal relationship.

-X-X-

Harry was now seriously worried about the upcoming social event which was now just more than a week away. It was Friday evening and tomorrow will be the last Hogsmeade visit before the Yule Ball. Everyone who hasn't yet obtained a formal dress robe was going to be there as well as those who needed to do Christmas gift shopping. Hermione told Harry that she had told Krum that she will not be able to accompany him to Hogsmeade as she had already promised Harry to do that. Harry had a long list of gifts he wanted to get for his friends.

Harry was sitting on the couch in the common room with the golden egg he retrieved in the first task in his hand. They were told that this was the clue for the next task but whenever Harry opened the egg, all he could hear was a loud shriek. It was so horrible that everyone was glaring at him when he had first opened it in the common room.

He was lost in his thoughts when Ron sat next to him on the couch, Neville was sitting on the chair on the right of the couch. It was surprising that Neville had been spending more time with Harry and Hermione than Ron. Harry and Ron had reached to a truce that they will mend their friendship slowly and the trust needed to be build up with time.

Right now, Ron was looking pleased with himself. He had a smug smile on his face and his chest a bit puffed up. It was a clear contrast from two days back when Ron's attempt to ask Fleur Delacour had ended in a disaster. He had asked her in the great hall that too in the middle of dinner with almost everyone present. Fleur was shocked and before she could utter a word, Ron had run away to save his face. Now he was looking like he had accomplished an impossible task.

"What's up Ron?" Neville asked, he had also noticed the cheery attitude Ron was having at the moment.

"I finally got a date." He answered with a smug smile.

"How?" Both Harry and Neville were shocked and their shock was apparent on their faces and in their voice.

"You know right that Dean and Seamus are going with Parvati and Lavender. So, I asked Seamus to ask Parvati to ask her twin sister in Ravenclaw that if she would be ok to go with me. She told that she would be if I asked her it personally. I just went to ask her and now I have a date who is beautiful."

"Good for you." Harry answered and was distracted again by his thoughts.

"Harry, you haven't got a date yet, right?" Neville asked, Harry just nodded without looking towards him. "Harry, you can ask Susan Bones. Hannah told me that Susan was asked by Justin but due a family emergency he would be leaving tomorrow by the Knight Bus. So, you may ask her, it would be like a double date." Neville continued in an explanation mode.

Harry said nothing for a few seconds and suddenly he turned his head towards Neville, a look of astonishment on his face, "Wait a minute! You are going with Hannah Abbott! How did you?"

Neville was blushing crimson, "Hannah's mom and my mum were together in school. Joanna, I mean Hannah's mom told me that she, my mum and your mom were good friends during their years together in school. I have known her since childhood, so it was less difficult than asking some girl I don't know." Harry thought about it for a minute or so then he turned back towards Neville.

"Say Neville, can you ask Hannah to ask Susan, if she would be fine to go to the ball with me. If she is fine, then I will ask her. It would be better that way." Harry replied with a look that implied that I'm trusting you. Neville nodded in affirmation.

The fact did not go unnoticed by Harry that the evening practices Harry and Hermione were having before the first task had been irregular since Krum entered the picture. Their morning runs continued but for the evening practices, Harry would either go alone or won't go at all. It felt like he was being side-lined in Hermione's life. She was now spending substantial amount of her free time, the time they used to spend together since the beginning of the school year, with Krum. Harry felt neglected, he hated that feeling, he hated the unwanted attention but he always liked the attention Hermione gives him. He was missing the time they spent together even if they sat in classes together, went for morning run together but he was missing the idol time they spent; the time they spent talking after the curfew, in the common room, sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace. She would return to the common room from the library just before the curfew and would climb the stairs towards the girls' dormitory in a few minutes.

-X-X-

The duo was sitting at the Gryffindor table for breakfast, Neville and Ron had taken seats opposite them. As the breakfast was underway, Hannah and Susan arrived in the great hall and Neville went to talk to Hannah about Susan and Harry. A few minutes later, Neville returned with a knowing smile on his face.

"Harry, Susan might agree but you would need to ask her personally. Hannah said that do it soon or you might lose the chance." Harry acknowledged and told that he would talk to her before going to Hogsmeade. Hermione's reaction was not that pleasant, the genuine smile was absent from her face after Neville told Harry about Susan.

Susan Bones was an average tall with dark red hair which reached up to her waist. Her hair was a shade or two darker than Ron's. The buxom redhead had eyes of deep ocean blue colour. Her face was the prime example of cuteness, the sweet baby face with big eyes and small nose. She had the curvy figure for which many girls would give their limb to get. Harry had overheard a conversation between Seamus, Dean and Ron where they were deciding, who has the best figure in their year and that ended with a tie between Lavender and Susan.

After the breakfast, Harry told Hermione that he would meet her at the carriages and walked towards the Hufflepuff table. In the whole drama that started after his name was selected, Hufflepuff house was the most offended one. They were of the opinion that Harry was trying to steal the fame that came towards their house after a long time. She was in hostile territory and he needed to tread carefully. He walked directly towards Susan without sparing a glance for anyone else.

"Susan, can I talk to you, in private?" She nodded and rose from her chair gracefully. He led her out of the great hall and towards a side passage, leading towards the kitchens. He turned towards her, his eyes had a pleading look.

"Susan, I would like to have the pleasure to accompany to the Yule ball, would you be my date?" He had practiced this line for more than half an hour to get it perfect. Neville was a great help.

For a moment, Harry thought that she was going to refuse him, her face was completely blank. Then a smile broke and she chimed, "I would be delighted." Her voice was sweet and the twinkle in her eyes was unmistakably the feature of her appearance.

"Great, umm…. Can we go for a walk so we can talk a bit?" Harry suggested and Susan agreed. They had around an hour before carriages left for Hogsmeade. They walked towards the lake, Harry was leading her towards his favorite spot of oak tree and rock at the shore. The edge of the lake had started freezing and harry was sure that the water of the black lake was freezing cold.

Harry was told by Neville that Susan had lost her parents a month before Voldemort was defeated. Her aunt was the Director of Department of Magical Law Enforcement. She was one of the youngest DMLE directors and the second most powerful witch in the Ministry. It was a good thing that Susan was a bit talkative person but not a gossip girl. She told a few things that she liked, asked him about his likes and dislikes. Harry came to know that her favorite flower was lily, blue lily to be precise. It brought a smile on his face. It was a surprise to Harry when she told him that 'potions' was her favorite subject. She explained that she did not like Snape but she liked the subject. She wanted to be a healer. Harry had no idea what he wanted to be. They were sitting under the oak tree when he told her about the opening dance and his inability in the said art form. She told him that they can practice in the evenings, they had seven days to learn. Harry agreed to the idea purely on the basis that he won't be embarrassing himself in front of all the guests and the wizarding world.

They both reached the main doors leading to the entrance hall ten minutes before the carriages were to leave. They had decided that they would practice in the upcoming week after dinner. Harry would need to ask McGonagall for a gramophone for the practice. Harry was certain that they could practice in the open area in the gymnasium. They waited for their friends and climbed in the same carriage. Harry was sitting between Hermione and Susan on one side and Neville was sitting on the other side with Hannah. Harry was a bit uncomfortable that he was sitting this close to the buxom Hufflepuff. Hermione did not even acknowledge his date for the Yule Ball. The group split in two at their arrival in the village, Susan, Hannah and Neville went their way and Harry and Hermione walked in the opposite direction.

-X-X-

The duo was walking down the main street of Hogsmeade, the stone-paved path was covered with freshly fallen snow, there was light snowfall happening at the moment. They were walking towards 'Tomes and Scrolls' which was Hermione's favorite shop in Hogsmeade, it has to be as it was the only bookshop in the wizarding village. Harry knew which books Hermione wanted for her collection, she had mentioned it a few days ago, when they were searching a particular book for ancient runes. She had taken a liking to the subject, according to her it was like learning a new magical language. Harry had sent an owl order for a set of books to 'Flourish and Blots'. The book was quite old and it was difficult to find any available copies. He had to part with a significant amount of gold but he was certain that it was worth it.

Hermione purchased a couple of books and they went to the 'Honeydukes'. Harry was planning to buy gift baskets of chocolate for Neville and Ron. He placed the order for the gifts to be delivered on Christmas and paid for them.

They then went in the 'Gladrags Wizardwear', Harry had to buy a set of odd looking pair of socks for Dobby. He liked to wear mismatching socks with ridiculous designs. Hermione told him that she had made a beanie for him with flaps for his ears, Harry told her that he was going to love it. He bought a set of mufflers in Gryffindor colors for Sirius and Remus with their initials embroidered at the end.

For the twins, Harry was going to gift them with the new line of 'Zonko's Joke Shop' merchandise which he had pre-ordered. He was certain that they would put it to perfect use. After that they went to 'The Three Broomsticks' where they had the lunch of fish and chips followed by a warm flagon of butter-bear.

After lunch, they returned to the main street of the village. Hermione wanted to go to the 'Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop' but Harry wanted to buy something for Susan. Hermione told him to go ahead and asked him to meet her at the carriage stop.

As Harry walked towards the end of the street, he came across a small jewelry and ornament shop named 'Gems, Finery and Grace'. He saw that the shelf on display had a wide variety of things. Harry was browsing through the shop when he came across a beautiful silver locket with a small book as pendant. The pendant book had intricate design on it, the shopkeeper lady told that the carving was handmade. The book opened and there were slots for pictures to be inserted on either side.

The first thing that came to his mind was how Hermione would look with this on. He knew that it was the perfect gift for her. He asked the price and for a moment, he was taken aback by the price but he knew that whatever help Hermione had given him was way too precious compared to the locket. He paid for the locket and gave clear instructions that he would be sending a photo by tomorrow which is to be fixed on the right face and a note to be carved on the left face.

Happy Christmas '94

To, HJG

With Love

From, HJP

He instructed to deliver it before Christmas to him in a velvet box. He bought a locket of mixed metal for Susan. The pendant of the locket was in the shape of 'S' which was inside a circle of entwined olive branches. It was elegant and beautiful. He paid for all the stuff and waked out of the shop.

As he was walking towards the carriage stop, he passed a florist shop. He stopped in front of it as he recalled what Dean had mentioned to Ron about muggle tradition for proms, the boy brings a corsage for his date. Harry thought it wouldn't harm to order one for Susan. He selected a design for a corsage and gave order for one to be made in blue lily buds with a preservation charm on it. He also ordered a blue long stemmed lily as lapel flower. He instructed that the corsage and flower pin are to be sent to him on Christmas morning.

After paying the florist, he continued walking towards the carriage stop. Ten minutes later, he was standing at the carriage stop waiting for Hermione who took another fifteen minutes to arrive. They were back in the castle before dinner, they dropped all the purchases in the dormitory and returned to the great hall after changing into something more comfortable.

Harry needed to talk to McGonagall about placing a gramophone in the gymnasium or to provide an empty classroom for the dance practice. He was certain that she would agree without any questions as it was the matter of the pride of the Gryffindor.

When he told the idea to McGonagall that his date Susan had agreed to teach him to dance and they needed space for practice and a gramophone set, she agreed but he could see that she was a bit disappointed in him and he had no idea why.

A/N: It is going a bit slow but I hope you are enjoying it.