Chapter 15

Ginny POV

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, and this morning was no exception. She quickly threw on some heavier training clothes, gave Demelza a quick kiss on the forehead, and headed down to the common room, where she then was forced to wait impatiently for Ritchie. She paced in front of the fireplace for a few minutes, and just as she was on the verge of leaving him behind, Ritchie finally descended the boys' staircase.

"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 actually 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 asked, trying to keep a straight face.

"Very funny. While we did have an agreement to go with each other if we hadn't managed to find dates, that won't be necessary, as 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 muttered, 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, I mean, just 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?"

"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 at least a 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, clearly 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 declared dramatically as she leaned in for a kiss.

"Oh no you don't! Go off and get cleaned up first!" Demelza giggled, 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 as she fondly smiled at Ginny.

"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?" Ginny grinned 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. "Why wouldn't we get ready together?"

"I don't know. I guess 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 um… 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." Demelza laughed lightly as she brought her hand from Ginny's hair to her chin, guiding Ginny's face towards hers for another kiss. And another. And maybe a few more after that.

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

They were up in their dormitory alone as their dormmates 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 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 through 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 her and sighed contently. Demelza wrapped her arms around her, resting 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 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 muttered 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 only a touch 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, reflecting on their conversation upon seeing the notice.

"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.

Ginny frowned. If Hermione's not going with Harry, then who is she going with? She spun around suddenly in search of Neville, who she saw was heading through the portrait hole with Katie. If not Neville or Harry, then who? She thought hard, but couldn't come up with another person that she thought Hermione would even consider going with, unless… 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 sarcastically 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 scene 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 as she hadn't managed to spot 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, and 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. Before she could help it, her jaw dropped. Juliette was always 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 else, 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." Juliette gently, but firmly, grabbed Ginny's chin and directed her to look back at her own table, where Demelza was seated. Ginny glanced 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 nice." 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, shifting her focus back 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. 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. Besides, I wouldn't want to miss out on a second of dancing with you." Ginny smiled. "When exactly does that start?"

Suddenly, the doors to the Great Hall opened and the crowd parted to accommodate for those who were entering. Everyone at their table stood up to get a better view, and Ginny was the only one whose jaw didn't drop as the Triwizard Tournament Champions entered with their dates. Cedric entered first with Cho, Fleur followed them with a tall dark-haired boy that Ginny recognized as being a seventh year Ravenclaw, and Krum came in last, with a glowing Hermione.

"Bloody hell! Is that Hermione?! With – with Viktor Krum?!" Ron asked, his voice higher than usual.

Nearly everyone from Hogwarts stared in shock at Hermione, but Ginny smiled. Hermione looked stunning in her light blue dress, and her hair was done up beautifully. However, as the three couples began dancing, Ginny noticed that for some reason she felt quite 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, and Ginny didn't want to miss out.

"Shall we?" Ginny said, holding out her hand to Demelza.

"Lead the way, Miss Weasley." Demelza smiled softly, 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 pushed 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 disgusting, and besides, you seem to be the only one who has a problem with me and Demelza. 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, 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 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, grabbing her hand, and walking off.

"Nicely done, Miss Weasley," Demelza smiled up at her admiringly as they walked away.

"It's only Malfoy – figured he could use a taste of his own medicine." Ginny grinned at Demelza. They continued walking towards the drink table until they ran into Colin and Ritchie, who were now without their dates.

"Where are your dates?" 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 a dejected 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 incredulously.

"Jumping in the lake! It's freezing, but the Durmstrangs say they swim in these temperatures all the time. We can't wimp out now, not when the honor of Hogwarts and Gryffindor is riding on our shoulders, now can we?" Ritchie stated boldly.

Demelza and Ginny stared at him in disbelief as Colin shook his head.

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

"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. He 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, and it has boosted my spirits." He smiled at Hermione as he handed her a drink.

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

"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 happily 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. However, it wasn't Ginny that she'd spotted. It was Juliette, over with the Beauxbatons group. Even as beautiful the Beauxbatons students were as a whole, Juliette easily 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..." she muttered under her breath, trying to remain strong.

As if Juliette felt Hermione staring at her, she turned and locked eyes with Hermione, and smiled. Hermione's breath caught in her throat, everything in her body immediately telling her that maybe Juliette actually was worth it, when Juliette was suddenly blocked from her view.

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

Krum had returned, and was smiling at her hopefully.

"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 was very clearly the emotion on her face. And not just angry, but bordering on livid. When most people's features were twisted out of their beauty in anger, of course, Juliette remained just as radiant. Of course.

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 absolutely fuming.

"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 only just reflecting the anger clearly 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.

Juliette scoffed as she interrupted Hermione. "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'm not! And kindness is something that I value! I care about how people treat other people, Juliette! Viktor has only shown me thoughtfulness and respect and kindness, and he – "

"I believe I 'ave shown you plenty kindness and zoughtfulness, as well as some uzzer zings…"

Hermione couldn't help but blush.

"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 only trying to 'elp 'er improve!" Juliette maintained the whisper, but was clearly 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 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, and 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 glared at her 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 huffed.

"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 she couldn't exactly place.

"'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. But 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 fingertips 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…"

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

"Viktor, I'm so sorry, but I'm not feeling well and I am going to have to call it a night. Thank you so much for a wonderful evening, 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's quite alright, Viktor. Thank you for offering, though. I'll see you soon, okay?"

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

Hermione gave him a small smile then hurried 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 formal 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 sighed. "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 up at her.

"Absolutely didn't know, just went with it! It's good to know you didn't notice, though!" They both laughed.

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

"Of course… I wasn't about to let some little weasel like him ruin our evening."

They shared a brief kiss before Ginny went back through the portrait hole in search of her mum's necklace. She retraced her steps back through the corridors. She stumbled across a fair number of couples taking advantage of empty classrooms, and moved on quickly to continue her search, hoping she didn't happen upon any of her brothers in the process. As she walked, she mentally replayed the night and where she'd been. They'd started in the Great Hall. They danced, got drinks, and then… Went outside to watch Colin and Ritchie jump in the lake with their new friends from Durmstrang… Ginny closed her eyes in frustration and took a deep breath. 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 she would get in or how many house points she would lose for Gryffindor if she got caught out this late… But she couldn't not bring the necklace home to her mum… They didn't have much as it was, she just 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 Black 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, searching for any sign or sound that could reveal the necklace. Just as she decided to return in the morning to continue her search, she heard the snap of a branch nearby. Ginny froze and fear took over.

"Lumos!"

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