Quaffles, Anyone?

Chapter Thirteen

The Christmas Ball

“Er, Harry?” Hermione said “How long have we been up here?”

Harry looked at his wristwatch. They must've stayed at the Astronomy Tower the whole morning. It is nearly lunchtime and they were still hugging in the Astronomy Tower

“Whoops, I think Ron's wondering where we are” Harry said as they broke the hug but something in Harry's mind made him want to hug Hermione again. She looked so sweet wiping her eyes

“Professor Raptor must love old fashioned music” Hermione said as a soothing jazz score played “C'mon”

Harry and Hermione left the Astronomy Tower and it is only the first time Harry felt happy he was alone with Hermione, no Alex, no Ron just the two of them.

- - -

“Are you okay, Hermione?” Ron asked when she and Harry went back the common room after lunch “I heard what happened. That Alex is just a jerk, I feel bad on what he did” Ron gave Hermione a friendly hug

“Thanks, Ron” she sighed as she sank into a squashy armchair “I don't know what to do without you two” she said to Harry and Ron as they both sat beside her

“Do you want anything?” Harry asked Hermione

“Nothing… I just need some time to think, that's all” she said. Harry nodded to Ron and they left Hermione alone to her thoughts. They left the common room and both thought of visiting Dobby in the kitchens

“I feel very bad for Hermione” Ron said “I wonder why Alex has a soft spot on Muggle-borns?”

“He's a jerk, that's why” Rapticon Sr. said from behind, he was still wearing a Santa hat and he was carrying a red sack that was filled with presents

“Merry Christmas, professor” Ron said “Hey, we just want to say thanks for watching Hermione's back like that”

“Don't thank me Ron” Rapticon Sr. said as they went down the Grand Staircase together “Thank Figment, he sensed tension within that jerk's skull. A Gryffindor tipped me off with that information that Alex is not fond with muggle-borns”

“I find it stupid” Harry said as they entered the entrance hall

“Everyone can be stupid sometimes, Harry” Rapticon Sr. said with a fatherly smile “It's just their choices that makes us who we are, isn't that right?”

Harry remembered what Dumbledore said to him during his second year and nodded to him

“Guess what?” Ron said “You just got our votes for the Hogwarts Legend Award”

“Thanks Ron, my chances of winning that award is too big. Half the Slytherins are voting for me over Severus. Bloke”

“Do you insult your fellow teachers?” Harry asked happy at the fact that Professor Raptor called Snape a bloke

“Severus has this knack of insulting his students except for the Slytherins. So what do I do? Give him a taste of his own medicine… Argus is in my list too, ya know”

“Really?” Harry and Ron said in the same time

“Yeah, I kicked his stupid cat since it was lurking in my office. I remember his horrified face when I said `If I see that damn cat in my office again, I'll be forced to shoot it'” he chuckled after that then stopped dead when he started smiling mischievously at someone, Harry followed his gaze and saw Alex walking pass them completely ignoring them

“Hello, Alex” Rapticon Sr. said with loathing “Finding Muggle-borns to break their heart?”

Alex just stood their lost for words

“Thanks to you, Ms. Granger is in a right state” Rapticon Sr. said walking forward to him and pointed a finger “If you ever hurt one of my gifted students again which includes Ms. Granger, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and the others, then I promise to make your life a living hell despite of my position as teacher in this school”

Alex looked at Rapticon Sr.'s eyes with panic he nodded shakily and walked pass them

“You know, he may be a jerk but you shouldn't be that harsh” Ron said

“What if Alex went out with your sister?” Rapticon Sr. said hoisting the sack up to his shoulder

“I-I'll be furious, why would I let a guy like him go out with my sister?”

“Whatever happened to not being harsh?” said Rapticon Sr. as he shrugged his shoulders and continued walking to the Great Hall “C'mon, I need help with the gifts. I'll give you five points every fifteen minutes if ya help me”

“That would be great!” Ron said as they entered the jolly looking Great Hall

- - -

The Christmas Ball was coming close and Harry forgot about asking someone out to the gala but after what happened to Hermione, Harry refused himself to look for a date but his chances on getting one was big and Ron joined Harry's objective on not asking anyone to the ball.

“That's a great thing you are doing for Hermione” Ron said patting the back of Harry in the common room as they sat in their usual seats “If she doesn't have a date then we should have none too”

“Yeah” Harry said disappointingly

“Hey” said the voice of Hermione

“Hey” Ron and Harry said as she sat down with them

“Are you alright?” Ron asked holding Hermione's shoulder

“I just turned down twelve students to the ball and they were all fifth years and below” she said casually and groaned “I'm never going to have anyone in my life”

“You still have us” Ron said with support

“I meant it in another way, Ron” Hermione spat

“I was just helping” said Ron

“What if there is only one special person for everyone? What if I don't get anyone?” she complained looking desperate

“Don't say that Hermione” Harry said finally “Look, I lost Cho and I don't feel bad since I know there are more people out there for me”

Hermione shrugged

“I just feel bad that's all” and with that she climbed up the staircase to the girl's dormitory

“I wish I can do something” Ron said breaking the silence “For Hermione, I mean” he looked around the common room “That's it. One of us has to ask her to the ball”

“What?” Harry asked with wide eyes

“Hermione is our best friend and as friends we should make sure she's happy” Ron explained

“But why are you asking me as if I should do it?” Harry said

Ron's face made an uncomfortable look

“D-Do you want to ask Hermione out?” he asked cautiously

“No” Harry said half-heartedly

“But I have a feeling you do” Ron said smirking “Look at her”

“What do you mean?” Harry asked

“You know what I mean. I remembered your face the moment you saw her at the Yule Ball, sure I was shocked too but your face was the award winner. You were mesmerized by her looks and you can't deny that because you know it, right?”

Harry looked outside of the window. It was true, for a fleeting moment back in the Yule Ball when he saw Hermione, he realized that she was not just the smart bookworm he would be with at the library or the bossy girl that would give them a voice of reason at some things but he realized that Hermione was pretty.

“Well? Did I touch a nerve?” Ron said still smirking

Harry turned to Ron and shook his head

“It's not working Ron” he lied “I won't ask Hermione to a pity date. It's low”

“I see” Ron looked at his thumbs “Looks like bringing Hermione to a pity date won't help right?”

Harry nodded and looked out the window again

“I just wish she can be happy when Christmas comes” Ron said “I feel awful… That's it, I'm going to bed” and with that, he left Harry to his thoughts which were swimming idly in his brain.

- - -

“You see” Rapticon Sr. said as he and Harry walked along the shoreline of the frozen lake which was occupied with students skating “the reason why I'm a raptor is because we survived”

“Survived?” Harry asked

“Um” Rapticon Sr. grabbed an apple from his pocket, rubbed it on his shoulder and took a bite out of it “survive, survive… Um what I mean is that we dinosaurs survived the great asteroid that made us extinct, how we survived is still a mystery… my forefathers' diaries are still missing in the archives back in my hometown and hired diggers would do anything for a stack of cash”

“Professor? Where do you live exactly?” Harry asked as he saw the Creevey twins waving at him nearby

“I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that till I'm ready” Rapticon Sr. replied as they walked up the path to the castle

“Why not?”

Rapticon Sr. looked at Harry and smiled

“Fiyuna is right, you do act like him”

“Who sir? My dad?”

“Nope” They were now entering the Christmas-clad entrance hall which had the scene of the birth of Jesus Christ stationed beside the entrance to the Great Hall

“I didn't notice that” Harry said looking at the stable

“They just put that up just now” Rapticon Sr. said as they both stopped in front of it

“You donated this, didn't you?” Harry asked looking at the statue of a baby in the manger

“Yup, it is to honor my Lord and Savior” Rapticon Sr. said “Lets check out the Great Hall, shall we?”

Harry nodded as they entered the Great Hall which had the usual decorations of lined-up Christmas trees and snowing courtesy of the magical ceiling above

“The ball will look great” Harry said

“Ball? Here?” Rapticon Sr. looked at Harry with a raised eyebrow “You must be mistaken. The ball won't take place here”

“Then” Harry asked as they left the Great Hall “Where will it take place, professor?”

“Do you know Hogwarts has a large ballroom?”

“No” Harry said as they walked to a large corridor with a high ceiling that Harry hasn't been to yet

“Well, Dumbledore suggested that we should use the large room since what's a room if you don't have any use for it?” Rapticon Sr. said as they entered a large rectangular room that had high double doors at the end.

“Where are we?” Harry asked looking at the golden pillars of the high large room

“We are at the entrance hall of the Hogwarts ballroom, wanna see?” said Rapticon Sr. as they walked on a long red carpet that lead to the double doors

“This is it” as they passed through the double doors “The decorations are being finalized but there is no one in here so I think you can take a peek”

Harry's jaw dropped. He couldn't believe Hogwarts would house such a large room. It looked like a Quidditch stadium except that it wasn't the pitch it had a very high glass ceiling so Harry could see the sky. The walls in the other side of the room were filled with high clear glass windows. Pillars made of gold stood high by the walls. A chandelier stood at the center of the ceiling giving light to the ballroom. Like the rest of Hogwarts, the ballroom was decorated with the finest Christmas decors Harry has ever seen with a very tall Christmas tree at the end of the room.

“Well?” Rapticon Sr. said grinning at Harry

“It's brilliant” Harry said “Wait till Ron and Hermione sees this”

“Not to brag or anything but it was I who gave that Christmas tree” he said pointing to the tall Christmas tree which Harry noticed it had hundreds of gifts under the tree

“There are the Hogwarts Legend Awards” Rapticon Sr. said pointing to a table filled with green boxes at the other side of the room “and over there is where the food will be… McGonagall is planning to put an ice fountain at that end” he continued gesturing to all the places he said “Dumbledore charmed the room so I can use my music since I'm assigned”

“Hermione likes your music” Harry said

“Really?” Rapticon Sr. said

“I like it too. Makes me relax a bit”

“Thanks, Harry… They are all the golden oldies but I never knew children of your generation would like it” he rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said “I think I'll put in some more music”

They walked around the large room for twelve minutes while Rapticon Sr. explained the purposes of each decoration.

“The ball will be perfect here” Harry said looking at the glass ceiling above “Hermione will love it” Harry then closed his mouth with his hands and looked at Rapticon Sr. blushing

“Don't worry, Harry” Rapticon Sr. said holding his shoulder “You have every right to make Hermione happy. I know you and Ron love her so I'm not taking your views of Hermione seriously. You can stop blushing now” he added

Harry put down his hands and sighed smiling at Rapticon Sr.

“Thanks, professor”

“Your welcome” said Rapticon Sr. “Now let's go. I have to wrap that cheese bomb for Alex” he said making Harry laugh as they left the empty ballroom

- - -

Harry felt like he wanted to be alone and three nights before the ball, he stayed at the side of the lake and imagined what the ball would look like ever since he has seen the venue. I just hope I can find a date, Harry thought and his whole world went back to Hermione.

“I wish she found a date” Harry muttered as he lay down the snow covered ground with his arms behind his head

“Harry?”

Harry sat up and saw Fiyuna right beside him

“I see you're not sleeping” she said smiling “I came here to give you this” she handed out a tall blue leather box which Harry recognized as a quill box “A little something before Christmas” she sat down beside Harry

“I think I'll open it on Christmas” Harry said putting it aside

There was a slight pause then…

“So, do you have anyone to ask out for the ball?” Fiyuna asked

“I was planning to ask Hermione out but I realized it would be a pity date” Harry was surprised he was comfortable talking about this with Fiyuna

“That Alex was such a jerk blowing her off like that” she snorted “Because she's Muggle-born. So? Hermione's a great person why would a stuck up fool break up with her” Fiyuna looked up at sky and sighed “I just hope Rapticon Sr. will give Alex a hard time… He's so mean”

Harry looked at Fiyuna and smiled

“Can you show me what you look like under your hood now?” Harry asked still smiling at Fiyuna

“Oh” she said “I think now is a bad time but just pray” she looked at Harry “that we might encounter the perfect time”

Harry just sat there feeling relaxed. Fiyuna's presence was very comforting and Harry felt like he can pour all of his emotions in front of her without difficulty

“Can I ask you one question?” Harry asked looking at the lake

“Go” she said

“Er - the person you mentioned ages back… You said I have his likeness. Can you tell me who he is?”

Harry saw Fiyuna's lips spread to a small smile

“You really want to know?” she asked

Harry nodded

“First of all, it isn't your father. I never knew James but many people say he's a great man”

Harry gave a small snort when she said this

“Secondly, the person that has your likeness is not here”

“I can see that” Harry said

“No, I meant he isn't here” she said

Harry then realized what she meant… he frowned and felt guilty

“I'm sorry” Harry said “I-I forgot”

“It is okay” she said “Besides, after this, Hogwarts I mean. Rapticon Sr. promised me that he will help me find him because I believe” she paused “that our loved ones are never gone even though you saw them die in front of your eyes” she looked at Harry “Am I making you uncomfortable? I just realized that your godfather -”

“Don't worry” Harry said waving his hand lazily “I'm over it”

It took a while for Harry to notice that Sirius died. Maybe the fun and laughter he's been having made his feelings for Sirius disappeared. Harry felt Fiyuna's hand hold his shoulder

“Don't be sad” she said “I know how you feel”

Harry didn't know why but he held her hand when he reached for his shoulder

“Thanks for being here with me” Harry said

She giggled

“Your welcome” and they released their hands after that. “Look at the time” she said looking at her wristwatch “I wish I could stay longer but I have to go. See ya” she stood up, ruffled Harry's hair and walked across the snow and into the castle.

“She's like a sister to you right?” Ron's voice popped out from Harry's right. Harry looked at Ron who was smirking

“Yup” Harry said “Nothing more, nothing less. I feel this energy around her which makes me feel comfortable. It's like having a sister” Harry said drawing pictures in the snow but wiped it off “But Hermione's another story” he muttered so Ron wouldn't hear

“C'mon, Professor Raptor likes us to join him for some hot choco with his mates” Ron said as he pulled Harry up and walked to the castle looking at Fiyuna's footprints in the snow.

- - -

Harry woke on Christmas morning to find a mountain full of presents at the foot of his bed.

“Merry Christmas” Ron greeted who was halfway down his own pile

“Same to you” Harry said “Wow, my pile is bigger this year”

“I bet Professor Raptor has a present for you” Dean said “He's got me a football jersey. A West Ham jersey, mind you” he beamed as he took out a t-shirt that was used for football teams

“Cool” Harry said as he opened a present that came from Mrs. Weasley

“Maroon again” Ron groaned as he opened his present which contained Mrs. Weasley's famous Weasley sweater “But that won't stop my happiness” he said as he opened another gift

Harry looked around his present and received mince pies from Mrs. Weasley, a Weasley sweater, sweets from Lupin, a book of Metamorphmagi from Tonks (“I sent an owl for that” Ron said his face turning slightly red), Quidditch-themed socks from Dobby and a present from Rapticon Sr. which was wrapped in red wrapping paper

“Your present looks like a book” Ron said as Harry observed the red present “open it”

Harry shrugged and opened it. Instead of sweets or a sweater, a book fell out which had a card taped to the cover:

Hagrid and I planned to revise your photo album and what a search we made! I hope this album will help you realize that the people you love will always be in your heart. Merry Christmas!

~ Rapticon Sr. ~

Harry opened the album and saw lots of moving pictures of his family. Harry smiled at them. He turned another page and his heart leapt, there was him and Sirius in number twelve, Grimmauld Place. The photo looked like as if someone took it without them noticing. Harry's smile grew larger when he saw a picture of the Quidditch team when Wood was still captain, beside the picture was the present House Team. Harry wondered when this was taken. There was Ron and Ginny beaming at him while Katie waved at him, Mark and James were nodding and grinning around the picture and Hermione smiled at Harry blowing kisses at him.

“Wow, how did Professor Raptor get you that?” Ron said looking at the card “You have to repay him, Harry” he said

Harry beamed at the photo album and set it aside as he opened the other gifts.

“Hermione's kind of different this year” Ron said opening Hermione's present which was a book on Ron's favorite Quidditch team: Flying with the Canons

Harry raised an eyebrow and searched for his present from Hermione, he found it except it was small. Harry grabbed the card and read it:

Dear Harry,

Thank you for everything you've done for me and this is my token of gratitude for everything you've done.

Love from,

Hermione

Harry looked at the small box and opened it.

“Wow” Harry said looking at the box which had a golden “H” on the black material. Harry opened it and saw a golden ring that had the golden snitch at the top of the band making the snitch ball a topaz jewel with diamond encrusted wings.

“Hermione” Harry muttered putting the ring in his finger

“Wow!” Ron said looking at the ring “Hermione got you that?”

Harry looked at Ron and nodded

“Why didn't she get me one?” Ron said looking at the ceiling and shrugged as he went back to his present

Harry gazed at the ring. Hermione must like him more than Ron. Harry had the feeling that Rapticon Sr. gave Hermione a catalog which was a good thing.

Harry's smile grew even wider when he remembered the present he gave her was the ring he should have gave her back then. Merlin's Ring.

“You know” Ron said opening his present from Rapticon Sr.: an authentic Chudley Canons Quidditch robe “I hope you gave Hermione a great present like that or it will feel like a favor you haven't returned”

“Don't worry” Harry said putting the ring back inside the black box “I gave her something special too”

- - -

“Thanks, Hermione” Harry said to a smiling Hermione during Christmas lunch

“Your welcome and thanks for the ring, I never knew you would send the same thing except this ring” she said holding out her finger “is more valuable” she smiled at Harry. It's been a while since Harry saw Hermione smile.

“Take a look at Fiyuna” Ron said pointing to the High Table

Harry looked at the High Table and saw a flock of owls giving Fiyuna presents. Lots of presents.

“She must be a local celebrity back home” Ron said taking a bite of his Christmas ham

Harry, Ron and Hermione spent the afternoon playing snowball fight which Elvis, who was walking around that time, joined in.

“Elvis!” Figment called from the entrance hall “You are married, you have kids and you are acting like a child -” but was cut off when Elvis threw a snowball at him

“Gotcha!” Elvis said giving Ron a high five

“So” Figment said wiping the snow off his suit “Wanna play?”

A dozen of snowballs floated in mid-air and started circling around Figment

Harry saw Elvis gulp

“Then let's play!”

Harry, Ron and Hermione laughed as Elvis ran away from the swarm of snowballs Figment was hurling with his psychic abilities

Harry and company stopped playing snowballs when Elvis and Figment said they needed to get ready for the ball. This triggered Harry's memory

“The ball!” Ron said “I've been having this much fun and I forgot about the ball! C'mon!” Ron ran up the entrance hall with Harry and Hermione following suit

- - -

“Wow, you look stylish” Harry commented on Ron's dress robes which Fred and George bought him that night at the common room filled with students in their dress robes.

“Thanks” Ron said fixing his robes “you don't look bad yourself”

Harry looked at his green dress robes and grinned

“Thanks. Now c'mon, the ball's about to start” Harry said then realized something “Oh yeah, we forgot about Hermione”

“Hermione isn't coming to the ball” said Parvati looking pretty in a pink dress and winked at Harry despite what happened to them during the Yule Ball.

“What? Why?” Ron asked

“She says that she doesn't want to look stupid being alone. Poor thing” Lavender said

“Where is she?” Harry said looking up at the staircase that leads to the girl's dormitories

“She isn't there” Parvati said shrugging “C'mon Lavender, our dates are waiting” and with that Lavender and Parvati left

“I hope she's okay” Ron said looking around worriedly “I bet Alex did her in” he said glaring at the sky from the window which made Harry think

“I think I know where she is” Harry said thinking of the Astronomy Tower

“Really? Then why don't you find her and I go ahead. She will miss such a great event!” Ron said

Harry nodded and rushed out of the portrait hole to find himself in a Christmas-ish looking Grand Staircase. Harry climbed to the highest floor and started walking towards the Astronomy Tower's corridor. Harry climbed the stairs and opened the door to the tower and found Hermione still wearing a sweater and a pair of jeans.

“Hermione?”

Hermione turned and blushed a bit

“Oh, it's you” she smiled at Harry “You look handsome”

“Why aren't you coming?” Harry said feeling a bit cold in the face

“I don't feel like it” she said

“But what if this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity?” Harry said sounding desperate

“Harry, don't be naïve, I don't want to go because I will feel stupid without a date”

Harry bit his lower lip then said

“I have no date but still I'm coming because -” Harry paused “I think I might find someone there”

Hermione turned to Harry and smiled

“I'm sorry Harry” she held his shoulder “I'm not going to the ball because I have no one”

Harry then thought and thought and thought then finally

“Then go to the ball with me”

Hermione turned to Harry blushing slightly

“What?”

“Come with me. I'm asking you to the ball” Harry said looking at Hermione

Hermione started smiling

“You really want to go to the ball with me?”

Harry nodded and held her hands “I'm asking you because I-I'm your friend”

Hermione smiled “Stop looking me like that! Alright, I'm coming but only because you looks so good” she said as she went down Astronomy Tower with Harry following suit

Harry waited in the empty common room for Hermione, he looked at his wristwatch. They were twenty four minutes late but that's okay.

“Faster Hermione!” Harry called from the bottom of the stairs

“Just a minute! I'm just getting use to these heels” Hermione called back

Harry looked at the fireplace and started thinking of things till

“I'm ready”

Harry turned and his jaw slightly dropped at Hermione: she was beautiful. She was wearing a silver dress with matching high heels and her hair was not bushy but straight. She had less make-up and that was okay to Harry since Hermione looked pretty with or without make-up.

“Well?” Hermione smiled gingerly holding her skirt

“Wow” Harry said nervously feeling like he was the nerd and Hermione was the popular one “Hermione, you look beautiful”

Hermione blushed and said

“You really think so? I kind of find my body not that fit though”

Harry thought Hermione was being modest. She wasn't the bookworm he knew since he met her in his first trip to Hogwarts. She was a very mature person. She had curves and her face was very pretty.

“Where did you get the dress?” Harry said still transfixed at Hermione

“Fiyuna gave it to me for Christmas” Hermione said

“Looks like great minds think alike” Harry said

Hermione blushed and started swaying gingerly as if waiting for something

“Ready?” Harry smiled holding out his arm to her

“I think so” Hermione said as she held Harry's arm and without further ado, they left the common room

- - -

Hermione looked in awe when she saw the hall before the ballroom. It was brilliant and Harry could hear distant music that sounded like jazz.

“It looks brilliant” Hermione said gazing at the tinsels

“Wait till you see the ballroom” Harry said grinning as they walked down the red carpet

Harry walked toward the double doors which was blocked by two people holding palm leaves, when Harry passed them they both parted revealing the inside.

“Wow!” he heard Hermione

“Welcome to the ball!” said an usher as he came to both of them “And you are?”

“Harry Potter and Hermione Granger” Harry said

“Granger and Potter?” the usher looked at his list and nodded “Well, enjoy the party!” as he gestured to the ballroom

“I love it” Hermione said

Harry looked around: the ballroom was filled with students and their dates and a band that looked like Muggles were at the corner playing jazz type music. The ice fountain that Rapticon Sr. mentioned was big and it took the shape of two turtle doves sprouting water from their beaks.

“Appetizers for Harry Potter?”

Harry looked down and saw Dobby in a small tux beaming at him while holding a plate of appetizers

“Dobby” Harry smiled “How are you doing?”

“Dobby is fine, sir but please take an appetizer! We house-elves made it especially for all of you”

“Thanks, Dobby” Harry said as he took an appetizer and winked at Dobby as he left

“The music is great” Harry heard Hermione

“Oy! Harry! Hermione!”

Harry turned and saw Ron near the buffet of food. He was holding a glass of grape juice

“Hey Ron” Harry said as they went to him

“Wow, Hermione is that you?” Ron said gazing at Hermione

“Yes it's me Ron” Hermione said “You look as good as Harry” she added looking at Ron “Save me a dance will you?” she said grabbing a drink from the punch bowl

“Er - sure why not?” Ron said looking at Harry nervously

“Harry! Thought you wouldn't make it!” It was Figment and Elvis who were still wearing the same clothes “Rapticon Sr. sends his regards”

Harry smiled at both of them and nodded

“Looks like you three are happy and Harry” Figment went closer to Harry and whispered “Don't let go of Hermione”

“Hey!” Harry said as Figment chuckled

“C'mon Elvis. If you wanna dance the limbo then I suggest we move on. See ya guys” Figment and Elvis disappeared into the dancing throng

“C'mon Ron!” Hermione said putting down her glass “Let's dance!”

“I don't know” Ron said “Unless it's okay with Harry”

“Of course he'll say it's alright” she said “I'm your friend after all”

“I don't know if you are Hermione” Ron said nervously as he and Hermione disappeared into the crowd

“I see you were able to convince Hermione to come”

Harry turned and saw Rapticon Sr. in a tux

“Hey, Professor” Harry said

“Hello Harry” he smiled “Hermione looks pretty tonight, reminds me of Fiyuna”

“Where is she?” Harry asked taking a sip of grape juice

“I don't think half of her is coming” Rapticon Sr. said taking a sip of grape juice

“What do you mean?” Harry asked

“Never mind” Rapticon Sr. said “What do you think of the band?”

“Great” Harry said “They are Muggles aren't they?”

“Yup” Rapticon Sr. said “Thanks for the present Harry” he added

“Thanks for the album too” Harry replied

“Your welcome” Rapticon Sr. said as a group of Slytherins passed by and greeted him

“Have you seen Figment or Elvis?”

Harry pointed to the ice fountain and with a nod, Rapticon Sr. left Harry alone

The first forty minutes of the ball was lively till Dumbledore came up to the stand and silenced the band to stop playing.

“Good evening to everyone!” Dumbledore called out “I hope you are having a great time but before we can get to the awarding ceremony please” Dumbledore waved his wand and a group of chairs and tables appeared around the wide spots of the ballroom “take a seat and grab a bite to eat!”

Harry moved from his position and was able to grab a table

“Good seats” Ron said as he and Hermione came about “It's near the buffet and it is near stage. I'll get some grub for you two and for me, just wait here” Ron then disappeared when he entered the line of the buffet leaving Harry and Hermione alone

“Thanks for bringing me” Hermione said holding Harry's hand which made him shake “I never had this fun since” she then looked around then said “Hey after the awarding ceremony can you er - dance with me?” she said

Harry smiled sheepishly

“Sure. Er - why not?”

“Thanks” Hermione said as she gazed at Harry. She looked at him for quite a long time and this made Harry uncomfortable “You know your dress robes bring the greenness in your eyes”

“Really?” Harry said feeling hot in the collar “Thanks for noticing”

She giggled

“You're so cute when you look nervous” Hermione said

“Nervous? Who says I'm nervous?” Harry said in panicky note

“I think you are” said Hermione “C'mon, ever since I wore this you looked like a zombie around me. Are you fine? Or what I'm wearing too much for you?” she teased

“I-I'm fine” Harry said feeling more nervous. What was she playing at?

“I'm just playing with you” Hermione said “God, looking at you being all nervous was a treat” she added

Harry felt as if a twelve pound weight was released from his shoulder. So, she was just playing, Harry thought.

“You know” Hermione said holding Harry's hand again “During that time when you comforted me when Alex broke up with me, I felt happy that it was you who came. Not Ron, you”

“Thanks for saying that” Harry said trying to slide his hand away from Hermione's

“I really meant that” she said grabbing Harry's hand and looking at him seriously “I really do, Harry”

What's she doing? Harry thought

“Harry?” Hermione asked “Can I ask you one question?”

“Y-Yeah, f-fire away” Harry said now sweating half-dreading on what Hermione would ask

“Do you want to brea -”

“Whew!” Ron came holding a tray. Harry noticed Hermione removed her hand from his “That line was a killer but I'm here so there's nothing to worry about”

Harry took the interruption as an opportunity to gain confidence

“What was that you were asking Hermione?” Harry asked

Hermione bit her lower lip

“Forget what I said… It's just silly” she added smiling casually. Hermione took the food from the tray and started eating. She became a bit silent when she ate her food.

Harry tried to forget that awkward moment by listening to Ron's story on what happened in the buffet table

“…and then I saw this big mountain of chocolate cake and found out it was Hagrid! Ha! Can you believe that?” Ron said laughing “Glad thing he didn't know what I was doing or else!”

Five minutes later, Dumbledore went up the podium and called the crowd to be silent

“You may continue on what you are doing but please at least give half of your attention to the ceremony” Dumbledore said his eyes twinkling “Good!” he said when the whole throng silenced only the sound of forks and knives could be heard

“Anyway, we are here not just to interact with our peers but to honor the nominees to the prestigious Hogwarts Legend Award!” Dumbledore paused as the whole room broke to applause and silenced when Dumbledore held out his hand “Ages past, you were received a list of the nominees and you chose who will receive this award. Tonight we will find out who were the winners for these awards and I will be announcing the first one! For Discipline, the Hogwarts Legend Award will go to…”

One of the band members gave out a drum roll

“Professor McGonagall!” Dumbledore called out as the room broke into applause while McGonagall beamed at the students receiving her green box from Dumbledore when she reached the stage

“Speech!” Harry heard Seamus yell from behind

“Very well” McGonagall said smiling “I just want to thank you all for choosing me for this award and I hope that you lot will be as behaved as possible. Thank you”

“Professor McGonagall, ladies and gentlemen!” Dumbledore said as the crowd broke to applause when McGonagall left the stage “Now lets get on with the ceremony but lets have a little music to keep the spirits up!”

The band started playing a jazz tune that sounded like the beginning scores of talk shows Uncle Vernon would watch

The ceremony continued on with lots of emotion since students would laugh when Professor Flitwick would stumble when he received his award for Good Teaching he was helped later by Figment and Elvis. The biggest pop of the night was when Rapticon Sr. won two awards: for popularity and the Hogwarts Legend Award.

“I just want to thank Malfoy for making my life a laughable one” Rapticon Sr. said during his acceptance speech for the Hogwarts Legend Award “And if it wasn't for him and his gang Hogwarts will be a boring place” he added receiving cheers from the Slytherins “Thank you, Hogwarts!” Rapticon Sr. raised his hands as the ballroom broke to a big applause as he went down the stage.

“Congratulations Professor Raptor!” Dumbledore said applauding with the rest “Before we continue with the Hogwarts Legend Award for the dear students lets have a song number from our guest band that our dear Rapticon Sr. has provided for us!”

The band started playing more tunes while Harry looked around at the wonderful atmosphere.

“Oh no” Ron said in a panicky voice “The Hogwarts Legend Award is up next. What if I don't win? Then that's okay but what if I don't win then Malfoy wins?”

“Ron, relax.” Hermione said a giggling at Ron's nervousness “If you don't win then me and Harry will still love you”

“But what if you win?” Rapticon Sr. said from behind as he took a seat with Harry, Ron and Hermione

“Congratulations, Professor” Hermione said “Wow, two awards in one night! What an achievement. How do you feel about it?”

“Are you interviewing me or is that dress too much for Harry here?” Rapticon Sr. said looking at Hermione who blushed but laughed and said “You are so easy! Looks like the awards for the student body is up next” Rapticon Sr. looked up “I'll be here to support you Ron. Hey!” he called a house-elf “May I ask for four drinks? And here's a little something for you” he gave a galleon to the house-elf who bowed and disappeared into the crowd.

“You have the bribery skills, you know” Ron said impressively as the house-elf came back holding a tray of drinks and started distributing them to Harry, Ron, Hermione and Rapticon Sr.

“Thanks” Harry said as he took a sip

“Just making my students happy” Rapticon Sr. said taking a sip “Oh, its beginning”

Dumbledore went up the stage and the room fell silent again

“Before we continue with the awarding ceremony I just want to say thank you for joining us tonight in this Hogwarts event and I hope you all stay after the ceremony because we will have a little dancing before the night ends. Anyway, back to the awarding!”

Dumbledore asked for a drum roll and received it

“Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for: The Hogwarts Legend Award for the student division!” there was a tense silence when Dumbledore said

“We all know the four students who received this award. They were originally assigned to present the award to the winner but since two of them left Hogwarts and are not available at the moment, Mr. Harry Potter and Ms. Hermione Granger, Hogwarts' Legends will present the award to the winner. Mr. Potter? Ms. Granger?”

A magical-made spotlight shone on Harry making him red when the hall ballroom applauded for him

“Go Harry!” he heard Elvis shout with a whistle following-up

“C'mon Harry” Hermione pushed him making him walk up the stage

Harry walked nervously with Hermione following beside him. They both walked up the stage. Hermione got a big pop from the crowd since she looked pretty, Harry thought

“Take the podium Harry” Hermione said smiling at him. Dumbledore bowed at both of them and left the podium

“Er - greetings” Harry said nervously at the podium. Harry heard Rapticon Sr. applauding making the ballroom break into applause except for the Slytherins' side which didn't bother Harry

“Er,” Harry pulled his collar to let out some air and said “Actually, this is my first time doing this so you get the idea”

Harry heard Dean call him whose table was near the stage, he gave a thumbs up which made Harry's confidence grow

“Anyway” Harry felt beads of sweat come down his face “On with the awards! For the Hogwarts Legend Award for the student division”

Harry was interrupted by a drum roll from the band

“The winner is…” Harry ripped the envelope apart and read the name: Ronald Weasley

“Ronald Weasley!” Harry called aloud his spirits rising as the band started playing a happy tune whilst the crowd applauded especially the Gryffindors

Harry didn't know what to do, just stay there and watch Ron go up the stage looking so happy with himself and taking his award from Hermione who gave him a kiss in the cheek and leaving without an acceptance speech which made the crowd laugh when he nearly stumbled still looking happy.

“Congratulations, Ron!” Harry said as he looked at Dumbledore who nodded at him signaling his departure from the stage

Feeling relieved, Harry and Hermione went down the stage and returned to their table with Ron and Rapticon Sr.

“This is great! This thing will look good with my prefect badge”

“Easy Ron” Rapticon Sr. said smiling at him “Don't be a Percy”

Ron looked at Rapticon Sr. and smiled at him. Ron then became transfixed with his new award

“How does it feel Ron?” Hermione asked beaming

“It feels great!” Ron said and did you see the look of Malfoy's face? I bet he's fuming right now!”

“I feel like a jolly chap right now” Rapticon Sr. said drinking his glass of grape juice “Ron, you just earned five points for Gryffindor”

“Thanks, Professor” Ron said putting the green box in his pocket

“Anytime” said Rapticon Sr. waving his hand lazily. Rapticon Sr. dropped his glass, grabbed a spoon and started tapping his glass making the ballroom silent

“Howdy!” Rapticon Sr. said as the whole crowd replied him happily “I just want to make a toast to the lovely couple: Harry and Hermione - whoops! Wrong speech! Damn, I'm drinking too much grape juice. Anyway, back to my toast. This is to all the Hogwarts Legend Awardees especially Ronald here” he said looking at Ron “This is to give them gratitude for making Hogwarts a perfect educational working environment to all students. I salute them!” He gave a salute making the whole room applause

“Thanks for the recognition Rapticon Sr.” Dumbledore said on the stage “And now, we can all have our dance!” he clapped his hands then all the students stood up and the chairs and tables moved to the side making a wide space in the middle “Have fun!” and with that Dumbledore signaled the band to play music and left eh stage leaving the whole crowd to dance

“C'mon Harry” Hermione said standing up holding Harry's hand “Let's dance! This song is nice, Fiyuna made me listen to it ages back!” she looked at Harry who gave a nervous look

“Please?” Hermione said pouting at him

“Alright” Harry said as Hermione pulled him to the throng of people who were dancing to the slow song “Reflections”

“I'm not sure about this” Harry said as Hermione grabbed his hand and placed it on her waist “I don't know how to dance”

“It's easy” Hermione said moving closer to Harry as the lights dimmed

`Look at me

You may think you see

Who I really am

But you'll never know me'

“Do we have to be this close?” Harry asked nervously as they both swayed to the music

“We have to be close” said Hermione “I've been doing this since I was four so trust me in this thing and of course that's the way”

`Every day

It's as if I play a part

Now I see

If I wear a mask

I can fool the world'

Harry and Hermione danced to the music. Harry saw Hermione smiling at him

“Are you alright?” Hermione asked as Harry twirled her around slowly

“I'm fine” Harry said looking into her chocolate brown eyes

`But I cannot fool my heart'

“This is great, huh?” Hermione said moving closer to Harry so their faces where inches apart

`Who is that girl I see

Staring straight back at me

When will my reflection show

Who I am inside'

Harry moved a bit further away from Hermione so it wouldn't look awkward because Dean and Seamus were winking at him as they danced with their partners.

“The nightlight is beautiful” Hermione commented on the ceiling above

“Your right” Harry said but he was referring to Hermione not the stupid nightlight “It is beautiful”

`I am now

In a world where I

Have to hide my heart

And what I believe in'

“Do you feel something?” Hermione said looking into Harry's eyes

“I-I think so” Harry said looking back at Hermione

“I love your eyes” Hermione said

“I like your hair” Harry said as they moved to another spot

Harry was getting used to this dance not because he was dancing it long enough to learn it but he was getting used to it since Hermione was there

`But somehow

I will show the world

What's inside my heart

And be loved for who I am'

Hermione moved closer and rested her head on Harry's shoulder, she hugged him and Harry hugged back making him shake slightly. It was like on top of the Astronomy Tower again

“Harry?” Hermione said in his ear

“Yeah?” Harry said smelling her fragrant hair

“Er - never mind. I forgot what I was about to ask” Hermione said

`Who is that girl I see

Staring straight back at me

Why is my reflection

Someone I don't know

Must I pretend that I'm

Someone else

For all time

When will my reflection show?

Who I am inside'

Harry saw Rapticon Sr. talking to Ron at the buffet table. He raised his glass to him and winked at him

“Nice partner Harry” Seamus said as they passed each other

`There's a heart that must be free to fly

A burn with a need to know the reason why'

If this is a dream Harry's mind thought I hope I don't wake up… Wait a minute? If I wish I never woke up then that means…

`Why must we all conceal

What we think

How we feel

Must there be a secret me

I'm forced to hide

I won't pretend that I'm

Someone else

For all time'

No, it can't be… I'm just jealous… Nothing more, nothing less, Harry thought

When will my reflection show?

Who I am inside!

Harry and Hermione stopped dancing and they both looked at each other

“You look like you're having fun” Hermione said her face moving closer

“I think I am” Harry said his face moving closer to Hermione's

When will my reflection show?

Who I am inside…

“Ahem”

Harry realized how close he was with Hermione he pulled back and saw Ron holding a glass

“The song's over” Ron said smirking “Professor Raptor compared you two to a couple of turtle doves”

Harry looked at Hermione, she was blushing. They both walked to the chairs that were stationed there earlier by Dumbledore's magic

“You two looked like were having fun” Figment said who was with Rapticon Sr.

“We did” Hermione said “I think I'll get a drink” Hermione then disappeared to the crowd leaving Harry lost in thought

“You like her, do you?” Elvis said smirking under his fedora hat

Harry looked at Elvis. Is it true? Was his jealousy evolving like what Rapticon Sr. said back then?

“I don't know”

“Oh c'mon!” Elvis teased “We saw how close you were”

“Elvis, please!” Figment said “Don't mind Harry's love life” he then laughed with Elvis when he said this

“Shut it you two” Ron said to the laughing duo

Rapticon Sr. looked at Harry and smiled. Harry saw Rapticon Sr. lookout in the crowd, his eyes turned wide and looked at Harry

“Harry, I think someone would want to dance with you” Rapticon Sr. grabbed Ron “C'mon Ron. Me, Figment and Elvis are going to tell ya a story that can shrink your balls to a raisin”

“What?” Ron said as he followed the three

Harry wondered what they were going to do but forgot about it since he wanted to meet Hermione again. But before he could stand…

“Excuse me? But are you Harry Potter?”

Harry looked up and his jaw nearly dropped… right in front of him was a very pretty girl. She was a brunette and her shoulder length hair made her even prettier, she had bi-colored eyes: blue on the right and green on the left. She was Japanese but something British was around her likeness. She wore a figure-hugging black dress and she had a diamond necklace around her neck. Harry knew this girl… Fiyuna's picture but what is she doing here and where is Fiyuna?

“I-I am” Harry said shakily

“I see” she gave a slight bow “Can I ask you one question?” she asked in a very familiar way Harry recognized before

“Fire away” he said

“Can I have this dance?” she asked smiling at Harry that looked so recognizable but he couldn't dig deep into his memory

“S-Sure” Harry said nervously

The pretty brunette grabbed Harry by the hand and moved him into the throng of people who were getting ready to dance to the next song

“I like this song” the brunette said happily as the starting tunes of “The Way You Look Tonight” by Tony Bennett played

`Someday when I'm awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
and the way you look--tonight.

Oh, but your lovely,
with your smile so warm,
and your cheek so soft,
there is nothing for me, but to love you...
just the way you look—tonight'

Just like with Hermione, Harry and the pretty brunette danced to the music in the same position except Harry felt very comfortable around her… as if he knew her.

“Who are you really?” Harry asked the girl

She smiled down at him. She was taller than him by a head but she was still pretty

“Just don't ask any questions… I'm here for one night only” she said ruffling his hair affectionately. Harry looked up at the sky, only one person does that to him

`With each word your tenderness grows,
tearing my fears apart.
and that laugh, that wrinkles your nose...
touches my foolish heart'

Harry looked around and some of the boys were gawking at Harry's dance partner who was the prettiest girl in the room. Only Hermione was as beautiful as her, Harry thought

`Your so lovely-- ever-ever change.
keep that breathless charm,
wont you please arrange it?
because I love you...
just the way you look tonight'

“You know, I always wanted to dance with the Boy Who Lived” she said looking at Harry. Harry thought she was looking at his scar but she said

“If you think I'm looking your scar then think twice… I'm looking at your eyes”

Harry then felt like a brick hit him… He heard that quote somewhere

“Er - so… what's your name?”

“I wish I could tell you but not right now… It's a bad time” she smiled at Harry her bi-colored eyes twinkling at him “Why don't you pray for the perfect time?”

Harry looked at her again… Someone said that before but he couldn't get it out

“Er - do you know Fiyuna?” Harry asked gingerly

“Fiyuna?” she said “I know her… she's nice… she mentions about you a lot”

For a fleeting moment Harry thought he saw her bit her lower lip rather uncomfortably as if she lied

“I don't see you around here” Harry asked “Why only now I met you?”

She giggled and Harry felt another memory come up. Her laugh was recognizable

“You're so like him”

Then Harry froze… Could this be who he thinks she is? It can't be…

`Your so lovely-- ever-ever change.
keep that breathless charm,
wont you please arrange it?
because I-- love you...
just the way you look tonight'

The pretty brunette looked from a distance and looked at Harry

“I wish I could stay longer… but I have to go”

“Go?” Harry asked puzzlingly “But you just got here”

“I'm sorry” the girl looked at him and gave him a peck in the cheek “But I have to go… say hi to Fiyuna for me”

“Wait!” Harry was too late, she disappeared into the crowd. Harry held his cheek and thought

`Just the way you look...tonight'

“Fiyuna?” then Harry shook his head. He had to find Hermione… he wanted to talk to her. About some stuff… important stuff

Harry walked to the buffet and didn't find Hermione there

“Hey Neville” Harry said to Neville who was talking to Professor Sprout

“Hello Harry. Saw you with that pretty girl. Great job”

“Never mind that” Harry said “Where's Hermione?”

“I saw her with some guy at that corner” Neville said pointing to the corner

“Thanks” Harry patted his shoulder and started walking to the throng of dancers when he got out of the crowd Harry saw Hermione but stopped dead when he saw her smiling to a tall man… she was holding his hand affectionately… It was Viktor Krum.

“What?” Harry said confusingly. What was Viktor Krum doing here?

“He came here to meet Ms. Granger” Harry heard Professor McGonagall behind him “He heard of her Quidditch skills and sent me an owl that he will come to the ball to meet her and discuss some stuff” she said as she beamed at Hermione and Viktor who were talking animatedly

Then a new feeling came to Harry: it wasn't a feeling of jealousy, no. It was a new one, something came to his heart and he only realized now when he saw Hermione go back to the arms of a guy who thought Harry and Hermione were together during his fourth year. It was no chance denying it and it was truth not fact: Harry has feelings for Hermione.

“I hate it when these things happened” said the voice of Rapticon Sr. in his head

“I like Hermione” Harry muttered absent-mindedly “Professor Raptor was right, after all. Damn”