A Minuet in the Gryffindor Common Room

A Minuet in the Gryffindor Common Room

Hermione could hardly contain the excitement in her heart. There was going to be a ball. The last ball she attended was the Yule Ball during the tournament for the goblet. Her escort was Viktor Krum. Now of course that all changed. After discovering their love for each other she knew that Ron Weasley would be her escort.

In the time between times they met in the hallway. Ron gave her a light kiss and asked her how her day had been. She told him all was well and then asked him how his day had proceeded and he replied in the same way. She then asked if he knew about the upcoming ball and he replied that he did indeed hear of it. With an excited expression on her face she then waited for him to ask her to go to the ball. She knew he would take her, but she still wanted him to ask her. In a sense it was more of a formality then a question where he would be nervous about her reply because he surely knew she would say yes.

Ron then set his flappers in motion and talked about here there and everywhere, but not the ball. Hermione started to show frustration on her face and in her body language. She folded her arms in front of her and began to tire of repeating yes Ron. She finally had enough and placed her hand on his mouth. She then asked him if there was anything he wanted to ask her. He stood there with a puzzled look on his face when all of a sudden his face lit up like a light bulb had turned on in his head. She smiled at this because, she saw that he now knew what he was suppose to ask her. He then promptly asked her if she would eat dinner with him in the Great Hall. The wind blew out of Hermione's sails as she looked at him with total disbelief. She then sharply told him that of course she would have dinner with him and then turned to stomp off. Before she could make a complete turn he grabbed her and twirled her toward him. He then giggled which made her even more angry.

"Oh by the way would you go to the ball with me?"

"Ooh Ronald Weasley!"

He then pulled her to him and as he embraced her he could feel the tension leave her body. She moved her head back and saw twinkles in his eyes. He lifted her chin with his fingers.

"I love you so very much, Hermione Granger."

She told him that she loved him too. She then said yes. Ron gave her a puzzled look like yes to what. Her eyes began to look like daggers. Ron laughed. "Oh the ball." She gave him a light smile.

"At times I wish you would be more romantic with me, Ron Weasley."

He gently hugged her and they walked off to the Great Hall and dinner.

Now that Hermione had been "Romantically" asked to the ball, she began to plan what she would wear. She put as much intensity into this as she did her schoolwork and of course her daily planner had details of her dress style and color. She mentioned to Ron that a lilac color would be nice, but Ron became upset at the mention of this color because it would remind him of Hermione's infatuation with Gilderoy Lockhart. His favorite color was lilac and Ron didn't want to be reminded of that thick git. Hermione thought about wearing the color anyway just to miff Ron. However, a flash came across her memory that Lockhart was willing to leave Ron, Harry and Ginny in the chamber forever and create a new tall tale about himself, his escape, and their deaths. No lilac was out. Perhaps a pink or blue would be nice or maybe a brown. She sighed and thought that this would require more study.

As time passed she decided on the color of light blue. She thought that this would bring out the color of her hair and eyes. She also knew that the dress would cost money so naturally she wrote a letter to mum and dad for financial assistance. She noted that when she wrote to her parents for funds their responses would be rather slow. She snickered at the thought of her father rolling his eyes at yet another financial request. Nevertheless, she knew her mum and dad loved her beyond measure. She also knew it was hard for them to mesh the muggle and magic worlds, but they were totally supportive of her and that included finances.

After sending her request to her parents she decided to take a nap and let her mind rest. She would also dream of Ron twirling and swirling her about. However, if the Weird Sisters provided the music again the twirling and swirling would turn into hip wiggles and frenzied arm movements. She lowered her head upon the pillow and let her thoughts wander back to the Yule Ball and how hotly jealous Ron was when she was with Krum. After the ball was over she and Ron had a blazing row in the Gryffindor Common Room. To her this was a defining moment in their relationship because it was then that she knew Ron had deeper feelings for her and as she thought she had deeper feelings for him.

"Thanks, Vicky," as she smiled and fell asleep.

As early evening approached Hermione awoke from her nap and readied herself for dinner in the Great Hall. She sat with Ron, Harry and Ginny. There was small talk everywhere, but most conversations centered upon the upcoming ball. Rumors were that the Weird Sisters were not going to appear. Someone said that a group called Honey Holmberg and the Stuttgart Steppers would supply the tunes. However, Hermione thought this unlikely. She hoped for a band that would play slow and fast music. Later it was confirmed that Tubby Tony and the Tubes would be playing at the ball.

After dinner most of the students returned to their common rooms. Ron convinced Hermione to play Wizards Chess with him rather then her going to the library. Harry and Ginny were snuggled on a comfy chair. Many still talked about the ball. Hermione tried to concentrate on chess, but the excitement surrounding the dance was at the forefront of her mind. She finally gave up and told Ron she didn't want to play chess anymore. Ron shrugged his shoulders and said okay and they put the game away. They found a place to sit and talked late into the evening. They finally called it a night, kissed and went to their dorms.

In the morning Hermione received and owl from her mum and dad. Her mum suggested that Hermione come for the weekend and she and her mum could spend a Saturday together looking for a dress. Hermione owled a message back telling her parents that she liked the idea and would be coming that weekend on the Hogwarts Express. Meanwhile, Ron and Harry were making their plans to get ready for the dance. Harry was taking Ginny. Their plan was to roust about Diagon Alley looking for tuxedos.

As time moves on Hermione stepped off the Hogwarts Express and into a hug from her mother. They went to a place to eat before they went on their shopping mission. Having finished eating, Hermione let out a "Feminine" burp. Her mum said that Ron Weasley was a bad influence on her. Her mother then laughed. She and her husband Rupert Granger liked Ron very much.

They made assaults on many dress shops and found many beautiful dresses. However, to be sure they needed to go to many more shops before a decision could be made. Hermione brought her daily planner with to write down the various details of each dress and the shop where it was located. After listing the likes and dislikes of each she would study her notes and then make a decision as to which one to purchase. With reluctance she also wrote down the prices. She and her mum went to tea. They poured over Hermione's notes and after discussing the pros and cons of each dress they saw they decided on a dress from a place called "Dressed to Kill." They quickly finished their tea. Emma Granger let out a burp this time and Hermione told her that her dad was a bad influence on her. They both laughed. They returned to the shop and purchased the dress and of course shoes and and and.... They went back to the Granger house for the rest of the day and evening. Hermione would return to Hogwarts the following day.

Meanwhile Harry and Ron were at Diagon Alley. They were both hungry so they decided to go to a place called "Chili for Slobs." When they went in they were given long length bibs. They then went to these troughs filled with chili. They had to put their hands behind their backs, bend over and put their faces into the chili. It was warm, but not hot. They ate to their hearts content and when finished were given butterbeers to wash the chili down their necks. At the end of the line a lady stood with a waterhose and sprayed the chili mess of their faces. They paid the lady and left. They were wondrously filled.

They found a shop for men called "Get In Get Out." They went in. Immediately Harry set on a dark tuxedo. He also got a white frilly shirt and necktie. He wanted to wear black sneakers but Ginny would kill him so he settled on glossy black dress shoes. On the other hand Ron was having an awful time choosing a tuxedo because he forgot what color of dress Hermione was going to wear. He thought white so giving a sigh of relief he decided that almost any color would go with white. After a quick study he selected a bright green tuxedo with a white frilly shirt and a green necktie. He also got the same kind of shoes as Harry. They got the right sizes, paid the bill and got out quick. Later they arrived at Hogwarts mission accomplished.

The excitement at the school was building, the dance was now only a day a way. Harry, Ron and Hermione met in the Gryffindor Common Room after classes and decided not to talk about dresses and tuxedos until day of the ball.

When the day of the ball arrived Hermione awoke in the morning feeling a little light headed. She shook it off as nerves and excitement and dressed for Friday's classes. She met Ron and they went to breakfast. Ron noticed that Hermione was not eating much and she also looked pale. As the day progressed so did Hermione's weakness. She was lifeless and didn't even raise her hand when she knew the answer to a question asked by Professor McGonagall. Professor McGonagall also noted Hermione's pallor and came over and placed her hand upon Hermione's forehead.

"Miss Granger, you are burning up."

She turned to Ron and told him to take Hermione to the hospital wing. Ron helped Hermione walk to the hospital wing without any complaints from Hermione. When they arrived Madam Pomfrey felt Hermione's head and told her to get into bed and rest. She gave her a powder to reduce the fever. Once in bed Hermione fell asleep. Ron kissed her and returned to classes.

Daylight began to dwindle. Soon it would be dusk and night would follow swiftly. Hermione slowly awoke, anger, sorrow, and disbelief battling across her features. She knew in her heart that this sudden illness might prevent her from attending the ball.

Madam Pomfrey came to her side and placed her hand upon Hermione's head. Hermione was still very hot to the touch. She tried to encourage Hermione by telling her the fever would subside in a day or two. Her cheerful expression did little to challenge the darkness of Hermione's mood. Madam Pomfrey told her to rest and walked a way. Tears began to well in Hermione's eyes. All of the excitement, the planning, the dress would be for nothing. She cried herself to sleep.

After classes Ron returned to the hospital wing. He pulled a chair to the side of Hermione's bed and sat down. He watched her labored breathing. With his hand he brushed her hair away from her face as she turned her head back and forth. As time crept forward she slowly opened her eyes and saw Ron looking at her. He gave her a smile. She smiled back and then asked him what time of the day it was? However, before he could answer she asked another question. Was the ball over? He told her that it had not even started yet. She told him that was good. With a burst of energy she sat up in bed and told him they needed to hurry and get ready. She then pulled back the covers and stood up almost fainting because she was so weak. Ron stood before her; tears came to his eyes as he watched his lovely lady trying so desperately to get it together so she could still go to the ball. He feels her desperation and he could feel her pain. He sees her tears and those tears are the flames that melt his heart. He held out his hand to steady her. She pushed him back in anger. She was angry with her body for failing her. She looked into his eyes and suddenly the storm within her calmed. She was barely able to speak on how sorry she was for pushing him. He held her as she cried and then he helped her back into bed.

Shortly after this Madam Pomfrey returned again to check on Hermione. She hadn't improved. Madam Pomfrey gave her another powder for the fever. Hermione asked her if she could return to the Gryffindor Common Room and sleep in her own bed. Hermione thought that if she couldn't go to the ball at least she would be near all of the action. Ron could help her get there. Madam Pomfrey reluctantly agreed to her request. When they arrived, some of the girls helped Hermione to her bed. Before being taken to her bed Hermione insisted that Ron go to the ball without her. He wanted to argue with her, but he didn't have the heart so he told her he would go. Hermione was brought to her bed she was very weak. She lay down and fell asleep.

She woke up a while later and there was no one about. She slowly turned over. Tears formed again in her eyes as she looked at her blue dress hanging up in a corner of her room. She dried her eyes. She then folded back her covers and got out of bed. She slowly walked over to her dress and touched it. The fabric felt soft to her hand. She slowly removed her outer garments and took the dress down from its hanger. She slipped it on and did all of the buttoning up. It felt good to have it on. She decided to go out to the common room. She made her way to the couch in front of the fireplace and lay down. She fell asleep.

Meanwhile the ball was in full swing. Everyone was having fun except Ron. He tried to have fun, but without Hermione it just wasn't going to happen. He finally had enough. He went to Harry and Ginny who were trying to dance to the music of Tubby Tony and the Tubes. He tapped Harry on the shoulder and told him he was returning to the Gryffindor Common Room. As he left he grabbed a plateful of chocolates and several butter beers.

When he entered the room he noticed a person in a light blue dress lying on the couch. He thought that someone else must have returned from the ball as well. He knew Hermione's dress was white so it couldn't be her. He walked in front of the couch and nearly fell over. It was Hermione lying there. Oh no he thought her dress is blue. Maybe it was a good thing that she was sick. If she had seen his green tuxedo she would have killed him.

His movement made her open her eyes. She saw this big green thing with a red top standing before her. She rubbed her eyes and focused. She then recognized this green thing as Ron.

"What are you wearing?"

"Ah it's my tuxedo."

"Ooh I must be sick."

"I thought you were wearing a white dress, Hermione."

She slowly shook her head and gave a slight snicker. She thought only her Ron.

"What's that?"

"Oh I brought some chocolates and butter beers. Now that you are awake would you like some?"

"Yes!" she replied.

She nibbled on some of the chocolates and took small sips of the butter beer. Ron drained one quickly and then told her to wait for a moment. He ran to his dorm room and came back with a box. He smiled and handed it to her.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Open it," he replied.

She opened it. She brought her hand to her mouth and gave a light gasp. Inside was an Orchid Corsage, it was the style that she could wear on her wrist.

"Oh Ron it's so grand."

He carefully took it out and placed it on her wrist. She sat and admired it for some time and then she looked up at him and with tears in her eyes she reached over, put her arms around his neck and kissed him. She slowly leaned back. They canoodled by the couch as the fire in the fireplace reflected their shadows into a mingled, peaceful dance. They sat for awhile just having a dangling conversation. She then asked him why he didn't stay at the ball.

"Why would I go to a ball when the prettiest girl at the school, who just so happens to be my girl, couldn't go?"

"Ron."

He placed his fingers over her mouth.

"Hermione, I could be happy watching paint dry as long as I am with you."

She blushed and then she sighed.

"I wish we could have danced just once."

Ron stood up and took her by the hand and gently lifted her up from the couch. They did a short minuet and then he gently placed her back on the couch.

The moon reached the peak of its arc and began descending. The ball ended and all of the students returned to their houses. Led by Fred and George Weasley many of the Gryffindor students grabbed much of the left over food and beverages and brought them back to their common room. When they entered they came upon Ron and Hermione. Both Ron and Hermione had bewildered looks on their faces as the students brought in the food and drinks. Fred and George looked surprised to see Ron and Hermione, especially Hermione because everyone in Gryffindor knew that she was very ill. Seizing the moment they came to Ron and Hermione and told them that if Hermione couldn't come to the ball then the ball was going to come to her. Hermione asked if the ball was over? Harry and Ginny stepped forward and told her that the ball was over out there, but it was just beginning in here. Ron propped Hermione up on the couch. Many of the students came to her and complimented her on her dress and her corsage. There were only stares and laughs at Ron's tuxedo, but he didn't notice because all he saw was how happy Hermione was and that was all that mattered to him. What started out to be one of Hermione's saddest days became one of her happiest days.