winter in hogsmeade - hermione granger fanfic

ch. 12 - the end

I was stirring in every way I could think possible as I sat up in my bed. I rubbed my eyes and reached for the nearest uniform I could find so I could join the others for breakfast. I assumed they were already down there considering our room was completely empty.

Today was the day. It was finally the day of the Christmas ball, Slughorn's Christmas ball to be specific, and I was going to ask Hermione.

I was thinking about this day since Dumbledore told us about it, thinking of all the ways i could ask her. I decided I'd ask plainly, no bullshit. As I closed the door behind me, I ran down the stairs, rushing until I could see her face again. It was like there was nothing else in the world that mattered right now except her.

I burst through the great hall doors probably too loudly, as I speed walk over to the Slytherin table.

I sat down and joined my peers, as they ate sausage, toast, and coffee. I grabbed a cup myself and started drinking it at an alarmingly fast rate.
Everyone at the table stared at me, bewildered expressions on their faces. "What?" I asked.

They all said nothing, until Addi spoke, "You look like a nervous wreck dude, that's what." I hadn't even stopped to look in the mirror on my way out, I just knew I needed to see Hermione.

And there she was, sitting two tables away. She sat so poised and gracefully, like it came easy to her. Almost like everything does, except skating.

ai smiled at her from across the giant room, and I seemed to have caught her eye because she smiled back with red poking at her cheeks.

This made me feel better about being nervous, as she seemed to be too. "I'm going to ask Hermione to the Christmas ball." I announce to my friends.

Everyone froze, "Really?" Pansy asked.

"Well this is big, like you've never dated a girl before, let alone asked one to a dance." Addi stated. I hadn't really thought about that.

"I guess it just hadn't crossed my mind that she'd even say no." Not even processing what I said.

"Well that's good, don't start doubting yourself now." Everyone was being surprisingly encouraging and supportive. All except one.

I made my way over to the Gryffindor table, trying to look as normal as I could. I sat between Ron and Hermione. Harry facing opposite of us.

"Hey Nat, how's things." Ron asked innocently.

"Good, uh Hermione, can I talk to you-"

"ATTENTION EVERYONE!" Dumbledore's loud voice echoed through the great hall, cutting me off. I groan but turn my attention to him, trying to pretend that he didn't just cockblock me.

Is that even the correct term for this?

"As you all may know, today is our Christmas ball." He began, "Our amazing potions teacher, Mr. Slughorn, will be the host and main chaperone of this event."

"Now, ai want to clarify that only years 4 through 7 are allowed to come, unfortunately," He reminded everyone, "But that's all for now, enjoy your meals and I will see you all tonight at 7."

Everyone started mumbling and gossiping amongst themselves about the details of the ball. While I tried to regain some confidence I had lost in the time that Dumbledore started and finished talking. "As I was saying, uhm.. Hermione," I started off weak so I wanted to finish strong.

"Will you be my date tonight to Slughorn's Christmas ball?" I blurted out.

It felt like that last part came out all in one breath. As I tried to regain a normal breathing pattern again. She smiled "Of course I would."