Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine. Period.

A/N: Hiii! New story! Hooray! I hope you all like this! This story was inspired by the news of the filming for the Yule Ball in GoF.

Dancing the Night Away

By Hermione Potter

Chapter 1: Partners

Hermione Granger walked down the moving staircases of Hogwarts with her best friend, Harry Potter.

             “Mione?” he asked her. She turned her head to look at him.

             “Yeah? What’s wrong?” she replied. He shook his head in response.

             “You just seemed out of it,” he smiled at her as a soft blush appeared on her cheeks.

             “Oh. I’m sorry. I was just lost in thought. If you could call it that,” Hermione smiled back.

             Harry shrugged clueless before they came into the Great Hall and sat down to eat dinner. Then Professor Dumbledore stood up and Professor McGonagall tapped her water goblet. Instantly, the hall quieted down.

             “I am pleased to announce that Hogwarts shall be having a dance competition before the Yule Ball. There is a sign-up sheet in front of the Great Hall. The contest is open to students fourth year and up,” Professor Dumbledore announced as his eyes twinkled at Harry.

             Harry’s eyes widened when he saw that his mentor was looking at him. Did he expect him to enter? He was as good as dancing as a blast-ended skrewt.

             Hermione turned her head back and forth from Professor Dumbledore to Harry. Then Harry turned his head to look at her. They both blushed and looked down, embarrassed.

             “You may all continue eating your dinner,” Professor McGonagall said as Professor Dumbledore sat down.

             “Do you really think this is a good idea Albus?” she asked.

             “Well, Minerva, James and Lily met the same way, did they not? They danced and fell in love. Let’s just wait and see what happens with our own James and Lily,” Albus replied with a sparkle in his eyes as he turned to look at Harry and Hermione.

             After dinner, Hermione picked up a list of the dances they were judging. Waltz, freestyle, hip hop, salsa, tango...

             Hermione walked into the Common Room and sat down on the couch in front of the fire. ‘Should I enter? But if I did, who would I enter with?’ she thought sadly.

             “Hermione! Can I copy your Potions essay?” Ron’s head popped up in front of her. She looked up and huffed.

             “Ronald, how many times have I told you to do your own? If you never do anything yourself, you’ll never learn,” Hermione replied, crossing her arms over her chest.

             “Well, if I DO this, then I’ll learn,” he sniggered. She smacked him in the back of the head.

             “You know what I mean!” Hermione said.

             “Better get of her case, Ron. You know she doesn’t like anyone copying her homework,” Harry said from the arm chair across from her.

             “Harry? Since when do you agree with her about homework?” Ron asked.

             “Since I actually do it. The past six years with her has rubbed off on me,” Harry grinned at her. She blushed hotly, covering her face with the paper.

             “Hey, what’s this?” Ron asked, grabbing the pamphlet from her.

             “Hey! Give that back!” Hermione screeched, trying to reach him. He was too tall dammit.

             “Dances? You’re actually thinking of entering?” Ron said with a disgusted look on his face.

             “What is so bad about it? I’m a better dancer than you are! Hmm, maybe I should owl Victor and ask him to enter with me!” she joked.

             Harry’s shoulders tensed as he heard this. Strangely, he felt envious.

             “You mean Vicky? Uh! Yeah right! Really, you are you going to enter with?” Ron asked.

             “I don’t know. One of you. That is, if you can actually dance,” Hermione smiled.

             “Hey, I can dance! Watch.” Ron said, pulling her roughly from her seat and bringing her into his arms, swinging around.

             “Ron! RON! Stop it! You’re stepping on my feet,” Hermione moaned in pain. She pushed herself away from him and accidently landed in Harry’s lap. She jumped off quickly.

             “I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that,” she said quickly, embarrassed.

             “N-No. It’s fine. Really,” he stuttered back.

             Ron looked back between the two and snickered.

             “I bet I’m a better dancer than Harry,” Ron grinned.

             “Well, we won’t know for sure if I don’t dance for you Ronniekins,” Harry said.

             “Then prove it,” he challenged.

             “Fine,” Harry accepted before turning to Hermione and holding out his hand.

             “May I have this dance, milady?” he asked politely.

             “I’d be delighted,” she bowed before placing her hand in his.

             Ron watched as Harry, placed a hand on her waist and began dancing with her.

             Hermione found herself drifting away from the room. It was only Harry and her. All her surroundings disappeared as she danced with him. She didn’t know he was such a good dancer. Harry told her he was really bad, but he wasn’t. Their eyes connected somehow as they continued to dance. But a cough interrupted them.

             “Umm, the younger ones are watching,” Ron said. Harry and Hermione stopped and turned to see most of the first years looking at them, preferably girls that were swooning over Harry.

             They jumped from each other’s arms, blushing.

             “I think I have my partner,” Hermione smiled, holding out her hand.

             “I think I accept,” Harry chuckled and shook hands with her.

A/N: Did you like it? Please leave good reviews!!! Don’t be mean to me!!!! Please!!!