Without Change, Something Sleeps Inside Us, And Seldom Awakens.

Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to JKR. I am making no money from this.

A/N Many thanks to my beta, the one and only, Southern_Witch_69.

This is my response to LOTM's YLC challenge. For rules see the end of chapter one.

Chapter Six

Without Change, Something Sleeps Inside Us, And Seldom Awakens.

Ginny was on her way to see Ron. She felt it was time to mend the rift between them and to get to know her niece and sister-in-law. Pushing away the funny feeling, which was telling her that she was betraying Hermione, she Apparated to Grimmauld Place where Ron and his family were currently staying. She had learned that Harry and his family were staying at Godric's Hollow. Apparently, he'd had the place renovated while he was away and was more than happy to allow Ron and Samantha use of Grimmauld Place as long as they wanted it.

She missed her brother...the git...and that was all there was to it. They had always been very close. Bill had Charlie, Fred had George, and she and Ron had always had each other.

Ginny remembered the many sleepless nights she'd had after Percy had betrayed the family, wondering if it was because he felt alone in his own home. He was the only one of them that was not part of a pair, but then, he seemed to like it that way. Shoving away the guilt she would always feel where Percy was concerned, she entered the old Order headquarters.

Walking into the sitting room, she found Ron sitting with Grace and Samantha on the floor playing Exploding Snap. Ginny grinned at the way Grace giggled and clapped when a card would explode. It suddenly hit her that this was her brother's family. They all looked very happy and content sitting there, and that made her smile.

"Hi, guys. That looks fun," Ginny greeted.

Ron looked up from his game and smiled brightly at his sister. It didn't matter why she'd suddenly stopped by, only that she had. He'd really missed her. "It is. Why don't you join us? I would like to see if you have improved at all," he egged, knowing what it took to get her going. He really wanted her to get to know his family.

"I could be a Muggle with no understanding of this game whatsoever and still beat you, brother dear."

"Oh yeah? Prove it then! Join us."

Prove it! Sounds just like Draco! Ginny quickly pushed those unwanted thoughts away.

Taking her hesitation to answer as reluctance to join them, Samantha quickly added, "We would really love for you to stay and join in the fun, but if you'd rather for Grace and I to leave the room, we will." Samantha knew her husband missed his sister and wanted to do anything she could to help bridge the gap between them.

"Oh, no! That's not necessary. Besides, I want to play with my niece! It's time that I get to know her better I think."

Suddenly, Grace looked up to Ginny and yelled, "Aunt Gin! Pretty!"

Ginny laughed and joined them on the floor. This is going to be easier than I thought.

By the time Ginny had eaten supper with them and gone home, she'd felt glad she had stopped by. They were well on their way to becoming brother and sister again.

She knew Hermione would not begrudge her that; her best friend had always insisted she should mend fences with her brother. Still, Ginny was going to tell her Friday when they went on their dress hunt. She wanted no secrets.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Hermione lay soaking in a tub full of bubbles. She had two hours before she had to meet Severus at the Ministry for the ball, and she was going to look her best. I've spent enough on my dress to ensure that, she thought smugly.

Her thoughts drifted to Ginny and their meeting the day before. Ginny had owled her and asked if they could meet thirty minutes earlier...before Luna arrived...as Ginny had wanted to speak with her about something. That something had turned out to be Ron and his wife.

Hermione was very happy that Ginny and Ron were working out their differences. Even though she was an only child, Hermione knew there was a special bond between the brother and sister. She did not want to stand in the way of any reconciliation between the two.

But when Ginny started talking about Hermione reconciling with Ron, Hermione abruptly changed the subject. She knew she was not ready for that yet. She was still angry with Ron, and Harry for that matter, for one significant thing.

They'd left her. It wasn't that her boyfriend had left her, although that had hurt badly enough. It was more as in two-thirds of the trio suddenly left her behind. She had not only lost her lover, she had lost what had been her two best friends in the world for seven years, and they both left her without a backwards glance.

Hermione had always known that Ron and Harry were closer to each other than with her, but they'd always taken their adventures together. Not once had they excluded her. She wondered how they could just leave her that time...especially knowing she was still trying to get over her dad's sudden death.

Hermione sighed, lifting herself out of the bathtub. It's been five years, and I am acting like a child. What's done is done, and it's time I stopped dwelling on this. I will start that tonight.

She smiled as she remembered Oliver Wood and Lee Jordan approaching her and Ginny as they were waiting for Luna. Hermione had briefly dated Oliver while Ginny went out with Lee. Occasionally, if they were in town, they all went out together.

"Hello, ladies!" Lee said with enthusiasm. "It's been a while since we've had the pleasure of seeing you! How are you?"

Ginny looked at Hermione questioningly, but she didn't comment. I will ask her about this later!

"Yes," Ginny agreed. "Sounds fun."

As soon as the guys had left, Ginny had pounced. "Whom are you going to the ball with?" she'd asked.

After Hermione had told Ginny all the details, Ginny had congratulated her on a perfect choice. They had both agreed the Ministry wouldn't be so interfering next year.

Hermione dried herself and went to the mirror. She had all her makeup laid out, so all she had to do was apply it. Smoky colors for the eyes with light red for her lips and cheeks. When she was finished, she looked at the overall effect. She had gone and had her hair done earlier in an elegant French twist. Not bad, if I do say so myself!

She walked into the bedroom and looked at her dress hanging on her closet door. She had decided on a simple black, satin, strapless dress with a slit up the back. It was very form fitting and showed her curves beautifully.

Smiling to herself, she grabbed her lotion bottle and poured a generous amount of the light floral scent in her hand and began rubbing it all over her skin. Next she lightly sprayed her perfume over all the pulse points on her body.

Smirking, Hermione pulled out her sexy black underwear. She knew that nobody would actually see her in them, but it would make her feel sexy. She loved the feel of her black silk hose. She had thought that the seam up the back would bother her, but she couldn't even feel it. The garter belt added just the right touch.

Looking in the mirror, Hermione Granger had never felt so sexy. She didn't feel like the frigid, prudish, overbearing woman Ron had accused her of being. Slipping on her dress and heels, she felt even sexier. Severus Snape won't know what hit him!

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Severus stood near the doors, slightly agitated. The bint forces me to be here with her and doesn't even bother to show up on time. I should just enter and not worry with her. If I didn't need that papaver somniferum so much, I would do just that.

His thoughts were suddenly distracted by a very beautiful witch in a black Muggle gown. Who is she? She must not be from here, for surely I would have taught her. He was startled when the witch walked right up to him and stopped, looking at him expectantly.

When he said nothing, Hermione said in an agitated voice, "Well, Severus, are you ready to go in? I don't wish to stand here all night." She briefly wondered if the heels were going to be a mistake, even though she placed a cushioning charm on them before she left.

"Hermione?" he asked in a disbelieving voice.

Hermione cocked her head to the side. "Yes, it's Hermione! Who else? Shall we?" she asked, motioning to the door.

"Yes, of course," he replied, acting nonchalant. He didn't want her to know she had any kind of affect on him whatsoever.

Hermione studied him in his black dress robes. He looks so handsome and regal. And very proud. "You look nice tonight, Severus."

Her ex-Potions professor looked surprised at the statement for a moment and then answered, "As do you. Perhaps if you groomed yourself in this fashion more often, you would not have to result in blackmail for escorts." He immediately regretted his barb when he saw the hurt look in her eyes.

Must he continuously remind me that he had to be coerced into coming with me? Am I truly that much of a horrible date for him? "I think that is our table there," she pointed, not wanting to spar for the moment. All her earlier thoughts of feeling sexy were quickly fleeing her.

Before she could walk away, he gently laid a hand on her shoulder. When she turned to look at him, Severus told her, "Your dress is very becoming on you, Hermione." She smiled at him and sat down.

They had not been sitting long when Rufus Scrimgeour called for everyone's attention. When he was satisfied all eyes were on him, the Minister of Magic called all the honorees to the front. He was ready to get started. Severus and Hermione slowly walked to the front, neither very excited to do so. Severus noticed the stunned looks his date was getting for her choice of escort, even if she did not.

She was surprised to find herself in between Harry and Ron. Ginny was on the other side of Harry and Luna was beside Ginny. It wasn't long before all the Order members took their place, and the ceremony began.

Hermione had tears in her eyes as huge portraits of the fallen heroes were suddenly illuminated...especially when she looked at Hagrid's jovial face and Neville's sweet one. She immediately looked at Ginny and Luna and noticed that they too had tears in their eyes.

After a long speech, with much homage paid to Harry Potter, it was time for the first dance of the evening. As the music played, Ron automatically took Hermione in his arms as she was walking by him to go to Severus.

Hermione quickly gave Severus a help me! look, but he just turned to Minerva McGonagall and began dancing with her.

Focusing her attention back on her dance partner, Hermione said, "Hello, Ron. How are you?" She inwardly cringed at how inane she sounded.

With his face contorted in anger, Ron asked, "What the bloody hell are you doing coming here with Snape? Trying to get back at me back after all this time?"

"Excuse me? You're not serious are you?" He continued to glare at her, and she said, "You are! Oh, my God, I don't believe it! You actually believe that my coming here with Severus has something to do with you. Pitiful, just pitiful. Let me set the record straight now, Ron. I am here with him because of him, not you."

"Severus, now, is it? It wasn't Severus at the Burrow Sunday! Hermione, I know what you are doing, and you can stop."

Laughing, she said, "Obviously, you haven't a clue as to what I am doing."

"Oh, really," he goaded. "What could you possibly see in him then? I can't see you having a lot in common."

"Are you kidding me? He is brilliant, witty, a great conversationalist, and he enjoys many things other than food and Quidditch! And as far as having something in common with him, well, we are both accredited Masters of Potions!"

"But look at him! He's disgusting, Hermione. Not to mention, he's too old. You could do so much better. Hell, you have done much better."

"I really and truly hope you are not referring to yourself, Ronald Bilius Weasley, because I have not told you the most appealing thing about him to me yet."

"Of course I am talking about myself! Who else have you dated? But what else could you possibly find appealing about him?"

"I've dated Oliver Wood for one. Not to mention Terry Boot! But that is beside the point. Severus radiates pure unadulterated sex appeal, but the thing I find most attractive about him," she leaned in and whispered in his ear, "is that he is nobody's sidekick."

Ron completely stopped and looked at Hermione. "That was hitting way below the belt. Perhaps you shouldn't go there, as you were never any good in that area in the first place. Too prudish for starters, but I don't have the time or inclination to go on."

With that, the song ended, and Ron walked one way and Hermione the opposite.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Just as Ron took Hermione in his arms, Harry automatically took Ginny in his. She stiffened at first, but then she relaxed enough to dance properly.

"It's good to see you, Gin. You look very nice." Indeed, Harry thought. She looks lovely in her deep brown Muggle gown. It had a halter-top and was cut very low in the front. "Ron tells me you went by his place the other day. He rather enjoyed it. I am happy you two are talking again."

"Yes, I enjoyed it myself. His wife and daughter are lovely."

"Well, maybe you could..." Harry stopped talking because Ginny suddenly stiffened and was looking towards the entrance. He turned to see what she was looking at and swore under his breath. Just arriving was Draco Malfoy with his mother on one arm and Pansy Parkinson on the other. Ginny couldn't take her eyes off the git.

When Harry looked back at him again, Draco smirked, angering Harry even more. "Not too subtle, Ginny, going after my biggest enemy like that."

"Huh? What are you on about, Harry? Going after who?"

"Draco Malfoy...my nemesis! I know what you are doing."

"Oh?" Ginny asked, becoming angry. "Please tell me, because I have no idea what you mean."

"You are acting like you are attracted to that tosser to get to me. Please stop degrading yourself like that! It's embarrassing for you."

"Let me get one thing straight...right here and now. I will talk slowly so you are sure to understand me. This is not Hogwarts, and everything that goes on DOES NOT involve Harry James Potter! Anything that I feel for Draco has nothing to do with you...AT ALL!"

Furious, Harry refused to reply, and he just turned and walked off, leaving her standing in the middle of the dance floor alone.

Embarrassed, Ginny turned to leave the floor when she felt a pair of strong arms circle around her. She looked up into the face of Draco. My, he looks so good in those grey robes! They match his eyes perfectly.

"I have come to a decision, Ginevra," Draco informed her.

"Do tell," she said sarcastically.

Smirking, he happily told her, "You need a new hero, so I have decided I am going to let you follow me around for six and a half years while I ignore you. Then, we will date for a bit. After that, I will go to another country and marry someone who looks just like you and move back here, but I will selfishly allow you to continue to lust after me from afar. After all, I am Draco Malfoy."

Ginny stood there staring at him, gobsmacked. "Have you lost your mind? I don't lust after you now! Hell, I don't even like you! And, to be a hero, you need to have some redeeming qualities, which you most certainly do not. Furthermore, with your conceited attitude, I think you lust after yourself, you pasty-faced pillock! "

"You don't have to like someone to lust after them, and I am not pasty, I am pale," he informed her. "One night with me, and you will forget Harry Potter ever existed."

"Sounds like you are the one doing the lusting, as you can't seem to stay away from me! And you're not merely pale, you're sallow," she teased. "And for your information, I do NOT want Harry. The way you go on about him all the time, I am beginning to wonder if you do."

Draco blanched. "Bite your tongue! Better yet," he purred seductively, "let me. And not sallow... Ivory-skinned."

"Not ivory, more like zombie!"

"Better to have pure, flawless, ivory skin that to be a spotty-faced witch!"

"Albino!"

"Wench!"

"Bloody tosser!"

"Fiery temptress!" Holy fuck! Where did that come from? Suddenly, he grabbed her and kissed her with all the built up passion she'd aroused in him.

The music stopped just then, and Ginny stepped back and out of Draco's arms. Pansy came up to them, gazing at Ginny resentfully. Stepping between them, she turned to Draco. "I do believe you escorted me to this function?" If she had her way, she would be Mrs. Draco Malfoy very soon.

With that, a confused and aching Draco turned and walked away, leaving Ginny standing on the floor alone once again.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

As soon as the music stopped, Severus headed for the open bar. He spotted Hermione walking towards the loo with murder in her eyes. Why does she let that imbecile get to her? He shook his head in disgust.

Suddenly, he heard his name. "Snape," Weasley said, sounding as if he was sparring for a fight.

"Weasley," Severus answered, not hiding his dislike for the boy.

"Well, I have to say, I never thought I'd see the day Severus Snape settled for my sloppy seconds," Ron gloated smugly.

Severus set his drink on the bar and looked Ron right in the eyes. "Yes, indeed. Sloppy would be the correct word where you are concerned. The poor woman had never even had an orgasm brought on by a man before me. Seems she had to always take care of that herself."

Ron blanched. He certainly did not want the images in his mind that Snape just created.

"I don't believe you!" Ron yelled, backing away.

"Right, well, I firmly believe you should never send a boy to do a man's job," Severus said, waggling his pinky finger at Ron.

Ron turned and walked away without another word. He could not believe Hermione would let this git touch her.

Severus mentally patted himself on the back for a job well done. He looked around the room to see if he could find Hermione. She should have been out of the loo by now. He angered as he saw her standing with the werewolf, smiling and talking. Why would she insist I escort her to this bloody function and then purposely ignore me the entire evening? I have had enough of this! There are plenty of witches here to occupy my time until she deems me worthy enough to acknowledge my presence.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Hermione was just walking out of the loo and looking for Severus when Remus found her. "There you are, dear! I have been looking for you. My, you look stunning tonight!"

She smiled warmly and hugged him. "It's so good to see you." Looking around, she only spotted Professor Sinistra. "Where's mum?"

"I wanted to speak with you about that actually. She wanted to be the one to tell you, but I begged her off. I know how you want to champion for the underdog, and I wanted to assure you that I am fine." At Hermione's confused look, he continued, "Your mother has met someone. A patient. His name is Phillip Monroe, and he works at the London school of Economics and Political Science."

"But why? Were you two not happy together?"

Remus smiled and softly said, "We weren't really dating, love. We were never a couple. We just kept each other company at times. Please don't worry yourself over me. I'm just fine. I believe you know my date for this evening," he said as he gestured towards Professor Sinistra.

"Oh, yes! Hello, Professor!"

"Hello, Hermione. It's good to see you again." Hermione just smiled and nodded. She turned to Remus and told him, "I need to go find my date, but I would really like to catch up and talk with you more. How about lunch this week?" When he agreed, she set off to find Severus and clenched her teeth when she spotted him dancing with some Barbie he'd found.

Before she could get away, Oliver Wood waylaid her. "May I have this dance?"

Looking at Severus, she told him, "You most certainly can."

He took her in his arms knowingly and made small talk. Hermione was never one to care much for Quidditch, and that was his life. He noticed she was very distracted. Soon enough, the song ended.

Severus had noticed her dancing with Wood. Why do I have to be the one to suffer her company? It would seem she has her choice of wizards! And why is Wood's hand so close to her bum? Severus shook his head. She went on and on about intelligence over looks, but she obviously does not follow those rules herself. Looks like she picks brawn over brain. He was so distracted, he almost didn't notice the song ending.

He decided not to even mention Wood, as it would make her think he cared, which he most certainly did not.

As soon as the song finished, Hermione said her goodbyes and walked to the bar. Severus started unknowingly leading the woman he'd been dancing with towards Hermione.

Severus smirked when he saw the anger in his date's face. Serves you right. Maybe at the next ball you will see that I am not a wizard to be ignored.

"Hermione," Severus started, "I would like to introduce you to..."

"No introductions are necessary," she rudely cut him off. "I believe the next dance is mine." Turning to the witch, Hermione said, "If you will excuse us?" Not waiting for an answer, she pulled Severus onto the dance floor.

As Severus' dance partner watched them walk away, she wondered if they knew they were crazy about each other.

"That was rather rude, my dear. Whatever has gotten into you?"

"Cut the crap, Severus! I can't believe you would flirt and carry on with that bimbo when you are supposed to be on a date with me!"

How dare she! Was she not just in the arms of another man! A Quidditch star no less! "Not a real date, a farce! And had you paid me some attention, mayhap I would not need to search out other dance partners. She is not a bimbo by the way; she is..."

"Yes, she is December's playwizard centerfold. I know. The wizards in this room have hardly talked of anything else."

"Yes, but in addition to that, her name is Hillary Hollingsworth." Severus smiled smugly as all color drained from his date's face. He knew she would recognize the name from the many journals Hillary had published.

"You mean, that is the Hillary Hollingsworth? The world renowned Mistress of Charms?"

"Indeed it is."

"But why would someone like her pose for playwizard? She is highly intelligent! I remember Ginny telling me once that when Bill couldn't work out a curse, she was called in. Miss Hollingsworth had it worked out by the end of the next day, and Bill had been working on it for over a week."

"What does that have to do with anything? She has a beautiful body and is obviously not ashamed of showing it. Apparently, you are not ashamed of your body either, considering the dress you are wearing. It is showing it off quite nicely."

Hermione widened her eyes in surprise, but she quickly narrowed them. Is he complimenting my body or calling me a hypocrite?

"Do you know her well?" she asked, wanting to change the subject.

"Not yet, but I plan to get to know her better. She was telling me where she is staying so that I may owl her this week. She wants to get together before she heads off to Cancun Monday."

"Well, too bad," Hermione crowed triumphantly. "You have to escort me to the ball next weekend, so you won't be able to."

Severus grinned naughtily. "I have to escort you next Saturday. I don't have to put up with you the other nights of the week."

Hermione turned away, hurt by his comment. He truly detests being here with me. Actually, I think he detests me. Maybe I should just... "Look, Severus, maybe we..."

Suddenly, Hermione felt a hand on her shoulder, stopping her dance. "Miss Granger," her boss, Mr. Wimple started, "where is your date for this evening? I specifically told you to bring one!"

"This is my date, Mr. Wimple. I believe you know Severus Snape?"

He sputtered, looking from Hermione to Severus. "But... But I meant for you to bring..."

"Stop right there, sir! You forced me to bring someone, but you will not dictate who I bring! I did as I was ordered, and you have nothing more to say about it."

"Quite right," Severus agreed. "Is there something wrong with me as her escort, Gilbert?"

"No, no, nothing, Severus. I just didn't expect... Well, anyway, have a good evening," he told them as he walked away. I thought I made it clear to her I meant for her to bring a suitable date! Someone she could possibly have a future with! Not that man! He is entirely wrong for her! I wonder what Arthur and Molly think of this?

Hermione was positively fuming by this time. Turning to her coerced date, she informed him, "I have changed my mind. I want you to pick me up at my flat next week."

"Changing the rules mid-game, Hermione? How... cunning of you."

"Well, it's my game and my rules. I will give you directions before we go. Is that acceptable?"

"It has to be, doesn't it?" Severus was not going to argue with her about it. He felt bad that he had hurt her right before her boss interrupted them. I don't know why I feel bad! I said nothing other than the truth, but still, for some reason, I don't like knowing that I put that hurt look in her eyes.

Not answering him, but happy he was not going to fight her on this, she decided to enjoy the dance. She unconsciously leaned closer into him, and he in turn tightened his grip. Neither noticed the stares they were getting from everyone else.

*** *** *** *** *** ***

Luna and Greg were having a fantastic evening. Greg could not stop starring at her in her midnight blue dress. She was beautiful.

"Thank you for inviting me tonight, Greg. I am having a wonderful evening," Luna said as he held her in a tight embrace on the dance floor.

"I am also. I would have never believed it, but here we are. Have I told you how lovely you look this evening?" He loved to see her blush so prettily.

Luna obliged him and blushed. She was not used to having compliments bestowed upon her, especially since her Neville had died. "You know you have, and I will say again how handsome you look. I feel like I could stay in your arms all night."

"You can," he said mischievously.

"Well, um... I meant, that is to say..."

"I'm only teasing you, love, but just so you know, the offer is a standing one."

Luna smiled and decided to tease a little herself. "Well, if you are very lucky, I just may take you up on that offer sometime."

Greg's eyes widened, and he looked into her face. I sure hope so! I want you more than you know. "I was wondering if I may escort you to the next two balls...unless you have a date already?" If she does, I will have to kill him!

"Oh, I would love to go with you!" Feeling elated, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. Greg stopped moving and cupped her face, leaning into her for a sweet taste of her mouth. After looking into her eyes a few moments, they resumed dancing.

"I really think I am going to like you, Gregory Goyle," Luna predicted.

"Ditto," he said, never noticing the appalled looks he was getting from Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape.

Christy's Notes: What an interesting evening! Up next, we will see what Severus and Draco think of Greg and Luna!

Southern's Notes: Ah, I hope Greg tells those two tossers to sod off! He's quite cute with Luna. I'm still laughing at Draco. I hope that Hermione and Severus have a better date next time...more of a real one!