The Great Hall was buzzing with excitement. Their partners for the song and dance would be chosen tonight, and everyone was anxious to see who they'd be paired up with. 

"Reminds me a bit of the Triwizard tournament," Harry commented, nodding at the buzzing crowd.

"I can see that." Hermione agreed. 

"I don't. There's no flaming cup in the room." Ron retorted. "I don't even know why I'm here." 

"Because you have to be, so quit complaining." Hermione shot back. Ron grabbed her arm.

"What did you say?" he hissed dangerously, his hand holding her arm hard enough to bruise it. 

"Ron," Ginny warned, watching her brother carefully. "Let her go." Before Ron could snarl back, McGonagall quieted the hall. 

"Here's how the partners will work." she announced. "Ladies will be called in alphabetical order to the Sorting Hat, which will pair the up with their partner. As you have probably noticed, a new class has been added to your schedules. This time is to rehearse and plan your performance. Note that no magic is allowed in this competition. The best pair will receive a prize. With that in mind, let's begin." 

"Hannah Abbott!" Professor Flitwick announced. The Hufflepuff quickly walked up, and the hat was placed on her head, just like in their first year. 

"Seamus Finnigan!" The Hat called. Seamus sighed as Hannah walked over. Hermione smiled slyly as he stood up to greet her, reluctantly pulling his hand away from Dean's. Meanwhile, the pairings continued.

"Lauren Black!"

"Ernie MacMillian."

"Susan Bones!"

"Theodore Nott!"

"Astoria Greengrass!"

"Dean Thomas!"

"Daphne Greengrass!"

"Colin Creevey!" 

"Hermione Granger." Ginny shot her a smile as Hermione stepped up and had the hat placed on her head. The two words it announced, just like when it had said Gryffindor all those years ago, would forever change her life.

"Draco Malfoy!" 

The Hall fell silent, and Hermione could practically feel Ron's glare as she walked over to Draco.

"Granger." 

"Malfoy." They stared at each other for a moment.

"Well, that was unexpected." He admitted. She nodded in agreement, hoping that this wouldn't be as awkward as it was now forever. 

"See you tomorrow, I guess."

"Alright. See you then, Granger." 

The pairings went on as Hermione returned to her friends.

"Malfoy! Are you insane?" Ron demanded.

"It's not like I chose him, Ron."  she proclaimed.

"Didn't you though?" he snarled back. 

"Shut up Ron." Ginny announced. "I'm sure it won't be that bad." she offered.

"Hopefully not." Hermione agreed with a sigh. 

"Luna Lovegood!" They turned to see who Luna would be with.

"Neville Longbottom!" 

"Yes!" Ginny whispered. "All the ships are sailing away." 

"What?" Harry asked in confusion. 

"Nothing." she insisted, running her fingers through Harry's hair. "Don't worry your messy head about it." 

"Pansy Parkinson!"

"Ron Weasley!" 

"Yay." Ron said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

"Maisy Reynolds!"

"Harry Potter."

"Who?" Harry asked in confusion. A small girl rushed over with a happy screech. 

"Ginny Weasley!" 

"Crap." she muttered before walking up.

"Blaise Zabini!"

"You've got to be kidding." Harry remarked. Hermione shrugged. 

"At least I'm not the only one paired up with a Slytherin boy." 

"Weaslette?" Blaise said in shock.

"And Granger." Draco continued.

"Oh Merlin." Blaise said in despair. "They're going to kill us."