Mayhem - G.Weasley

70. Save me a Dance

Atanas was right.

George hadn't seen Ivy for two days. In fact, none of their friend group had seen Ivy. She never came back to the dorms, and she didn't show up for any classes. He always found his eyes wandering to her seat in all their shared classes. Found himself searching the halls for just a glimpse of her.

But to no avail.

Hermione and Ginny still took diligent notes for her with their saddened eyes. Besides George, the two girls were taking her absence the hardest. They were upset with themselves the most for not standing up for her. For not getting to the bottom of this whole situation. For not trusting her.

Ron hadn't said much either. George could tell his younger brother was conflicted. He felt terrible for causing the drama between everyone, even though he was just doing it to protect his family. His resolve on Ivy hadn't changed much despite the new knowledge of her innocence. George could see the war behind his eyes, trying to figure out how to feel about Ivy.

George just hoped it wasn't too late for him and Ivy. He had never cared so deeply about someone before. Sure, he had feelings for past girlfriends. But never, had he ever, felt something that was unable to be defined by something so simple as love.

This absence felt a lot similar to the first time she disappeared. But it was guilt this time that had sank deep into his heart.

George sighed as he tapped his foot rapidly, checking his watch seemingly every twenty seconds. His anxiety getting the better of him.

He had taken every precious second he could bear to make sure he looked nothing less than dapper. He even stole some expensive-looking hair gel from Draco—the Slytherin always had some with him. Though he didn't apply near as much as Malfoy did, just a dab or two along the sides to make him look regal. He kept smoothing down his dress jacket, making sure there were no wrinkles in sight.

God, George hadn't felt this nervous in years. Everything had to be perfect. George had the feeling he wouldn't get another chance.

He leaned against one of the empty tables twirling a lobelia in his hand to keep them from shaking. He kept repeating the words he had practiced in the mirror over and over to get them right.

George peeked over his shoulder at the incoming crowd of students flowing down the grand staircase. Everyone was decked out in beautiful ball-attire. Long, elegant dresses and crisp suits. He couldn't help but hold his breath as he searched through the seemingly endless thrall of colors.

But he didn't see her.

Atanas was so sure Ivy would show up to the ball, even though she was angry and upset. George knew he wouldn't have shown up if he was Ivy. Hell, he wasn't even going to come to this bloody dance if it weren't for Atanas clearing her name.

George pinched the bridge of his nose.

There was no other way for her to enter the ball, she'd have to come through this entrance. He had gotten here early enough just to confirm he wouldn't miss her, even though his twin relentlessly made fun of him. His twin had long since left his side, now bored with the waiting, the insults no longer brining him joy. Especially when George could barely pay attention to even hear them.

Elegant music could already be heard from inside of the great hall. The sounds of laughter and shuffling feet against stone drifted into the empty hallway where he waited.

All night, he told himself. He'd wait all night.

Though, his taut and tingling nerves in every aspect of his body were nearly torturing him with anticipation.