Dandelions

28

George POV

The day of the Slytherin Ball had arrived, and Katie was in an unusually good mood. She woke up early and peppered my face with kisses before heading back to the girl's dorms to get ready. As soon as she had left the room, I pulled out the Marauder's Map to check on Maya. Maya was sound asleep in her dorm, with no movement at all. No trouble there.

Fred and I made a quick trip to Hogsmeade. We purchased a whole bunch of raw materials for our joke shop products till we ran out of funds. It was a short trip, but I had a great time with Fred who refused to stop yapping. He was just as excited about the ball as Katie was.

On route back from Hogsmeade we finalized our fireworks schedule. We decided to make use of our most elaborate display. The plan was for Fred and me to sneak out of the ball at eleven pm. Hermione and Ginny were tasked with dragging Katie, Angelina, and the other Gryffindors out to the castle grounds near the lake at precisely eleven twenty. At eleven forty, the fireworks would set off over the lake and I would watch it with Katie, held close in my arms. The location was strategically chosen to make sure Maya could enjoy it from within the comfort of her dorm. After a long day of assignments and studying it would be a much-needed distraction for her.

The day only got better when I saw Katie walk down the stairs from the girl's dorm dressed in a pale yellow off-shoulder ball gown. Her blonde hair fell flawlessly over her back and her diamond earnings glimmered every time light hit it. She was a sight to behold. Her dimpled smile stole my heart all over again. I was lucky to call her mine. My life was spectacular.

At half past six, a large group of Gryffindors headed to the dungeons. I wrapped my arm around Katie's waist and held her close.

"I am not letting you out of my sight today. Lest someone might steal you from me." I whispered into her ears making her blush.

Fred and Angelina walked ahead of us. Fred had his entire palm resting on his girlfriend's left butt cheek. I rolled my eyes at the sight while Katie held back giggles. Harry, Ron, and Hermione lead the whole group into the dungeons. I wondered how they knew the exact location of the Slytherin common room.

One of the blokes often seen with Malfoy waited for us at the entryway. He whispered the password into a wall and a passage appeared. He then when on to announce that the Gryffindors were in the house. I was taken aback by the abundance of green in the common room. Even Katie's pale-yellow dress looked light green in the lighting.

The Slytherin common room was packed when we entered. The Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins all appeared to be having a great time today. Out of the corner of my eyes, I could see Jeremy Stretton snogging a life out of a Slytherin girl. Jeez! At least wait for the party to get started.

"Why isn't any music playing?" I asked Katie.

"They are waiting for the defending champions to make their entrance," Katie whispered.

"I can't let a bunch of dicks dictate when I should start dancing with my beautiful girlfriend." I pulled Katie into my chest and began slow dancing to absolutely no tune.

"Someone is in a romantic mood today," Katie said as she wrapped her arms around my neck.

As if on cue the sound of slow melodious music filled the room.

"Romance is in the air," I said and laid a quick peck on her lips.

The giant arched doors to the ballroom slowly slid open to reveal Marcus Flint alongside his date.

"It's the first dance! Let go and watch." She dragged me towards the hoards of spectators lined up to greet the Slytherin Quidditch team. I groaned.

Marcus Flint first stepped into the room wrapped in plaster, arm in arm with his date. Maya had not spared a single bone. I almost felt bad for Flint.