Lorelai || Neville Longbottom

Chapter 12

December 3rd, 1995

Today is the Yule Ball.

Also, dinner time at the moment.

It seems like no one is in the great hall, and if they are, quickly shoving food in their mouths in hopes to get back to their dorms in time to get ready. I, on the other hand, took my time. Which, probably wasn't a good idea, since I usually underestimate the time I need to get ready.

As I finish my plate of food, Ginny turns to me, as she was talking to Dean before.

"Hey! You ready to head back?" She asks, looking eager to start getting ready.

"Yeah," I say, "let's go!"

Ginny stands up, and then goes over to where Hermione is, tapping her on her shoulder. She whispers something in her ear, which I figure is what she said to me, and Hermione nods while standing up.

Ginny gives me an excited smile, while I turn around and walk towards the exit. I catch eyes with Neville, who was already looking at me before. I give him a small smile, which he returns, and I continue on.

I start to feel a little dreadful for the Ball, for some reason.

~~

Once we make it to me and Hermione's dorm, I turn to the bathroom to grab my makeup supplies. Ginny, of course, heads for the radio, turning it up and swaying to the music. I laugh as I join her.

"Hey, do you remember where I put my dress?" I turn around and ask Hermione. She points to the closet, earning a small "thank you" from me, as I rush to the closet.

There was my dress, hanging up, with the wrap still neatly pressed onto it. It still looked as majestic to me as the time I saw it in the store. Granted, that was only 2 days ago, but still.

I decide to do my hair first, following with makeup, and then, my dress. I grab the straightener off of my nightstand, and plug it in. I choose to straighten my hair instead of curl it. I section off my hair, and douse it in heat protectant.

I must have forgotten how long my hair has gotten, once I straightened the first section. Since I don't usually do much with my curls other than define them, it caught me a little off guard. My hair reached almost to the bottom of my ribs, being a whole lot different from the shoulder-length cut I had third year.

"Dang, Lo, your hair's gotten so long." Ginny says, coming up to examine it.

"I know, it's been so long since I've straightened it!" I confess.

"I like it," Hermione adds.

I smile. "Thanks mione!"

It takes me a little while to finish straightening my whole head of hair, but I manage. Since we left lunch at around 5:45, and the ball starts at 7:30, we had about 2 hours to get ready. Not enough time for me, I realized.

I quickly grabbed my makeup, and since we were going to a fancy occasion, I put a little more effort in it. I put on concealer, mascara after curling my lashes, some eyeliner on the outer corner of my eyes, blush, highlighter, and some lip tint.

As I over examine myself in the mirror, I notice Ginny curling her hair. She turns to me, and give me a small smile.

"Hey, I know you're not really going with anyone to the ball, but I'd really like it if you hang around us! We wont let you be a third wheel, I promise." she looks at Hermione, who nods.