Different Together

Chapter 4: Falling

~~~ A Big Ask ~~~

With the first task out of the way, a new difficulty soon faced Harry – one that scared him more than he cared to admit to anyone. Because of it – and despite the commencement of the Christmas break and with no daily lessons to worry about – Harry felt kind of shrivelled up inside. The problem was that McGonagall had informed the school there would be a Yule Ball on Christmas day and had insisted that Harry, as a Hogwarts Champion, must not only attend the dance but he had to bring a partner and lead the dance with the other champions! Raised in a cupboard, Harry had no idea how to dance, even less how to ask a girl to a banquet. Chickening out of a dragon fight seemed quite respectable compared to the embarrassment of stumbling around partnerless before the entire school while the other champions swirled professionally around him.

He clutched his stomach and looked mournfully across the common room at Ron who was in deep conversation with Lavender Brown and grinning smugly in Harry's general direction now and again.

Arrogant git, thought Harry. He doesn't even need to go to the ball if he doesn't want! But after a few moments he regretted his instinctive jealousy, and miserable that he was alienated from his friend. Ron had been a good mate and any other time would have swapped him Lavender in a flash in payment for the Omnioculars he'd gifted him at the World Quidditch match. Maybe they might even have found someone else for Ron afterwards. His eyes roved around the other Gryffindor girls. Oh, come on! I'm the Boy-who-can't-dance, surely one of you might take pity on me...

Tonks, sitting cross-legged atop a tall cabinet by the wall, was head-shaking a Don't you dare ask me! at him. He knew exactly why. As champion, Harry would have to be seen to bring a partner, and they couldn't risk drawing attention to 'Doreen Briggs.' His gaze continued its tour...

Hermione! She's a girl!

He was on his feet in a moment. He could see how unhappy his friend looked, even with her face lowered to the book on her knees, trying to pretend she wasn't interested in the commotion around her as if the coming party wasn't important to her.

Harry stopped midway. He had remembered Tonks's words about him being Hermione's true love. He'd never believed it of course. But suppose...?

Was that why she looked so wretched? So melancholy? Because he had not already asked her? Surely nobody could love him that much, especially someone like Hermione. And yet she seemed so distraught. Compassion stirred his heart. He resumed a slow walk, trying to look casual, but inside he was hurting for his friend.

"Hi," he said, winkling a timid first-year boy out of the seat next to Hermione so he could lean over close and not be overheard.

"Oh, hello, Harry." Hermione politely closed her book. "How's your day been so far?"

"Would you go to the ball with me, Hermione?" The words rushed out with the tone of urgent desperation he had honed when begging help with homework. This was his best friend, after all. She'd always been there for him.

Hermione stared ... "Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry ... someone's already asked me..." She watched his expression, saw his shock and his disappointment. Oh, God, surely Harry's not...? With me...? He couldn't be, could he? ... We're just friends. He must know that.

"Ah, good. That's good then," he said. "Yes... it's good that you've... well, I erm... well, I thought I'd ask you first since we're erm... good."

She was still looking at him intently. "Thank you for asking, Harry. I would have loved to have gone with you."

"Right. That's erm... good then."

"How about Ginny? She likes to dance and she's very accomplished at it; I think she said Luna taught her."