The Raven's Call

The Yule Ball (Part 2)

I'm in the thick of it, bodies crashing and swirling around me like a chaotic whirlwind. The pulsating beat of the music fills my ears as I move to its rhythm, lost in the frenzy of the mosh pit. My friends are all around me, their faces lit up with exhilaration and abandon. The 'Weird Sisters' are on stage, their raw energy fuelling the madness below. The crowd surges and pulses as one, caught up in the primal ecstasy of the music. I shout and scream along with the lyrics, feeling the adrenaline coursing through my veins. Somewhere along the way I lost my hair tie, my wild curls adding to the mosh. At this moment, surrounded by friends and strangers alike, I feel alive. Every jump, every spin, every collision is a celebration of the sheer joy of existence. The sweat drips down my face, but I hardly notice, too caught up in the euphoria of the experience. The whole time, Luna never leaves my side, keeping a hold of my arm so we don't get separated in the crowd. I spot Cedric among the dancing bodies, the biggest smile on his face as his usually perfectly quaffed hair was a mess, and his tie discarded to possibly never be found again. Feeling a little hot and bothered now, I lead Luna out of the mosh. "Would you like a drink?" I ask her, leaning down to her ear level. She looks at me with a nod, and she pulls me to the drinks table, happening to run into Alex and Eleanor once again. Eleanor with Alex's suit jacket over her shoulders. Very cute.

"Hey guys." I speak up as I grab a cup for both me and Luna. "Hey mate, having a good time?" He responds while I hand Luna her punch, nodding to Alex as I notice the Weasley twins and their dates approaching. "Sup Freckles." Fred says to me, before looking to Alex. "Frosty." He continues with a grin. "Oh, wuddap Ginge, other Ginge, Chaser, Claws." I say, giving the two girls nicknames off the top of my head, earning a hearty laugh from Fred. "Ello, mate." Alex responds to him, ruffling Fred's hair with his fist. "Asteria! Ma cousine!" Eleanor exclaims, looking toward Astra. "You what?!" Alex asks, confused. "Cousin?" Asteria also asks, just as confused as Alex, before she realises. "Oh! Bonjour, Eleanor! I almost didn't recognise you!" She calls back. Eleanor runs past Fred and Angelina to hug Astra tightly, Asteria hugging back. Wait, what?! Asteria had never really been one to reciprocate a hug before. "You two are related?" Alex questions, visible shock on the boy's face. "Yes." Asteria replies. "Second cousins, isn't it?" Eleanor nods. "Oui!"

I zone out of their conversation as I sip my punch, having Luna tug at my sleeve gently. I turn to face her with a smile. She gestures for me to come closer so she can talk to me directly, without prying ears. I lean down, my ear aligned with her lips. "I'm having a wonderful time tonight, I hope you are too." She whispers, just loud enough that I can still hear her over the chatter and music that filled the room. I turn my head, seeing her with a large smile on her face. "You make this night more perfect than I could have ever thought possible." I respond, before kissing her cheek gently. I watch as a wave of pink washes over her face. "Oh Atticus." She replies, her smile illuminating the surrounds like moonlight in a dark clearing. "I'm so glad I asked you to accompany me, I was afraid you would say no." My eyes widen at her comment. "Why would you ever think that?" I ask her, taking her aside for a moment. "Well, I was frightened you might be.. well.. gay." I blink in response. "But that kiss certainly proved otherwise~" She sings, almost in a teasing way, but I know it was coming from a place of sincerity. My face flushed red now as I think back on it. I know me, and I know my feelings. I'm not gay. But.. I'm not entirely straight, either. I don't know what you would call it. But I'll just call it being me.

I smile at her, kissing her cheek once again. "Would you care for another dance?" I ask, looking over to the dance floor. It had cleared out considerably since we were last there, another slow song playing now. She nods, taking my hand as she leads me back. She immediately drapes her arms over my shoulders as my arms wrap around her waist, our bodies closer than they'd ever been. It's like a hug, but we're still dancing. It's.. nice. Her head rests against my chest as I place my chin on her head, eyes closed, as we dance slowly to the music.

***

More and more students pile out of the Great Hall as they make their way to bed, Luna and I decide we're to go back to the common room and chill by the fire for a little before heading to sleep. There's something I want to ask her. But as we begin to make our way out of the hall, I spot Hermione sobbing on the stairs. I frown, looking to Luna, who seems to be reading my mind. "It's okay." She says with a nod, kissing my cheek. "I'll see you up there." She smiles, before walking away as I walk up to Hermione, taking a seat on the stairs beside her.

"Hermione?" I ask, seemingly startling her a little. "Would you care for a dance? We can talk.. cry, or stay completely silent. Up to you." I smile to her, quickly standing again to hold my hand out for her. She wipes her eyes, a sad smile on her face as she accepts my hand. I lead her back down the stairs, offering to dance with her right here in the corridor, she just shrugs and nods. I place a hand on her waist, and my free hand in hers, though she rejects my hand, now, and just hugs me, silently crying into my chest and I hold her close. "Who spoiled this wonderful night for you?" I ask her, hoping that Krum hadn't done anything to her. "Ronald.." She whispers breathlessly. That weasel, what did he do?! I don't need to know, all I need to know is he ruined what may be the only ball she'll ever get to attend, and that is NOT okay. I nod, holding the girl close, all she needed was someone to be here for her, and I will do that until she feels better. "Thank you, Atticus. You really are a great friend." She whispers, sniffling ever so slightly as she stands on her toes to kiss my cheek. "I should get some sleep. Thank you." She thanks me again, tucking some hair behind her ear before taking her leave. I sigh softly, waiting a moment before making my way up the stairs back to the common room to meet with Luna.
***
There she is. Waiting for me, already dressed into her pyjamas, snuggled up on the couch in front of the fire, cuddled up under a blanket with a bunny plushie for comfort. I loosen my bow tie and slide out of my glittery jacket, before sitting next to her, kicking off my shoes as I climb under the blanket. Luna latches onto me, nuzzling into my chest, thoroughly discarding the bunny's comfort for mine. Wrapping my arms around her, I stare into the fire, trying to find the right words for this moment. "Luna.." I say softly, watching the flames dance around. "Mm?" She hums back sleepily. "I was wondering.." I start, searching for the right words. "Would you like to be my girlfriend..?" I ask, I feel her cheeks heat up through my shirt. I feel her nod. "Of course I will." She accepts, and my heart skips a beat. She nuzzles into me and soon falls asleep, me following suit soon after. Is this what love feels like? If so, I hope this lasts forever.