Flourish and Blotts//George Weasley

8 ~ Kisses

Aurella shifted slightly on her dance heels, scanning the room. Madame Maxime had insisted they all meet here for an impromptu dance class. She insisted that it would be an important skill to practice for this year, though she wouldn't say why. Beside her, Kira was playing with the fabric at the hem of her jacket. 

They were lined up across from the boys, who were looking just as uncomfortable. No matter how many years they had spent in etiquette and dance lessons together, it seemed that the awkwardness of dancing with their classmates never went away. Aurella's mother had told her about a similar experience during her own years.

Madame Maxime turned back to them. "You all already know this one. It is the traditional ballroom waltz, I want to run it a couple of times to make sure you still remember it."

The carriage had adjusted itself to make the small classroom-- where they had been taking their French and arithmetic lessons-- into a ballroom that was a smaller version of the one at Beauxbatons. The floor was a warm shining brown and the walls were blue, covered with ornate gold patterns. Aurella's shoes had clicked across the floor as she entered. 

Madame Maxime flicked her wand at a white piano and the keys began to play, the familiar melody filling the air. Aurella dipped into a curtsey as the boys across bowed. She scanned their faces. No matter how close they all were, it was still awkward. 

Quickly, they began to move. Aurella met her partner midway-- a tall boy a year ahead of her named Leon. They swept along, his fingers braced on her waist and linked with hers. Aurella let hers rest on the blue fabric of his suit jacket on his shoulder. They moved along, the music carrying them. 

She spun around once and found herself in the arms of her next partner. It was a quick waltz. One that had them swapping partners as they moved around the room. She was faintly aware of Kira behind her, her long curly hair flying behind her. Kira had always excelled in their dance class, and although she tried her best, Aurella could never learn. 

She winced as she stepped on her partner's toes, but didn't get the chance to apologize as she spun again and was quickly passed to the next boy, the music picking up. 

Her eyes widened slightly as she wound up in Henri's arms. The familiarity of his broad chest made her heartache.  She could feel him stiffen underneath her hands and she braced herself for the cold expression. 

She glanced up at his eyes, hating that she missed his touch, even if it was cold on her skin. There was nothing special in his eyes anymore and she had to stop herself from frowning. She needed to try harder to get him back and figure out some plan of action to win him again. She wanted the familiarity of him and their life together.

The music came to a loud halt, and Aurella quickly stepped back to join Kira, who was watching her cautiously, though she didn't say anything. 

"I have one last announcement before we finish up," Madame Maxime spoke, clapping her massive hands together once. They all straightened up, watching the headmistress. "There will be a trip to Hogsmeade soon, which is one of the largest all-magical settlements in Europe. I have given you all permission to go, and I expect you to act like the proper students you are."

Aurella glanced at Kira in excitement. A trip to Hogsmeade? She had never been before, there might be something interesting there.

~~~

Later that evening, bundled in the warmest clothes they could scrounge up, Aurella and Kira picked their way across the dew-speckled grass toward the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch. In front of them, Fred was chattering with the chasers, Harry following close behind. She could make out George's figure through the darkening sky, his back tall and straight. He glanced back to look at Fred and she was filled with the overwhelming urge to punch him.