Forsaken Bloodlines {HP x GOT}

Chapter 4.12: The Date

Later that same day, the entire rank and file of Rowena Ravenclaw's current roster—girls on one side, boys on the other—stood in the Great Hall, facing Professor Flitwick. The enchanted ceiling displayed a twinkling night sky, casting a magical glow over the room. Lyanna stood among the girls, trying to suppress her nervousness as Flitwick cleared his throat.

"Attention, everyone," Flitwick began, his voice amplified magically. "As you all know, the Yule Ball is fast approaching, and it's important that you know how to dance. Today, we'll be learning the basics of ballroom dancing."

A murmur of excitement and apprehension ran through the students. Flitwick continued, "Please find a partner. Girls, please pair up with the boy opposite you."

Lyanna looked across the room and saw a fiddly boy with tousled hair and glasses staring back at her nervously. His name was Thomas Everly, a fellow fifth-year known for his clumsiness. He waved awkwardly, and Lyanna smiled, trying to be encouraging as they stepped toward each other.

"Hi, Thomas," Lyanna greeted him warmly. "Ready to give this a go?"

Thomas nodded, looking down at his feet. "I'll try my best. I'm not very good at this."

"You'll be fine," Lyanna reassured him. "Just follow Professor Flitwick's instructions."

Flitwick demonstrated the basic steps, and the students tried to mimic his movements. Lyanna took Thomas's hand, placing her other hand on his shoulder. Thomas hesitantly placed his hand on her waist, and they began to move to the rhythm Flitwick clapped out.

Almost immediately, Thomas stepped on Lyanna's foot. "Sorry!" he exclaimed, looking mortified.

"It's okay," Lyanna said, gritting her teeth against the pain. "Just keep trying."

They continued to dance, but Thomas kept stepping on her feet, his movements jerky and uncoordinated. Lyanna tried to stay calm and composed, offering words of encouragement despite the growing ache in her toes.

"You're doing fine, Thomas," she said, wincing as he stepped on her foot again. "Just keep practicing. You'll get the hang of it."

Thomas looked miserable. "I'm really sorry, Lyanna. I don't mean to keep hurting you."

"I know," Lyanna replied, forcing a smile. "Just focus on the steps and try to relax."

They continued to dance, and though Thomas still made mistakes, he seemed to improve slightly with Lyanna's encouragement. She maintained her patience, knowing that getting frustrated wouldn't help either of them.

After what felt like an eternity, Flitwick clapped his hands. "That's enough for today! Well done, everyone."

Lyanna let out a sigh of relief, gently pulling away from Thomas. "See? You did better at the end."

Thomas gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks for being so patient with me, Lyanna. I'll keep practicing."

"You're welcome, Thomas. We'll both be ready for the Yule Ball," Lyanna said, her smile more genuine now that the dance practice was over.

As they dispersed, Lyanna's friends gathered around her. Hermione, Ron, and Harry had finished their own dance lessons and came to see how she was doing.

"How was it?" Hermione asked, noticing Lyanna's slight limp.

Lyanna chuckled. "It was... an experience. Thomas kept stepping on my feet, but he tried his best."

Ron snickered. "Sounds like my kind of dance partner."

Harry grinned. "At least you survived. Now, about those dress robes..."