Harry Potter:
The next few days felt like a dream. Harry and I continued to spend time together, but now there was an added layer of excitement to every glance, every touch, every conversation. The upcoming Yule Ball was on everyone's minds, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation. I'd never been one for grand, romantic gestures, but the idea of attending the ball with Harry made my heart race.
One snowy afternoon, as we walked through the courtyard, Harry turned to me with a mischievous grin.
"So, about the Yule Ball...," he started, his voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nerves. "Would you—?"
"Yes!" I blurted out before he could even finish his sentence, causing both of us to laugh.
"I didn't even get to ask," Harry teased, but his eyes sparkled with delight.
"I know what you were going to say," I replied, nudging him playfully. "And yes, I'd love to go to the ball with you, Harry."
As the day of the ball approached, the excitement in the Gryffindor common room was palpable. Everyone was talking about their outfits, their dates, and the magical night that awaited. Hermione was thrilled about the dress she had picked out, and even Ron seemed to be getting into the spirit of things, although he was more focused on grumbling about his dress robes.
The night of the Yule Ball finally arrived, and I found myself standing in front of the mirror in the girls' dormitory, my heart pounding with anticipation. My dress robes, a beautiful deep red that matched Gryffindor's colors, flowed gracefully around me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves, but it was no use—I was too excited.
As I descended the stairs to the common room, I spotted Harry waiting for me near the fireplace, looking dashing in his dress robes. His eyes lit up when he saw me, and I felt my cheeks flush under his gaze.
"You look... incredible," he said softly, his voice filled with awe.
"Thank you, Harry," I replied, my smile mirroring his. "You look pretty handsome yourself."
He offered me his arm, and together we left the common room, making our way to the Great Hall. The room was transformed into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights, floating candles, and soft, shimmering snowflakes that drifted gently from the enchanted ceiling. The band had just started playing a slow, romantic tune, and couples were already beginning to dance.
"Shall we?" Harry asked, a playful glint in his eye.
I nodded, and he led me to the dance floor. As we began to dance, I felt all my nerves melt away. Being in Harry's arms felt so natural, so right. We moved in sync with each other, the world around us fading away as we got lost in the music and each other's company.
"I never thought I'd be here, dancing with you like this," Harry confessed as he twirled me around. "But I'm so glad we are."
"Me too, Harry," I replied, my heart swelling with happiness. "This is perfect."
As the night went on, we laughed, danced, and stole moments away from the crowd to talk and share quiet thoughts. It was the most magical evening I could have imagined. When the ball finally ended, and we found ourselves walking back to the Gryffindor common room under the starlit sky, hand in hand, I knew that this night would be one I'd treasure forever.
Harry walked me to the entrance of the girls' dormitory, just as he had the night we first confessed our feelings. We stood there for a moment, both of us hesitant to say goodnight. The silence was comfortable, filled with the unspoken promise of what was to come.
