Bleville AI Oneshots

Getting Ready for the Yule Ball (Part 2)

Neville stood in front of the mirror in the 8th-year dormitory, fidgeting with his dress robes. He had been staring at his reflection for the better part of ten minutes, trying to convince himself that he didn't look like a complete idiot. The deep green fabric was a little snug around the shoulders, and no matter how many times he adjusted the collar, it still felt like it was choking him.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This is a mistake."

From behind him, Dean Thomas laughed. "You've been saying that for the past hour, mate. Just relax. It's going to be fine."

"Easy for you to say," Neville muttered, pulling at his collar again. "You're not going with-" He cut himself off, the words catching in his throat. Even now, a week after Blaise had asked him, it still didn't seem real.

Dean grinned as he fastened his own robes. "I still can't believe Zabini asked you to the ball. I thought for sure he'd end up going with someone like Pansy Parkinson."

Neville winced. "You and me both."

Dean rolled his eyes, stepping over to clap Neville on the shoulder. "Look, stop overthinking it. If Zabini wanted to go with someone else, he would've asked them. He asked you. So just... I don't know, enjoy it?"

Neville sighed, but he knew Dean was right. No matter how much his nerves screamed at him to bail on the whole thing, he couldn't exactly back out now. Not when Blaise had gone out of his way to ask him.

At that moment, Seamus Finnigan walked in, dressed in bright blue dress robes with an exaggerated grin on his face. "Blimey, Longbottom! You clean up all right."

Neville gave a weak smile. "Thanks."

Seamus raised an eyebrow. "You nervous?"

Neville shot him a look. "What do you think?"

Seamus chuckled. "Don't be. If Blaise Zabini's interested in you, I'd say you've got nothing to worry about."

Neville frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Seamus leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms with a mischievous smile. "I mean, Zabini's picky. He wouldn't waste his time if he didn't think you were worth it."

Neville's heart did a little flip, but he tried to push the thought away. This wasn't about Zabini thinking he was "worth it"-this was just a Yule Ball. One night. One dance. Nothing more.

Except... the way Blaise had looked at him when he'd asked, the way his voice had softened, as if Neville was something more than just a last-minute option...

Before Neville could spiral further into his thoughts, the door creaked open, and Blaise himself stepped inside, dressed in sleek, black dress robes that made him look like he'd stepped out of a wizarding fashion magazine. His dark eyes found Neville instantly, and Neville's breath hitched in his throat.

"Longbottom," Blaise said smoothly, his voice low as he took a few steps closer, his eyes sweeping over Neville's appearance. "You look... good."

Neville swallowed, feeling his face heat. "Thanks. You, uh... you too."

Blaise's lips curved into a small smile, and for a moment, neither of them said anything. There was something in Blaise's gaze that made Neville's heart race, like Blaise was seeing him in a way no one else ever had before.

"You ready?" Blaise asked, his voice quieter now, like they were the only two people in the room.

Neville nodded, though his palms were still sweating and his stomach was in knots. "Yeah. Let's, uh... let's go."