Gained A Couple Battle Scars (Second Installment)

Chapter 12: Yule Ball

I don’t even know what to say at this point. Dean is such a nice guy, and is it really that obvious that George didn’t ask me? That’s a bit bothersome. I watch as Dean fixes the strap on his bag.

“I know you and George have a thing. I’m not sure what, you two are kind of private. But, he hasn’t asked you and I know it bothers you. Don’t think a girl like you should be going alone.” He smiles again.

“Girl like me?” I question.

“You’ve got quite a few guys asking you, Ron is a tosser, but everyone else asking you is being genuine. I’m just trying to say that you’re very pretty.”

And then it happens. My hair turns pink and cheeks get hot. Dean smiles wider.

“We can go as friends.” I say.

“Friends is good. I know George will dance with you, but you’ve gotta save one for me. Especially since I’ve gotten your hair to turn pink.” He gives a wink and I smile.

“Deal. One dance saved for Dean Thomas.” I say.

He smiles and we wave to each other as he makes his way to the staircase. Dean has me thinking about how private George and I are. It’s not that we are private, it's that we just don’t show this off. Whatever ‘this’ is.

He kisses me and then moments around Hogwarts he'll kiss my cheek, or wait for me after class. If we have a discussion and I’m concerned he'll kiss me again like he did by the stone circle. Shit, what exactly do I have with George Weasley? Hes not even asking me to the ball. Apparently we need to have a conversation, a very long conversation.

Snow is falling heavy over Hogwarts, I spent the weekend with Hermione and Ginny in Hogsmeade getting dresses for the ball. I decide to keep my hair down, but, straight this time. I put in a glittery pin in my hair on the side to pin my bangs back.

My dress is white with straps and a sweetheart neckline, at the natural waist, it flares out into different layers, made out of tulle, making it look like a ball gown. I put just a bit of mascara and clear lip gloss on. I think I’ve paced for about twenty minutes in my dormitory, contemplating even going. I mean, George didn’t even ask me, we didn’t even talk about the dance at all. I guess I’ll just dance with Dean tonight.

I breathe deep before leaving the dormitory and common room. I walk past the common room and everyone seems to be at the ball already. I’ve practiced walking in my white glittery heels all week so hopefully I wont fall at all. I exit the dungeons and all I can hear is the clicking from my heels and music that sounds far away. As I walk closer I begin to feel a knot in my stomach. I could throw up at any moment, I’m so damn nervous.

I walk down the corridor and I can hear talking coming from the Great Hall. I breathe deep and step into the Great Hall, it seems I’ve missed the four champions traditional dance. The enchanted ceiling is snowing and stops halfway before hitting the ground. Tables are set up with white tablecloths. There are glittery centerpieces, tons of food and drinks.

I notice Harry and Ron exiting the dance floor with Pavarti and Padma, the two girls don’t look too happy and Harry and Ron look like they want to be anywhere else but a dance. Looks like they both found dates for the dance as a last resort. Harry stops in his tracks when he looks at me, I walk over to him and he smiles.

“Emberly, wow, you look…” Harry begins to stutters, tripping over his words.

“Harry…” I say, halfway rolling my eyes. “Please, don’t. Nervous as it is.”

“What you’ve got to be nervous for? You look amazing.” He smirks.

“Harry!” I whine. “Stop it.” I playfully push him.