Desperately Seeking Seekers (Drarry)

Yule Ball

"Who are you taking to the Ball?"

The question brought Harry out of looking towards Draco with a start. "Um, what?"

Hermione gave a little huff. "Boys," she looked sideways at Ron, and he just grinned at her flirtatiously. "Remember Professor McGonagall's speech at the beginning of the term? There's four Balls a year now."

"Come on, they aren't that formal, are they? I thought they were just dances," Ron shot back, seeming concerned now.

Harry thought back and seemed to recall McGonagall talking about that. Something about training students on social graces as well as getting a formal education.

Hermione laid a comforting hand on Ron's forearm. "The Yule Ball is more formal, but you have good dress robes now, remember? Although it would be fun to see you in those old lacy ones again."

"She had us dress up in costumes for Halloween, fancy clothes for this one. What's next? Kilts and sporran for the spring one?" Ron smirked towards Harry.

Harry chuckled along. "Make us dance some Highland spring fling or something?"

Hermione was too used to their humor to be bothered by it. She simply rolled her eyes at them and sipped her pumpkin juice. "I think the spring and end of term ones are more casual. But I'm looking forward to dressing up again."

She linked her arm through Ron's and leaned against him. He gave her a fond look and a kiss. It was nice just seeing them being a happy couple, planning to attend normal school events together, after all the drama of the past.

"But you never answered my question, Harry. Have you asked anyone to go with you?"

Harry's stomach dropped, reminded of how stressful it had been to get a date for the Ball in fourth year. He glanced around the hall, looking at the girls in seventh and eighth year. Most had boyfriends or were people he didn't know that well.

Ginny was mostly around Ernie these days, and with their past history, he didn't feel comfortable asking her. Luna was with Neville, and Hermione with Ron.

Romilda grinned his way, and he quickly looked away. Her potent love potion chocolates had scared him. Nearby, Gabrielle flicked her long, blond hair over her shoulder, a move that reminded him strongly of Fleur. Half the boys around her seemed mesmerized, but she still glanced flirtatiously Harry's way. She was obviously interested, but far too young for him.

He was shaking his head as he met Hermione's gaze. "I'm not really into anyone, frankly. Would it be awful to go stag like I did at Halloween?"

Ron and Hermione shared a glance, and looked a little uncomfortable. There was obviously something they had discussed about Harry.

"Um, you know, um," Ron started, flushing slightly when he looked back at Harry. "Whoever you go with, or, er, dance with...it's OK with us."

Harry's eyebrows shot up at this. What the hell? He glared at both of them in turn. "Don't fucking tell me you think there's any truth to all that bullocks in the Oracle!"

Looking around uncomfortably to see if Harry's raised voice had gotten any attention, Hermione leaned in to talk to him in a softer tone. A concerned tone. "Harry, we are around you a lot and we'd be blind if we didn't notice how often you look at him."

The fact that she didn't even mention his name spoke volumes. Harry felt like he'd been punched in the gut. Had he been that obvious? Had everyone noticed? Had he noticed?

"But, has, um..." Harry started, not exactly sure what to say.

Ron put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "If it helps at all, he does his share of looking at you when he thinks you won't notice."