Best Foot Forward

4.6K 115 110
                                    

"The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception." Professor McGonagall announced, looking around at everyone.

"On Christmas Eve night, we and our guests will gather in the Great Hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity." She paused, glancing at the boys before continuing.

"As representatives of the host school, I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward. And I mean this literally because the Yule Ball is, first and foremost.... a dance."

The sounds of whispers of excitement from the girls, and moans of irritation from the boys flooded the room. You slumped in your chair and looked over at Seamus from across the room. You made sure he was watching you when you grabbed your tie and held it up, pretending to hang yourself with it. You smiled, satisfied, when he and a few others around him began to laugh.

"Silence!" Professor McGonagall hushed everyone.

"The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly 10 centuries. I will not have you, in the course of a single evening, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons!" She looked around at you all, the boys especially.

"Now, to dance is to let the body breathe." She looked to her right and motioned to the girls.

"Inside every girl, a secret swan slumbers, longing to burst forth and take flight."

You watched Ron lean over to Seamus and whisper something to him, causing him to laugh. You sighed, so desperately wanting to get away from the swooning girls and sit with your friends on the boy’s side of the room. Whatever Ron said to Seamus was probably priceless, and you missed it because you were a girl.

"Inside every boy, a lordly lion prepared to prance. Mr. Weasly."

"Yes?"

Professor McGonagall began walking towards him, irritated.

"Will you join me please?" She said, extending her hand to him.

You laughed as Ron stood up with his head down. He followed McGonagall to the middle of the room, earning giggles from all around.

"Now, place your right hand on my waist." She said, putting her left hand on his shoulder.

"Where?"

"My waist."

He did as he was told, and put his hand on her waist. You smirked and dog-whistled. Ron looked back at you, irritated. You gave him a quick wink before McGonagall turned him around to face her.

"And extend your arm." She muttered, trying to get poor Ron into the proper position.

"Mr. Filch, if you please."

Mr. Filch dropped the needle onto the record, and the music began.

"One, two three. One, two, three. One, two, three." She began. 

You looked over at Fred and George, letting out a rather loud laugh when seeing them humming and dancing around with themselves.

"Everybody come together. Boys, on your feet!" McGonagall announced.

All of the girls, except for you, quickly, eagerly, jumped to their feet. You groaned and stayed slouched in your chair, much like the boys. Dances weren't really your cup of tea. You preferred Quidditch and blowing things up. Which is why your best friend was Seamus rather than one of the girls.

You looked up and saw Neville slowly stand up and walk into the crowd of girls, causing you to smile. He came out with his arm around Ginny, swaying back and forth with her. This must have inspired the other boys, because they all began to slowly get up from their chairs.

You slumped down even further in your chair, hoping Professor McGonagall wouldn't notice you and make you dance. Unfortunately, she did.

"(F/N), my dear. Get up and dance now." She called.

You growled and slowly got to your feet, looking around for one of your friends. You spotted Seamus and began walking towards him, but someone got in your way.

"May I have this dance, (F/N)?" He asked.

You looked up at the red-head and smiled.

"Of course you may, Fred."

He put his arm around your waist and grabbed your right hand.

"One, two, three." McGonagall began again.

You began to dance with Fred, and you discovered that you were exceptionally good at it. It wasn't as hard as it had looked. You glanced around and saw Seamus trying to dance with Lavender. He had a frown on his face, and you already knew why.

Lavender was a very talkative person, and she had been talking his ear off.

When you and Fred danced nearer to them, you could hear her talking about what kind of dress she would wear, and how she hoped that one of the Durmstrang boys would ask her.

Seamus glanced up at you, still frowning. You gave him a wink before leading Fred away from the two of them.

**********

I hope you enjoyed! Please tell me what you think. The next part will be up very soon.

-321letsjam

Yule Ball MadnessWhere stories live. Discover now