Harry's aunt

~11~

~Later~ (In the girls' dormitory)

Jasmine and Hermione sat in Jasmine's shared dorm, looking at all the dresses laid out across her bed.

“Lupin really did make sure you were prepared,” Hermione said, looking at the different dresses in surprise.

“I love him, he really tries...but sometimes he tries too hard and makes the decision harder for me,” Jasmine said.

“Well, why don't we just narrow it down to just two and work our way from there,” Hermione suggested.

“Great idea,” Jasmine said. “Some of these colors I know won't go with my skin tone.” She began putting some dresses back, leaving them with a little less than half that they started with.

“Okay, that narrowed it down quite a bit,” Hermione said, looking at the dresses left over. “You can try these on and see which one you like best.”

“Perfect,” Jasmine said, picking up one of the dresses left, an olive green one with long sleeves, a flowy skirt, and a few small ruffles just under the waistline. She set up a small curtain to change behind and talk with Hermione while she changed. “So how is everything? Are you looking forward to this ball?”

“I am, I do kind of feel bad that Harry and Ron might not go with anyone,” Hermione said.

“They still haven’t found dates yet?” Jasmine asked, smoothing out the dress skirt once she finished putting the dress on.

“Sadly not yet, and I hope Ron never does. He’s so rude,” Hermione said, sounding upset.

“Is this about what happened in study hall?” Jasmine asked, opening the curtain, and stepping out in front of Hermione.

“Yes, how dare he use me as a last resort?” Hermione responded angrily, before looking at Jasmine. “It looks nice, but it seems like it's more for a gathering than a ball.” Jasmine nodded and picked up another dress, an orange low cut one with sleeves that ended just above the elbow, and an inverted pleated skirt.

‘Was Fred using me as a last resort?’ Jasmine thought, going back to her curtain to change into the dress.

“The color will look nice on you,” Hermione said.

“I thought so too. I think I have some shoes to match,” Jasmine said. “Do you have something to wear?”

“My parents sent me my dress already,” Hermione said. “I just need to figure out what to do with my hair.”

“I can help with that,” Jasmine offered, opening the curtain again when she had finished changing into the orange dress.

“Are you sure?” Hermione asked.

“Of course, I asked you to cut out of your reading time to come help me. The least I can do is help you with your hair,” Jasmine said.

“I guess that’s fair. Thank you, Jasmine,” Hermione said.

“Thank you for doing this with me,” Jasmine said, smiling. “It’s nice to spend time with another girl. Especially after hanging around Fred and George.”

“Yeah, I could say the same with Ron and Harry. We should invite Ginny next time,” Hermione said. “That one may be a little too low.”

“Yeah, I figured,” Jasmine said, picking up another dress to try, before closing the curtain again. “And I wanted to ask her, but she keeps avoiding me. Most likely because Harry is always around,” Jasmine said, shrugging a little, while she changed.

“Now that you've brought it up, she's kind of been a bit flighty whenever Harry is nearby. She talks to me though,” Hermione said.

“Is it me then?” Jasmine asked. “Am I scary?” She finished putting on the next dress and opened the curtain.

“No, of course...not,” Hermione began, looking at Jasmine.

“What? Does it look bad?” Jasmine asked, looking down at the dress. It was a simple burgundy velvet dress with short puffy sleeves and an A-line skirt that reached her feet.

“No, not at all,” Hermione said. “I think that might be the dress.”

“You think?” Jasmine twirled a little and looked at Hermione.

“Yes,” Hermione said. “This one or the green one you tried on first.”

“Okay,” Jasmine said. “I think I'll go with this one. It's simple but elegant.”

“I agree,” Hermione said. “You will catch a few eyes for sure.”

~The Night of the ball~

Jasmine sat in Hermione’s room, helping her pin her hair up.

“I’m so nervous,” Hermione said, working on her own makeup.

“Me too,” Jasmine said, finishing up Hermione’s hair. “And...done. I’m going to go get ready. I’ll meet you in the common room, okay?”

“Okay, thank you, Jasmine,” Hermione said, working on her makeup. Jasmine walked to her room and began getting ready. She put on her dress, heels, and a necklace Lupin had sent her from home. She put on some natural looking makeup, just some foundation and eyeliner, before she fluffed out her curls a little, after moisturizing them. She looked at herself in the mirror and nodded, satisfied with how she looked.

“Okay. I’m ready Herm-” Jasmine began, before looking at Hermione.

“What? Does it look bad?” Hermione asked, looking nervous.

“No, of course not. You look beautiful,” Jasmine said.

“Oh, thank you. You look beautiful as well,” Hermione said, smiling at her. Jasmine smiled back and took Hermione’s hand.

“Let’s get going. We wouldn’t want to keep our men waiting,” Jasmine said, before the two giggled softly. Jasmine opened the door and walked the girls out of the dormitory, heading to the ballroom.

~A little later~

“They must not be coming,” Ron said, walking Padma Patil into the ballroom. He was a little concerned, having not seen Hermione nor Jasmine.

“Did they get lost?” Harry asked, before hearing Parvati Patil gasp softly.

“They’re beautiful,” Parvati said, standing by Harry. Harry looked up, before his jaw dropped to the floor. Jasmine and Hermione walked down the stairs carefully, praying that neither of them fell, since half of the school was staring at them now. Jasmine walked past Harry and his date, waving at them.

“I see you finally found a date,” Jasmine said, before feeling a tap on her shoulder. She turned around, facing Cedric. “Oh, you waited for me.”

“I did, and I’m glad I did. You look absolutely amazing,” Cedric said.

“Thank you, so do you,” Jasmine said. Cedric held out his hand, Jasmine took it. “Well I’ll see you inside, Harry,” she said, earning small waves from Harry and Parvati, who were both still shocked. Cedric smiled and walked Jasmine inside. Jasmine looked around at the lovely decor, surprised at how beautiful the room looked. She saw everyone staring as she linked arms with Cedric. Cedric walked to the dance floor with Jasmine, followed by Viktor Krum with Hermione, Fleur Delacour and her date, and Harry with Parvati Patil.

“Ready?” Cedric asked. Jasmine nodded and took his left hand, guiding his right hand to her waist. Jasmine looked at him, waiting for Cedric to take the lead. Cedric took the first step, starting off the waltz. Jasmine followed his steps, resting her free hand on his shoulder. She kept up with his pace, and continued to look up at him, before Harry caught her eye. Harry was trying his best to remember what he learned in class, and failing miserably. Jasmine giggled a little and squeaked a little when Cedric lifted her up briefly. She clung to him a little as he set her down.

“A warning would have been nice,” Jasmine teased, following his steps again. Cedric chuckled a little and continued to dance with her.

“Sorry about that, I’m glad you didn’t punch me,” Cedric said.

“I punched Krum on accident,” Jasmine said, chuckling. “He shouldn’t have snuck up on me like he did.” Cedric chuckled softly, and the two continued to dance, as the rest of the guests began to file onto the dance floor to dance.