Deal-Breaker [Ron Weasley]

6. The Ball

Don't get me wrong; Dean Thomas is definitely the sweetest, nicest, most genuine guy anyone will ever meet. It should be a crime to have that caring of a personality and be that attractive.

But, somewhere deep down, I was bummed to be going to the dance with him.

Part of me wished Ron had just asked me.

As friends, of course.

Today was the ball, and it was all anyone could talk about. After our last class let out, everyone everywhere practically sprinted back to the dorms to get ready for this evening.

"You excited?" Ron asked as the two of us walked through the halls at a normal pace, surveying the chaos that ensued around us.

"So excited," I answered flatly, not meaning to sound as unenthusiastic as I did.

Ron noticed my lack of actual excitement in my voice. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing!" I exclaimed defensively.

He didn't buy it. "Something wrong with Dean? See, I told you there was a good reason I followed you on that date—"

"Nothing is wrong with Dean," I cut him off. "I'm just... not sure he's the person I'm going to win the bet with."

"Oh," remarked Ron quietly. "Well, I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

"Sorry that it didn't work out."

"Don't be. It's not going to work out with the first person I go on a date with," I shrugged.

Ron was visibly uncomfortable at the topic, biting his bottom lip and running his hand through his hair nervously. He made an effort to change the subject. "Are you at least excited for the after party?"

Ah, yes. The after party in the common room.

"Yes, I am," I laughed as we rounded the corner. "I love seeing you drunk. I'd pick drunk Ron over sober Ron any day."

"Well, sorry to disappoint, but I'm not drinking tonight," Ron sighed, seeming slightly disappointed.

"What? Why not?" I asked. Ron was always the first person downing firewhisky at any event, no matter where we were, who was there, or what time it was.

"Celeste is going. I feel like I should... watch out for her."

My heart practically melted.

But only because that was definitely the sweetest thing I'd ever heard Ron say. If it was any other party, and I was drinking at it, Ron couldn't give two shits about where I ended up at the end of the night.

"That is so nice of you," I cooed as he rolled his eyes and shoved me lightly.

"Shut up," he spat as we arrived at the door to my room.

"See you at the dance?" I asked, gripping the handle.

"I'm coming over once I get dressed. You have to tell me how I look," he stated, turning to go to his own room and get changed.

"Okay!" I called after him, but he was already out of ear-shot.

I opened the door to find Hermione already fully dressed, touching up her makeup in my mirror. "Finally!" she exclaimed upon seeing me, snatching my arm and dragging me into the room with her. "Took you long enough."