Part One

"No, I'm sorry Neville. I already have a date to the Yule Ball." Hermione said emphatically. Neville lowered his eyes sheepishly. He felt like a fool for thinking that of all people, Hermione Granger, would actually have agreed to go with him. He wished in that moment he hadn't stopped her on the way to the library. She reached out and tilted his head back up. "You will find someone, there are still plenty of girls who aren't called for."

"I hope you're right, 'Mione." Neville sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"I really am sorry, Neville." Hermione said kindly, patting his cheek gently. Neville nodded and turned towards the direction of Griffindor tower. Hermione continued in the direction of the library. Neville trugged back to the painting of the Fat Lady.

"What's got you down, sweetie? Lady problems?" The Fat Lady asked.

"You could say so." Neville muttered. "Fairy Dust."

"Cheer up, love. Things will work out for you." The Fat Lady said with an air of self-righteousness as she swung her painting open. Neville climbed him and threw himself down in an armchair. He interlocked his hands and propped his elbows in the arms. He tapped his lip with his thumbs nd comtemplated his next move.

Not long after Neville had sat down, the door swung open, and in came one Parvati Patil. She looked rather annoyed herself.

"Hello Parvati." Neville said as she was passing his chair.

What do you want?!" Parvati snapped, whirling around. Her long black braided whipped with her. Neville felt a small twinge in his stomach. He'd seen that look before, a long time ago when she had told off Draco Malfoy in first year. That flying class when Neville had crashed his broom and Draco had mocked him. Parvati had done that same action and given him that same look as she stood up for him. Despite the pain of his broken arm, he couldn't forget the kindness she'd done him. Since then, the kind thought had begun, sort of; transforming.

Parvati's eyes widened with the realization of her actions "Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know it was you Neville." Neville gave her a compassionate smile. With a small frown, she flopped down in the adjacent chairand huffed sadly.

"Care to share?" Neville inquired. Parvati looked at him sadly, he felt the twinge again.

"I asked Justin Finch-Fletchley to the Yule Ball." Neville's jaw dropped.

"Y-y-you fancy him? Since when?" Neville sat forward swiftly.

"Since a month ago, he helped me in Charms one day and we started talking more. I thought he felt the same... Until I found out he and Hannah started dating last week. At this rate, I might as well kiss the Yule Ball goodbye." Parvati sighed. "What about you, Neville. Who are you going with?"

"Um... well... I sort of, might have, possily asked Hermione today." Parvati did a double take. "As friends, mind due! But she's called for." Neville groaned and flopped back again.

"Looks like we're both dateless, hmm?" Parvati commented non-chalantly. Then it hit him.

"Herbivicus!" Neville said, pointing his wand at the empty flower pot by the window. A single rose burst from the soil and bloomed maginificantly. Parvati satred in awe. "Accio rose." The rose flew from the pot to his hand.

"Wow Neville, you're improving!" Parvati said, suddenly looking uneasy. He turned to her and held out his hand. She gingerly took it and stood. She tilted her head up to look at him, her face looked like she suddenly realizing how tall he'd become.

"Parvati Patil, will you mind if I escorted you to the Yule Ball?" Neville said confidently, then his jaw dropped. What did I just do?

Parvati stood in shock, then her face contorted in thought, carefully thinking. Neville felt his anxiety sky rocket. Then, Parvati relaxed and with an uneasy but gentle smile, answered "Yes, I will be your date."