Ron sat slumped in a corner beside his bored date, Padma Patil, at the Yule Ball. He had just seen Hermione come in with that Bulgarian. Stupid Vicky. He had been so sure she had been lying, and did not have a date, just because Ron had asked her at the last minute. She was so beautiful he could hardly stand it. He glared at her while she danced. She was the picture of sheer elegance in a powder blue ball down, and her hair was soft, and shone. Ron could not have felt worse. His date left and he did not notice.

Some day, when I'm awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you...
And the way you look tonight.

Each time Victor twirled her she giggled and gave him a luminous smile as her fairytale-like ball gown swooshed around her. During the year, Ron worked so hard for those smiles Victor was getting effortlessly, constantly. He twirled her and a few strands of hair fell away from her bun. He reached over to tuck them behind her ear and his hand brushed against her check, which immediately turned rosy. Ron was filled with jealousy; from the soles of his shoes, to the top of his flame-like hair. Hermione was so lovely tonight. He let out a sigh, wishing he could be the one to hold her; the one that he loved.

Yes you're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft,
There is nothing for me but to love you,
And the way you look tonight.

Hermione rushed over to the table where Ron and Harry sat. "Victor's just gone to get us some drinks," Her face was flushed and her voice breathy. She sat down next to Ron and began to fan herself.

"I'm surprised he hasn't asked you to call him Vicky already," Ron burst out jealously.

"Ron, don't be stupid." Victor became visible, and Hermione once again began giggling. Her nose scrunched up and her eyes danced. It was a sound that Ron loved. But he would love it more if it was directed at him. She sighed, and got up to join Victor with a quick wave to Ron and Harry.

With each word your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fear apart...
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,
It touches my foolish heart.

That was his Hermione up there dancing with that crow-footed Bulgarian. The one he had thought was lovely even when she was covered with cat hair. A slow song came on, and Hermione put her head against Victor's chest with a sigh. Oh, if only that were him. He loved Hermione Granger, and something had to be done about it.

Lovely ... Never, ever change.
Keep that breathless charm.
Won't you please arrange it ?
'Cause I love you ... Just the way you look tonight.

At the end of the song, Ron dashed up to Hermione and tapped her a little harder than necessary on the shoulder. "Hey, can I talk to you for a sec?" He asked, and then yanked her outside.

He pulled her into a deep kiss. They were both blushing severely. "That's not talking," Hermione protested.

"It's just the way you look tonight."

Mm, Mm, Mm, Mm,
Just the way you look tonight.