Ron's POV
The Gryffindors sat in a large room. The boys on one side and the girls on the left. There was meant to be some big announcement in regards to the Triwizard Tournament. I was looking along the rows of girls and as always, they fell on one particular bushy haired brunette.
As she was chatting to one of the girls on her left, I had time to survey her. I didn't often get the chance to as we were usually a lot closer and it would have been very awkward. I took in her large amount of hair which had been a signature of her for years, and which I have always loved. Her brown eyes widened at something the girl next to her just said and her mouth turned into a smile and showed her now shortened teeth.
I didn't like this about her. I don't know why she felt she had to change herself. She was very pretty, I will admit but her natural beauty is what was really lovely about her. She wasn't a Lavender Brown or Parvati Patil who always wore too much makeup and dressed inappropriately. She had a slender body which I wanted to run my hands over.
Ronald Weasley! Where did that thought come from?! You can't think about your best friend like that! What are you thinking?!
I silently cursed myself for thinking this. I don't know where it came from but I didn't feel myself denying the thought. I know that I couldn't think like this however it was very hard when I was surrounded by her all the time. She was just so –
I was brought back from my thoughts as Harry harshly elbowed me in the stomach. He cleared his throat. I gave him a look asking 'What was that for?', and he ever so slightly inclined his head to where the girls were sitting.
Hermione was looking at me, with her head cocked to the side, as if trying to figure something out. She quickly dismissed it though, with a little shake of her head. I could feel my ears turning red as I now knew she must have realised that I was watching her. I ducked my head until I heard McGonagall come into the room which was quickly hushed.
"Now I'm sure that you are all wondering why I have summoned you all here today. I have some exciting news to tell you. As part of the tradition of the Triwizard cup, the host school is to hold the legendary dance called the Yule Ball. As you can assume, this will be a very formal occasion. If you are third year or below, you may not attend the ball unless partnered by an older student and- " started McGonagall, however was quickly interrupted by Lee Jordan.
"Partners?", He cried incredulously. Secretly, I was glad he spoke up. I was quite confused about this whole 'partner' thing.
"Yes, Mr Jordan. You will, if you can find someone willing, accompany a young lady to the ball." McGonagall replied.
The whole room erupted as all the girls talked excitedly and snuck glances at the different boys they fancied while most of the boys groaned at the prospect of having to ask a girl to the ball.
I discreetly looked over to Hermione who had done the same thing to me. I thought I saw hope flash through her eyes but she quickly turned away to chat to a fifth year that I didn't know.
Maybe I could ask Hermione? I mean, she's a girl, and although she is fairly good looking, I doubt that she'll get a date to the ball. I'll probably be the only person willing to go with her, but I better keep my options open and only ask her if completely necessary. Could be a bit awkward otherwise.
The rest of the meeting passed quickly as McGonagall continued to set the guidelines and unfortunately, picked me to accompany her in showing the rest of the students how to waltz. At the few glances I got of Hermione, she was supressing a giggle.
After the meeting, Harry, Hermione and I went to the common room to get some homework done before dinner. Hermione had her head buried in Hogwarts: A History as she had already completed all the mandatory and optional homework. I was itching to start a conversation as we had never really stayed quiet this long before.
"So who do you think you'll ask Harry?" I blurted, unable to stay quiet for much longer. Hermione looked up from her book, obviously interested in Harry's answer.
"I – uhh, well err-" , Harry began.
"Harry plans on asking Cho," answered Hermione. Harry shot her a thankful look, obviously embarrassed as to admit out loud that he liked the fifth year girl.
Harry was eager to continue this conversation and asked "How about you Ron, got anyone you plan on asking?" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and I knew who he thought I meant. Hermione had now closed her book and had it resting on her lap. She was looking at me expectantly but I couldn't let her think that I thought of her as anything more than a friend. She wouldn't feel the same way, especially not about me.
"I think I'll just try and get one of those Beauxbatons girls. Most of them are fairly good looking, and you know I like how they walk." I said to Harry. Hermione looked a bit disappointed however reopened her book and continued scanning it.
"How about you, Hermione. Anyone that you want to ask you?" Harry asked inquiringly.
She shook her head but then thought better of it. "Actually, I do wish someone would ask me, but I know they never will. What's the point of getting my hopes up, right?"
I looked quizzically at her however she didn't seem to notice as she was now purposally absorbed in her book. "Right…" I replied to no one in particular.