I knew what I was doing was wrong, but at the same time I couldn't think of anything else to do in order to make him notice me.

Sometimes he gave the impression he liked me, other times it was as if he only noticed me when he needed help writing essays. He'd be sat in the common room, books spread all around him, quill in hand, and his parchment blank. When I walked into the room, his face would light up and he'd ask for help. And I'd help him. Even though after every single time I'd helped him, I'd go up to the dorm and swear never to do it again.

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror just then. I hate doing my hair by magic. It's one thing my mum always advised. She told me not to use magic for everything, so I still do my hair the muggle way. I don't normally do much to my hair mind. It's for tonight. This is the first time I've ever felt the need to put an effort into my appearance, and I'm surprised by the result. I've always been convinced I was plain. I have bushy brown hair, brown eyes and a plain face. I'm nothing special. But now, as I put the last pin in my hair and pull some strands loose to tumble over my shoulder, I can't help but think I look pretty. Not pretty like Cho or Ginny, but somewhere above where I was.

I'm already in my dress, so there's nothing for me to do except think.

I didn't really want to go with Viktor, but I knew Ron would never ask me. He'd never notice that I liked him in a month of Sundays.

And I was right. He didn't ask me. Maybe I was too close to him. That's how Viktor noticed me. Unlike every other girl in Hogwarts, I didn't let his presence take over my life. Viktor noticed me because I wasn't trying to get his attention.

I didn't give Viktor an answer for several days after he asked me though. I was so desperate for Ron to ask me.

I found this dress when I heard that Hogwarts would be hosting the Triwizard tournament- I had a feeling that Ron would've invited me. So the dress was for him. I practiced hairstyles whenever I could, and this was a look I thought Ron would like. He'd only ever seen me bundled up in sweaters or in the Hogwarts uniform. He'd never seen me dressed up.

By the time I make my way out of the girls dormitory, and out of the common room, everyone is already gone and milling around the hall. I slow as I reach the top of the stairs. I can see Draco and Pansy, but not even fear of Draco's scathing tongue is as great as the fear that fills my stomach as my eyes find Ron in the crowd. He's stood with Harry, Padma and Parvati, talking. I can see the Cedric and Fleur with their dates, standing near Viktor. Viktor's beginning to look nervous, and the professor's are wondering what to do if one of the Champions is without a partner.

I take a deep breath. It's now or never.

Slowly, I walk down the stairs.

I'm halfway down the staircase, when I feel everyone's eyes upon me. I keep my eyes fixed on my feet, judging each step, then, when I'm near the bottom, I raise my eyes.

The first person who's eye I catch is Ron's. Ron's face speaks volumes, and I can see he wishes I'd gone with him. He wishes he'd had the courage to ask me. At least, that's what I hope he thinks. He's about to get more of a shock. He doesn't know I'm going to the ball with Viktor.

I smile at Ron, and he opens his mouth to speak, but Viktor sweeps over and takes my arm.

"You are beautiful," he says softly, his eyes wide as he kisses my hand, "Shall we now join the others?"

I nod.

Inside, my heart is heavy and all I can think about is how much I wish Ron had been the one to take my arm, and tell me I looked beautiful.

And I feel awful for using Viktor like this. But all's fair in love and war. I just hope I'm not totally wrong. I sincerely hope that Ron does feel something for me.