Can I Have This Dance: Ron and Hermione, 4th year. Days before the Yule Ball.
(Song inspiration: Can I Have This Dance from High School Musical 3)


"I...er...um...I-I c-can't dance," Ron stuttered. "You see, I-I-I...don't even know what a waltz is..."

Everyone watched as Ron melted Hermione's spotlight. There was surprise and slight embarrassment in Ron's eyes and everyone in the common room could clearly see the amusement in Hermione's. Before they knew it, Hermione was slowly inching her way towards Ron with her hand out stretched.

"Take my hand," she said to her red-faced friend. "And take a breath."

Ron wiped his sweaty palms over the sides of his jeans a few times and took two full breathes before nervously placing his hands into Hermione's. He couldn't believe he was doing this, he was really going to let Hermione teach him how to waltz in front of every Gryffindor in the common room.

"Now, pull me close," Hermione said and before Ron could protest, she pressed up against him. There were giggles coming from most of the Gryffindor girls and howling and whistling from the guys, it made Ron more nervous. Especially knowing that Hermione was so confident in what she was doing. "And take one step."

Keeping his eyes on his feet, Ron clumsily took a step forward with his right foot and Hermione simply followed his lead. There was a boom of laughter coming from the entrance of the common room and Ron looked over his shoulder to see that his two older brothers had joined in the big circle of Gryffindors, next to Harry.

"Ron, keep your eyes locked on mind," Hermione told him. Then she took out her wand and with one flick of her wrist, music filled the common room. "Let the music be your guide."

They began waltzing around the common room and every giggle, howl, whistle and obnoxious laugh stopped. It seemed that Ron was a natural at the waltz, but only Harry and the Weasleys knew it was because of how comfortable Hermione made Ron feel. It looked like Ron and Hermione thought they were in a different world, taking every step, turn and twirl in their own little world.

Now, if only this is how it could be at the Yule Ball. If only...