The next day, when Seamus got to the Great Hall for breakfast, he saw the girl from last night sitting across from Neville. She was talking to Ginny, who was sitting to her left. Seamus quickened his walking pace so that he could sit in the spot next to Neville. He finally managed to wade through the sea of first years and get over to where Neville and the mystery girl were sitting.

"Hi, Neville," said Seamus as he sat down. The mystery girl glanced at him, blushed, and continued talking to Ginny.

"Oh. Hey, Seamus. How did things go with Lavender last night?" asked Neville.

"Not that great. Honestly, it was a bloody nightmare. As soon as we left, she tried to snog me. You should've seen the look she gave me when I told her I just wanted to be friends. I thought she was going to tear my head off." Neville gave a sympathetic look.

"Well, if there is another ball, I have a couple of ideas of who you could invite."

Just then the curly-haired beauty got up, said goodbye to Ginny and Neville, and practically ran out of the Great Hall. Ginny looked at Neville with a look that could kill.

"Neville! Why did you do that? You know how shy Kaley is!" exclaimed Ginny.

"Oh. That was stupid of me. I'm sorry," mumbled Neville. Ginny got up, wrapped some food in a napkin, and stuffed it in her book bag.

"It's alright, Neville. I'm sure she'll understand. I'm going to go find her, though. She barely ate anything. See you later." Ginny got up and rushed out the door to find the curly-haired girl.

"So, Neville, what was that curly-haired girl's name?" asked Seamus.

"Kaley Simpson. She's in our year," answered Neville.

"Really? She almost sounded American when she spoke."

"She lived in America till she turned 10. Her parents moved back here so that she could attend Hogwarts."

"Interesting. So, who did she take to the ball last night?"

"No one. Why?"

"Oh. Uhhh. No reason. Just curious."

"Okay. Well, I was going to ask her, but Ginny was sad about not being able to go and Kaley was really hoping this guy she fancies would ask her. She didn't really seem fazed when no one asked her. I knew she was really disappointed, but she made the best of it I think. She has a lot of courage. I admire that."

"Do you fancy her, Neville?"

"Oh, no. She's great, but I consider her to be my best friend. Us dating would just be weird. My gran really likes her. Kaley lives next door to me and Gran."

"Oh. Interesting."

"If you want to know more about her, you should really talk to her yourself. She's a really open person once you get to know her."

"Uhhh. Yeah. I'll do that. Thanks Neville." Seamus left the Great Hall with the suspicion that Neville knew of his true intentions.