Lauren's POV

"?" George asked, nervously tucking his long red hair behind one ear.

I raised a single eyebrow at him before shaking my head and laughing. "No."

I wasn't up more than two stairs when I felt a firm hand tugging me back down. I let it pull me back; George released me as soon as I was standing in front of him. I put on my best bored face as I craned my head up to look at him. Standing at 6'3", he had a good ten inches on me.

"Why not?" I nearly laughed again at the sincerity in his question.

I folded my arms tightly across my sweater clad chest. "You embarrassed me in front of half the school."

"Right, well, that was an accident. And we're really sorry."

I shook my head again and watched him fidget. The great George Weasley is nervous? Oh this is great.

"Do you remember me asking you to the spring dance we had a few years back?"

As I waited for his answer, I had flash back of myself as a first year, approaching him and mustering up as much confidence as I could to ask George to the dance. He responded by sending me this cute little box which exploded in my face when I opened it. It wasn't a huge deal, and other than that I had really gotten by without being a victim of their usually funny, sometimes cruel pranks.

The light bulb went off in George's head. The corners of his mouth turned up into a smile, he tried to hold it back, but the goofy grin just wouldn't go away.

"Still holding a grudge after all this time?"

I turned to the staircase entrance and hesitated. "What makes you think I don't have a date?"

George smirked at me and leaned against the door jamb. "I have it on good authority that you were dumped for a Slytherin."

I bit my lip. It really wasn't good manners to dump someone the day before the occasion, but I took some pride in knowing I wasn't the only one. Pansy was stolen away from Draco, who promptly asked if I wanted to go with, after of course making sure I was a pureblood.

"Well, tell your good authority that I have a date. I accept your apology, but that is it."

Draco and I had to come to an understanding about my dress. I refused to wear green, but he seemed pretty pleased with himself when I said I'd change the color to black. I was pretty proud of myself when I saw the look on his face as I descended the stairs. Draco Malfoy didn't jaw drop for just anyone.

The dress was stunning, and I couldn't take any credit for that. My mother had picked out the most beautiful silk chiffon gown, with an empire waist, complete with a bow. The original color had been a sea foam green color to match my eyes, but none of the beauty was lost in the black. I had to swap shoes with Amanda, a fourth year Ravenclaw, at the last minute to ensure I wouldn't be taller than Draco.

The smug look on his face proved he was proud of himself as we walked in, arm-in-arm, and received more than a few audible gasps. George was the first to make eye contact with me. I took a little too much pleasure in tightening my grip on Draco's arm as we moved to our seats.

There were no misconceptions about our date. He wanted to piss off Pansy and what better way than to take a Gryffindor. I really just didn't want to go alone. I would've rather gone with someone who I knew didn't want to take me opposed to someone who was asking me out of pity.

The table was more than uncomfortable. The dinner conversation was mostly directed towards Harry and how he would lose the tri-wizard tournament. More than once Draco made a crack about my hair and how I 'knew where my loyalties lie.' My loyalties lay with Gryffindor, but there was no way I was going to say that at a table full of Slytherins.

After seeing Pansy and Poliakoff join the dance floor Draco insisted we join everyone. Much to my surprise he was light on his feet and rather focused. He even gave me his most sincere smile once during the dance when he caught me staring at him in awe.

3rd POV

George resorted to asking one of Ginny's friends for fear of going alone. She of course said yes and was absolutely thrilled to be going to a ball with people at least two years older than her. She was cute, pixie type girl. Her height wasn't an issue George factored in when asking her, but it did cause some problems on the dance floor.

Their dancing was awkward and every time they neared Fred took the chance to poke fun at his twin. And George just wasn't in the mood for it. It's not that he wanted to go with Lauren; it's that she turned him down to go with Malfoy. Malfoy! Fred and Ron took every opportunity to remind him of that fact.

He was at his wits end as a new song started. George tapped Fred on his shoulder and told him to just watch.

He pulled his wand from his sleeve as discretely as possible and whispered, "Diffindo."

The charm hit Lauren's back instead of Draco's when she slowed behind him. She turned when she heard a tearing noise. Draco spun too quickly, his feet getting caught in the bottom of her dress and ripping it completely in half. Ginny Weasley released Neville and dove for the dress. Her hands managed to catch it around the other girl's hips.

Lauren froze with her arms crossed over her tan bra. She met George's surprised gaze across the dance floor with pure hatred in her eyes. Ginny shooed Draco off the bottom of her dress and helped Lauren scurry out of the ball.

"Nice date Malfoy. She was a solid seven, but after that performance I'll give her an eight," Goyle snickered as Draco passed the table.

George ran after his sister and Lauren, Draco on his right, and Professor McGonagall not far behind.

"Someone needs to start explaining right now," McGonagall closed the doors behind them.

Draco and George had their jackets off, ready to hand to Lauren. She had the dress pulled up underneath her arms, holding it tight while Ginny held the back together. Lauren reached over for Draco's jacket, never taking her eyes off George.

"It's my fault Professor, I stepped on her dress," Draco confessed.

This was one of the few times Draco had ever felt honestly bad about humiliating someone. He had been enjoying Lauren's company until the incident occurred. She'd put up with Crabbe and Goyle cracking jokes all night and not once did she defend Potter.

"Mrs. Obst?"

Lauren swallowed and looked at the floor. "It was an accident. Draco's foot must've got caught. Expensive dress, cheap fabric I guess," her green eyes met George once more.

"Very well, Mrs. Weasley, do see to it that you escort Mrs. Obst back to her room."

The small ginger haired girl nodded and gently pushed Lauren to the stairs. Once she was sure Professor McGonagall was out of hearing distance, she turned back, confusing Ginny.

"George," he looked up, Draco and he still just standing on the landing silently, "Please just stay away from me. I think you owe me that."

"What'd you do to her?" Draco muttered, his right shoulder bumping the tall red head as he headed back to the ball.

"Why do you care?" he retorted and the younger boy turned back with a devilish grin.

"Why do you?"