"So Hermione, do you have a date to the Yule Ball yet?" I asked.

"Actually, I do. Viktor Krum has asked me."

"Viktor Krum! Look at you, all the other boys are gonna be so jealous."

"Yeah, but you and George are gonna look so cute!" she replied. I shifted my eyes away from hers and smiled awkwardly.

"Well, he hasn't actually asked me yet so…"

"What? But you've been dating for months! He hasn't asked you?"

"Sadly, he has not. He probably just assumes we're going together but he hasn't officially asked me. In fact, he's never actually brought it up."

"Do you want me to mention it to him?" she suggested.

"Oh no, don't worry about." As cool as I may have seemed, this situation did make me uncomfortable. When it comes down to it, I'm a teenage girl and formal dances are pretty rare at Hogwarts. So of course I wanted to go. But I didn't want to say anything to George. I wanted him to go with me as much as I wanted to go with him. Hopefully things would work out. They always did.

After classes ended for the day, I went to the common room to just relax and socialize. I gave the password and stepped into the portrait hole. Moments later I heard people whispering in the corner and I had a feeling they were talking about me. Truthfully, I was a little pissed off. My business had nothing to do with any of these people and it was not that big of a deal. I tried to ignore it but I could feel it getting to me. I hoped it wasn't Hermione who was gossiping but she was the only person I told. It's possible that someone could have overheard but I wouldn't be surprised if Hermione mentioned it casually to someone. I went to the common room and changed into jeans and a tee shirt. It was Friday night and I didn't have anything really planned. I thought it might be a good idea to go for a walk around the castle to clear my head. I grabbed my cardigan and headed out by myself. I didn't need anyone to talk with. I just needed space to think.

The castle was a bit lively, with people rushing off to common rooms and perhaps the room of requirement. I found a comfy window sill to sit on and look out at the sky. The sun was setting and the sky was painted pink. Suddenly everything went black. I immediately tensed up out of uncertainty.

"Don't freak out. It's just me." I relaxed then.

"George, what are you doing? Take this blindfold off of me!"

"It's okay, just come with me." He took my hand and helped me up.

"Where are we going?" I asked with curiosity.

"Just trust me, you'll like it." I didn't argue with him, because I knew he was right.

"You seem tense, Kels. What's going on?" Part of me was happy he noticed my off mood but the other part of me didn't want to explain what was going on.

"I'm just stressed. My schoolwork's been piling up and it's been a bit much to handle." I knew he didn't believe it, but he also didn't say anything else.

"And here's where you stop."

"Don't you mean we stop?"

"No, I mean you stop." I made a confused face which probably couldn't be seen under the blindfold but I stopped anyway. He let go of my hand and I felt him pick me up bridal style.

"George, what are you doing?"

"We've reached the uphill portion of our trip and I just thought it might be faster if I carried you." I knew this was just an excuse to carry me, and I kind of liked it. After what seemed like an endless amount of stairs, George returned me to a state of equilibrium.

"Okay, we've reached our destination," he said. My blindfold disappeared and we were at the top of the astronomy tower. I looked out and the night sky was brilliant and clear. The stars were bright and they sparkled beautifully. It was honestly the perfect moment. I had a gut feeling I was about to get myself a date to the dance.

"Wow, it's so beautiful up here. I've never seen the sky so clear before."

"Isn't it gorgeous?"

"It's breathtaking." He put his arm around me and sighed. I couldn't think of anything to say. I just kept waiting for something exciting to happen. Like a spontaneous fireworks display or the stars to shift and spell out "Yule Ball?" or something of that sort. But it never came. As nice as it was spending serious alone time with him, I was disappointed. I smiled a sad smile and realized I might not be attending this special event.

We returned to the common room and I went directly to bed. I just couldn't believe George didn't ask me. He had the perfect moment and he wasted it. Maybe things between us weren't going as well as I had thought. Maybe he hadn't asked me yet because he was planning on breaking up with me. I was just confused and I probably should have just talked to him about it. But of course, things weren't that easy.

The next morning I woke up and got dressed, like I would any other day, but I had no pep in my step. I went downstairs to eat breakfast but felt I didn't have much to contribute to the conversation. George told me that he was planning a trip to Hogsmeade with Fred so they could stock up on Butterbeer for tonight's party. Of course, they were going secretly and I was invited as always. I passed on the offer and told them to have fun. My Saturday would probably be spent doing homework by myself. But on the bright side, it was a beautiful day so I could spend some time outside. I found a tree that provided just the right amount of shade and I got comfortable. Although I was getting my work done diligently, my mind was wandering elsewhere and it kept coming back to my current situation. It was driving me crazy. All he has to do is ask me. It's as simple as that. He doesn't have to make it theatrical or amazing, just the simple question would do. My thoughts were interrupted when I felt someone sit next to me.

"Hey Kelsey," I looked up suddenly and smiled.

"Hello Cedric. How've you been?" Cedric and I were friends, I suppose, but we hadn't talked in a while. His popularity had escalated quite a bit since he was deemed a Triwizard Champion.

"Well I've actually been quite wonderful. But I'm in a bit of a situation and I was wondering if you could help me out?"

"Sure, of course I'll help."

"You see, I don't know if you've heard about it, but there's this ball coming up and I kind of need a date. It's been tough to find someone because I've got my eye on a girl who's beautiful, and intelligent and really fun to be around, and that girl is you. May I have the honor of escorting you to the Yule Ball?" I didn't know what to say. I was sure I was blushing because it was Cedric Diggory.

"Cedric, I'm really flattered, but I'm dating George."

"Yes, but from what I've heard, he hasn't asked you yet."

"No, he has not."

"Listen, you don't have to answer right now. Take some time, think it over, and tell me tonight. You'll be at the party right?"

"I should be there, yeah."

"Okay, then I'll see you later," he smiled. He stood up and left me to my work. I watched him walk away and he looked back at me and smiled again. Cedric was basically the perfect guy. He had looks, personality, athleticism, intelligence, and a great sense of humor. About half the girls in school were probably in love with him. And I was the one he chose to ask to the ball. Decisions, decisions.

I finished my school work and returned to the Gryffindor common room. Fred and George were still out with Lee gathering party supplies but from what I had heard, people were heading to the room of requirement now. I was changing into something cuter when I heard Lavender and Paravati gossiping in the room next door.

"George is definitely about to break up with her. I mean that must be why he hasn't asked her to the Yule Ball."

"But they're cute together. I don't want to see them break up. She's so nice and she seems genuinely happy."

"Well I heard he's been flirting with Angelina Johnson and he'd rather ask her to the ball."

"Now who did you hear that from?"

"Padma said she heard it from Ginny. And she would know right? She is his sister."

I couldn't listen to them anymore. I should have known better than to listen in the first place. But what if they were right and that if George was about to break up with me? I couldn't fall victim to heartbreak right now. Everything had been going so well. I shook my head and tried to convince myself it was just gossip, but a part of me still felt uneasy. I met up with a few other Gryffindors and we headed to the room of requirement. It seemed like we were the last to arrive because the room was nearly full with Hogwarts students. Moments after my arrival, someone smoothly slid their arm around my shoulder.

"Hey Kelsey," I looked up and saw Cedric.

"Hi Cedric."

It was weird having his arm around me, simply because it wasn't George. But it was sort of nice. When I was with Cedric, my mind wasn't speeding. I was relaxed and felt down to Earth. It was refreshing.

"Have you thought any more about my offer?" he asked.

"Actually yes I have."

"Look, I know it's probably a lost cause because I can tell you're really into George. But this doesn't have to be romantic. I just know we would have so much fun together." I was quiet in thought again. I was sure I had my mind made up but something had suddenly changed.

"I would love to be your date to the ball," I said. Part of me couldn't believe what I had just said. Was I cheating on George by doing this? Nothing was going to happen except some dancing. It would be fun. Plus, he was a champion! How could I say no to him? I didn't want to make George mad or jealous, but maybe this would wake him up and make him realize he should have asked me.

"Hey Kels, I heard a funny bit of gossip the other day," George said to me. A knot formed in my stomach and I knew I would have to explain myself.

"Oh really?"

"Yeah, someone told me you were going to the Yule Ball with Cedric Diggory, which couldn't possibly be true, right?"

I hesitated before answering, "It is true, actually." He didn't respond right away. In fact, he didn't respond at all. But he didn't need to. I could see the hurt in his eyes and I immediately regretted my impromptu decision. He turned and walked away, visibly upset. I felt horrible. I let my little petty girl problems get the best of me.

"George, wait!" I called after him. He didn't turn around though. He just waved his hand as if swatting me away. I watched him walk away and was on the verge of tears. What was I thinking? I had to find Cedric…

The Yule Ball was finally here. And I was not going. I found Cedric and told him I couldn't go with him after all. He was disappointed but I think he understood. It didn't matter though because the next day he asked Cho to be his escort. Clearly I wasn't that important to him since I was so replaceable. I mean sure, it would have been fun to go with him, but afterwards nothing would have changed. I was literally putting my relationship in jeopardy for attention. But since I didn't have a date to the ball, I decided to stay in and relax. It was hard seeing how excited everyone was getting all dressed up and to go to this once in a lifetime opportunity. It was even worse because I had a dress and shoes and everything I needed, but I had no place to wear them. I found it funny that I agreed to go with Cedric because I wanted to avoid sitting at home by myself, yet that's what happened anyway.

By this point, everyone had left for the dance and I was alone in the common room. I had no idea what I was going to do with a few hours of free time. I was sitting on the couch just reading and trying to teach myself a few charms when I heard someone enter the room. I figured it was just a girl who forgot her handbag or something until someone sat down next to me.

"Hey," George said.

"Hey," I replied. I was completely unsure of what to say.

"Where's Cedric?"

"I told him I couldn't go."

"Why?"

"Because I never wanted to go with him in the first place and I shouldn't have agreed to be his date. I let my petty girl problems get the better of me, which makes me feel like a hypocrite because I hate those stupid girls who do things for attention. George, I am so sorry that I screwed everything up."

"I just don't understand why you would agree to go with him while we were together."

"I was starting to doubt that you were going to ask me. That night in the astronomy tower was so perfect and I genuinely thought you were going to ask me. And when you didn't, I panicked. I didn't want to end up sitting at home while everyone else was out, which ended up happening anyway. And then rumors were circulating that you were interested in someone else and I just felt helpless."

"Kelsey, of course I was going to ask you. You are the only person I'd ever want to go with. But I wanted the moment to be perfect. I was planning on doing it that night but it just seemed too obvious. I wanted to surprise you when I asked you. Maybe I was thinking about it too much but I just wanted it to be perfect. I wanted to be a perfect boyfriend."

I didn't know what to say. That was probably the sweetest thing he had ever said to me. Before I knew it, my arms were around him. "Oh George," was all I could manage for now. He hugged me back and I didn't want to let go. But eventually I did. I kept my hands on his shoulders and said, "You are the perfect boyfriend. I'm so, so sorry. I've missed you so much these past couple of days."

He had few words, but his lips were on mine and that said it all. There was a part of me that wanted to be all dolled up right now and dancing the night away. However, the other side of me was perfectly happy staying in with George and just spending quality time with him.

"Now go get changed," he said to me.

"What?" I asked.

"Go get changed. We have a ball to attend."

"George, the ball started over an hour ago."

"Well good. Then we can be fashionably late. Besides, I don't go anywhere without making a grand entrance."

I smiled at him and kissed him on the cheek before getting changed.

I put on my black, backless dress and red heels and felt…different. The fit me perfectly and honestly, it made me look sexy. This wasn't how I was expecting to feel when getting all dressed up. I ignored the feeling as I pinned my hair back into a sort of faux hawk ponytail combination. Once I was completely accessorized I looked in the mirror and felt kind of like a rock star ( yule_ball_with_george_weasley/set?id=68860765).

As I walked down the stairs to the common room, I saw George sitting there all dressed up. He looked adorable in his classy dress robes and I was happy all of our problems were resolved.

"Wow, Kelsey. You look…you look amazing."

I just smiled at him and said, "You look pretty dapper yourself."

"I never in a million years thought you'd wear something like this to the ball."

"Me neither. But I was originally going to go with Cedric and I guess I felt like I needed to kick it up a notch to impress him. I don't know though, I kind of like this look."

"You always look beautiful to me," he said.

"Thanks babe," I said kissing his cheek. "Let's go make an entrance!"

George apparently had this elaborate plan for our entrance but he wouldn't let me in on any of it. We were about to transcend down the stairs when all of the sudden all the lights went out. There was a moment of darkness but then blue and white fireworks lit up in the shape of snowflakes and drifted downwards. Then a spotlight appeared and found the two of us immediately.

"That's our cue," he said. I took his arm and he led me down the stairs. He was waving his free arm like he was some sort of celebrity and I played along, blowing kisses to the crowd. We were a few steps away from the bottom and everyone started applauding, even the teachers. I knew they all liked George, even if he was disruptive in class. Once we reached the floor, the lighting returned to normal and what seemed like a crowd of people came rushing toward us.

Mostly everyone was complimenting us on our entrance and our appearance. Some people commented on how they thought we weren't coming and we were broken up and the works. Hermione finally made her way to us and I gave her a big hug.

"Kelsey, I'm so happy you're here! You look incredible!" she shrieked excitedly.

"Me? Look at you! You're stunning!" It was true. She looked gorgeous. We talked quickly and then she returned to Viktor. There was still a bit of a crowd and George and I were kind of stuck.

"If you'll all excuse us. I'd like to dance with my lovely girlfriend. After all, this is a dance," George grabbed my hand and the crowd parted like the Red Sea as we made our way to the dance floor.

"You're incredible, you know that?" I said to him.

"Yeah, I know," he joked. I playfully hit him and laughed before saying, "How did you pull that off."

"Well Fred certainly helped me out. And surprisingly so did McGonagall." We both looked over to see the head of our house smiling at us. She waved and we both waved back, returning the smile. "She was pretty concerned when she heard we weren't going together. She offered her service in case I needed help with anything."

"Huh, McGonagall likes us. Who would've guessed," I stated.

"Well, I'd say we're pretty likable people. Or at least I am," he joked. I just smiled at him and gave him a quick peck. The night had turned out even better than I imagined. So what if I didn't get asked to the Yule Ball in some cute and creative way. I think I had the best night out of everyone else there. And the best boyfriend to go along with it.