The Golden Age: The Nineteen Years
Chapter 10 : A Celebratory Christmas
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned in this story, nor the places. Those are J.K. Rowlings.
Drifting flakes of white coated the grounds and roofs at Hogwarts and decorated the air Christmas Eve morning. Tinsel and boughs of holly had been strung up in the hallways for weeks and on occasion or request sang Christmas carols. The mistletoe hung in select places was understood to be dodged, as it had a habit of encouraging matches it saw likely, thankfully leaving separate members of couples alone. Lights and decorations were strung up in the common rooms on the walls and the tree that took up a large corner of each. As the decorations reflected House colors, and the mood was as good of a mirror of the members, Gryffindor seemed the emblem of Christmas spirit that year, every member joking and caroling while preparing for the ball.
The Great Hall's great expanse held a beautiful night sky, the tables pushed away as soon as dinner had ended, and the trees glittered in colors of all the houses. Various teachers cheerfully helped the Head Boys and Girls hang up streamers, set the lights for the ball, and overall decorate the room with holiday cheer. There was a bit more red and gold then other House colors, in honor of the Gryffindors that had done the most for the school, as could be expected of the courageous nature of the House. Gold tinsel hung between the floating candles and the band was tuning. It was a band equally skilled in the classical that would open the dance and be the intermission, and the music that everyone loved and looked forward to dancing to, hit singles by bands like the Weird Sisters. As soon as the final touches had been made, the Head Boys and Girls left the teachers to open the dance and rushed to their respective dormitories to prepare. The guys had settled that they would meet near the entrance, and the girls would arrive there a bit later.
Without a fuss Luna had gotten into her light blue dress, the only thing they had ever seen her in that wasn't outrageous, and gone downstairs calling that she'd see them at the dance. Ginny and Herminone watched her go before starting to get ready, then started laughing. "You know, for once, I think her crazy earrings won't be a bad thing!" Ginny managed to say. Hermione grinned. "Yeah, blueberries went well with that dress! I think she got the idea from our calling her other earrings radishes." Then the two girls rushed about getting their dresses on, then helping each other with the simple makeup they had decided on, and the just as simple earrings that matches their dresses. Then they headed down to the ball, meeting Hannah on the way.
"My hair won't lay flat!"
"Don't fuss about it Harry. You know Ginny won't care."
"I guess so Neville."
"That's the spirit mate! Don't worry! I'm not, I've got decent robes this time!"
The Head Boys chatter filled the air around them as people occasionally stopped to thank them for a job well done and their response never varied from "Thanks, we'll tell the girls." Their anxious shifting gradually stopped as they got caught up in their conversation.
"Yeah, you know, the Cannons'll get better eventually! They just need-"
Ron paused and glared at Neville, as his jaw had dropped, making Harry grin.
"Hey mate, they're my favorite team and-"
Neville shook his head and walked past them, saying "Not you mate. Her."
He nervously gulped and walked to the end of the stairs, where Hannah was coming down. Her dress fell to midway between her knees and ankles, the top being a halter top. She shone a shade brighter than her House yellow with matching shoes that had white accents and earrings with yellow topaz. The brown wave of her hair that fell barely past her shoulders was unmarred by any accessory. Lightly, but blushing as badly as Neville was she linked her arm with the one he offered and her led her to the side, as Ron's date had arrived as well.
Ron turned from Hannah and Neville and gaped. Harry did as well, then saw Ron and grinned as he watched one of his best friends come down the stairs and the other be awestruck.
A cascade of violet was carefully heading down the steps. The dress was reflected in a necklace with an amethyst pendant and earrings with the same gem. Her heels were barely visible beneath the folds of the dress, with its simple straps over her shoulders. It was simple, with a few touches of glitter around her waist and the trim. Her brown curls were pulled back with a simple ribbon and a smile graced her face and was reflected in her eyes that saw nothing but Ron.
"Well…what do you think Ron? I hope you aren't already hungry, but you are drooling."
He shut his mouth and turned beet red, to her amusement.
"Ron! You should know I was just joking! Shall we go in!"
He offered her his hand and murmured "Hermione…you look…absolutely beautiful. " He paused and turned red again. "More so then normal." To which she blushed and took his hand and leaned next to him. "Thank you." The two went to talk with Neville and Hannah, watching the steps and Harry.
Ruby red adorned the stairs as Ginny appeared. Her eyes were downcast, but she shone nonetheless, especially to Harry who was speechless. Her hair fell around her shoulders, and her only jewelry was a gold chain that matched, and was accentuated by, her shoes.
Gracefully she took the hand Harry offered and he kissed it. "You look absolutely stunning Ginny. " She blushed and smiled. "I'm glad. The famous Harry Potter should have a girl that can stun the competition." He laughed "Well, you've proven you can do that with a wand, and now with your looks. With no offense intended to any of you "he paused and glanced and his friends. "In my eyes nobody here could hold a candle to your beauty." She turned as red as Ron had. "Thanks Harry, now I match my dress. "
He grinned. "That's not a bad thing, but, as you wish my lady. Shall we dance?" They both smiled and the other pairs followed them into the mostly full Great Hall just as McGonagall, dressed in a simple, long-sleeved, silver gown had begun to speak in a voice that called for no interruption, nor did anyone think to offer any.
"Students, teachers, this year has put the school through it hardest time ever, and let it be the worst it ever sees. Hogwarts has been destroyed and rebuilt and many have died. But we have the heroes of the wizarding world among us, and whom we have given our grateful thanks time and time again for their service. Your Head Boys and Head Girls, along with many other among you, did more than required to protect one of your own and your school. In honor of that courageous service is this ball, in your honor is this celebration! This is your school and one of the very best of the wizarding world! Never forget that, and may this night be one of all of your greatest nights that you may always think on, in any occasion a happy memory is always welcome! Now, perhaps a cheer for students of Hogwarts who honor and love this school!"
A deafening cheer arose from the students, which blended softly into the classical music that started the dance. Any who had come alone either stood to the side or found partners. The Head Students grinned as they waltzed and twirled among their fellows. Each and no eyes but for his own date, although many envious eyes were cast at them, girls wishing they were held so fondly by the Head Boys, or guys seeing their stunning dates and wondering how they hadn't noticed them before.
As the music was turned up everyone began to dance to favorite tunes, including rock version of Christmas songs, and enjoy themselves amidst the Christmas splendor. In various locations around the Great Hall, the Head Students, Luna excepted, and their dates had taken a brief respite from the dancing for punch and each others conversation.
Harry and Ginny sat in a quieter corner, Ron and Hermione stood a bit apart from a refreshment table, while Neville and Hannah quietly went for a walk.
"You know Hannah, you're the only girl I knew that ever really liked me. " Neville turned away from her as he spoke, too embarrassed. He'd thought all of the events that had happened would've made him confidant enough to face anything…but he felt as out of place as he had when he first came to Hogwarts.
"Thanks Neville…You deserve the admirers though, after all you did. I never noticed you before, honestly. Everything that happened, I think its made you more of your own person. I don't mean to offend you…you just seemed more of a follower before. More like me." Now it was her turn to look away, and his to look at her, taken aback.
"Hannah, you're kind, friendly…"
"I'm a shy Hufflepuff."
"That isn't a bad thing. Hufflepuffs…they aren't the ones who take the fame, usually. That doesn't mean they can't. Houses are sterotypes, just possibilities. Nice, kind, accepting…that's not a bad thing. Ever. " He paused and took a deep breath before saying what he had come out here to.
"Hannah, you seem like the nicest girl I've met, one who doesn't like me for the fame that I've gotten by accident, nor one to look down on all of my klutziness. You're as smart as Ginny at least I bet, and pretty as any girl. I asked you to take a walk with me not to…not to criticize you…I-I….I j-just w-wanted to a-ask you if m-maybe…" He paused. It's hopeless! I'm even stuttering again!
"If maybe…what?" Her dark brown eyes met his own and he turned away for a second before turning back and blurting out "If maybe you'd want to be my girlfriend." Then he turned completely away from her and muttered "There, I spit it out. Now just, just say n-no and head back up to the dance. " Neville felt a soft hand on his shoulder and he turned to see her smiling.
"You…you aren't the only one who was…who was nervous, you know. I'd still had a bit of me thinking…thinking you were some…some sort of hero. Of course I'll be your girlfriend Neville…you're the nicest, most down-to-earth, guy I know. " She threw her arms around him and hugged him.
Then she shivered and Neville, realizing how cold it was immediately began the way back up the night-fallen snowy grounds the short way back to the castle.
Meanwhile, Ron and Hermione were still in a cheerful conversation, Luna kept her own space with her own dance, and a very nervous Harry spoke with a quite cheerful Ginny.