Chapter 11: The Yule Ball
Neville asked Ginny. This wasn't Delaney's first dance she had a few dances at her school but those were just casual dances. She had to dress up for this dance. She was getting ready with Hannah and Susan. They were going with Harry and Ron respectively.
"You look really pretty, I don't think Wesley will be able to keep his eyes off you."
"Forget Wesley, Neville is the one who won't be able to keep his eyes off you but that's nothing new., Susan smirked at Delaney.
"You really think so?"
Susan nodded causing Delaney to blush a shade of red that only rivaled her hair. The three girls walked out of the common room.
"You look so pretty," Harry complimented Susan.
"Thanks, Harry."
Wesley joined them and they walked down to the Great Hall. Ginny and Neville joined them.
"Doesn't Delaney look pretty, Neville?" Ginny asked offhandedly.
Neville turned to Delaney. Ginny was right Delaney did look quite pretty. Before he could survey her appearance Hermione walked down the stairs. The dance started. Hermione and Ron argued most of the dance.
"Hermione?" Delaney asked.
"Hey Delaney," She sniffed.
"I'm really sorry about all the things that Ron said to you."
Hermione sighed and said. "I honestly don't know what I see in him."
"You fancy him?"
"Yes, ever since second year."
Delaney nodded and said. "You shouldn't let any guy ruin a dance for you. I should know."
Before Hermione could respond Neville and Wesley walked up to them.
"Hey boys," Delaney smiled at her best friend and her date respectively.
Wesley was quite nice.
"Would you like me to walk you back to the Hufflepuff common room?" Neville asked.
"What about Ginny?"
"She's walking back with George."
Delaney nodded and turned to Hermione.
"I'm fine, Delaney, but thanks for comforting me."
Delaney stood up and walked away with the boys. Neville hugged Delaney once they reached the common room and he left Wesley and her alone.
"I had a great time."
"Me too."
"Do you mind if I kiss you?"
Delaney shrugged and said, "Sure."
He kissed her. It was like kissing Zach because she knew she's fancied Neville since she was twelve. The two of them parted ways.
Lately Neville's noticed Delaney's been avoiding him. He didn't know why.
"Neville?" A voice asked.
Neville turned hoping to see Delaney but it was Waverley. She had blue-blonde hair with green eyes. She was a few inches shorter than him. She had been his Herbology partner until Delaney replaced her. She's also the girl who's been trying to win his affections since they were twelve.
"What's up?" she asked.
"Nothing," Neville sighed.
Waverley looked up at Neville sadly and asked, "What's wrong?" she was quite pushy.
"My best friend Delaney has been avoiding me lately." he sighed rubbing the back of his neck.
"She's not much of a best friend, is she then?"
"I suppose not."
Neville began finding comfort in the girl now that his best friend has been avoiding him.
It was time for the second task. Neville helped Harry figure out something to help him breathe under water. He was going to use Gillyweed.
"Hey Nev," Delaney smiled, hesitantly at him.
He gave her a tight lipped smile in response.
"I have no idea why I've been avoiding you."
"I know but it still hurts."
"I'm sorry."
As much as he's upset he couldn't help but not hold a grudge against his best friend since he was seven.
Delaney was hanging out with Wesley a few days later when she started to not feel well but she pushed it away. That was a bad idea. She ended up fainting.