CHAPTER 29: DANCE OF DREAMS


O'Bannon couldn't stop himself from glancing over at Mireet every few seconds. His heart swelled as he noted the huge smile on her face. She seemed to really enjoy being with him.

He inhaled deeply and followed the flow of students through the Great Hall. The place had been decorated very nicely for the Yule Ball. Sparkling silver frost covered the walls. Above them, hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy criss-crossed the starry black ceiling.

Many of the couples broke away from the pack to find a place to sit. The four house tables had been removed, replaced by smaller, lantern-lit ones that could seat a dozen. Fred and George's sister, Ginny, was grinning and looking all around the Great Hall, while her date, Neville Longbottom, looked so pale O'Bannon wondered if he would faint. Both Ron and Padma Patil appeared miserable.

Jeez, we haven't been here more than a minute. What could their problem be?

Then he caught sight of Draco Malfoy, who wore high-collared, black velvet robes. The ferrety little prick caught his gaze and sneered at him. So did his date, Pansy Parkinson. O'Bannon's eyes widened for a split second. In her frilly pink robes, and with added make up and her hair done up, Pansy actually looked very nice.

Too bad she didn't have the personality to match.

"Oi! Jimmy, Mireet. Over here."

He turned to find Fred waving at them from a nearby table, with Angelina, George and Alicia around him. They made their way through the crowd to join them, as did Lee and Katie a minute later. O'Bannon pulled out Mireet's seat – which earned him another gorgeous smile – when a tall, thin young man with blazing red hair and horn-rimmed glasses walked up to the table.

Fred shook his head in disbelief. "I say, George. Do my eyes deceive me? Is that our brother Percy standing before us?"

"It can't be. Percy wouldn't be caught dead in a place where there was even the hint of a fun time."

Percy's lip curled. O'Bannon half-expected him to break out the classic Monty Python line, "We are not amused."

"So what brings you back to Hogwarts, Perc?" asked Lee.

Percy shot him a disapproving look, apparently not liking the shortened version of his name. "I'm here on behalf of Mister Crouch."

"Why couldn't he make it?" asked Fred.

"Does your boss hate fun as much as you do?" George added.

Percy narrowed his eyes at the twins, then lifted his chin. "I've been promoted. I am now Mister Crouch's personal assistant."

Both Fred and George let out a long, "ooh," pretending to be impressed.

"Such a great honor, Perc," George remarked.

"You don't mind if we bask in your glory, do you?" Fred said.

Lee and the girls all sniggered. O'Bannon lowered his head and hid a smile from Percy. Even though Fred, George and Ginny had filled him in on their super-serious brother, he didn't feel it appropriate to laugh at someone he didn't know personally.

Percy huffed. "This is not a laughing matter."

"Nothing is a laughing matter where you're concerned." Fred grinned at him.

"Mister Crouch is under a great amount of strain. It's no wonder, with all the work that's gone into bringing back the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The fiasco at the World Cup this past summer and having to dismiss that house elf of his didn't help matters any. Though hopefully, with a little bit of rest, Mister Crouch should be right as rain soon and back at the Ministry."

"We'll be awaiting his return with bated breath," said Fred.

Percy glared at him.

"Meanwhile, aren't you going to show some manners and say hello to our new friends from abroad." George pointed a hand toward O'Bannon and Mireet.

Percy turned to them, his gaze instantly falling to Mireet. Admiration flared in his eyes as the French witch held out her hand and introduced herself.

"Hello." Percy shook her hand. "Percy Weasley, Assistant to Bartemius Crouch, Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation."

O'Bannon rolled his eyes. Did the guy really think that title was so impressive?

A flash of jealousy went through him as he caught Percy checking out Mireet. She simply gave him a polite nod and smile and turned away. O'Bannon couldn't help but smile himself. It seemed Mireet preferred nice, outgoing hockey players to pompous, self-important dipsticks like Percy Weasley.

Dipstick or not, O'Bannon still offered his hand to Fred and George's brother. "Hey. Jimmy O'Bannon."

Percy furrowed his brow as they shook hands. "You're American?"

"Yeah. Exchange student from the Salem Witches Institute."

Percy sighed. "You Americans need to stop being so stubborn."

O'Bannon did a double take. "What?"

"I honestly don't understand the reluctance of you Americans to not go along with an international standard for cauldron thickness. I was working on that issue before my promotion. Have you any idea how many cauldrons we import from other countries, including America, are substandard and leak? It can be cleared up so easily if you Americans would adhere to a set of international standards, but of course, you always have to go your own way."

O'Bannon looked at him, absolutely stupefied. It sounded as though Percy was blaming him personally for any badly-made cauldrons Britain received..

"Don't worry, Perc," Fred said. "Maybe Jimmy can set those Department of Magic folks straight about your precious cauldrons when he goes back to The States."

O'Bannon thought he saw Mireet tense up for a moment.

"That is, if he cares about such a thing," George spoke up. "Mind you, I doubt he does."

Percy gave his brothers a look so stern O'Bannon wondered if he got it by observing Professor McGonagall. "You two. This is an important even, not only for Hogwarts, but for the Ministry itself. I'll not have it ruined because of your usual foolishness. Do I make myself clear?"

"Oh please." Fred gave him a dismissive wave. "We're always on our best behavior."

"Well, most times," said George.

"Sometimes."

"Maybe every once in a while."

Percy groaned and stalked off.

"Nice meeting you," O'Bannon muttered under his breath.

"Much as I hate to agree with Percy, he is right." Angelina put her hands on her hips. "No pranks tonight. This is a big night and I don't want it spoiled because you gits couldn't go more than an hour without chucking a dung bomb or slipping someone a Snot Rocket Special. All right?"

"Yes, dear." Fred batted his eyes at Angelina.

She glared at him for several seconds, then flashed him a brief smile.

When everyone sat down, Mireet asked the twins, "He is really your brother?"

"Unfortunately," they both replied.

"He does not act like either of you, or Ginny."

"I know," said George. "We think Mum found him in the woods one day and decided to bring him home."

"Just be glad you don't have a brother like him," Fred told her.

"Oui." Mireet lowered her head, her smile fading.

O'Bannon leaned closer to her, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You okay?"

She turned back to him. "Oui. I am fine." She smiled at him, though it seemed a bit forced.

Before he could dwell on it any more, applause rang out through the Great Hall as the champions entered.

"Merlin's beard!' Katie's eyes bulged. "Is that . . . Is that Hermione Granger? With Viktor Krum?"

"What?" O'Bannon, Lee and Alicia blurted at the same time. He looked past Fleur Delacour and her date, Ravenclaw Quidditch captain Roger Davies, and spotted Hermione on Krum's arm. She wore blue robes and her normally bushy brown hair was sleek and shiny.

Wow, she actually looks hot.

"How about that, George?" Fred turned to his twin. "Our little Hermione, all grown up."

"I know." George grabbed his cloth napkin and wiped away fake tears. "Where does the time go?"

"Knock it off," Alicia told him. "I think she looks beautiful."

"I'd like to know how she snagged Viktor Krum," said Katie.

Actually, O'Bannon had to admit he was a little curious. An international Quidditch star and a bookworm made for an unlikely couple.

Once the champions were seated at the head table with the Tournament judges, and a very superior-looking Percy Weasley, dinner began. Instead of vast amounts of food appearing in front of them as usual, everyone had small menus next to their plates. O'Bannon looked it over and uttered, "Boeuf Bourguignon," hoping Mireet would appreciate the fact he ordered a French dish. Within moments a plate of beef cubes with onions and carrots covered in a dark sauce appeared before him.

"That looks delicious," Mireet commented. "I believe you will enjoy that." She paused. "In fact . . ."

She ordered the Boeuf Bourguignon as well.

Everyone talked as they ate, about the Weird Sisters playing here, about all the homework they had to do during break. The Brits also asked O'Bannon and Mireet questions about their respective schools, then began comparing and contrasting Hogwarts, Salem and Beauxbatons. Jaws dropped around the table when Mireet told everyone how her Potions teacher was a flamboyant, jovial man beloved by his students.

"I'll trade our potions teacher for yours," Lee offered.

"After all the stories you have told me about your Professor Snape, I do not think so."

"Well I wouldn't mind having Jimmy's History of Magic teacher from Salem," said Alicia. "Someone who's engaging and nice and doesn't bore you to tears."

"And someone who knows your name," Fred said.

"Six years with Professor Binns and he still calls you Miss Spillman," George added.

"That is, when he actually notices you, or anyone else in that class."

Everyone around the table laughed. When they finished their dinner and summoned their dessert – it's pudding hereO'Bannon and Mireet conversed among themselves. She talked about some of her previous experiences with Muggle sports and activities in between bites of her raspberry mousse.

"Football seemed rather enjoyable, but because I was always the tallest girl on my team, the coach wanted me to play keeper. I would much rather be out on the field with everyone else, running and kicking the ball, instead of standing around the net waiting for something to happen."

"Well, I was never that big into soccer, or I guess I should call it football here. Still, it's cool that your mom wanted you to know about Muggle stuff first-hand. I know more than my share of purebloods back at Salem who think that would be a waste of time."

"Oui, there are many such people at Beauxbatons as well. They are also not shy about expressing their feelings on the matter to me." Mireet's smile faded. She turned her gaze away from him. Before O'Bannon could ask if she was okay, she spoke again. "But I cannot allow how they look upon me to influence the way I live my life. I enjoy learning and trying new things, be they magical or Muggle. If they cannot accept that, the fault is theirs, not mine."

O'Bannon stared at her, not saying a word. Waves of respect and admiration surged through him. With her looks, Mireet could easily be part of the popular set at her school. But she chose to do her own thing, her social status be damned. He preferred those individuals who followed their own path than the ones who went along with the crowd to be accepted.

He couldn't recall being more attracted to Mireet Miradeaux than he was at this moment.

When everyone had finished their pudding, Headmaster Dumbledore stood up at the head table, and asked the students to do the same. With a wave of his wand, he sent the tables zooming back along the walls to leave the floor clear. Next he conjured a stage with a drum set, several guitars, a cello, a lute and some bagpipes.

"And now for your listening and dancing pleasure, a group I'm sure you're all very familiar with . . . The Weird Sisters."

Cheers and applause thundered through the Great Hall. O'Bannon also clapped as the band trooped up onto the stage. With their skinny frames and long, wild hair, The Weird Sisters reminded him of a typical 1980s-era metal band, though with black robes instead of spandex. They struck up a slow, mournful tune as the champions and their dates walked out to the middle of the floor and began dancing. Harry seemed a little nervous at first, but soon relaxed as he and Parvati slowly revolved around the same spot on the floor. Hermione was beaming as she stared into Viktor Krum's face.

Is there really something going on with those two?

Cedric looked proud of himself as he twirled around a giggling Cho Chang.

Showoff.

Roger Davies had the goofiest look on his face that O'Bannon had ever seen. The Ravenclaw's wide eyes stayed glued to Fleur Delacour, who had her chin held high as she danced.

Soon Dumbledore signaled the other students to come onto the dance floor. O'Bannon held his breath, his heart racing. He turned to Mireet. A smile spread across her face.

"Shall we?" she asked.

"You bet." O'Bannon held out his hand and led her onto dance floor. Electricity shot through him as he placed his hands on Mireet's waist, while she rested her hands on his shoulders. He had to crane his neck a bit to look into her bright blue eyes, but he didn't mind. He was holding Mireet, dancing with her. This was beyond awesome.

The song ended much too soon for him. The Weird Sisters then broke into a loud, hammering beat. Everyone, including him and Mireet, danced wildly and exuberantly, none more so than Fred and Angelina. In fact, several people backed away from them for fear of injury.

Much as he wished the Weird Sisters would play another slow song, he still got into the harsh guitar licks and rapid drumbeat that filled the Great Hall. At one point he snapped his head up and down headbanger-style. To his surprise, Mireet imitated him. It caused several strands of her done up hair to become unraveled, not that it appeared she cared. When the next song began, another fast-paced one, Mireet reached out and took both of O'Bannon's hands. They spun each other around, smiling and laughing.

When they let go of one another, he looked past Mireet's shoulder and saw Katie Bell and Susan Bones howling with laughter as they watched Dean Thomas stiffly move his arms and torso.

"Check that out. Looks like Dean just introduced the Wizarding World to The Robot."

"What?" She turned around and spotted Dean. Then, to O'Bannon's surprise, she started doing The Robot. Even better than Dean.

"Go Mireet!" Katie shouted. "Wooooo!"

O'Bannon threw his head back and laughed. Is this witch beyond cool or what?

His gaze fell to a table off to his right. There he saw Ron Weasley down a butterbeer, completely oblivious to the dirty looks Padma Patil threw his way. Harry Potter slouched in the seat next to Ron, while Parvati crossed her arms and legs, the expression on her face matching her sister's.

What the hell is wrong with those two? O'Bannon shook his head. Here Harry and Ron were at the Yule Ball with hot Indian twins and they're flat out ignoring them? Didn't they listen to the advice he, Fred, George and Lee gave them earlier today on how to treat Parvati and Padma if they wanted to get lucky?

Obviously not.

Well, he couldn't spend the night worrying about those guys. He had his own date to focus on.

The hours flew by as they danced and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. O'Bannon relished every slow dance he shared with Mireet, especially since it seemed the space between them grew smaller and smaller with each successive song.

At about five minutes to midnight, Myron Wagtail, The Weird Sisters lead singer, stepped to the edge of the stage. "Did you lot have a bloody great time tonight!"

O'Bannon, Mireet and the rest of the students screamed out in approval.

"Yeah!" Wagtail pumped his fist. "You were a great audience. Thank you for having us. We're gonna leave you with our latest song, which thanks to folks like you is up to Number Four on the WWN Music Chart."

A soulful guitar riff filled the Great Hall. O'Bannon's stomach dropped into a black hole. He didn't want this to be the last song. He didn't want this night to end.

"Well." He took Mireet's hand. "Last dance, Mademoiselle."

She smiled and drew closer to him. They wrapped their arms around one another. For a quick moment, he felt Mireet tense. Then she let out a breath and rested her head on his shoulder. Euphoria flooded O'Bannon as he savored the feel of Mireet's hair against his cheek. He closed his eyes, the song, which reminded him of some 80s power ballad, filled his ears.

I thought my search would be in vain.

I thought nothing would end the pain,

In my lonely, lonely heart.

But that's when I finally found you,

And that's when my life did truly start.

He thought back to the girls he dated back at Salem. Flavia Farnsworth, his first real girlfriend. Penny Nichols, his last girlfriend who broke up with him via owl mail. Neither of them possessed the . . . depth that Mireet did.

Neither of them made him feel the way he felt now.

He held Mireet tighter as the song continued.

When I look into your eyes.

When I feel our hearts collide.

I know, I know deep within my soul,

I fiiiiiinally found perfection.

When the last note of the song faded, the students erupted into wild applause. The Weird Sisters took their bows and headed off the stage.

"This was so wonderful." Mireet beamed. "I cannot wait to write my family and tell them all about this ball. Thank you for asking me to it."

"Thank you for coming with me."

Mireet's smile grew wider. She took hold of his shoulders and gently kissed his cheeks. His entire body turned to jelly.

Everyone filed out of the Great Hall. He noticed Justin Finch-Fletchley and Susan Bones holding hands and smiling at one another. Fred and Angelina talked animatedly. Parvati and Padma strode into the corridor, each one with a male Beauxbatons student on their arm. He frowned for a moment, thinking of Harry and Ron. Not a stellar night for them when their dates leave the dance with other guys.

Hermione Granger seemed to float on the air as she bade Viktor Krum good night. Then she shot Ron a very cold look and stalked up the stairs.

Wonder what that's about.

"I wish this ball was not over. I feel I could dance until the sun comes up."

O'Bannon turned back to Mireet and smiled. "That makes two of us, especially if all that dancing is with you."

"Jimmy." She looked away momentarily, her cheeks flush.

"Um, so, can I walk you back to your carriage?"

"Oui. I would like that very much."

She fetched her thick cloak, which O'Bannon draped over her shoulders. The two of them headed outside into the cold air. He walked slowly, letting the other Beauxbatons students get far ahead of them. He wanted to be alone with Mireet when he said what he'd been dying to say to her all night long.

The powder-blue carriage came into view. O'Bannon's heart hammered as he stopped near it and took Mireet's hand.

"Um, Mireet. I had an awesome time with you tonight. You're . . . well, I mean, just saying you're awesome is an understatement."

Mireet shuddered slightly as she took a breath. "Merci, Jimmy. And you . . . you have become very dear to me. I am so happy I have gotten to know you."

His back stiffened. He gave Mireet's hand a gentle squeeze. "Mireet. I . . . I really like you. And tonight, when we were dancing and I was holding you. I just . . . I just never met anyone like you before. You're wonderful and awesome and nice and so . . . so beautiful."

Mireet stared at him, every muscle in her body seemingly frozen. He tried to read her expression. He couldn't tell if she was flattered by what he said or if she . . .

No. Don't even think that.

He glanced down. They still held hands.

Holding his breath, he stepped forward.

Mireet didn't move.

He leaned closer, his focus on her lips. She didn't back away.

His heart thumped furiously. The space between his lips and Mireet's grew smaller.

"Jimmy."

He stopped inches from her face. "Yeah, Mireet?"

She closed her eyes and lowered her head. Her hands slipped from his.

An invisible fist punched O'Bannon in the gut. What's going on?

"Jimmy, I wish . . . I do not know if I can do this."

"Huh? Wha-What do you mean?"

"It's just . . ." She held her hand up to her mouth. O'Bannon got the sense she tried to hold back a sniffle. "Before we left to come to Hogwarts, there was . . . there was a boy. Marc-Andre. We had been together for two years, and I loved him very much. I believed he would be the one I would eventually marry. But . . . but his family is very wealthy. They mingle in very important circles. Marc-Andre's parents felt it was unseemly for someone from such a prominent family to be involved with a witch . . ." Mireet sniffled and bit her lip. "Involved with a witch whose mother works in our Ministry's Office of Muggle Relations, and who engages voluntarily in Muggle activities. So he . . . he broke up with me."

She lowered her head. O'Bannon just stared at her.

Mireet half-breathed, half-sobbed and looked back up at him. "Marc-Andre shattered my heart. I had never hurt so much in my life."

"I'd never hurt you like that, Mireet."

"But you will."

His face crinkled in bewilderment. "What?"

"Jimmy, I do want to be with you. But six months from now, you will return to America, and I will return to France. Who knows if we will ever see one another again? If I let myself fall for you, I know my heart is going to shatter again when you leave. I . . . I'm sorry. I just cannot bear to go through that sort of pain again."

The world completely stopped. O'Bannon's mind refused to accept Mireet's words. She couldn't have said that. Not after the great time they had tonight. There was a connection between them. How could she ignore it? How could she let an ex-boyfriend who was a jackass ruin things for them?

"I am sorry, Jimmy. Please do not hate me."

He stood like a statue. An empty pit formed inside him. So many hopes, so many expectations, so many daydreams of him and Mireet walking along the lake holding hands, of spending Hogsmeade weekends together, of finding some secluded place on campus to enjoy some intimate moments.

None of that would happen now.

"Jimmy?"

His mouth opened and closed silently for several seconds. Finally he managed to speak.

"Um, yeah. Well, I better go. Good night."

He spun on his heel and stalked off.

"Jimmy," Mireet called out in a pleading tone.

He kept on walking.

TO BE CONTINUED