Chapter 37

AN: Did you think I forgot about you guys? I'm going to be honest, I kinda did. Four midterms + four projects + tutoring + a butt ton of homework + a random af essay = sad time for shdw. Legit, school had me stressed out for a while and I think (read as "I hope") it is beginning to settle down to the point that I can start working on the story again. Thank you all for your patience though, I do appreciate it.

Now, let me explain something real fast. I absolutely hated this chapter (probably another reason it took too long to write). I'm like, "its the Yule Ball! Everyone and their dog has done the Yule Ball! We all know what happens, we all know what it is, retelling it like it is would be boring". I had to have rewrote this chapter nearly a dozen times because I could never get it the way I liked it (if you read closely, you will see where I gave up). So this is the final product of all my hard work which spanned nearly four weeks. I hope you enjoy it.

Disclaimer: Something something Harry Potter something something I don't own it something something [insert funny comment here]. Nailed It!

-xXx-

Fleur smiled at Hermione as they gracefully spun around the dancefloor, the multitude of sparkling lights making it seem as if they were under the stars. Students danced around them, most lost in their own little world, others laughing loudly and joking with others. All, however, could feel the Solstice spirit and the overwhelming joy that radiated around the room warmed Fleur's heart.

It had been a lot more fun than she first thought, parading onto the floor with her beloved mate on her arm, beaming with pride as the students watched them begin the first dance. Fleur had thought earlier that Krum would have caused some sort of scene (especially with all of the animosity between them), but she was, so far, pleasantly surprised. The Bulgarian barely spoke a word to anyone, merely grunting at his partner as she blabbered about something insignificant. Fleur did find it a bit rude that, after the opening dance was finished, Krum left the girl on the dance floor to stand moodily against the back wall. She had winced when the girl burst into tears and was dragged away by her friends, but ultimately ended up ignoring the scene. The girl in her own arms was more important.

She had spared a quick glance around the room near the beginning of the night, just to check on all of her Sisters and fledglings. All seemed to be enjoying themselves, but the Sister that caught her attention was Amélie. She and Harry had been waltzing around the dancefloor, the young Wizard a mixture of shyness and pride as they moved, while the redheaded Veela flashed her most dazzling smile at him. Fleur still was not sure how her friend convinced the boy to go with her, but they seemed to be a great match. As long as Amélie was serious in her pursuit, she saw no issue in the relationship and would support them wholeheartedly.

Hermione giggled as Fleur expertly spun her away for a moment before returning the brunette to her arms. The Delacour's had only held a few balls since the brunette had joined their Clan and each time Fleur could not help but show off a bit. As long as Hermione enjoys it, Fleur smiled into the curls that she had buried her face into, that is all that matters.

"You are going to mess up my hair if you keep doing that," Hermione breathed into her ear. They were probably too close for a traditional dance, but considering the lack of decorum around her, Fleur could honestly say that she did not care.

Fleur's only response was to nuzzle further into the haphazardly contained curls and breathe deeply. Ever since Hermione had first descended the staircase in the carriage (Fleur had had the wonderful idea that they should get ready for the ball separately), the blonde had been unable to keep her eyes off of the beautiful witch. She felt more enraptured than she had when they had first met and it was hard to keep her hands to herself.

The music changed to a slower pace and Fleur felt arms wrap around her neck and a small kiss be placed against the recently scarred bite mark. A purr erupted from deep within, the Veela's subtle way of making its presence known. Hermione laughed lightly against her and rested her head on the blonde's shoulder. Fleur closed her eyes in bliss, allowing the mood of the night to take her.

-oOo-

Harry found himself laughing loudly at the redheaded Veela's story. It had something to do with her and Fleur and some ancient artifact of the Delacour Clan (Harry had been shocked when that little detail had been revealed) and he had to admit, there were times that he was lost, but he wouldn't trade the experience for the world. He couldn't remember the last time he had had so much fun and honestly couldn't believe that the beauty before him actually wanted to put up with all of his awkwardness.

All throughout the Yule Ball, he and Amélie and gone between dancing and talking. Harry had told her when the first met up (and after he had stopped ogling her) that he couldn't dance very well (or at all). The Veela had merely waved her hand dismissively, saying something along the lines of 'Dancing is not zee only fun zing to do' and took hold of his arm. Harry had been amazed that he hadn't stepped on any of her toes throughout their many dances (and there had been more than he ever intended there to be), but he had a small inkling that it was due to her creature blood.

It was Amélie whispering into his ear that she could use a little bit of fresh air that brought them out on the balcony despite the cold weather. However, he wasn't sure if it was due to the heat from the Great Hall, his recently discovered fire abilities, or the girl beside him, but Harry couldn't feel the chill from the air. In fact, now that he thought about it, this winter hadn't seemed that cold to him at all.

" 'arry, are you still wiz me?"

Harry shook his head slightly to clear it and looked up at Amélie. He had received some ribbing from the other Gryffindors about his date being nearly a head taller than him (some rubbish about the fact that the man should be taller than the woman), but one sight of poor Ron's robes had set them off his case and onto his friend's. Not that he had let them get to him anyways.

"Yea, I was just thinking is all," Harry replied with a blush, "Sorry."

The Veela tilted her head as she looked at him, "Oh? What about?"

He shrugged, "Ya know, stuff. The Tournament, the next Task, the dragon." Harry gave her a bashful look. "You."

"Moi? Really," she got a Cheshire grin as she leaned forwards, resting her arms on the banister before them, "What about moi 'as you so worked up, chéri?"

Harry felt his blush return full force as he focused on a fascinating scratch he found on the banister. He instantly regretted opening his big mouth and quickly tried to think up an alternate reason than the one that had been plaguing him since she agreed to the date. However, under her intense gaze, the Boy-Who-Lived felt his shoulders sag as nothing new came to mind.

"I guess," he hesitated, running his fingers once more over the deep scratch for reassurance, "I guess I'm still wondering why you agreed to go with me is all." Harry risked a glance at her and immediately blushed at Amélie's confused stare.

"I-I mean, I've had a great time, don't get me wrong. Best night of my life in fact. But I can't help but wonder what's in it for you. I can't be that fun to be around. I know how awkward I am at best and I probably sound like a nutter when I'm at my worst. You seem like a really nice person, so I'd hate for you to only be interested in my fame." The thought caused a frown to mar his face. Definitely wouldn't be the first time that was the reason for somebody wanting to hang out with him.

After a moment of silence, he sighed, "I guess it would be alright if that wer-"

" 'arry, stop."

The black-haired boy immediately froze, swallowing thickly at the anger he sensed in her voice. He had to physically force himself not to flinch away from the hand placed on his arm, but, even then, Amélie jerked away as if he had. Harry cursed himself under his breath, turning his head away so he didn't have to see the anger (or worse, pity) in those expressive, green eyes. It's been four months, for God's sake! Don't freak out on her now because I can't let things go. Seriously, nice going, Potter. Now she probably thinks you're more of a freak than she first realized.

"You are wrong, 'arry." The soft utterance had him stilling, wondering briefly if he had spoken out loud. After a moment's hesitation, he lifted his head slightly and relaxed a little at the Veela's smile.

While looking him in the eye, Amélie stepped gently towards him to where they were almost touching. "You are wrong," she repeated, laying her hand over his as they gripped tightly onto the banister. At the soothing touch, Harry relaxed fully while staring, near mesmerized, at the Veela.

"Listen to me." She began softly, "I am not 'ere because you are rich or famous or any ozer such nonsense you are zinking of, d'accord? I am 'ere because I want to be. Because I like you." He opened his mouth to speak, but quickly blinked in shock as she placed a finger over his lips. "Let me finish."

Amélie waited until he nodded before smiling and lowering her hand, "Bon. Now, obviously you do not see what I see when you look at yourself. I do not see an awkward, crazy man when I look at you. I see somebody 'oo is strong, 'oo is willing to 'elp zee people around 'im even when 'e is not asked or obligated. I see somebody 'oo is smart, funny," she smiled and looked away briefly, only to return with such an intense look that Harry couldn't hope to place the emotion behind it, "somebody 'oo is amazing at near everyzing zey do. I will admit, I 'ave not known you for very long. Mais, I 'ave 'eard zee stories zat Maya 'as told of 'er time 'ere and I am 'appy zat 'er description of you is true."

"But…you never acted interested in me when you guys first got here." Harry furrowed his brow as he remembered the kind indifference all of the Veela (with the exception of Fleur) had shown the Hogwart's students. "I figured you were just being nice because we were Hermione's friends."

She nodded and shrugged, "Zat is true. I did not give you a second glance when we first got 'ere. You were 'arry Potter et I knew zee story be'ind your scar and zee more personal stories I over'eard, mais you never were more zan Maya's friend to me."

"Then what changed? If you don't mind me asking." He suddenly frowned and stepped away, "did Hermione set you up to this? Because she knew I didn't have a date yet?"

Amélie cocked her head and gave him a blank stare, "What did I tell you? I am 'ere because I want to be. Nobody could force me to go wiz you even if zey tried so get zose silly zoughts out of your 'ead. You want to know what changed? 'onestly, it was zee First Task."

He blinked in confusion, "the First Task? Why? I didn't do anything that was impressive. Unless you count almost getting myself killed with that fire bit."

"Zat was pretty impressive," she grinned at him before shaking her head, "mais, non. What caught zee Veela's attention was when you sat and talked wiz zee dragon." (The Veela? Harry questioned to himself) "It was fascinated wiz zee fact zat you did not just rush in and attack 'er. Zat you cautiously approached and spoke to zee dragon as an equal when she made 'erself known."

"I…I was terrified though, not brave. I had the full intention of just leaving after my obligated five minutes and taking the lowest score possible. It just so happened that I stumbled upon the eggs. Definitely wasn't intentional."

"You do not know 'ow to take a compliment do you?" Harry blushed at her teasing. "It does not matter zee reasons be'ind your actions. You caught zee Veela's attention, zat is all zat mattered. 'owever, what really made us decide to pursue you was zee next day."

The Boy-Who-Lived groaned slightly as he remembered the day after the Task. His head had felt like it was going to explode, with his throat as dry as the desert and his eyes beyond itchy. He had been thoroughly surprised that he had perfect vision without his glasses, so he supposed one good thing had come from it.

Amélie nudged him slightly with a smirk, "Remembering zee feeling after coming down?" His brief nod caused her to laugh. "Oui, it takes some getting used to, zat is for sure. Mais zat is not what I am talking about."

"I would hope not," Harry deadpanned, "unless you're into a hungover drunk."

His chest puffed out with pride as she laughed loudly. "And you wonder why I like you," the redhead sent a wink his way causing his blush to return.

"In all seriousness zough, wiz zee Veela interested in you, we were finally able to sense it."

"Sense what?"

The hand that was laid over his chest was warmer than anything Harry had ever encountered. He swallowed thickly at the serious look that had formed in the girl's eyes and prayed to every deity he could think of that she didn't feel the way his heartbeat increased at the gentle touch.

"Your fire," she muttered, holding his eyes as she did.

His nervousness changed to utter confusion as he cocked his head to the side and asked, "What?"

Her finger tapped his chest once before pulling back and bringing her hand up. Harry watched in fascination as she summoned bright flames that danced over her skin, moving her fingers back and forth as the flames licked skyward. "Veela are creatures of fire, mais, you knew zis, yes?" Amélia smiled at his slow nod before turning her attention back to her display. "Well, it is often said zat, because of my red 'air, my Veela is more in tune wiz zee fire…et zere is some truz to zis fact. I can summon my fire faster zan mes Sisters and it uses less of my strengz to do so.

It also lets me become closer to ozer creatures of fire faster zan zee ozers. I can feel zee fire in zem and zey can feel it in me so zey feel more comfortable wiz me. In a similar way, my Veela can sense your fire et, for some reason, it is in tune to ours. Almost like it is zee same, just inside of anozer. It is because of zis zat zee Veela became interested and urged me to get closer to you."

Harry drew his eyes away from the beautiful flames to look into the intense eyes staring back at him. "Are you saying…that…we're mates? Like Fleur and Hermione? …Because of the fire thing?"

"Je ne sais pas," Amélie sighed, allowing the flames to dissipate and turned her attention to the gardens they overlooked, "when zee Veela awoke, it never got zee pull associated wiz a mate like my Sisters. Et while its rare, it's not un'eard of. Ma maman said zat it is because zee fire is so strong wiz me zat zee Veela was more focused on zat zan a mate at zee time." She sent him a sad smile before returning to look at the garden. "You are zee only person to really capture its attention like zis."

Before he could react (but really, he mentally shook his head, what could I even say to that), the Veela stood up straight and shook her head. "I am sorry, 'arry," Amélie sent him a dazzling smile, "I did not mean to ruin zee mood. Let us go back to zee dance and forget all about zis, d'accord?"

The black-haired boy nodded slightly and looked down as she took hold of his hand. As the beauty began to walk away, intent on leading him back into the Great Hall, Harry did something that he would later reflect as the smoothest thing he has ever and will ever do.

Pulling all of his Gryffindor courage together, the Boy-Who-Lived tugged forcefully on her arm, internally wincing as the Veela was jerked back so hard that he had to wrap his other arm around her waist to keep her standing. Harry never gave her time to question his actions (and from Amélie's narrowed eyes, he knew she was going to demand an explanation) as he quickly leaned up and covered her lips with his own.

For a mere second, they were both frozen in shock at his actions, staring wide-eyed at each other as they registered what had happened. Harry immediately cursed himself and nearly pulled back, fully intent on apologizing, when the redhead relaxed in his arms and began to move her lips tentatively against his own, closing her eyes as she sighed into the kiss. Going off of instinct, Harry let go of her hand and cupped her cheek, smiling as she moved her arms to wrap around his neck and ran a hand through his hair, his own eyes sliding closed at the sensation.

Best Christmas ever, he thought giddily before she opened her mouth and all thought not relating to the Veela in his arms left his head completely.

-oOo-

Ron sighed into his cup as he allowed the happy atmosphere to rush past him. He knew (Just bloody knew) the Ball would be a disaster and the only thing that brought him an ounce of joy was the fact that it was almost over and he could go back to his Christmas presents and candy.

Since the Ball had started, he hadn't moved from his spot at the table. People kept bringing him drinks and food (of which he was grateful), but he couldn't bring himself to stand up and interact with anyone. Nothing had gone his way since the announcement of the Yule Ball and he felt every single thing bearing down on him at that moment.

First he couldn't find a bloody date, which would've been fine if he hadn't been the only one. He, Harry, and Neville had made the decision to go stag to the dance (even though Harry said that McGonagall had made it clear he needed a date) and they were going to hang out together and make fun of all the stupid, giggly couples.

…except Fleur and Hermione of course. He still hadn't forgotten Fury's destruction of that bloody egg.

But then Harry came back to the Common Room after his Gringott's appointment all in a daze and blankly told them that he somehow acquired a date to the Ball. Ron had only been able to stare at him in shock when his mate had said that Amélie somehow tricked him into asking her.

Women, the redhead thought with a grunt, bloody insane they all are. Always tricking people into agreeing with them or doing whatever to get their way. Mental.

Ron had thought it all a joke until the next day when the redheaded Veela had been all snuggled up against Harry. And then the Boy-Who-Lived just went along with it! As if he didn't have enough to worry about, with the Tournament, Quidditch next year, You-Know-Who always coming back to kill him, the Old Goat using him for whatever schemes, Ron's own mum trying to hook him and Ginny up…

Ya know…Harry deserves to be happy, Ron looked down into his glass, he has so much bad shit after him and if he gets one chance to be happy, then I'll help him with it. Good for you mate. I'm happy for you. He raised his glass in a fake toast and downed the rest in one gulp.

But (Ron sighed again) that didn't help his own situation. Harry was off wherever with his bird (they had disappeared from the dance floor a while ago) and Neville was dancing with Lightspark, having the time of his life. The redhead was happy for his friends, but Merlin did he wish he had somebody to talk to.

"Looky here Forge." Oh Merlin no, not them. Anybody but them.

"I see him, Gred."

"Our Ronnikens is all alone here in the corner."

Ron heaved a sigh and looked up at the Twins, trying to keep a neutral face while he frantically tried to think of a way to get them to fuck off. "Please guys, I'm not in the mood tonight. Can't you just go back to your dates and leave me alone?"

They both looked at one another before moving to sit on either side of him, scooting their chairs as close as possible, nearly to the point of uncomfortable. The Twins simultaneously smoothed their dress robes out as they sat down, moved a few of his glasses and empty plates away from them, and leaned an arm against the table.

"What's wrong, Ron?" Fred asked, oddly more serious than Ron had ever heard either one of them.

Rather than question why they were asking, why they were concerned about him, or even why they cared, Ron felt words bubble up and out of his chest before he had a chance to swallow them.

"You want to know what's wrong? Everything's bloody wrong! This entire Ball is wrong and I can't leave without seeming like a coward and I can't stay here and be made fun of this entire time. You guys got Bill and Charlie's old dress robes and they look amazing on you. Mum bought Ginny a new set with the hopes of Harry asking her out. And guess fucking what? Harry could give two shits about Ginny in her new dress robes, but that doesn't matter to Mum, does it!? As long as she thinks Ginny still has a shot with him, that woman will try and push them together no matter what.

But that's not even the worst of it! I was too shy and embarrassed to ask anybody to go with and, on one hand, I'm so bloody lonely in the middle of this damn thing and, on the other, I'm bloody HAPPY that I didn't embarrass anybody with these stupid fucking robes. Can you imagine the look that woulda crossed my date's face if they had seen me? Merlin, they probably woulda acted like we weren't together AND I WOULDN'T'VE BLAMED THEM!

I'm always getting the short end of the stick in this fucking family and I'm sick of it. Just, for once, I wish that Mum cared about me the same way she cares about the rest of you. Because, if she cared even a little bit about me, she woulda never have sent me these frilly fluffy robes. I mean, come on! Look at them," Ron pulled at the lace around his neck and the cloth wrapped around his wrist in anger before waving his hands out at the crowd. "They look ridiculous and everybody has been making fun of me since I was dragged down here." He put his head in hands, trying to stop the (stupid, bloody) tears from falling.

"I just wish this night never happened," Ron whispered, gripping his hair tightly.

For a moment, the only noise he could hear was the Ball going on around them. Ron had the brief thought that the Twins had left him, their interference not even needed to make his life miserable. It was only when two arms were placed over his shoulders that he knew his brothers abandoned him.

"Ron, we're going to tell you a hard truth that we had to learn on our own," George muttered to his left.

"Bill never taught us this, Charlie didn't, and I'm sure Percy would rather sell his first born than even think of it," Fred chuckled.

"And Mum would go spare if she ever thought that we said this."

"So, are you ready?"

The Twins looked at him expectantly, their faces as serious as Ron has had ever seen them. The redhead kept whipping his head back and forth to look at the pranksters, waiting for either one or both of them to pull some joke, but nothing ever came. Finally, his curiosity got the better of him and Ron found his head nodding as he looked between his brothers.

At the same time, both Fred and George said, "Fuck it."

"What?!" Ron had never felt so bewildered in his life.

"Just fuck it," Fred nodded sagely.

George added, "Fuck it all," while tapping Ron's shoulder rhythmically.

"You want to know why we don't care about making a fool of ourselves?"

"Because we don't care what people think about us."

"We know who we are,"

"And we are comfortable with what we do."

"As long as we're happy, who cares what everyone else thinks."

"Just fuck 'em."

"I'm honestly embarrassed that you, Ronald Weasley, OUR little brother,"

"has spent his entire Christmas night during an amazing dance,"

"sitting alone at a table,"

"wallowing in self-pity."

"Which isn't much fun, is it?"

Ron quickly shook his head, still in too much shock to open his mouth.

"Then why continue?"

"Why didn't you just get up,"

"look all those people that were making fun of you in the eye,"

"and give them a big ole,"

"'Fuck You'."

"Wha-" Ron felt like his entire world was just turned on its ear.

"Who cares if your robes are hideous?"

"Who cares if you didn't get a date?"

Fred twisted his head back and forth, scanning the crowd before turning back to him, "The only one I see that cares, is you."

"And if you really think that everyone cares,"

"just hold your head up high and think 'Fuck 'em'."

"Because only YOU can make you happy,"

"and only YOU can be the person that you want to be."

"You think Mum doesn't love you as much as she does us?"

"Which is completely ridiculous by the way," George shoved him playfully and Ron couldn't help the smile that formed on his face.

"Then go out there and prove that you don't need it."

"Seriously Ron, there's no reason for you to feel this way."

"We want you happy, Little Brother,"

"and if that means telling you that you just need to say 'fuck it all',"

"then, by Merlin that's what we're going to do."

They both looked at him expectantly and Ron could sit there and process it all.

Fuck it? He thought, fuck what? Fuck the students? I mean, that makes sense, right? They're always making fun of me, either to my face or behind my back, about my grades or that my family is poor. So yea, fuck them. Nobody besides my friends think I'm going to make anything of myself. Not my teachers, my parents, nobody. Ron felt his courage rise and nodded his head in anticipation. So fuck them too. Who cares that I didn't get a date? Didn't want to be saddled with a chick all night anyways. And my robes, yea, they're hideous, but ya know? Its only tonight. In the future, once I get an awesome job and am richer than I can imagine, I'll be able to afford the finest dress robes the world has ever seen. Fuck everyone who thinks otherwise.

"You're right," Ron pounded his fists on the table, determination filling his eyes, "fuck everyone. I damn near ruined my entire night by being miserable and it hasn't done anything but hurt ME."

Fred clapped him on the back, "Thata boy! So, what are you going to do?"

Ron whipped his head to look at him then whipped back around to look at George. Seeing the mirror grins caused his own to widen as he glanced out onto the dancefloor where the other students were dancing to some upbeat tune. "I'm going to get out there and have fun with my mates."

"There we go, Ron!" Both Twins leapt to their feet and drug him up with them. "Go get 'em. Have fun! Be yourself."

The Fourth Year dusted his frills down and threw his shoulders back with his head raised. With the encouragement of his brothers behind him, Ron moved around the table and to the dancefloor, drawing a few glances, but ultimately ignoring them all.

Just as he reached the edge of the floor, a snuffling sound drew his attention. Putting his main mission on hold, Ron found his attention drawn to a crying girl off to the side and winced slightly. He (like everyone else in the room) had witnessed how Krum had abandoned Lavender Brown on the dancefloor after the opening dance. The redhead had been too miserable in his own right to think too much of it, but now, looking back on it, his hero-worship of the Seeker took a dramatic plunge after that act.

"Lavender," he questioned, cautiously approaching the blonde as she continued to cry in her arms, "why are you crying?" Ron wasn't quite sure what he was doing (crying women never was his strong suit), but something told him that he couldn't leave her to be the only one miserable at the Ball.

The witch immediately stopped snuffling and looked up, wiping the tears away with her arms. "R-really, Ron? You h-h-have to ask?" He winced slightly (at her stuttering or the stupid question he wasn't sure) as she continued, "Seriously, g-go away. Just leave m-me alone. I've had enough people make fun of me today."

The redhead couldn't help it, he snorted. "Seriously?" he scoffed, "They've made fun of you? You? For what? Krum ditching you after the dance?" Lavender glared at him and he folded his arms in front of his chest.

"It could be worse, ya know." Ron felt his eyebrow raise, "you could be stuck in an ugly dress robe that makes you look like your great aunt Shirley."

Her eyes quickly darted down and grew wide, a small blush rose to her face. "…Uh…"

Ron heaved a sigh and pulled out a chair, "Don't worry about it. My point is, who cares what they think. Krum's an ass and you shouldn't give him a second thought. You're too pretty to spend the rest of the Ball crying your eyes out."

His stomach sank as her face changed to one of complete shock, the confidence boost from his brothers quickly fading as what he said finally registered. Merlin, me and my big mouth, Ron groaned internally, maybe I'll just sneak out that back and go eat all my candy. Collapse in a big sugary pile and die happy.

"You really think I'm pretty?" Lavender muttered shyly. One glance at her face (her very bashful face, Ron noted) had the redhead thinking one thing. Ah, fuck it.

He gave a quick shrug and a nod, "Well yea, of course. You're beautiful, Lav. Amazing, smart, kind, and funny too. You're a good-hearted person and if dumb ole Krum couldn't realize how amazing you are, then he doesn't deserve you."

"That's really sweet, Ron."

They both sat shyly at the table, unsure of what to say next. Ron was just relieved that she wasn't crying anymore and that he finally had somebody else to talk to.

"Um…would you like to dance?"

Ron's head shot up to look at the now blushing girl, wondering if he had heard her correctly. "What?" he asked, hoping that it had just been his head playing tricks on him.

"Well," Lavender bit her lip for a second before motioning out onto the floor, "we are at a dance and seem to be without dates and this is one of my favorite song and I would really like to dance with you." The rush of words ended in a mumble and the blonde ducked her head, unable to meet his gaze.

"Erm, I can't really dance," Ron rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

"That's okay!" she shot him a smile and stood up, holding out her hand, "We can just…sorta," Lavender gave a quick shrug, "…hop around if you want. This song's too fast paced to really dance anyways." Looking up at the blonde (and noting the desperation in her eyes), Ron thought of his new found motto. Fuck it.

Nodding, he stood up and grabbed ahold of her hand, leading her to the dancefloor towards his friends. "Let's go dance, Lav!" Ron shouted back at her as she giggled behind him.

Neville flashed him a quick thumbs up as the boy caught sight of him and Seamus and Dean quickly pushed him from both sides. Ron shoved them back and turned to the blonde witch and watched in awe as she put her hands in the air and started dancing back and forth, a broad smile on her face. He had to shake himself to get out of his trance and quickly copied her.

There was no way Ron could help the laugh the bubbled out of his chest as he bounced in the crowd beside the girl and his friends. The song reverberated through him and his feet took on a life of their own as he bounced around a laughing Lavender and moved his arms to and fro. He might've looked ridiculous, but the encouraging shouts from his brothers and his friends made him wonder why he cared so much before. As long as he was happy with his actions, that's all that mattered.

-xXx-

Thanks for reading!