Chapter 31: Getting Ready for the Ball

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters

Now that the term had ended, the students spent the week leading up to Christmas mostly just enjoying themselves. Everyone was getting more and more excited about the ball, and I got to sleep in every morning.

As always, the food was incredible (actually, might've been even better for the holidays, but who's to say), and I didn't have to walk around wearing a wizarding robe that seemed to want to trip me every chance it got.

Because of the break, Will was less annoying about waking up early, and usually let me sleep for at least an extra hour or two, but he still insisted that I eat a healthy breakfast every morning.

Because of our new sleeping arrangements, we had pushed our beds together so that neither of us would completely fall off (seeing as they were far too small for two people) but we still slept pretty much tangled in a heap.

Waking up every morning in my boyfriend's arms gave me a hell of a lot more happiness than I ever could have imagined.

Then again, I'd never imagined I'd have sunshine incarnate as my partner, but here we are.

...

I woke up bright and early on Christmas morning, which is to say only a little before ten o'clock.

My face was pressed into Will's chest and I could clearly hear the rhythmic thumping of his heart.

"Morning sunshine," came his soft voice, "Merry Christmas!"

I smiled. "M'rry Chrs-mas" I muttered, burying my face in his fluffy pyjama shirt.

I felt his fingers running through my hair as he hummed in response. They moved in a calming pattern, to which I sighed in contentment.

"Can we stay like this a little longer?" I asked, stifling a yawn.

"Yeah sure," he kissed the top of my head, "it's Christmas."

...

The day was spent nicely. Breakfast had been amazing, and lounging around the gryffindor common room doing nothing was very gratifying. (I really don't understand how people don't like just doing nothing).

Later that afternoon, Harry and the Weasley's roped us into a snowball fight.

We sort of formed teams and threw snow in each other's general direction, because Will and Ron never really seemed to hit who they were aiming at.

Playing in the snow was fun until Will crept up behind me and shoved snow down my back.

"Will!" I shrieked, trying in vain to get it out.

He laughed.

The fucking audacity.

He looked like he was having the best time of his life. His cheeks and nose were slightly pink from the cold, and his hair was reflecting the bright sun making it shine like a halo.

I threw a snowball at him. It hit his face dead center.

Then it was my turn to laugh at the look of surprise on his face.

Suddenly, he got this really smug look and smirked as though he was planning something. Then he ran at me.

I didn't have time to get out of the way, so when he tackled me, his heavy body sent us both tumbling into the snow.

I struggled under him, but with his stupidly tall heavy body and the snow making it harder to move, he easily pinned me down.

"I win!" he laughed.

I couldn't really be mad at him, although I swear I was trying, but his smile was contagious and I blame him for the weird way my heart leapt.

He bent down and kissed me.

It was short, but I have to say it was very nice. It felt as if he'd transferred all his warmth to me, heat spreading from where our lips connected to every corner of my body.

When he pulled away, we were both smiling.

He pushed himself off of me and then held his hand out. Taking it, he helped me up as I brushed the snow off of my — well — everything.

"Alright," Hermione said loudly, gaining all of our attention, "I'm going back upstairs to get ready for the ball."

It's five o'clock.

"What, you need three hours?" said Ron, voicing my thoughts. This distraction gave George the perfect opportunity to throw a snowball at the side of his head. Hard. He stumbled a little, then regained his balance and yelled, "Who're you going with?" but Hermione ignored him and walked away.

He'd been asking her since we found out she'd already found a date, but apparently she had decided not to tell him.

As she left, we all returned to pummelling each other with snow.

...

By the time it was seven, we'd all gone back inside. It had gotten too cold and our range of motion was stiffer, making it harder to actually throw a snowball.

Will and I went up to our dorm and changed on opposite sides of the room, backs facing each other.

We'd managed to buy some pretty cheap dress robes at Hogsmeade. Honestly, I didn't think I looked that bad, but then again, I usually wore ripped jeans and a t-shirt, so I guess anything formal would look better.

"Nico," I heard Will call from behind me, "Can I turn around or are you still changing?"

"Yeah, it's fine."

I turned around and looked at Will. His lips formed a small smile and his eyes were shining in happiness.

"Wow," He said, looking me up and down, "you look great."

"Shut up," I looked to the side in embarrassment, my hands fidgeting nervously.

He chuckled as he walked over to me. "I'm serious," he said, gently pushing my hair behind my ear, "you look amazing."

Cupping my face, he bent down and brushed his lips against mine.

"So handsome."

I closed my eyes and leaned in the rest of the way, connecting our lips in a kiss.

Once again I felt warmth spread throughout my body, and my heart beat quicker.

I reached out, winding my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. I felt his fingers tangle in my hair as his other arm wrapped around my waist, deepening the kiss.

All coherent thoughts left my head because all I could think was Will.

Will Solace.

His hand gently pulling my hair, his other rubbing circles at the base of my back, his chest pressed up against mine.

His lips.

Oh gods, his lips.

His beautiful, perfect lips, kissing me senseless.

I felt like I was soaring.

"Nico," he whispered against my mouth, somehow never separating our lips.

I groaned softly, losing myself in the sensation. I felt a sort of tingling, as if energy were coursing through my veins.

Then he pulled away, effectively breaking the kiss.

I let out an embarrassing whine as my lips chased his, but before I could go back to the wonderful kiss, he stopped me.

"As much as I want to keep kissing you," he said, running his fingers through my hair trying to fix it, "I think the other guys are waiting for us downstairs."

I glared at him for a second before relenting. "Fine," I sighed. He was right, we did have to get going.

He pulled away and walked to the door.

As we walked out I said, "By the way, you — uh," I cleared my throat, feeling awkward as Will looked at me questioningly. "You look really good too."

My face burned as Will laughed.

"Thanks, Nico," he said, wrapping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me into his side as we walked down the stairs.

A/N: Haha, sorry about not updating for a week, but I had to finish like five assignments that I hadn't started yet (because I'm a procrastinating idiot)

But I think my classes are going to be a little more relaxed now so we can go back to our regularly scheduled updates

Sorry again!

Also, if anyone's wondering why I'm making Harry and Ron go as friends, it's because I think it's stupid that everyone is expected to bring a date to a school dance if you're just going to be miserable about it. Friends are fine!

(that might just be because I'm aroace but idk I hope y'all enjoyed this)