Author's Note: I would die for Dean Thomas, please enjoy!
Disclaimer: The following characters belong to J.K. Rowling, and this story derives from her original works, storylines, and world. Please do not sue me, I can barely pay tuition.
Warnings: NA
Individual Challenge(s): Gryffindor MC (x2); Trio of Gold; Seeds; Times to Come; Old Shoes; Themes and Things A (Friendship); Themes and Things B (Ambition); Advice from the Mug; Ethnic and Present; Rian-Russo Inversion; In a Flash; Yellow Ribbon; Yellow Ribbon Redux
Bonus challenge(s):
Word Count: 388
An Arm to Hold
She took a deep breath, looking at the closed doors before her. It reminded her uncannily of holding onto Victor's arm, aged 14, scrawny and nervous, waiting to enter the Ye Ball. Until the dancing took her mind off of things, she had been absolutely sure that she would trip on the train of her dress—if not the skirts themselves.
It had been around as long as then since she'd worn a dress like this as well. Even on her wedding day; her mother's wedding dress had been too short, and so Madam Malkin had chopped it to tea length.
But a cocktail dress wouldn't do for the Minister of Magic's Election Ball. So for today, the navy blue gown trimmed with gold tumbled down to her feet. The boatline neckline was high, leaving her arms and back bare. She knew she looked lovely; the tailors had done wonderfully, and Ron hadn't spoken for a full minute when he'd seen her.
She had spent longer than she's want to admit admiring her reflexion in it.
She also knew she should be turning back to her cabinet just about now; smiling and encouraging them. But she was near petrified herself.
"Madam Minister," someone behind her whispered.
She spun around and there was Harry, in his Auror's dress robes. His hair would be as wild as if today were just any other day, if it weren't gathered in a bun. By the looks of it, Ginny had touched up the shaved part on the back of his head. A fresh cut from his latest mission drew attention to his left eye.
"Auror Potter," she whispered back.
"That isn't nearly as new or exciting as this," he said. He smiled at her. She forced a smile back.
"You're not strictly a Department Head," she noted. "You report to the..."
"Nobody on the organizational committee seemed to mind that I be here," he said. She heard the former minister outside, announcing her entrance. Her stomach tied in a knot.
Harry whistled for her attention. When she looked to him, he was holding his arm out.
"May I?" he asked.
Her heart swelled with thankfulness. Her smile was now genuine.
"Thank you," she said taking it. As always, Harry grounded her.
"It is my pleasure, Madam Minister."
And then the doors opened.