[A/N: Ok, this is chapter isn't too sad, it's kind of sweet, but no mean reviews about corniness!! Cuz I already know, lmao. Anyways...there ya are!]

{I don't own any Harry Potter characters, only my own, also I do not own any of Eve6's lyrics}]

The Grand Feast was miserable for Ron and Beth. Because their best friends were going out, they were forced to sit together. Although both were known for their enormous appetites, neither did much more than push their food around their plates. Both were obviously miserable, a fact that soon became visible to everyone at the table.

Seamus tried to cheer up Beth, having liked her ever since she'd transferred from her San Francisco school in their 6th year. However, all she could manage was a few weak laughs and an occasional smile. Ron couldn't be comforted, before long he pushed his plate away, crossed his arms and laid his head down on the table.

Beth just barely resisted the temptation to reach out and stroke his hair, like she used to always do when he was upset. Harry and Hermione pretended to be consumed with each other, but both were really talking quietly about their friends.

"How's Beth holding up?" Harry asked. Hermione only shrugged and looked over her shoulder at her cousin. The Beth she saw was so completely different to the one she'd known all her life. Before 6th year, she'd always been laughing and making everyone else laugh. She'd been one of those people that a Brit could look at and automatically brand as an American.

Her hazel eyes weren't bright anymore, they'd lost the glint of appeal they'd once had, now they looked murky and sullen.

Hermione asked the same question to Harry regarding Ron, "I miss talking to him, we've grown apart lately, I even miss our fights," she smiled remembering their many tiffs.

Harry didn't know what to say, he was torn between loyalty to his best friend and loyalty to his girlfriend. So he answered vaguely, "Oh, I think he's just depressed about being forced to interact with Beth again. He wasn't so bad over the summer." His latter statement was a complete lie. Ron had been gloomy and depressed all summer.

Finally Dumbledore finished his last start-of-the-year speech and dismissed his students. Beth hurried to catch up with Ginny, wanting to avoid another awkward trek with Ron.

When she reached the Gryffindor common room, Beth fell into her favorite chair by the fire. Outside, the stars were twinkling brightly and the moon cast a glow upon the scantily lit room. Beth remembered all the night like this one when she had sat in the very same chair, and Ron had sat on the armrest with his head resting on hers, his arm across her shoulders.

No one was in the back in the common room yet. Beth just guessed cynically that everyone had paired off over the summer and were off gallivanting around the school with their other half. She leaned her head against the back of the chair and looked out the window.

Pulling her knees up to her chest Beth sighed, "I wish I may, I wish I might-"

FLASHBACK

Beth was sitting in her favorite armchair when Ron came up behind her. She smiled at him and moved over so he could squeeze in next to her. They looked out the window. It was 6:00 in the evening and the first stars were rising above pink and orange clouds on the horizon.

Ron leaned his head against Beth's, "What's that thing they say? Red skies in the morning a sailor's warning, red skies at night, a sailor's delight." Beth laughed, "Why, are you a sailor?" Ron shrugged.

"It fits with the ball's theme thought doesn't it?" Beth looked at the flyer pinned up on the Gryffindor bulletin board. It read: Wish Upon A Star Winter Ball tonight! Couples, this is for you! The sun set all the way and the stars grew brighter and brighter. Beth closed her eyes, "I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight." She opened one eye and looked at Ron.

He grinned, "What'd you wish for?" She didn't answer, just got up and walked to the girl's stairs. "You'll see," she winked. Hermione was already in their room and leapt at Beth when she entered. "Where have you been?! The ball starts in TWO hours!" "Oh my God." Beth began in a sing-songy voice, "Becky, look at her butt. It is SO big."

Hermione sighed in exasperation. "Fine, just get your dress on and I'll do your hair." She grabbed hers and led the way to the bathroom. "Damn loitering Americans," she muttered, slamming the stall door. Beth looked around the dormitory she shared with Hermione and three other girls. Clothes and stray hair-products were strewn everywhere. Grabbing her dress and wand, she followed Hermione to the bathroom.

"Baby got back-"a group of girls passed her in the hall and Lavender shouted over her shoulder, "Beth! You're not dressed!! The ball starts in TWO HOURS!!" Beth rolled her eyes and shouted, "I know, JEEZ." Then she opened the bathroom door and muttered, "Damn prim Brits."

Hermione opened her stall door and knocked on Beth's. "I heard that!" she yelled. Then she tapped her foot and looked down at her watch.

"What is taking so long?" Hermione looked underneath the stall and grabbed Beth's ankle. Beth screeched and opened the door. The top of her dress was resting around her waist and her bra was showing. Hermione doubled-over laughing; the sight of her usually so-fashionable friend with her dress around her hips was too much for her.

Beth was indignant, "This is NOT funny." She sighed, "Just make it bigger, ok?" Hermione composed herself enough to take out her wand and muttered, "Enlargeous," as she pointed her wand at the dress. It expanded just enough for Beth to pull it up and slip her arms through the spaghetti straps. She pulled the skirt down, "Don't you think, it's a little, er, high?" She asked, looking in the mirror.

Hermione tilted her head; the dress hung just below Beth's butt, and was too tight in that area. [If you get my drift.] Hermione nodded, waved her wand and the dress stretched out until the lacy edges just touched Beth's knees. Beth smiled, satisfied. The dress she was wearing was gorgeous; her mom had sent it over from America a week before. It was red, and looked very 'flamenco-y', it was two layers, underneath was a layer of stretchy crimson material, and over that was a layer of sheer-ish print fabric. The print was red flowers with little green leaves. The dress finished in an uneven hemline that flowed when she walked.

Beth looked in the mirror again, "Hmm, I don't like the straps." She tapped her shoulder with her wand and the straps vanished, making the dress strapless. Hermione smiled and hugged her shoulders, "Oh I hate you! You have GORGEOUS shoulders! I could never wear a strapless dress! Now let's do your hair."

Hermione pulled out curling irons, brushes and nameless hair-products, covering the bathroom sink. After half an hour of excruciating pain, Beth's scalp was throbbing, but her hair was perfect. Since it was dark brown, it went nicely with the flamenco look she was going for. Hermione had curled sections of it, and made it extra wavy and then bewitched a vine of roses to weave through her hair, giving her a nymph-flamenco dancer look.

Beth hugged her cousin and turned the tables. "It's your turn." She then shooed Hermione into a stall and handed her her dress over the door. Hermione came out and looked gorgeous. Her dress was corset style with pink ribbons lacing across a white bodice. She had thick, off-the-shoulder straps that showed off her frame.

Beth grinned and led Hermione to a chair. "Ok, and now for the pain..."

:Meanwhile:

Ron and Harry paced around the Gryffindor common room along with every other Gryffindor guy over 15. Ron adjusted his tie nervously, this was the first dance that he actually cared about and wanted everything to go nicely. Before, at previous dances he couldn't have cared less about dancing, or his date for that matter. But he really cared about Beth and wanted everything to well for her sake.

He sat down in the chair he and Beth had sat in just a few short hours ago, and put his head between his legs, hyperventilating.

Harry pounded Ron on the back, "Calm down mate, it's just Beth. You guys have been going out, how long? Three months? Four?" Ron squeaked between his legs, "Four months, and three days."

Harry rose his eyebrows, Ron must be really serious about this one, he thought to himself.

Harry wasn't nervous, he'd been on countless dates with Hermione and, truth be told, would have preferred just to go on a quiet Hogsmeade trip than go to a ball. But Hermione had been looking forward to it for weeks, and he didn't get many chances to see her in a dress.

Finally, the girls' dormitory door opened. All of the sixth year girls walked down the staircase in a line. All the guys turned to watch the girls come out. Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas rushed forward to greet their dates and slip corsages on their wrists. Harry looked back up the stairs to see Hermione coming down. She looked gorgeous, her dress' train was flowing lightly behind her, and

her hair was in a stunning up-do. Beth had done some spell to make it shimmer when it hit the light, and had put sparkles around Hermione's eyes, making their honey-gold color stand out more.

Harry held out his hand to her and led across the common room and out the portrait hole. "Good luck mate," he whispered to Ron as he passed him. Ron gulped.

Beth was the last one to come down the stairs. Ron watched her walk out the door and his eyes followed her every step. Her dress hugged all of her curves in all the right places and the red brought out the highlights in her hair. The strapless dress revealed the tiny tattoo on her left shoulder blade. It was a small white bird, it had a green rose vine in it's mouth, the vine trailed behind it, as if the bird were really flying.

She was so nervous to see Ron, and didn't want him to be disappointed or something. But when she saw him, she only smiled and waved. However the combination of taking her hand off the banister, and heels, caused her to trip, thankfully for everyone involved, she only missed one step.

Ron helped her up and the two burst out laughing. Beth looked Ron up and down. Ron was wearing a white shirt and khaki pants with a red tie, to match Beth's dress. He'd also let his hair grow, and it was attractively messy, just the way Beth liked it. His light brown eyes stood out against his shirt, and his freckles looked like they'd been doubled in number, but Beth thought he looked perfect.

Ron put his arm around her waist and poked his finger on something. "Ouch." He'd pricked his finger on the flower she'd gotten him for the dance. Beth took his hand; his first finger had a tiny bead of blood on it. "Oh, I'm sorry," she looked around, and seeing the common room deserted, she placed her hands on top of Ron's finger and healed him. Then she took out the flower and pinned it on his shirt. "Here's your-uh, flower thing."

Ron looked at her questioningly, "I thought you could only do that in life-threatening situations-"Beth just put her finger to his lips, smiled, and took his hand.

There was a comfortable silence between them as they walked through the school towards the ball. When they entered the great hall, they both looked up. The great hall was decorated beautifully with real shooting stars and twinkling constellations.

Harry and Hermione rushed over to them and led over to a table they'd saved. They were early, but most of the school had already arrived. All the girls wore formal dresses with their hair done up and their make-up perfect. All the guys had their eyes permanently fixated on their dates.

Ron and Harry were no exception. Ron pulled his chair closer to Beth's and casually slipped his arm around the back of her chair. Harry, not to be outdone, took Hermione's hand and led her away, saying with a wink that they were off to get, 'punch'.

When they left, the doors opened and the band walked in. Beth was lost in the world of Britain wizarding music, having grown up around Muggle American groups. When the music finally started, Beth grabbed Ron's hand and yelled to him over the blaring music, "C'mon, I'm going to teach you dance like an American." Ron smiled and followed her willingly to the middle of the dance floor. The music was fast and loud, and very few people were actually dancing.

Finally Beth found a spot that apparently suited her, and stopped. Then she turned around to face Ron. "Now, for lessons to begin," she smiled at him. "Ok, put your arms around my waist-"He did so while she was still facing him, "No, no, no!" she grinned, "Not yet, I turn around first." Once having done so, he slipped his arms around her waist again. "Now, we just kind of, er- move to the music."

She blushed and out her hands over Ron's, who was gripping her tightly. And thus, grinding was introduced to Hogwarts School.

Ron put his head on her shoulder and she turned her head to look at him. He had to bend down slightly to reach her because he was a good four inches taller than her. She laced her fingers in his and they danced slowly to the rest of the song.

When they finally broke apart when the song ended, Ron was blushing and had a loopy grin on his face from being so close to her for so long.

Hermione and Harry appeared beside them from the growing crowd. "I should have known she was in the middle of this," Hermione said laughing. Beth shrugged, "What?" Harry jerked his head to all the couples that had followed Beth and Ron's example. "Oh," Beth's eyes went wide. Harry walked over to Ron, who was still standing protectively next to Beth.

"So mate," Harry slapped his friend on the back. "how's dancing like an American?" Beth looked at him, "It's great," was all Ron could say. Hermione laughed at her friend's contented look. She'd never seen Ron so happy before. Beth's had a good impression on him, she thought looking her cousin and her best friend over.

The music started again, and it was a slow song. Harry held out his hand to Hermione, "Care to dance?" Hermione smirked and contented herself with being kidnapped from her friends. Beth waved as Hermione was engulfed by the growing crowd. Couples were dancing in small circles all around them. Beth spotted Ginny and Seamus dancing near by, and Dean Thomas with a Ravenclaw named Laena. Ron stepped closer to her, awkwardly, "Think you could show me how to slow dance?" Beth nodded.

She put his hands around her waist, and hers around his neck.. Soon, they were rocking slowly around in circles to the music.

"I'm getting dizzy," Ron muttered into her ear, "Then stop spinning," she whispered back, laying her head on his shoulder. Half-way through the dance, Beth felt Ron lift one of his hands from her waist briefly. She turned her head to look at him, "What? Did you flick someone off?" He nodded and said, "Justin Flitch-Fletchley."

"Ah."

They didn't talk for the rest of the song. And when it ended they went to a table and got drinks. Ron bought a Dr. Pepper. [I know, those aren't in Harry Potter, but this is half-based on my life, so sorry, but deal with it.] He popped open the can and handed it to Beth. She sipped out of it and handed it back to him. He drank out of it, and set it back down on the table. He had a small mustache of pop left on his upper lip and Beth brushed it off.

Ron looked down at her, and Beth nervously bit her lip. Unfortunately, at that moment, Harry and Hermione reappeared. Hermione was breathless from dancing to an up-beat song that had just ended and Harry looked relieved to be able to sit down again.

The four friends spent the rest of the evening talking and laughing together, and every now and then getting up to dance to the slow songs.

Finally, the band announced the last slow song, and everyone got up to dance. Even people without dates finally worked up enough courage to ask that 'special someone'. Beth and Ron walked out to the middle of floor, and the song started up. Beth and Ron put their arms around each other and started to dance. Harry and Hermione circled over to them and the couples danced side-by-side.

Ron sang softly into Beth's ear the words of the song they were dancing to;

So denied so I lied are you the now or never kind

In a day and a day love I'm gonna be gone for good again

Are you willing to be had are you cool with just tonight

Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well

Here's to the nights we felt alive

Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry

Here's to goodbye

Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

Put your name on the line along with place and time

Wanna stay not to go I wanna ditch the logical

Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well

Here's to the nights we felt alive

Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry

Here's to goodbye

Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

All my time is froze in motion

Can't I stay an hour or two or more

Don't let me let you go

Here's a toast to all those who hear me all too well

Here's to the nights we felt alive

Here's to the tears you knew you'd cry

Here's to goodbye

Tomorrow's gonna come too soon

{-Eve6 "Here's to the Night"}

Beth turned her head to look Ron, embellishing his sweetness. Smiling, she whispered, "Is there any way to get you shut up?" Grinning, Ron answered, "Well, there's one way-"but Beth interrupted him by kissing him on the lips.

Harry and Hermione had stopped dancing and were looking at Beth and Ron with their mouths open. Then they grinned and applauded them. "It's about bloody time!" They said together.

Ron turned red but Beth replied coolly, "Americans like to take some things slowly."

With that, they walked out of the hall and whispered and laughed all the way back to the common room. Walking through the portrait, Beth realized that they were the first ones back and plopped down into her chair. But Ron picked her up, sat down in her place and set her on his lap.

"Mmm, much more comfortable." Beth said, settling into her boyfriend's lap. Ron wrapped her into a hug and pulled her face towards him. Beth kissed him in short bursts, amazed at how happy he could make her. When she pulled away, Ron looked at her, "What?" he asked. She looked out the window. The sky looked like a sea of diamonds, twinkling stars set into a black velvet background.

"I got what I wished for," she answered simply, kissing him again.

After a while, her eyes drooped and she laid her head on Ron's shoulder yawning. Ron rested his head on top of hers, and the couple fell asleep in the common room. Luckily for them, Harry and Hermione were the first two back before the rest of Gryffindor, and they helped their friends up to bed.

That night, Beth dreamed about the fireworks and shooting stars she'd seen that night, and she dreamed about Ron.

END FLASHBACK

Beth opened her eyes and lifted her head. Rays of sunshine were darting around the floor all around her. She took a picture out of her pocket. It was a picture of herself, Ron, Hermione, and Harry at the very ball she'd dreamt about.

"And so ends a perfect dream," she whispered to herself, completely unaware of a certain raven-haired someone in the room behind her.

{A/N: QUICK!! Review!!! If you don't the world as we know will cease to exist! No, not really, but I might pull this story, I really like it, but- Oh I don't know. Thank you!]