Ron's ears disappeared into his hair as they turned a bright red in anticipation of embarrassment. He figured that since they only met on the quidditch field if she rejected him it wouldn't be the end of his life. But as that moment came closer his logic was leaving him.
Gathering up his nerve, he approached Cho as she worked in the library; fortunately alone; and cleared his throat. She looked up from her book, waiting for him to speak.
His ears tuned even redder, the blush spilling onto his cheeks. "Well, er, Cho."
"Yes?" she asked calmly.
Well, she was at least listening.
Taking a deep breath, he blurted out his question "Wouldyouliketogototheballwithme?"
She laughed, not creuelly but cheerfully, a pretty laugh that invited those around her to join in.
"Did you just ask me to the ball?"
The redness reaching his nose and forhead, he replied quietly, "yes".
"That'd be great!" Standing up, Cho gathered up her books to leave. "I'll meet you in front of the Hall on Friday then."
Giving him one last smile, she left.
Ron could do nothing but stare after her, surprised at her answer. When it had finally sunk in, a huge smile formed on his face.
"I have a date!" he shouted to nobody, drawing the attention of the deadly librarian.
Not even noticing, he skipped out of the library.
When Friday rolled around, Harry was not so glad with the night's prospects. His friends had talked endlessly about their dates and Harry still had no one.
He sighed. He had wanted so much to ask Ginny but he knew that was impossible. It would create so much controversy with Ron and all the Weasley… and she deserved someone better. Someone who could always be there. Someone who didn't have to face Voldemort.
Realising time was getting on, he went to the wardrobe for his robes, passing Ron staring into the mirror.
"These were the right robes to get, weren't they Harry?" he asked, begging for support. "Do I look alright?"
Surveying his friend in crimson robes lined with black, Harry answered honestly, "You look great, Ron."
Momentarily the worry left his face, smiling as he saw what Harry saw. But then the stress lines returned. He wasn't stunningly handesome, and he was sure he would blunder through the evening.
Dressing into his new robes of silvery-grey that seemed to shimmer green in the light, Harry didn't bother fussing about his appearance. His hair would never stay down and there was nothing else he could do.
As the clock struck 6:30 he left the comfort of his curtined sanctuary.
"Come on Ron, the girls will be ready soon."
At the word 'girls' he stiffened again; his time in front of the mirror had done nothing to soothe his nerves.
They descended the stairs, Harry still wrapped up in his own gloomy thoughts, hardly thinking about Haloween or the social even to come.