Chapter Seven
Beauty, Balls and Neville LongbottomPart Two
Dear Diary,
So, there, diary. That is what lead up to Hermione's brilliant discovery, which lead up with being stuck doing something that the sane version of Parvati wouldn't do. It is nighttime and I'm down by myself in the common room, so I can afford to explain without anyone peeking and I completely making a fool of myself. Hopefully.
Anyway, we spent a few hours in the library and Hermione suddenly started making very strange gestures. I cocked my head, trying to understand what she was doing. Lavender scratched her head. "Is Hermione going insane?"
"It's a possibility," I agreed.
Hermione made clucking noises, waving madly. "I think we should go over there," I suggested. Lavender nodded and we approached Hermione, who wore a relieved grin on her face.
"Finally!" she hissed. "I was calling you over because I found this amazing--"
"Oh!" Lavender said, giggling. Hermione threw her an annoyed look.
"Please proceed, Herm…my reputation is in danger!" I cried dramatically.
Hermione cleared her throat importantly. "Parvati, you must find who Neville really likes."
I gasped, my hopes plunging faster than rain to the ground. "B-but" I began, but Hermione held up her hand.
"That is the only way we can administer the potion. We have to make him fall in love with the one he likes to get him off your back. Understand?"
I nodded glumly. "But it is not going to be easy."
"Ooh!" Lavender suddenly exclaimed. "Why does it have to be someone Neville likes? Why can't we just put him on any girl?" she questioned incredulously.
Hermione sighed. "Because it wouldn't be fair to Neville."
I slid to the ground, feeling forlorn. "Simply wonderful. Neville is never going to admit who he likes in his state."
Hermione agreed. "But certain activities do revive the victim of their state and they come back to their senses. A little."
I folded my arms, frowning. "The victim? I would say I'm the victim not Neville."
Hermione chose to ignore to that very true comment on my part. "One of those 'activities' is dancing. "
"Dancing?" exclaimed Lavender. "That is the most unlikely thing I would have thought of."
"So…" I began slowly, "what your saying is that I should ask…Neville Longbottom to the Yule Ball. Dance with him and see who he likes and then you administer the potion?"
Hermione smiled. "Yes, I suppose."
And I agreed. Can you believe it? I just want this whole dilemma to disappear out of sight.
Yours,
Parvati
Dear Diary,
Must take a deep breath. Today I have to do the deed. Wish me luck! I entered the Hospital Wing with mounting trepidation. Neville was in usual spot, but he was reading Golden Orb, a Divination magazine. My eyebrows rose.
"Hi Neville," I began hesitantly.
Neville beamed so brightly I was afraid he would burst. "Um…what are you reading?"
Eagerly Neville smoothed out the magazine. "Golden Orb. I just want to share interests with you, my sweet."
I shifted uncomfortably. "Ookay…"
"Have you come to visit me, honeybuns?" Neville gazed at me with utmost affection. I cringed.
"Listen, Neville, do you want to go to the ball with me?" I said quickly, so it would hurt less.
Neville looked positively delighted.
"Of course! How could I deny you your dream?"
I forced a smile. "Of course, it's been my lifelong goal to go out with you, Neville Longbottom."
Neville didn't seem to notice sarcasm dripping from my words. He was all bouncy and happy. "I'll be out of here tomorrow, Parvati. I can't wait!"
As I left the Hospital Wing, I admit I felt extremely guilty. It wasn't Neville's fault he liked me and I shouldn't have been so mean. Honestly, he was a very decent guy. It was just this Yule Ball dance thing ruined my chanced of asking
Harry. If I got the guts to that, anyway.
Suddenly, I spotted Pansy walking hand in hand with Draco Malfoy a few yards ahead. I giggled to myself as I cast a charm that lifted on her skirt and revealed underwear with an imprint of pink bunnies and hearts on them.
I couldn't help wondering how Neville really liked. Luna? They had become friends recently, but I think they could only remain friends. Hermione? He had asked her out for the Yule Ball last time.
All of a sudden Ginny Weasley came bounding down the stairs, her face flushed with excitement. "Guess what!"
"What?" I queried immediately.
"I did it!" she squealed excitedly. "Harry and I are going out! I asked him to the ball!"
I felt as if I had been slapped in the face. Hard.
I gulped. "Um…that's nice, Ginny," I said, my voice wavering. "Good for you!" I added hastily.
Ginny looked concerned. "Are you ok--"
"Fine, fine. Just had a bad day that's all," I said quickly and then hurried away.
Yours,
Parvati
Dear Diary,
This is later today. I just feel so downcast. Of course, Harry Potter would be taken like that! But still, the point it is, Ginny Weasley is what is bothering me. The Weasleys and Harry are really very close. Harry and Ginny would be the perfect pair. I feel like a bitter, lonely, mean-spirited person. I should have been nicer to Ginny, not to mention Neville…but everything went so fast. Sigh.
Soon I will also turn into a fat wart. Chocolates are my comfort food and I've been eating quite a lot lately. Hmmm…I do hope the ball goes well. I hope Ginny and Harry hit it off and Neville meets his match and I am a happy, happy girl.
Yeah right.
Anyway…
A very dejected,
Par (too lazy to finish writing my name.)
Parvati's Report
The Halloween Ball
Today is the big day. Potions have been stirred, lovers have been matched, and jealousy has been conquered! (Not.) For it is the day of the Hogwarts ball deux (French for two.) Now don't fret, just because I'm all depressed on the inside does not mean I'm going to inflict my pain on you. I'll be very forthcoming and truthful at what happened today. Deep breath. Ok, here goes.
First, there was beauty. Hermione, Lavender, Padma and I had to get ready for the ball. Oh, by the way, Padma and my Zacharias suggestion worked out. I can't believe she actually likes that git. Anyway, I was the fashion consultant of course and my first client was…me! At first I chose a beautiful, puffy Victorian which happened to be white dress.
"Oh god, Parvati. You look like you're about get married!" exclaimed Lavender, crimping her hair and laughing uproariously at the same time. I quickly peeled off the dress faster than you could say, "I do".
"Don't want Neville getting the wrong idea," I explained sheepishly, seeing Hermione surveying me oddly.
"I got the potion," she suddenly said, pulling out a blue vial filled with some sort of pink substance.
I smiled weakly. "Great! Thanks, Herm."
Hermione was looking very pretty in a sleek, strapless red dress. "Here, I'll do your make up, after I get ready," I suggested.
Hermione nodded gratefully. I hurriedly chose an emerald green chiffon dress and pulled it on. I picked out some chunky gold bracelets and slipped them on too. I brushed my hair quickly, not paying much attention. Then I applied Wicca Wide mascara and Red Desert rouge. I hurried over to Lav's and my shoe collection and chose a strappy, shiny gold pair of heels.
Then I wobbled over to Hermione, who looked startled to see me so fast. "Wow!" she exclaimed. "Parvati, you look like goddess!"
I looked myself up and down in the mirror (whose' comment was: Wowee, girl. You're going to kill tonight.) "Really?" I questioned skeptically.
"I didn't even try," I continued.
Padma glanced up from fiddling with the buckle on her pretty blue and silver flats. "But you look good, sis."
"Neville will go into a state of delight," Lavender stated.
I grimaced. "That's not good."
"But so will some other boys," Padma gazed at me meaningfully. I blushed. An image of Harry popped into my mind. I quickly brushed it way, remembering Ginny. I cleared my throat. "Ok, Hermione, ready?"
Hermione nodded and I began to work my magic.
By the end of it, her bushy hair was sleek and shiny and fell in waves around her oval shaped face. Her eyes looked simply gorgeous in the new Wendelle Hancock style. Her lips were a luscious creamy red. That red dress showed off her figure so well. She was stunning.
"I look like a wounded raccoon," Hermione complained. I pursed my lips.
"No, you don't, Hermione. You look hot. Ron is going to die, okay?" I declared clearly.
Padma was next and since she looks like me, it was much easier. I simply gave her the same treatment except for the hair. I decided to knot her hair into an elegant bun at the top of her head. She also was simply gorgeous in a cobalt blue halter style dress with silver accessories. I should be one of those glamorous Wollywood (Wollywood is the witch & wizard media capital) make-up artists with my sense of style and glitz.
Lavender wandered over. "Par! Can you make me look like a fairy?" she wailed.
I glanced at Lavender seriously, and put on Wendelle's famous pouty expression. "I'll try my best, doll, but can't promise anything. I've been accused of giving wounded raccoon looks. It's a big, bad world out there." Like I had seen on the big screen, I fluffed up Lav's hair and eyed it knowledgeably.
Lavender rolled her eyes. "Pretending to be one of those fabulous Wollywood make-up artists again?"
She knows me so well.
A half-hour later we all traipsed down to the common room to meet our dates. It was a sordid…I mean…wonderful affair, let me tell you.
Padma giggled very uncharacteristically and scooted over to a dressed up Zacharias. I watched them for a moment talking and laughing. They made a good pair, I decided, but it was beyond me what Padma saw in him.
Lavender adjusted her sparkling tiara. "I'm soo excited," she murmured in my ear. Seamus was gallantly waiting for her at the bottom of the steps. I smiled, but it made me feel sad somehow. Seamus might not be for me, but Lavender was a lucky girl. Hermione also seemed to be expressing Lavender's perturbation. She was very wobbly and that wasn't just because of her heels. It was like one of those muggle movies. One minute Hermione was standing calmly on the top of the stairs, then the next steps she tripped, and was shrieking and tumbling down the spindly staircase. I gasped, trying my best to grab-hold of her spinning arms.
Everyone in the common room scattered, all except Ron, who darted faster than a bullet to break Hermione's fall. Hermione collapsed into his arms. Everyone let out a unified sigh of relief. I clambered down. "Hermione are you okay?" I questioned, concerned. Hermione sniffed in response. Her head was buried in Ron's new dress robes, but the tips of her ears were scarlet. I was a little amused by this. They're right, couples do start do start to pick up each other's traits. Ron still looked very worried. "Herm, are ok?" he whispered gently.
It was just the tenderness in his voice that set me off. A tear trickled down my cheek. Sniffing, I made my way down, hunting for Neville in the crowd.
"Hi, Parvati!" a familiar voice chirped. I shut my eyes, dread filling the pit of my stomach. I forced myself to turn around and shoot Ginny Weasley a weak smile. She was clinging onto an uncomfortable Harry's arm, looking very pretty indeed in traditional robes of banana yellow. Ginny returned the smile. "You look great, Parvati. I decided to go traditional." Ginny giggled. I swallowed. Harry was looking at everything except at me.
I had always liked Ginny Weasley very much, but with Harry, I admit I wanted to curse her. Does this make me a horrible person?
"Who are you going with?" Ginny asked curiously. I took a deep breath, pasting a happy smile on face.
"Neville. I'm looking for him, actually--"
"Neville?" Harry blurted.
I regarded him coolly, finally gaining my nerve. "Yes, is something wrong?" Harry shook his head vigorously. I tried to blur out the thought of him looking so cute in those smart robes of a silvery teal.
Ginny suddenly laughed. "It's been reversed! You went with Harry last time and I with Neville."
I attempted a weak laugh. "What a coincidence!"
"Parvati!" I had never been gladder to hear the whimpering, loving voice.
"Neville!" I cried with relief and surprising myself, I planted a quick kiss on his lips. Neville went into a mad state, working up the courage to put his arm around my waist. Ginny and Harry twitched uncomfortably. I squirmed uneasily in Neville's grip.
"Well, see you at the dance," exclaimed Ginny, waved and quickly departed with Harry. I promptly removed the Neville's hand, which was clamped, to my waist. He didn't seem to notice; he was gazing at me with extreme adoration. "Well, like to dance, Neville?"
Neville nodded eagerly. "Anything for you Parvati, fair maiden!"
I sighed, linking arms. "I wish things were normal, Neville."
"Doesn't everybody, Par?" inquired Neville affectionately.
That was the most intelligent thing he said all night.
We descended down the grand staircase in pairs. I was taken away by the great-hall. It was absolutely beautiful. Imagine a thousand live fluttering fairies, flying on live bats. Dozens of enlarged pumpkins clothed in black were arranged sensibly, acting as tables for the evening. Lit candles were magicked into the bewitched midnight-blue, starry night-sky. The center of the great-hall was the circular dance floor. It was painted in bright fluorescent colors and in the middle, setting up was Hanky Panky Karma--my favorite band. I positively squealed when I saw the lead singer, Hank, wave at me.
Neville and I reached the bottom. I immediately snatched his hand. Neville was under a curse, he didn't really like me, so there was no point being patient, really. Until he was revived from the curse, anyway. We had to dance!
I glimpsed Harry and Ginny laughing in a distance. Ginny had her arm around Harry. Neville immediately put his arm around my mine. I glanced at him gratefully. It was almost like he knew.
Up at the teachers' table Dumbledore called the schools' attention.
"Welcome, welcome students of Hogwarts. For generations we've had a Halloween feast, but this year I decided to stir up a bit and went with the ball--"
The students cheered wildly. Dumbledore waited patiently.
"Anyway, take a seat at our innovative tables enjoy a spectacular feast and don't forget to dance! Hanky Panky Karma is ready to go--"
The girls screamed hysterically, some punching the air. Hank waved again.
Dumbledore sat down, his eyes twinkling through his moon-shaped glasses. "Tuck in."
Neville and I found seats beside Padma and Zacharias, who were in the middle of a 'friendly' argument.
"Isis was an Egyptian god, not some Wollywood character!" Padma said, smiling.
Zacharias put his arm around my sister. "But I prefer the hot witch in the movies!"
"Zachie!" Padma swatted him playfully.
"Don't worry, I think you're pretty hot too, Patil." Zacharias grinned flirtatiously.
Honestly, I felt sick.
As soon as Hanky Panky Karma started fiddling 'Flight of Fancy', I grabbed Neville's hand. "Let's dance," I declared. Neville leapt up and we waltzed shakily to the brightly-lit dance floor. The lights dimmed dramatically, a few students whooped loudly.
'Let me tell you a fairytale,
That took place not very long ago,
It's of a little girl, who thought she had everything,
Then there was a prince,'
I steered Neville to the center and we revolved on the spot. Neville stepped on my feet a lot, but no one but I noticed. Many couples joined us on the floor. I caught a glimpse of Harry and Ginny barely moving, embarrassingly close. I gulped. Then, I observed Neville staring at Ginny…and his hands became extremely clammy in mine. My heart started thudding. I desperately scanned the crowed for that wounded raccoon, Hermione, who had mixed up my savior--the love potion.
'He walked into her life
Took her flight of fancy,
Little girl became pretty lady,
Prince and she fell in love,
Got engaged soon after,
Then married under the stars,
And lived happily ever after….'
There she was, buried in Ron's neck. I hurriedly hauled Neville over there. Neville's eyes were glued solely on Ginny. I found it a little disturbing, actually.
I nudged Hermione. Hermione jumped up startled.
"What?" she cried, shouting over the rocky song.
"It's Ginny."
Hermione's eyes widened and Ron simply looked confused.
"Ginny!"
"Do you have it?" Hermione pulled out the vial and handed it to me.
"Now get Ginny and him alone and give it to him. Make sure he doesn't see you. Good luck," Hermione whispered, winking.
I nodded, comprehending. I took a deep breath. "Okay," I said, "sorry, Ron," I added to a bewildered Ron Weasley. They went back to dancing. I let go of Neville.
"Let's go outside," I suggested innocently.
Neville lit up for a moment, but then glanced at Ginny. "Why, Parvati?" His voice wasn't as fond as it had been earlier. And if you'll believe it, for a moment, I felt stung. I dragged Neville over to the corner and cracked my knuckles, waiting for the tune to end. The song seemed to last like Droobles best blowing gum, in that case, everlasting. As I had hoped a few couples dispersed off the dance floor. Harry and Ginny were one of them. With Neville at my heels I followed them to the buffet table laden with treats.
I tapped Ginny on the shoulder brusquely. "Erm…I have it!" I cried.
Ginny whirled around, baffled. "Parvati? What--"
"Ginny, you have to come!" I continued hysterically.
Harry cleared his throat behind Ginny.
"Parvati, what are you--?"
"Shush, I'm talking to Ginny," I snapped. Ginny was more bewildered than before, glanced at me, her blue eyes wide.
I could feel Neville drooling beside me. I hastily grabbed Ginny's hand and pulled her and Neville into the cool, refreshing air outside.
I quickly unclamped the vial from my golden belt and gazed from Ginny to Neville. I took a deep breath. "This is the best stuff ever, here drink!" I declared, handing the vial to Ginny. Ginny took it gingerly, sniffing it cautiously.
'Why didn't you give it to us, inside, Par?' Ginny questioned suspiciously.
"B-b-because it's so good someone might've stolen it…!" I stuttered, uncomfortable under Ginny's gaze.
"Just take a sip, Gin. It's scrumptious…." I tried, smiling weakly.
Ginny carefully took a hesitant sip. She smiled. "You're right, this stuff is really--"
'What are you doing here?" said a familiar voice. I literally froze, letting go of Neville, for it belonged to Harry.
Just like him to come and ruin my plan, I thought bitterly.
Ginny had frozen too, still clutching the vial. "Harry," she breathed, nauseatingly sweet, "Oh…Harry!" Harry took a step back.
"Ginny?" he questioned incredulously. Ginny walked forward boldly and planted a smooch on his cheek. I wanted to melt to the ground right then. Neville, who hadn't spoken in ages, did the same to me, except it was probably ten times wetter.
Oh no, the potion had gone wrong. Horribly wrong.
Ginny had eyes only for Harry, Neville was all mushy on me, but he truly liked Ginny and I truly liked Harry and as for Harry…who knows who he likes! This was a disaster.
"Harry, don't move!" Harry came to halt and Ginny who had been following him with a revered gaze, bumped smack into him.
"Face Ginny towards Neville," I said, my voice quivering.
Harry did as he was told, even though he wore a frown on his face.
I carefully steered Neville to face Ginny.
I poured the hot liquid down Neville's throat and quickly backed off. I tossed the vial to Harry who administered the same treatment for Ginny.
"Back off!" I yelled as, Ginny and Neville walked towards each other and embraced. The sky exploded with fireworks as they kissed and Harry and I smiled secretly at each other.
Surprisingly, after that, Harry didn't ask any questions. We were both dateless and sitting on the steps. Everyone else was dancing, so we were alone.
"That was some ball, huh?" I ventured bravely.
Harry smiled the smile that made me want to melt. "I am not even going to ask what you did this time, Par."
"Pansy Parkinson played an awful trick on me, is all I will say," I stated cheerfully.
Harry grinned. "There is no dull moment with you, Parvati Patil," he murmured.
"And I suppose that's true," I agreed, my heart beating rapidly against my ribcage. Were we about to…?
"Parvati!" exclaimed a voice that could only belong to Hermione Granger. "How did it go?"
I smiled one last time at the boy who lived and proceeded to tell Hermione the entire tale as we made our way up the stairs.
Author's Note: Sorry, I was so excited to post, I forgot to edit. This is the edited version, which I reposted today. Thanks to all who reviewed so far…I appreciate it. So, what did you think? Please R& R. I am nearly done Quidditch, Scares & Spin the Bottle and will be posting it soon-FFlamingo