Waltzing With a Pirate -
Upon returning to the Gryffindor tower, Ginny and Hermione excused themselves to go prepare for the Harvest Ball. The girls took their time in Hermione's dorm getting ready, purposely avoiding the topic of what happened earlier at The Three Broomsticks.
Hermione slapped the hairbrush down hard onto the vanity and reached for a tube of lipstick, in the process she knocked over a small bottle of perfume of Personally Yours (a unique fragrance that adjusts to the individual wearer). The amber liquid spilled out across the vanity.
"Damn!" Hermione cried out in frustration and quickly leapt from her stool, jerking her dressing gown away from the dripping fluid.
"Here," Ginny said from a few feet away, waving her wand and magically cleaning up the mess. The perfume bottle righted and the stopper flew back into place. "Luckily you didn't lose much," she said, indicating to the almost full bottle of perfume.
"Thank you," Hermione said and dropped heavily down onto the stool again, plopping her elbows on the vanity and burying her face in her hands. "Stupid git."
"Come on, what about the promise we made each other?" said Ginny, lightly rubbing Hermione's back. Hermione laughed sarcastically into her hands then sat straight, dropping her fists into her lap.
"You're right," Hermione said, looking at Ginny through the mirror and squaring her shoulders, "You're absolutely right."
Ginny gave her an understanding smile and reached up to curl a lock of her own hair around her finger. She stared down at the perfume bottle.
Hermione turned to face Ginny, "You alright?" she asked gently.
Ginny's entire being stiffened and she clenched her jaw.
"Tonight is for fun, I'm going to think of nothing else," Ginny said with firm resolve, dropping her hand down to her side.
Hermione nodded and turned back to the mirror, picking up her wand.
"To fun," she said.
"To fun."
The common room was filled with students milling around, talking excitedly as they waited for the time to come to head to the main hall for the banquet that would precede the ball. Ron and Harry sat near the fireplace, halfheartedly playing a game of chess. Neither could stop themselves from occasionally looking over at the pirates who stood near the concealed guest room, waiting for Ginny and Hermione to appear.
Will and Jack appeared to be in a private conversation in the course of which Will appeared very irritated at whatever his Captain was saying. Ever so often, Jack would look down at his ruffled white shirt in disgust.
Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil approached Harry and Ron, both with sly smiles gracing their highly made up faces.
"You two look very nice tonight," said Parvati.
It was true; Harry was dressed in robes of such a dark, rich green that they almost appeared black. His frame had grown from that of a skinny young boy to that of a trim man. His usually untidy raven hair was now keep cut closer and had a more stylish unkempt appearance. His green eyes sparkled with barely checked anger giving him a dangerous, potent air. Ron had grown as well, filling out his tall form with broad chest and shoulders that tapered to a narrow waist. His dark navy robes were nothing like the second-hand maroon 'dress' that he had his fourth year. Instead his robes fit well and only enhanced his tall, masculine frame. Ron's hair was as fiery red as ever, but his cut and style complimented his features and now made him quite the rival to his older brothers that were all considered the ladies men.
Ron gave a passing glance to Lavender and Parvati and turned his glare back across the room. Lavender turned to where Ron was staring, her grin broadening.
"They do look very dashing tonight, do they not Parvati?" she asked, her voice dripping with exaggerated sweetness. Parvati glanced over at the two men and smiled with a look of feline hunger. Jack glanced up, seeming to sense that he was being watched, and found the two females and Ron looking at him. Jack inclined his head slightly, giving the girls a cocky, knowing grin and turned back to Will. Lavender and Parvati began to giggle behind their hands. Ron turned his glare to Lavender and scowled angrily before barking an order for his pawn to move.
"Well you don't have to be so rude!" the black pawn shouted and moved forward.
Harry frowned further at the giggling females, still wishing after all these years that giggling was outlawed. "Yeah, thanks you look nice too," he said, only half meaning it as he really hadn't paid all that much attention to the gowns they were wearing.
Lavender looked down at Harry and rolled her eyes. Parvati sniffed indignantly. They promptly turned and walked off in a huff.
Ginny stepped carefully into the common room, holding the front of her gown up and watching the stairs to make sure she didn't trip. When she was safely on solid floor, she released the gown and glanced around. The first thing she saw was Harry. She felt her heart tighten at the flash of disappointment she saw in his eyes when glanced up at her.
"Ginny. You look beautiful," a warm, melodic voice came to her ear. Ginny turned to see Will close the short distance between them with an expression of awe. "No, I am wrong," he said softly, "beautiful does not come near to describing you."
Ginny smiled shyly as he slowly ran his eyes down her small frame. She could feel a blush creep up over her cheeks under his intense gaze. She busied herself by smoothing her hands over the soft silk folds of her ball gown; it shimmered with her movements like pearlized silver moonlight that had been captured and woven into fabric. She suddenly felt very self conscious and rather exposed with the low square cut neckline of her dress. A rush of goose bumps covered her arms beneath the puffed sleeves of the gown where slits along the sides were woven with a darker silver ribbon. She wore her hair piled loosely upon the top of her head. Several fat coils fell behind to lightly brush the back of her neck. A few wisps of hair fell to frame her face giving her a softened dream like appearance.
"Ahh, 'tis a moon goddess I see before me," Jack's deep, throaty timber could be heard as he walked up beside Will and smiled down at Ginny. "And what do we have here?" Jack asked looking beyond Ginny as Hermione stepped down from the stairway into the common room. "A vision of heaven if I've ever seen one," Jack said, reaching out and taking Hermione's hand bowing low over it.
Hermione's eyes widened, watching the back of Jack's head. "Thank you, Jack," she said with uncertainty.
"'Tis but the truth, Love," Jack said lazily as straightened again, slowly letting his eyes roam down her.
Hermione's held herself up straighter, her chin rose at his assessment of her. She had pulled her normally bushy brunette locks back into a sleek French-twist. Her satin gown was of muted red and orange, bringing to mind the thought of maple leaves in the fall. The gown was cut high across her front before opening to a generously open back. The many folds of her full skirt brushed the floor with her slightest movement. Hermione glanced around the room, purposely avoiding Ron and Harry where they sat watching the girls closely.
The portrait swung open and people began to slowly file out and head to the main hall.
"Shall we head down to dinner then?" Hermione asked, looking at Ginny and then turning to Jack.
"Splendid idea, Lass," Jack said, offering his elbow for Hermione to take. Hermione tilted her chin up a notch higher and placed her hand in the crook of Jack's pro-offered arm, allowing him to lead her out of the common room. Ginny watched Hermione's hand lightly graze over the right side of her gown folds where Ginny knew a hidden pocket contained her wand.
"Are you ready, Ginny?" Will asked, raising his elbow for her to take. Ginny risked a glance out of the corner of her eye at Harry and Ron, who were now standing near Neville as the group slowly made their way towards the portrait with the rest of the students. Ginny saw Harry watching her. He turned away angrily when she placed her hand into Will's bent arm. Ginny quickly looked down, feeling guilt and shame wash over her.
"Ginny?" Will said gently. Slowly she looked up at him -- it was like staring right into his soul. For a moment, it felt as if the world had stopped. She forced herself to look away for fear of becoming lost of all rational thought.
"Let's go, shall we?" she said, clearing her throat to chase away the raspy sound that met her ears. Will raised his free hand and covered hers, gently caressing the back of her hand with his thumb as he warmly smiled down at her again.
"Let us go," Will repeated, stepping forward, taking Ginny with him.
The main hall was beautifully decorated in an array of rich autumn colors. Long elaborate drapes hung along the walls in woven hues of golden yellow, muted orange and vibrant reds. Replacing the typical long house tables and benches were large round tables set for twelve. Each table was adorned with an ivory cloth. The center pieces were an assortment of small gourds, pumpkins and thick pillar candles of various heights that flickered their soft flame casting moving shadows onto the golden china. The ceiling mimicked the outside sky as the sun set making way to a clear night of brightly glittering stars. A small scattering of leaves fell every so often from the ceiling only to disappear long before they reached the heads of the many students who sat at the tables, chattering happily while they looked around the hall in excitement.
Ginny stepped through the threshold with Will at her side and stared around in awe. "It's so beautiful," she whispered as she made her way to a large table.
"It is nothing in comparison to your radiance," Will said close to her ear. Ginny shivered as Will's warm breath came into contact with the sensitive lobe of her ear. Blushing, she ducked her head and looked at the floor. Will pulled out the chair Ginny stood next to and waited for her to be seated before taking his own seat beside her.
"Hello, Ginny," said a dreamy female voice at Ginny's opposite side. Luna Lovegood smiled down at her, hand held in the crook of Neville Longbottom's arm as he escorted her to the table.
"Hello Luna," Ginny said.
"You look very pretty tonight, Ginny," Neville said politely as he pulled out a chair for Luna. Neville gave a quick, nervous glance towards Ron and Harry who had approached the table on the other side. Luna sank down in the seat and looked around.
"The decorations are brilliant aren't they?" said Luna in an airy tone. Without waiting for Ginny's answer, Luna turned to speak to Neville as he sat down beside her. Will raised his eyebrows questioningly. Ginny merely gave a small smile and a dismissive roll of her eyes.
As the remainder of the students settled into their seats, Professor Dumbledore stood and announced the beginning of the feast. Smiling widely, he glanced around the excited hall with twinkling eyes. His light blue gaze lingered at the table Ginny and Hermione occupied, pausing to look each of them for the briefest of moments before his eyes skimmed over to Ron and Harry, who chose to sit at the opposite end of the table. Dumbledore's eyes seemed to sparkle even more with mirth as he continued his brief speech. Hermione picked up the menu on the table and glanced down at it before leaning forward to speak around Will.
"Isn't it lovely in here, Ginny?" Hermione said, putting her best effort into not looking over to where Ron and Harry sat, studying their menus.
"Yes, it is," Ginny answered, looking her directly in the eye, hoping Hermione could feel her silent support and reassurance.
"So, Captain Sparrow, ready for more rum?" Dean asked, smiling over at Seamus who cringed under the withering look Lavender gave him. Parvarti lightly backhanded Dean on the arm before going back to her menu.
"Ahh, Lad. A pirate is always ready to have his thirst quenched with a bottle of rum and his woes chased away by the company of a bonny lass… or two," said Jack, turning with a cheeky grin on his handsome face to glance at Hermione. The look she gave him in return could only be interpreted as not-at-all-amused, which seemed to cause Jack only to grin further.
Dinner ended soon enough and the tables were cleared from the center of the hall giving way to space for dancing. A full orchestra appeared in place of the head table. Pale spirits floated to waiting instruments and took their places. One particular spirit came to rest beside a set of chimes. The transparent form was that of a man who appeared to have passed sometime in his late twenties. He seemed to be rather on the thin side with a long neck. The curious thing about his appearance was that of his eyes. One eye seemed normal enough, but the other ghostly eye seemed to bulge out as if it were artificial. Will gave Jack a sharp look as both men caught notice of this particular ghost at the same time. Jack narrowed his eyes, studying the ghost.
"Not possible," Jack muttered to himself. As the spirit looked over the chimes, he jumped and threw his arms forward as his bulging eye popped right out of the socket and floated in mid air in front of him. The ghost quickly grabbed the transparent eyeball and put it back into place. Will's eyebrows shot up as he turned to look at Jack, who appeared just as surprised.
"Something wrong, Will?" Ginny asked, glancing curiously over the spirit orchestra.
"No, nothing at all," Will said, looking back down at Ginny with smiling eyes.
"If I may have your attention once more," Professor Dumbledore called out over the low buzz of conversation which had begun to grow as students stood near the dance floor waiting. "I thought we'd begin tonight's ball with a waltz. For those who may not be too familiar with it, do not fear. The steps are simple enough and if you find yourself unable to follow along, make up your own!" Professor Dumbledore said cheerfully and smiled out at the crowd.
"Let the ball begin!" Dumbledore cried out with a wave of his wand, the main hall fell into darkness except for the soft flickering candles on the tables that lined the walls of the hall and the bright silvery light of the moon shining down from the enchanted ceiling. The contrast between the cool silver light that illuminated the dance floor and that of the warm golden glow of the candle light at the tables was startling, adding yet another dimension to the magical evening.
"A dance, Love?" Jack said, bowing slighting and putting his hand forward for Hermione to take. Hermione glanced down at his offered hand for a moment as if deciding something before she slipped her own into his. Jack glanced up from his position, with an arrogant grin on his face, staring Ron straight in the eye. Ron stood close off, watching the exchange between Jack and Hermione with arms crossed looking extremely agitated.
"Everyone have a partner?" Professor Dumbledore called, "If not, do so now. No one will be left out for the first dance of the evening, after all," his cheery voice boomed through the dim of the room.
Students moved out to the large dance area forming several large circles as they stood with their partners. Ginny caught sight of Harry standing a ways off with a girl who Ginny thought was a fourth year Gryffindor. Ron stood a few feet from him with a petite fifth year Hufflepuff.
"Ginny?" said Will nervously. "I'm not exactly sure what to do," he admitted, giving her a sheepish grin.
"It's alright," Ginny patted his arm, "The steps are simple enough, just keep your eye out for when it comes time to change partners," she said as people began to step closer to their dance partners.
Ginny felt nervous herself as she stepped closer to Will, looking down at the buttons of his shirt before allowing her eyes to slowly trail up his chest and across his lips to meet his eyes. She placed her hand on his shoulder, feeling the muscles bunch and shift through the fabric of the tail coat. Her other hand she held up, waiting for Will to take in his own. Will wrapped his arm around her waist, taking her free hand into his, lightly stroking the length of her thumb. A sudden rush swept through Ginny as she inhaled slowly to steady her nerves, making her feel almost heady with his intoxicating scent.
The orchestra began a beautiful song Ginny didn't quite recognize. It seemed she wasn't the only one, most of the students were looking around as if uncertain what to do. The tune was slow, almost mournful in sound. Professor Dumbledore bowed low to his dance partner, Professor McGonagall who curtsied in return. At their Headmaster's lead the students also bowed and curtsied to each other.
As the melody began to pick up, Will's face changed to delight, "I know this," he said quietly, looking around the hall catching sight of Jack, who was smiling down as he spun Hermione into a circle. Will held his hand firm against the small of Ginny's back and began to dance around the floor with the other couples.
The music's sound became grander in scale, overwhelming the crowd, bringing to mind of the pound of the ocean as it crashed into the shore, the clash of steal swords in the heat of a battle, and at the same time giving off a feeling of intense passion and strong desire flowing with each chord that was played. Ginny felt her head reel with sensations that swept over her as Will guided her effortlessly across the floor. Swirling and swaying with her at an almost dizzying pace Ginny felt herself clutching tightly onto Will's shoulder for fear of going completely weak in the knees.
The large circles of students began an intricate pattern, weaving in and out of their collective groups with that of other circles, which made for a startling sight to have seen from above.
"I thought you said you didn't know what to do," Ginny teased as Will moved her around the dance floor with fluid grace.
"I don't. You bring out something within me," Will said, smiling down at Ginny as he lifted her hand to spin her on the spot before leading her off to interchange with the next loop. The song began to slow as did the pace of the circling dancers.
"We should be changing partners soon," Ginny said, feeling a sudden rush of sorrow at the thought of having to leave his arms. "If I'm correct we will change partners again before it is over." She couldn't bring herself to look up into his eyes.
"Very well, I will meet you again when this is over and we shall have more dances to enjoy," said Will, gently brushing his thumb over the length of hers. Ginny was able to glance up at Will one last time before he twirled her around and stepped away from her to turn and meet his new partner.
Ginny gave one last passing glance over her shoulder as Will meet with a fifth year Ravenclaw, who Ginny could see was practically giggling with delight. Ginny turned back to face her new partner and smiled as Neville stepped forward looking more than a touch nervous. Ginny had a sudden flashback of her third year and how she had to soak her feet for hours after dancing with him.
"Don't worry, my Gram had me take lessons after she heard about the first Yule Ball," Neville said sheepishly as he guided her across the floor in time to the music. Past Neville's shoulder, she caught sight of Hermione dancing with her fellow seventh year Hufflepuff, Justin Finch-Fletchley. Ginny noticed that Hermione was paying no attention as Justin talked; instead she scowled off in the distance with different levels of intensity. Ginny followed Hermione's stare, which was difficult as Neville moved her around the dance floor from one circle pattern to the next.
As the music picked up again in its pace she was finally able to find exactly who it was Hermione frowned at, actually it was more like persons. Ginny saw that when Hermione scowled at Jack her expression was that of irritation, but when she frowned over at Ron, a flash of sadness came across her pretty features. Ginny shook her head and turned her attention back to dancing with Neville, which was not as bad as she thought. He had yet to step on her toes, but his hold on her was limp and he kept himself at a good distance away from her. She caught herself comparing his hold on her to that of Will's and how powerful and confident Will's hand felt at the small of her back as he guided her along.
Before Ginny realized it, she was being spun again away from Neville who was now stepping forward to meet with seventh year Hufflepuff, Hannah Abbott. The orchestra continued its magic over the crowd, seducing the dancers as it began to hit another sweeping peak, couples whirled at a maddening pace as dance partners where exchanged. Ginny stepped and half turned with the music, raising her arms to meet her new partner. Her stomach plummeted with surprise when she faced him. Of all the students of all the houses the last person she thought she would be dancing with was the man standing in front of her.