Harry stood at the top of the stairs leading down to the Great Hall and cautiously looked around the corner, students and Professors milled around outside while some stood in the entryway talking excitedly. He felt someone sidle up beside him, turning he saw Neville standing there with a look of pure horror on his face, the right side of his robes were scrunched tightly in his hands and Harry was certain he saw a slight tremor.
He took stock of his own appearance and let out a shaky breath. His robes were made from the finest material, the lining rich burgundy velvet, the deep green shirt was made from Italian silk and the ebony pants of the same origin.
'I don't know if I can do this Harry' Neville said desperately
'Me either, but we've come this far, so might as well go all the way' Harry said trying his best to sound convincing.
'I still don't believe it' Neville said disbelievingly
Harry didn't either, but it seemed as if all that had happened in recent weeks was genuine and he couldn't altogether deny that he wasn't flattered. As the newest and youngest editions to the teaching staff at Hogwarts, Neville who taught Herbology and Harry charms found themselves being courted by two Professor's on staff, which would have been fine had the two men in question been in Slytherin and at one time sworn enemies of both Harry and Neville.
Try as they might to ignore the snake's advances it was an exercise in futility, as everyone knew Slytherin always got what they wanted in the end. So on it went with gifts of flowers, chocolates, and notes left on their desks, winks and hints of smiles in the corridor.
The first time that Neville's admirer had snatched him in the corridor leading from Harry's rooms, dragging him into an alcove and snogging him senseless, it had taken a full five minutes for a stunned Neville Longbottom to speak.
He had staggered back into Harry's rooms, his robes and hair disheveled, the only sound coming from his mouth was a high pitched squeak, his lips red and swollen.
Harry was on the verge of taking him to see Poppy when the plant enthusiast managed to tell Harry what had happened. He took refuge in his Greenhouse for a week after that, not daring to come anywhere near the castle unless absolutely necessary.
The Charms Professors amusement at his colleagues encounter was short lived, when his own admirer accosted him on the Quidditch pitch after he'd been for an evening fly, pinning him to the wall of the shed, and proceeded to run long slender fingers over his body, pressing his own flush against him.
The aftermath of that left Harry flustered, aroused and breathing heavier then he had ever done so in his life. He hadn't gone near the Great Hall for meals for three days after that.
Then came the ultimate test, an invitation to the Winter Ball, Neville spent near two weeks in his Greenhouse after receiving his invite.
After dinner one evening and patrol, Harry came back to his rooms to find a package on his desk, wrapped in brown paper, tentatively he unwrapped the gift and found the clothes he was now wearing. Neville had appeared 20 minutes later with a package of his own.
'Ready?' Harry asked straightening his robes and breathing deeply
'No' Neville stammered doing the same
'Right then, lets go' Harry said and walked down the stone steps and towards the Great Hall, Neville trailed along behind him, making various squeaking sounds. Inside the Hall had been transformed to look like the village of Hogsmeade, various shops surrounded the outer perimeter of the hall, while inner half held tables, and in the centre Harry assumed was the dance floor.
His pulse quickened as he walked further into the hall. Standing by a small stage that housed the band for the evening, where his and Neville's dates, looking rather dashing in robes of their own, made to compliment Harry and Neville's.
'You look divine Harry' Severus Snape whispered as he came close to Harry, taking his hand and kissing it softly, Draco Malfoy did the same to Neville, who blushed furiously and made more squeaking noises.
'May I have this dance?' Draco asked bowing slightly
'Y-yes' Neville stuttered, allowing the blonde to lead him into the middle of the room
Severus held his hand out to Harry, and followed his godson onto the dance floor, where he placed an arm around Harry's waist, his hand resting in the small of Harry's back. Dark orbs alight with passion and admiration, stared deeply into emerald green.
'Thank you for agreeing to accompany me this evening' Severus said as they turned around the floor.
'You are welcome, I wasn't entirely sure you were serious' Harry confessed
'When it comes to matters of the heart I am very serious' Severus replied
'Why me?' Harry asked
'Because you are a sight to behold' Severus said softly followed seconds later by Draco saying the exact thing to Neville.