Chapter 8
The Yule Ball: Part 2
The night of the ball came, and all afternoon students were shuffling about the school getting ready. Ginny and Hermione were getting ready in Hermione's dorm, and I was there helping them. They both looked stunning in their gowns; I knew no one would be able to keep their eyes off the duo. Everyone left for the ball, and I quickly found myself bored out my mind.
There was no curfew in effect, so I wandered the castle reveling in the school's empty halls and silent corridors. I soon found myself in my favorite spot, high above the school in Gryffindor tower. I leaned against the windowsill and pushed open the heavy iron window, a strong blast of cool wind blowing through my hair. A shiver ran down my back, making me smile. I loved the cold, and have always had a fondness for cold winter nights. I pulled a chair up to the windowsill and propped my head up with my hands, looking out into the courtyard.
The doors to the school were open, and light shone out into the darkness. I could hear the band playing, the roar of their guitars ripping through the silence of the night. I saw two students sneak away from the castle and giggled to myself. I could only sit and imagine the fun they were all having.
"Oh maybe I should have just gone home this Christmas." I quietly said to myself.
I wrapped my jacket into a ball, and rested my head against the windowsill; enjoying the cool breeze as it hit my face.
"Han…Hanna." I heard someone calling out to me, along with gentle nudging on my back. I slowly opened my eyes to see Neville looking down at me, "Hi there sleepy."
"Hey, what are you doing up here, why aren't you downstairs?" I sleepily asked.
"It's been over for a little while, it's 4am I came up here to try and wind down." He told me.
"4am, geez." I yawned, laying my head back against my jacket. "So, how was it?"
"It was amazing! It started out with some classical songs and then the Weird Sisters came out to play, I don't think I've ever had such a great time!" he excitedly exclaimed.
"That's great Neville, did Ginny have fun?" I asked, trying to hide my jealously.
"I think so…I did step on her feet a few times though." he answered embarrassed.
"Oh I'm sure you were fine." I said smirking.
"Oh no, it was bad,"
"Well, let's see it." I said slowly sitting up and turning to look at him.
"What? No." he argued.
"C'mon you said you'd save me a dance." I argued back, standing up.
"There isn't even any music."
"My Dad and I used to do this all the time, I'll hum a song come on." I continued to argue, walking up to him, and putting my hands up ready to dance. He reluctantly agreed and placed his hands up to match mine. We moved in close to each other at joined our hands together. I placed my other hand on his upper back, and he did the same to mine.
"First off, you have more control with your hand lower, in the nape of back." I told him, moving his hand lower down my back. I saw his face get nervous and trying to ease his nervousness continued my instruction, "Now, watch my feet and follow my moves…One-two-three, one-two-three, one-two-three…" We moved slowly in the tower, and he gained more confidence with each round I counted. After a few minutes of counting I started humming, and soon found myself lost in our dance.
"What song is that?" he asked.
"Oh, when I was younger my Dad would let me stand on his feet and we'd dance together, he would always hum this song. It's from the Disney movie, Cinderella, it's called "Once Upon A Dream." I admitted.
"Very cute."
"I've also found that concentrating on the music and letting your feet just do their own thing can help you dance better, for example we've been dancing for at least 10 minutes, and you haven't stepped on my feet once." I told him, proud of my pupil's progress.
"Wow you're right." He said smiling. "Thank you teacher."
"Anytime student, don't forget to practice. Now are you ready for the ultimate lesson?" I asked.
"There's more? I suppose I am."
"It's just a simple dip, you bend forward, and I lean back. Try it slowly; don't want to end up on the floor." I instructed. He slowly dipped me down and not knowing what to do next, we stayed in that position for the next few moments, I laughed and said, "Now pull me back up!"
He quickly obliged and pulled me up so fast I had to throw my free hand against his chest to steady myself. I stood, catching my breath, and looked up into his eyes and said, "A little too fast there strong guy."
"Sorry." He apologetically answered.
"Try it again, and this time pull me up a little slower." I instructed him. We danced for a few more minutes and Neville was doing really well. Neville yawned and I laughed at him and said, "Boring you to sleep hmm?"
"Long night." He said yawning again.
"To bed with you!" I ordered, giving him a quick hug and pointing towards the tower exit.
"Such a slave driver." He said shaking his head. We left the tower and went to our dormitories for some much needed sleep.