Hello, hello, hello! I've returned!

MoonyLikesChocolate- Why, thank you! I do try to keep it as close to the original story as possible. And your reviews are indeed GREATLY appreciated! ;D

Enjoy!

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The dinner was more eventful than I expected, perhaps too much. Despite the formality of everyone's attire, Marcus Belby managed to forget his manners enough to wolf down all the desserts before our eyes; that might've been the most revolting thing I ever witnessed. Ginny also seemed a bit upset. She'd arrived late with reddened eyes and flushed cheeks. Though I wasn't sure why, Harry barely looked away from her again that night.

A lot of people from each house were present. Fortunately, my seat ended up being right next to Neville. But we barely said two words to each other, as Slughorn was too busy dominating the conversations. He chatted with Hermione and Harry quite a bit, while also asking me to expand on my studies. However, poor Neville must've felt invisible. When it was finally time to leave, we journeyed back to our respective dormitories (with the exception of Harry, who stayed behind).

"I won't get in."

"Don't say that," I encouraged, taking the seat next to him on the common room sofa.

"No, it's not a big deal. I've got too much to do anyways."

"Perhaps it's just not for you."

"Maybe," he said with a bit of bitterness. "Or maybe I'm just not good enough." I helplessly watched him wander off to bed, not knowing what to say.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

A week later, I got an envelope inviting me to attend the Slug Club Christmas party before going home for break; as Neville said, he didn't get one.

"It's really fine," he said, oddly upbeat. "Slughorn came to me yesterday and said I could help out at the party." I smiled.

"That's wonderful! How will you be helping?" My friend looked at me mischievously.

"That's for me to know and you to find out."

Boys.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Two weeks before the event, my Charms homework was wracking my brain in the Great Hall. Though the sound didn't register right away, a screech eventually made me look up; a large parcel was falling right at me, forcing me to hide my face as I caught it.

"Thanks," I snapped at the bird as it departed. Luckily, the sight of my home address was enough to cheer me up. After tearing the tissue away, I found myself looking at the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen. It was light lavender in color, and the outer skirts seemed to be made from a wispy kind of lace. While the gown was sleeveless, two droopy lace straps hung from each side.

"Lace!" Parvati exclaimed. "That's gorgeous!"

"Thanks."

"Asking anyone along?" That confused me.

"What d'you mean?"

"Hermione said Slughorn gives permission for the members to bring dates." My heart skipped a beat as I put the frock back in the box.

"I'm...not sure, really...bye!" Though my shaky legs managed to propel me into the hall, it didn't take long for my fellow Gryffindor to catch up.

"Why don't you ask Neville?"

"Bloody hell, would you keep your voice down?"

"Sorry," she said in a normal voice. "But you should!"

"No, I couldn't...wait, how'd you even…?"

"Come on, Lacey. You've been ogling at him for ages."

"I don't know about ogling, but...you don't think he's noticed?"

"Nah, he's oblivious." I was secretly relieved.

"Please, don't say anything about this."

"Don't worry, your secret's safe with me."

Depp down, it felt good for someone else to know.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

"Hey, Lacey!"

"Did we just get the same letter again?" Neville grinned as we sat on the couch.

"Does it say your parents have plans for the holiday, and you're spending it at my house?"

"I didn't know about any plans," I told him with a smile. "But that's what it says."

"Mine, as well."

"Cool! But are you sure it's alright? I don't want to impose..."

"No, it'll be fun! I imposed on you and your parents, after all."

"Well...yeah, I guess you did." He looked at me, feigning heartbreak. "I'm kidding."

"I know. But, yeah, this'll be exciting."

It certainly will be.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The night of the party finally arrived. Despite feeling shyness at wearing the new gown, Parvati eventually persuaded me to overcome my worries. After all, the other partygoers were dressed up as well. It was somewhat dark in the large room, but the decorations were nice. Professor Slughorn looked happy to see everybody there, although I was not exceptionally happy to see Snape. But my dread went away when I heard a voice behind me.

"Lacey?"

I would've laughed had I been a few years younger, but Neville actually looked handsome in his white buttoned coat, complete with white gloves and a tray of drinks.

"Wow, don't you look dashing." He rolled his eyes.

"I know, it's ridiculous."

"No, seriously. You look so...grown up."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"Thanks, Lace. And you look beautiful."

My heart nearly stopped.

Did he really just say that?

"Thank you, Neville." We looked at each other for a few moments before he broke the silence.

"I'd better keep circling, or Slughorn will throw me out."

"Oh, sure. Good luck."

The rest of the night went by fairly smoothly, with the exception of Malfoy getting caught trying to sneak in. Still, I did notice Harry following them out...

"Hi, Lace."

"Hey, Ginny. You look pretty."

"Thanks, so do you." I smiled.

"Having a nice time?"

"Sure." She was glancing around, as though looking for someone. "You haven't seen Harry, have you?"

"He left a few minutes ago, but he might be back."

"Okay." I guess she's still not over her crush just yet.

Not too long afterwards, Harry walked back into the party with a troubled expression. As he ran into Neville, I couldn't help but wonder what he'd found out about Malfoy…

"Hello, Miss Ravensdale," Slughorn said, startling me from my thoughts. "I'm glad you could make it."

"Thanks, me too," I said.

"I've been meaning to ask you, dear, are you still enjoying advanced Charms?"

"Yeah, a lot."

"You're interested in pursuing a career in that field, am I right?"

"I'm considering it."

"Wonderful. Oh, Harry my boy! I'd started to think you'd disappeared!" He started a conversation with my comrade, leaving Neville alone again. I shot him a subtle smile, receiving one in return a few seconds later.

You look beautiful...you look beautiful...

It was a very calm moment for me; I'm glad I savored it, because things became significantly less calm not long afterwards.

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