Chapter 15: The Yule Ball
Kaylee kept expecting to wake up any minute now. She was going to the Yule Ball with George and NOT just as friends? She was George's girlfriend? She was in love with him and he with her? This was exactly like one of her dreams, except when she woke up, the dream didn't shatter.
The news that Kaylee Osmund was dating George Weasley seemed to spread overnight. Perhaps the news spread faster than usual due to the fact they weren't exactly hiding their romance. The couple could be seen holding hands down corridors, or snogging in various corners. On Christmas Eve, Kaylee spent the entire day with George, stealing kisses at every opportunity.
"Get a room," Ginny joked as she watched the pair lock lips for about the 30th time that day, as the three of them were in the Great Hall having lunch.
"Sorry," Kaylee said, her cheeks going very red.
"Well I'm not," George chuckled, kissing Kaylee on the cheek. "I've got years of missed time I've got to make up for."
"You know I could cast a Permanent Sticking Charm to your lips, George. That way you'll never be able to stop snogging her again," Fred said, sitting down next to George.
"That does sound tempting," George said, grinning at Kaylee. Fred rolled his eyes at the pair.
"Time to pay up little sis," Fred said with relish, turning to Ginny.
"Damn. I was hoping you'd forget," Ginny grumbled as she handed her brother 5 Galleons from the inside of her robes.
"What's that for?" George asked, looking between the two.
"We had a bet going. I said you two would get together before Christmas this year," Fred said.
"And I bet that it would be after Christmas," Ginny told them. "If only you had waited 3 more days!"
"Well think about it this way," Kaylee told her. "If we had waited, I probably wouldn't be going to the Yule Ball."
"True. I'm glad I get to go with you. I can't wait to see this idiot make a fool of himself on the dance floor," Ginny said gesturing towards Fred. Neville had kindly invited Ginny to the ball since she was a third year.
"I'll have you know I've got serious moves. Angelina doesn't know what she's in for," said Fred, moving his hips in a gyrating motion.
"Right. I'll warn her then," Ginny said rolling her eyes. "Kaylee, want to get ready with Hermione and me?"
"Yeah, that sounds fun," Kaylee replied. "I could use your help. I'm not good at making myself look good."
"What are you talking about? You always look good," George said, and he snuck another kiss.
Christmas morning came, and with it a stack of presents at the foot of Kaylee's bed. She opened up her usual supply of cakes and the traditional blue Weasley sweater from Mrs. Weasley first. Then she unwrapped several books on wand lore from Hermione. Next, was a beautiful quill that automatically corrected spelling errors from her mother.
Finally, she opened a small package that contained an absolutely stunning necklace. It was a simple chain, but hanging from it was a single jewel. Gasping, she lifted it and saw the jewel was made from some kind of moonstone, in the shape of a heart. It shimmered different shades of blue as she twirled it in the pale morning light.
Wondering who would have sent her such an expensive and beautiful gift, she looked at the package and found a note. Picking it up she read:
Kaylee,
I bought this for you ages ago. The color reminded me of your eyes. Did you know your eyes change color? Right…Anyways I hope you like it, but if you don't that's okay too. You don't have to wear it….I really am bad at this kind of thing.
I love you.
George
Smiling, she put the necklace on and wiped a stray tear away. George wasn't the most eloquent, but his words had touched her heart. This was why she had fallen for him. He didn't decorate his feelings with pretty words or grand gestures. Instead, he told you exactly what he thought, and was genuine and sincere about it. Kaylee dressed quickly and went down to breakfast, eager to see him and thank him for his gift.
She found him sitting in the Great Hall, wearing his new Weasley sweater. Surrounding him was Fred, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Harry. Kaylee ran up to George and pulled him into a tight hug.
"Happy Christmas to you too!" George laughed, hugging her in return.
"Georgie, you are without a doubt the sweetest boy in the world!" Kaylee exclaimed.
"I take it you liked the necklace?" George asked, leaning back to see she was wearing it around her neck.
"It's perfect!" she said fondly.
"Oooo Kaylee! That will go perfect with your dress!" Ginny said, staring at the necklace with approval.
"Lucky coincidence, that" Kaylee nodded.
"What did you she get you, George?" asked Hermione.
"Well I haven't given him his gift yet," Kaylee said. She had wanted to give it to him in person.
"I don't think I want to know what you're giving him," Ginny remarked suggestively.
"Get your mind out of the gutter Ginny," Kaylee scoffed. She pulled out a small package from within her robes and handed it to George. "Happy Christmas!"
"Definitely not what I was thinking then," Ginny laughed.
George tore into the package with excitement. "You got me a box!" he exclaimed.
"Only the best for you Georgie!" Kaylee retorted, rolling her eyes.
Grinning, he opened the box and saw a piece of folded parchment lying inside. Frowning in confusion, he picked it up and began to unfold it.
"I never would have pegged you for a romantic sap, Kaylee. Giving him love notes for Christmas. Honestly," Fred said shaking his head.
"Fred. It's not a love note," George said in a serious tone. He had gone rather pale, and he had a shocked look on his face. He turned towards Kaylee and managed to mutter "Is this for real?"
"Only if you want it to be. It was just a thought, it's not permanent yet," Kaylee said quickly. "I completely understand if you don't want it. It was just –"
But her words were cut short as he laughed and kissed her hard.
"Oy! Not at the table!" Ron exclaimed.
George pulled away, his face absolutely lit with happiness and excitement.
"This is amazing, Kaylee! Fred, look at this!" he exclaimed, thrusting the parchment into Fred's hands.
Confused, Fred opened the parchment and read:
Dear Ms. Osmund,
I am pleased to inform you that the reservation fee you submitted for the premises located in Diagon Alley has been accepted. Though the premises will not be officially on the market until the end of June, your reservation fee ensures that you will be the first person eligible to purchase the premises in full. Please note that your reservation fee is refundable, should you decide that you no longer wish to purchase the property in question. I understand you are placing the reservation for misters Fred and George Weasley. Should they decided they wish to continue in purchasing the premises, be sure Mr. Weasley sends the rest of the deposit fee (totaling 500 Galleons) by the first of July. I wish to thank you for your business and hope you have a happy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Robert Bradshaw
Ministry of Magic
Department of Magical Premises and Equiptment Control
"You reserved a shop in Diagon Alley?" Fred asked awestruck.
"I thought it would be a perfect spot for Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. I mean, it's just the reservation fee that's been taken care of. We'll have to find a way to get the rest of the gold by the end of June for you two to officially own it," Kaylee told him.
"You are ruddy brilliant! I could kiss you!" he exclaimed, entrapping her in a bone crushing hug.
"You better not!" George warned, but he was laughing.
Kaylee found herself in Gryffindor Tower hours later with Hermione and Ginny. She had spent the majority of the day in an epic snowball fight with the rest of the group, and had only left when Ginny reminded her they needed to start getting ready for the ball. After a quick bath, she headed up to Hermione's common room.
"Hermione, how much potion does your hair need?" Kaylee asked with amusement. She had been watching Hermione brush ample amounts of Sleekeazy's Hair Potion through her hair.
"One more vial should do it. It's the only thing that makes all this flat," Hermione said, gesturing to her head.
"How are you planning on wearing your hair?" Ginny asked.
"No idea. I told you I need your help," Kaylee said.
"Lets curl it a bit. It will look more elegant," Hermione suggested, coming over to inspect Kaylee's locks.
"And you should wear a bit of makeup too," Ginny remarked. She pulled out a makeup brush and some eyeliner and mascara from her bag. "May I?"
"Go for it. Work your magic," Kaylee agreed.
Half an hour later, Kaylee was ready, or so Hermione and Ginny said. The other two finished the remaining touches on themselves as well and soon all three girls were standing in front of the large mirror on the wall, admiring themselves.
"We look amazing," Kaylee said breathlessly. It was true. She had never seen Hermione look so stunning. Her hair was no longer bushy, but rather elegant and sleek in a bun at the back of her head. Her dress framed her body, and her face was bright and pretty. Ginny looked great too, in a pale pink dress. She had worn her hair long and straight and it framed her face and somehow made her look older.
When she had finally looked in the mirror at herself, Kaylee had hardly believed she was looking at her own reflection. Hermione and Ginny had done a fantastic job. Kaylee's hair was loose, but held soft curls at the end. Her makeup was simple, yet elegant. Ginny had brushed a grey eyeshadow over her lids, and framed her eyes with black eyeliner. The look complemented her dress, which sure enough fitted her like a glove. The dress shimmered in the light when she moved and clung to her, showing off her curves. She looked like an adult, elegant and refined.
"Viktor and George won't know what hit them," Ginny agreed, nodding her head.
"Poor Neville will have a heart attack when he sees you," Kaylee said with a chuckle.
Laughing, they all went downstairs. They had agreed to meet their dates in the Entrance Hall. Kaylee couldn't help but feel nervous as she walked down the stairs towards the entrance hall. Though they had been stealing kisses for the past few days, this was going to be her and George's first official date. This would be the test that would prove if they were compatible as a romantic couple.
"I better go find Viktor," Hermione said before departing.
"There's Neville!" Ginny said excitedly. Neville was waiting for her by the archway. "See you soon!" Ginny said before she made her way over to her date.
Standing alone at the bottom of the stairs, resisting the urge to bite her nails, Kaylee began searching the crowd for her own date.
"Kaylee!" called a voice. It was Angelina Johnson, coming down the stairs. "You look great!" Angelina said, her eyes wide taking in Kaylee's appearance.
"Thanks! So do you! That dress is amazing!" Kaylee gushed. Angelina's dress was a very pretty off white color that flowed down to the floor.
"I think I see our dates," Angelina said grinning. She pointed to two redheaded figures standing awkwardly near the front doors. They began to make their way towards them.
"Stop fidgeting with it. It looks fine," Fred was saying to his brother. George had his back to them, and was obviously having trouble with his tie.
"Well look at you two! Do we have the best looking dates here or what?" Fred said with his eyes wide. He nudged George with his elbow, and George turned around. George's eyes went wide.
"Hey," Kaylee said awkwardly.
"Wow," was all George managed to say.
"Shall we?" Fred said, offering his arm to Angelina. Angelina took his arm and grinning said "We'll see you two later then." Fred and Angelina walked into the Great Hall, whispering excitedly.
"You look very handsome. I've never seen you in dress robes," Kaylee giggled. George did look good. The dress robes were a bit tight fitting, as they had belonged to Charlie, but they showed off George's trim figure. He had combed his hair to the side, making it look more orderly. He actually looked incredibly sexy, Kaylee thought to herself. Standing there in his black and white dress robes, all tall and sleek…
"Wow," George repeated again, staring at her.
"What?" Kaylee asked.
"You." George said simply.
"I know, I know. I didn't pick this dress. Mum did," Kaylee muttered, looking down at herself.
"Remind me to send her a thank you letter," George said, a grin breaking out over his face. "You look absolutely stunning. I'm tempted to just say lets skip the ball and go find somewhere quiet."
"I did not spend the last hour getting ready just to call this evening quits. You owe me a dance, George Weasley," Kaylee said sternly, but she couldn't help but smile at his reaction.
"And a dance you shall have, milady," George said formally, offering his arm. Together they strode into the Great Hall, arm in arm.
Dinner was much more formal than they were used to. They sat at a round table alongside Fred, Angelina, Ginny, and Neville. Instead of food just appearing, they were given menus. They read what they wanted off the menu, and as they spoke the words out loud, the food appeared on their plates. There was even mulled wine and butterbeer to drink.
After dinner, the dancing began. Kaylee watched as all the champions led their dates onto the dance floor for the opening number. Hermione looked radiant next to Krum. Harry looked rather short, next to all the other champions. Soon, Dumbledore stepped onto the floor with McGonagle, and everyone else joined in the dancing.
"Might I have this dance?" George asked in a very formal voice.
"Yes good sir, you might," Kaylee replied in a matching tone.
They strode out onto the dance floor, and George placed a hand around her waist. Kaylee's heartbeat picked up in its usual frantic pace as George brought her closer to him. They began a slow waltz around the dance floor.
"Where did you learn to dance?" Kaylee asked, surprised. George knew how to lead them in just the right pace.
"Mum taught me for our cousin's wedding," George said grinning down at her.
"Well I'm glad you know how to dance. If I didn't have your lead to follow, I'd probably look like a dying fish out here," Kaylee laughed.
"You never learned to dance?" George asked.
"I never found it relevant," Kaylee said shrugging. "Who knew I'd be attending a Ball in my 6th year."
"And with me of all blokes," George said with a soft chuckle.
"Well that part I'd always hoped for," Kaylee said softly, as George twirled her around.
"And now we're together, is it like you imagined?" George asked. He had been worrying that he wouldn't live up to Kaylee's expectations as a boyfriend.
"No, it's not," Kaylee began. George felt his heart sink a bit. "It's better than I ever thought it would be. It's….more real. If that makes sense at all."
"It makes perfect sense," George whispered in her ear. The song ended and a fast song replaced its tune. Fred and Angelina made their way over to them and the four began dancing in a rather silly fashion. Fred would waggle his hips in their direction and Kaylee and Angelina would dance away from him, only to be corralled by George on the other side who waggled his hips their way as well.
After several songs, they all went and found a table to rest at. Breathing heavily, Kaylee and Angelina collapsed into chairs.
"We'll go get us some drinks," George suggested. He bent down and kissed Kaylee softly on the lips, before departing with Fred. They ordered 4 butterbeers from the bar.
"You seem to be having a good time, then," Fred said with a grin, while they waited for their drinks.
"Never thought I'd enjoy a Ball," George said, shaking his head, leaning against the bar.
"I think you're enjoying the company more than you're enjoying the Ball."
"Yeah, you're probably right," George said, nodding his head.
"I can't believe she reserved us premises for our shop. And in Diagon Alley too!" Fred exclaimed. "Talk about one hell of a Christmas present."
They looked over to where their dates sat, laughing uproariously at something Kaylee had said.
"She's incredible," George said, his eyes full of love as he watched Kaylee giggle with Angelina. She must have felt him staring at her, because her eyes were suddenly on him and they made eye contact. She grinned widely and blew him a kiss.
"Someday, I'm going to marry that girl," George said through a grin.
"And when you do, I'll be right beside you to support you and take all the credit," Fred said laughing.