Seamus stayed up after Hermione went to bed. Dean eventually came back in, his half-dried cauldron in his bag.

He set it on the warn wooden desk with an audible 'clunk', the metal rolling to its side. Seamus caught it right before it went off the edge.

"You could try out for Quidditch with those reflexes," Dean said. Seamus scrunched his nose, shaking his head.

"I like watching the sport. I have no desire to play it." He said. He liked riding a broomstick just fine, but the appeal of being a Quidditch player had never quite made it to him. Give up his afternoons and weekends to be sweaty, abused, and possibly killed? No, thank you. He got enough of that in the summer on the farm, trying to coax bulls back into their pens or dodging trampling hooves.

Dean hovered for a moment, arms crossed, always hedging to talk or not. Dean was slow to speak and always weighed it, something Seamus was none too good at. Often, he just said what he was feeling.

"Snape is furious you left early. Told me you would take a zero since you didn't complete the potion.."

"So be it," Seamus shrugged. Nothing he hadn't expected, "Ask what you really wanna." He said to Dean, annoyed, wanting to get back to homework he knew he wouldn't get a zero on.

"What was that about? I've never seen you jump up so quickly for anything."

Seamus looked up at the girls' dormitory stairs, inhaling. Then, his eyes traveled to their second chess round where he'd almost won, the pieces still in the places where Hermione had beat him. Not many liked chess, so the board was often untouched. While Seamus didn't think he'd ever be a chess master, he found himself enjoying his little rounds with Hermione. Perhaps it was the partner that made the game so enjoyable these days.

And, Hermione was always eager to teach him. She also never made him feel dumb. When he almost won today, she'd looked overjoyed at the idea of it. And he'd told her not to go easy on him; that would be the worst feeling in the world. He liked to think Hermione respected them both enough to play with everything she had, so his near win felt so much more monumental.

"It's a game of strategy, really," Hermione had explained to him, "And I'm actually not the best at it, I know. Impossible to think. Ron's the one between us that is unbeatable in chess. If you really want a challenge-,"

Seamus had winced, "Yeah...I don't want that much of a challenge."

Seamus felt his gaze just resting on the board, a smile creeping onto his face. He had almost forgotten Dean was still standing there until his friend gave a surprised inhale.

"Ah," Dean said, without having him say it out loud.

"She was upset."

"I thought you two were...friends. Going as friends." Dean asked, tilting his head.

"We are," Seamus frowned.

"Perhaps you're starting to feel...certain things, though?" Dean prompted, causing Seamus to blanche a bit. He struggled to respond, blinking fast at the idea of it. When he couldn't muster a response, Dean gave an encouraging nod.

"I mean, if I were cryin' about something, I'd hope you'd come to see if I was okay, right?" Seamus defended weakly. It wasn't that the idea of fancying Hermione was so distasteful to him, it was a growing and gnawing fear that she didn't feel the same, and he'd be left with emotions too big for himself, and nowhere to put them, "It's what friends do."

Dean dropped the rest of Seamus' traveling potion supplies at his feet, clapping Seamus' shoulder as though he was thoroughly amused, "You're a good man, Seamus. Never let anyone tell you otherwise."

It was later still when Ron and Harry came back into the common room. Most people were in their dorm rooms, preparing for tomorrow, or going to bed to wake up early. The common room was nearly deserted, sans a few Gryffindors dallying around, most gossiping about all the last-minute switch-ups for the Yule.

Seamus tried to grab his things to go to bed quickly, the sigh of Ron putting a bitter taste in the back of his throat, but his cauldron dropped onto the carpet with a dull clack. Attention drawn to him, Ron blinked, as though thinking something through in his mind.

"Seamus, oh!" Ron said, beelining across the carpet, "You seen Hermione? Did she go up there?" He asked, "Where's a girl that can go up for me…" He muttered, trying to find someone to fetch her. Behind him, Harry was shaking his head.

"Let it go, Ron." Harry insisted, pulling on his robes. Ron waved him off.

"Aye, I saw her," Seamus said cagily, standing, arms crossed.

"She was crying, wasn't she?" Ron asked, "Look, I didn't mean to," he started, "And I want to apologize."

Seamus uncrossed his arms, considering maybe Ron's words were genuine. Ron knew how to put his foot in his mouth often, but he had seen true contriteness from him on more than one occasion, so perhaps this was one of those times.

Until…

"I mean, I don't know why she's so upset. She should be glad I asked her! I know she was just feeling self-conscious she didn't have a date, so she told me she did. Why else would she leave so upset? I'm still willing to go with her, you know," Ron continued, completely seriously, "A boy not having a date? Fine. But a girl not having a date…"

"Ron, seriously," Harry groaned, rubbing his forehead, "Let her be. It's late."

"Listen to Harry, mate," Seamus grumbled, but Ron's focus was entirely elsewhere. Seamus shot Harry a look as though to ask if couldn't Ron be controlled, and Harry gave a bewildered shrug.

Yeah, Harry was trying real hard to keep Ron from being an arse right now, Seamus thought with an internal roll of his eyes. It felt very much the feeling of 'well, I've done nothing and I'm all out of options'.

"Oh! Ginny!" Ron said, spying his sister returning to the common room with Eloise, "Can you pretty please get Hermione so I can ask her to the dance again, proper?"

Ginny narrowed her eyes, "Oh, and make another utterly obvious observation, such as that Hermione is indeed a girl?"

Seamus held in a snort that came out like a bad cough. He'd never really paid much attention to the youngest Weasley until now, but he was starting to realize that he preferred Ginny much to Ron. She was all fire and didn't hold back a smidge.

Ron winced, "Look, it came out all wrong," He said, making a sweeping motion with his hands, "I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that no one realizes she's a bird underneath those huge robes and crazy hair, so the chances of anyone asking are slim and-,"

"Ron, you are an absolute dunce," Ginny said furiously, "Be glad I don't tattle on Mum about this!"

"Mum would tell me I'm chivalrous for giving those that wouldn't normally get a chance an opportunity!" Ron said, equally as angry now, hitting his chest with his open palm, as though he was some sort of godly angel, sent from above to aid poor, unfortunate souls.

And Seamus had reached his limit.

"She has a date," Seamus said, his voice steady.

Ron turned, as though he'd forgotten Seamus was still standing there. He blinked, as though curious as to why Seamus would give a shite at all about this since it's not like he and Hermione were great friends.

Partially true; they hadn't been friends until recently.

When Seamus held his ground, not offering anything more, or not backtracking and apologizing for getting into someone Ron clearly thought he had no business being in, Ron chortled.

Ron laughed, "Sure. Is that what she told you? I wouldn't believe everything you hear, Seamus." He said it like he was so much wiser, teaching Seamus a secret of the universe. His glib was infuriating.

"It's true," Ginny piped up quietly, sharing a look with Seamus. He knew that Ginny was her closest girl friend, so logically Hermione must have told Ginny, "In fact, Krum also asked her, but she turned him down."

Ron snorted, "Okay, now you're just making things up for sure. Gin, please? I just don't want Hermione to feel left out tomorrow, or miss out because she doesn't have someone."

"She has a date," Seamus repeated louder, "It's me, Ron! I asked her. Weeks ago."

Ron stared at him for a couple of seconds, squinting. He sputtered, shaking his head, trying to formulate a response.

"What?" He finally coughed, "No…but…Lavender-,"

"Is going with Louis, that blond Beauxbatons boy," Ginny said, "Merlin, you don't notice anything, do you?"

Ron's jaw looked like it was about to unhinge itself as he stared at Seamus. The entire common room, of its other few occupants, had grown deathly quiet.

"You…" He said slowly, as though it wasn't quite comprehending, "You asked her?"

"Yep."

"And she said…yes?"

"Uh-huh."

"You, Seamus Finnegan, are taking Hermione Granger to the Yule Ball?"

"Am I speaking French?"

"Hermione is..." Ron was making motions with his hands, as though trying to forcibly make the two ideas connect in his brain, "Your date...to the dance...that's happening soon. Not like a different Yule Ball, or a different Hermione Granger.

Seamus gave Ron a withering look, "I don't know how many more ways I can say this, mate." He said slowly, snickering.

The punch came out of nowhere. He didn't even register what was happening until Ron's fist connected with his cheekbone, sending a sharp pain through his face.

Seamus hit the carpet, feeling the scratch of the rug slide across his already wounded cheek. He pushed himself up but felt a weight on top of him, and looked up in time to see another fist sailing toward his nose. He dodged it, trying to collect his bearings as the reality of what had just occurred slid ungracefully into his brain.

"What the hell?" Harry asked, springing to grasp Ron, but Ron was on top of Seamus, fist raised for another. This time, Seamus was able to stop it.

"Have you gone mad, Weasley?" Seamus demanded, "What are you doing?" He wrestled against Ron for a moment, shocked that Ron was strong enough to have some weight behind this and that it was mildly difficult from this angle to free himself.

"How dare you!"

"How dare I what?" Seamus asked, kicking him off. Ron scrambled to his feet, furious.

"How dare you make light of this? Break Hermione's heart?" He roared, dancing on his feet, though he looked more like a sluggish gorilla, his face just as ugly as one as it was pinched into an ugly scowl.

"Woah, what the hell are you talking about?" Seamus asked, ducking another swing.

"Asking her to the Yule, duh! I mean, what's your plan? Leave her at the steps? Ignore her the whole night, while you pine over Lavender? It's really low, Finnegan, even for you!" Ron growled, throwing his arms out.

"You're serious?" Seamus asked, eyes wide, rubbing his cheekbone, "You're so sure that Hermione isn't anyone that someone could possibly want that the idea of me asking her, for real, is just so impossible, huh? Or are you projecting? Was that your plan?"

"Of course not!" Ron's eyes widened at the idea.

"Then I'll only say it one more time, Ron! I asked Hermione to the dance a long time ago, and she accepted and we're going together!" He said, turning to leave, but Ron grasped his arms, forcing him around. He looked like someone had just told him Santa wasn't real.

He actually looked so taken aback that it gave Seamus pause.

"So what you…asked her because…" Ron struggled, "Why, Seamus. Why would you ask her?"

"Because I wanted to, Ron! Because I like her." Seamus threw his hands out. Sure, asking her at first had been to get a date, but in the days that followed, Seamus had started to feel more and more sure this had been some sort of divine intervention. He wasn't entirely sure where his feelings lay on the scale of 'like' - between a friend or something more - but it didn't matter. He was looking forward to being her date, despite Ron's obvious shock. And Dean's astute assessment today had just about cemented such things for him, placing him firmly on the side that perhaps this was always meant to be bigger than just two people agreeing to go with each other and nothing more.

Harry grasped Ron now, wrestling him into a stronghold, with Neville helping keep him a good distance away from Seamus.

Before Ron could say anything, McGonagall came thundering down the stairs, Ginny right behind her.

As soon as Ron had thrown a punch, Ginny must have gone for help.

McGonagall took one look at the situation - Harry holding Ron back, Neville looking like he was about to faint, Ron's split knuckles, and Seamus rubbing his jaw and cheek whilst glaring at Ron - and her lips pursed into a thin, disappointed line.

"Potter, Weasley, and Finnegan! I expected better of you!" She snapped, "Five points from Gryffindor. Each."

"It wasn't my fault," Ron muttered, yanking out of Harry's grip, giving Neville a positively murderous look as well.

"Actually, it was entirely your fault. Harry tried to stop it and Seamus didn't hit back," Ginny spoke up.

"Gee, thanks, sis," Ron said, face bright red, "I know I can count on you, huh?"

"I have had enough headaches about this silly Yule to last a lifetime. Please tell me that you are not so immature as to be fighting over a young girl?" McGonagall said dryly. At the silence, she just sighed, "Mr. Potter…Mr. Weasley…go to bed. Go!" She said, shooing them away. Neither needed to be told twice, "Mr. Longbottom, go with." She said, and Neville meekly hurried behind.

She turned to Seamus, "Do you need to go to Madam Pomfrey?" She asked.

"No, ma'am. I just need some ice, and I think I'm okay." He said, "It's a simple transfiguration charm."

McGonagall gave a slow nod, "I think it would be prudent for you to sleep, for the night, in the open boy's bunk in the 5th year room."

"I agree," Seamus muttered, mostly because he was halfway sure he would smother Ron with a pillow if he got the chance.

"Come to me in the morning after breakfast. I'll try to charm away the bruise before the dance," McGonagall said, "Wouldn't want that on your pictures and in the memory book."

"Thank you."

McGonagall went back up the stairs, muttering about the blasted Tri-Wizard Tournament and how glad she was that it was nearly over, and things like this wouldn't be happening in such frequency anymore.

"Hermione's happy to go with you too," Ginny said, rolling on the balls of her feet, "She doesn't say it out loud, but I see her smile."

"Thanks, Ginny. For…" He trailed off.

"For not siding with Ron?" Ginny asked, "Yeah, well. He's wrong most of the time. Especially tonight." She nodded, "Night, Seamus."

XXX

By the time Seamus came down the next morning, Hermione was waiting.

"Oh…" She whispered, sucking in in surprise at his face.

"Don't worry, luv. McGongall's gunna cover it up so you don't have to stare at it all night tomorrow," He said with a smile, though it ached a bit. His whole face felt like a hippogriff had stepped on it last night.

"Ron's a terror sometimes," Hermione huffed, crossing her arms.

"Sorry, I let the cat out of the bag about us going together."

"It's not like we were ever hiding it. Ron, and Harry, only see what they want to see," Hermione assured, shaking her head.

She reached out, finger brushing over the purplish skin, inciting a soft hiss from Seamus.

"Sorry."

"No, it's okay," Seamus assured, "Just…tender."

Hermione's hand stayed, and if possible, she had a lighter touch as she traced the contours of his injury.

There was a choking sound behind them.

Seamus turned to see Ron coming down the stairs, eyes boring into the back of his skull as he stared at them.

He hastened out of the common room at record speed, muttering under his breath.

Hermione laughed, "You'd think that he believed I was never going to date anyone. That I'd die a spinster or a bog hag."

Seamus' breath hitched, "Date?" He asked, a tad dizzy. Maybe it was the punch to the face.

Hermione stiffened, "I mean, we don't…I guess we haven't talked about it…"

"Let's see how tonight goes, okay?" Seamus offered, realizing that she felt backed into a corner. Immediately, Hermione relaxed. Seamus closed his eyes, melting into Hermione's gossamer touch on his cheek, wanting her to never take her hand away.

Dean arrived down, whistling at Seamus' cheek.

"Wow! I thought Neville was exaggerating last night before Ron told him to shut the hell up."

Seamus opened one eye and Hermione snatched her hand away, as though she'd been caught doing something naughty.

"Morning, Dean." Hermione said, gathering her things quickly, "Keep him out of trouble, will you?"

"Hermione, I always try, but Seamus is a loose cannon," Dean said, as though Seamus was a caged beast always two seconds away from breaking free.

"Don't listen to him," He told Hermione, but she luckily seemed to find it amusing. Ginny waved her over and she left, sparing one last look back at Seamus.

"Nasty," Dean said with a snort, really focusing on his bruise, "I think you should keep it."

"Why?" Seamus asked.

"Chicks dig bruises," Dean said with a wide smile.

"Pretty sure that's tattoos, mate. Or scars." He rolled his jaw, wincing at the pain, "This just blows."

"Applesauce for you all day?" Dean guessed.

"Uh-huh."

"Need me to mush all your food like you're a baby bird?"

"If you try, you'll be taking Eloise to the dance in a full-body cast."

XXX

Ron accosted Seamus right before dinner.

"Seamus! Oi! Over here!" He called across the courtyard on the other side of the walkway.

Seamus pretend not to hear him, speeding his walking.

"Seamus Finnegan, I know you can hear me!" Ron bellowed, cupping his hands over his mouth. When Seamus turned around, Ron was waving his arms to get his attention like he was trying to land a plane, almost hitting a first-year in his efforts.

"Unless it's an apology, I don't want to bloody hear it, Weasley!" Seamus said, leaning against the stone railing, yelling across the snow.

Seamus clenched his jaw, wincing at the ache. Though McGonagall had covered up his bruise so no one could see it, the injury was still there. She'd warned him it was not a forever fix. It was like that old Muggle movie Cinderella his older sister loved watching as a wee lass. Except, instead of turning back into a pumpkin at midnight, at the end of the dance, his black-eye would return.

"Just come here!" Ron said, pointing next to him.

Begrudgingly, not really expecting an apology but still hoping, Seamus trudged across the snow.

From behind a corner, Ron frantically waved someone else over.

Seamus kept his distance; far enough so that Ron wasn't in hitting range. He felt like his injury flared up just looking at him, or maybe that's because Seamus was clenching his jaw hard.

Lavender rolled her eyes, coming to stand and complete a trio.

"It's better than an apology," Ron said, beaming widely, like he'd just solved world hunger, "I have great news!"

"I'd really just like an 'I'm Sorry'," Seamus grouched. Ron ignored him completely.

"Lavender broke up with Louis!" He cheered.

"We weren't ever really dating, Ron," Lavender groaned, "We just…had a tiff about something stupid is all. And I don't even know if I'd say we broke up. I'm just not talking until he apologizes." Lavender said, crossing her arms.

"Potato, pa-tah-to," Ron waved his arms, "Point being, they're not going to the Yule anymore together."

"Unless he apologizes," Lavender jumped in, "Which he might choose to be utterly stubborn and not. I can't really say."

"He probably won't. The fight sounded nasty," Ron said, far too pleased.

He stood, grinning, as though Seamus was magically supposed to know why this was such good news.

"Merlin, Lav. Sorry to hear that," Seamus said honestly. He was sorry; Lavender was still a good friend of his and something to make Lavender decide not to take a date meant it was significant.

"Seamus, our problems are fixed now!" Ron said, annoyed, "Look;" He said, and Seamus had a bad feeling where this was going, "You wanted to take Lavender originally. Now she's available again. You get your first choice. I get to take Hermione. Problem solved!"

"What?" Seamus backed up, "Problem not solved!"

"Actually, I don't know if I even want to go with a boy," Lavender agreed, shrugging, "Parvati doesn't have a date either, so we talked about just going together."

"Lavender, c'mon, it's perfect! You and Seamus do everything together, why not this too?" Ron pleaded.

"Why can't you take Lav?" Seamus asked hotly, "That is if she even wants a date. And to be frank, Lavender, I wouldn't say yes to him! And Ron, why do you need Hermione?" He challenged.

Ron's face turned ashen, "I don't need her, that's a bit extreme…" He blinked, "So…you don't want to go with Lavender?" He asked, utterly confused.

Lavender sighed, "Sorry about this, Seamus. I didn't know this is how it would go when Ron overheard Louis and I."

"No worries," Seamus said, "See you tomorrow, then."

"As dates?" Ron asked hopefully.

"Even if I was, Hermione wouldn't go with you," Seamus said pointedly.

"Of course, she would," Ron said, shaking his head, "I should have asked sooner, I get that now, but c'mon. We both know Hermione would be better off going with me. And you with Lavender. Stick to the status quo, right?"

Seamus rolled his eyes, knowing if he stayed any longer he'd throw a punch back…or set Ron's robes on fire. He turned, wondering how Ron could be so dumb when he hung around the smartest person Seamus knew.

"Is that a yes?" Ron called after him hopefully.

"Here's my answer, Ron!" Seamus replied, turning back around and flipping him the bird.

He took a small bit of pleasure in hearing Ron choke out a sputtered curse in response, but Seamus just kept walking.

XXX

Lavender fell into step with Seamus after breakfast the next morning.

"I want to apologize again for yesterday." She'd tried to offer her 'sorry' about sixty times since the incident. She sometimes pretended not to care, but he could tell this had wracked her with guilt.

"Naw, don't worry about it," Seamus assured, "I doubt you knew what you were walking into."

"I made up with Louis, just for tonight. So that he'd go with me…" She gave a small, mischievous grin, "Just to annoy Ron. The fight wasn't worth sacrificing all my effort to get him ready for the dance anyway."

Seamus laughed out loud, "He's gunna be as red as his hair when he sees!" He shook his head, "I don't get it…he's so… obsessive about going with Hermione, but he's not…he's not nice. And Hermione deserves much more than that bugger."

Lavender shrugged, "He gets that way. Stubborn, you know? I just don't think you've ever needed to see it. And this whole dance has brought out a lot of uncomfortable truths for people."

Seamus shrugged, "Guess so."

Lavender walked with him the length of the hallway without speaking, "So…you and Hermione?"

While he'd denied Dean's nudging, perhaps he felt that Lav knew him so well, that he felt like he couldn't lie.

"Yeah."

Lavender seemed to chew on this, though Seamus didn't feel like he'd admitted some great big thing, but maybe he had.

"I think that's cute," She said, giving her seal of approval, "I don't think we'd have worked out in the long run anyway."

"Ouch."

"It's for the best…for both of us. Besides…" Lavender shrugged, "You seem really happy these last few weeks. Now I know why."

"We're just friends. I think." Seamus frowned, "We haven't confirmed anything."

"You also haven't denied anything," Lavender said with a sly smile, "I can't to see you two tonight. I'm so curious as to what Hermione's dress is." She leaned in, grinning widely, "I bet she'll look absolutely beautiful."

Seamus couldn't help a stupid little grin on his face, "Yeah. Me too."

XXX

At 7:50 pm, Seamus stood at the foot of the grand staircase, dusting off his black jacket, courtesy of his mother.

"It looks alright, right?" He asked Dean for the umpteenth time.

"Your tie is off-kilter," Dean said. Seamu's fingers immediately flew to his neck, until Dean snorted, "Kidding. You look… practically the same as most other boys," He said.

"Mum clearly got the standard model when she sent this," Seamus muttered in agreement.

"A toast!" Corner said, clapping Seamus on his back, "An invisible toast, that we all got dates…though, I'm still not sure whose yours is, Finnegan."

Seamus shrugged, "You'll see soon enough."

"I think we should all get medals of bravery for what we went through," Justin agreed.

"Oh, piss off. Susan's besotted with you; it hardly took any courage to ask!" Dean shoved him.

All the boys mingled in a great heap, milling about, as they waited for their dates.

Seamus felt heat on the back of his head and turned to see Ron glaring at him. But Seamus couldn't help but laugh at his frilly dress robes; who could take any threats seriously when he looked like that? It was like your grandma's musty ottoman spelling out your demise.

Ginny was one of the first to descend the stairs. Neville grinned widely, taking her hand and leading her into the Great Hall. As she passed Seamus, she paused.

"She's still getting ready, but I think you'll be very surprised!" She said with a laugh. Seamus felt his cheeks flush.

"So…so it's a Gryffindor!" Michael said, snapping like he'd solved the case.

"Gee, I see why they placed you in Ravenclaw, mate," Seamus snorted.

"Amazing deduction, Sherlock," Dean agreed.

Lavender came down next, blowing a kiss to Louis. Seamus hardly looked at her. A month ago, he would have been spitting jealous, but today he found he cared very little. Lav patted his shoulder as she passed in, winking.

Susan came down with Hannah, and Justin let out a dreamy sigh.

"See you inside!" He said, waving to his friends. Michael's date came with another Durmstrang girl, who went right to Viktor. Viktor greeted her cordially, but Seamus watched his eyes dart around, looking for someone else.

Looking for Hermione.

After hesitating far longer than needed, he was pulled to the side by McGonagall, who was also shuffling Fleur and Cedric away with their dates. Must be something to do with the Tournament.

Michael's girl came, pressing two quick kisses to each of his cheeks, which had Michael almost faint on sight.

"I don't believe we've met," Dean said, holding out his hand with a casual smile, "I'm Dean."

"Boys, meet Albena," Michael said, speaking over Albena as she tried to open her mouth, "You mind if we wait out here? I'm dying to see who Seamus nabbed."

"Fine with me," Albena said, her accent not nearly as thick as Krum's. She was built like a warrior but had piercing eyes that actually sort of scared Seamus.

Eloise came down next. Dean let out a 'wow' as she gracefully reached the bottom in a mint-green number. Though even Wizarding makeup couldn't hide all her acne, her thousand-watt smile made Seamus almost forget about it, and clearly, Dean felt the same.

"You look…wow, Eloise!" Dean stuttered, and she curtsied.

"Thanks, Dean. You clean up properly too!"

Seamus craned his neck, eager for Hermione to arrive. A pair of girls in saris came, arms linked, down the stairs right after, and walked up to Ron and Harry.

"You look nice, Parvati," Harry said, stumbling over his words. Parvati smiled, relaxing.

Seamus watched Harry hit Ron's shoulder.

"Er…that dress is…colorful," Ron said, struggling for a compliment. Padma didn't seem quite as charmed.

McGonagall was in the process of informing Harry of a dance he looked absolutely horrified to have to do, and Seamus was watching this with mild amusement when he heard Parvati gasp.

"She's beautiful!"

Seamus turned and felt like someone had punched him in the stomach. A figure was slowly descending the stairs, and it looked like a goddess. He started at the shoes and slowly traced all the way up to the face, taking in each ruffle of her periwinkle dress, where Seamus was overjoyed to find it was Hermione he was staring at.

"Blimey!"

Ron looked nearly purple in the face, and even Harry seemed speechless.

Malloy, taking the arm of Pansy Parkinson, couldn't even muster an insult.

"Who is that ?" Corner asked, whistling, "Must be a Beuaxbatons…a Veela. I've never seen her before," He muttered, entranced.

Seamus felt like jelly as Hermione walked towards him. There was a beating in his chest he didn't recognize. He had found Lavender pretty, but this was the definition of beauty. He felt like he couldn't quite find air anymore, and found himself gasping like a fish on a dock.

"You? This is your date?" Corner shook his shoulders, "Seamus, you dog!"

Hermione blushed at the attention, ducking her head, but Seamus spied a coy smile on her lips, and he knew that secretly she was pleased.

"Hi, Hermione…" Seamus mumbled dumbly as she stood in front of him, "You look…Merlin, I don't even have the words."

Corner choked beside him, "Hermione Granger? That's…she's…" His eyes were wide, "Wow, good on you, Granger! I sincerely didn't even recognize you."

Instead of being offended, or embarrassed, she met Michael's slack-jawed expression with a hint of mischief.

"That's the point, isn't it?" She asked, holding out her elbow, an invitation to Seamus. He felt like the luckiest lad in the world, walking in on the arms of Hermione tonight.

Harry and Krum were still starstruck, watching her. Ron bumped into her right as they entered, and he looked like he wanted to give Seamus another matching black eye.

"Hermione…" He grumbled, "You look…fine."

Luckily, Hermione just snorted, "Ron, ever the wordsmith," She grinned at Parvati, "You look amazing, too!"

"Not like you," Parvati huffed, "I don't think there's a single guy that wouldn't want to be your date tonight."

Ron groaned, dragging his date away.

Now inside, Seamus watched Hermione drink in their surroundings. Everything was covered in a fine silver, like the most picturesque of Christmas had fallen through the roof. It was icy and shimmered like precious metals. Even Seamus was blown away.

"The first dance is for the tournament contestants," Hermione whispered to Seamus, pulling him over to Ginny and Neville, where students were gathering on either side of the hall.

"Didn't I tell you?" Ginny said, hugging Hermione, and glancing at Seamus.

"You weren't lying," Seamus said, "I somehow nabbed the best-looking bird here!"

At his praise, Hermione turned bright red, the tips of her ears a shade not dissimilar to Ginny's hair.

"Oh, come on. There are plenty of good-looking girls here. Everyone really went all out." Hermione said, ever modest.

"Maybe, but I'm only lookin' at you," Seamus said. He waved to Dean, who had to blink twice to make sure he was seeing what he was really seeing, before giving Seamus a thumbs up with a very enthusiastic head nod.

The Hogwarts anthem began and Seamus watched the contestants come in. Harry looked very out of place compared to the three older boys and sent Ron a frantic 'help' before he was whisked to the dance floor. Harry didn't trip Pavarati during their first dance; a true miracle, and he seemed all too relieved when they were allowed to sit down for dinner.

Seamus found a table with Hermione, along with Neville, Dean, and Ron, and their dates. Though, Seamus wished Ron had gone anywhere but. He switched between stabbing his pork chop harshly while looking at Seamus, to staring intently at Hermione, as though he wasn't convinced yet that she hadn't bodyswapped.

Seamus tried to ignore Ron as best he could, especially because it was obvious Hermione was. She didn't even spare him a single word.

The dinner went swimmingly otherwise, and by the time the Weird Sisters were taking the stage, Hermione was nearly bouncing with excitement.

"Want to dance?" She asked, eyes sparkling.

Seamus didn't even think about Ron or Lavender or being laughed at for his clumsy footwork. All he could think was that Hermione's excitement was infectious and who was he to deny her anything?

"Race ya to the dance floor!"