Chapter Text
The Yule Ball was fast approaching, and the castle was filled with the hum of excitement. Hogwarts had never felt more alive. students not just from Hogwarts but also from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons were whispered and giggled in anticipation of the evening. However, for you, the ball was just another distraction. one that would not bring you closer to your goal of becoming the strongest witch the wizarding world had ever seen.
You were seated on a cold stone bench in the courtyard, a stack of books next to you. Your breath came out in puffs of mist, but the chill didn’t bother you. You were immersed in practicing a particularly tricky nonverbal spell. The flick of your wand sent a stream of silver sparks into the air, fizzling out before you could fully shape them into the intended form. Frustrated, you muttered under your breath and tried again. Trying not to get distracted by the students of the three schools
“Still at it?” A familiar voice broke through your focus, you looked up to see Pansy Parkinson leaning casually against one of the courtyard’s archways, her Slytherin scarf draped elegantly around her neck. Her dark eyes sparkled with something you couldn’t quite place,. You’d been friends since you were children, long before Hogwarts, they knew each other almost more than they knew themselves, but lately, there was something different about her demeanor. You just couldn’t put your finger on it.
“Of course,” you replied, brushing your hands on your robes. “If I don’t practice, I’ll never perfect it.”
Pansy arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow and stepped closer, her heeled boots clicking against the stone. “And what, exactly, are you perfecting this time? Another spell to add to your arsenal for world domination?”
You smirked, rolling your wand between your fingers. “of course. Can’t control the world without useful spells.” You joked
Pansy chuckled softly, taking a seat beside you. “You know, there’s more things to do, don’t you? Like, say, the Yule Ball? It’s all anyone can talk about. You are going, aren’t you?”
You shrugged, returning your focus to your wand. “I don’t see the point. Dressing up, dancing… it’s just not my thing. I’d rather spend the evening practicing.”
Pansy let out an exaggerated sigh, leaning her chin on her hand as she studied you. “You’re hopeless, you know that? The ball is supposed to be magical, a night to remember. Don’t you want that?”
“I don’t need a fancy ball to make memories,” you said, still twirling your wand. “Besides, who would I even go with?”
Her eyes flickered with disappointment, though you didn’t notice. “Oh, I don’t know,” she said, her tone suddenly light and teasing. “Maybe someone who’s put up with your stubbornness for years. Someone who’s always there, even when you’re too focused on your spells to notice.”
You glanced at her, puzzled. “What are you on about?”
Pansy rolled her eyes and huffed dramatically. “Honestly, you’re impossible. I’m saying I could be that someone. I want to go to the ball with you.”
The words hung in the frosty air between you, and you blinked, momentarily stunned. “You… want to go with me?”
“Yes, you absolute dolt,” she said, crossing her arms and glaring at you, though there was a hint of nervousness behind her usual bravado. “I’ve been dropping hints for weeks, and you’re so oblivious it’s infuriating. Do I have to spell it out for you?”
You stared at her, trying to process what she was saying. Pansy Parkinson—your childhood friend, your partner in crime, the one constant in your life—wanted to go to the Yule Ball with you. The realization hit you like a rogue Bludger, and for a moment, you couldn’t find the words.
“I… I didn’t know you felt that way,” you finally said, your voice quieter than usual.
Pansy softened, her expression shifting from frustration to something more vulnerable. “Of course you didn’t. You’re too busy trying to learn every spell that exists too notice.” She reached out, her fingers brushing against yours. “But I mean it. I want to go with you, and only you. So, what do you say?”
You hesitated, your heart pounding. This wasn’t part of the plan. You weren’t supposed to get distracted by things like romance. And yet, the look in Pansy’s eyes—the realization of your own feelings—made it impossible to say no.
“Alright,” you said finally, a small smile tugging at your lips. “I’ll go with you.”
The way her face lit up made your chest tighten in a way you didn’t quite understand. “Good,” she said, her usual confidence returning. “Because I already have the perfect dress, and I’m not letting it go to waste.”
The night of the Yule Ball arrived,. You stood near the entrance of the grand hall, fidgeting with the sleeves of your dress robes. You’d spent more time than you’d care to admit preparing, and when Pansy appeared at the top of the staircase, it was worth every second.
She looked stunning in a pink gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her dark hair styled elegantly. When she caught sight of you, she smiled—a genuine, radiant smile that made your heart skip a beat.
“You clean up nicely,” she teased as she reached you, looping her arm through yours.
“You look… amazing,” you said, the words fumbling out awkwardly.
She smirked, leaning in closer. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”
The evening passed in a blur. Pansy dragged you onto the dance floor, and to your surprise, you didn’t mind. Being with her felt natural, easy
As the night drew to a close, the two of you found yourselves walking outside on the grounds of the castle. The soft strains of the final waltz drifted through the air, and Pansy turned to you, her expression uncharacteristically serious.
“You know,” she said softly, “I’ve wanted to tell you how I feel for a long time. I was just too scared you wouldn’t feel the same.”
You reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I’m not sure I know what I feel,” you admitted. “But I know I care about you. A lot.”
She smiled, and before you could say anything else, she leaned in and kissed you. It was gentle, tentative, and yet it set your world alight in a way no spell ever could.
When she pulled back, she whispered, “That’s all I needed to hear.”
And for the first time, you realized that maybe, just maybe, there was more to life than magic.