49. Yule Ball

Neville wasn’t her first choice for a date to the dance. But, her going with him would make his night more enjoyable, and hers as well.

Walking down in her dress she smiled to him, Neville looked nice, clean-shaven happy. He was kind but he was no dream-boat-Potter.

She knew what everyone would think when Hermione walked down, her own moment in the limelight would fade, but she didn’t mind. Hermione needed it was much as her – but at least a ruddy famous bloke had asked her to the Yule ball.

“Hello Harry,” Ginny smiled, as she walked past him.