31 ;; O R C H I D E O U S

The Great Hall was almost empty now, the decorations for the Yule ball were wistfully waving goodbye at the students as they trickled out of the hall. It was fitting really, everything looked like ice but the magic of it was melting. Bits of streamers and discarded serviettes lay crumpled on the floor, and Ginny had to kick them away as she swayed with Neville to a half-hearted wrock ballad.

Ginny felt bad for being surprised that Neville could dance. She’d had a great time for most of the night and it felt good to really have fun without a care in the world, but it didn’t mean she had to like seeing Harry with someone else and then end up just sitting there moping. Honestly! What was there to mope about? It was all his fault and…

Ginny decided to focus on enjoying the last drippy little moments of the ball.

“Ginny?” Neville stopped swaying and fumbled for his wand.

What on earth was he trying to do?

“Or-orchideous.”

Neville conjured a sad looking flower and solemnly handed it to Ginny.

She tucked it behind her ear and hid a smile.

“Thank you, Neville.”

“Smile, okay?”

She laughed instead.