In The Next Life - Theodore Nott Fanfic

Chapter 18

Before I knew it, Christmas had arrived. Throughout the last few weeks leading up to Christmas, I had picked out some presents for my family and had them sent back home. I also made sure to pick out a few things for my friends.

"Florence! Will you help me with my dress?" Pansy asked, bursting through my door looking flustered. "You're not even ready?!"

"I would be if everyone didn't need my help with dressing themselves," I huffed out, as I turned her around, zipping up her dress. Draco and Blaise had both came into my room just before her, asking if I could help with their tie, so I hadn't been able to get myself dressed. 

"There," I sighed before walking back over to the mirror to pin up the rest of my curls. 

"Well, you better hurry, Flo. The ball cannot start without you or Cedric," she hurried, just before leaving my room and I just rolled my eyes. Once I finished my hair, I quickly stepped into my dress, and zipped it up as far as I could. 

I was happy with the dress I picked. My mother wanted me to wear an extravagant dress with beading all throughout the bottom, but it was all too much. Instead, I settled on a cream colored gown that had a slight corset at the top, which was simple yet elegant. I quickly threw on a pair of heels that my mother insisted I wear, as well as the pearl earrings and necklace she sent me. Just as I finished putting on my lipgloss, I heard a knock at my door. "Come in!" 

"Wow," I heard Theo start. "You look beautiful, Flora," he said while looking me up and down. 

"Thank you," I smiled, heat rising to my cheeks a little. "And you as well," I said, just as I walked over and straightened his tie. 

"I look beautiful?" he laughed, leaning his head in confusion. 

"Boys can look beautiful as well, Theo," I laughed, rolling my eyes. "Do you mind zipping my dress all the way?" I asked while turning around. 

I noticed how his hands felt a little shaky as he grabbed the zipper. His hands were warm, yet they still brought chills up my back when his hand glided up with the zipper.  

"There. You're all set," he said, clearing his throat. Just as I was about to say thank you, Draco and Blaise walked into my room. "Well, look what we have here," Draco started, just as Blaise let out a whistle. "Who knew Florence Holloway could look even more beautiful," Blaise laughed, as he walked over to me and spun me around.

 "The only time I will agree with you Zabini," Draco winked, just as he put his arm around me. I couldn't help but smile and laugh; they always knew how to make things better. 

"There you all are!" Pansy huffed out. "Now let's go before our star here is late," she winked, as she took my arm and interlocked it with hers. 

As we started to walk out of the common room, I realized how I forgot my clutch. "Shit!" I yelled, causing the group to focus on me. "I forgot my bag in my room," I said, as I freed my arm from Pansy's grip. "I'll meet you all in there," I yelled, just as I turned and began to run to grab my bag. 

Hurrying back into the common room, I quickly grabbed it, and ran back out towards the Dining Hall. I could feel the butterflies start to grow in my stomach as I grew closer to the stairs. I didn't know what to expect. I just hoped I didn't make myself look like a fool tonight while dancing with Cedric. 

As I rounded the corner, I noticed Harry and Hermione all gathered around towards the front of the doors leading into the Great Hall. I quickly looked around for Theo and the rest of the group, but I couldn't find them. 

"Florence!" I heard my name being called from the bottom of the stairs. I couldn't help but smile widely once I saw how happy Cedric looked to see me. I slowly made my way down the stairs, hoping I wouldn't trip over my dress. I noticed Harry and a couple of others staring, almost like they've never seen a girl in a dress before, and I began to grow red. Once I took the last step, I quickly took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.