The Goblet Of Fire - Hermione Granger x OC

Preparations

"Now, the Yule Ball is a chance for all of us to let our hair down. It is a chance for the girls to unleash their secret swan-like grace and take flight," McGonagall continued.

Ron leaned over and whispered into Harry's ear, a grin on his face. "Something tells me Eloise Midgen will burst forth, but I don't think it will be as graceful as a swan."

Harry stifled a snicker, trying to maintain composure while nodding in agreement.

McGonagall turned her attention to Oliver, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. "Mr. Montclair, will you join me, please?"

Oliver's eyebrow arched in surprise, curiosity replacing his previous nonchalance. He stood up, making his way toward McGonagall.

"What do you need?" Oliver asked, his voice filled with uncertainty.

"A demonstration on how to dance, of course! Now, place your left hand on my waist," McGonagall instructed, extending her hands.

"Uh, what? I don't think I can, with my arm and everything," Oliver replied, his brows furrowing with concern.

"You're a champion, Mr. Montclair. Your arm will be healed by the time the Yule Ball arrives, and you'll need to know how to dance," McGonagall reassured him with unwavering confidence.

Mr. Filch, ever the opportunist, swiftly put on classical music to set the mood as the two danced.

"One, two, three," McGonagall counted in rhythm, guiding Oliver and showcasing the steps for everyone to see.

Oliver couldn't help but glance around, feeling his face flush with embarrassment. His friends were watching him, and he couldn't shake the feeling that he was the center of attention.

"Now, everybody, come to your feet and pair up!" McGonagall instructed.

Instantly, the girls rose to their feet, eager and enthusiastic, while the boys hesitantly followed suit, exchanging nervous glances.

Hermione walked over to Oliver with a determined look on her face. She confidently positioned herself, ready to dance.

Oliver couldn't help but feel a sense of embarrassment wash over him as he looked into Hermione's eyes. "You're never gonna let me live this down, are you?" he asked.

Hermione grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling with playful delight. "Never," she replied, her tone teasing yet lighthearted.

                      ***

Harry and Ron walked all around campus, scouring for girls to take to the Yule Ball.

"Why do they always have to travel in packs? And how are you supposed to get one on their own to ask them?" Harry asked, clearly frustrated.

"I have no idea, mate," Ron responded, his brow furrowing as they continued their search.

After what felt like hours, they spotted Hermione and Isabella sitting on a rock by the tranquil lake.

"Hermione!" Ron called out, a sense of desperation in his voice, as they approached. "How exactly did Oliver ask you out when you guys started dating?"

"Well, it wasn't exactly the most romantic," Hermione giggled, memories of their encounter bringing a playful sparkle to her eyes. "I was kind of petrified in the hospital wing when he told me how he felt."

"That doesn't help at all!" Ron shouted, his frustration reaching its peak. He flopped down on the ground with a sigh, feeling defeated.

Suddenly, Ron's eyes focused intently on Isabella, the realization washing over him like a flash of inspiration. "Hey, Isabella. I just realized, you're a girl."

Confusion flickered across Isabella's face as she replied, "Um, yes. That's correct. Why does it matter?"

Desperation crept into Ron's voice as he blurted out, "Perhaps... maybe I could accompany you to the ball?"

A burst of laughter erupted from Isabella's lips. "Thank you for the offer, but I'd rather not."

Meanwhile, a nervous Harry mustered up the courage to interject, "What if... what if I took you instead?"

A grin tugged at the corners of Isabella's lips as she responded, "Alright then, I'd be happy to go with you."

Disappointment morphed into frustration as Ron's voice boomed, "Oh, come on!" His arms flailed into the air, expressing his exasperation.

Unexpectedly, Victor Krum came walking by with a flock of girls following closely behind. Without saying a word, he abruptly stopped in front of Hermione, flexing his muscles for a brief moment before continuing on his way.

Hermione cleared her throat, trying her best to ignore the peculiar encounter, and then opened a nearby book.

Isabella, still in a state of awe, nearly fainted at the sight of Victor. "I wish I could be lucky enough to go with him," she mumbled dreamily.

Shaking off her momentary infatuation, Isabella refocused her attention on Hermione. "Has Oliver asked you yet?"

A look of disappointment washed over Hermione's face as she responded, a tinge of sadness in her voice. "No, not yet. I've tried asking him a few times, but he's been really busy preparing for the tournament."

Isabella couldn't help but feel sorry for her friend, understanding the frustration. "Don't worry, Hermione. I'm sure he'll come around. Oliver's just caught up in the pressure of the tournament. Give him time, and I'm sure he'll realize what he's missing."

"Where is he anyway? I haven't seen him all day," Ron asked, his brows furrowing with concern.

"I heard he was in the bath with Henry or something," Harry responded.

"What?!" Isabella and Hermione both exclaimed in unison, attempting to stifle their laughter. Their eyes met, and they burst into giggles, unable to contain their amusement at the absurdity of Harry's statement.