THE BALL
[commenting and voting is considered writer's motivation and is greatly appreciated!]
THE ANNUAL YULE BALL WAS AN ANTICIPATED EVENT FOR ALL THE SEVENTH YEARS. Besides graduation, the ball was exclusively for the seventh-years, making it impossible for any year level below them to enter. Usually a spare fifth or sixth year would be lucky enough to join the ball, and that was due to an invite from their seventh-year friend. After all, that was how Fred Weasley and George Weasley scored an invite.
George and Fred Weasley stood outside the Ravenclaw common room, waiting for Catherine to grant them access into the room. Yet, after waiting for fifteen minutes, the two began to attempt to solve the riddle presented by the old eagle knocker.
"I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?"
"A ghost!" Fred yelled at the knocker, eyeing the lock of the door. Yet, it remained locked.
"Bloody hell," George groaned, rubbing his forehead, "They told us 6:30, it's 6:45. Honestly how long does it take to get ready for a ball!"
Fred banged his fist against the door, "Stupid eagle knocker and his stupid riddles." He turned to George, "That eagle knock can put that beak of his up his arse-"
"Don't expect pitiful behavior will grant you access into the common room."
George's eyebrows flew up, his mouth cracking into an impressed smile, "Had no idea that knocker could speak outside of riddle, must be for extremely annoying cases, brother."
Fred scoffed at the eagle knocker, "unbelievable..." he gritted beneath his teeth.
"Come on now, Freddie. Don't wrinkle up your suit," George adjusted his bow tie, "Mum didn't buy us these for you to go and ruin it."
Fred walked over to his brother, patting down his black suit and cape, "Alright, brother. If these girls don't come out in five minutes, I say we enter the ball without them," he held a teasing a grin.
"Oh shut it, you know if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't even be in this ball." George snickered.
The door creaked open.
The twins turn to face the open door, seeing Lily's head pop out, "Hello, boys! I see you couldn't find your way into the common room." Her was twisted into braids that turned to curls at the bottom. Freddie and George had always heard Lily called those braids Princess Braids. Each braid was adorned with gold jewelry. She looked enchanting.
Lily snickered, "The answer was echo, by the way."
"Echo?" The twins said in unison.
"Yeah, Freddie. You would have not been able to guess that!" George patted his brother on his back then turned to Lily, "Are you girls ready?"
"Yes, but before we come out... a little warning," Lily's voice lowered, causing the twins to lean closer, "Catherine..." Lily warned, "Well we all know how she usually dresses."
George nodded, "Yes like a child who doesn't know her own size."
Lily frowned, "Georgie!" Lily scorned, "You're correct, but be nicer about it!" She shook her head, "Catherine is a bit nervous about her dress—even though she looks amazing. She has never worn anything of this caliber. Be nice." She pointed her index finger at them sternly.
"I'm sure Catherine looks beautiful. She always seems to make those baggy clothes look nice, whatever potato sack she decides to wear, I'm sure she's beautiful with it on." Fred nodded, causing a hard eye roll from Lily.
Lily turned back to the common room, looking at an already nervous Catherine. "Here we go," she looked back to the boys, opening the door completely.
Lily stepped out, her glimmering dress complimenting her dark skin gracefully. She wore an off-white gown. The dress didn't hang on her shoulder, but hung loosely around her arms. It was the fabric of a thousand diamonds reflecting under the light.
Freddie took a step back, his face unknowingly turning pink before him, "Wow, Black..." he breathed out, "You really know how to stun a man."
Lily smiled, "Oh shush, Weasley."
"You look like an angel," Freddie grinned, extending his arm to her.
Lily gladly intertwined her hand with his, turning over to face the door, "Come on now, Catherine. We haven't got all day!" Lily called out.
"Okay, I'm coming!" Catherine called out, looking at the mirror that stood in the corner of the common room.
Catherine was always a humble person. She didn't like boasting about herself, but staring at herself, she couldn't lie—she felt like a princess. It was foolish thinking, but it is every girls dream to look like a princess one day, isn't it?
Catherine approached the door, stepping out of it. Watching the jaws of George and Fred fall to the ground.
"That is no potato sack." Fred whispered over to his brother.
Catherine turned to close the door, the simmering blue fabric of her dress following her movements, "Alrighty then," Catherine turned back, "Are we ready for a ball?"
George offered his hand, "You look stunning, Catherine." He admired her hair, it was done up in waves and a crown that kept her hair out of the way.
"Thank you, Georgie." Catherine smiled. Georgie always complimented her, never for how she looks, but this compliment seemed authentic.
The four of the them walked down the staircase and made their way outside the great hall. Leading to the door was a powder-blue carpet.
Fred and Lily walked first, giving George and Catherine a nervous smile before entering the hall. As the doors opened, Catherine heard the faint classical music playing and the chatter of several excited seventh years.
"Are you ready, Cat?" George looked down to her, observing her anxious breathing.
"Let's get this over with," Catherine breathed. She was nervous about several students eyeing her as she entered, but she hoped that when she walked in, a pair of blue eyes would be watching.
George led her to the door, the door pushed open, as if it sensed them entering. The hall looked like a winter forest. Crystal icicles decorated the ceiling, the floor mimicked the ice that you would find covering lakes and ponds when the weather was cold enough. The tables were clothed in white and held small pine trees in the middle, matching with the massive Christmas tree in the end of the room.
Catherine looked down, making notice of the stairs she needed to go down, yet it was quickly disregarded as the feelings on hundreds of eyes on her stuck to her like the plague. Catherine scanned the room, almost everyone was looking at her, mostly with faces of confusion. Had they even recognized who she was?
Catherine turned to George, "Is it too late to run?" Her eyebrows knitted.
George held a ghost of a smile on his face, "You're acting like a runaway bride...this is a school dance." He held her hand reassuringly, "Let's go down and meet Lily and Fred."
Walking down the stairs, arms interlocked with George, Catherine spent her time scanning the room as she walked closer to Lily and Fred. She was looking for him, but with her already questionable vision, she couldn't seem to grasp where Professor Lupin was. All she wanted was to be seen by him. Sure, her classmates watching her was a nervous fright, but all of it seemed unimportant to his reaction of her in this dress.
Professor Lupin's back was turned from the staircase, managing the drinks for the students. His task for the ball was to make sure no menacing children spiked the punch. It was a pathetic job and Lupin could have cared less, but when your boss who pays you a considerable amount of money with benefits tells you to do something, Lupin would do it, no question.
Just beside him was Minerva and Severus, chatting about the musical guest that would surprise the students later, but their chatting would come to a sudden halt.
"Merlin..." Minerva gasped, "Is that Catherine Dolunay?" Minerva lightly held Severus' forearm, "Severus, your prodigy certainly knows how to fix herself up," Minerva snickered.
Professor Lupin's heart quickened at the mere mention of her name, his attention immediately drawn to the staircase. As he turned, his eyes met Catherine's, and for a moment, time seemed to slow. He marveled at her, thinking that surely, she couldn't become more enchanting. Yet, as she descended the steps with graceful ease, Lupin couldn't help but feel captivated by her ethereal beauty.
Her dress, a delicate shade of blue, shimmered like the starlit sky she often gazed upon. Each step she took was a celestial dance, her hair cascading like moonlight, casting a spell of fascination upon Lupin's heart. She radiated a presence akin to the cosmos itself, a mesmerizing blend of grace and allure that left Lupin breathless.
In that moment, Lupin was transported to the realm of myths and legends. He recalled tales where gods revealed their true forms, their divine essence so overwhelming that mortals would be burned by their radiance. Yet, as Catherine drew nearer, Lupin felt not the scorching intensity of divine power but rather a warmth that stirred his soul.
Her beauty, a fusion of earthly elegance and celestial allure, seemed almost otherworldly. Lupin couldn't help but be entranced, his admiration tinged with a hint of embarrassment at the depth of his emotions. In that moment, Lupin knew that he was utterly and irrevocably enchanted.
He had to remind himself to keep a distance, he had to remind himself that Catherine hadn't came with him, he had to remind himself that she was a student, any action that he dreamt of taking would have to be seized due to his moral consciousness. Lupin wished he was able to hold her arm-in-arm, his heart burned at the thought.
Catherine wanted to approach him, but with Severus close by, she thought it best to withhold herself from silly actions. So she spent the night, indulging George with dances and taking several pictures at the photo booth to send to Mariam and Mrs. Weasley. Catherine had a nice time with them all, her friends are great, but she couldn't restrain the overwhelming desire to be with Lupin. So, not too long ago, Catherine had excused herself for a moment alone, hoping eventually Lupin would notice her alone.
She made her way to the Astronomy Tower, her favorite spot. Though she had visited it countless times before, tonight felt unique to Catherine. The stars appeared remarkably distinct, painting the sky with a breathtaking array of colors and the brilliance of a thousand celestial gems.
"Miss Dolunay." The voice sent a smile down Catherine's face.
"I was wondering when you were going to come here." Catherine looked at him, observing his formal robes. He looked good, handsome, more than he already did. His robes were black and fit him well, he must have spent a considerable amount of money to look the way he did. His curls were slicked back. Catherine loved his curls, but his hair like this sent an excitement down her stomach. She forgot to breathe.
"It took me a moment to notice you had left, and when I noticed, the only logical explanation to where you were seemed obvious." He gestured to the tower. He grew silent, his eyes gliding over her, "You look beautiful, Dolunay." His eyes held his gaze at her. "The galaxies can never mimic your beauty tonight."
Catherine couldn't contain herself, "You're only saying that because your my teacher." She avoided his gaze.
He approached her, his fingers softly lifting her head up. Lupin noticed the blush forming on her cheeks, "I actually shouldn't be saying that because I'm your teacher..." Lupin's eyes panned down to her lips, "But I mean what I say."
Catherine flickered her eyes at his touch, "Believe it when I say that you look quite handsome," She gave an awkward smile. Catherine wasn't sure how to compliment a man, but she thought those words were quite alright.
Lupin grinned, "Thank you, Miss Dolunay." Lupin removed his fingers, but remained their close proximity, "Do you have plans for this break?" His voice turned back into his instructing voice.
"Erm," Catherine took a step back, "I'm going to visit Mariam, see Mrs. Weasley, and have Lily spent some nights at my flat." Catherine fixed a tight grip on the metal railing.
"You have your own flat?" Lupin quirked a brow.
"Yes, got it my sixth year."
As Catherine watched him approach, she couldn't shake the feeling of his inconsistent demeanor. One moment, he treated her as a mere student, and the next, he seemed to forget those boundaries altogether. It was brewing up inside her the various emotions of confusion and anger. Catherine never liked guessing games, she always liked a clear and concise answer, even in situations where it was anything but clear and concise.
"Professor," Catherine looked to face Lupin with bitterness, "I think it's a mutual thought that this relationship between us isn't what others would consider to be student and professor. And what I'm trying to say is, I want an answer. I cannot be the only one experience this profound emotion toward you." Her face fell, "Please tell me you feel it too."
Lupin paused. Catherine try to capture the emotion trailed on his face, but it was impossible.
"Do you like dancing at least," Lupin finally answered, "Miss Dolunay, when you do engage in it?" She smiled, turning to face him.
Catherine's face screwed as she attempted to understand the sudden switch in conversation, "What?" She wrapped her arms around herself.
"Do you like dancing, at least," He repeated, "Miss Dolunay? When you do engage in it?"
The word etched a familiarity as she recalled the dance they shared just a night ago. She had asked him the same question. "Not really," she spoke periodically, recalling Lupin's response to her question.
"Oh," Lupin smiled sadly, "How unfortunate."
"But," Catherine continued, "for you, I'll ask you to dance anyway." Catherine watched a smirk plastered on Professor Lupin's face, she couldn't help but share a similar smile. "Do you want to dance, Professor Lupin?"
She was confused in what he was trying to prove with the role reversal. She waited for his response curiously.
"Yes...Catherine," Lupin spoke slowly, approaching her slowly.
All he desired that night was to share a dance with her as if she were simply an ordinary woman, not his student. He longed for the barriers between them to fade away, barriers he had painstakingly upheld. Yet, for that night, just as it had been the night before, he allowed himself to revel in the moment of dancing with her. He did feel it too. He felt it more than she could possibly know. Through his actions, he conveyed the depth of his affection for her, if only for that fleeting dance.
As Catherine heard him say her name, a surge of conflicting emotions swept through her. Taking his hand, she positioned herself for their dance without a word, her gaze fixated on the depths of his blue eyes, eyes she knew she would never forget.
"That was the first time..." Catherine whispered, yielding to his lead in their gentle dance.
"I know," Lupin replied softly, his eyes meeting hers as he admired how the moonlight illuminated her features.
"Lupin—"
"Call me Remus," he interjected, his tone tender. "Just for now."
Drawing herself closer, the layers of her dress creating a slight barrier, Catherine looked up into his eyes and then down at his lips.
"Remus," she murmured, her voice betraying her, surprise at her own words. "I want to kiss you."
Remus froze, his resolve warring with desire. "That wouldn't be wise, Catherine," he cautioned, leaning down and feeling her breath against his lips. He knew he couldn't, shouldn't, let this go further. Catherine had a future ahead of her, and he couldn't be the reason she jeopardized it all.
Stepping back, he spoke softly yet firmly, "You need to think about the repercussions of this. You have so much ahead of you. I can't let you risk it all."
Before Catherine could even get a chance to dispute his words, he left. Leaving her with thousands of words left unsaid.
A/N: What do you think is gonna happen between the two? Hope you're enjoying this update...stay tuned! Serene.