It was a given that Hermione wouldn't accept Krum's invitation. At most, she would consider it a friendly gesture with no romantic implications.
However, Fleur's request couldn't be dismissed. Shortly after Krum's invitation to Hermione, Fleur approached her with the hope of arranging Gabrielle as Evan's date. The students from Beauxbatons had known about the upcoming Christmas ball for a while.
Their conversation was extensive, and Fleur's approach was sincere, but Hermione didn't provide a definite answer. What she did know was that she felt heavy-hearted after their discussion. Her emotions were tangled and complicated, making it difficult to pinpoint her exact feelings.
In essence, this situation left her conflicted and distressed. On the surface, there was no reason for her to decline Fleur's request. Her relationship with Evan hadn't been officially acknowledged, and they hadn't made significant progress. Hermione had always been cautious, keeping a layer of distance between herself and Evan, despite their deep connection. Even though everyone assumed they were a couple, she always felt like something was missing.
With these thoughts in mind, she wasn't sure if Evan would choose her as his date. She knew Evan well enough to understand that if she took the initiative and invited him, he would likely accept. However, she couldn't discern if this was what Evan genuinely wanted or simply a response to her invitation.
Yet, if she didn't extend an invitation…
After days of evading Evan and spending time alone, Hermione finally came to a resolution. Evan's choice of a date was a personal matter, and no one else had the right to interfere. Whether it was her, Gabrielle, or another girl, it was Evan's decision to make. It wasn't up to her or Fleur to decide, and even if she wanted to offer Gabrielle the opportunity, it wasn't feasible.
Furthermore, Hermione had no intention of stepping aside. She had never considered that option from the beginning. Directly inviting Evan to be her dance partner was something she couldn't bring herself to do. She hoped that Evan would make the decision himself.
However, this decision brought a new set of concerns. Hermione wanted Evan to ask them, but she didn't know if Evan genuinely intended to do so. The previous worries, Fleur's words, Evan's true feelings, and Gabrielle's connection with him had all compounded her hesitation and fear.
Hermione couldn't pinpoint what was bothering her, but a Christmas party had complicated her thoughts. Despite her calm exterior, she couldn't shake the inner turmoil.
She had discussed her predicament with Ginny, but it hadn't yielded a concrete solution. Both of them were facing similar dilemmas. Ginny was also troubled by the ball; she hoped Harry would ask her, but it seemed unlikely. She wanted Harry to take the initiative, but she couldn't muster the courage to do what the other girls were doing—asking Harry out. Everyone knew Ginny had a crush on Harry, but it remained unspoken, and the parties involved dared not voice their feelings.
From this perspective, Hermione felt that both she and Ginny were acting foolishly. Evan, Harry, Ron, and the other boys were equally oblivious when it came to matters of the heart.
This was far more complex than mastering a spell and couldn't be learned from books.
Ultimately, Hermione decided to continue avoiding Evan and not attend the Christmas ball. Perhaps that was the best course of action.
Even though she had made her decision, Ron's comments that evening had triggered an unexpected response. She couldn't help but react angrily and share her grievances about Evan's invitation to someone else. Hermione hoped that Evan would show more determination.
Unexpectedly, Evan's response went beyond her wildest expectations. He had boldly invited her to the ball in front of the entire school, preventing her from refusing with a kiss.
The sudden turn of events left Hermione speechless, lost in a swirl of emotions. Waiting for Evan to lead her away, she felt the warmth of his hand. Hermione realized that her earlier worries and hesitations had been unnecessary. If she had feelings for someone, she should have the courage to express them. Retreating from what didn't align with her character wasn't a solution to the problem.
Hand in hand, they strolled through the castle. The noise from the auditorium slowly faded, and the surroundings grew quiet. They stopped at a dimly lit staircase corner, where torchlight cast a mysterious, dark ambiance.
Evan attentively listened to Hermione's explanation, which was filled with her worries and grievances. He couldn't help but think of her as a slightly foolish girl for being concerned about such matters.
He had always liked Hermione, and that hadn't changed from the very beginning. Maybe Hermione wasn't the most beautiful girl among those Evan knew, but he believed she was the best. She stood out in a crowd, etching her presence in people's hearts, impossible to forget. Hermione had a unique quality that only she possessed.
Through this experience, Evan had come to a realization. When it came to Hermione, he needed to take the initiative and be resolute. He had to dispel her inner doubts with his actions, showing that he cared for her.
With his actions, Evan wanted to convey that she was the one he had chosen, not just for the Christmas dance, but for a lifetime. She was the only one he would ever pick, and he hoped she would choose him too.
"Evan," Hermione said, wiping away her tears as she fell into Evan's arms. Her appearance was undoubtedly embarrassing, even though it was a joyous occasion, tears streamed uncontrollably from her eyes.
Evan held her close, feeling the tenderness of the girl in his arms. He had a strong desire to protect her, and his thoughts took a different, more profound turn. "Enough, Hermione," he said softly, looking at her with utmost seriousness. "You don't need to worry about anything. I've chosen you as my partner, my only partner. I won't go to the Christmas Ball with anyone else but you. Remember, I'm here for you, no matter what happens. This goes for the upcoming Christmas dance and for the rest of our lives. You're the only one I want, and I hope you'll choose me too!"
Hermione, her eyes red, wiped her tears away. She looked at Evan with gratitude and affection, her earlier worries and dilemmas now seemingly insignificant. In this moment, she realized that she should have the courage to express her feelings. Retreating from what didn't align with her character wasn't a solution to the problem.
Hand in hand, they continued their stroll through the castle. The noise from the auditorium had faded, and they were surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere. At a dimly lit staircase corner, they paused, bathed in the soft glow of torchlight, creating a mysterious ambiance.
Evan listened intently as Hermione poured out her thoughts and feelings. Her worries and grievances had found an outlet, and Evan couldn't help but view her as a slightly foolish girl for being concerned about such matters.
Romantic relationships weren't uncommon at Hogwarts. Many wizarding couples had formed during their time at the school, eventually leading to marriages and families. Students openly dated, kissed, and engaged in amorous activities all around the castle, especially after eight o'clock in the evening. It wasn't unusual to stumble upon several couples while wandering down a secluded corridor or entering an empty classroom.
However, these amorous activities were always conducted discreetly, away from prying eyes. Public displays of affection weren't acceptable, and no one dared to flaunt their relationships openly. In this regard, Evan and Hermione's public kiss in the auditorium had been a unique event, causing a significant commotion throughout the school.
Predictably, this incident stirred up considerable gossip and discussion among the students. Most people were delighted to see Evan and Hermione together and publicly acknowledging their relationship. However, a fraction of Slytherin students, viewing them as "Muggle-borns," held a different opinion.
Naturally, they didn't dare express such sentiments in front of Evan and Hermione. Nevertheless, these rumors still circulated in the school, earning the ire of the Gryffindors. Despite these whispers, Evan and Hermione remained unfazed, refusing to be affected by such unpleasant words.
In reality, their lives didn't change much after the incident. They simply spent more time together, their interactions becoming increasingly natural and affectionate. Evan imagined that he could kiss Hermione whenever he pleased, just as they had in the auditorium. Knowing that they were each other's most important person was enough.
As the final week of the semester approached, the school buzzed with excitement. Rumors regarding the Christmas Ball ran rampant, although many of them were outlandish and exaggerated. For example, there was speculation that Dumbledore had ordered 800 barrels of flavored mead from Rosmerta at the Three Broomsticks. However, the possibility of booking the Weird Sisters, a renowned wizarding musical group, was met with genuine excitement. The Weird Sisters had consistently topped the wizarding radio music charts for years and had numerous classic songs in their repertoire.
The news of their performance at the Christmas Ball thrilled all the students.
Amidst the anticipation, the Hogwarts students and staff were determined to impress their guests from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. They spared no effort in showcasing the castle's splendor during the Christmas season. The school was adorned with lights and decorations that many pupils had never seen before.
Marble staircases were adorned with never-ending icicles, while the twelve Christmas trees, typically placed in the auditorium, featured various magical ornaments, from sparkling holly berries to live golden owls that chirped merrily. Even the suits of armor had been enchanted to sing Christmas carols whenever someone passed by. Hearing an empty helmet sing, "Oh, come, all ye faithful!" was particularly amusing. The helmet only knew half the lyrics, and Filch, the caretaker, had to remove Peeves from the armor several times. Peeves had been hiding inside, improvising rude and unpleasant lyrics whenever the armor couldn't sing.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Harry and Ron had yet to secure dance partners. In fact, they hadn't even made a decision regarding who to invite to the ball. Their disheartened expressions suggested they might have given up altogether.
"You two need to find dance partners, especially you, Ron; you're a champion!" Hermione scolded them.
"That's easier said than done. All the good girls have been taken!" Ron whispered. "I don't want to end up with someone unattractive."
"The Christmas Ball is such a hassle!" Harry added.
They were gathered around the common room's warm fire. It was the last day of the semester, and the Christmas break would commence the following day.
Harry, Ron, and Neville were still preoccupied with finding dance partners. Colin's brother, Dennis, seemed to have given up; being a first-year boy, it was unlikely any senior would want him as their partner. Among the seventh-year students, none had secured a partner yet. Evan had a plan for Colin. He was counting on Colin to take pictures during the ball, a traditional and highly anticipated part of the Triwizard Tournament Christmas Ball. Furthermore, it was an exclusive opportunity for the Hogwarts Magical Newspaper, and no other media outlets would be permitted.
If Colin didn't attend, Evan wouldn't be inclined to go around taking pictures. Evan planned to introduce Gabrielle as Colin's partner, even though she was a year below the minimum age requirement. As a guest of Hogwarts and with the influence of Madame Maxime, Gabrielle had secured the right to attend the ball.
When Gabrielle learned of this arrangement, she initially intended to invite Evan. However, Evan declined her invitation, leading to the incident in the auditorium. Despite the public display of affection, Gabrielle outwardly supported Evan and Hermione.
Her attitude towards Fleur was another matter entirely; it was clear that she harbored resentment towards Evan. In contrast, for Colin's situation, she readily agreed to be his dance partner when she realized what Evan and Colin had in mind.
As for Harry, Ron, and Neville, Evan had a plan for them as well. He had overheard their conversation when he and Hermione returned from their late-night outing to the Forbidden Forest.
Neville had initially intended to ask Ginny to be his partner after Hermione rejected him. Ginny, who wasn't yet in her fourth year, needed to secure a partner to attend the ball.
Upon hearing this, Evan immediately intervened to prevent Neville from making a decision that might have unintended consequences. He couldn't stand the idea of Ginny being forced to attend the ball with someone she didn't want to be with.
So, he had stepped in and devised a solution that could work for everyone.