The Eagle and The Snake: A Tragic Love Story

5. Dance Partners

Harry managed to survive the 1st task, and afterwards he gained support from everyone in Gryffindor.
Even some people in other houses started looking at him with admiration. Except for Luna and Carly of course, who still hated him.
Luna was headed for the Room of Requirement one afternoon, when Ginny ran up to her with a gleam in her eye.
"Have you heard?" Asked Ginny excitedly.
"Heard what?" Questioned Luna.
"About the Yule Ball" replied Ginny.
"Oh yes, Flitwick just told us about it".

"McGonagall just told us. It's so cool, right?" Asked Ginny.
Luna shrugged, "I guess"
"Do you not want to go?" Frowned Ginny.
"We can't go, because we are too young, unless we go as someone's date. And every single boy here would rather jump into the Black Lake, than take me to a dance. Which is why I won't be going" admitted Luna.
"Don't be so defeatist. Someone might ask you out... I'm hoping Harry asks me to be his date. Anyway, got to go. See you later Luna"
"Bye Ginny".

Luna knew there was one person she would love to go to the Yule Ball with, but she knew it was also highly illegal.
Her and Carly would not be allowed to dance together at the ball, as all couples had to be girl, boy.
So, Luna was in a rather low mood when she reached the Room of Requirement.

"What's up with you?" Asked Carly, when Luna entered the room, looking glum.
"Nothing" mumbled Luna.
Carly didn't accept this answer, so she stood up and took hold of Luna's hands.
"Please tell me what's wrong" begged Carly.
"Fine. I take it Snape told you all about the Yule Ball" replied Luna.
"Yes, he did. Why?"
"Well, it seems that every single girl in the school is now obsessed with going. Ginny is hoping that Harry will take her"
"She'd have more luck taking the Bloody Baron to the dance. We all know Harry is obsessed with Cho, who likes Cedric. So, it's unlikely my brother will take anyone to the dance"
"Yeah, I know".

"Why is this ball upsetting you?" Questioned Carly.
"It's not... I just wish that we could go together" sighed Luna.
"Who's to say we can't? All we need are 2 older boys to be our dates, and once at the ball, we can ditch them and hang out together" smiled Carly.
"That would be too risky. What if somebody saw how close we were, as we danced? Besides, no boy would ever take me to the ball. You could easily get a date though, because you're the sister of the famous Harry Potter. And you are also beautiful, so I bet loads of Slytherin boys would love to go out with you. But no one would ever take me. However, I don't want to stop you from going, if you want to go and have fun".

Carly sighed, and placed her hand around Luna's face, "You are beautiful, and I don't want you thinking any different. Some Slytherin boys may want to date me, but the only person I love, is standing right in front of me. If no one wants to take you to the Yule Ball, then there is no way I am going without you. We can just hang out together instead".
"But we can't go unless we have a date, because we are too young just to attend for the party and the food. You have to be a 4th year or above" reminded Luna.
"Then we will just have to spend time together in here instead. If they don't want us at the ball, then we shall not go. Instead, we can have our own party in here. We can both dress up in fancy clothes, and dance together, far from prying eyes" smiled Carly.

"Would you not rather go home for Christmas, like we normally do?" Quizzed Luna.
"I think we should stay this year for a change. Hogwarts always looks so pretty in the winter, that it's a shame we always have to miss the celebrations. Besides, it's not like I have parents to go home to. I love Aunt Andy, Uncle Ted, and Nym, but I would much rather stay here and see you every day, instead of going home. I know you love your dad, but wouldn't you prefer to spend Christmas with me, here?" Suggested Carly.
Luna smiled, "You do make a strong argument".

"I know we normally want to get out of here as soon as possible, but I think this year might be the exception. And I can't think of anything better, than spending Christmas with you, while you are wearing a beautiful dress" grinned Carly.
"I think you overestimate how good my wardrobe is" admitted Luna.
"We can both go shopping in town and buy some nice new dresses. Or we could borrow some of my aunts outfits, since she has loads of fancy things, from when she was still a member of the Black family"
"It would be nice to dance with you. And I'm sure the Room of Requirement would turn itself into a ballroom, complete with a record player, if it knew that was what we wanted".

"Maybe we should practice now" Carly whispered in Luna's ear.
"That might be wise. I'm not a very good dancer" informed Luna.
Carly placed her arm around Luna's waist, and began twirling her around the floor.
"I wish everyone could see us like this, and see how happy we are together" sighed Luna, when they stopped spinning.
"They think what we are is an abomination. They will never be happy for us. Which is why we must always keep this a secret between us" reminded Carly.

"I know. It's just a shame. Because I would love to show the world, just how much I love you" revealed Luna.
"Forget about showing the world. Show me" encouraged Carly.
"If you insist" whispered Luna, before leaning forward and placing her lips against Carly's.
Carly then grinned, and began spinning them faster and faster around the room, until they both collapsed onto the floor and started laughing.
Seeing each other laugh was what made them feel alive, and kept them going, through all the bad days.