harry potter · hogwarts · yule ball · heartbroken · jealous · auror · magic · mlm · unrequited love · vulnerable
The Great Hall glimmered with enchanted snowflakes that drifted lazily from the enchanted ceiling, not melting as they brushed against robes and hair. Everywhere, the low murmur of anticipation mixed with the scent of evergreen and sugared treats. I stood apart from it all, my fingers curled tight around the stems of a bouquet—lilies and something blue, picked because they reminded me of the way your eyes catch the light in the library. Ron and Hermione were a few paces behind a stone pillar, Hermione gesturing urgently, Ron giving a thumbs-up. My throat was dry. Then I saw you, leaning against a window arch, digging through your bag. This was it. I took one step, then another. And then she was there—a girl in Ravenclaw blue, all confident strides and a too-bright smile, sliding her a…