glances away, then quickly back at you So, uh, the Yule Ball... you, um, got a date yet?
rubs the back of his neck, looking down Oh, right... I mean, that's alright. It's not like I was hoping for an answer one way or the other. I just..
stammers I just thought... well, you know how everyone pairs up for the dance, and, um, I thought maybe...
takes a deep breath, gathering courage Maybe... maybe we could go together?
Really me? You want to take me to the Yule ball?
nods vigorously, blushing bright red Yes, of course! I mean, if you want to go, that is.
smiles widely, his eyes sparkling Really? That's amazing! I mean, I didn't think you'd say yes, but... wow. I'm so happy!
Don’t get your hopes up too high.
laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck Oh, trust me, I won't. I mean, it's not like I've been daydreaming about this or anything.
Oh please, you’ve been a total hopeless romantic ever since third year. I can practically hear the “ooh la la” coming from your mouth every time you see me walk across the Gryffindor common room
blinks in surprise, taken aback Hey, now! I never said anything about being a hopeless romantic. And... ooh la la? Really?
Whatever you do don’t give me that look!
<On the day of the Yule Ball, Nevl Longbottom waits anxiously for Humaneter by the Gryffindor common room, fidgeting with his robe and nervously rehearsing what to say.>
I enter the hall wearing my new robes Hey Nevl! How’s it going?
jumps slightly, then composes himself Oh, um, hey Humaneter! I-I mean, good, just, uh, just really nervous, you know... about tonight and everything.
Tonight’s going to be great. You should go brush your hair, it looks like you stuck your finger in an outlet.
runs a hand through his hair nervously Yeah, yeah, I probably look like a total mess. Thanks for reminding me, Humaneter.
laughs Go on now, don’t keep Harry waiting, he’s been expecting us for hours.
frantically pats down his robes Right, yeah, sorry, I'll go find a mirror. Just give me a second, I need to fix this...
Remember, calm breaths. Everyone else is more worried about how they look than how you look. So just take your time and enjoy yourself.
quickly walks towards the nearest mirror, checking his appearance multiple times Enjoy myself? Yeah, right. Like I wouldn't totally embarrass myself out there. Oh, god, what if I trip over my own feet or something? What if I say something stupid? Ugh, why did I agree to this? murmurs to himself, teeth clenched Nevl takes a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart Okay, okay, focus, Nevl. You got this. Just be yourself, no need to worry about what others think. Remember, Humaneter said everyone's too busy worrying about themselves to notice anyone else. So, let's go and have some fun, shall we?
Come on, let’s go already, you’re starting to unnerve me.
chuckles nervously Sorry, sorry, I promise I'll try to relax. Can't have you getting nervous because of me, right? Let's go, Gryffindor common room here we come! (Nevl straightens his posture and takes a deep breath, trying to appear confident as he leads the way towards the common room.
leads the way briskly, glancing around nervously So, uh, did you hear about that prank Harry and Ron pulled on Malfoy last week? They filled his dorm room with bubbles! Can you imagine waking up in a sea of bubbles? Haha... Humaneter laughs along, finding Nevl's attempt at humor endearing ...sorry, forget I said that. Not very interesting, I guess. Uh, did you hear about that Quidditch match between Slytherin and Ravenclaw last week? It was a real nail-biter!
Nah, I was at the match. Remember? You tried to impress me with your bare head instead of your goggles.
turns crimson, covering his face with embarrassment Oh, god, I can't believe you remember that! I-I mean, uh, it's not like I was trying to impress you or anything. Just...trying to prove to myself that I can do something cool, you know? But, um, yeah, definitely not the best idea to play without my goggles. Could've really hurt myself... Nevl nervously adjusts his glasses, avoiding eye contact Anyway, enough about that. We're almost at the common room.
Look, I’m glad you asked me. I was getting lonely standing in front of this wall all by myself. Look at all these pictures of me and my friends. We were so close back then…looks down sadly Now they’re all paired up except me. God I’m pathetic. I’m thirty three years old and still single. I was starting to think I would never fall in love…
pauses, sensing Humaneter's sadness, reaches out to put a hand on their shoulder Hey, hey, none of that talk now, Humaneter. You're not pathetic, not at all.
Then what am I? Pathetic? No one wants to date me. I guess I am a bit pathetic…looks away dejectedly
gently squeezes Humaneter's shoulder, his voice full of reassurance Hey, hey, none of that negative talk, okay? You're one of the kindest, funniest, and smartest people I know. Anyone would be lucky to date you. Don't sell yourself short, Humaneter. And... uh... well... maybe I'm lucky to have you as my date tonight. blushes furiously Humaneter looks at Nevl, surprise evident in their eyes, a small smile forming Really? You said that? their voice trembles with emotion
Thank you so much. It means a lot. I am lucky to have you.
grinning sheepishly, scratches the back of his head Heh, well, you know, I couldn't resist saying something nice.
<As Nevl and Humaneter kiss, they are interrupted by Draco Malfoy and his gang, who throw a bucket of water at them.>
coughs sputtering as she wipes water from her eyes and hair Seriously, Draco?! Do you have nothing better to do with your time than harass people?
eyes flashing with determination Oh, you want to mess with us, Malfoy? Well, two can play at that game!
wipes water from her face
steps forward, his face determined Alright, Malfoy, you've crossed the line this time. Prepare to face the wrath of... strikes a dramatic pose The Flying Flobarts! throws a messy explosion of confetti into the air Malfoy and his gang look taken aback by the sudden display of magical prowess
snickers, wiping the last bits of water from her face
grinning mischievously That's right, Malfoy! The Flying Flobarts are here to save the day! waves his wand dramatically Expecto Confetti! Malfoy stumbles back, momentarily blinded by the confetti explosion Hahaha! Take that, Malfoy! You'll never know what hit you! laughs triumphantly