ridiculous
It was the long-awaited day. Ron was in the Gryffindor common room, both nervous and excited. Lavender and Parvati had promised to help her get ready for the ball, and that included everything: makeup, hair, and, most challenging of all, learning to walk in heels.
"Come on, Ronnie, get out of that bathrobe!" Lavender exclaimed, encouraging her while holding various makeup brushes.
Ron blushed, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
"Alright, alright, but I don't want to look like a clown," she replied, grimacing as she looked at herself in the mirror.
Lavender smiled confidently.
"I promise you’ll look amazing. Just relax and trust me."
First, Lavender handled the makeup. She went for something simple and fresh: a bit of concealer, a soft blush, and a pink lip gloss that highlighted Ron's natural beauty.
"There, perfect," Lavender said, stepping back to let Ron see herself in the mirror.
Ron looked at her reflection, surprised by what she saw.
"Not bad, right?" she asked, her voice full of awe.
"You look amazing!" Parvati exclaimed, busy preparing Lavender's hair. "Now, let's curl those braids!"
With a simple spell, Parvati curled Ron's hair and, using a bit more magic, took two strands and braided them. She decorated the braids with delicate butterfly pins that Ron had found on one of her visits to Hogsmeade.
"This is amazing," Ron said, feeling more confident as the girls continued the process.
Finally, it was time for the dress. It was a beautiful emerald color that, to anyone who didn’t know its story, might have looked recent and luxurious. It fit perfectly, enhancing her figure, and putting it on made her feel a mix of nerves and excitement.
"Now for the accessories!" Parvati said, showing her the silver earrings and necklace.
After dressing and putting on the silver heels, Ron looked at herself in the mirror once more.
"I feel like a Slytherin," she laughed to herself, enjoying her reflection.
Lavender and Parvati applauded her, proud of their work. Ron couldn't stop smiling, admiring her appearance. However, Parvati pulled her out of her reverie.
"Ronnie, it's time to head down!" she announced, checking her watch.
At eight in the evening, as they descended the stairs, several girls wore beautiful dresses, all radiant with excitement. Ginny joined them, chatting cheerfully as they moved along.
Upon reaching the bottom of the stairs, several gazes turned to Ron. Harry, waiting for her with a smile, greeted her.
"You look better than usual," he said, admiring her transformation.
Ron elbowed him playfully.
"You don’t look too terrible yourself, except for your hair. Seriously, are you ever going to do something about it?"
Harry ran a hand through his messy hair, grinning.
"It's part of my natural charm."
As they walked, Ron felt the absence of a certain presence.
"And Hermes? Where is he? Why isn't he with you?" she asked, curious.
Harry stopped and pointed toward a corner, where a group of boys were gathered. There was Hermes, chatting animatedly with Fleur Delacour.
"Really? Fleur?" Ron asked, feeling her heart break a little.
Harry noticed her expression and squeezed her hand, offering comfort.
"Don’t worry, I'm here. Let's just... act like always and enjoy the night, okay?"
Ron looked at him, surprised by his understanding. She nodded with a smile, and together, they descended the stairs toward the Great Hall doors. The sound of her heels echoed on the floor, drawing everyone’s attention.
When they entered, Ron noticed how many were surprised to see her. Trying not to step on her dress, Harry helped her walk gracefully. Then she heard Viktor Krum ask Cedric Diggory "who that girl was".
Hermes stared at her, mouth open, and Ron felt overwhelmed by the attention. Cho Chang approached to compliment her, and Ron returned the smiles, though with a knot in her stomach.
Hermes approached, his expression a mix of surprise and disdain.
"What happened to your original dress?" he asked, looking her up and down.
Ron stared at him, not hiding her discomfort.
"This is my original dress; I just altered it a bit. Being a witch has its perks, you know?" she replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
Hermes seemed like he wanted to say more, but Harry interrupted.
"Don’t even think about it, mate," he warned with a look.
Just then, Professor McGonagall approached, giving Ron a small compliment before explaining it was time to enter the hall.
The doors opened, and Ron and Harry, walking arm in arm, looked proud. Ron noticed the Slytherins watching her with disdain, as if they wanted to kill her. They sat alongside some renowned students, and Ron saw Percy, who was also there. They greeted each other discreetly.
Finally, it was time to dance.
"I should have taught you to dance; you’re probably terrible," Ron joked, looking at Harry.
Harry pouted, crossing his arms.
"Hey! I’m a good dancer!"
"Alright, take my waist and my hand, and follow my steps," Ron said, guiding him.
As they danced, Harry began to loosen up, and they both enjoyed themselves. They noticed other students joining the floor, creating a festive atmosphere. The lights, music, laughter around them, and the spins Harry gave Ron made them lose track of time. Suddenly, though, they felt an intense gaze on them. Turning, they found Hermes watching them with a blazing expression.
Hermes approached them, his gaze cold and expression sharp as a knife.
"Are you two having fun?" he asked, sarcasm lacing his voice.
Ron straightened, sensing the tension in the air.
"Yes, right, Harry?" Ron replied, trying to keep a smile, though her tone was defensive.
Harry nodded, though a slight nervousness showed in his expression.
"Of course, we’re enjoying the night. And you, Hermes? Having fun with… Fleur?" he asked, trying to divert attention.
Hermes scoffed.
"Oh, no. I'm enjoying watching you two. Since when is dancing and laughing like everything's perfect the norm?"
Ron frowned.
"What’s wrong with enjoying the night? I don’t need to apologize for being happy."
Hermes crossed his arms, his gaze hardening.
"Nothing, it's just a bit ridiculous. This whole closeness act. Don’t you realize what you’re projecting?"
Ron felt a burn in her chest.
"What do you mean by 'what I'm projecting'? I'm here to have fun, like anyone else."
Hermes leaned in, lowering his tone but maintaining his challenge.
"What you’re projecting is confusing. People might think there’s something more between you and Harry, and that could complicate things."
Harry, seeing how Ron was starting to get frustrated, decided to intervene.
"Hermes, I think you're overreacting. Ron and I are just enjoying our friendship. There’s no need to make a drama out of this."
Hermes turned to Harry, with an ironic smile.
"Friendship? Sure. But how far are you willing to go for a 'friend'?" he laughed with disdain. "Last I checked, you don’t spend the night dancing with her like she’s your girlfriend."
Ron felt her anger rising.
"I'm not a little girl! What’s the matter, Hermes? Can’t stand me being happy?" she said, raising her voice.
Hermes made a dismissive gesture.
"It's not that I can't stand it; it just seems absurd. Ever since you decided to 'change' and now dance with Harry, I can’t help but feel like you're losing yourself."
Ron took a step forward, not wanting to back down.
"Losing myself to what, Hermes? I’m still me, just like I've always been. Maybe you can't handle it because you don’t know how to accept change!"
Hermes frowned, his eyes full of frustration.
"Oh, please. Don’t talk about change. Sometimes you forget you're a girl. And that, no matter how hard you try, doesn’t change reality."
Ron felt the air leave her.
"What? Do you think you own the truth? I know who I am. And if you can’t respect that, maybe you should look in your own mirror," she said, her words full of anger. "Do you really think I don’t know myself? Well, Mr. Granger, I think I know more about my own identity than you."
Harry, sensing that the tension was palpable, stepped in.
"Listen, Hermes, this isn’t fair. Ron has worked hard to feel good about herself. You should support her, instead of attacking her."
Hermes crossed his arms, looking at both of them.
"Support her in what? Dancing with the 'great Harry Potter'? This is just a game for the two of you."
Ron raised an eyebrow, her lips curving in a defiant smile.
"And if it’s a game, what’s the problem? Are you afraid everyone might enjoy themselves without you? Because believe me, you’re not known as 'Mr. Fun.'"
Hermes made a scornful gesture, but the irritation in his voice became more palpable.
"Do you have any idea what you’re missing out on? A girl needs a real partner, not a friend who just plays."
Ron felt a spark within her.
"Look, Hermes, if you wanted to ask me out, you should have done it from the beginning. You don’t have to be so ridiculous about it."
Hermes exhaled, his tone becoming more sarcastic.
"Oh, yeah! Of course! You’re the dance queen now, aren’t you?"
Ron clenched her fists, breathing deeply.
"This isn't just about the dance! It's about how you see me, About how you act like I'm not worthy of having fun.
Harry squeezed Ron's hand, trying to calm the situation.
“Hermes, this isn’t about you. This is a moment for all of us.”
Hermes looked at Harry, then at Ron, clearly caught between frustration and confusion.
“I don’t understand why you’re doing this, Ron. Why do you have to complicate things?”.
Ron turned to him, ready to defend herself.
“Complicate things? I’m complicating things?” Ron looked at him, unable to believe what Hermes had just said. “I’m not the one making a fuss because you're with Fleur, probably the most beautiful girl in the whole damn room.”
Before Hermes could respond, Ron decided she'd had enough.
“You know what? I don’t need this. I’m here to enjoy myself with Harry, my friends, and my family. Because, in case you forgot, I actually have more people supporting me in this place. And if that bothers you, that’s your problem, not mine.” She turned away, then turned back. “You better stay out of my way for the next 24 hours, or I’ll break your damn nose, Granger.” Finally, Ron turned around and started walking.
Harry didn’t follow her; he stayed by Hermes. When Ron reached the Great Hall's exit, she approached Ginny.
“I need to talk!”
Harry gave Hermes a reproachful look.
“Hermes, you just have to accept that things are changing,” said Harry, shaking his head as they joined the crowd.
As Ron joined her family, she felt the anger slowly fading, replaced by the warmth of her family’s company. Ginny looked at her with concern, but Ron just smiled and hugged her tightly.
“What happened?” Ginny asked, laughing, as the twins approached, ready to hear the story.
“Hermes is a…” Ron paused, searching for the words, “a total idiot. He just can’t stand me being happy, or something.”
“Well, that sounds dramatic,” Fred said with a mischievous smile. “What did he do? Get jealous of your dress?”
“Almost.” Ron laughed, feeling the tension dissolve with her brothers’ laughter. “He just can’t accept that I’m having fun.”
“Then why don’t you?” George chimed in with a conspiratorial look. “You look amazing, Ronnie. You know I don’t usually say that.”
The twins started joking about the dance and how Ron had dazzled everyone, making Ron feel even more confident. Ginny hugged her again and whispered:
“You’re incredible, Ronnie. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.”
After a few moments, Harry joined the group, looking a bit tense.
“Are you okay?” Ron asked, noticing that her friend seemed a little uneasy.
“Yeah, it’s just… it’s hard to see Hermes acting like that. I mean, he’s our best friend, the same one who’s saved us from getting in trouble so many times,” Harry responded, glancing back to where Hermes had been.
“Don’t worry about that. If anyone has a problem, it’s him,” Ron said, more confident than ever.
With renewed energy, Ron looked around and smiled.
“Shall we dance?” she suggested, extending her hand to Harry.
“Sure, just don’t step on me with those heels,” Harry joked, and they headed to the dance floor together.
As they danced, Ron felt liberated, leaving the confrontation with Hermes behind. The music enveloped them, and she lost herself in the moment—her hair had come undone, she was spinning around, laughing and enjoying the company of her friends and brothers.
And even though Hermes was still on her mind, this night was hers, and nothing could ruin it.