The Great Hall was lit with thousands of sparkling candles, casting a soft, golden glow on the students of Hogwarts. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as everyone danced and mingled in their finest robes. The annual Hogwarts Ball had arrived, and despite the magic in the air, something felt off.

You stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching couples twirl and laugh. Everyone seemed to have a partner, except for you. The feeling of being alone at such a grand event weighed on you, but you tried to push it aside, focusing on the music and the cheerful energy of the room.

As you glanced around, searching for a familiar face, your eyes landed on one person across the room. He stood near the punch table, talking to Fred. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by an unusual, contemplative expression. It was George W. You had always found yourself drawn to him, but today, you noticed something different about him. Something that made your heart skip a beat.

You weren’t sure why, but as you stared at him from across the room, you felt an undeniable pull. He seemed out of place, not exactly like the carefree, mischievous George everyone knew. His eyes scanned the room, and then, almost as if sensing your gaze, his attention turned toward you.

For a moment, time seemed to slow. His eyes met yours, and his usual playful expression softened into something more genuine. He hesitated for just a second, as if weighing something in his mind, before he started walking toward you.

The crowd seemed to part, and before you knew it, he was standing right in front of you, offering a smile that made your heart flutter.

—"I couldn’t help but notice," he said, his voice warm and reassuring. "You seem a bit... lonely over here. Care to join me for a dance?"

He extended his hand to you, the crowd around you fading away as you stared at his outstretched hand. The music seemed to grow louder, and in that moment, the feeling of being out of place melted away. Maybe, just maybe, you weren’t alone after all.