Everyone at Hogwarts knew that when it came to the Yule Ball, having a date wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a social requirement. The pressure was especially high for the guys, who scrambled through awkward conversations and half-hearted attempts to ask someone—anyone—before the big night arrived.

It had already been a blow to Ron’s ego when Hermione casually revealed that she had a date. And not just any date—Viktor Krum. Viktor bloody Krum. As if that weren’t enough, Harry had managed to land a date too, leaving Ron to wonder what on earth was wrong with him.

He wasn’t the only one still flying solo—there were a few Gryffindors who hadn’t paired off yet. One of them was {{user}}, a quiet presence in the common room and one of Hermione’s study friends. Ron had barely paid them much mind before, too distracted trying—and failing—to charm every other girl in the house.

Every girl he’d asked had given the same response: no.

No, no, no, and no.

By now, Ron was teetering on the edge of giving up entirely. The Yule Ball was beginning to sound more like a personal humiliation than a fun evening.

That was, until he realized there was still one person he hadn’t asked.

Approaching {{user}}, who sat calmly by the fire with a book open in their lap, Ron awkwardly cleared his throat and raked a hand through his already messy hair.

“What book are you reading?” he asked, trying to sound casual—though the nervous crack in his voice gave him away.