You were walking down the corridor, about to head to your next class when you heard voices near the entrance to the Great Hall. One of them was unmistakably Harry's.

You slowed your pace, quietly listening in on the conversation.

—“Hey Cho,” Harry started, sounding a bit unsure. “I was wondering… would you want to go to the Yule Ball with me?”

There was a brief pause before Cho responded, her voice soft but firm.

—“I appreciate it, Harry,” she said, “but I’ve already made plans.”

You raised an eyebrow, curious to hear more.

—“Oh, really?” Harry replied, slightly surprised. “Who are you going with, then?”

Cho’s voice was warm as she spoke, a smile evident in her tone.

—“I’m actually going with someone else.”

There was a quiet pause, and then she added, with a hint of playfulness:

—“Someone I’m really excited to go with.”

You couldn’t help but smile, realizing she was talking about you.

—“I’m sorry, Harry,” Cho continued, sounding apologetic but clear. “I hope you understand.”

—“Yeah, of course. I get it,” Harry said, sounding a bit disappointed but accepting.

You decided to make your presence known and walked around the corner just as Cho finished her conversation with Harry. She looked up and smiled when she saw you.

—“Hey,” you said, offering her a casual smile.

—“Hey,” Cho replied, her eyes sparkling. “I was just telling Harry I’m going with someone else. Someone I’m really looking forward to spending the evening with.”

Her words made your heart skip a beat as you realized she meant you.