Harry wanted to take you to the Yule Ball, but there was a problem: Professor Severo.

Harry and you hadn’t spoken much, yet he couldn’t deny the attraction he felt for you. From shy glances to the occasional brush of hands when you shared a workstation in Potions class, he had been drawn to you. This was why he had decided to invite you to the Yule Ball, but there was an obstacle he hadn’t anticipated: Severo.

It was well known that the Potions Master had certain favourites, and you were no exception. Due to your calm nature and skill in Potions, he would sometimes request your assistance with particularly complex brews. So, when only a few days remained until the ball and Harry had finally gathered the courage to ask you, his jaw dropped upon discovering that you had already agreed to help Severo on the night of the ball, as you hadn’t found a partner. That was why you turned him down; however, Harry wasn’t known for giving up easily. He wasn't going to allow a magical night like that event to be spent locked up making potions.

On the day of the ball, with classes still in session and only a few hours left before everyone would start preparing, you were bringing some containers to the Potions' classroom at Professor Severo’s request. To your surprise, as you entered, you found Severo and Harry engaged in what appeared to be a rather heated exchange.

"And who would have thought you were an expert on dates, Professor? I thought you specialised in potions, not ruining parties," said the boy with the unruly hair, his gaze fixed on the older man.

"If you’re so desperate to attend the Yule Ball, Harry, perhaps you should focus more on surviving my classes than on your pathetic attempts to impress—” His voice, laced with a menacing tone, cut off abruptly when he noticed you had entered, and the tense atmosphere now took on a hint of awkwardness.