An Apology is Just Words

An Apology Is Just Words

Chapter 10: "The Yule Ball"

Ginny was bustling around the school campus, making sure that the plans of the Yule Ball don't go in flames. By what she knows, many people want to go to the Yule Ball. She is also making sure that no one knows who is coming to perform. She didn't want people to know that Angie Blair is going to perform. She wanted people to be surprised. She was running around the campus when she crashed into Draco.

"Draco!" Ginny said, stumbling back. Draco smirked and then smiled.

"Stop running around. You're going to be tired before the Ball even starts," he said, moving closer to her. Of course now the whole school knew that they were dating, but Ginny still felt like many people were staring at her.

"Sorry, I just want the Yule Ball to go well, that's all," she said. Draco chuckled.

"It's going to go fine. Now go back to the dorm and get ready. I'll see you tonight," Draco said with a wink. Ginny slowly melted inside. She loved when he winked at her. Plus, when he winks, she thinks of him in leather pants.

"Fine. I'll be ready at six," Ginny said, before heading back to the Common Room. As she left, Draco sighed.

'Why doesn't anyone tell her about Seamus? She deserves to know,' Draco thought to himself.

"If you're wondering why I didn't tell her about Seamus, it's because she's better off not knowing," someone said behind him. It seemed as if the person read his mind. Draco turned around to see Blaise, standing there, all smug.

"Why is she better off not knowing?" Draco asked. His voice went back to being cold and evil, which is his normal state. Blaise chuckled.

"Well, then she will get the impression that all guys are cheaters. Or players in your terms. I don't think you want her to think that now? Plus, you want tonight to go perfect. So you better wait before telling her the truth. Maybe you should wait forever," Blaise answered. Draco rolled his eyes. Taking advice from Blaise wasn't his first choice of what to do.

"Whatever you say Blaise. Why aren't you getting ready for the ball? I thought that you might want to impress a certain Harry Potter," Draco said. Right there, Blaise wanted to slap him.

"Don't tell anyone about my feelings for Harry. I will hurt you," Blaise said, her voice evil, with her eyes glaring at him.

"Sure," Draco said, ushering her away from him. Blaise stormed off, mumbling. Draco chuckled before he headed off to his Common Room.

*~*

Hermione was standing in front on the mirror, examining her outfit. It was a lavender colored dress robes, which was light and airy. She wanted to look perfect for Ron. Her hair was put into an exquisite high bun, which took her hours to do. She wore a bit of makeup, just to top it all off. And on her feet, she wore these white sandals, where the straps wrapped her legs. She weakly smiled before walking to her door. Having her own room had its advantages, but she really wished that Ginny were here to help her.

Just then, there was a knock on her door. Hermione rushed to the door and opened it. Ginny was standing there with her robes, and some kits of make up. Ginny smiled and said, "I need help." Hermione giggled. Of course Ginny needed help. But why didn't she go to the other girls for help?

"Come on in," Hermione said, ushering her in. Ginny was still in her normal robes. Hermione grabbed some of the things that she was holding, and placed them on the table.

"I need to look perfect tonight," Ginny said. Hermione nodded. Of course she needed to look perfect. It was the Yule Ball, the most important ball of the whole year. Plus, it would be Draco's last Yule Ball so she needed to make it memorable.

"Where should we start then?" Hermione asked. Ginny shrugged.

"I was hoping you could tell me," Ginny said, with her innocent tone. Hermione wanted to laugh. Ginny has really grown up.

"Let's pick out your dress robes. Hmm. I think we should go with the periwinkle ones," Hermione said holding them up.

"Yeah. I like those," Ginny said, grabbing them. Ginny quickly ran out of the room to change. By the time she emerged, she was wearing the robes. Hermione was busy looking at Ginny's entire make up collection to see which one would match the best. Ginny twirled around a bit so get a good feel of the robes.

"You look great Gin. Ok, because of the periwinkle color, you have to wear light colors for your make up. And you could borrow one of my sandals to match," Hermione said, pointing to an array of sandals. Ginny picked out one that was similar to Hermione's, just in periwinkle. Hermione then began to apply her make up. By the time they were finished, Ron came to pick up Hermione. Ginny quickly thanked Hermione and hugged her. Ginny then ran off before she could see Ron and Hermione kiss.

*~*

Blaise was busy painting her nails when someone knocked on her door. Blaise sighed and answered the door delicately so she wouldn't ruin her nails. To her surprise, Harry was there, wearing his dress robes. Blaise was also wearing her robes. She just needed to finish her nails to be ready. Blaise just stood there and smiled.

"Hi Blaise," Harry said simply. Blaise ushered him in and Harry took a seat at her desk.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at the ball?" Blaise asked. Harry nodded.

"Well, I just wanted to know if you are willing to go to the ball with me. I mean we are both dateless. We both don't want to seem like fools showing up there alone. I mean what harm could we cause?" Harry asked. Though he made many obvious points, Blaise couldn't help not wanting to go with him. First off, he likes Ginny. And next, he is her ex-boyfriend. People would think that something is going on with them.

"Well, I'm not sure," said Blaise, because she knew that she might regret going without him. But she would also regret going with him.

"What are you so afraid of?" Harry asked. He suddenly turned bolder. Blaise was surprised.

"Fine, I'll go with you. As long as you promise me one thing," Blaise said.

"Ok," Harry said, waiting to hear what he had to promise.

"This cannot go beyond tonight," Blaise said, recapping her nail polish and putting it on her desk. Harry nodded. 'It won't go beyond tonight,' Harry thought to himself. Blaise grabbed her wand to magically make her nails dry faster. Harry watched in awe.

When Blaise seemed about done, Harry asked, "Are you ready?"

"More or less," Blaise answered, grabbing Harry's arm and walking him to the Great Hall.

*~*

Draco was waiting for Ginny to arrive. They were supposed to meet in the room next to the Great Hall in order to talk to Angie Blair. Angie was sitting there, sipping her glass of Butterbeer. Five minutes later, Ginny burst into the room. Draco seemed to stop breathing. She was wearing the light periwinkle dress robes, with the sandals, which made her seem godlike. Her hair was curled and had flowers in it. She looked like a Greek god and Draco was wondering if this was a dream.

"What's wrong Draco?" she asked, suddenly pulling him out of his trance. She was standing right in front of him, smiling. He slowly ran his hand in her hair and smiled.

"Nothing. You just look so beautiful," he said, kissing her cheek. (Woo! Fluffy!Draco...I love it!) Ginny blushed.

"You look handsome yourself," Ginny said. Draco was wearing black dress robes, and everything about his appearance was the same as usual. Draco laughed.

"Well, why don't we just talk to Angie now?" Draco whispered in her ear, turning her around to face Angie. Angie put down her glass and smiled.

"Ginny, you have evolved," said Angie. Ginny blushed again.

"So have you. I am so happy that you are here with us," Ginny said, hugging Angie. After the hug ended, they both took a step back.

"Well, do you guys have any special requests on a song?" asked Angie. Ginny turned to Draco as he pulled Angie to the side. Ginny couldn't hear what he was saying, but she wanted to know. Angie walked back, followed by Draco.

"Well, I will announce you. Meet you two out there," Ginny said, leaving the room. Angie then turned to Draco.

"Anytime? Are you sure that's the song you want me to sing?" Angie asked. Draco nodded.

"And I want you to say who it is dedicated to," Draco said, turning to leave the room. Angie followed behind him.

*~*

"I would like to present to you the special guest of the Yule Ball, Angie Blair!" Ginny yelled. The whole crowd went wild. Everyone was giggling and whispering, saying, "How did they get Angie Blair?" Ginny wanted to laugh when Angie walked on stage.

Angie waved at the crowd and the crowd cheered. "How are you guys doing?" Angie yelled. A chorus of yells ensured. Angie giggled into her mic. "You guys are surely happy today! How about some music to make the mood better?" Angie yelled. The crowd went wild. Ginny and Draco exchanged glances. They saw Ron and Hermione laughing, while Harry was walking in with...Blaise. Ginny's jaw dropped.

"Draco, it's Blaise...with Harry," Ginny whispered, pointing in their direction. Draco squinted to get a better look.

"Well, go figure," Draco said under his breath. Ginny raised her eyebrow.

"You don't care?" Ginny asked. Draco shook his head.

"I won't care. It's not my job to care about them two. It's their lives. They could do whatever. I don't care," Draco said. Ginny sighed.

"Whatever," Ginny said quietly.

"How about some 'Its About Time?' I know you guys love that song!" Angie yelled, cuing the music to go on. The music started and everyone started dancing.

I hate you, I love you

I just can't remember to forget you

Who are you, who needs you?

You make me feel alive; I die, so high

I'm crawling on the ground

I have found I can fly

The words sunk into Blaise's mind. The song seemed so right at the moment. There she was, standing next to Harry, sipping some Pumpkin Juice. Harry was slowly bobbing his head to the beat. Blaise wanted to laugh. Harry glanced at her.

"Having fun?" he asked. Blaise turned her head to him.

"Actually yes. I am surprised with Draco and Ginny. They got Angie Blair to play at the Yule Ball. That's a miracle," Blaise said. Harry laughed.

"Well, I'm having fun too. Thanks for coming with me," Harry said. Blaise smiled.

"I'm having fun. And thanks for inviting me," Blaise said. Harry and Blaise just stared at each other. Ron and Hermione walked over.

"Some ball huh?" Ron asked, holding Hermione's hand. Harry nodded, not taking his eyes off Blaise.

"Sure Ron," Harry muttered. Hermione tugged Ron. She mouthed let's go and pointed away.

"Bye you two," Ron said, waving as Hermione pulled him away.

"Just leave them Ron. It's time for Harry to stop and take a good look around. He's been blind for ages," Hermione said. Ron stopped and scratched his head.

"But he already wears glasses!" Ron yelled after Hermione, trying to catch up.

*~*

"How did you guys like the ball so far? Well, here's the part where you guys could make your requests. Just come up and tell me what you want to hear!" Angie yelled.

A line of people was made in front of the stage. As everyone told her their requests, Draco stood to the side of the stage, waiting until she sings the song. Draco stared out in the crowd to see Pansy walking hand in hand with Goyle. Draco wanted to laugh.

"Well, I think that almost everyone wants to hear the same song! Ok here is 'Promises' for you guys!" Angie yelled. Draco sighed. When is she going to sing the song? Someone tapped him on the back. Draco turned around. It was Ginny.

"Dance with me," Ginny said, wrapping her arms around him. Draco wrapped his arms around Ginny. The music began to play and they began to slow dance.

It's been another day, thinking what could have been

It gets so hard

But it's not what it seems, what I want it to be

Did I try too hard?

And I hope for something much more

Just before this, you'll have to

They held each other. They seemed to be untouchable. They didn't have to say anything. They didn't need to. It seemed perfect right then.

Promise we won't fall apart

Promise this right from the start

Promise on heaven that you won't make believe

Promise me

On the other side of the room, there was Ron and Hermione dancing. They were just staring into each other's eyes and they knew that they should be right there. Ron slowly nestled his head on Hermione's and they seemed to make a perfect puzzle. They fit together. Ron smiled as Hermione smiled.

To the left of Ron and Hermione, there was Harry and Blaise, dancing. Ron and Hermione didn't pay attention to the dance. Harry was smiling inside, while Blaise nestled her head in his chest. Blaise was thinking of all the times when Harry and she have been together. Then she slowly recited the letter she wrote to Harry, that she is going to give him after the ball.

'Harry, I know I made a big mistake. I don't know what came over me. When I saw Draco with Ginny, I felt jealous. I thought that I was the only one that could tame the malicious dragon. But when I saw that, I decided to go in for the kill. But now I know what I have lost, trying to be the best. I lost the only person who made me feel good for who I am. I lost the only person who I have truly loved. I have lost you.

I know that you may not want to be with me anymore, and I understand. You love Ginny, and that is why you are protecting her from Draco. That is why you talked to Seamus about what happened that night. That is why you left me. But before we part our ways, I want to say one thing.

I love you Harry Potter.'

Blaise slowly snapped back to reality when she heard people clapping. The song was over. Blaise clapped a bit and smiled. "I'm going to get some Pumpkin Juice. Do you want some?" Harry asked her. Blaise shook her head.

"I'm going to sit down," she said, pointing to their seats. When she sat down, Seamus pulled up a chair next to her.

"What do you want Finnigan?" Blaise asked, not even looking at him.

"Just a question for you. Why did you tell Harry?" he asked, through clenched teeth. Blaise gave out a dry laugh.

"Because I had to. It was the right thing to do. Someone had to know the truth. Why not let it be the person who can fix it?" Blaise asked, still not looking at him.

Seamus grabbed Blaise's face and pulled her towards him. "You idiot girl. You don't know. Harry can't fix this. Do you know why? Because at the end of the night, I'm just going to announce to the school what happened, in my eyes. It's not going to be the story where I lied. But it is going to be the story where Blaise stabbed her friend in the back. Ginny won't know that I told you I was single. She won't know that I didn't love her," Seamus growled.

"Oh yes she will," Blaise said. Seamus laughed.

"How?" Seamus asked.

"Because she is right behind you," Blaise said, pointing. Ginny was standing there, fist clenched. Seamus turned around and faked a smile.

"I could explain Gin," he started. Before he could, Ginny approached him and slapped him hard on his face. Seamus staggered backwards. The music stopped.

"You can't explain. You're nothing but trash. Now leave my friend alone!" she yelled pushing him away. Seamus, whose mouth was bleeding because of the impact of the slap, ran out of the Great Hall. Ginny had the look of triumph on her face. Blaise smiled.

"Thank you Ginny," Blaise said. Ginny laughed.

"No problem Blaise," Ginny said. She stuck out her hand for Blaise to shake. "Friends?"

Blaise took her hand and shook it. "Friends." The whole school began to clap. Snape glared at Blaise but then sighed. He rolled his eyes to say whatever.

Draco stood at the stage, cuing Angie to sing the song. Angie nodded. "Everyone, I have a special request to give out. A friend of mine had asked me to dedicate this song to his girlfriend. And I have to say; the girl is pretty lucky. This is for Ginny. Here's 'Anytime' for you guys!" Angie yelled.

Anytime you feel like you just can't hold on

Just hold on to my love and I'll help you be strong

But you're so afraid to lose, and baby I can't reach your heart

I can't face this world that's keeping us apart

When I could be the one to show you

Everything you missed before

Just hold on now, cuz I can be the one to give you more

Yes you know

Ginny stopped where she was. Draco took her hand and smiled. "For you," he whispered before he wrapped his arms around her. Everyone just stood and watched. It seemed unreal. Malfoy and Weasley. Strange relationship.

Blaise smiled as she made her way to Harry. Harry, still standing by the drinks, watched as Blaise came towards him. Blaise took the letter out of her purse and looked at it. Harry glanced at the letter then at Blaise and wondered what will happen next.

Blaise reached Harry and handed him the letter. "I think that you should read this. Before you open it, I want to say thank you for tonight. I really enjoyed it," Blaise said, kissing him on the cheek. Harry blushed as Blaise walked out of the Hall and to the Slytherin Common Room.

Harry opened the letter slowly and read it. Before he knew it, he was running after Blaise.

[A/N: end of chapter ten. Wow. This took forever to write. Well, next chapter will contain more of the Yule Ball. Stay tuned.]