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The Great Hall has rarely ever looked so spectacular as it did for the 10th annual remerance ball. All the candles were lit, illuminating the room in a magical golden light.
The attendees danced in the center of the room, all dressed in fine gowns and dress robes. Tables encircled them, the nondancers all chatting amicably and toasting to each other.
But Gregory Goyle once again found himself loitering by the drinks table, unsure if he should really be here or not. No one had said anything to him about his behavior in the war in ages, but he still couldn't shake his own conscience telling him to just leave these people in peace.
No, here was here for Vince. Vince, who never got to get older and do better. Who never got a second chance in a truly Voldemort-free world. His friend had cracked under the pressure and thrown himself head first into the Dark Lord's service and never got to see the other side of it.
Directly across the hall from him, his old Slytherin classmates were gathered at the same table, looking as though they didn't have any reservations about being there.
Astoria was there too. In an emerald green gown with one shoulder exposed, dark hair cascading down her back in waves. A light flush colored her cheeks as she spoke with Draco animatedly about something.
Ah, so that was the measure of it then. Fair enough.
Theo Nott and Blaise Zabini had disappeared from view, then reappeared at his sides, caging him in.
"Don’t," Blaise warned.
"Here, you'll need this," Theo said, sticking a fresh drink in Greg's unwilling hand.
"What are you two up to?" Greg muttered, trying to sidestep them but found himself cut off every time.
"Let him work that Malfoy magic- "
"Don’t ever say that again, Theo." Blaise sighed. "Obviously, it's just the hair."
"Obviously that's the magic I'm referencing."
"Did you lot really come over just to shove them in my face?" Greg scoffed and took a deep drink.
"Woooooww." Theo and Blaise said in unison.
"He thinks we are that heartless." From Theo. "After how long we've known each other.
"Rude, really. " from Blaise
Draco and Astoria stood and linked arms, crossing the dance floor a fast song ended, and a slow one began.
But they didn’t stop. They were walking towards him.
"Greg," Draco said formally. "Astoria here was hoping to have a dance, she's just a little…shy."
"Yeah, that's it." Theo chuckled.
Greg glared at his friends. "This is some kind of sick setup."
"It's not." Astoria finally found her voice, unlinking her arms from Draco’s. “I had been working up the courage to ask you for a dance, and I might have… overdone it a little.” She touched her hair nervously. “They saw me and stopped me from making a fool of myself. Draco had some sober-up potion on him and was waiting for me to be more clear-headed before coming over here.”
“Oh. Oh.” Greg held up a single finger and chugged back the rest of the new drink, ignoring the burn, knowing he would need the courage for what was about to come. He passed the glass back to Theo and took a deep breath.
“Astoria, you look stunning this evening. Would you please honor me with a dance?” He asked, probably a little too stiffly, but she giggled anyway.
“Yes, please, Greg, I would love a dance with you.”