I tried to remind myself that it was a normal day, so that I wouldn't start stressing. Usually these things never made me nervous but I was going with Mat as more than friends. It was kind of like an official event in which we become official. I had the dress hung up in my closet ever since Draco got it for me when we went to Hogsmede. 

I hadn't paid attention in my classes all day and I had noticed that none of the girls were and Professor Mcgonagall let us leave early during our after lunch class. We were all walking back to our common rooms and I suspect it was to start getting ready. It was just after 2 and the ball started at 5 so I can see why the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff girls were practically running. 

Once I reached my dorm I dropped my book bag and rolled my eyes as the other girls played music and jumped around as they showed each other their dresses. Lot's of pink and silver was being flashed around and I rushed out before they cared to notice me. I decided I'd go for a walk outside the castle and get some fresh air. 

I always enjoyed nature, I was a sucker for staring at the moon and stars but every now and again I enjoyed the sunshine. Liked how it warmed my cold skin and brightened my hair. I didn't like that I was almost a ginger in the sun and I remember Draco and Mat comparing me to a Weasley in our younger years. I laughed at the memory. 

As I kept walking I slowed my pace as I passed a particular big rock. My eyes reminisced me sitting there with him next to me.

"You look so different in the sun." He said and stared down at me as I laid back on the rock we always rested on. 

"I'm just the same old boring me." He put a strand of hair out of my face and leant down to kiss me gently. 

"How is it that you interest me in every way then?"

"It's one of the world's grandest complexities." He laid next to me and I grabbed hold of his hand. "You know I saw Cho holding your hand like this." He chuckled like always whenever I revealed my jealousy. 

"She knows I'm seeing someone, it's just for show."

"I know, but still." He lifted my hand in his and cupped it gently. 

"You're always so cold."

"I apologise."

"Don't, I've always been the one to keep you warm." We laid there, looking at each other. I noticed the sky dimming as the sun began setting. 

"You have your last task tomorrow, do you have any idea what it is?"

"No."

"I just hope you make it out without a scratch, I don't care if you lose."

"I will, I promise. Why would I ever want to leave you?" He cuddled me into him and I savoured every aspect of his being. I loved him so much. 

It was only fitting that I was reminded of Cedric today. It was the cherry on top.

I wandered back inside the castle and passed the hall. It was finished being decorated and saw a few teachers in their formal attire standing around. I headed down to the dorms and almost all the girls from my year level were scattered in the common room ready for their dates to come down. There was still 20 minutes or so but that didn't stop them. 

I showered quickly and dried myself magically as I put on my black undergarments. I took out the dress and put in on as I eyed myself in the mirror. 

I applied mascara and a tinted balm and I lightly curled the front part of my hair so that it framed my face. I ended up putting it behind my ear so it was a pointless task. I put on my sneakers because the dress covered my feet which was a great bonus. My girly-ness only went so far. I rolled on perfume on my wrists, my neck and behind my ears and then I declared myself ready. 

As I walked down to the common room practically everyone was gone. Mat was sitting on the couch and as he heard my footsteps he stood up and turned around. There was a moment of absolute silence and then he met my eyes. 

"I um- you uh- I just- wow. I have never been lost for words." I giggled and then I lifted my skirts to reveal the sneakers. "Of course." He smiled. 

"You look very handsome by the way." I said and gazed over him. He wore a jet black velvet suit with a black silk shirt underneath that was unbuttoned halfway. 

"Thank you." I walked towards him and pretended to fix his collar and he held his breath as I traced the hem making sure I was touching his skin as well.

"So, shall we go?"

"You're a minx, yes come on, before I change my mind and take you to my dorm." I gulped as we began walking to the hall.

<><><><><><><>

We were standing with Draco and Astoria as we all came back from dancing and grabbed a glass of cups, although it didn't have any alcohol like the traditional blend. Draco was wearing a traditional black and white suit for the occasion and I had teased him about the bow tie earlier. A few professors had eyed Mat's choice of clothing but as usual never pulled him up about it. I turned to the guy in question whom I couldn't stop admiring and he had been looking at me as well. 

He joined our hands and stepped closer to me and we smiled as we stared at each other. A few people had looked as this was the first time we were being romantic in front of people. My gaze shifted to Michael who was staring at us and then he began for the exit. I looked down feeling bad for him as he had shared that he wasn't ready to see me with someone else, especially at the ball. And especially with Mat who he had believed I was platonic with. 

Mat had noticed my change in mood and lifted my chin so that I met his gaze. "Don't feel guilty, it's not at all your fault. Come on, this is a slow song." He guided us to the dance floor and immediately put his hand religiously in the middle of my back and used his other to hold mine. We kept to the rhythm and I had wondered why Mat was being so proper. He noticed my confused expression and leaned to speak in my ear.

"I cannot bare one more minute without wanting to rip the dress right off you." I gulped and then leaned into him.

"Then let's go somewhere so you can do that." He immediately took us away from the dance floor and outside the hall. "Outside, no one should be there," I suggested. 

Once we reached outside we were huffing and puffing and notably several feet away from each other. We kept lustful eye contact and it was as if a timer went off in both our minds because we stepped towards each other at the same moment. As soon as his lips crashed into mine fireworks were let off all throughout my body. He had cupped my face as we kissed aggressively and my hands were on his neck. I walked us to the wall while we kissed and he had me against it. My head went back in pleasure as he began kissing my neck. 

A moan escaped my lips and he responded the same way. His hand now trailed down the side of my body and lifted my leg to his side and his hand slid up my dress exposing my thigh. My hands went down his chest and lifted his silk shirt from his pants. He kept kissing down my neck and on my collar bone and then returned to my mouth as he bit on my lower lip. 

My hands travelled his muscular torso to his waist digging into his skin, pulling him into me, wanting him as close as possible. He groaned in response and he had one hand caressing my thigh, the other was cupped on my neck gently. He slowly trailed it down my collar bone and my strap fell over my shoulder revealing the upper part of my breast. Out of nowhere he pulled away and stepped back. 

"I may hate myself for saying this but I think we should stop." I straightened myself up and looked at him. 

"Why, what's wrong? Is it me?"

"No, absolutely not, not like that at least." I was now extremely confused. 

"What is it?" I asked as I fixed my dress and hair. He just smiled at me in awe and I waited for his explanation. 

"You're going to get annoyed hearing me say this, but you're too special and I don't want to rush." I stepped towards him and grabbed his hand.

"I am perfectly okay with it." I raised myself and kissed him on the cheek and as I pulled away he cupped my face and kissed me on the lips.

"I didn't mean go backwards." I laughed as I fixed his hair. He stood still as I re-tucked his shirt in his pants. His snaked his hands around my waist and pulled me into him and he leaned down so that our faces were millimetres apart. 

"You want to head down to the dungeons? Or can you not be alone with me?" I whispered. 

"No it's fine, but if it's okay with you, I was wondering if you'd just add more clothes?" I smiled at him and he kissed me again softly.