The Great Hall was alive with music.

Professor Weasley had arranged a celebration for the end of term—an evening filled with floating lanterns, enchanted instruments, and a dance floor charmed to glow beneath the students' feet. The enchanted ceiling reflected a night sky bursting with shimmering stars, casting a warm glow over the lively crowd of students twirling across the floor.

You hadn't planned on joining them.

Dancing wasn't exactly your strong suit. You figured you'd spend the night on the sidelines, sipping pumpkins juice and watching your friends weave through the crowd with ease. You weren't opposed to celebrations, but you didn't see yourself stepping into the middle of it all.

And then, Garreth Weasley happened.

"Ah, there you are."

You turned to find him standing beside you, red hair messier than usual, a grin tugging at his lips. His emerald eyes flickered with excitement as he held out a hand.

"Come on, love," he said. "Dance with me."

You raised an eyebrow. "Garreth, you do realize I'm not exactly a professional dancer, right?"

"Perfect." He winked. "Neither am I."

You eyed him suspiciously. "Are you sure this isn't some elaborate prank? No experimental potions involved?"

Garreth gasped, placing a dramatic hand over his chest. "I am offended. I would never–"

You gave him a pointed look.

"–Okay, maybe I would, but not this time." He tilted his head toward the dance floor. "Come on. It'll be fun."

You hesitated, glancing at the swirling mass of students. "Garreth, I don't think–"

"Trust me," he interrupted, still holding out his hand. "What's the worst that could happen?"

You sighed, but there was no resisting Garreth Weasley when he looked at you like that – like you were the only person in the entire world.

So, against your better judgment, you took his hand.

And suddenly, you were spinning into the chaos.

The enchanted instruments swelled with an upbeat rhythm, and Garreth wasted no time leading you into the crowd. He wasn't graceful – Merlin, not at all – but he was fearless. He twirled you with dramatic enthusiasm, nearly crashing into other students, but his laughter was infectious.

"Garreth!" you yelped as he attempted a ridiculous dip.

"Oops– a bit too low!" He pulled you back up, laughing as you steadied yourself against his chest.

You couldn't help but laugh too.

Your initial nervousness melted away, replaced by a wild kind of joy. You weren't a dancer, but with him, it didn't matter. The world shrank to the warmth of his hands, the way his fingers never let go of yours, the way his bright eyes shone under the enchanted lights.

At some point, the music shifted. The frantic, joyful chaos softened into something slower. The glowing floor dimmed to a gentle gold, and the students around you fell into easier rhythms.

Garreth's grip on your hand tightened just slightly.

He hesitated – just for a second – before resting his hands gently at your waist. You placed your hands on his shoulders, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath.

"You're having fun," he murmured, almost as if he was realizing it at the same time you were.

You rested your head against his shoulder, letting yourself sink into him. "Yeah. I am."

His arms curled just a little tighter around you, like he wanted to keep you there forever.

And maybe, just maybe, you wouldn't mind if he did.

***

"You know," Garreth murmured, after a long moment of comfortable silence, "I was afraid you'd say no."

You lifted your head to meet his gaze. "To dancing?"

"To... all of it," he admitted. "I mean, let's be honest, I'm a bit of a disaster."

You smiled. "That's true."

"Oi!" he laughed, though his hands remained gentle against your waist. "But I meant it. You're– you're bloody brilliant, and I'm just..." he trailed off, searching for the words.

You stared at him, heart pounding. "Garreth," you said softly, "if you think for one second that you're not good enough for me–"

His eyes widened slightly. "Wait, so–"

You exhaled a laugh. "You complete menace. You really thought I'd spend all this time with you if I didn't–"

You didn't get to finish before Garreth did something incredibly bold.

He leaned down and kissed you.

It was quick, almost hesitant. But the second he pulled away, his face turned as red as his hair. "Sorry– I should've asked–"

You grabbed his collar and pulled him back in.

This time, the kiss was slower. Sweeter. His hands pressed into your waist as if trying to memorize every second of this moment. And when you finally pulled away, he was grinning like an idiot.

"So, just to be clear," he said breathlessly. "You do like me?"

You laughed. "Yes, Garreth."

"Oh, thank Merlin."

You shook your head as he spun you once more beneath the glowing lanterns, the warmth of his hands never leaving yours.

And in that moment, you knew you never wanted him to.