"We're supposed to go in last- and open up with a dance right away, even before the speeches and announcements," Cedric explained. "You got here just after Bagman told us."
"Yes, one event where ve can do something before the old men talk," Krum muttered.
Harry, in all the rush to get to the ball on time, was suddenly reluctant to enter. He whispered to Hermione, "I think we forgot something on our to-do list."
"You mean dancing lessons? Harry, this is going to be a disaster!" Hermione was panicking. She wasn't used to being so unprepared for anything.
"Calm down... um... just be careful where you step, we'll just do... something."
"Easy for you to say! You're not wearing high heels with open toes! I've barely gotten used to walking in these shoes, never mind dancing!"
They kept bickering under their breaths as they followed the other champions into the Great Hall, whereupon they both stiffened up immediately. They both put on nervous smiles as they glanced around, seeing applauding students surrounding them. Up ahead, Fleur had once again put on her "publicity" persona and was strutting confidently to the dance floor with Cedric in tow. Krum held himself in a serious, dignified manner behind them. "So, would you rather act like Fleur and Cedric, or Krum and Dominique?" Harry whispered.
"Neither, I'd rather we just do our own thing," Hermione said.
"So let's," Harry said as he linked arms with his date. "I'm just happy that I get to... try to dance with you tonight. We should just ignore everyone else and enjoy our night together, shouldn't we?"
"Splendid idea, Mr. Potter," Hermione giggled, taking her eyes away from the crowd to smile at Harry. They both calmed down a little as they approached the dance floor. He glanced over his shoulder. Fleur and Cedric were standing together. His right hand was on her upper back, and his left hand held up her right out to the side. Fleur's left hand was resting on Cedric's shoulder. Harry and Hermione quickly copied them. The opening dance music was performed by the Hogwarts Music Club. They chose a smooth song ideal for a foxtrot, although Harry and Hermione didn't know that. Fleur and Cedric immediately began an elegant but energetic dance, matching the beat perfectly as they glided across the dance floor. Krum and his date settled for a more subdued dance and moved around less vigorously. Harry and Hermione took a good minute figuring out whether they wanted to go left or right.
"You know, if we've really done this several times over, I had hoped some of this might come to me naturally," Harry said.
"Well, if we danced horribly every single time, then dancing horribly would definitely come naturally to us," Hermione said glumly. "Ow! Harry, aren't you listening to the music?" she cried out as Harry accidentally stepped on her toes.
"Sorry, Hermione!" Harry winced. They both slowed down and settled for swaying back and forth on the spot. "How do they do that?" He wondered aloud as Fleur and Cedric passed by them. "It's like they can read each other's minds!"
"That's it! Harry, just concentrate on what you're going to do, but put it outside of your occlumency shields."
Harry could see what Hermione was about to attempt. He concentrated on taking short side-steps to the left, and felt Hermione perform some light legilimency on him. As he stepped, Hermione went in the opposite direction at the exact same time.
"Whoops! I forgot I have to do the opposite of what you're doing," Hermione said sheepishly. "Let's try that again."
This time, Harry took a few steps to the right and Hermione followed perfectly. Feeling a little more confident, he began changing direction, going left and right, and she matched his every step. "I think this is working. You're brilliant, Hermione!"
"Follow the beat! You're ignoring the music right now!" Hermione was clearly excited that they might actually be able to pull it off. Harry sped up a little to match the music as they could now move in all four directions. When Harry caught a glimpse of some of the more complicated moves that Fleur and Cedric were pulling off, though, Hermione stumbled a bit. "Harry! I can't do that!"
"What? I'm sorry, I was thinking about too much." Harry concentrated on Hermione and their simple little dance, moving in a boxy pattern in the four cardinal directions. Towards the end, they managed to perform a few simple turns so that they weren't always facing the same way, but the song ended before they could get used to it.
"Well, one minute of actual dancing out of seven isn't too bad," Harry laughed.
"It is if you're the one with your toes exposed," grumbled Hermione. "But I wouldn't mind dancing again after a bit of rest."
As they walked off the dance floor, Neville and Luna greeted them. "I'm so glad you two got to dance together this time! And you're both wearing Flumpet Cupflowers! That's such a good idea. You don't want to get a nargle infection during the middle of a dance. After all, what would happen if they stole your rhythm from you?" Luna exclaimed.
"Hello, Luna... what do you mean, 'this time?'" Harry asked.
"I'm not sure, but the Blibbering Humdingers told me it was much better than your first dance with the pink and brown one. Do you think they mean Parvati?" Luna asked.
"Uhh, I'm not sure if I ever danced with her," Harry said. If he had, it was a completely forgettable experience. Leaning in to Luna, he whispered, "Luna... do you remember what happens when I win the Triwizard cup?"
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