Harry had already solved the problem of finding a dance partner.
But then he discovered another new problem: he could not dance.
It was not as though he could not dance at all. Back at school, whenever his class team won a football or basketball match, he had wiggled his backside in excitement a few times. Though his moves were nowhere near as mesmerizing as the twins', he could hardly be said to have no experience at all.
But a butt-wiggling dance was clearly unsuitable for a ball.
Especially when he would be leading the dancing. Even in the wizard world, where people were not particularly fussy about anything, Harry felt he ought to pay at least a little attention to propriety.
Still, by comparison, he had at least found a partner, putting him more than one step ahead of quite a few students.
Ron, for instance.
"Finding a partner is harder than facing a dragon," Ron said in frustration. "Why do these girls always go around in packs? Can't one of them be on her own?"
It was the afternoon of the day after Professor McGonagall had announced the Yule Ball.
"Does that mean you have someone in mind?" Harry asked with some curiosity.
"Not yet." Ron shook his head, but Harry could tell he was lying. It seemed he already had a target, but had not yet had a chance to make his move.
"If all else fails, just ask Ginny," Harry said casually. He had already made arrangements with Cho and was now reading a book about dancing, trying to learn the correct dance positions and a few things to watch out for.
"I can't. Ginny's already said yes to someone else." Ron shook his head.
"That fast?" Harry was a little surprised, but then felt that