Chapter 4

He didn't know if he could do it. His thoughts were whirring a mile a minute as he brought Hermione up to the Room of Requirement. She was silent, which he appreciated. Requesting his dance studio, they entered the room. Harry was glad Draco wasn't there for once; he needed to do this himself, one secret at a time. Motioning for Hermione to sit on the chaise, he moved to his usual locker. The room was much the same as usual except that now there was a divider to give him privacy while he changed. Harry hadn't known what he wanted to dance when he was heading to the room, but it was decided for him, a ballet studio set up around him. Once changed into his ballet shoes and dance clothes he went onto the main floor. Not looking at his silent friend, he took first position.

"This is what I do Hermione, I dance."

The classical music began, and with it so did Harry's dance. Gracefully, almost as if he was floating, he made his way across the floor. While he was still nervous, his troublesome thoughts melted away with the melody, and he let himself be swept into the movements he had practiced so many times before. Giselle was one of his favorites after all.

Hermione was gobsmacked. There was her best friend, the clumsy boy she had watched over for years, and now he was dancing like a professional. He looked so carefree. So... happy. She never saw him this happy, and she was ashamed that she never noticed until now the sheer difference between his entire aura. He was truly happy to be here, dancing, and she would fight anyone who tried to take it from him. As he came to a stop, as delicate as all of his other motions, she clapped.

"Oh Harry! That was beautiful! I'm so sorry. I've been such a horrible friend. How long have you been dancing?"

"Er- Thank you, I really enjoy it. I started dancing in fourth year. After the ball. I enjoyed it, and I wanted to learn more. So I practiced and learned a bunch of other kinds too. It really helps me relax. Different from quidditch. Better. I can't explain it, it's like-like the world melts away, and it's just me and no one else's opinion matters. I can just be me," Harry tried to explain.

"I understand. That is exactly how I feel when I read. It's nice isn't it? To just be yourself. I'm sorry you felt you had to hide it for so long. I understand though. Not everyone is ready for someone who is this good at something," Hermione admitted.

"Thank you. You are a great friend."

"Oh hush, you!"