Harry could comfort Hermione by giving her a small gift at the Yule Ball. It could be something he made himself, like a simple charmed flower that never wilts. This would show Hermione that he values her and wants to make her feel special. She would be touched by this gesture and it would help her forget about any negative feelings she had.
At the Yule Ball, Hermione was standing a bit nervously by the side. Cedric, who had been looking for an interesting dance partner, noticed her. He approached her and said, 'Hermione, you look beautiful. May I have this dance?' Hermione blushed and accepted. As they danced, the music seemed to envelop them. Cedric was impressed by Hermione's intelligence and how gracefully she moved. Hermione, on the other hand, was charmed by Cedric's gentlemanly ways. They talked about their different houses and how they could all work together better. It was a night that changed their perception of each other.
Their relationship could develop through shared experiences at the Yule Ball. For example, they might have a really deep conversation while dancing that makes them see each other in a new light.
Well, in fanfic, Hermione rejecting Harry at the Yule Ball could also be a way to show Hermione's independence. She's a strong - willed character. She might not want to go to the ball with Harry just because he's her friend. She could be waiting for someone who truly understands her on a deeper level, or she may simply not be in the mood for a romantic relationship with him at all.
I think it would be really romantic if during the Yule Ball, when the music slows down, Harry takes Hermione's hand and leads her to a more secluded corner of the hall. There, under the twinkling lights and away from the crowd, he tells her how much she means to him. Not just as a friend, but as someone he has deeper feelings for. Hermione blushes and they share a tender moment that makes the Yule Ball truly special for them.
There's also a possibility that it's a new character created specifically for this fanfiction. This new character could bring a fresh perspective and allow the author to explore different aspects of Harry's gentlemanly behavior at the Yule Ball.
Hermione's dress could be a beautiful deep blue, made of silk that shimmers in the light of the Yule Ball. It might have some delicate lace trimming around the neckline and sleeves, giving it an elegant touch.
Perhaps the story could involve some sort of mystery at the Yule Ball. Fred and Hermione team up to solve it. Along the way, they realize their feelings for each other are deeper than just friends going to a dance. They might discover a hidden room in Hogwarts during the ball that leads to an adventure, which in turn brings them closer together.
Another theme is the awkwardness. Given Ron's shyness and Hermione's sometimes over - thinking nature, the Yule Ball can be a very awkward situation for them, which is often explored in these fanfics. For example, in many fanfics, Ron is nervous about asking Hermione to dance and stumbles over his words. And Hermione is constantly worried about how she looks and whether Ron actually wants to be there with her.
One consequence could be a strain on their friendship. Harry might feel embarrassed or hurt, which could lead to some distance between them. For example, he might avoid Hermione for a while.