𝙿𝚞𝚖𝚙𝚔𝚒𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚎𝚜 - 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑙𝑒𝑦 | ✔︎

Chapter 21

Natasha was soon up and around again, her pranks merciless as every student was targeted at least once. The international students all knew her name by the time the Yule Ball arrived. McGonagall had held the dance practice whilst Natasha was still in the hospital wing, but Fred assured her that she would be fine, as Aurelia had taught her how to dance as a child.

It was the week before the Yule Ball, and after dumping paint that wouldn't scrub off on some Beauxbaton girls, Natasha was waiting for Angelina to go dress shopping. Hermione was tagging along, her mood quite foul after her fight with Ron that very morning.

Natasha had her favourite blue cloak on, and everyone stared at her as it billowed out gracefully behind her. She looked like an angel of death, her dark hair also seeming as if it floated around her head.

Fred, George and Lee were accompanying the girls, and Fred was making sure everyone knew the angel by his side was going to the ball with him. They had both agreed simply, not needing any fancy proposal.

George was taking Angelina, and Hermione was yet to tell anyone of who she was taking, though Natasha had a few ideas.

Finally, Angelina came down from the dorms, earning exasperated sighs from the boys who had nearly fallen asleep. Fred held his elbow out to Natasha, as did George to Angelina and Lee to Hermione, the six a merry troupe as they finally set off.

The girls split up from the boys once they reached Hogsmeade, promising to meet up at the Three Broomsticks as soon as they were done. Hermione instantly found the dress of her dreams, squealing like a child as she ran her fingers over the chiffon fabric.

"I've never really been a dress girl but my goodness," she cried, running to try it on. Angelina and Natasha stifled laughs as they walked around the boutique, thankful that it was early and no one else was there yet.

Sirius had sent Natasha more than enough money at the start of the school term, but she was adamant on buying a dress that wasn't too expensive. She had never really been to a party, bar the ones they threw after Gryffindor won a quidditch match in the common room, so she had no idea what to choose.

She passed greens, blues and pinks, grimacing at the silver ones with the crystals embedded into the silk. She knew a strapless dress would fall to her ankles almost instantly, but sleeves were a no go as she couldn't stand anything tight on her arms.

Angelina on the other hand, only wanted a strapless dress, and she finally found one that perfectly matched her dark complexion. She did a twirl in it for Natasha, and Natasha bowed for her in a mocking manner, offering a dance.

"Shall we, Lady Angel?" she asked, trying her best to make her voice deep. Angelina giggled and took Natasha's hand.

"We shall Lord Nat!" And with that, the two started to prance around the room together, catching the eyes of Ron and Harry, who were walking past. Natasha caught Harry's eye but didn't stop, instead waving to him stupidly.

His face flushed as he saw his god sister embarrassing herself, though the twinkle in her eye was enough to show anyone just how happy she was. He knew first-hand what it was like to be judged by the world for his heritage, and last year had been a roller-coaster of a ride for Natasha.

Ron pulled on his arm and with one last wave to Natasha, the two boys walked off to Honeyduke's to gouge themselves to the brim with sweets.

~.~

"It's perfect," Natasha said, admiring the object in front of her. Her Yule Ball dress was now hanging in her dormitory, long forgotten when Fred had shoved the object into her hands.