the dragon's daughter

Chapter 27: Weird

February, Hogwarts, Great Hall for dinner

Orion POV

It's been about a month since break, since the siblings went back home, since no classes, and since the castle was quiet.  I sat with Richie, Gabe, Scorpius, and Al, per usual at dinner.  McGonagall had to make an important announcement so we were waiting for more people to walk in.  

"What do in you think this 'important announcement' is?" Gabe asked

I shrugged, "beats me."

Richie, "it's probably some thing about safety, like last year."

We all nodded and waited.

Time skip (2 minutes)...

After what felt like forever she finally started.  "I have an important announcement to make,  this year we will be trying to start a new tradition." A slight buzz picked up from murmurs and whispers. "In about two weeks it will be February 14th, also known as St.Valentines Day." She paused "we will be hosting a ball, much like the Halloween ball.  Everyone is expected to be in attendance but no date or partner is required.  Formal attire should be worn and appropriate behavior shall be executed.  Do not embarrass yourself or your school in front of the Minister." Oh this will be great.  

"That is all, enjoy dinner"

Food appeared on the dishes in front of us and we soon helped ourselves to dinner.  

"Hey, mate, I say we just go.  No date or anything.  We could just have fun and if there is someone of interest available then we have a dance or two, ehh?" Richie suggested.

I shrugged, "why not?"

He clapped my shoulder as we dug into our meal.  A night to just have fun.

Time jump, a two days before the ball...

Aquila POV

It's two days until the ball.  I have my hair planned, makeup planned, nails done, shoes, and a dress.  But, I don't have a date and all my other friends do.  I understand that we don't need dates, but it's a Valentine's Day ball.  I half expected James to ask, but no word from him.  Troy is going with Alice again, but he doesn't seem as hyped as I though he would.  Rosie was asked by Jarmion again.  Scorpius seemed a little ticked off by that.  We both see the scorose action but when this kind of event comes up the ship sinks.  Cal decided to no date so he would be free for anyone.  I almost hacked my lunch up.  Orion said he just wanted to relax for the night with Richie so that was understandable.  Way better than Caleum's excuse.  Scorpius said he was going with Rosetta again.  I could see whenever he mentioned her in front of Rose she cringed or pouted slightly.  I felt really bad for her.  Albus is going with some girl from Slytherin.  Freddy with Della, obviously.  Roxy is going solo, because she, and I quote, 'don't need no man to have fun'.  Honestly, I need to think more like her.  She's right.  

I walked down the corridor towards the dungeons for potions when someone tapped my shoulder.  I turned around to see a tall, blonde hair boy standing in front of me with a smirk on his face.  

"Can I help you?" 

"Yes, I was wondering if you had a date for the Valentines Day Ball?"

I giggled a little, "who's asking?"

His smirk turned into a boyish grin, "someone who wants to show a beautiful and smart girl a good time."

I tilted my head slightly "sure, why not? What's his name?"

His grin got wider, if that's possible "Connor McLaggen, third year Gryffindor and Keeper on the quidditch team."

I smiled "well if you see him tell him I said yes and that I'll meet him at the stairs in front of the main hall ten minutes before."