Nightmare (Harry Potter OC Fic)

13. Yule Ball

"The Yule Ball is approaching," Professor Sprout said excitedly once the entire Hufflepuff House entered the common room. "It is a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above— although you may invite a younger student if you wish. Dress robes will be worn and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then —"

She smiled around at all of the students before clearing her throat.

"The Yule Ball is of course a chance for the girls to let their hair down and the boys to make nice with the girls. But that does NOT mean that we will be relaxing the standards of behaviour we expect from Hogwarts students. I expect that no Hufflepuff student embarrasses the school in any way. Is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," chorused through the entire common room.

"Now, lastly, the Head of House will be having dancing lessons before dinnertime. If you wish to participate, you may attend. If not, I see no reason to waste your time. It is up to you! ​​If you have any questions, please, feel free to ask me," she smiled.

With that, Sprout turned around and left the common room to her own office. The entire common room burst out in excited laughter and talked about the upcoming ball.

"Excited?" Kei turned and asked Shiloh, her roommate.

"Hm, I suppose so," she hummed. "Give me a reason to dress up and dance away the night."

Kei smiled widely and grabbed onto Shiloh's arm squealing like every other girl in the room,

"Any idea on a date?"

Shiloh's face turned a shade of pink before she straightened her back and put on a hardened facade, "I think I have an idea, but I don't think he'd ask me."

"Do tell, Loh," she smiled.

The Hufflepuff's face broke out into a small smile, as though she were fighting with herself on her slight excitement, "well, there's this Gryffindor. . ."

"Oh? A Gryffindor," Kei teased.

Shiloh rolled her eyes and slightly shoved Kei, "oh never mind that. You?"

"Well, I have no idea who would possibly ask me, but I hope I do get asked. I rather not go alone," they frowned, "that'd be quite sad."

Their conversation ended as Shiloh's own friends stole her away from Kei.

The line in the entrance hall was longer than Kei had ever seen. She found Tiberius in the midst of the chaos, only to find out the line was to put their names down for who was staying at Hogwarts for Christmas. Everyone in the fourth year and above seemed to be staying, and they all seemed to be obsessed with the upcoming ball. Walking around the castle was never something people had trouble doing, but thanks to the ball, it was nearly impossible as people stopped one another in hopes of invitations to the ball. Not only did the boys stare, but the girls giggled and whispered in the corridors, shrieking with laughter as boys passed them, girls excitedly comparing notes on what they were going to wear on Christmas night.

"Have anyone in mind that you'd like to ask?" Kei casually asked Tiberius as they made their way back from Ancient Runes.

"Not really," Tiberius shrugged. "I haven't a clue. Loads of girls have practically begged an invite out of me. It's quite distasteful. And you?"

"I don't have many guy friends besides you and Vic," she responded. "Maybe Silas, but I don't think dances are his scene. I would rather not force them to go just so I don't end up alone."