Harry Potter and the Legend of the Twelve

The Kiss

The Halloween dance was the number one topic of conversation around the castle. Most students were not going in costume, as they thought it might be easier to dance without a bulky costume. For many of the students, it would be the first real dance they would go to, and all were really excited.

Danny and Rose were going together, as were Albus and Carly. James asked a second-year girl, Jennifer Harris from Ravenclaw, and Jason asked a second-year, Tanya Benson from Hufflepuff. All were looking forward to dancing, though Danny was more than a little nervous. He didn't really know how to dance, but James and Jason gave him some pointers, and he hoped he at least wouldn't embarrass himself. Rose and Carly were fussing over what they would wear. The boys were all wearing dress robes, and didn't give it another thought.

The rumor was that Teddy had asked Victoire to the dance and that Teddy was going to wear a costume so no one would know whom he was. Of course, this was the worst kept secret in the castle, but seeing as how they had been dating for years, no one said a word about it.

The youngest members of the New Marauders were looking forward to their 'dates' as well, and were planning to go in costume. Lily was going to be a Healer and Hugo was going as Court Jester.

Life proceeded as normal around the castle. Harry had received several messages from Sirius, but to Harry's dismay, all indicated he had come up empty. He had been to Wizarding communities all over the world, spoken to many historians and scholars who specialized in the life and times of Merlin, but no one knew anything more about a prophecy about a group called The Twelve, than what Neville told them. Sirius said he would return on the morning of November first. Everyone was looking forward to having him back.

Halloween arrived, and at five forty, Danny and Albus were sitting on the couch in the Gryffindor Common Room. There were a few people in the Common Room waiting for dates, or just hanging out before heading to the dance, but most of the Gryffindors were already gathering for the dance in the Entrance Hall. Both boys were in their dress robes, Danny's black, and Albus's emerald to match his eyes. Jason and James had gone to meet their dates outside their common rooms, and would meet them later.

"I wonder what's taking so long?" asked Danny.

"It takes girls longer to get ready than it does us," said Albus with a shrug. "I think it's the hair, I never really understood it. My dad says Mum takes forever to get dressed up when they are going out for something."

Just then, they heard footsteps coming down from the girls' dormitory. Both boys looked, and Rose came down the stairs. She was wearing a simple yellow dress, and had done her hair up in a knot. Both boys stood to greet her.

"You look wonderful, Rose," said Danny with a smile. "You're very pretty."

"Thanks, Danny," said Rose, as she smiled, blushing slightly.

"Yeah, you look great," said Albus. "Is Carly coming down?"

"She said she would be down in a minute," said Rose.

"Okay, then why don't you two head down and we'll meet you," said Albus.

"Sure," said Rose.

Danny offered her his arm and she took it, and they headed down to the dance.

Albus went back and leaned on the back of the couch facing the stairs to the girls' dorm. He waited and waited. It was now five fifty-five, and they would likely be late. That was all right, he didn't mind being a few minutes late, but he was beginning to get concerned.

Albus went over to the stairs to the girls' dorm. He knew boys couldn't enter the girls' dorm, so he had to make do with yelling, "Carly, are you all right?"