The One With The Yule Ball

12

The lessons for the Yule Ball began the very next day following the announcement. McGonagall had all of the Gryffindor students 4th year and above meet in the Transfiguration classroom for an hour after each days lessons. Edan was rubbish at dancing but it was mandatory to attend. The first day of lessons Edan had been paired up with Cormac McLaggen to practice. He was rather piggish in Edan's opinion but she didn't protest it. 

They were working on the finishing touches of the dance. Much to Edan's surprise she was picking up the routine well but her body was always so stiff and uncomfortable. It had been nearly two weeks without a reply from Remus. The Ball was fast approaching and she was worried he wouldn't respond in time. 

After the lesson concluded for the day Edan walked with The boys, Angelina and Alicia to the common room. Both girls were ecstatic about the dance. "Edan! We're going to Hogmeades this weekend to shop for dresses. You should come!" Angelina said completely unaware of the nasty glare Alicia was shooting her. It was obvious that Alicia was not thrilled by the statement. 

Which made Edan more inclined to accept the invitation. "I'd love to." She replied smirking at Alicia behind the others backs who was absolutely fuming. 

The group passed by Ernie on their way. "Hey, we're having a study session in the Library. I'm heading that way now." He said. Edan let him know she would be there as soon as she grabbed her pack from her dormitory. Ernie nodded in acknowledgment then continued on his way. 

"Edan, who is your date for the ball?" Alicia asked while looping her arm through George's. "George asked me just after Dumbledore made the announcement." Edan suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. It was ridiculous of Alicia to think Edan would care in the slightest that George had asked her. That was what she expected to happen. 

"She doesn't have one. Her boyfriend can't attend the ball." George piped up. 

"Boyfriend?" Alicia raised an eyebrow. It was something Edan had never revealed to either of the girls. "He doesn't go to Hogwarts?"

When Edan shook her head Angelina was instantly intrigued. "Ooo. He's graduated already?! Older men are way better." Fred protested this comment; the entire group laughed at his reaction. Before Angelina could question her further Edan excused herself to grab her pack then head to the library. 

Edan was working on her Charms essay with Cedric while Hannah and Ernie studied for their upcoming Herbology quiz. The two of them were attending the ball together. Cedric was, of course, bringing Cho. Which was twice as exciting for her considering he was one of the champions. 

Cedric didn't ask Edan whether she would be bringing Remus as her date. She figured he was waiting for her to let him in on that information. Edan was eager to hear from him. This didn't look like a good sign to her. However she remained hopeful that he would agree. 

Hermione approached Edan then with a letter in hand. "Hey Edy. This letter came for you." Edan took the letter and tore it open when she recognized Remus' familiar handwriting. She thank Hermione for delivering it to her. 

Edy,

I'm thrilled you've been able to mend your relationship with George and Fred. I knew all along that would happen eventually. It was very mature of you to offer your own apology along with theirs. It's perfectly understandable to continue your close friendships with the Hufflepuffs. They all very deserving of your presence. You're going to be an extraordinary Healer or Potions Master one day given your talent and extra lessons. It's great that you've picked up your mentorship with Severus again.