| HIDDEN IN SECRETS |

chapter fifty-two

DATES

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"Potter! Weasley!"

There was a shuffle at the back of the class as Professor McGonagall said, "Will you pay attention!" in such a strict tone that even Verena sat up straighter.

"Now that Potter and Weasley have been kind enough to act their age, I have something to say to you all," Professor McGonagall said, taking her gaze away from the pair. "The Yule Ball is approaching – a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests."

The girls began to whisper and giggle. To hear that a ball would take place at Hogwarts sounded wonderful. The Christmas setting, the food – the boys. No girl would deny that a steady stream of handsome boys had flown in from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons.

"Now, the ball will be open only to fourth-years and above – although you may invite a younger student if you wish— "

Lavender Brown let out the loudest giggle. Parvati Patil nudged her to stop, but even she had trouble containing her smile.

"Dress robes will be worn," Professor McGonagall continued. "The ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then—

"The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to – er – let our hair down," she said, and she tried hard to smile, but failed with a frown on her face instead.

Lavender Brown giggled again, her hand pressed against her mouth to stifle the sound. Verena smiled, understanding that Brown was giggling at the strict Professor McGonagall.

"But that does NOT mean that we will be relaxing the standards of behaviour we expect from Hogwarts students," Professor McGonagall added sharply. "I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student – if any one of you – embarrasses the school in any way."

In the next few days after Professor McGonagall's announcement, all the students in their fourth year and above had signed their names to the list of who would be staying at Hogwarts. It didn't surprise Verena at all. She doubted any of them had ever been to such a formal event. They all giggled at the prospect of being asked out by a boy and Verena overheard so many talking about what to wear...

"What do you think?" Fleur asked, showing Verena a set of photographs.

The photographs were all dresses. All were elegant and stunning, each that would suit her well. Verena understood the need for a second opinion.

"My parents are sending the dress from France, so I must send them an answer by tomorrow so it gets here on time," Fleur explained. "I don't know which one to pick!"

"They're all so pretty, I don't— "

"This one is my mother's favourite," said Fleur, pointing at the picture. "But I'm drawn to this one – but this one's also pretty!"

"Hey, Cho!" Verena called, and Cho looked at her. "Which dress do you like the best?"

Cho thought for a moment. As she did, Marietta pointed to the one on the left – the one Fleur's mother liked – but Fleur didn't seem to agree with her opinion. She took the picture and set it down out of view.

"I just don't understand," said Cho slowly.

"What do you mean?" asked Fleur, looking at Verena to translate.

"I mean, why are you asking us for our opinions?" Cho clarified. "I picked up a little bit of French... "

"I was going to say... " said Verena with a little smile. "I was surprised."