Trial of Time: A Hogwarts Legacy Story

(P1) Chapter 17 - Yule Ball with Me?

None of us are expecting the announcement at breakfast as Professor Black steps up to the owl lectern.

"It has been brought to my attention that the morale here at Hogwarts is at an all time low, which may or may not be related to the decision to postpone Quidditch for the year." He looks over at Professor Weasley, who seems like she's trying very hard not to roll her eyes.

"Therefore, I have spoken with Professor Weasley and the rest of the staff. Due to the absence of Quidditch this year, we are deciding to host the Yule Ball."

The Great Hall immediately bursts into excited whispers. Professor Black quickly shushes everyone.

"I am not finished!" He clears his throat loudly. "Now, the Ball is traditionally held starting at eight o'clock on Christmas night. Formal dress is required. Typically the Ball is held only in the event of a Triwizard Tournament. However, we are making an exception this year. Because there are no Triwizard Champions, you are all encouraged to nominate a male and female student from each house for Yule Ball King and Queen to lead the dances. Two of them will be crowned as the King and Queen on the night of the Ball. You may only nominate students within your respective houses," he clarifies.

More excited whispers.

"Oh, and nominees for King and Queen must be fifth year or older. Younger students are not eligible for nomination," Professor Black adds quickly. Audible groans of disapproval can be heard as the chatter increases.

"A ball?! I'm so excited!" Natty smiles. "I've never been to one before!"

"I don't know if I'm even going to go. What if I can't find a date?" I sigh.

Natty pushes me lightly on the shoulder. "Are you serious? You basically have half of the boys in the school drooling in your presence."

I doubt that. At least, not the one I want. I turn my head to look at the Slytherin table out of the corner of my eye. Sebastian is there, talking with Ominis. It's been over a week since our fight and we haven't spoken a single word to each other.

I wonder who he'll go to the ball with- no! I don't care.

I don't.

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Sebastian POV

This Yule Ball nonsense has seemingly turned everyone's brains into mush. I can't escape the chatter about it all day, not in classes, or the corridors, or even the common room.

I sit down next to Ominis at lunch as he's studying for History of Magic. "Will everyone stop going on about this damned ball?" I groan in annoyance.

"Probably not," Imelda plops down across from us. "Have you thought about who you're going to ask?"

"Is that your way of asking if I want to go with you, Reyes?" I snort, taking a sip of pumpkin juice. She rolls her eyes.

"No offense, but you're definitely not my type. I was talking about a certain Gryffindor that everyone knows you fancy," she smirks.

"I don't fancy her. And... no. We're not exactly on speaking terms at the moment," I mutter, pulling out a book to distract myself.

"That's too bad. Nellie told me that Garreth Weasley and Eric Northcott were having a row in the Gryffindor common room over who's going to ask her first," she shrugs, taking a bite of the chicken on her plate.

Weasley?! Northcott?! Ciri is well above anything that those sods deserve.

Trying not to fume, I glance over at the Gryffindor table and spot her easily. Her ashen locks braided down her back, those emerald eyes locked intensely on a book. I can't help but feel almost nauseous as I spot Weasley leaning over the table in front of her with the most smug look on his face.