Trial of Time: A Hogwarts Legacy Story

(P1) Chapter 18 - Yule Kings and Yule Queens

Christmas holiday swiftly approaches, and I decide to spend mine at the castle to avoid returning to the Muggle world. I wasn't even sure where I'd go to be completely honest, now that Fig has withdrawn me from boarding school. I made a mental note to have a discussion with him soon about where I would need to spend the summer holidays without garnering suspicion from all of the Muggles I once knew.

In the meantime, I spend the days before Christmas studying in the library and stuffing my face with holiday treats. I manage to sneak away to Gladrags for an afternoon to go shopping for my Yule Ball gown. "I have just the perfect dress for you!" Mr. Hill exclaims, setting his tea aside and running to the back of the shop.

He comes out with a bundle of dark fabric in his arms. With a flick of his wrist, the gown is now on me, with enchanted measuring tape assessing my figure for alterations. I look in the mirror and gasp softly.

It's a deep burgundy gown, with chiffon lace and sequins all across the bodice. The sleeves hang just off the shoulder in a V sweep.

"It's perfect, Mr. Hill."

After making some adjustments, I hand over the coins as he neatly packages the dress for me. Though I'd probably never admit it to anyone, I'm growing more and more excited for the ball each day.

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"You look absolutely gorgeous, Ciri!" Poppy beams as she looks over to me, working on her own hair in the mirror.

I stand in front of it, trying to tame my ashen locks. My hair is incredibly long, messy, and wild. For that reason, I almost never wear it down and styled.

Of course, today is different. I feel like I have to do something to stand out from my usual look, so I decide to curl my hair into loose, long waves. The pieces that frame my face are twisted and pinned back delicately. Imelda insisted I add that into the style.

"You do too, of course." I smile at Poppy. She's wearing a sunny, mesmerizing yellow dress that perfectly fits her tiny frame.

Most of the girls who went home for Christmas arrived back at the castle that afternoon to prepare for the ball. Since I had friends in the other houses who I couldn't invite to Gryffindor Tower, I invited them to get ready with me in the girls' bathroom that was near the dungeons.

Samantha Dale approaches the mirror beside me, stepping into her shoes wearing an expensive looking, light blue gown. "So, are you going to kiss Eric tonight?" she giggles.

I feel my face blush. "I... uh, well-"

"Oh, you totally are! I can tell by that stammering and how red your face is," Nellie Oggspire laughs beside Samantha, meticulously applying her lipstick in an elegant purple dress. Natty, who got ready earlier than the rest of us, stands beside the stalls and helps everyone with zipping up. Her gown is a very dark burnt orange, with her makeup complimenting it perfectly.

I decide to finish messing with my hair since I figure it's not going to get any better than this. "Imelda, who did you say your date was, again?" I ask behind me without turning my head from the mirror.

Imelda laughs, stepping out from one of the stalls in a velvety, forest green gown. Her hair is straightened and flowing down her shoulders, "I haven't. I want it to be a surprise for all of you, because you're never going to believe it!"

As we all make final adjustments to our looks, Natty clears her throat. "Ladies, it's almost eight o'clock. Should we make our way to the Great Hall?"

We all make our way to the Great Hall on foot, since using the Floo would likely get dust all over our gowns. I pull up the skirt of my dress, carefully making my way up all of the stairs with the other girls.