Firecracker | George Weasley

Chapter 10

Scarlett and the rest of the Hufflepuff house were gathered in one of the large classrooms, the boys sitting on one side and the girls on the other. Scarlett was in deep conversation with Bianca about Cedric and Cho and what they thought about it when Professor Spout coughed to gain everyone's attention.

"Good morning students, we are taking a break from classes for a very rare and important occasion. As some of you may know the Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Tri-Wizard tournament since it was founded. On Christmas eve night, we and our guests gather in the Great Hall and enjoy a night of well-mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school we are expected to be an example of decency, charm and modesty. We must show ourselves to be so since the Yule Ball is first and foremost, a dance."

When Professor Sprout announced that it was a dance all the girls started whispering amongst themselves, including Scarlett who turned to Bianca and whispered excitedly "We get to 'accidentally' step on the boys toes"

"You're becoming just as bad as your boyfriend but also yes let's do that." Bianca replied amused

They were interrupted as Professor Sprout continued "We must uphold the values of the house of Helga Hufflepuff by working hard and learning the dance and be the most graceful elegant students at the Yule Ball. We are the house of the Tri-Wizard champion after all."

Everyone cheered and started chanting 'Cedric' Scarlett laughed and chanted along as she saw her brother both enjoy and feel embarrassed at what was happening. Professor Sprout let them chant for a moment before coughing once again to silence the cheers and chant. "Now for the dance. Everyone on your feet and find a partner to dance with."

Scarlett and the rest of the girls stood up keenly as the boys stood up a little slower. Cedric mouthed to Scarlett across the room 'You and Andrew? Me and Bianca?"

She nodded so Andrew and Cedric made their way towards the girls who didn't move.

"You know you girls could have met us halfway" Andrew said irritated at having to walk to the other side of the room and then back into the middle of the room. 

Scarlett smiled ready for her witty retort "We are ladies Andrew, everyone knows gentlemen with grace and elegance put all the effort in while us ladies float around."

The boys laughed "You Scar? A lady? Can't fool me, I used to share a room with you remember. The messes you make are definitely not lady like" Cedric replied causing Bianca to laugh and nod knowing that their room was covered in clothes on Scarlett's chair, bed and on the floor surrounding her bed.

The four of them practiced dancing near each other so they could still talk

"So, who you planning on asking to the ball Andy?" Scarlett quizzed him

"Good luck getting any quality information out of him Scar, he's got too many girls on the line to give a definitive answer. Knowing him, he'll probably have 3 dates to the ball." Cedric replied before his friend could

Andrew had a cheeky grin on his face "You should be honoured to be dancing with me Scar, I'm a prize. Hannah has been trying to get my attention this whole time and Susan Bones has been flirting me for 2 years now."

"Oh please, once they get to know you they'll be running for the hills." Scarlett scoffed, unimpressed by his playboy confidence.

Bianca and Cedric laughed as Andrew's face fell in disappointment.

"Come on Scar. Give the guy a break, he's only just gone through puberty. Finally, his head is the right size for his body." Bianca teased

"Scar you of all people should understand the uncontrollable power of finally becoming attractive when people didn't look twice at you. I mean, most of the guys in our year have been begging to get your attention after you came back after summer in 3rd year when you got hot. The amount of guys who tried to get Ced to introduce them to you was ridiculous."