From friends to this -Year six (re-uploaded) Book 1/4

Chapter 27

"The Yule ball will be an opportunity for the students from all three schools to socialise and create bonds with one another," Professor Sprout explained to the common room. The common room was full, "Although I'm sure a good bunch of you have already hear about it?"

The giddy nods confirmed this. It was a Thursday and Tara had just gotten out of the most boring classes ever invented; history of magic. Binns had been rambling on and on and on about witches and ancient Greece, for what reason Tara didn't exactly know. Of course he had failed to tell the sixth year history class about this news.

"The ball is a dance," their head of house continued. A couple of people turned to each other excitedly, grinning. "All students from fourth year and above may attend, however if you so wish to invite a younger year as your partner you are allowed to do so, within reason of course."

"So, wait," a seventh year asked, raising his hand. Professor Spout nodded at him, "It's like a prom or something?"

"Precisely, live music will be played and a meal will be had." Sprout explained, "Dress robes must be worn, and the festivities will begin at eight o'clock on Christmas day, ending at midnight."

There was an eruption of excited chatter and giggles. One or two couples turned to each other and smirked, Professor Sprout did seem to catch this as she spoke, over the noise, "All of you are expected to act in a respectful manner, no thrashing around the hallways like eels out of water," there was a collected laugh at this, "And you will still have to respect yourselves."

"Wanna bet how long that'll last?" Tara joked, looking to Cedric, "Every broom closet and bathroom stall in the school will be occupied."

Cedric chuckled, "Couldn't have phrased it better myself."

The chatter continued, as people started to discuss who they would bring to the ball if they had the choice, while the already pre-established pairings started to discuss how best to sneak off. "Maybe you can ask Cho out now?" Tara suggested, smirking, "You've been taking your sweet time."

"Oh piss off." said Cedric, shoving her off her seat.

Tara recovered and got up, "I'll ask her if you don't." she teased, "Maybe then you'd get a move on."

Cedric threw a book at her, which she dodged. He was about to throw another at her when Professor Spout suddenly appeared at their little corner of the common room. "May I have a word, Mr. Diggory?" Their head of house grinned at the two of them as she asked, before pointing her wand at the book, which now lay open on the ground, "And, please respect your belongings." The book levitated and landed neatly back onto the table.

Cedric held back a smile, as he stood up, "Of course, Professor."

....

"You have to stay for Christmas this year!" Fred exclaimed, as the group of them walked into the great hall for dinner that evening, "I mean, a dance?" He exclaimed heartily,  before saying to himself, "Might get some action in, it's been a while."

Tara frowned, her heart aching a little, "Get a grip on yourself." she disapproved, "Man whore."

He put an arm around her, "Clam down, I'm only joking."

"Anyways, of course I'm staying." she scoffed, "What better have I to do?"

"And finally she joins us for a Christmas at Hogwarts," Lee rejoiced, "Took you long enough."

"So, who are you asking, Tara?" George asked, grinning mischievously.

"It's been like an hour since we found out about it," Tara said pointedly, "And who says I have to go with someone, can't we just go with friends?"