Along Came Trouble | Book 2

Chapter 14: The Yule Ball Part One

"So, I'm not the only one who thinks Harry's going to ask you to the Ball?" Hermione asked me, when I showed her the letter my dad sent with the dress.

Blushing, I snatched it from her. "I highly doubt Harry Potter is going to ask me to the Yule Ball."

"You'd be a fool not to think so. Have you not noticed him staring at you during class, or in the Great Hall?"

"No, I haven't, because I don't stare at him during class or in the Great Hall." I told her, smirking.

"Try telling me that when someone tries getting his attention while his eyes are focused on nothing more than you."

She grinned, as my face flushed a dark red. "You're not funny, Hermione Granger. Not funny at all."

With that, I got up, and headed to the Owlery to write back to dad, thanking him for the dress and whatnot. It was weird for the halls to be empty on a Saturday afternoon. But, it was peaceful nonetheless.

I thought about what Hermione had told me. Did Harry really stare at me as she described, or had she been pulling my leg because she knows I really care about him? Usually, I would've noticed if someone was staring at me, so how is it possible that he was getting by with it so easily?

And, the chances of him asking me to the Ball were one to a million. There were so many other girls in this school. Girls who are fun, good dancers, pretty. I possess none of those factors. Okay, now I'm just full out depressing myself.

Anyway, as I walked through the corridors, I couldn't help but admire the school's beauty. Sometimes, that's hard to do when you're rushing to class, and being shoved by everyone you pass. Finally, I arrived in the Owlery.

From my bookbag, I pulled out a piece of parchment, a quill, and a bottle of ink.

Dear dad,

The dress you sent was absolutely beautiful. I'm sure you payed a fortune for it! Thank you so much! To be honest, I don't think I'll be so good at this whole Yule Ball thing. I can't even dance! And, there is no way Harry's gonna ask me, so don't even try pulling that one. We're just friends. 

I love you, even though you tease me.

Riley

"Writing to your dad?" A voice asked from behind me. I jumped, and turned around. Standing there, was Harry. 

"Yeah, just thanking him for what he sent." I said.

"You can use Hedwig if you want. She'd probably like to stretch her wings." He offered.

"Thanks, that'd be great. So, what are you doing up here?"

"I was bored. Hermione told me you'd be here."

I nodded, feeling him come up beside me as I gave my letter to Hedwig. We watched her fly off, slightly grinning.

"So, er, Riley," He began, sounding really nervous.

"Yeah?"

"I was wondering if-"

I couldn't hear the rest, over the loud sound of an owl hooting, and flapping it's wings loudly. "I didn't catch that last part, sorry."

He inhaled deeply before repeating himself. "I was just wondering if...maybe you wanted to go to the Ball with me. I mean, it's okay if you don't, I understand. I was only-"

"Harry, calm down. I would love to go to the Yule Ball with you." I cut him off. Wait, did I just say that? Wow...

"Brilliant!" I giggled at the sight of his face completely lighting up. I guess he expected to be turned down...

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It was the night of the night of the Yule Ball, and I was more nervous than ever. Hermione and I were getting ready together, putting on makeup and whatnot.

"I knew he'd ask you, I just knew it." She teased.

"Oh, shut it Miss I'm-Going-To-The-Ball-With-Viktor-Krum." I replied, rolling my eyes.

"That's different."

"How? He stares at you all the time, and you know it!"

"So?"

"So, get over it. I'm going with Harry, the end. No more teasing. Besides, I'm sure soon enough, my dad will be giving me the 'always use protection' lecture. We're not even going out!"

She laughed, while applying her lip gloss. "Oh, Riley, have some fun tonight, will you?"

"I'm sure I will. I'm just saying..."

Finally, we were ready. We headed to the Great Hall together, feeling like princesses. Well, at least I did. I'm not used to wearing dresses.

As we walked down the Grand Staircase, I felt hundreds of pairs of eyes on me, making me blush. Then, I spotted Harry, who actually had his hair slightly tamed for once. His mouth was slightly ajar, making me chuckle nervously as I stood in front of him.

"You look absolutely stunning, Riley." Were the first words he said to me.

"You look quite handsome yourself." I replied.

Before either of us could say anything else, Professor Mcgonagall came bustling up to us. "There you are, Potter. Are you and Miss Winters ready?"

"Ready, Professor?" We questioned in sync.

"To dance! It is traditional that the three, or in this case four, Champions are the first to dance. Surely I've told you that."

He shook his head no.

"Well, now you know."

From the corner of my eye, I could see Ron walking into the Great Hall with one of the Patil twins, who he must've brought.

Once she was gone, we linked arms, and lined up with the other Champions and their dates.

"Have you practiced dancing any?" I asked.

"None at all," He answered sheepishly.

"Good, because I didn't either. Come on, let's have some fun."

We both smiled at each other, before following everyone else to the center of the Great Hall. Well, Riley, prepare to have the time of your life.