Twin of Potter-Book Two(UP FOR ADOPTION)

Madness is...This. Definitely This.

December came quickly and quietly. The only note at its appearance was the foot of snow on the ground and the fires being lit in the classrooms. One week before break though, McGonagal made a startling announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began five minutes before class was to end on that Thursday. "The Yule Ball will be held on Christmas Eve, beginning at eight pm and ending at midnight. The ball will be open to fourth years and up, but you may bring a younger date if you so desire. This is a chance for us to 'let our hair down', so to speak, but in no way does it mean we can behave like a bunch of babbling buffoons."

I was unconcerned by this announcement, as I had plans to go to the Burrow with Ron for Christmas. As the bell rang, McGonagal asked for me to stay.

"Yes Professor?" I asked as the class emptied.

"As a champion, you and your partner are expected to open the Ball, so find a partner quickly," she said.

"But Professor-" I protested. "I don't dance!"

"You do now," she said sternly, then smiled. "I know, Miss Potter. I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding a date."

And she was right. Over the next week, I had grown quickly tired of the boys-from first year to seventh-asking me to the Ball.

I was actually rather frightened by some of them. One seventh year looked as though he might murder me if I said no, so I had Harry do it for me.

As it turns out, instead of punching Harry, he turned and ran down the hall while bawling his eyes out.

He was a Hufflepuff.

I sat in the library, a few days after that incident, reading up on underwater spells when Hermione approached me.

I was immediately worried, as her grin was stretched across her face and was slightly demented.

"Yes?" I asked slowly, closing my book carefully.

"I've been sent to ask you to the Ball," she replied cheerily.

"By who?" I replied, going from careful to exasperated.

"Neville," she replied shortly.

I sat in silence for a second, then excused myself.

I dashed from the library to the Common Room, hoping he was there.

"Neville?" I called upon entering. He stood from a chair in front of the fireplace- my chair, I noted- and turned to face me.

"Yes?" he asked shyly.

"Yes." I replied simply, and he grinned.

"Awesome!" he said, then came over and hugged me.

"Now all I need is a dress," I laughed, then raced out to find Hermione and ask for her help.