I'm not a coward, just shy (Hogwarts fanfic)

CH 18 - frost bite

I stared in the mirror in dismay feeling as if I had just escape from an attacking wolf pack. Hermione and Ginny had pounced on me having told them what Dumbledore asked me to do and used me as a dress up doll. I had been forced to change into my Father's robes and forced to wear contracts which had been difficult because I couldn't seemed to touch my eyes. Then they had attacked my hair and somehow slicked it back. I had to say that when I looked in the mirror, if it hadn't been for my unnerving eye color, I wouldn't have recognized myself which would be a good thing. It was the day of the Yule ball and Hermione and Ginny had also transformed themselves and they also looked like different people. Ginny had dawned an Orange dress. Not the kind of obnoxious orange, but a warm sun rise orange. Her red hair in a pony tail. The bodice was fitted but the gown fell in light waves to her feet, flowing lightly as she walked. Hermione had made the biggest transformation out of all of us. Her once frizzy uncontrolled hair was up in a smooth elegant bun, small pieces of hair hanging in soft waves. Her dress was a gradient of rose colours rippling down to the form. I felt an unnerving wave of butterflies in my stomach, now just realizing what I had committed to.

"Why did you agree to this?" Hermione asked, "Not that it's not a good idea" She quickly added.

"The Strange sister's vocalists caught a case of fire throat and is unable to perform. Dumbledore asked me if I could sing and play guitar when the party part of the evening starts up. I have no idea why I said yes" I groaned. Taking a hold of the silver and black masquerade mask which I was allow to wear as half of the compromise I made. The second part was making sure that Luna was still allowed to attended.

I had been horrified that Dumbledore would even think I would do that. Thinking that my agreement was a case of a momentary collapse of sanity, I dawned the mask. I stood up looking for approval.

"Who do I look like?" I asked. They were studied me.

"Sky night?" Ginny said more of a question than anything else. Hermione shook her head.

"Black, Considering it's your father's name it seems simple and fitting" she smiled. Ginny nodded far more excited than I was. I felt a sinking pick in my stomach.

"I hope I don't freeze up" I said unsure.

"You'll be fine, just trust you" She hugged me with a smile. I swallowing I nodded. looking at the clock on the wall.

"You better go, Take care of Luna tonight, I need to take a few detours" I said smiling and they nodded, babbling there excitement and wishing me luck before leaving with my thoughts.

I finally got behind the stairs to the stage which had been magical conjured. Everyone had eaten then dinner and had just finished the formal dance. Now it was time for the party to get started.

"You ready" Asked one of the weird sisters. I nodded.

"Yes, Sorry about your sister" I said, the women shook her head.

"She'll be fine, though I am glad they were able to find a stand in" She said, she was a pretty women but as the name implied I couldn't help but feel that there was something off about her in my gut. Not in a dangerous way but it was there. Almost like a physical feature but out of sight.

"Now can we have a warm welcome to the Weird sister and A last minute stand in" Professor Flitwick's high pitched voice rang though the hall above modified to be loud. I swallow nervously, looked back at the two sister and made my way onto the darken stage. I closed my eyes and forced myself to breath calmly. The Melody started and I opened my eyes.

(I'm still here by John Rzeznik, cover by Caleb Hyles)

"I am a question to the world,

Not an answer to be heard