Scratches (Fred Weasley)

(68) Winter Woes

"Oh my god," whispered Nicolai, as she continued to peer from behind a book, looking like an almighty stalker. She had her brown eyes fixated on Julien Fransson, who was currently in the company of a group of girls. "Is he going to ask one of them to the Ball? Oh god, there goes my dream..."

They were at the courtyard, waiting patiently until their next period rolled by. A lot of sixth year students also hung around, especially during free periods.

"Don't assume," Alexander said simply, knocking down the book she had been hiding behind, "Why don't you just ask him out if you're that desperate."

"I'm not desperate," she retorted, "And I want him to be the one who wants to take me to the Ball."

"Looks like he isn't asking one of them out?" Florence told Nicolai as she watched the Beauxbatons boy stalk away from the group after an exchange of goodbyes. Nicolai let out a relieved breath, before staring at his retreating figure.

The rumors of a Yule Ball had spread around the castle like a wildfire as the first week of December rolled by, after the Head of Houses announced it to their respective houses. It was nearly Christmas time again, and the Hogwarts castle looked majestic with thick coats of snow capping the rooftops, common room fireplaces much toastier. The Christmas decorations were hung up, garland after garland, fairy lights and wreaths all over. The Christmas tree was sporting silver and golden ornaments, looking as marvelous as ever.

There was an all new excitement coursing through the school with the possibility of a Winter Ball. Every student had been taught the traditional dance by their Head of House.

Professor Flitwick, with his creativeness, had taught the dance to the students of Ravenclaw as he stood on wooden stilts, to boost his height. Everyone had giggled at this stunt of his, and was good enough on the stilts that he actually did not fall off.

Cho Chang was given the honor of dancing with the Professor, proceeding to beckon his students to dance along with them to the music.

"May I have this dance?" Jeremy asked Florence, as Nicolai was quick in pulling Xander up to dance. She shrugged, before taking his hand, waltzing along with the other pairs of dancers.

Since that announcement, it had seemed that getting a date was the top priority for most of the people. Alexander had asked out Jillian, obviously, as soon as he found out about the ball. Cho Chang was going with Cedric.

Whether Fred was going to ask Florence was a pending situation. He had not mentioned the ball even once, and avoided the topic as much as possible. Florence assumed that maybe he didn't really want to go to the dance. As much as she would be gutted if it were the case, she would probably understand him.

She was snapped out of her trance at the sound of Nicolai toppling over in her chair, making Florence jump in her seat at the sound of the crash. She looked around to see Julien coming their way, a bright look on his face.

"Hello, Julien." Florence greeted with a smile as he sat down across from Nicolai, the sight of her on the floor making him frown, "Why are you down there?"

"The floor's cold," Nicolai blurted out, eyes wide as she heaved herself up, "It didn't feel cold enough so I—er—decided to hug the floor. Yes, I, I love the cold."

Alexander snorted.

"I see...." he said, not all too convinced, but decided not to linger on it for too long, "Hogwarts decorated the castle nicely, yes? The colors and lights are overwhelming. We never had this much at Beauxbatons. It was always just the tree."

"You should hear the Hogwarts Orchestra play. They're amazing." said Xander, who still sent amused glances at Nicolai's way.

"Oh, yes. Madame Maxime heard them practicing. Something Alanna and I are looking forward to. And the Ball. Can you believe she actually ditched me? We were supposed to go together, to spare us the trouble of looking for dates."