The Best Year (A Cedric Diggory Fanfic) {HIATUS}

Chapter Twelve: Grand Preparations

The Best Year

Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything you recognise.

Author's Note: Nothing really to add, just remember to let me know what you think!

NOTE: Fun fact, Gladrags Wizardwear, the store introduced later in the chapter, actually does have branches in Paris, according to Pottermore.

Happy Reading!

Chapter 12: Grand Preparations

Sunday, December 6th

Knock! Knock!

"Fleur, come on already! Do you want the carriages to leave without us?!" I called, continuing to rattle the knocker, on Fleur's compartment.

"I'm coming, patience! No need to get your wand in a knot!" said Fleur, opening the door.

She looked absolutely stunning, as usual. She had on white, skin-tight jeans, with a yellow sweet heart top, and a thick woollen beige coat. I was awoken in the early hours of the morning, by freshly falling snow, so the day was bound to be cold. In contrast to her, I was a lot more bundled up, with several layers of various shades of grey; I was definitely not yet in the holiday spirit.

"Finally, we have not long until the carriages depart," I said, pulling my tunic tighter around me.

"Nonsense Alex, we'll be okay," said Fleur.

We departed, back towards the castle, our feet sinking a little in the snow.

Christmas at Hogwarts was definitely festive; Cedric claimed that it was more so than usual, due to Hogwarts' foreign guests. Everlasting icicles had been attached to the banisters of the main marble staircase, and twelve Christmas trees were set up in the Great Hall; bedecked with everything from luminous holly berries, to real golden hooting owls. The suits of armour, lining the walls, were bewitched to since carols, whenever anyone passed them. It was quite hilarious, hearing an empty helmet singing "Oh come, All Ye Faithful," with knowledge of only half the words; it's raspy voice echoing within its metal sheaf. 

"So the time has really come, the Yule Ball is around the corner," I said, sighing.

"Why are you so unhappy about it? Is it because you broke up with that guy?" she asked, readjusting her overgarment. 

"I don't have anyone to take, and I just don't want to go," I snapped.

"Don't be silly, you'll be asked by plenty of people, and you'll end up having to say no to some heart broken guys," said Fleur, winking.

"You are just stating your situation," I said; it was a known fact that Fleur wasn't unpopular with the males from Hogwarts and Dumstrang; since the announcement of the ball, she had already been asked by half a dozen. 

"No, that's not true," said Fleur, flicking her blonde hair behind her shoulders, "So do you have any details about the Yule Ball?"

"Apparently Dumbledore bought eight hundred barrels of mulled mead from Madam Rosmerta, she's the woman who owns the Three Broomsticks at Hogsmeade; I'll take you there today. He also booked the Weird Sisters, who I have personally never heard off, they must be an English wizard band... or something," I replied.

"Ah ok, mum isn't really telling me anything much, which is highly frustrating," she said.

"I'm sure she has her reasons," I said.