SuperPotterLock- The Goblet of Fire

The Unexpected Task

The Yule Ball was announced just before the last week of term, but the only one that seemed remotely happy about it was Dean. He immediately asked Katie Bell to go with him, who agreed.

The morning after it was announced, he sat himself down next to Castiel at breakfast, grinning.

'So...'

Cas looked up from his breakfast. 'So?'

'Who are you going with?'

'Going?'

'You know, to the Ball, who are you going with?'

'I'm not going.'

Dean looked aghast. 'What? Why not?'

'Gabriel and I always go home for Christmas.'

'You can't make an exception, just this once?'

'No.' Cas turned back to his breakfast, but didn't eat much more of it, instead pushing it around with his spoon so Dean would stop talking to him.

Dean rolled his eyes, but then spotted John a little further down the table.

'John, who are you going to the ball with?' he called.

'No one,' he said moodily, watching Sherlock leave the room.

'Jeez, what is everyone's problem?' Dean muttered to himself.

'Probably that you're the only one that enjoys large social gatherings,' Cas reasoned. 'It's easy for you, but not for everyone else.'

'You're right. None of you have any social skills. Especially you.'

'I resent that.'

'I wasn't asking you to like it.'

Cas got up. 'I'm going to class, which you should also be doing.'

'Nah. Who has time for class?'

Cas tutted, but didn't argue with him any further.

Over the next couple of days, most of the girls around the castle came over all giggly. Harry was asked to the Ball by a few different girls, so shocked the first time that he said no without even thinking about it.

John himself was asked to go by a fifth year Hufflepuff. He almost said yes, but then he saw Sherlock walking past, and politely declined. Instead, he steeled himself to ask Sherlock.

The opportunity arose when they were alone at lunch. Hermione had dragged Harry and Ron up to the library, Cas was helping in the hospital wing, providing potions both for calming nerves, and his own, highly effective Pepperup Potion.

Sherlock was munching on a slice of toast, staring at the wall, deep in thought.

John's palms were clenched closed and slick with sweat. 'So,' he said, in a thin attempt at a light tone. 'You have a date for the Ball yet?'

'I do,' Sherlock said.

John faltered. 'You- you do?'

'Yes. You can meet her at the Ball.'

'Oh,' John said, deflated. 'Good. Yes, I'd love to meet her. Anyway, best get going. Get down to the greenhouses- Herbology and everything.'

'Have a good lesson.'

'I- I will, Goodbye.' He tripped over his seat on his way out, and all but ran out into the courtyard. 'Stupid,' he muttered to himself. 'Of course he has a date.' He kicked at a pebble, which clattered across the cobbles, then actually made his way to the greenhouses.