The Other Malfoy// Bill Weasley

Chapter XIX

A Ball

November 14th, 1986

Today was Aspen's sixteenth birthday. Then in six days would be Bill's sixteenth birthday.

Aspen made her way down the stairs into the common room where Bill and Charlie were waiting for her.

"Happy Birthday!" They both yelled out and Aspen grinned as she walked over to the brothers and hugged them each.

"Thank you! It sucks it's only Sunday. If it was Saturday we could've all went to Hogsmeade." Aspen said as Bill lowered a sash over his girlfriends' shoulders that read Birthday Girl.

"Doesn't really matter now, does it? McGonagall has all Gryffindors, fourth years and above, meeting in the Transfiguration classroom in about an hour." Charlie said and Aspen's bright blue eyes turned to him.

"Really? Did we all do something we don't remember?" She asked as the trio walked out of the common room and downstairs to the Great Hall for breakfast.

"Probably. But it's not just our house meeting. Every house is meeting." Charlie said as they walked to their normal spot in the middle of the table and sat down.

Aspen pulled a toasted bagel and the cream cheese towards her before raising an eyebrow at Bill who was looking at her.

"What do you know that I don't know?"

"Your father wrote to you. Oliver brought me the letter to give to you." He said and Aspen slowly bit her bagel before holding her hand out.

"Well like Marie said. I have lived fifteen wonderful years without him. I can go my entire life can't I?" She asked as she placed her bagel down and opened the letter.

Dear Aspen,

Happy Sixteenth Birthday Darling! Oliver wrote to be saying you have helped him out a lot with his schoolwork on top of studying for your O.W.Ls and being a prefect.

I remember the day you were born very clearly. Your mother had sent an owl after you were born and your stepfather was away doing only what he knows. I went to your mother's home and walked inside and saw her holding you.

And I just knew the best thing I could do was leave you so you could be protected beyond what I could protect you. You stared your blue eyes at me and you looked so happy.

I wish you a very Happy Birthday and I hope you would stop by the house for the holidays.

Your father,

Oscar Woods.

Aspen stared at the letter for a moment before folding it back up and handing it to Bill and returning to eating her bagel. The two Weasley brothers shared a look before Aspen finished eating and stood up.

"Come on. McGonagall is expecting us in the classroom in about ten minutes." She said before she turned and made her way to the doors. The two redheads scrambled to rush after the blonde girl and follow her to the Transfiguration classroom.

They found seats towards the back near Aspen's roommates before the doors in the back opened and Professor McGonagall began making her way down the stairs.

"A ball, ladies and gentlemen, is coming to Hogwarts. We usually reserve this ball for a tournament but seeming as it has nearly been a century since the last one Professor Dumbledore has decided to host a Ball. Known as the Yule Ball." She said and Aspen sat up so quickly she nearly fell out of her chair if Bill didn't grab her.

"Dress robes for you gentleman and your best evening gowns ladies. The Daily Prophet will be here to photograph the entire event. The Yule Ball is a chance to, as I have heard many times, to let our hair down." McGonagall added and Bill quickly covered Aspen's mouth to get her from laughing out loud.

"Now, one dance that will be required since usually their is a tournament. The first dance is for couples only. Known as the waltz. Now Mr. Samuel Crow step up here. You may start the music, Ms. Foster." McGonagall said and soon music began.

Aspen watched as a seventh year stepped up and begun dancing. She let out a laugh as she saw McGonagall move around the room before Bill offered her his hand.

"May I have this dance?" He asked and Aspen stared at him for a moment before nodding.

"Of course you can Mr. Weasley!" She said as he brought her to her feet. Aspen placed on of her hands on Bill's shoulder and the other on his stomach before he began to move her around the floor.

"Wonderful! Follow Mr. Weasley and Ms. Malfoy's steps everyone!" The pair heard McGonagall say before the song ended and everyone clapped.

"Who knew you had those moves, Weasley," Aspen said Bill chuckled.

"I spent some time with Aunt Muriel last summer. She forced me to learn." He explained and Aspen nodded before Professor McGonagall called for everyone's attention.

"Now remember everyone. The Yule Ball will be held on Christmas Eve starting at seven o'clock at night. It will last until one in the morning on Christmas Day. A piece of advice, spend the next Hogsmeade trip looking for an outfit!" She called out before everyone began to make their way out the door.

"So who are you going to ask to help you look for your dress?" Charlie asked and Aspen grinned.

"I am going to write to my Aunt Cissy and ask her to come next Saturday. Hopefully, she won't be Draco because he likes to escape."

"Wonderful! M