Inside My Mind (A Harry Potter Fanfiction)

Chapter LXVII

Hogwarts, Unplottable Location, Scotland, Great Britain

Wednesday the 27th of October 1996

5:00 PM

"Now, off will all of you…ah, wait! Mister Macmillan, Mister Weasley, Mister Corner, Mister Goldstein, Miss Patil, you may go. The rest of you, please stay for a moment," Slughorn said. Bella frowned in confusion. She looked at her siblings. They looked just as confused. Bella had known something was up as Luna had been extremely happy all day.

"Sir?" Theodore voiced first.

"I wanted to hold you back because I'd like to request that you all attend a little party a friend of mine is holding on Halloween. I suppose you could call it a ball. Gwenog Jones, captain of the Holyhead Harpies, of course, invited me to her manor and I would love if my favorite pupils could attend," Slughorn said, simpering. He was looking at Bella directly and she knew that he had figured out that she made a lot of important decisions for the group.

It was a shame that this wasn't one of them. But…Luna had said something rather cryptic early.

Say yes, she had said. When she had asked about that, Luna had only gave a sharp squeal and grinned. Daphne had looked rather excited because that meant Luna was up to something and for her it was always an amusing sight when Luna was up to something.

"I'd like to attend, yes," Bella said, softly. Everyone turned to look at her before murmuring his or her agreement.

"Wonderful, wonderful! It is a costume ball, so do wear costumes. Please do meet in my office and we'll all Floo right over. Seven o' clock, sharp will do," Slughorn said. He was practically bouncing like a ball and it took all the discipline that Bella had gained in the past year not to laugh at how foolish he looked.

"Yes, sir. We'll be there," Draco coughed.

"Oh, yes. And you may bring someone to accompany you. It wouldn't do for such an attractive group to come without dates," Slughorn said. Bella nodded and knew instantly that she'd have to ask Ernie. Ernie was nice and he was fun and she was sure that she'd have fun. She wasn't sure why since she barely knew the boy and he was Goddamn Hufflepuff but she thought he would have fun.

She'd heard of Gwenog Jones and not only about her Quidditch skills. The woman was a snobby socialite as well and she knew how to throw a party. It wasn't as wild as a rave but it was rather close. Slughorn would feel so out of place or he'd feel too in place.

Bella turned from the room and someone grabbed her hand the moment she left. It was Luna. Bella laughed at the excited look on her face and she shook her head.

"You knew?" Bella asked. Luna nodded.

"Of course. And I know your costume. Would you like to know?" Luna asked. Bella shrugged. She looked at everyone and they were listening intently though they were talking amongst themselves, excited as well. Daphne was on Bella's other side. Neville was walking alongside her.

"You'll be going as Christine Daae. When she's entering the Phantom's lair. I've already sketched the costume. It resembles the musical costume but prettier. I'm going to make it for you," Luna grinned. Daphne's mouth fell open and Bella choked on her own breath. She laughed and looked at Luna.