The Unexpected Task

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'It is traditional,' said Professor McGonagall firmly. 'You are a Hogwarts Champion, and you will do what is expected of you as a representative of the school. So make sure you get yourself a partner, Potter.'

'But - I don't -'

'You heard me, Potter,' said Professor McGonagall, in a very final sort of way.

As he left Professor McGonagall's classroom, he realised he was all alone in the corridor. It was lunchtime, so everybody had already headed to the Great Hall to eat. As he made started to make his way there, Harry's mind started to swim. No wonder that there were dress robes included in his school list this year. With all the pieces starting to fall into place, Harry forced himself to look at the task at hand. He could already picture Malfoy making fun of him in front of the everyone at the Yule Ball for showing up without a partner.

Shuddering at the thought of the look on Professor McGonagall's face if that were to happen, Harry decided that there is no way that he will make a fool of himself like that. Even though he had no real clue of how to dance, he supposed it wouldn't be too difficult to learn a few simple steps. After all, he had managed to master the Summoning Charm in an evening, admittedly with Hermione's help. Still, he could not help but feel anxious. It never occurred to him that he would ever be in a situation that would force him to ask a girl to a dance.

Suddenly, Harry realised just how few other girls he knew apart from Hermione. There were Parvati and Lavender, of course, but Harry had never spent a lot of time with them in order to get to know them. There was also Susan Bones and Hannah Abbot in Hufflepuff, whom Harry had sometimes exchanged a few pleasantries in between classes, but barely knew at all. Ginny sprang to mind for a brief moment, but Harry dismissed that thought entirely. While he liked Ron's little sister, he knew that Ginny would probably spend the entire evening gawping at him.

What about Cho Chang? said a little voice in Harry's head. She's quite pretty, and she's a Quidditch player so at least you have something to talk about.

That's true, but it's not like she would ever consider going out with me. Harry thought to himself.

Why not? You just got past a Hungarian Horntail in the first task. How many other blokes here can claim to have done that? said the voice again.

So what? I want her to like me for ME!

'Hey, Harry!'

Harry was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even realise that he had entered the Great Hall. Ron was waving at him to attract his attention. Taking a deep breath, he made his way towards him and sat down. Ron looked at him curiously.

'You ok, mate?' asked Ron. 'What did McGonagall want?'

'Nothing. It's just ...' Harry told Ron what Professor McGonagall said to him.

'Oh ... I get it, mate,' said Ron. 'Well, you can't worm your way out of this one 'cos you have to represent the school!' Noticing how quiet Harry was, Ron added 'But it's not like you're going to have any problems. You just defeated a Horntail! They'll be queuing up from here 'till Hagrid's hut!'

'But I don't want to just go with anyone, Ron!' said Harry suddenly. 'I don't want to go with someone just because she's some sort of fan or something. I want to go with someone who likes me for who I am and whom I can actually have fun with!'

'Well, I can understand that Harry, but does it really matter?' said Ron. 'It's only for one night. How bad could one night be?'

'I don't know, Ron.' Harry tried to think of something else to say that can get Ron to change the subject. 'Hey, where's Hermione anyway?'

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