Disney Hogwarts

Chapter 14: Friday, December 7, The Black LakeTiana Baker

If I'd've known that by the end of this, my heart would be broken, I would have steered clear of Beaxbatons and their caramel-colored eyes and flirtatious jokes and dashing smiles. I would have never struck an alliance and, (what I thought was), a friendship if I'd've known I'd just be under that same willow tree tonight, staring up at the stars and making wishes. If I'd've known that there would be an empty ache in my chest where my heart was, I never would've dressed up and come to this stupid dance.

Frankly, I didn't even know I had a heart up until now. To me, all that mattered was doing my very best and working as hard as I could so that I could make a better life for my parents in this magical world. When Professor Odie, the Defense Against the Arts teacher, came to our house and explained what magic and Hogwarts and hope was, everything changed for us instantaneously. Suddenly, there was a new opportunity for my family, we had a new chance to have what we needed and fulfill our dreams! So was I going to waste the one shot I had on drama with boys? Or on what other people thought of me? The most important thing was doing all I could to succeed for my family. Lottie respected that, and though occasionally she offered to introduce me to guys or do my hair and makeup, I never said yes. I couldn't waste time. Sure, Belle, one of my best friends, had proved that you can like a boy and still get good marks (and frankly, she had liked Beast longer than she'd admit). But she and I always had the unspoken rule: if a boy distracted you from what really mattered, then he was not worth it.

So tell me, why did I show up to the Yule Ball?

Well, it all began because I let myself be taken in, just like every other heartbroken girl tonight.

Let me rewind and explain.

Belle mentioned to me a few weeks ago that she had helped solve Merida's riddle with her sword and that the second task would be dragons. Ever since, I had been working nonstop with Hercules to try and prepare him. Every waking moment outside of my classes and doing homework was spent either pouring through textbooks for spells that might help or it was spent with Hercules drilling those spells to perfection.

And most of that time? Was spent with him.

"So, Ms. Stick-in-the-Mud, are you going to the infamous Yule Ball?" Naveen wiggled his eyebrows at me, leaning against the willow tree. We sat near each other under the willow tree where we always met for practices or "tutoring sessions." A few yards away, Hercules was practicing his aim while in motion, basically sprinting around the snowy field and firing jinxes at a wooden dummy.

I chuckled nervously. Did most girls giggle? Was I supposed to giggle? I know Lottie giggles, but... "I don't know yet, Naveen. I'm not much of a dancer. And besides, I don't have a date."

Naveen gasped dramatically, putting his hand on his heart to absorb the shock. "Don't know how to dance? Everyone knows how to dance, they are born with it!"

I shook my head, directing my gaze to watch Herc somersault a fake jet of flame. "Not me, I guess. I just...I never had time to learn."

Naveen scoffed and pushed himself to his feet. He brushed himself off and offered me his hand. I hesitated a moment, but there was something in his eyes, I don't know if it was kindness or tenderness or more of the charm he always used on every girl within a thirty-meter range, but it made my heart go all fluttery. He pulled me to my feet and said, "Okay, Tiana. Today you learn how to dance."

No! I took a hasty step away from him, my hands in front of me defensively. "Oh no, that's okay, we're here to prepare for the Tournament, remember?"

Naveen smiled, his teeth a brilliant shade of white, but this time it was less flirty and more...sweet. "The Yule Ball is part of the Tournament, no? So we must prepare!" He took my waist and pulled me in close, my other hand in his, and he began to guide me step by step. One two three, one two three, one two three. With each step, each heartbeat, we fell into harmony. Our steps trace patterns in the freshly fallen snow like an artwork.