The Girl Who Was Forgotten

Chapter 30

Chapter 30.

Magnolia, Pansy, Daphne and Tracey walked to the Great Hall on Saturday, hoping for an early lunch so they could spend the afternoon studying. They all froze as they walked into the Hall, which was already over half filled with students even though it had only just hit lunchtime.

The Hall was filled with candles, floating through the air and covering the tables. Flowers in vases were staggered around the Hall, with rose petals leading to the Slytherin table. The girls followed the petals in confusion, until they were stood where they usually sat. In front of them, resting on the table was a bouquet of peonies.

Tracey bent to the flowers, plucking the small note from it before a smile spread across her face. She turned to the other girls, holding the note between two of her fingers. She handed the note to Magnolia with a smirk.

'Nola. Put on the cloak and follow the petals.

Magnolia looked around, until she spotted a fur cloak on the seat and pulled it on. She guessed the petals must be leading her outside, and saw petals appear leading out of the Great Hall. Pansy, Daphne and Tracey followed Magnolia, giggling. Magnolia had picked up the bouquet and was carrying them.

When they walked out of the Great Hall, more petals appeared that led them out of the Castle. As they walked down the stairs that led to the Grounds, they saw lanterns with candles on either side of them. At the bottom of the steps, another small bouquet of peonies was placed in a vase with a note attached.

'Almost there! If you need warming up, there's hot chocolate in the flask.'

The group of girls giggled and continued following the petals. Pansy had grabbed the flask, and they all took a swig of the hot drink. As they began walking down a path, candles floated from the ground into mid-air, lighting the way.

Pansy wound her arm around Magnolia's squeezing it and smiling at her. The girls could see the Great Lake now, it was covered with floating candles all over it. Magnolia couldn't help the smile that spread over her face at the sight.

As they drew closer, Magnolia could hear soft singing. Daphne gasped and pointed Magnolia to a group of students who were stood by the Lake. She recognised the group as the school choir and understood that that was where the singing was coming from.

Stood in front of the choir, was George. He held out his hand for Magnolia to take, and when she placed her own hand in his he stepped closer to her. He smiled down at her and moved her, so she faced the Lake again. Hedwig flew over the Lake towards Magnolia, landing on her shoulder and dropping another note in her palm.

'Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?'

Magnolia glanced at George, who now had a single peony in his free hand. Behind Magnolia, she could hear her friends muttering to each other excitedly. Students had gathered around the group, drawn in by the extreme gesture.

"You'll have to match your tie to my dress." Magnolia stated.

George let out a relieved breath, wrapping Magnolia in his arms and twirling her around. She laughed as her friends cheered. She was only slightly shocked at their enthusiasm; Magnolia knew they were good at putting their Pureblood feelings aside at moments like this.

"What colour tie should I be getting then?"

"I'll let you know when I know." Magnolia smiled, "Talking of which, I imagine Pansy is going to want to discuss that now that I have a date."

George laughed, "Go. Can I see you tomorrow?"

Magnolia nodded. She began to walk away from George, but changed her mind at the last minute, turning back to George and placing a small kiss on his cheek.