Immortal Magic (Book 1)

Chapter Fifty-Four

Allison's Point of View.

The week leading up to the Yule Ball was absolute chaos. Unlike the boys, nearly every girl in Hogwarts seemed completely consumed by it. 

The halls buzzed constantly with conversations about dresses, hairstyles, shoes, dates, and decorations. 

Even girls from different houses who normally ignored each other had started gathering in little groups, comparing ideas for the ball.

It got so bad that during Charms one morning, Professor Flitwick eventually gave up trying to teach us altogether.

After half the class failed a levitation charm because they were too busy whispering about dress robes, Flitwick sighed dramatically and lowered his wand. "Oh dear," he muttered. "I appear to have lost you all entirely."

The girls laughed guiltily. "Very well then," Flitwick announced with a tiny smile. "Books away. Quiet games only." The classroom immediately erupted into chatter.

Lavender and Parvati squealed over fashion magazines while Hermione, Ginny, and I sat together talking quietly near the windows.

Meanwhile, the boys looked progressively more traumatised every single day the ball got closer. Not every professor was willing to let us slack off, though.

McGonagall remained as strict as ever, Snape assigned twice the normal amount of homework, Moody barked CONSTANT VIGILANCE every five minutes, and Professor Binns continued droning on about goblin rebellions as if Christmas didn't exist.

A few days before the ball, Pigwidgeon swooped into breakfast carrying letters from Sirius.

The second Harry spotted the tiny owl, he grabbed the letters while I hurriedly packed my things away.

"Common room?" Harry asked quietly. I nodded immediately. Hermione and Ron followed behind us as we climbed through the portrait hole and settled near the fire.

Harry opened his letter first.  "Dear Harry," he read aloud.

"Congratulations on getting past the Horntail. Whoever put your name into the Goblet won't be feeling too happy right now. I was going to suggest the Conjunctivitis Curse."

"That's what Krum used," Ron and I said at the same time. Harry glanced at us before nodding and continuing.

"But your way was better. I'm impressed. Don't get complacent, though. You've only just got through the first task." Harry's smile faded slightly.

"Whoever entered you into the Tournament still has plenty of opportunities to hurt you. Keep your eyes open. Particularly when who we talked about is around. And concentrate on keeping yourself out of trouble."

Ron snorted quietly at that. "Keep in touch. I still want to hear about anything unusual that happens, Padfoot." Harry lowered the letter and scoffed.

"He sounds like Moody," Harry mutters. "'Constant vigilance.' You'd think I walk around with my eyes closed, smashing into walls." Ron laughed while Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Still," I pointed out gently, "even Sirius thinks you shouldn't get complacent."

"You really ought to start figuring out that egg, Harry," Hermione added immediately. "Hermione, he's got ages," Ron says defensively before turning toward me. "Read yours, Allison."

I rolled my eyes but unfolded my letter anyway. "Dear Allison," I read aloud.

"I am happy to hear you are getting to the bottom of what is happening to you. I would like a letter back explaining what you've learned about your vampire abilities. Tell me everything."