the girl with all of the choices

n i n e

2000 words

december fourteenth- dancing and dates

Last week during dinner, Professor Dumbledore announced that one of the festivities of the Tournament was the Yule Ball, a dance held on Christmas night. He informed us that our head of houses would be teaching us how to waltz in rehearsals before the Ball so that none of us would embarrass him in front of the other schools. 

Professor Sprout informed us in the common room that night that we would have our rehearsal December 14th. I was excited for the Ball. I had written to my mum describing the dress I wanted and she sent me clippings of dresses to see which one I wanted. I ended up choosing a pretty plum color ballgown, nothing short of elegant. She hadn't sent the dress yet though, so a part of me was constantly praying that I picked one I would like.

A week ago I went out with Malfoy for the second time. It was really nice. Instead of waiting to grab my hand until we walked back to the castle at the end of our adventures, he held my hand while we walked over to Hogsmeade, which made me blush. We did the same thing we did on our first date. Was it a date? I wasn't sure, but it was just easier to call them dates. We had another one scheduled for today after our rehearsal for the Ball. 

After Dumbledore told us about the Ball, I couldn't help but wonder if Malfoy would ask me. If I'm being honest with myself, part of me really wanted him to ask me. Another part of me knew he wouldn't. It would damage his reputation. He would be seen as a blood traitor, since my parents are muggles. My friends would probably hate me, for fraternizing with 'the enemy.' They think he's so evil, but he really isn't. 

My thought were interrupted by classical music. Professor Sprout had finally gotten the gramophone to work, and a waltz was playing. I looked over at Cedric, who was sitting on the boys' side of the room, and rolled my eyes. 

"My lovely Hufflepuffs," she started. "Today, you will all be learning the art of the waltz. The Yule Ball begins with a waltz, started first by our champions and their dates."

The boys sitting around Cedric started to punch him in the arms and cheer for him. Matt whistled provocatively, which made me laugh.

"Yes, Mr. Diggory, that means you," Prof. Sprout teased. She looked around at us before questioning, "Does anyone here know how to waltz?"

I raised my hand, along with Ainsley, Hannah Abbot, and a few other older girls. Cedric, Justin Flint-Fletchley and a few other older boys also raised their hands. 

"Mr. Diggory, Miss l/n," said Sprout, "would you two join me on the dance floor?" 

I glared at Cedric as Fawn pushed me forward. 

"Let's show 'em what you've got," teased Cedric, placing his hand on my waist. I smirked and placed one hand on his shoulder and grabbed his free hand with the other. 

Professor Sprout came up to us before we started dancing and explained to everyone where their hands were supposed to go. Before we danced, she whispered something to us. "Don't show off too much," she teased. We smiled back at her, slightly chuckling about her remarks. 

With that, we started to waltz. It was weird having everyone watching us, but it was fun. Cedric kept making jokes under his breath, muttering things about the people watching us. He said that one girl who looked like she was in third year had a murderous face towards me.

"She's obviously just in love with you," I jabbed at him.

"Who wouldn't be?" he joked. 

I stepped on his foot since I couldn't punch his arm.