Did you ever wonder how a school like Hogwarts would announce a school dance? Maybe at supper time? Or in a special meeting with the Heads of Houses? Either would have been a good option. Instead they've decided to announce a masquerade ball by notice hung in each of the house common rooms. 

It's been a while since the Masquerade Ball was announced. All the talk about it had given Chere a change of heart. She still felt like the party was a misguided idea by the school, but she thought she would have fun for once. It had been a long time since she found time to actually relax with friends. Still, Chere found herself entirely bored. The longer she was there the more ridiculous she realized the whole thing was.

It's been four weeks since the Masquerade Ball. Chere still hasn't gotten a letter from her mystery man. Not for lack of trying, though. Harry has spent the last four weeks trying to track down this mystery owl. He's beginning to lose hope. He's beginning to think that he is just wasting his time.