I own nothing except for Holli Phoenix and Ariana Walsh. Everything and everyone else is owned by J.K. Rowling. A big sparkly shout-out to the best beta ever - you know who are.

Alpha Dawn

December 25, 1994

Ariana Walsh

There are many things that define us as an individual. Emotions, personal experiences, and our environment are just a few examples of the things that help determine the kind of person we are on the inside. Ariana Walsh had seen, felt, and done many things in her short time of existence. However seeing the Eiffel Tower or feeling the ancient stone of the Great Wall or even learning how to do a luau dance in the exoctic isles could have prepared her for this year at Hogwarts. She was quiet and shy but brave when called upon, and for this reason she was sorted into Gryffindor. She was good friends with two of her dorm mates, Julie Maddison and Susanna Murphy, and got along well with the other two girls in her dorm, Angelina Johnson and Alicia Spinnet.

For some reason she had yet to figure out, George Weasley was always around her when she needed someone. He somehow knew when she was homesick for her parents and needed a cup of steaming cinnamon chocolate or she just couldn't figure out the wand movements for a homework assignment and needed someone to help her.

She supposed it was for this reason he had asked her to the Yule Ball when it was announced. She had accepted, but was convinced he fancied blokes more than a girl. She sent word back to her mother, who sent her extra money to purchase a dress. There weren't but two clothing stores in Hogsmeade but only one that sold dresses.

The dress itself was simple. A navy blue tea length dress with a sweetheart neckline. Angelina, who was going to the ball with Fred, helped her fashion her her dark brown shoulder length hair into simple curls and tie them back with an ivory ribbon. Looking at her reflection, she couldn't figure out how she let Angelina talk her into the 4 inch silver heels that she was crefully balancing in. She was starting to feel proud of herself as she walked down the staircase...maybe she could walk in these heels. It was at that moment she fell down the last two stairs..and right into George, who managed to catch her at the last second. Brown eyes met green eyes, and she blushed. Grinning he helped her up.

" I know I told you it's okay to fall for me but this isn't quite what I meant." He looked at from head to toe.

" You're stunning Ariana. The north star dims in comparison to your beauty."

"Alright Romeo come on before she blushes more then humanly possible." Fred stood near the doorway, holding hands with Angelina, who was wearing a plum colored dress.

They all laughed in good nature as she blushed even more. Holding hands with George, the two couples made their way to the Great Hall.

They had danced to many songs, and they were both tired. George suggested she sit down while he got drinks for the two of them. She readily agreed and he left after making sure he was settled. As soon as she sat down her shoes came off. She sat there with eyes closed listening to the music when she realized he had been gone for near half an hour. She left her shoes where they were and went in search of him. She figured he ran into a friend or the drink table was crowded. She didn't see him anywhere near the drink table so she figured he left for the bathrooms. Heading for the hallway with the bathrooms, she heard nothing but knew that there were two people in the hallway because she could see their shadows. She was curious so she tiptoed to the corner and peered around. There about 4 foot away was Drago Malfoy...who appeared to be having a private drinking party judging by the numerous empty firewhiskey bottles...and he was snogging George Weasley. George wasn't even fazed or fighting back...in fact it looked like George was snogging Draco right back. I decided I had seen enough and I was about to sneak back down the hallway and head to my dorms when they stopped kissing. They stared at each other a moment when George spoke quietly. I could barely hear the hushed tones of surprise and curiousity.