The Masked Ball

by Serena-chan

A/N: Here's a little Harry/Ginny fluff just in time for Valentine's Day!

Note: This takes place the year after The Goblet of Fire.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.

Chapter One: Frigid Weather

The month of January had not been kind to Hogwarts, and the month of February didn't seem to be going much better. Frigid winds, icy blizzards, and below-zero temperatures had kept students and teachers alike trapped inside the school. Hogsmead trips were canceled. Care of magical creatures lessons had to be taught inside the school, and, because the snow prevented creatures from being transported to and from the castle, lessons had been very dull except for the occasional book bag being chewed up by one of the care of magical creatures books. Even the owls had to stay indoors as the winds were too strong for them to fly.

Needless to say, with no news from the outside world and not being able to leave the castle, everyone was suffering from severe cases of cabin fever. Teachers were snippy with one another, and students got into fights in the halls on a regular basis. To put it quite simply, everyone was in a really fowl mood.

To make matters worse, the usually drafty corridors and classrooms were now icy in temperature. Everyone was coming down with colds, and Madam Pomfrey was so swamped with patients that she was telling anyone who would listen that she would go mad if the weather didn't improve soon.

Albus Dumbledoor had always disliked being around people who were in fowl moods, and he disliked it even more when he felt such moods begin to creep up upon himself. Something must be done, he decided, to raise everyone's spirits, but what?

The following day, as Harry Potter was trudging down the stairs of the boys' dormitories, he noticed a large group of students in the commons crowding around the Grifindoor message board. He hurried forward, but couldn't see for a group of fourth year girls squealing and jumping up and down in front of the board.

"It's another ball," said Ron, coming up beside him.

Harry groaned. "I hope it won't be as bad as the last one."

"Yeah, the Yule Ball was pretty awful," Ron admitted. "Still, it will be nice to have some excitement around here."

"True," Harry admitted. He thought about last year's ball. Maybe this time he could ask Cho to be his date. "Who's your date going to be?"

"No dates this time," said Ron, shaking his head. "It's a masked ball. We're not supposed to let anyone know who we are. I guess Dumbledoor thinks that'll help everyone get along."

Ginny felt excitement building inside her as she read the large post on the message board. It said:

Hogwarts to Hold a Masked Ball

Professor Dumbledoor, in his wisdom, has decreed that due to the unhappy conditions we find ourselves in, Hogwarts will hold a masked ball to lift everyone's spirits. The ball will be held on Monday, February 14th, Valentines Day. Classes will be canceled to give everyone a chance to prepare for the evening's events. All students and faculty are welcome to attend.

Because those attending will have no opportunity to prepare costumes for this event, Professor Dumbledoor has invited Madam Spindleweb, known throughout England for her magical costumes and fancy dress robes, to rent out appropriate attire for this event.

Boys will be fitted for their attire on Friday, February 11th, and girls will be on Saturday, February 12th. Professor Dumbledoor hopes that you all will attend and enjoy yourselves.

Professor McGonagall

Ginny's spirits soared as she finished reading the post. Perhaps this would be the chance she had been hoping for.