Chapter Three- I Have to Find a Date

The next morning, I drag myself out of bed. All the Ravenclaws are dragging themselves down to breakfast. "Hey, how's it feel to be caught for once?" One of the Slytherins jeers as we walk into the Great Hall. "Welcome to the We-Got-Our-Party-Crashed-By-Professors Club." One of the Hufflepuffs shrugs. Owls flood into the hall, my own snowy owl dropping a large package in front of me. "Good girl." I say, stroking her feathers.

The letter attached to the package is from Mum. I am about to open it when Fiona says, "Open it!" I pull off a corner of the package and gasp. "Dormitory as soon as possible." I say, going back to the letter. "Open it now!" Emily pleads. "I don't want to get them dirty." I say. "Get what dirty?" Luna asks, not even remotely tired. She didn't stay up all night. "Mum sent me dress robes, and quite beautiful ones too." I say. "Really?" Sasha squeals. "Why, though?" I ask. "Open the letter. Maybe that will tell you?" Emily suggests. I open the letter.

Carina-

Congratulations on getting past the first task. That was a brilliant bit of thinking, but next time, do try something less risky, please? I'd like to have my daughter back next summer.

I saw Rita Skeeter's article, and I just want you to know that neither your father nor I believe you said any of those things. I've already written to Draco about it.

I hope you like these dress robes. I think it will make sense soon enough why I sent them. Also, your father would like me to tell you (again) that you need to drop Muggle Studies, and I, in part, agree. There is no point in filling you brilliant mind with useless facts about Muggles.

Love,

Mum

I sigh. I've learned to stop expecting letters from my father. He considers me something of an extreme disappointment, being in Ravenclaw. Taking Muggle Studies added to it. I personally find it odd how Muggles survive without magic.

"Hey, we're going to crash a party this weekend, any ideas?" Jayden walks up. "Slytherin has a party every weekend." I say. "We could sneak down there, then steal the firewhiskey." "Yeah that's good. Who's good at Disillusionment Charms? We could use those." He says. "Cassandra, from sixth year is. And Karyn. Ask them for help." I say. "Thanks." He says. "And." I add. "You are not to go crashing Slytherin parties without me. I still need payback on Draco." He nods. "Sure. I'll tell you when."

Everyone whisks off to class. I barely make it to Charms in time after dropping the package off. "Miss Malfoy, could I speak to you?" Flitwick squeaks. I walk over to him. "It is something of a Triwizard tournament tradition, the Yule Ball. I trust you already know about this?" He asks. "No, sir." I say. Flitwick looks shocked. "The Yule Ball is a dance. It's usually open to only fourth year and up, but we've had to make an exception for you this year, as it's traditional for the Triwizard champions to open the dance." He explains. "So, you mean, I have to find someone to bring?" I ask, horrified. "Yes." He says. "The Yule Ball will take place Christmas evening. I trust you can find someone by then?" I nod, and return to class.

"What did Flitwick want?" Emily instantly asks. I explain about the Yule Ball. "Ooh, lucky! Come on, we've got to try on those robes. Who are you going to ask?" She squeals. "I haven't really thought about it." I say. "That's no problem, you just took on a dragon. Why not ask Jayden? You seem interested in him." She says. I make a face. "Pranking Slytherin is one thing. And besides, why would I ask out a Mudblood like him?" I say. Emily sighs. "Alright then. What about Michael?" I sigh. "I'll ask."

I don't run into Michael though. Instead, I find myself face to face with one of my best friends, Terry Boot. "Terry, hey." I say, picking up my scattered books from when I crashed into him. "Hey, I was wondering, and well, um... Do you want to go to the Yule Ball with me?" He asks. I freeze. This saves problems, and creates more. "I'm really sorry, but I can't." I reply. Terry looks hurt. "Has someone else asked you already?" He asks. "No, it's just that, well, you're a halfblood, and I can't be with a halfblood, at least, not by what my parents say." I say. "It's not that I don't like you, Terry. You're my best friend." "That's what you have Emily for. She's a halfblood, too, and you guys are best friends! And since when do you care what your father thinks? You're taking Muggle Studies!" Terry snaps, his voice suddenly cold. "I care what my mother thinks, and she says Purebloods only. Being friends is one thing, Terry." I say, my voice as icy as Terry's. "Fine." Terry says, calming down. "Fine. I guess I'll see you around then." He says stiffly. "Fine." I snap. Once he turns the corridor, I burst into tears.

"What happened to you?" Lavender Brown asks, coming around the same corner. "Terry's just gone off angry, and refusing to talk." "That's none of your business!" I say. "Ooh, were you two together?" Parvati, who has appeared at her side. "No, of course not!" I exclaim, trying to back out of the hall. "If you say so." Parvati and Lavender's laughter follows me around the corner.