Here we go! First task here we come! How well can Rachele prepare Harry to face off against a large dragon?

Let's find out!

Chapter Four – Dragons and Dancing Lessons

"How're you feeling Harry?" Rachele asked her friend. She had watched him grow steadily more nervous as the First Task drew nearer. It was now the morning of the event and she was accompanying him in the Champions tent.

"Brilliant." Harry muttered darkly.

"It's okay to admit you're nervous, ya know." She said. "You are fighting a dragon."

"I know."

"Sorry." She grinned sheepishly. "I'm not helping am I?"

"It's fine." He assured her. "I'm glad you're here."

"Pssst! Harry! Rachele!" A voice whispered from just outside. Rachele moved the flap to reveal Hermione's worried face.

"Hermione..." Rachele blinked. "What're you doing here?"

Hermione, however, was looking at Harry. "Harry I'm really sorry. I've been such an awful friend. Can you please forgive me?"

Harry shook his head. "It's fine. There's nothing to forgive."

"But what I said at the lake-"

"Don't worry about it." Harry cut her off. "The circumstances were complicated."

Hermione shifted awkwardly for a moment. "So...how're you feeling? Okay?" Harry just shrugged his shoulders not really knowing how to answer. "The key is to concentrate." She said. "After that you just have to..."

"...Battle a dragon." Harry finished uncertainly. Next moment Rachele had to lean out of the way when Hermione launched herself at Harry and crushed him into a tight hug.

"Geez Hermione a little warning next time."

A bright flash interrupted their moment and the three teens turned to the incorrigible sight of a grinning Rita Skeeter and a photographer directly behind her.

"Young love!" She exclaimed. "How..." She turned to the floating quill and paper next to her. "...stirring. If everything goes unfortunate today you might just make the front page." Rachele felt her eyebrow twitch from the over-satisfied look on the reporters face.

"You have no business here!" Viktor Krum's voice boomed from behind her. For the first time since she saw him, Rachele was glad to see the Bulgarian Seeker. "This tent is for Champions and friends!"

Rita looked him over before shrugging. "No matter. We got what we wanted." Her photographer flashed one last picture of everyone before following the reporter out of the tent. Dumbledore and the other teachers filed inside then and Rachele tugged on Hermione's sleeve.

"We should go." She wished Harry good luck and led the other girl out of the tent. They made their way up to the stands where they found Ron waiting for them.

"Uh...you go Hermione." She said not to eager to be near the ginger male. "I'll find Ginny and sit with her." Hermione nodded and left to go sit with Ron. Rachele scanned the benches until she found the younger Weasley sitting further upwards. She pushed her way through the crowd and flopped down in the small space next to her.

"Hey Gin."

"Hey." Ginny replied. "I thought you'd be sitting with Hermione."

"Usually I would but I can't be around Ron right now."

"Aahh" She nodded. "Still being a pompous twat is he?"

Rachele snorted. "Just stubborn as hell. Ah! It's starting!"

The cannon was fired and the First Task commenced. Cedric Diggory was first and he was against the Swedish Short-Snout; an large scaly yellow dragon. His method was Tranfiguration and he attempted to distract the dragon by changing a rock into a dog. It worked to an extent. The dragon took the bait for a time and Cedric hurried to grab a Golden Egg sitting in the middle of a giant nest.

"Oh now I see." Rachele commented. "In order to complete the task they have to collect the egg. That's one detail Harry decidedly left out."

Ginny shrugged. "Maybe he didn't think it was worth mentioning."

"Are you kidding me? It's the whole point of the task!...Bloody hell..."

"Oh no!" Ginny cried out which turned Rachele's attention back to arena.

Just as Cedric had reached the nest, the dragon had turned back to him and blasted him with fire. He thankfully managed to snatch the egg and complete the task, but not without a large burn on the side of his face.

"Ouch." Rachele cringed. "That's gonna be a fair healing job right there."

Next to compete was Fleur Delacour against a Welsh Green dragon. Her round ended much quicker than Cedrics but it still wasn't without it's consequences. She had enchanted the dragon to fall asleep, but while she rushed to retrieve the egg, the dragon let out a snore and a jet of fire propelled out of his nose setting the girl's skirt on fire. But she quickly extinguished the flames, grabbed the egg and quickly vacated the arena. Rachele was impressed with her quick action.

Third was Viktor Krum fighting a Chinese Fireball dragon. He used a Conjunctivitis Charm to blind the dragon and was just as quick to snatch up the egg. The dragon unfortunately staggered around in a panic and stomped on it's own nest, destroying a handful of the real eggs.

"That'll definitely cost him points." Rachele said. "And the dragon will be very pissed when it finds out."

Ginny cringed. "Never good when a dragon is angry."

"Nope. So guess Harry's next. I wonder what...oh crap."

"What's wrong?" Ginny asked noticing the look on her face.

"Harry told me about one of the dragons he knew about. And that's the only one I haven't seen yet." Rachele groaned. "And he's probably gonna have to verse it, oh friggin hell."

"What sort of dragon?" Ginny asked.

Rachele looked at her. "Hungarian Horntail."

Ginny's jaw dropped in horror. "Blimey..."

"Yeah...I know."

And they were right to be nervous. When the Horntail was brought into the ring by dragon trainers, everyone could see how much more temperamental it was compared to the others. They managed to chain it to the floor and now all was left was for the last remaining Champion to emerge. The cannon fired signalling to Harry it was clear and the boy came into view a few moments later. Rachele studied her friend intently and could see the fear on his face. "Come on Harry..." She muttered. "Remember what we practised."

Harry made a run for the egg but didn't make it far when a angry Horntail cut off his path. He managed to dive behind some rocks in time to avoid the flames that the dragon fired at him. The two played cat and mouse for several minutes until Hermione's voice could be heard in the crowd.

"YOUR WAND HARRY! YOUR WAND!"

"Well said Hermione." Rachele chuckled.

Harry seemed to have heard her since he pulled out his wand and pointed it to the sky. "Accio Firebolt!" With her enhanced hearing, Rachele heard what sounded like a window shattering and a heavy object soaring in their direction. 'Well I guess it worked then.' A minute later Harry's Firebolt came flying into the arena and towards it's owner. When it was close enough, Harry leapt off a large rock and landed on his broom with the dragon on his tail. The crowd cheered as he swerved around the Horntail, barely avoiding being hit by either it's claws or flame. Eventually Harry was able to outsmart the beast. He hovered above its head and waited patiently for it to attack. When it lunged at him, he dodged it's teeth and swooped down to the nest. He snatched the egg and flew out of the arena. Somewhere in the middle, one of the spikes on the dragons tail had slashed his shoulder, which was thankfully the only injury he had required.

"Merlin." Rachele slumped in her seat. "My heart can't take much more."

"Let's just be grateful he's alive." Ginny breathed. She too was on edge after watching Harry's performance.

A few minutes later the scores for each Champion was announced. Harry was tied with Krum for first place. (Rachele and Ginny cheered and high-fived.) Cedric came in second while Fleur trailed the group in third.

"Come on." Rachele nudged Ginny after the announcements were made. "Let's go find Harry and congratulate him."

(Later)

After Harry's battle with the dragon, the entire house of Gryffindor had changed their tune towards him. A party was initiated in the common room and Harry was paraded around as their hero. Rachele stood on the side with her arms crossed and could only watch bemusedly as the Twins lifted Harry on their shoulders and people began chanting his name.

"Hard to believe they all hated him this morning." She chuckled to herself.

"We knew you wouldn't die Harry!" George grinned.

"Lose an leg." Fred added.

"Or an arm,"

"Pack it all together."

"Never!" They both belted out.

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Merlin help those two."

"Shut it guys!" Yelled Seamus who was holding the egg. He kissed the golden surface before handing it over to their champion. "Go on Harry! What's the clue?"

Harry took it from him with a grin. "Who wants me to open it?" His question was met with cheers and applause. "Do you want me to open it?" They cheered again. "Just open it already!" Rachele yelled and everyone laughed.

Harry turned the latch on-top which opened four sides of the egg. But as soon as it came undone a loud high pitched horrific screech blasted through the room. Everyone immediately covered their ears to block the awful noise, causing the Twins to drop Harry to the floor. Having the most sensitive hearing, Rachele had collapsed to her knees and pressed her hands to her ears as tight as she could. But suddenly the sound stopped and she looked up to see Harry had quickly closed the egg again.

"Sweet Merlin that was loud." She said with a finger in her ear.

"What the bloody hell was that?" Ron's voice sounded from the doorway. The room grew eerily quietly for a moment before everyone went their seperate ways to let the boys talk. Rachele observed silently from the side and was ready to jump in when needed.

Ron shuffled up to Harry looking extremely apologetic. "I reckon you'd have to be barking mad to put your own name in the Goblet of Fire."

"Caught on have you?" Harry snipped. "Took you long enough."

"Wasn't just me who thought you'd done it." Ron jerked his head to some of the others. "Everyone was saying it behind your back."

"Brilliant." Harry said sarcastically. "That makes me feel loads better."

"At least I warned you about the dragons." Ron said.

"Hagrid warned me about the dragons." Harry argued.

"Oh no no, I did. Don't you remember? I told Hermione to tell you that Seamus told me that Parvati told Dean that Hagrid was looking for you. Seamus never actually told me anything, so it was really me all along. I thought you'd be alright, you know, after you figured that out." The boys missed Rachele face-palming in the background and Hermione chuckling at her.

"Who could possibly figure that out?" Harry asked incredulously. "That's completely mental."

"Yeah it is." Ron chuckled. "Suppose I was a bit distraught." Harry replied with a strained smile.

"Good grief." Rachele huffed. "You boys have really whacked up ways of making up. No hug. No nothing. You just awkwardly mumble at each other."

Hermione giggled. "I for one am glad you guys have found your peace."

"Yeah." Harry said grinning at Ron who returned it. "We have."

"Well that's great." Rachele threw up her hands. "I'm going for a walk." She darted out of the portrait hole before anyone could comment. She was in desperate need for some fresh air. She made her way outside and back towards the lake. But she found she wasn't alone. Sitting in the same spot she had left him was Robert Kordellus. He was leaning against the tree and had his eyes closed.

"Hey Robbie!" She greeted once she was standing in front of him.

The Slytherin opened his eyes and smiled. "Hey Gryffindor."

"Were you at the First Task? I didn't see you."

He nodded. "Yeah I was there. That was pretty intense stuff."

"Tell me about it." Rachele said plopping down next to him. "So!" She perked up. "Guess what's coming up next?"

Robert chuckled. "Judging from your enthusiasm I'm guessing the Yule Ball."

"Yup!" She grinned. "And I just saved you a lot of trouble finding a date."

He laughed. "Thank Merlin. It's hell asking a girl to dance."

"Psshh." She pushed his shoulder. "It's not as hard as you think. Guys get themselves so wound up about it."

"Oh really." He playfully pushed her back. "Is it any easier for you girls to ask us guys?"

"Sure it is." She smirked. "I asked you didn't I?"

"Touche." He said. Rachele smiled and turned away to stare at the lake. With her attention elsewhere, Robert took this chance to gaze at her. He had been contemplating the idea of officially asking her out on a date but the words always froze in his throat. He wasn't sure if she'd be interested, she seemed too distracted with protecting her three main friends in Gryffindor. Every year the infamous trio always seemed to find themselves in a tight bind. The Philosophers Stone...The Chamber of Secrets and just the previous year, the chaos surrounding Sirius Black. And now Harry Potter was forced to compete in the Tri-wizard Tournament against his own will. He could see she had her hands full with those three and didn't seem too interested in dating at the moment, so for now he was content to be her friend.

"By the way." Robert said. "I just want you to know that I think Harry is innocent. I never believed he put his name in the goblet."

Rachele smiled at him. "That's sweet of you Robbie. Harry will be happy to hear it." She turned back to the lake. "But it's better now. He's proved himself by completing the first task. The whole Gryffindor house is now worshipping him." She snorted. "Funny how peoples opinions can change so quickly. Bunch of bloody sheep they are."

Robert laughed. "Just be glad he has more people supporting him now."

"Yeah I guess." She sighed.

"And what about Ron?"

Rachele rolled her eyes. "They made up and all. But it was a typical guys way of patching up. It was the most awkward conversation I've ever heard."

Robert chuckled. "We're not into the whole emotional huggy thing. We leave that to you girls."

She grinned. "You guys are missing out on all the fun. The squeals. The tackles. Oh and you can never forget to mention how faaaaabulous the other girls hair and clothes look."

Robert cringed. "No thanks...

Rachele laughed. "Ouch." She shoved his shoulder with her own. "No need to be so blunt."

"Watch it Gryffindor." He roughly shoved her back making her giggle. "Don't start something you can't finish."

"Ooooh is that a challenge Slytherin?" She flashed a mischievous grin before grabbing a handful of fallen leaves and throwing them at his face.

"Hey!" He shook the leaves from his hair then noticed she had taken off in a dead sprint along the lake. "OI! Get back here!" He yelled as he bolted after her.

"Catch me if you can!" She taunted, laughing as he took chase.

High above them, the headmaster looked down at the two fourth years from his office window with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.

"Well done little one." He smiled at his adopted daughter. He was proud that she had extended herself and broadened her friendships to beyond her own house. She showed kindness and love to a shy Hufflepuff and could see the younger girl was quickly placing her trust in the older Gryffindor. He was also ecstatic that she had reached out to this boy from Slytherin and broken him out of his shell. Rachele was the key to bringing all the houses together and one day he hoped she could help them stand together against the approaching darkness. But for now he was content to watch as she ran around playing tag with her friend. There may come a time when the smile she wore now would become scarce in the years to come. So he promised himself to do everything in his power to ensure that she stay as happy and carefree for as long as humanly possible.

Because if anyone deserved it, Rachele did.

(A few days later)

With their group having now patched things up, Rachele could now sit and enjoy her breakfast without any unbearable tension weighing down on them. She was sitting next to Hermione and happily munching on some cereal. Now that the excitement of the First Task was beginning to die down, the Champions had some room to breathe and recover until the next event.

'I'm feeling sorry for the boys already.' Rachele sniggered into her cereal bowl at the thought of the event coming up.

"What's so funny?" Hermione raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing." She said still chuckling.

Parvati and Padma Patil suddenly floated by their table. "Hi Harry." They walked off giggling with each other.

"Good grief." Rachele rolled her eyes. She glanced at Harry but noticed his attention was elsewhere. She followed his gaze over to where Cho Chang was sitting with other Ravenclaw girls. One of them whispered to her and she turned to look at him. Harry tried flashing a smile, completely forgetting his mouth was full of juice and causing the drink to spill down his front.

"Nice one Harry." Rachele sniggered. "You're a real charmer."

"Shut up." He glowered at her as he grabbed a napkin.

"Look at this!" Hermione's livid voice came from a newspaper she was reading. "I can't believe it! She's done it again!" She slammed the paper down angrily. "Miss Granger, a plain but ambitious girl seems to be developing a taste for famous wizards!" Rachele scooted away from her as her voice grew louder. "Her latest prey, sources report, is none other than the Bulgarian bon-bon Viktor Krum! No word yet on how Harry Potter's taking this latest emotional blow."

"Wait, wait." Rachele sniggered. "Rita's actually convinced you and Harry are an item?" People around them stared as she laughed loudly. "That's hysterical!"

"It's not funny!" Hermione snapped.

"Just leave it be Hermione." Harry waved it off. "Daily Prophet is hogwash, we all know that."

"I think it's bloody hilarious." Ron chuckled but covered it with a cough when Hermione shifted her glare to him. A much younger boy suddenly approached their table carrying a large package. "Parcel for you Mr Weasley!"

"Ah!" Ron took the box from him. "Thank you Nigel."

The boy remained rooted to the spot directing a longing gaze towards Harry. Hermione cleared her throat at Ron indicating he was still there. Meanwhile Rachele was wondering who the bloody heck this kid was.

"Not now Nigel." Ron gently nudged him away. "Later." Nigel walked away looking crestfallen and the entire group looked expectantly at Ron for an answer. "I promised him I'd get Harry's autograph." He shrugged.

"Aawww." Rachele smiled at Harry. "You have a fan-boy. That's so adorable."

"Yay for me." Harry muttered.

"Hey look! Mum sent me something!" Ron had opened the parcel and proceeded to pull out a long piece of material. He stood up and unfolded it to reveal an ugly brown robe.

"Yikes." Rachele cringed. "What the hell is that thing?"

"She sent me a dress." Ron said looking mortified.

"Well it does match your eyes." Harry said peeking into the box. "Is there a bonnet? Aha!" He pulled out a frilly white bonnet and held it up against Ron. Rachele choked on her cereal at how ridiculous the whole outfit looked.

"Put those down Harry." Ron pushed him away. He walked down the table until he found his sister. "Ginny, these must be for you."

Said girl stared at the robe. "I'm not wearing that. It's ghastly."

Bits of cereal and milk spurted out of Rachele's mouth as she lost it laughing at Ginny's comment. Next to her Hermione had covered her own mouth to contain her spew of giggles.

"What're you on about?" Ron asked looking at them.

"They're not for Ginny." Hermione laughed. "They're for you."

Rachele was now laughing so hard she was clutching her stomach and desperately gasping for air. "I...can't...breathe!"

Hermione grinned at her before turning back to Ron. "They're dress robes."

"Dress robes?" Ron furrowed his eyebrows. "For what?"

"The Yule Ball." Rachele said still chuckling.

Harry looked at her. "Ball? What ball?"

Rachele grinned and turned back to her cereal. "I'm not saying a word. You'll find out for yourselves. But let's just say you're in for a pleasant surprise."

She wasn't kidding. Later on that afternoon McGonagall summoned all Gryffindors into her classroom for a surprise meeting. The room was empty save for two long benches along the side walls and a record player with a larger speaker horn. The genders were ordered to split; girls on one side, boys on the other. Rachele sat in between Hermione and Ginny, fully anticipating what their head of house was about to announce. The old woman strode in and the room immediately grew quiet.

"I have gathered you all here today to announce a special occasion." She paused for a moment. "The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Tri-wizard Tournament since it's inception. On Christmas Eve night we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for well mannered frivolity."

'Only Minerva would use a word like frivolity." Rachele thought amusedly.

"As representatives of the host school I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward, and I mean this quite literally. Because the Yule Ball is first and foremost...a dance."

The girls all started whispering excitedly to each other while the boys groaned and slumped in their seats.

"Silence!" McGonagall ordered. "The house of Godrick Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly ten centuries. I will not have you in the course of a single evening besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons!"

"That was a tongue twister." Rachele whispered. Ginny giggled while Hermione elbowed her to be quiet.

"Now to dance is to let the body breathe." She faced the girls. "Inside every girl a secret swan slumbers longing to burst forth and take flight."

"Something's about to burst out of Eloise Midgen but I don't think it's a swan." Ron whispered not so quietly to Seamus. Rachele glanced behind her at said girl and saw the hurt look on her face. She glowered darkly over at the boys. "Insensitive prick."

"Inside every boy a lordly lion prepared to prance. Mr Weasley." McGonagall stared pointedly at him.

"Yes?" Ron muttered.

"Would you join me please?" She requested.

With a push from Harry, he grudgingly rose to his feet and joined her in the middle of the floor. Rachele smirked at his distraught expression. "Serves him right."

"Now. Place your right hand on my waist." McGonagall directed.

Ron's eyes widened. "Where?"

"On my waist." She repeated sharply.

He obeyed and placed his hand on her side. A wolf whistle came from the Twins and he glared at them. Rachele sniggered and gave them a thumb's up.

"Mr Filch." McGonagall signalled the caretaker who had been standing next to the record player. He moved the pin into place and a gentle slow song wavered through the room. The older woman guided Ron slowly around the room in a steady waltz.

"One, two, three, one, two, three..."

Rachele and Ginny had bowed their heads together to have a giggle at Ron's expense. Hermione just watched the scene with an amused smile.

"Everyone come together!" McGonagall said to everyone. The girls were instantly up and moving forward but the boys refused to budge. "Boys! On your feet!"

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Typical males." But then much to her surprise Neville stood up and walked determinedly to the girls. He paused for a moment and looked over them, obviously deciding who he should ask. Rachele decided to cut him some slack and she walked over to him with a smile.

"Heya Nev. Wanna dance?"

Neville smiled. "Okay."

Rachele quickly found out Neville was a natural dancer. He took her hand and smoothly led her into the same waltz. If she hadn't asked Robert to be her date already, Rachele was sure Neville would've been a pleasant partner to have at the ball.

"You're a natural Neville." She complimented him as he gave her a twirl. "Where on earth did you learn?"

"Just a side hobby in my spare time." He shrugged modestly. "Don't suppose you'd like to accompany me to the ball?"

"Oh Neville you're a sweetheart." Rachele smiled apologetically. "I'd love to but I'm already going with someone."

"Really?" He said shocked. "But we were only just told about it."

She grinned. "I've known for a while. So I've had all year to find someone."

Neville chuckled. "Fair enough. Am I allowed to know who it is?"

She glanced warily at Ron before leaning in. "Don't tell anyone. But I asked Robert Kordellus."

"That serious looking guy from Slytherin?"

"That's the one!" She chirped.

"Why him? If I may ask."

She smiled. "He's been a really sweet friend to me. He was there at a time I needed someone to talk to. So I asked him to be my date as a way of thanking him."

Neville nodded in approval. "He sounds like a good guy."

"He is. He's misjudged because of the house he's in. I wish more people can see the Robert Kordellus I've gotten to know."

"Well I hope he keeps being your friend then."

"Thanks Neville." She smiled. "I do too."

The dancing lessons continued on for a little while with Rachele rotating different partners such as Seamus, Dean, Fred and George and she even managed to convince Harry to have a spin despite him having two left feet.

"You should get some tips from Neville." She teased.

"Shut up. I never learned." Harry pouted.

But learning how to dance was one thing. Finding a date was a different and daunting task altogether. Rachele could only watch in pity as Harry and Ron struggled to ask a single girl to be their partners. She knew Harry had set his sights on asking Cho Chang and she and Ron tagged along with him when he announced he was going to talk to her.

"Why do they have to travel in packs?" Harry asked as they passed by several groups of girls in the courtyard.

"It's a girl thing." Rachele explained. "We like to intimidate."

"You're doing a bloody good job of it." Ron muttered.

They finally found Cho surrounded by half a dozen other Ravenclaw girls. Harry hovered around them timidly and they all shot him icy glares. Rachele shook her head when he second-guessed himself and walked away.

"Blimey Harry." Ron said as he and Rachele caught up to him. "You slayed dragons. If you can't get a date who can?"

"I think I'd take the dragon right now." Harry said shakily.

Rachele rolled her eyes. "Pair of wimps the both of you."

"Easy for you to say." Ron glowered at her. "You just have to wait around for some bloke to ask you. No effort needed."

"True story." She grinned. "But it's so entertaining to watch you boys drown in your own sweat."

"By the way, either of you seen Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Probably in the library." Rachele shrugged. "As per usual."

"Hey guys!" There was Hermione waving over to them from the other end of the courtyard.

"Ooorr she could be right there." Rachele chuckled. "Hi Hermione!" She waved as they walked over to her.

"You guys do remember we have a study session with Snape don't you?" Hermione told them.

"Aaaaww man." Rachele groaned. "Why'd you have to go and mention that? Fine let's go."

The four of them made their way to a large classroom where the potions master was waiting for them. The room was already filled with other students buried up to their neck with homework They took their seats and wasted no time pulling out their books and papers.

"Merlin I'm bored already." Rachele grunted.

"Ssshhh!" Hermione nudged her.

Rachele huffed as she pulled out a quill, the other three following her example. It was quite for a long while until she heard a heavy exhale of breath. She glanced over and could see Ron looking around the room with frustration.

"This is mad." He said. "At this rate, we'll be the only ones in our year without dates. Arghh!" Snape had strutted by and shoved Ron's head back towards the desk. Ron waited until he was gone before leaning over to Harry.

"Well..." He sniggered. "...Us and Neville."

"But then again he can take himself." Harry joked.

Hermione paused with her work and leaned in as well. "It might interest you to know that Neville's already got someone."

"Aaaww." Ron deflated. "Now I'm really despressed."

"Ha ha." Rachele smirked. "That's what you get for making fun."

Sitting across from them, Fred Weasley scribbled something on a piece of paper and tossed it over to his younger brother. Ron snatched it and whispered the message aloud. "Get a move on or all the good ones will have gone." He looked up at him. "Who are you going with then?"

Fred scrunched up another bit of paper and tossed it over to Angelina Johnson, one of the chasers for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. "Oi! Angelina!" She gave him a 'what?' look. He pointed to her mouthing 'you,' made a dancing motion, 'the ball' then pointed to himself, 'with me'. Angelina grinned and gave him a eager nod. Fred smirked and gave a victorious wink towards Ron.

"Smooth one Casanova." Rachele grinned at the twin who was looking extremely proud of himself.

Seemingly desperate, Ron turned to the girl next to him. "Hey Hermione...you're a girl."

She gave him a dark look. "Oh well spotted." Neither noticed Harry tugging at Ron's sleeve to warn him of the approaching teacher.

"Come with one of us?" He asked, flinching when Snape whacked him and Harry hard over the back of their heads with a book. The potions master walked away and Ron turned back to Hermione. "Come on. It's one thing for a bloke to show up alone. For a girl it's just sad."

"I won't be going alone because believe it or not someones asked me!" Hermione hissed. She grabbed her worksheet, walked over and handed it to Snape and stalked back to their table. "And I said yes!" She snipped before stalking out of the hall.

Rachele glowered at Ron. "Nice going Ron. You just mastered how to insult a girl in a single sentence."

"Bloody hell." Ron watched Hermione go flabberghasted. "She's lying right?" He looked at Harry who shrugged. "If you say so."

"Of course she's not lying you idiots." Rachele glared. "I know who asked her. She told me."

Ron stared at her. "Who is it then?"

"Nope." Rachele turned back to her books. "You're not hearing it from me." She glanced up and could see Ron still staring at her. "What?"

"Will you go with one of us?" He begged. "Come on Rach, we're desperate here."

"Oh I'm flattered Ronald." She spat. "I'm your last resort am I? Oh I'm swooning over here." Harry let out a snigger.

"I didn't mean it like that." Ron grinned. "I'm politely asking if you'll take one of us as your date."

"That's better." Rachele smiled. "But I'm already going with someone."

Both boys were now staring in disbelief at her. "What?"

"You have a date?" Harry blurted.

She glared at him. "Is it that hard to believe?"

"Who're you going with?" Ron asked.

"None of your business." Rachele snipped. "Now shush I have work to do." She ducked her head back down just as Snape appeared beside them. Unfortunately the boys had decided to keep chattering and she held in a snigger at the fed up look on the teachers face. He pulled his sleeves back and pushed each of their heads down causing them both to yelp in pain. Rachele was finding it very hard to focus and not lose it laughing.

"You guys suck." She whispered causing them both to glare at her.

Eventually the three were able to finish their work and go out to enjoy some well earned free-time. Harry told them that he wanted to head over to the owlery to send a letter to Sirius and Rachele jumped in saying she wanted to tag along. They split off from Ron ("I'll go find Hermione.") and trekked through the freshly fallen snow. It was now falling into the winter season and the temperature was dropping by the hour. Rachele shivered and wrapped her cloak tighter around herself.

"Sweet Merlin it's freezing."

"Yeah it's bit nippy out." Harry said folding his arms.

They hastily climbed the steps up to the tower where the owls were kept, eager to get this over with and head back to a warm fireplace. Harry was the first to turn into the entrance and stepped back with a gasp when he nearly collided with Cho Chang.

"Cho!"

"Harry." She smiled.

"Um..." Rachele glanced between them. "I'll just go...over here." She wandered over to a random barn owl and patted it's feathers.

"Watch your step." Cho warned as she headed out. "It's a bit icy at the top."

"Thanks." Harry said. He turned away but then paused in his tracks. He whirled around and called out to her. "Cho!"

She looked back at him. "Yes?"

Rachele waited anxiously for Harry to ask her what she knew he wanted to ask. It was driving her insane watching him pine after this girl. It was painful to watch.

"Um...I-" Harry stuttered. "I uh...wangobawime?"

Cho frowned. "Sorry?"

He cleared his throat. "I was just wondering if you wanted to go to the ball with me."

Rachele smiled. 'Atta boy Harry.' But then she saw the look of pity on Cho's face. 'Uh oh...'

"Oh." She looked at him sadly. "Harry I'm sorry but someone's already asked me. And well I've said I'll go."

"Ok..." Harry said with a brave face. "Great. Fine. No problem. Good." He turned away when she called out to him again. He hurried back with a hopeful look.

"I really am sorry." She said sincerely. She gave one last apologetic smile before disappearing down the stairs. Harry watched her go with slumped shoulders.

"Bummer Harry." Rachele frowned. "Wonder what annoying twat beat you to the punch?"

Harry shrugged. "No idea."

Rachele stood back while he strapped his letter to an owls leg. After the bird flew off, the pair then began their long trek back to Gryffindor tower. Harry was silent the whole way and Rachele could find no words to comfort him. She had just witnessed him being flatly rejected by the girl he fancied and she could understand how much of a blow it must've been. A little later they were in the common room and Harry lay on the couch, gazing with empty eyes into the fireplace and clutching the golden egg. Rachele and Hermione sat on the ground next to him for general support; if he needed someone to talk to, they were there.

They heard the portrait holes swing open and Ginny walked in supporting a pale and shaky Ron. "It's okay Ron...it doesn't matter."

Harry, Rachele and Hermione dashed over to their friend. "What happened to you?" The former asked.

"He just asked Fleur Delacour out." Ginny said.

"What?" Hermione's eyes widened

"Blimey." Rachele gawked. "You got guts mate."

"What did she say?" Harry asked?

"Well no of course!" Hermione declared but Ron shook his head. "She said yes?" She gasped.

"Don't be silly." Ron said. "There she was walking by. You know I like it when they walk." Rachele rolled her eyes. "It just sort of slipped out."

"Actually." Ginny cut in. "He sort of screamed at her. It was a bit frightening."

Rachele cringed. "Can only imagine."

"What did you do then?" Harry pushed.

"What else?" Ron squeaked. "I ran for it! I'm not cut out for this Harry. I don't know what got into me."

"Like you said before Ron." Rachele grinned. "It's called desperation."

"Shut it Rach." Hermione pushed her back. "Can't you see how distraught he is?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh sure. No way he'll survive through this."

Just then the Patil twins walked by them. "Hi Harry." They giggled. Harry smiled in greeting but then looked back at them in realisation. He bolted after them with a 'Hey!' Rachele watched him whisper to them in the corner for a moment until both twins beamed and gave him enthusiastic nods.

"Hey Ron." She said to the red-head. "Looks like Harry scored dates for you both."

"What?" Ron shot to his feet and looked over to where his best friend was just finishing saying goodbye to the twins. "Bloody hell Harry!" He grinned. "You're brilliant!"

"Bit of a load off for you guys then?" Rachele smiled.

"Yeah I guess." Harry said waving to the giggling girls.

"Well lads!" Rachele clapped her hands gleefully. "Only one thing left!" When the boys stared at her she grinned.

"The Yule Ball itself."

End of chapter

So everyone has their dates now. I couldn't help having Rachele relentlessly tease the boys, it's just how she is. She finds those situations too funny to pass up.

Coming up next! The Yule Ball! Yeehaaww let's go dancing!

See ya there!