"The Yule Ball," Professor McGonagall said, "is fast approaching. It is a traditional dance that occurs after the first task of the Triwizard Tournament, around Christmas time."
Harry heard all the girls giggle excitedly. He felt many eyes staring at him, but he refused to turn around and acknowledge them. Finally the bell rang.
"Potter," McGonagall said, "a word please."
Harry shrugged to Ron, and approached McGonagall as the room slowly emptied.
"Potter, I have been asked to inform you that the Triwizard champions are to preform the opening dance of the ball."
"T-the what?" Harry asked.
"The opening dance boy. The champions and their partners are the first to dance." McGonagall said clearly.
"Oh, no, Professor I don't dance-"
"Well then, learn to. It is a tradition Potter."
"But Professor I really-" Harry began, but the look she gave him was enough to silence him.
"If it makes you feel any better Potter, Ms. Angeline is also going to be opening the dance with the Champions. You may ask her for some dancing assistance, if you must." She said, "Now go, you will be late for your next class."
Harry fumed all the way to Charms, where he expected Ron to laugh at him. But Ron simply stared at him, incredulously.
"You're a champion Harry! You've defeated a dragon! You won't have any problems getting a date to dance with you!"
"Yah well, I'd take the dragon any day," Harry said bitterly.
Snow began to fall over the grounds. The chilly air was angry, as it bitterly nipped the noses of people who hadn't covered their faces in scarves. Harry did notice that most girls glanced at him eagerly as he passed them, only to look crestfallen when he moved on.
"Come on Harry! Anyone would be glad to go with you!" Ron exclaimed, "It's me who has to worry!"
"Yah well, you won't look nearly as stupid as me, dancing without a partner." He thought fleetingly of Emily, but then shook his head. It was dumb to think such a thing.
As time wore on, Harry and Ron became desperate. So, one day in the common room, Harry caught Parvati Patil leaving and asked her.
"Alright," she giggled.
"And would you know anyone who would go with Ron?" He asked eagerly.
"I could ask my sister Padma. She's in Ravenclaw."
"Great! See you then!"
He was relieved to have that off his chest.
The night of the ball, Harry and Ron waited anxiously amongst the crowd for their dates.
"I suppose Hermione is up in her room." Ron said.
"What?" Harry asked, distracted.
"Come on Harry, nobody asked her!" Ron said like it was obvious.
"If you say so," Harry replied, peering over the edges of the crowd. He found their dates approaching them, wearing spectacular Indian style gowns of pink and blue, accented with golden bangles and earrings. Harry sighed in relief.
"Hello boys," they said. Harry was about to greet them, when suddenly, the entire Hall went dead silent. Harry looked around to see what had caused this abrupt quietness, and immediately his eyes fell on Emily.
Harry had to rub his eyes a few times to make sure he was seeing things clearly. Emily was normally stunning, but tonight, it was almost as if the entire universe revolved around her. This shining aura around her made her glimmer with beauty. Her dress was a solid, deep navy blue that contrasted dramatically with her ghostly pale skin. Her hair was down in long, caramel colored ringlets that fell over her shoulders, and her lipstick was a bright red.
Boys starred at her, not blinking or breathing by the looks of it. Girls looked utterly loathsome; hours of preparation only to be outshined by this one girl.
Harry didn't even notice that she had been approaching them until she was right next to him, murmuring something in his ear.
"Good luck!" she said with a dazzling smile. Harry tried to reply, but his mind was fuzzy, like a radio station that had lost its signal.
"Come on," said Padme crossly to Ron, who was drooling at the mouth. Parvati pulled Harry away violently, with the same attitude.
The feast was great, but Harry did not feel particularly hungry. He was sitting at the champions table, and he had lucked out because he had Emily to his left and Hermione to his right. She was sitting next to Viktor Krum who was looking at her dreamily.
"You look great Hermione." Harry said.
"Thanks! You as well." She smiled. As she turned back to talk to Krum, Harry tentatively turned to Emily, but she was talking to Madame Maxine again.
"Et vous? combien d'année avez-vous étudié ici ?" Madame Maxine asked.
"Plus longue que je peux me rappeler." Emily replied.
The night wore on and the feast ended. It was time to dance. Harry felt his gut clench menacingly.
"Before we begin the fun," Dumbledore began, "I have agreed to let my apprentice, Ms. Angeline, to preform for us. Let us all give her a welcoming round of applause."
Many of the boys were clapping violently, while most of the girls weren't clapping at all. Emily stood from behind the champions table, waved her wand, and all the tables before them vanished. The great hall was now large and quite spacious. She then waved her wand again, and Harry watched as her stunning dress turning into a leotard. It was black and hugged her curves tightly. Her hair had magically twisted itself into a bun. She stepped out and walked to the middle of the hall.
Then, from no where, a bittersweet tune began to play. It was beautiful song. Emily began by looking down, and in no time at all, she started to dance. Harry was taken into shock for the second time that night. She was like a dove as she moved with such pinpoint grace that could not be replicated. Her arms stretched out then contracted back in. Her legs reached up towards the ceiling, and she swung them around, launching into a perfect jete. She landed on the tip of her toes, to spin around. She stopped only to bend forward. She held this pose awhile, a melancholy look on her face. Harry couldn't breathe as he watched her. It was unreal, the way she moved. She did one last twirl as she ended on point, and the music concluded. There was ear-shattering applause everywhere. Everyone was stunned. Harry saw some were actually crying. Madame Maxine was dabbing the corners of her eyes with a large handkerchief that could have been a tablecloth.
Harry watched Emily's sad expression morph back into one of lighthearted contentment. She waved thank you to everyone, then with a swish of her wand, she was back in her flawless gown and makeup. But Harry did notice that some of the sorrow still lingered in her eyes.
