The first task had gone smoothly enough, though the champions had been warned the second would be much more difficult. But there was time enough for that later because the Yule ball was approaching. The night of Christmas Day there would be the traditional ball held in honor of the tournament. And this was what had brought Lizzie to her uncle's office with her grandmother the week it was announced.

"She's too young, I forbid it."

Albus smiled and countered with a tone of calm factuality, "Only her father can do that and he's unreachable at the moment. Besides, she is a fourth year student and the rules stipulate a younger student can be invited anyway. Besides, Minerva, don't you want to spoil your granddaughter? I know I enjoy spoiling her when I can."

Minerva sniffed and crossed her arms. "I don't think Miranda would want her going. She's seven years old, and this is going to be a riotous affair, especially when the Weird Sisters get up there."

Lizzie's eyes went big. "The Weird Sisters are coming?! I want to go! I do, I do! Please!" Lizzie sat on the edge of her chair in front of her uncle's desk pleading for almost two minutes until Minerva caved. "All right then. But you're not staying up a moment past midnight."

Lizzie squealed in delight and jumped up on the chair she had been sitting in to hug her grandmother.