'Happy Christmas!' Alex's cheer woke Jackie up the next morning. She opened her eyes and saw that there was a pile of presents at the foot of her bed. She started with the one on top – from her mum. She tore off the paper and threw it at Ari to wake her up.
'What do you wan– ooh, presents!' Ari woke up
Jackie's present from her mum turned out to be a large box of cookies, as well as the sequel to the book she'd just finished. She took one cookie and popped it in her mouth before turning back to her mound of gifts. From Josh, Jackie opened a box with silver letters stamped across the top – Broomstick Servicing Kit.
'Wow, thanks Josh,' Jackie grinned, opening the box to see what was inside. There was a Handbook of Do-It-Yourself Broom Care, a tin of Fleetwood's High-Finish handle polish, and silver Tail-Twig Clippers.
She set it aside and continued opening. Alex and Hannah had gotten her a poster of Luke Kendry, 'only the hottest man alive,' Hannah sighed as Jackie hung it up. From Nathaniel, Jackie got a bag of candy and a book called Ender's Game. Jackie had never heard of it, so she decided to ask him about it later. From Derrick, Jackie opened a necklace. It was ornate and fancy and altogether too shiny. She appreciated it, but didn't plan on wearing it very often. Stephen had gotten her a box of Bertie Bott's beans ('Just for you') and a new running watch.
By now there were only three presents left on her bed. She recognised David's handwriting and reached for that one. As soon as she picked it up she knew what it was, so she read the card first.
'Happy Christmas, Captain!' And below the names of everyone on her team were signed. Jackie took the paper off of her new Beater's bat and admired it. It was exactly the one she had been admiring in Quality Quidditch Supplies.
Of the two presents left, one didn't have a card on the outside so Jackie grabbed the one from Ari. The paper fell away to reveal a photo album. Jackie smiled as she turned through the pages and saw pictures of herself and Ari through the years, of Jackie and Nathaniel, of the three of them together (often with a story accompanying), of her teams through the years, and of the five dorm-mates through the years. The newest pictures showed Jackie with Stephen and Trent. Jackie appreciated that Ari, even though she may not understand, at least supported Jackie and her friendships. At the back of the book, there were blank pages, 'For more memories,' Ari's note told her.
'You like it?' Ari asked, coming over to sit next to Jackie.
'Yeah, I do,' Jackie responded, giving Ari a hug. 'Thanks.'
Ari hugged Jackie back. 'And thank you for my book.'
Jackie grinned and Ari went back to her bed. Jackie threw all the excess wrapping paper onto Ari's bed and grabbed the last present. Inside was a book and box. The box contained a beautiful necklace – it was a clear, crystalline jewel with an emerald heart embedded in the middle.
'Wow, Jackie, who gave you that?' Rebecca called over in awe.
'I'm not sure,' Jackie responded, still admiring it. She picked up the book, Pride and Prejudice. It wasn't new, so she looked at the inside cover where there was a note taped.
Jackie,
This is a Muggle book, so hopefully you haven't read it yet. I hope you like it.
Happy Christmas.
Trent Black
Jackie smiled and put the book with her pile. She got changed into sweats to get breakfast and put her necklace from Trent on. The five friends descended the stairs and exited the common room to find that there were people waiting for them. Lucas was there for Ari, Nathaniel for Hannah, David for Alex and Rebecca's date for her. Lucas gave Jackie an apologetic smile and shrug, apologising for Derrick not being there. Jackie just shrugged and walked down the spiral staircase before the couples.
As she got closer to the Entrance Hall, the sounds of the couples got farther away as they were walking slower. Thinking she was alone, Jackie sighed.
'Was that in exasperation or just happiness at the obvious thoughtfulness of your present from me?' a voice asked from behind her. Surprised, Jackie turned quickly, her pony tail whipping around and hitting her cheek. Stephen stood there, ready to laugh.
'Exasperation at being followed,' she told him, turning and pretending to walk away in a huff. Stephen caught up with her and they both laughed.
'So where's What's-His-Face?' Stephen asked as they walked together.
'Derrick? He probably had something to do.' Even to her own ears Jackie's response sounded lame, but thankfully Stephen didn't push.
When they got to the Entrance Hall, Derrick came over to meet Jackie. Ignoring Stephen, he addressed her.
'Hey,' he took her arm and walked her away from Stephen, she barely managed to turn and wave before they entered the Great Hall.
'So, I was thinking that we could meet down here around five. Sound good?' Derrick proposed over his plate of kippers and fruit.
'Yeah, that should work,' Jackie agreed. They sat and talked for a little while more until Ari came over to them.
'We need to go,' she insisted, stealing Jackie's bacon and walking out the doors. Jackie rolled her eyes and grabbed more bacon before following Ari to Ravenclaw Tower.
The roommates' manicures and pedicures took up the entire morning and a bit of the afternoon before they were done. Then the frenzy began.
'Does anyone know where my other shoe is?'
'What was that charm to get wrinkles out again?'
'My hair won't cooperate!'
Jackie was the first to the bathroom to do her makeup and hair. She pulled her hair up into a half-ponytail and curled what went up, straightening what was left down. Satisfied, she left the room to let in Rebecca, who was in a state of panic over her hair.
Jackie put on her dress robes and shoes, which were silver as well. She took the necklace that Derrick had given her and put it on for what would most likely be the only time. She went to look in Ari's full length mirror and added the final touch – her mask – which perfected the entire outfit.
'Wow, Jackie, you look really good.' Alex appeared in the reflection in her robes of sapphire.
'Thanks, Alex, you do too.' Jackie's mask made her voice a tone lower than usual.
'Alright ladies,' Ari called them together. 'Time to go.'
As it was in the morning, some of the girls' dates awaited them outside the common room. Jackie continued past them to the Entrance Hall. The doors to the Great Hall hadn't opened yet, so people were gathered in the Entrance Hall and meeting their friends.
Jackie walked down the marble staircase and saw Derrick in his mask waiting for her. He looked handsome in his robes of scarlet. She started towards him, but stopped short at the sight that unfolded.
'Derrick, darling!' Another girl appeared next to Derrick and wrapped her arm in his. Jackie recognised the long blonde hair that belonged to Acantha Malfoy.
'There you are.' He beamed down at her. Jackie watched as he leaned down to kiss Acantha. He hadn't even tried to kiss Jackie yet.
'Derrick?' she called quietly, hoping it was a mistake.
It wasn't. He turned and saw her standing there, and she could tell that he knew it was her.
'Jackie, it's not what you think–' he started, striding over to her.
'Really?' Jackie's temper flared as he approached. 'Well then, by all means, tell me what it is. I know what I saw.'
He didn't even have the decency to look ashamed. 'Jackie, I thought she was you.'
'Don't pull that with me,' Jackie threatened, wishing she had her wand with her. 'Is that where you've really been all those times you blew me off to "study"? Snogging her?'
'No, Jackie, I want to be with you,' he insisted, grabbing her hand and pulling her into a kiss. He was rough, and Jackie could taste a hint of Firewhiskey on his breath already. It was all wrong, and an angry pulse of magic got him off of her.
'Don't touch me,' she almost growled, turning away.
'No, Jackie, please.' He grabbed her wrist again and Jackie turned, ready to hit him, when a cold voice cut through.
'Let her go.'
Standing next to them was a boy in striking black dress robes with a blue undershirt and a blue mask on. The mask had a single teardrop below the left eye, and Jackie thought it was beautiful.
'Who are you?' Derrick asked, peering at the newcomer suspiciously.
'No one of consequence. I suggest you let her go now,' he said in that same cold, threatening voice, holding his wand out. Derrick apparently decided Jackie wasn't worth the trouble and walked back to Acantha, not even sparing Jackie a backward glance.
'Thank you so much,' Jackie thanked him before sighing. 'There goes my night.'
'Why though?' he asked, tilting his head slightly to the side. 'May I have the pleasure of your company tonight?'
Jackie smiled, pleased to have an excuse to still wear her new robes and mask. 'Certainly.' She curtsied. 'May I ask who you are?'
'I am merely a White Knight whose goal is to save damsels in distress. I have already succeeded, and so plan to enjoy the rest of my evening. Who might you be?'
Jackie grinned and played along. 'I am merely a poor maiden, rescued by her White Knight from what was turning into a terrible evening.'
'Pleased to be of service.' He bowed with a smile, causing Jackie to giggle. 'Shall we?' He offered her his arm and she took it as he led her into the Great Hall.
Jackie felt her eyes widen at the splendour of the room. The ceiling was snowing from a starry sky and there were circular tables set up all around. Ice sculptures and decorated trees lined the walls. The lighting of the room had a blue tint to it, and it seemed as though even the candles were emitting a blue glow. Her new date led her to a table and she sat down, taking off Derrick's necklace as she sat. Another person sat down next to her and Jackie recognised Ari's mask.
'Hey Jackie – you are Jackie, right?'
'Yeah,' Jackie affirmed. Her knight didn't seem to hear, though. He scanned the hall quickly before turning back to the table. Jackie glanced around too and saw Alamexia Nott's platinum blonde hair on the arm of a boy with a black mask. She watched them sit across the room, sad that she wouldn't get to say hi to Stephen or Trent.
Everyone was able to tell who Professor Dumbledore was because of his beard, so when he stood up at the front of the hall silence fell.
'The happiest of Christmas wishes to each of you,' he beamed through the mask. 'I hope that your day has been most excellent, and that your night will be even better. We will eat now and then have some music and dancing after we are all full. Bon appétit!'
'Where's Derrick?' Ari asked Jackie, taking a bite of her salad.
'He decided that Acantha Malfoy would be a better date,' Jackie responded stiffly.
'And who is your new man?' Ari asked, glancing around Jackie.
'He's my White Knight,' Jackie responded, grinning.
'But he's in black…'
'Black are my robes, but White is my heart,' he told Ari with a smile. Ari raised her eyebrows and gave Jackie an appreciative smile and thumbs-up and continued eating.
Once dinner was over, Professor Dumbledore stood up, indicating for everyone else to do the same. With a wave of his wand, the tables and chairs clustered around the dance floor and another wave set up the stage for the band.
Her date held out a hand. 'May I have this dance, mademoiselle?'
'Certainly, monsieur.' Jackie took his hand and followed as he led her to the dance floor. The first song was a fast one, which worried Jackie at first, but she soon settled into a rhythm with her partner. They danced their way through four songs before it got too hot for comfort. Her date seemed to feel the same way, he gestured to the doors that led to the courtyard. The teachers had cleared off a space with benches and placed a warming spell so it wasn't too cold, though the snow didn't melt either. There were fairy lights twinkling and Jackie spun in a happy circle.
Her date watched with a small smile and sat down on a bench, beckoning her over. Jackie sat down next to him and sighed.
'It's beautiful out here.' As she said it, she gave an involuntary shiver – it was still a little cold for her lightweight dress robes.
'It is. Are you cold?' he asked.
'No,' Jackie lied stubbornly. He saw through it though, placing his arm around her shoulders and rubbing her arm. She had to admit – it did help.
'So, what is a beautiful lady like yourself doing on a night like this without a date?' he asked as the sounds of the band drifted out to where they were sitting.
'Well, I did have one, but that turned out to be a bust,' Jackie sighed. 'What about you? How come there's no girl hanging on your arm?'
'Well, there is now,' he responded with a smirk.
Before they could continue, Derrick walked out with Acantha, obviously looking for a secluded bush to snog in. He was staggering, he'd had more to drink. Jackie stiffened and pointedly looked away. Her Knight followed her glare and realised why Jackie had turned.
'Shall I jinx him from here?'
Jackie smiled. 'Thanks, but I think I'll let him have this night. He'll regret it later – look at how drunk he is.'
He sighed. 'If you insist, my maiden. What would you like to do now?'
Jackie shrugged. 'It doesn't really matter to me – I can't dance. What do you want to do?'
'Teach you to dance,' he decided, grabbing her hand and leading her back into the Great Hall. A slow song was starting up, so they found a corner of the dance floor to themselves.
'Okay, you start like this,' he told her, guiding her hands to their positions – left hand holding his and right holding the skirt of her robes. 'It's easier for you because the man is supposed to lead. Now,' he started, placing his other hand on the small of her back, 'we begin.'
They danced in their corner for four more songs, two of which were fast ones, with him leading her around and her trying not to step on his feet. They made it through without too big an incident – Jackie only stepped on his feet a few times. After this dancing lesson, Jackie led the way back outside. This time they saw a path that had been cleared off and decided to take it. As they wandered down the path, her Knight suddenly reached over and took her hand. They continued to the end of the cleared path and sat down on the bench there. He put his arm around her shoulders again and they sat and talked for a little while – mostly about trivial things like classes and houses. The music could be heard out where they were, and her Knight continued the dancing lesson in the privacy of their little spot. As the evening got later, they started back to the hall, but just before they went inside, he stopped and pulled her aside.
'I am sorry, my maiden, but it is getting late and there are some people within who will be very angry at me if I do not spend time with them this evening. I'm afraid we must part here.'
'Oh, alright,' Jackie sighed. The disappointment must have been transparent in her voice, for he held her chin to force her to look into his eyes, Jackie realised that they were a beautiful grey and somehow familiar, and continued.
'Don't worry, mademoiselle, we can find each other again at the end of the night.' He kissed her hand and led her inside before disappearing into the crowds. Jackie gave a little sigh and went to find where Ari or Nathaniel had run off to.
Jackie spent the rest of the Ball with Ari, Lucas, Nathaniel and Hannah. They were all very friendly to her, but Jackie couldn't help but feel like a fifth-wheel.
The clock struck midnight as Professor Burbage called for everyone's attention from the front of the stage.
'Now everyone, it's time for the big reveal! It's time to find out who you have really been spending the night with.' Jackie began scanning the hall for Him. 'Take off your masks!'
Jackie found where the blue tear-dropped face was and took off her mask. When she looked back to where the one she had spent so much of the night with, the one who had been her White Knight, she felt her breath catch in her throat.
Trent Black stood there, looking in her direction.
She had thought those grey eyes seemed familiar, but she never imagined that they could belong to him. They locked eyes, and Jackie couldn't help it. She fled.
In the Entrance Hall she found an empty antechamber and hid, leaning back against the door. She could hear the sounds of people in the Great Hall realising who their partners were. She didn't know which she agreed with. There were sounds of delight, and sounds of anguish. Some sounded surprised, while others sounded angry. Jackie couldn't tell how she felt.
She and Derrick had broken up. She was saved by Trent. She and Trent had been together for the vast majority of the night, and Alamexia hadn't been there, hadn't been mentioned.
What did it all mean?
Before she had an answer, the door handle clicked behind her and the door stared to open. Cursing that she had forgotten to lock it, she fell backward into the person opening the door. Luckily, they caught her. Unluckily, it was Trent.
'Sorry,' she apologised, flushing and trying not to look into his eyes.
'No, I'm the one who should be sorry. I realise that you may not want to talk to me right now, but hear me out.' He took a hold of her hand and lifted her chin so she had to look him in the eyes. His beautiful, stormy grey eyes. 'I'm sorry if I'm not the one you wanted to be under that mask, or the one to save you, but I can't help it. I'm a Slytherin. I'm sorry if you don't want this right now, but I have a question for you – if you'll allow me to ask it.'
Jackie's heart fell. He probably wanted to make sure that she'd keep quiet, but she nodded for him to continue.
'Will you go on a date with me?'
Jackie was taken aback by the question. 'What?'
Trent laughed. 'You're wounding my pride. I asked if you would like to go on a date with me.'
'Er, sure.' It sounded more like a question than an answer.
Trent smiled. 'Thanks. I'll meet you in the Entrance Hall at four tomorrow.'
'Sounds good,' Jackie agreed, hardly hearing herself.
Trent let go of her hand and looked Jackie up and down. 'You know, you really look stunning tonight.' And with that he kissed her cheek and gave her one last smile before turning to go to the Slytherin common room.
Jackie, suddenly weak at the knees, leaned against the doorframe. Her cheek was warm where Trent had kissed it.
'Jackie, there you are!' Ari's call cut through Jackie's thoughts, bringing her back to reality. 'Let's go, I'm tired.'
Jackie nodded and let Ari lead her up to Ravenclaw Tower in a daze. Ari was talking about her night with Lucas, but Jackie wasn't listening.
She was wishing she was in the Slytherin common room.
