-Chapter 10-
Today was the day. I knew it the instant my feet scathed the floor the next morning. I slid into my robes and hurried out of the Common Room with the other late risers.
Zabini was perched on the bench next to Draco. My insides tensed. It might be rather awkward asking in front of my brother, but I wasn't going to quit.
When Zabini saw me approaching the table he stood up.
I smiled. "Oh hey Blaise-"
He cut me off. "Hey Katie. I was wondering, are you free on December 31st?"
"You mean the Yule Ball? Yes," I said. Could this be it?
"Would you.. would'you wanna go to the dance with me?" he asked softly.
Zabini usually didn't talk much to others, and had a bellicose attitude towards Muggle-borns and their fans. But if you talked to him with no one around, he seemed genuine.
"Yes! I would be happy to," I smiled again.
My cheeks grew hot. He was slightly dark-skinned, but I could have sworn I saw him blush too.
"Really? See you at the Ball then," he nodded.
"Yep. Well, see you later," I said, then awkwardly walked over to where Pansy sat.
"See? He ended up asking and did the work for you!" Pansy whispered excitedly.
I nodded. The next few days went by in a blur. Before anyone knew it the last day of the year had arrived. Upon hearing about the ball, my mom had sent me a beautiful sky blue dress that matched me perfectly. I had known what it was the instant I saw the package, and only showed it to my roommates. Zabini and the others would discover its contents during the night of Ball.
The Common Room was quiet except for some excited whispering from the fourth years and up that were attending. They were eagerly guessing who would be going with whom. Someone snickered at the fact Hagrid might be going with the Headmistress of Beauxbatons; Madam Maxime.
The Ball starts at 7 P.M sharp. Everyone knew that, but Dumbledore sent an announcement that resonated throughout the corridors anyway.
The Great Hall looked spectacular with a breathtaking wintery theme. Tables were cast to the side for refreshments; while some had disappeared entirely. The corridors and a number of other rooms were also included in the ball. But the most emphasis on design had been put into the main ballroom; the Great Hall.
I saw Draco in a dark green tuxedo guiding Pansy into the Great Hall.
As I subtly glanced around at the entrance to the dungeons for Zabini, I saw Professor McGonagall appear out of nowhere and approach Potter, who was in a simple tux. I strained my ears to hear.
"Come, Potter," McGonagall said, beckoning him to the Great Hall.
"Wait, what?" Potter said, looking confused next to Padma Patil, who appeared to be his date.
"Come. It is traditional for the Champions to start the dance. Please escort both Ms. Patil and yourself into the Great Hall as soon as you can," McGonagall said, then hurried off with the tail of her dress gown trailing behind her.
Zabini's face appeared as he came up the stairs leading out of and into the dungeon. He was wearing a dark velvet green dress robe somewhat similar to Draco's. A silver collar projected from the neckline of the robe, giving it a ruffled look.
"Hello. Do I know you?" he asked casually.
I blushed, but tried to hide it quickly. "Dunno, but you seem familiar to me."
"Really? Prove to me that I know you," he smirked.
I rolled my eyes.
A mock look of realization crossed his face.
"Oh yeah! You're that girl that can transform into a dragon in the blink of an eye! She can roll her eyes, too! How can you forget someone like that?" Zabini continued.
"Go ask Rita Skeeter. I'm sure she'll have a lovely answer for you," I smiled sweetly.
"I'd ask Professor Trelawney before her, and that's saying something," Zabini whispered.
Giggling, I led him into the Great Hall. Two other Champions were there: Delacour and Potter.
"I guess the Seeker had more important things to do than attend a ball," Zabini I could reply, Hermione Granger appeared beside me. She had a beautiful pink gown with extravagant ruffles that lined the bottom hem.
Victor came in right behind her. He wore a simple red overcoat with fur lining the cuffs and collar.
"Oops," she said, and slipped behind me to complete the two Champion lines. My line now had Cho Chang, Padma Patil, myself, and Hermione Granger. The line next to me consisted of Diggory, Potter, Zabini, and Krum. People were endlessly pouring in from the entrance hall, forming a wide ring around us.
Eventually the stream stopped, and Dumbledore stepped forward from the throng of staff members. He nodded to Filch, who started the gramophone. Beautiful notes spiraled through the atmosphere as the Champions were invited to start dancing. One by one, each pair started to dance. I felt Zabini grasp my hand and pull me out of the line when it was our turn.