I felt awkwardly out of place. I had a periwinkle blue dress wrapping me in its silken layers, but it didn't little to steady my nerves as I made my way through the throngs of people. It was Hogwart Island's annual Yule Tide Ball, a dance set up at the Council Hall for the students and residents celebrated another semester before the students left on the Ship to be home with their families for Christmas.

Everyone looked dashing in their bright red and green accented wear. I had only this dress left from Graduation that seemed to suit the formal occasion. Many faces I recognized, but didn't feel comfortable approaching in this atmosphere. Finally, with a burst of relief I spotted the Patil twins: Two identical Middle Eastern sisters that Harry and Ron had escorted tonight.

Making my way to them, I couldn't help but note the inattentive looks upon the girls' faces. Harry and Ron were in their own world paying no attention to the girls, and I felt a moment's pity for them. The girls did look amazing with their tan skin and dark hair shining against red for Padma and green silk for Pavarti.

"Well, aren't you two beautiful?" I smiled, clasping each girl's hand. They returned the smile, but as if working with only one mind both looked at their dates in disdain.

"Thank you for noticing." Padma offered.

"At least someone does." Pavarti added.

I bit my lip taking a seat across the table, noticing how I had the boys' instant attention. Harry had been all ears since I'd found the information on his parents. He had been told they'd died in a car accident and after the first waves of initial shock and hurt had delved into the mystery with a renewed passion. I had felt wrong to not tell him, but had felt like a real heel after he'd taken the paper and disappeared for several days.

"So anything new?" Harry asked. I shook my head, my eyes on the food Ron was shoveling into his mouth.

"What?" Ron asked with a mouthful.

"That's disgusting." I muttered. "Didn't your mother ever teach you not to talk with your mouthful?"

He grinned with that boyish charm only the Weasley brothers seem to possess, "Of course, but she ain't here."

The Patil sisters seemed to have had their fill and left without preamble. Harry watched them for a moment before waving them off as if they were only a nuisance.

"Do you think anything will happen while everyone is gone?" He asked his eyes focused on mine. I met them and shrugged, unsure what he wished to hear.

"I don't know, but I'll be here if it does." I mumbled. I didn't have enough money for more than one trip home, and my parents had assured me it would be fine to spend the Holidays here since it was my first year after all.

Harry clasped my hand across the table. With a smile, he said, "So will I."

Ron nearly spit the mouthful of Christmas nuts out as he looked at us in horror. "You are not staying on this island for Christmas! You two can come home with me!"

Harry pulled away; the look on his face was considerate. "I'm not sure Ron."

"Nonsense, my parents would love the company. You two can just ride over on the train and stay the off weeks with me. We've got plenty of room: You can stay in my room and Hermione, you'll stay with Ginny."

I smiled at his kind offer, "I'm afraid not Ron, I have to work."

"Harry?" He looked at his now close friend, his eyes pleading.

Harry shrugged, "You'll be okay? Alone, here I mean?"

"Of course, go have a good time." I bent forward and in conspiratorial whisper, "Just make sure you get some turkey before the stomach here eats it all."

Harry laughed, but Ron looked almost insulted. "We always have a huge meal." He defended.

I turned from the boys' mock fight to watch the others around us. Luna Lovegood stood dancing with Neville in the midst of the action. She looked so tiny and cute compared to his broad, tall body. Even from here I could tell he was nervous, with shaking hands and misplaced steps. Luna looked happy and content though, her smile able to put the foulest beast at ease in her calm presence. They would be good for each other.

I stood, my mood dampening with each couple making their way to the floor. If only Cedric was here, I might also be on that floor. Things shouldn't have happened the way they had, he hadn't deserved the bloody fate life had dealt him. It wasn't fair.

I made my way to the far side of the room, staring out the window at the dark ebony sky. The moon was bright and full tonight, gleaming across the water in an ethereal cast that seemed to make it bob along with the light music playing behind me. Staring at its bright halo I could only wonder if it was just me taking note of the beauty of the night or was there a mate to my soul watching as well?