Hey guys, Kat here! Thanks so much for the reviews and all the follows and favourites I appreciate it! This chapter is pretty damn full but it's a little short :(

Sorry bout that but I really wanted to get this out tonight! It's got some jealous James and mean Maddie as well as some dressing up due to a certain ball… ( :

Replies to my reviewers:

Cap92A: don't worry, James and Maddie get pretty jealous even though Maddie denies it at all costs! I love hearing from you so please keep reviewing! And I was pissed at Maddie too last chapter when she said no!

Buford The Table: I'm glad it's still going good! I love hearing from you so if you have anything to say, review or PM me! I might not be updating as constantly but I will try ( :

norissa910: Yay I love Victoire and Teddy together! Please keep reviewing some ideas or whatever I love hearing from you!

Ok guys, please review what you think! Any cool ideas for the Yule Ball scene would be fabbo! Love you!

Chapter 11: Reasons James and I Can't and Aren't Friends

"Well I'm going to the Bahama's to visit my grandparents – they retired there," Maria explained. Maria, Al, Scorp, Dimitri, Peter, Emma and I were talking about our plans for the Christmas holidays. So far, I had none. Going back to see my family wasn't happening for some reason – apparently I was doomed to stay at Hogwarts while all my friends toured the world. Lucky me.

"Do you know if anyone is staying at Hogwarts these holidays?" I moaned as everyone laughed.

Emma pouted, her face scrunching up. "I'd invite you to stay with me at my house but my parents said no friends allowed over the holidays anymore. Ever since I invited Hope for the summer holidays two years ago, my parents have never been the same," Emma said dejectedly, her eyes distant.

Dimitri nodded. "My parents don't want girls over, sorry Mads."

"Same," Peter said. I felt good that all my friends were trying to make me feel better.

Maria smiled. "I can ask my parents to buy another plane ticket to the Bahama's if you want?" I was shocked by the offer. I didn't even know Maria that well she was suggesting we go to the Bahama's together?

"No! I couldn't let you pay for that! Plus, you're seeing family. But thanks a lot for the offer!" I said, shocked.

"We're going to Paris for a while, so you can't come stay with us," Scorp said, looking sad.

"I'll ask my mum if you can stay," Al suggested. I completely brightened at the idea of me and Al hanging out every day of the holidays! I'll get to meet his parents and maybe some of his other friends and his little sister Lily whom I've seen around but never spoken to. It'd be great!

"Really Al? Don't feel like you have to, you know, invite me or anything," I stuttered. Al smiled a genuine smile.

"I'd love to have you for Christmas! It'll be so much fun!" Al said excitedly. Now my mood had been lifted. Getting to spend the entire winter holidays with him? Awesome!

"Speaking of fun, who's going with who to the ball? And what is everyone wearing? I brought three dresses, just in case!" Maria beamed, clapping.

My mood soured a bit. The ball. Anytime someone said that, all I could think of James Potter. He'd been studiously ignoring me for two weeks now. It's been three weeks since the failed attempt at that prank. The first week, he was sending rude jabs and jaunts at me and my friends and being even more insufferable than he usually was. At a Raven vs Slyth Quidditch match two weeks ago (AN – sorry, I hate writing Quidditch games I promise I'll write the final or whatever), her made a sign that said some pretty explicit things on it about me. Of course, he got a week's detention. Plus, Slytherin won! Whoo!

Even though I kept telling myself that I hated James and that we only got along when we had to, I couldn't help but feel like I'd made a mistake when I declined his serious offer to the dance. I mean, it was a silly thing to think about non-stop, but it's like he won't get out of my head.

But I still don't like him. We're still enemies. Not friends. Not anything.

Reasons James and I Can't and Aren't Friends:

I'm in Slytherin and he's in Gryffindor – we were made to hate each other

I hate him, he hates me. Most of the time.

I would kill him if we were friends because he annoys me so much!

He's far too arrogant and cocky

He's a player and I don't think I'd want to keep track of all his girlfriends

We just… don't work well, I suppose

Thinking of James asking me to the dance then led to me thinking about Roy asking me to the dance. I flashed back to what had happened:

"I have a question," Roy stuttered. Confused, I looked up from my book at his nervous face. I didn't understand at first what he said next. It was kind of a jumble of words. But they scared me ever the same. "I was wondering… doyouwanttogototheDiggoryYuleBallwithmemaybeifyouwant?"

Shit.

What do I do what do I do what do I do what do I do what do I do?

Stunningly, thinking of going with him to the dance made me calm. Made me feel safe and sure that he would be a perfect gentleman, make me laugh and dance with me all night. That I would have a nice time. A nice, calm and sure time.

Of course, then I realised with a sudden jolt, I liked Roy. And I mean, like like Roy. As in, 'want to go to the dance with him' like.

So, deciding to take a chance, I smiled and looked at his nervous face. It kind of annoyed me how he wasn't confident and serious about asking me but then I thought his moon-like eyes looked really cute looking all tremble-y. "Yes, Roy. I would absolutely freaking love to go with you to the dance!"

Of course, Rachel chose that exact moment to walk into the common room. She obviously head what I'd said and I immediately felt guilty for not thinking of her. Her doe eyes turned to stone and she glared at me with all her might.

Later that night, as I'd just finished getting dressed, Rachel stalked into the room and yanked me around to face her.

She looked pissed off as hell.

"Why did Roy ask you to the dance?" Rachel sneered, her mouth in a disgusted sneer and her eyes slitted in anger.

"Look, he asked me and I said yes. I know it was stupid of me to say yes but it slipped my mind that you liked him! If you want, I'll go down and tell him I'm not going with him," I pleaded, trying to get her to listen. She just glared even harder, her pimple-y face turning even redder.

"Yeah right."

"I'm serious, Rach! I didn't mean to hurt you, I swear!"

Rachel stepped forward and pointed her finger at, looking angry-calm.

"My supposed best friend, Colleen, asked Roy out the day I told her I liked him. He said yes and they were the happy, perfect couple of Third Year. The next day I told her I was over Roy so I wouldn't be 'angering' her by liking him. My god, she's such a bitch and it took her leaving for me to realise it! She hasn't even sent me a fucking letter! But that's beside the point. When she leaves and breaks Roy's heart, I see my chance. He'll finally see me instead of Colleen's perfect, little head. Then, of course, when you first meet him you just have to fall right on top of him and get him under your little spell. And then the next couple of weeks you're here but you don't really talk and he's nicer and more talkative to me. And I thought I had a chance! But then, seeing you guys on the Quidditch team and becoming friendlier, I felt jealousy in the pit of my stomach. I wanted so bad to hurt you and make you pay – let's just say, I'm basically your typical Slytherin – ruthless, jealous and cunning but hey, I sucked it up and thought, 'it's ok. Maddie's nice. She won't screw you over like Colleen did!'. Well, looks like I'm the idiot now," and with that bombshell, she turned around and hopped straight into bed. I stood there, stunned until Jo came in. Snapping back to life, I quickly scrambled into bed thinking about what a bitch I was to Rachel. Her old best friend did the exact same thing I just did. And if Colleen turned out to be a bitch, what did that make me?

I shuddered just thinking about Rachel. She hadn't spoken to me once since that night. I tried apologising but Eva was always with her and I could never get her alone.

Sighing, I joined into the conversation about the ball, not even half as enthusiastic as Maria.


I was walking back from the library after having a seriously long study session with Scorp (he's one smart cookie) for the upcoming tests. The Diggory Yule Ball was only a couple of days away and the rumour mill was milling.

Some of the rumours were hilarious.

Anyways, I was walking down the hall when Headmistress McGonagall came out of nowhere. She didn't look happy (when did she?) so I immediately thought:

I'm in trouble.

For what? I hadn't done anything! Except be a little 'disruptive' in class, but hey! I love being a troublemaker!

"Come with me, Miss Taylor. We have the matter of your Christmas Holidays to discuss," she said sternly, her steely eyes sharp.

Following her to Gargoyle Corridor and up to her office, I was freaking. What did she mean? Was I going home? Staying here?

"Sit, please," McGonagall motioned for me to sit across from her at her desk. Sitting, I crossed and uncrossed my legs, my fingers fidgeting.

"Now, Mr Harry Potter has notified me that Albus has invited you to stay with them for Christmas break. Now, I am about to notify your parents to see if it is ok. Normally, I don't interfere with the students' holiday plans, but I need to make sure your parents know your every move and where you are. Are you ok with spending the holidays with the Potters? I can assure you, they will be most welcoming and Mr Harry Potter himself is excited to meet one of Albus' friends," McGonagall smiled warmly at me, reminding me of my grandmother. She looked a whole less severe when she smiled like that.

Don't stress, I'm not crushing on McGonagall.

I smiled. "If the Potters and my parents are ok with it, I'd love to spend the holidays with the Potters!" I said excitedly. McGonagall pointed to her fireplace.

"Well, use the Floo Network to contact your parents," McGonagall said, handing a pouch of powder.

Squatting next to the fire place, I threw the powder in.

"Mr and Mrs Taylor, 133 Raymond Rd, Sydney, Australia," I said clearly. Suddenly, my parents' faces popped out of the fire, smiling and waving.

"Hey, Mads! So good to see your pretty face!" mum squealed, wiping her eyes.

"And great to hear your Australian accent! Mum, are you seriously crying?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

"Leave your mother alone," dad scolded playfully. "I believe your principal wanted to talk to us about you spending the holidays with your friend, Albus?" dad asked. Mum elbowed him out of the image of them in the fire, a concerned look on her face. I heard dad grunting and cursing in the background.

"Is Albus your boyfriend? I don't want you spending the summer with his family if he is," mum warned, her forehead scrunched up.

I blushed, embarrassed my mum would think that Al was my boyfriend. "Mu-um! He's not my boyfriend! He has one himself! And mum, it's winter over here. I'm actually going to die from the cold. It never gets this cold over there!" I whined, my face still flushed.

"Oh right, silly me! Well, if Headmistress McGonagall can talk to me and your dad for a minute, I'd feel much better. What's Albus's last name again?" mum said, her face curious.

"Ah… Potter?" I said, waiting for their reactions.

Mums eyes bulged out of her head she choked on… I don't even know what. Dad started coughing and spluttering.

"As in… Harry Potter?" my mum asked, her mouth open and eyes wide.

"Yes, the very one. I'll explain the situation to them for a minute, my dear," McGonagall interrupted, looking at me. I nodded and waved goodbye.

"Love you! Miss you!" I called out to them and heard the same thing from them back. Smiling, I sat back down in the chair thinking about the wonderful winter and Christmas I'll have. Al and me, chilling, talking, ice skating, cooking – whatever we wanted!

And I mean, getting to meet Harry Potter is a bonus but I'm not going just to see him because-

Suddenly, the door banged open. Professor Gerard was dragging someone in by the ear, cursing angrily at him.

"Headmistress! I can't take his nonsense anymore! Please, put him in his place!" Gerard screamed, his face contorted in anger. I looked at the student he was dragging in and my stomach dropped completely.

How could I forget? How could I forget that where Al went, he went also?

I glared at him furiously and James Potter smiled sickeningly and gave a little wave.

"Give me a moment!" McGonagall called out as I heard her say goodbye to my parents. She stood up and walked over to her desk.

She looked at James and her expression darkened, her eyes turning to slits.

"What have you done this time, Potter? What must I tell your parents that will disappoint them yet again?" McGonagall sighed, yet her tone was sharp and stern.

"Caught him in the Slytherin common room, planting a special kind of Weasley made bomb that only goes off when the target walks directly over it. He is a disgrace!" Gerard snarled, glaring at James with fire in his eyes.

"And who was his target?" McGonagall asked, her tone stiff.

"Tell the Headmistress, Potter, who you were aiming for. And it was two targets, Headmistress," Gerard sneered.

James, an amused smirk on his face looked over at me. "Her. And Roy Ramone. But, come on. It was only an innocent prank! Ya see, me and Maddie over have a little… war going on. All fun and games, Headmistress, I swear," James said mock sincerely, smiling smugly.

"Why was Roy Ramone a target?" McGonagall asked sternly, her lined face creasing even more.

"Well, I just wanted to wish the happy couple my well wishes for the Diggory Yule Ball. Besides, Maddie pulled a joke on me about the ball so it was only fair I pull on her. And her date," James added, smiling at me. What a douche! But I have to give it to him, his prank was way better than mine.

McGonagall sighed. "Potter, Taylor – you are free to leave. Professor Gerard wait a moment please. Mr Potter, I expect to see you tomorrow evening, nine o'clock, here, understood?" McGonagall asked as James saluted. McGonagall's expression darkened. "Out. Both of you. And I suggest you put your little 'war' on hold while Miss Taylor is staying with you for the winter holidays."

I quietly walked out with a swaggering James Potter following me.

I can't believe I'm spending the whole winter break with him! Ugh. So unfair.


James and I were on the cool escalator stairs leading down back to Gargoyles Corridor when he broke the heavy silence.

"Staying with me for the winter holidays," James repeated, looking straight ahead and not at me.

"Uh, yeah. Al invited me. I… hope you don't mind…" I muttered, trailing off.

James looked at me his expression blank. "Spending the whole holidays with you? Oh, I don't mind at all," James shrugged as if it didn't faze him.

Amazed, I stared at him. Was he being mature about it? Was he mocking me or faking it? Did he really not care I was staying with?

James smirked. "I asked Alexia to the ball. She said yes, obviously. You know, can you imagine if she had said no? How awkward would that be?" James laughed, a mean and twisted laugh.

Well, looks like he's not being mature at all. Rubbing that Alexia said yes in my face, bah! What a douche.

I smiled sweetly. "Oh, yes. Did you hear? Roy Ramone asked me to the dance a couple of weeks ago. I said yes, of course. I mean, I could only ever say yes to the perfect gentleman who's funny, kind, caring and sweet. But, can you imagine if I had said no? How awkward would that be?" I said, a bemused expression on my face.

James's face hardened until no emotion was seen at all. A flicker of jealousy crossed over his features.

"Well, you two have fun," he said, an edge to his voice. I needed to know what he was thinking! Was he jealous of Roy because he was taking me? What was he thinking?

I smiled wide and broad. "Oh, we will! He's amazing! Hey, why were you targeting him with a bomb? He would never do that to you because he always acts so mature when he doesn't get his way," I said, baiting James to show me what he was thinking.

His eyes flashed with rage, jealousy and anger, and his mouth twitched, but that was it.

"You know, I'm happy Alexia said yes! I don't want to go with anyone else!" James said levelly but it all went to shouting from there.

"Well, I'm happy I said yes to the right person! I have never wanted to go with anyone else!"

"Oh really?"

"Uh, yeah really!"

"Well, I didn't even mean it when I asked you!"

"Bullshit. Admit it, you're just jealous someone could say no to the 'amazing James Potter'!"

"Jealous of Ramone? As if, Taylor!"

"You are so jealous!"

"If that's how you want to play it, fine!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

We were both breathing hard and panting. His eyes were angry and mine were frustrated. We stood barely inches apart and I could feel his ragged breathing messing up the stray hairs from my ponytail.

Suddenly, the escalator came to a stop and we went our separate ways, each of us walking away quickly. James was cursing and muttering as he walked away.

I felt guilty and confused because I knew I had lied on that staircase when I had told him I'd never wanted to go with anyone else.

Because even though we were yelling and mad at each other, I felt so much more… more me than I ever felt like when I was with Roy.

But it didn't mean anything. At all. It meant that… that we were meant to be enemies!

Oh god, even I didn't believe myself.


End of term tests were all over and it was such a relief. Of course, it didn't last for long. The whole castle was a buzzed because tonight was the Diggory Yule Ball.

Yes, you've waited long enough.

And I was freaking. That meant tomorrow I would be off to the Potters with Al… and James.

But I wouldn't think about that today, because tonight was gonna be so cool!

And by cool, I mean every girl running around the common room like mad. It was so crazy and hot in there, I couldn't even breathe. I put on some exercise gear and went for a quick run in the Forbidden Forest (chill, no one saw me go in and out, plus, I made friends with some awesome centaurs and saw Holly – the giant female spider James showed me – again. It was great!). After sprinting back to the common room I entered to find the room in even more chaos than before. I squeezed through masses of people and ran to my dorm room.

I burst in to find Rachel looking a tad skanky in a slinky, red satin dress with an extremely low neck and extremely high slit running down the front of her dress. Her makeup was very heavy and she had on tacky jewellery. Her usually ragged and knotty hair was ironed straight and her nails were large and acrylic silver claws. Jo looked stunning in a green dress that was tight and went to her mid-shin. Her makeup looked sleek and her black hair was stunning in a sleek, high bun. She had on massive silver heels that looked killer. Eva had on a cute pink dress that was fit and flair with pretty flowers all over it. Her hair was done in a delicate side plait. She looked like a ballerina – gorgeous and graceful.

They all looked at me in my sweaty training clothes and sighed.

"Knew she wouldn't be ready. Come on, we'll all help you," Jo sighed as she yanked my arm and shoved me in the bathroom. After a quick shower, I slipped into my dress as Eva did my makeup and Jo did my hair.

I don't usually dress up but it felt nice getting pampered by my friends (excluding Rach who sat on her bed glaring at me).

After they were finished, they revealed the finished product as they pushed me in front of a mirror.

I was stunned. Usually, I was average-looking. You know, a little cute, a little hot, a little pretty – nothing about me stood out.

But not tonight. My dress was a sapphire blue, deep and dark. The top part of the dress was beaded in silver and sparkled in the light. The beading also covered the halter neck strap that wrapped around my neck. The silver beading stopped at my waist and the dress continued down in multiple layers of sheer, sapphire blue material. The dress was backless which made it a bit more dramatic. I liked how it wasn't showy like Rachel's or completely breathtaking like Jo's or cute and sweet like Eva's – it was different, much simpler and it suited me better. My usually dead straight blonde hair was curled loosely and it hung down my shoulders. My makeup was simple with a nude lip and a sparkly, blue and silver eye.

I looked pretty awesome, if I say so myself.

"Wow. Roy is gonna eat you up!" Jo squealed as she looked at me appreciatively. Eva clapped and smiled, which was a big deal coming from the silent Eva.

Rachel said nothing but meh. I was cool with it. If she wanted to treat me badly because I was going to the dance with her crush, so be it. I knew for a fact I wouldn't let it ruin my night.

Now, off to the Diggory Yule Ball!

Thanks for reading! Remember, review! I love getting emails and finding out that I have some more people following and reviewing my story! Next chapter is the ball! Any ideas about what could happen at the ball, please PM and review!

Ok, thanks guys!

Kat xx