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Scoundrel.

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In traditional Wizarding history, the Yule Ball was a by-product event of the Triwizard Tournament, an international competition between the three powerhouse schools of Europe: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Durmstrang Institute, and Beaxbatons Academy of Magic. Held every five years, the tournament would be hosted by each school in turn, and each school would put forth one champion representative to complete three very difficult, very dangerous tasks. Because of these dangers, the tournament was eventually banned in 1790, but was reintroduced once in 1994 with disastrous results. After the Great Wizarding War, Hogwarts decided to reinstate this part of the Triwizard Tournament that had the most of its foundations in international cooperation as a nod to the old friendly ties between nations.

Now, of course, students and teachers alike just think of it as another excuse to party. Twenty years is a long time.

"I can't believe the Ball is tomorrow," Scharkey sighed, lounging on her four-poster bed. "It'll be so much fun!"

"You're going with Kenneth Harper, right?" I asked, eying the shade of my nails before making them just a little darker with a flick of my wand.

"Mhm. He's hot and smart."

"Just because he's a Prefect doesn't mean he's smart," Elli said from across the room. "He is a Gryffindor, after all. Brawn over brain and all that."

"Gryffindors can be intelligent!" I said, insulted. "Sam's one and he is my brother, you know." I took the color off my nails entirely. "And no offense, but Kenneth Harper's not my favorite person." I'm still bitter about his terrible aim.

Scharkey snorted. "Just because he said Ravenclaw's Quidditch team was doomed to fail the moment you had become Captain-,"

"Just because?" I asked, incredulous. "Anyway, it's not just that. You should have seen the way he treated Dominique Weasley!"

"What does she have to do with anything?" said Scharkey.

"She had the biggest crush on him last year, and you know, Dominique doesn't do girly shit like that. She told him and he totally blew her off and said she wasn't 'enough of a girl' for him." I shook my head in disgust. "Can you believe that? She's gorgeous."

"That's why she cut off all her hair, too," Elli added. "Just to prove a point."

"Oh, but I love her haircut! And everything turned out well, didn't it?" said Scharkey.

"In the end. I know you're not like Dominique Weasley, Scharkey, but I do not like that boy," I said finally.

"I'm not looking to get married to him, am I?" Scharkey said with a look of disbelief on her face. "I'm just looking for a night of fun, so lay off, alright?"

We were all silent for a moment. Then—

"Alright, alright," I said. "This is a night of fun. Fun only. No drama."

"Thank you." She tossed her hair and grabbed a copy of Bewitching Hairstyles. She thumbed through that for a couple minutes before asking, "So, who else has a date? You and Matt Edwards—"

"Scarlett's going with Benedict Mauceri, I heard," Elli said.

Scharkey frowned. "I thought she liked that Weasley kid in the year below."

"No dice, I guess," Elli answered, trying not to look smug. "She and Mauceri are childhood friends, I think."

"Ugh. What kind of life do you lead when you're childhood friends with Benedict Mauceri?"

"Doesn't he have a summer home in Italy?"

"Doesn't he have a side-gig as a model?"

Bleach blond hair, a dancer's body, and a face like an angel, Benedict Mauceri was a topic of hot discuss among students male and female, more so because he was famous for his nondiscrimination between the sexes. He came from a rich, influential Muggle family and hadn't hesitated to network with rich, influential Wizarding families, especially the nouveau riche:Matthew Edwards, Theodore Wisz, Neil and James Borland, et cetera.

And he had an accent, so. You know.

"Amber and Holly are both going stag," I offered.

"Amber doesn't surprise me. She hates the whole awkward date-dance thing," Elli said.

Ugh, me too, I thought. Why did I say yes, I hardly even know this guy.

"But I thought Holly would've gotten someone! She's not ashamed of desperate measures, and she definitely feels like dates are important," Scharkey continued. "What about you, Elli?"

"Um." She blushed. "No one yet. But there's someone I want to ask. I don't think he's going with anyone yet."

I stared at her hard, trying to communicate with my mind. It didn't work. I'm not exactly a Legilimens.

Scharkey raised her eyebrows. "Well, hurry up!" She threw Bewitching Hairstyles at Elli for emphasis. "Time's a-ticking'!"

Elli ducked. "Alright, alright, I'm going, I'm going! Wish me luck!" She left the room quickly with her head bent, pink-cheeked.

Scharkey looked at me, bemused. "Do you know who she wants to ask?"

I avoided eye contact. "Uhh… I might. Maybe. I'm not sure. Time is a fickle thing, ya know?"

"Mhm," she answered skeptically.

Late that night, I had just crawled into bed when Elli came back to the dormitory with a strange look on her face.

"Well?" I asked quietly, so as not to wake anybody else. "How did it go? What was it anyway?"

She sat down on the edge of my bed. "Um. Well. I almost don't know what to say."

"Start from the beginning."

"Alright."

So I told you before that I liked Fred Weasley, right? I heard that Scarlett had been dropping hints about the Ball all week and he didn't do a thing. But I know from a bit of investigation—mostly by blackmailing Malcolm Lapeyrouse, you know how I helped him out when he got in that spot of trouble with the Potions cupboard last year—that he didn't have a date for the Ball. And we'd sort of talked a couple times, y'know, the library, random corridors, whenever we'd see each other, and there was this sort of connection, or at least I thought so anyway, so I thought maybe I had a shot.

So I go down to the Greenhouses because he hangs out there all the time and sure enough, he was there. I gather all my courage and I just say it. I just say, Fred, I think you're really cool, would you want to go to the Ball with me? And he gets this look on his face and says, he says, Elli, I'm sorry, I really am, but I don't like you like that, I don't think it would be fair—I like someone else. And I'm just like, wow, that really sucks.

I mean, I didn't say that. But that really, really sucks.

So I say, I totally understand, don't worry about it, and leave. I make it to the nearest secret corridor—Portrait of the Nervous Gentlemen—before I start crying. I stay there for about half an hour before I exit on the fifth floor and go to the bathroom to splash some cold water on my face because I'm a real mess. Like, mascara everywhere. Waterproof my grandmother's giant—

Anyway, so I get rid of it with my wand and clean up the best I could. Guess who I run into on the way back to the dormitory?

Ackerly Campbell.

He says he'd just been on his way to Ravenclaw Tower in hopes to catching me. And then he says, he just says it right out, that we've been friends for a really long time and that he thought we'd have a really good time together at the Yule Ball so would I go with him? And I'm just like, you know, emotionally drained and don't even know what to say or anything, and he says, I promise to have the best comments about everybody's outfits, and I start crying again and he's like, okay maybe not if you're not into throwing all the shade, and I'm like, no, that sounds perfect, okay, yes I'll go with you.

"So now I have a date, I guess," she finished.

I opened my mouth, thought better of it, and closed it. Then I said, "Am I allowed to say that that was adorable? The ending, I mean."

She laughed. "I mean. It's Ackerly Campbell. I've never—I've known him forever. This is going to be weird, isn't it?"

"Maybe he'll be your Benedict Mauceri," I said, wriggling my eyebrows.

"That would be a hell of a transformation," she said. "Anyway, we're just going as friends, anyway."

"Are you sure?" I asked.

"Yeah," she said. "Right? We have to be. Otherwise I'd feel guilty, like I'm using him as revenge or something." She shook her head and nudged me with her elbow. "Weasleys and Potters, man. We're better off, yeah?"

I frowned. "I don't know what you're talking about." Then—"Actually, I have something to tell you. Sorry for waiting so long. Um." I took a deep breath. "Last week James asked me to go to the Ball with him."

"What!" Elli exclaimed. Someone groaned to our left. "I mean, what?" she whispered. "What did you say?"

"What did you think I said? I said I already had a date," I said crossly.

"But don't you—I mean. Don't you?"

"Bloody hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't you like him?"

"What? No. Of course not."

"But Allison—"

"I'm tired, I think I'm going to go to bed."

"Sorry for being so pissy last night," I muttered to Elli as I buttered my toast. "I'm glad things turned out sort of okay."

"Thanks," she said shortly, but she smiled anyway.

The school was abuzz in excitement for the Yule Ball. I had been planning on sleeping in—beauty sleep but more like a need for sleep in general—but the dormitory was full of anticipation. LOUD anticipation. Bright and early. The Ball didn't even start till eight, guys.

I started getting ready in the late afternoon, a decision made by a combination of boredom, actual necessity, and peer pressure (as in, all my friends were getting ready). I went with some sort of complicated up-do that Elli created with both the magic I understood and the magic I didn't. Whatever she did, my hair was swept back and up in elegant fashion with a few loose, well placed curls here and there.

"I'm afraid to move and mess it up," I confided.

"No worries," she said. "Capillus immobulus!"

I felt a weird sensation slide over my head, like an ice cube being rubbed over my scalp. "Uh, thanks."

After foundation and such, I decided to use thicker eyeliner than usual—it was a special occasion, after all—but normal mascara and a green/gray palate for eye shadow. Lastly I put on a dark shade of red lipstick to compliment my dress.

"Dress," I said.

"You're done already?" said Holly as she precariously fixed fake eyelashes to her eyelid. None of us will touch lash-lengthening charms, not after what happened to Lynnette Marshalls last year. It wasn't pretty.

"Is that a pimple? Tell me that's not a pimple," said Scharkey, staring aghast at the mirror. "Does anyone—"

"Here," said Kayla, tossing her a small pink pot. "Two-second pimple vanisher."

"You're the best. Can you believe those used to take ten seconds? What a waste of time."

I wasted another half-hour or so helping do other people's hair—although I wasn't much help, to be honest. Then I slipped my dress on, taking care with the neckline so as not to disturb my hair (no matter what Elli's spell was supposed to have done). I had to buy a special bra for the dress because of the low back, the halter-top and the plunging neckline. Picture a normal bra: now extend the fabric down your rib cage and cut a dip where the sternum is. Change the attachment of the side-straps from the cup down to the extra fabric, and then switch out the regular straps for a clear halter-top version. It was by far the most difficult contraption I had ever had the misfortune to put on. And that was including the more experimental Keeper's equipment.

I hooked my dangles in and added in some sparkly studs as well for the second on my left ear and the second/triple on my right ear before strapping on my heels. "I think I'm good," I said.

"Aw, you look great!" said Elli.

"Fuck that, she looks hot!" Scarlet said.

Amber gestured to my throat. "Are you sure you don't want a necklace?"

I looked down. "No, I think the halter-top would look weird. Anyway-," it was a quarter to eight, "I think I'm gonna go down? Is anyone else ready? Does anyone else have Ravenclaw dates?"

A chorus of "No"s, and "Sorry"s.

"I'll come down anyway," said Elli. "I don't want to go down by myself either. Just let me put my flats on." Her hair tumbled in long blond spirals as she bent to reach her shoes.

I wasn't blushing when we walked down to the library area of the common room, but I was definitely blushing when we turned to climb down the marble staircase into the main area. Merlin, this was so awkward. Remember last year? Last year was nice. Last year I didn't have a date.

I was half-hoping Matt wasn't ready yet so I wouldn't have to descend with him watching me. No such luck, perfect man that he is. He looked—well, he looked positively dashing. He wore close-cut navy blue velvet dress robes. Actually, I was surprised that he wore dress robes, as most younger wizards tended to deviate to more Muggle fashions. Regardless, he looked great. His hair was slicked back and his eyes, I swear they fucking sparkled or some shit.

He smiled at me when I reached him and offered his arm. "You look beautiful tonight," he told me quietly.

I'm sure my blush increased tenfold. "Not-not too bad yourself, " I replied.

"Shall we?" He gestured toward the Great Hall. I waved a weak goodbye to Elli.

The teachers had really outdone themselves this year. Twelve gigantic evergreens lined the Great Hal, each individually decorated with silver and gold baubles, sparkling ropes of tinsel, and tiny glowing fairies, their wings gently moving and glittering in the soft light of dimly flickering torches. Dozens of glass tables littered the areas around the dance floor, each equipped with crystal goblets and plates and topped with magnificent, intricate centerpieces. Little glass spheres floated all around the Hall, blue flames glowing within. A small orchestral quartet played next to the dance floor, where several couples were already swaying gently to the music, arms wrapped around each other and heads close.

"Oh, wow," I whispered softly.

"Yes, amazing, isn't it?" Matt smiled again. "Let's grab a table."

"This is really spectacular," said Elli, coming up to us, Ackerly Campbell in tow. He had donned a dark purple suit to match Elli's evening down.

"Yeah," I said. Matt was a few steps ahead of us and snagged a table.

I sat down and perused the menu. "I think I'll have the lamb chops," I said. In true Hogwarts fashion, if thou only asketh, it appeareth. Or something. I dug in.

Matt was perfectly delightful as we ate, polite and conversational, and laughed at my stupid jokes. Nevertheless, I was glad Elli and her date had found me.

"Matt, my man!" said someone behind us.

"Theo!" said Matt, standing. They did some sort of weird handshake hug thing. "How's it going?"

"All good, all good. Just grabbing my date a drink."

"I was just thinking of grabbing Allison here a drink as well! I'll be right back, shall I?" He left.

"Um," I said, looking at my glass. It was nearly full.

"Oh, look at Julianne's dress," Elli pointed out. "If I were her dorm-mates, I wouldn't let her out of the dorm." I could see Matt pushing his way through the crowd towards the bar.

"Oh, is that supposed to be a dress?" said Campbell, adjusting his glasses. "I thought she was going au casual in a shirt and pants, only it seems that she's lost her pants somehow. Although we should of course respect everyone's fashion opinions."

Elli burst out laughing. "This is why I keep you around, Ackerly. Come on, let's go get some Butterbeer." They left too.

I stood and took a couple steps so I wasn't awkwardly sitting at the table alone. Where on earth was Matt? Was the line for drinks really that long?

"There you are, thought I'd lost you." It was Matt, holding two champagne flutes filled with Butterbeer.

"Thanks," I said when he handed me a glass. We stood there in silence for a few minutes.

This was so much better when Elli and Campbell had been there!

I cast my glance around the Hall. Scharkey was dancing with Kenneth Harper and kept dragging his wandering hand to more appropriate places. Elli was laughing at something Campbell was saying, while Scarlett and Benedict Mauceri sat nearby, heads inclined towards each other. Holly and Amber had joined a group of Slytherin boys, and Julianne Bradley was grinding on Demetrius Shreeve. Nick Riggins was staring wistfully at Dominique Weasley, but she only had eyes for Harper (in that it looked like she was attempting to set his hair on fire with her eyes). Maggie and Stephen were dancing away while Kayla flirted with a pretty brunnette that totally didn't look like Maggie.

Then I spotted a head of messy black hair: James Potter. He stood casually, hands in his pockets and chatting to Fred Weasley. He wore a simple black tuxedo that was cut to fit the lines of his body. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I tore mine away abruptly, blushing.

I should be talking to Matt.

"Um, so-," I started.

Matt cut me off suddenly. "I'm sorry, but if you'll excuse me," he said, and stalked off.

I frowned. I was probably being too boring for him. Oh, well. In the corner of my eye, I saw Fred Weasley approach the group of Slytherins that Amber and Holly had claimed. He bowed to Amber and offered his hand. My jaw dropped.

"Hey, there."

I whirled around. It was James.

He smiled crookedly. "Care to dance?"

I felt a bit stunned, but wordlessly nodded my agreement. James took my hand and led me to the dance floor.

"I'm not much of a dancer," I warned him.

He twirled me close to him, so close our noses almost touched. "Me neither." He grinned widely. "So let's make fools of ourselves together."

I smiled at that and laced the fingers of my free hand with that of his. And we danced—sort of anyway. The best we could. E for Effort and all that.

"You know," said James, breath hot in my ear. "You look very, very good in red."

I blushed. What a Gryffindor thing to say. "Stop," I said crossly. "I don't need you to compliment me."

We suddenly spun and he dropped me into a low dip. "If you didn't want to be complimented-," his eyes flicked down my body and back up and Merlin's blue bunny my face was going to explode tonight wasn't it, "then you shouldn't have worn that dress."

We had somehow maneuvered next to a wall. I twisted until we were pressed up against this wall, closer than ever before, my hips against his, his chest against mine. I stared right into his eyes—damn those eyes—and said, "I wore this dress because I look damn good and I know it. I don't need anyone else to tell me that." My gaze cut down to his lips and I felt like I couldn't breathe, so I dragged my eyes away and took a step back.

Merlin, the look on James' face. His head fell back against the wall, nostrils flared, lips parted, eyes dark, dark, dark. He took a step forward.

Panic flooded me. I spun around quickly. "Oh," I said, to the sight in front of me.

Matt Edwards and Julianne Bradley were dancing together, hopelessly close, in a way that was impossible to misinterpret.

James touched my shoulder gingerly. "I heard they had gotten together at the end of last term and broke up right before school started."

"I—yes, I knew that," I said absently, unable to tear my eyes away. Apparently it had been a devastating break-up on both sides.

"Are you okay?"

"Um," I said. "I think so." The words surprised me. Didn't I like Matt?

Shouldn't I be heartbroken right now?

Didn't he basically just use me to get back together with his ex?

"Are you sure?"

I turned around to face James. "Yeah," I said with a small smile. "I'm sure."

I fell against my bed with a huge grin on my face. After talking the rest of the Ball, James and I had ended the night by exchanging addresses. There was a vague promise to visit over the holidays.

I sat up and wrangled off my shoes and pulled my dress over my head, along with that stupid bra, slipping on a large T-Shirt and shorts. I tossed everything on the floor but I tried to toss the dress in a way that would encourage the least amount of wrinklage. Whatever. Sounds like a problem for future-me.

Twisting around to lie on my side, I pressed my hands against my cheeks. Merlin. What a night.

(A/N: Ahaha. Ha. Ha. Yet again, I'm really, really sorry. If you're still with me, I'm so flattered. I promise it'll be worth it (especially with what I have planned for the next chapter *wriggles eyebrows*). Sorry if there are mistakes in this chapter, I tried to proofread as quickly as I could because it's getting late and I wanted to get it out as fast as I could. Also, probably the last you'll see of Matt Edwards. Yay! On to bigger and better things! ;) I'll probably have at least one more chapter out this summer, but after that I can't promise anything. I love you all! I read all reviews to improve my writing, for ideas, and for general encouragement, so please, if you have words to say, please say them! 3 )