Chapter 25: The Yule Ball.

Ash woke up when she heard girls around her screaming and shouting and then all of a sudden she remembered that it was the Yule Ball today and that she HAD to get ready. She quickly got up and then ran downstairs to the common room where she saw… nothing. Everyone had gone because people were already getting ready for the Yule Ball. It was the afternoon and the Yule Ball was in hours, why was everyone getting ready at this time? She didn't want to be seen looking her worst in the morning, so she quickly went back up, where she saw all her friends gathered around Ash's bed…

'Hey what's the matter?' Said Ash approaching her friends

'Quickly get ready!' Screamed Zee

'Why?' Said Ash as she got dragged to the wardrobe

'Because something is going to happen downstairs soon!' Screaming Rachel

'What's going to happen? And where's Rhea?' Said Ash

'Never mind and quickly get ready into something so then you can see what is going to happen!' Screamed Lia and Rose

Ash quickly got ready, wondering what this BIG thing was that was going to happen just before the Yule Ball. As soon as she was ready, she joined her friends going downstairs where she also saw a big crowd, but the thing was she couldn't see Rhea. Ash and her friends pushed right to the front and there they saw Sid, and of course Rhea in front of him. They were just staring at each other, as if they had both seen a ghost or something.

'Rhea Basu...' Said Sid as he looked at Rhea

'Sid…?' Said Rhea sarcastically, looking away

'Would you… Would you… Would you like… Would-' Said Sid until he got interrupted

'Speak properly or don't speak at all Sid' Said Rhea still looking away

Everyone started laughing but this was a very important moment for Sid, as he didn't like it when everyone laughed.

'Will you like to go to the Yule Ball with me?' Said Sid very quietly

'Sorry I didn't hear you… Can you please say it louder?' Said Rhea, turning her head to look at Sid

'Rhea… Would you like to go to the ball with me?' Said Sid, kneeling down and holding a flower out

Everyone then started chanting 'SAY YES, SAY YES, SAY YES!' And of course Rhea couldn't say no, Rhea smiled and looked at Sid and then said 'Of course I'll go with you Sid' Rhea got closer to Sid and then hugged him and then gave him a little kiss on the cheek.

After that everyone left once again to get ready for the Yule Ball.

-8pm… Time to get ready for the Yule Ball-

It became 8pm and everyone had to start getting ready properly. James and Hugo were getting in their dress robes. James started combing his hair while he was looking at himself in the mirror, his dress robes were quite simple, they were black and white and then his little bow tie which was in the middle was white and it was simple, but very smart. Apparently it was something which his dad wore as it said in the letter when he received his dress robes. As James was continuously styling his hair in different ways, Hugo walked in. His robes were… Well different. His dad had sent them, they were the same ones that Hugo's dad wore when it was his Yule Ball, so it looked like these dress robes were going to be passed down for every Yule Ball! James started laughing as he saw Hugo come behind him with his… Different dress robes.

'What ARE you looking at?' Shouted Hugo

'Oh nothing…' Said James calming himself down 'Nice dress robes'

'Your dress robes are better! Y' see what MY Dad wore at his Yule Ball?' Said Hugo

James continued laughing but eventually stopped after he got bored of laughing.

'Come on, lets go down to the hall' Said James

Hugo and James started going down and then when they reached the great hall they saw their dates, they weren't looking the best but it was worth going with someone, instead of going with no one.

'Poor girl! Bet she's too embarrassed to come down here' Whispered Hugo

'Who?' Said James

'Ash of course! Its OBVIOUS why she didn't tell us who she was going with to the ball, its because she wasn't going with anyone at all!' Said Hugo

James just nodded and then met up with their dates. While walking James saw that the boy who he saw with the long hair yesterday was there, he already had a date! James was wondering who he was going to go with… James met up and then he saw those 2 girls together again.

'Both of you look… Handsome?' Said Samantha as James and Hugo approached the girls

'Thanks (!)' Said Hugo very sarcastically

'I think the champions have to be the first to dance, so I think you should go into the hall!' Said Bethany

Bethany and Hugo left and then everyone was waiting for the Champions when McGonagall came up to James and Samantha and said 'Oh quickly! We're still waiting for the date of Raj, in this case the new boy will be joining the champions for the starting dance! Get in line Mr. Potter!'

James quickly joined the line and Samantha turned around to see a girl, walk down the stairs. Jet black hair, now in large ringlet girls, long earrings, a beautiful necklace, a purple and gold dress which went down to the floor and heels which made her look taller, nails done professionally and cat eye's, eye make up with a tint of gold and purple eye shadow and a touch of pink blush. She walked down the stairs as she was royalty and she was welcomed by a bow from nearby boys.

'She looks amazing!' Said Samantha looking at her

'Who?' Said James

And with that he turned around and saw the girl, the girl he wanted to go to the Yule Ball with, but couldn't, the girl he really liked, but couldn't say it. Ash. He saw her walk down and then behind her Rhea, Claire, Rose and Rachel. All were dressed beautifully but for James, Ash was the only one there for James. And for Sid, well for him Rhea was the only girl he could see! Ash for once was smiling… And Rhea was as well. As she came down James got closer and closer, she smiled and waved at him as she was on the last step and then a boy came forward, as he got forward, James moved back. James wanted to know who this boy was, and as the boy took Ash's hand he knew this was her date. As the boy turned around he saw who it was… It was the boy he had seen in the common room… It was Raj. James quickly went back to Samantha who looked at James in an uncertain manner.

'I'm so sorry James' Said Samantha putting her hand on James' shoulder

'It's not your fault, you don't have to say sorry!' Said James, taking her hand off his shoulder

Now everyone was here and it was time for dancing, the champions lined up behind each other and then right at the back were Raj and Ash, McGonagall thought it would be better for the 'new boy' to fit in at the back so then everyone would know who he is. As soon as everyone was set and ready, the music started and the couples slowly walked into the hall. Row by row, first it was Hogwarts Champion Sid Raichand and his partner Rhea Basu. Second was Bulgarian Boy Aleksandar Penev with his partner Noémi Roux the Beauxbaton's champion. After them was Hogwarts Champion 2, James Potter with his partner Samantha Reynolds. Finally, it was the new student of Hogwarts Raj Bakshi, with his Partner Ash Phoenix. Finally they reached the dancing area and then the music went on and everyone started dancing, James was dancing but he could only pay attention to what Ash and Raj were doing, Ash was laughing and having fun as he carried her and held her up when they danced, and Raj holding her waist as if he was her boyfriend or someone close to her, smiling happily. James could see everything that was happening, then he saw Raj slowly getting closer to Ash and he saw that he quickly on the cheek. James looked at Ash and saw that she was still smiling but blushing, then Raj and Ash started talking to each other and whispering things to each other, James couldn't lip read, so it was really no use just trying to look at what their saying! James was looking around and then he saw Hugo. He saw that he was enjoying being with his date.

After a while, the music stopped playing and everyone started clapping, Professor McGonagall came up onto the stage and then said 'The next dance will be the dance where everyone has to change partners at every clap! You will first start with your current partner and then change at the clap!'

With that, everyone got ready, smiled and then as soon as the music went on, everyone started dancing.

'How do you feel?' Said Raj smiling as he danced

'I'm fine, just really worn out from this dancing!' Said Ash while being picked up.

'Who do you think your going to be with?' Asked Raj

'I don't know, hopefully someone who isn't in Slytherin!' Replied Ash

But then all of a sudden there was a clap and Ash was let go and was passed onto another partner. She saw it was Albus and she sighed in relief and then smiled at Albus.

'Nice Dress' Complimented Albus

'Thanks, nice dress robe!' Replied Ash looking around seeing that Sid hadn't let go of Rhea and they were still together dancing happily

'I heard James wanted to go with you' Shouted Albus over the music

'Sorry? I can't hear you can you repeat it again please?' Shouted Ash

'I SAID I HEARD THAT JAMES WANTED TO GO WITH YOU TO THE YULE BALL' Screamed Albus

Ash froze still and then she heard a clap and she closed her eyes and she was with someone else, and then she opened her eyes and she sighed with relief once again, still thinking about what Albus had just said. She was now with Aleksandar, who was proudly smiling at Ash.

'Hey Ash!' Said Aleksandar

'Oh… Hi' Replied Ash

'I heard that your date for the Yule Ball was that new Gryffindor boy? Am I right?'

'Yes… Raj why?'

Aleksandar gave a little chuckle and then said 'Because me and that James Potter were having a competition of who would ask you first, but Raj won!'

'Are you serious?'

'Very serious' Said Aleksandar winking

Ash was shocked and before she could ask anything else there was a clap and then she was passed onto someone else, this time she didn't close her eyes, because she was certain she wouldn't land with anyone who she didn't like, as she slowly spun, she looked up and she saw who it was. He had brown hair, he had a side fringe and a smart dress robe. It was James. Ash was really shocked.

'Ash…' Said James as he slowly held Ash's hand

'James?' Said Ash slowly looking down

'You look beautiful today…'

'Thank you' Replied Ash as she blushed, still looking down

'So how was your dance with Raj?'

'It was okay, he was kind which is good. How was your dance with your partner?'

'It was alright, but she looks like she's enjoying dancing more with someone from Bulgaria more than she enjoyed dancing with me!'

Ash looked up and then smiled and then asked 'Was it true that you wanted to ask me to the Yule Ball?'

'Well what do you think?' Said James as he picked up Ash and then put her down

'I think it was true, every partner I've had has said it to me'

'Yes… It was true, but I'm fine with it if you didn't want to go with me'

'No James… I didn't mean it like that… I would have gone with you only if you had asked me earlier' Said Ash as she looked down

'Don't be sad, at least both of us have someone to go with…' Whispered James as he tried to get Ash to look up again

Ash looked up and then she got closer to James. James put his hand on Ash's cheek and then he got closer and closer… Just as they were about to get even more closer the music stopped and everyone started clapping, James looked away from Ash and then started clapping, Ash did the same.

'Now everyone, feel free to have a drink or something to eat before the next dance!' Said Professor McGonagall

Ash walked away from James, and James stood where he was. Samantha came up to James and then saw he was looking at Ash, she looked and then said 'She will come back… I promise'

And with that Samantha walked away to her 'new' date. James looked at Samantha and then looked at Ash again… James saw Ash was looking for someone, Raj probably. Ash went outside to see if Raj was outside and then James followed, with Rhea and Sid holding hands behind James following James to see what was going to happen.

It was snowing outside and Ash didn't want to ruin her hair or her make up, so she stayed where there was shelter, she didn't see James, Rhea or Sid, she was too busy looking for her missing date. As Ash was going around the whole courtyard searching for Raj, James had found Rhea and Sid and he was telling them what happened… Rhea was shocked, so was Sid, so they all decided to help Ash find Raj. Ash searched around one part of the courtyard, but James, Rhea and Sid were on the other side, they were searching when they heard some whispering. It sounded like a girl and a boy… James decided to go look so he moves on further on and he saw it was Raj… with another girl. James called Rhea and Sid and they were shocked about it and they had to tell Ash quickly. James told Rhea to go to Ash to tell her because they were best friends and Ash would never believe James or Sid. Rhea went quietly and then few minutes later she bought Ash to James and Sid.

'What do you want to show me then?' Whispered Ash

James, Sid and Rhea all looked at each other and then James took told of Ash's hand gently and then took her to see Raj. Ash saw Raj and another girl kissing secretly… Ash let go of James' hand and then she walked into Hogwarts. Rhea and Sid went to comfort Ash while James… James was thinking about what to do, he could go comfort Ash or he could do something about Raj. James looked at Raj and then he marched straight up to Raj.

'WHY DID YOU DO THIS?' Said James

'Do what?' Said Raj moving away from the girl

'Why did you do this to Ash' Said James pointing at the girl

'Ash was just dull… I felt sorry for her that she had no date… Problem?'

'Yes there is a problem, you just broke her heart and because of you even I didn't get to ask her!' Shouted James

'Wait… Ash knows?' Asked Raj

'Obviously! You think I would hide this from her?'

The girl who Raj was with was from the Beauxbatons and as soon as she understood what this was about she let go of Raj and then left him.

'That's what you get for cheating Raj!' Said James

James then walked away, leaving Raj to think about what he had done. James got inside and then saw Ash… She was on the stairs by herself as everyone else was in the Great Hall dancing. He walked up to Ash and then he sat next to her and then put his hand around her.

'I'm so sorry Ash…' Said James

'Its not your fault… It was mine… Why did I say yes to HIM?' Weeped Ash

Ash looked up and saw James' arm around her… She wiped her tears quickly and then cuddled up with James with her arms around him. Ash was holding James tightly, Ash looked up and then James took hold of Ash's hand and then said 'Ashley Phoenix, would you like to be my date for the Yule Ball?'

'James… James… Of course I would' Said Ash

James still holding her hand took her inside to the great hall and then took hold of her hand and then danced with her, of course Sid and Rhea were still together and now everyone was happy, except Raj of course.

'Thank you Ash' Said James

'Thank you for what?' Replied Ash

'Thank you for being my date…'

'I'm happy to be your date, so there's no point of saying thank you'

James smiled and then tightly held Ash's hand and then the music stopped and it was time for another break. James let go of Ash's hand and then when James started to walk to get drinks, Ash held him back and then kissed him on the cheek and then mouthed 'Thank you' James smiled and then carried on walking. While James was getting drinks with Sid, Ash and Rhea were talking…

'Ash… I am so sorry about Raj!' Said Rhea

'Oh its fine… He was an idiot anyway!' Replied Ash

'I love your dress by the way!'

'Thanks Rhea! But I'm sure yours is better' Said Ash smiling

'I see you and James are pretty close now?'

'Maybe… But no where near as close as you and Sid'

'What do you mean?' Asked Rhea

'I mean… There's still probably no chance of me and James being together, I mean I think its completely impossible!'

James was behind Ash, Ash didn't know he was there but Rhea did. James' face looked down and then he put a finger on his lip, to show Rhea not to tell Ash that he was behind her.

'And why is that?' Asked Rhea

'Because… I'm still worried he might do the same thing as he did in year 1, and… I'm worried he's not that AJ guy who saved me' Said Ash looking down

Ash turned around to go see where James was and then she saw James…

'James…' Said Ash

'Just… Don't talk to me Ash okay?' Said James

James put the glasses of punch down and then walked off going back to the common room… Ash looked at him and as much as she tried to go after she couldn't because Chloe was there, also she was wearing the most uncomfortable shoes. Rhea hugged Ash and then said 'C'mon Ash… Lets just go back to the common room' Rhea also held Sid's hand and then Ash, Rhea and Sid made their way to the common room.

'I'll speak to James tonight okay Ash?' Said Sid

'Thank you Sid' Replied Ash

Ash and Rhea made their way up to the Girls Dorms, while Sid made his way to the Boys Dorms. When Sid reached the dorms he saw James sitting on his bed writing something.

'Hey James!' Said Sid as he sat next to James

'What are you doing there?' Added Sid trying to look at what James was doing

'I'm going to tell Ash everything, about the things I gave her… And about me being AJ'

'Wait… What? Why?'

'Because I'll be lying to her and she would never want to be with me if she doesn't know who the person who saved her is!'

James then folded the piece of parchment up and then said 'Tomorrow… I'm going to give this to her and she'll understand everything'

And with that James stood up and then put his quill, ink and notes away and then kept his note for Ash in a secret place. With the second task a few days away, James was worried and he was sad. He had to tell Ash everything, and he was going to do it tomorrow.