Chapter 25: Mystery
It was now Christmas Eve. The day of the Yule Ball; this would bring together the three schools competing in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Me, Hermione, Harry and Ron were all sat in the common room waiting for our Dorm mates to finish getting ready so we could go and get ourselves ready. We weren't worrying since there was still at least 2 hours and we had all showered.
"I am so happy for you guys" I said smiling at all of them.
"If it was not for you me and Ron would be going on our own" Harry added returning a bright smile of relief the twins agreed to go with them.
"Hay Nigh you never said who you are going with?" Ron stated as both boys nodded at each other.
I shrugged my shoulders not knowing what to say as Hermione nudged me.
"I don't really have anyone" I explained as both of them looked slightly in shock.
"But we just assumed you had someone. So are you going all by yourself?" Harry wondered seeming worried for me as was Ron; I could tell they felt silly not thinking of asking me.
"It's alright. If it does not work out I guess I can just tag along with you guys as friends. I don't have to have a date and I won't be alone" I said giving a small frowning.
"Have you already forgotten about your secret admirer?" Hermione asked as they looked at me in confusion.
"What are you on about?" Ron asked raising an eyebrow.
"Well the other day I and Nighlia went to Hogsmeade to visit that small tailor shop for our dresses. While we were there the owner received an owl addressed to Nigh. It was inviting her as a date to the ball by someone who met her in the Transfiguration hallway on the 1st floor. Whoever it is; they are kind of creepy for knowing where you would be to send his owl there. But she agreed to met him and then decide" Hermione explained for me as I was blushing madly almost forgetting about it.
"Don't met him" Harry said simply.
"Why?" I questioned strangely.
"He could be a complete weirdo. If no one is around to protect you; who knows what he could do to you" Harry explained his wishes and I understood where he was coming from.
"If anything happens I know the Great Hall which is full of people can help me. Plus I can look after myself, I have my wand and even a bit of wandless magic. I will be fine" I spoke with confidence but I could tell they were all still concern for me.
"Come on let's go and get ready" I said feeling a slight awkwardness between us all as everyone agreed going our own ways.
After an hour and a half of getting ready and preparing for the Yule Ball both me and Hermione were done with another half an hour to go. Hermione had her curled golden hair up beautifully by gold, purple and pink pins. It matched her dress with a pink silk top that went into a flow thin fabric like mine of pinks that went a darker shade along the length and layers of it.
I was wearing my dress and heels and still could not believe how gorgeous it looks. I decided to plait my ombre hair making it wide and large to give a slight messy look. Yesterday I used a school owl to order a silver twirling crown with jewels and flowers which fitted into my hair plait. I had my wand and few other things in my purse bag which I had also ordered as it was black fabric made into multiple roses bunched together. Lastly my make up was simple compared to some of the other Gryffindor girls I had seen. I had foundation and power with a little light pink blusher; I wore thin black eyeliner that made my sparkly beige eye shadow to stand out with my mascara.
That was it really but it was all light, some girls used a fake tan spell which made them look orange. Lavender looked like a frosted cake with so much make up, I can't tell her apart from a clown. Hermione had the same amount and type of make up as I did.
We both made our way down the hallways and staircase until we reached the 1st floor.
"Okay off you go" Hermione said shoving me the opposite way toward the Transfigurations hallway which I was now dreading.
"Alright I am going. I hope I will see you there. Good luck with Krum" I spoke shaking with nerves which Hermione took note of.
"Calm down; you look wonderful. Find your secret admirer" Hermione ordered before giving me a small hug and walking off towards the Great Hall.
My heels clicked amongst the empty halls passing classrooms and the small lighting of oil wall candles. I finally turn the corner to see no one there and I can't help but be disappointed by letting out a sigh. Carrying on walking I make my way towards the Ball but notice in one of the near arch walls was a piece of parchment with a white rose attached to it. I gentle lifted my hand to take it off the wall and read it.
'Dearest Nighlia,
I am glad you accepted. Sadly I could not get away to met you here. This is where I first met you, saw your amazing beauty. Even since then through all the things I try to see past I remain only looking upon you like I did when my eyes first lay on you. Please forgive me in not meeting you here but I now you will understand. Instead met me outside the Great Hall; I shall find you.
I hope you like the rose.
See you soon, Love. xxx
From ...'
I whispered aloud the letter to myself to fully understand. My fingers carefully pulled at the short cut stem of the rose and tucked it behind my ear after snapping the thorns off. This was it for me and I still had no idea who it could be.
Soon I heard talking and laughter which make me smile as I moved my head slightly around the pillar at the top corner of the set of stairs leading just outside the hall. I instantly noticed on the other set of stairs opposite Hermione walking gracefully to greet Harry before Victor escorted her away. I looked over everyone. The Hogwarts houses were seen easily as they dated people from their own house. Then most other couple were made from the two competing schools. I took in a deep breath wondering what to do. I peeked around again not revelling myself noticing Hermione again who spotted me signing for me to join her but I shook my head. She walked with Victor over to my staircase excusing herself for a sort moment as she walked up the stairs towards me.
"Hay come on" She said pulling me out from pillar so you could kind of see it was me from the side but I kept myself turned away from everyone. Hermione had already walked a few steps down not seeing I was not following her.
"Did you meet him? Who was it?" She wondered curiously.
"He could not meet me there but said here instead. He left a lovely note with a white rose" I explained pointing to the rose in my hair which she awed at.
"Well do you have an idea of who it could be?" Hermione asked looking around the crowds of couples chatting as I decided to finally turn around looking properly shrugging my shoulders.
"I have absolutely no clue" I breathed quietly standing out next to the pillar.
"Excuse me. Move it." A voice said from the bottom of the stairs passing through the crowds.
"Pardon me Granger, if you would?" The voice said as he stood behind Hermione who gave him a death glare from what I could see.
"What are you here you Malfoy?" She spat glaring at him.
He was dressed very handsomely in a black suited dress robe, white top with a dark green silk tie. His platinum blonde hair was put back smartly and to finish him off we wore shiny black smart shoes as well.
"Going to collect me date to the Ball, if you must know" Draco answered as he strained to be polite moving beside her smiling towards me however I could not help but hold the frown on my face.
Everyone was going with a date, but me because I don't know mine.
"With that slut I am suspecting, Malfoy" Hermione sneering as I stepped towards them a little worried I would have to do something.
"How rude, not such a great friend you are? Since you just called one of your best mates a slut" He replied walking past her, leaving her for once clueless as was I.
"What are you on about?" She whispered harshly as he came closer to me.
"I see you got my rose. You look stunning Nighlia" He said reaching his hand out to me as I was taken back by his words like Hermione was.
"You" I breathed out looking at his large smirk.
"I thought you were smart enough to guess it was me" He concluded and I didn't dare look to see what Hermione looked like witnessing the situation.
"Now Nigh, will you be my date to the Yule Ball?" He asked nicely holding his arm out further as I nodded lightly causing both of us to smile.
I linked my arm around his as he helped me walk down the stairs as I gave Hermione a half hearted smile which she returned before joining Victor again.
"Is this some Slytherin, Gryffindor joke?" I whispered to him making him give a little frown.
"No, I don't care about the houses between us. The Slytherins won't bother questioning my choice, its more your friends I worry about. I really do like you Nighlia. I am going to prove that to you tonight" He answered and I could not help but blush as I forgot about all the odd looks we received.
"What is going on here?"