Author's note : MERRY CHRISTMAS! I hope you all have a fantastic day.

Chapter 36 – The Christmas ball and the hearts truth.

As Christmas approached, Ron and Harry were never around, so Lee spent the time with Neville. Most girls from the fourth year and above were staying. Why? The Yule ball, a tradition of the Tri-wizard tournament.

It was the last day of term, Lee walked with Neville down a corridor. Girls were in groups talking about the ball, whilst Lee was trying to comfort Neville.

"You can dance Neville; you just need a little more practice, that's all." Lee told her friend. Neville had asked, and was now, going to the Yule ball with Ginny Weasley.

"I guess…Are you going with anyone?" Neville asked

"No one has asked me. Don't think I will be going." Lee admitted. "Might write up some more of the paper on the Skerwts."

"I would have asked you if I had known." Neville said.

"No, you are my best friend and like a brother to me Neville, it would be too weird." Lee told him.

"Oh, I see…Hi Ron." Neville smiled, Lee turned. Ron had approached them, the two friends stopped as Ron stopped before them.

"Hi Ron." Lee smiled, Ron took a deep breath, and his cheeks were red. Whatever Ron had planned to say, clearly left him as e turned on his heel and quickly walked away.

"I wonder what's wrong with him." Neville muttered.

"Yeah…Well, anyway, I might go to the party, but I'll just sit and read instead." Lee decided.

"Are you planning to read the whole library before we leave?" Neville smiled

"May…Ron?" Lee saw Harry pushing Ron towards them, Harry sighed.

"Hi Lee." He said

"Hi Harry, Hi Ron." Lee smiled, Ron opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Harry nudged Ron.

"How's Cedric doing?" Ron asked in a hurry.

"Um, well, thanks." Lee replied, a little taken back.

"Ask her Ron!" Harry told him.

"Can't you do it for me?" Ron asked him in a hushed voice.

"No. Now ask." Harry stepped back.

"Will you go to the ball with me?" Ron blurted out; everyone in the corridor fell silent. Lee could tell, even they wanted to know her answer.

"It would be a pleasure Ron. I would love to go with you." Lee said, blushing a little. Ron smiled and sighed in relief.

"So, I'll pick you up from you common room when its time?" Ron asked

"Meet me by the kitchens, it would be easier." Lee nodded. Harry and Ron walked away. Lee blushed deeply and turned to Neville. "I've just been asked to the Yule ball!"

"Yeah, I was right here. Let's go to the library. I believe your little brother will be waiting for your reply." Neville chuckled

In the Library, Lee wrote to her little Brother about the first task and the dragons and how the Yule ball was coming up. She told him she had a date, and she would enclose a picture in the next letter. She then wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Diggory to tell them. They had become her wizarding parents so to speak. She had received a letter from Mrs. Diggory saying she could write and even stay at theirs whenever she wanted, as Lee was like the daughter she never had. Whilst Lee and Neville walked up to the Owlry, they realised the topic around Hogwarts had changed ever so slightly. Lee and Ron were now the talk of the school. Lee was horrified so many people were staring at he, she bowed her head, her hair hiding her face.

"You okay?" Neville asked as they got free from the castle and were now walking across the grounds.

"That was terrifying." Lee shivered "But, I don't see the big deal about Ron asking me to the ball."

"Don't worry about them Lee. The Yule ball is meant for everyone to relax and make friends with students from the other…oh…" Neville stopped, Some Beaubatons boys were heading their way. One stopped before Lee and took he hand before lightly kissing it.

"My lady, would you do me the honour of being my partner to the yule ball?" He asked

"I'm sorry; I have already got a date." Lee apologised.

"Oh, Well, good day." They went off sadly.

"Thank merlin's beard Ron wasn't here. He would probably try and hex them." Neville laughed. Lee sighed, but found herself smiling along at Neville's laughter.

After sending the letter, they headed back towards the library.

"I wonder how my family will react to me having a date to a ball." Lee muttered.

"They'll probably want to know absolutely everything." Neville smiled "So, it's only your parents, your older brother and your sister that have a problem?"

"Yeah, my other family members knew to pretend not to care when we went round." Lee nodded, she and Neville stopped to see Ron and Cedric, Harry looked worried, whilst Cedric's friends where shaking their heads. All Neville and Lee heard was 'Don't you dare hurt my sister Weasley.'

"Are you threating my date, big brother?" Lee asked, as they all looked at her. Cedric looked both proud and happy that Lee had called him big brother.

"Just warning him not to hurt you." Cedric said

"I can easily handle myself." Lee told him.

"She is good at curses." Fred and George added as they walked passed.

"Boy's." Lee sighed rolling her eyes; she looked between Ron and Cedric. "Please don't scare him, Cedric. He is my date after all."

"Fine." Cedric nodded, he looked at Ron. "I will hex you if you hurt my sister."

"O-Okay." Ron nodded; Cedric and his friends went off.

"Sorry, he's is a little over-protective." Lee apologised.

"You called him big brother..." Harry muttered

"Oh, his mom has kind of adopted me as the daughter she never had. So, in a way I am an honoury Diggory. "

"I never knew Cedric could be scary." Ron admitted.

"Have you never seen an angry Badger?" Lee giggled. "They are not so cute and cuddly."

"LEE! Here you are! Come on we have to decide on your hairstyle and make up. Oh, not to mention jewellery." Rena ran up, grabbing Lee's arm and began dragging her away.

"Wait...Rena! Bye guys!" Lee yelled, and waved. "Rena!" Ron, Harry and Neville watched Lee vanished with Rena.

"Well, see you two around; I have a bit of homework left to do." Neville smiled at the other Gryffindor's before walking off.

"Come on Ron, you need to write to you mom about your date." Harry nudged his friend smiling.

"Do I have to? You know I will never hear the end of it." Ron sighed.

"Well, I am sure if you don't Fred and George will." Harry told him.

"Yeah, I better tell her." Ron agreed immediately.

Christmas morning was annoyingly loud in the Hufflepuff common room, Lee sat alone in her room, unwrapping gifts from her family, the Diggory's and the Weasley's, she was surprised to see a gift from John. It was a note book with an owl on it and some seeds for Orson. Lee opened the letter from John and was surprised to see it was typed and the letter was in fact several little letters, Lee began to read.

Dear Lee,

Aunt Krissy decided it would be easier to type letters because everyone wants to write their bit too. The dragons you told me about sound so cool. Are wizard's allowed pet dragons? Also a Ball? Isn't that a bit girly? But, I wish you a merry Christmas, and I hope you have fun!

John

Leonora,

Krissy had this great idea. We never got to say how proud we are of you. A witch in the family. Your pet owl is so charming too. Now, we heard about the ball, and this date of yours. What's his name? What's he like? How long have you know him? Have you got a picture? We can't wait to see you back in the summer. Take care of yourself.

Love Aunt Penny and Uncle Benjamin

Leonora,

Your grandfather and I believe all has been said by your aunt Penny. We want to know about this young man that is your date. Have a good year honey.

Nana and Granddad.

Lee smiled; they had all sent pictures of themselves. She placed them on her bedside, planning on showing Ron them later that night.

With Rena at her side all day, Lee was unable to speak to Ron. Before getting ready for the ball, Lee passed windows to see Harry and the Weasley's having a snowball fight. She stopped and watched with a smile, an idea formed in her mind.

"You okay Lee?" Rena asked

"Yes, I have an idea for my hairstyle tonight." Lee said, as Rena grabbed her hands.

"Let's back to our dorm, we must hurry and res design your hairstyle before the ball." Lee gasped as Rena pulled her up stairs

"There! Perfect!" Rena stepped back as she finished doing Lee's hair. Lee looked down blushing; her hair had been moved back into a tight bun. A yellow ribbon had been weaved into it too. Lee's make up matched her gown. Her gown was black; the corset had a mixture of gems, coloured red, green, blue and yellow.

"How do I look?" Lee asked

"As I said, perfect. Now Picture!" Rena pulled out a camera. Lee blushed, but smiled as Rena took her picture. "I will be getting pictures of you all night. So be warned."

"That...Um, you do have too." Lee told her.

"No, I don't. I want to though." Rena said. "Come on your date will be waiting."

"Do you think he'll like me? I mean..." Lee blushed, Rena laughed as they headed down to their common room.

"You look fine Lee; he'll love you and your outfit. I swear." Rena promised. The common room fell silent as the duo entered, Lee felt exposed without her fringe to guard her.

"Lee, you look great!" Cedric came over and hugged her.

"Thanks." Lee smiled.

"Oh, idea! Everyone get together! House Photo!" Rena beamed. Lee rolled her eyes. The whole housed gathered together, Rena set a timer and placed the camera in a good passion and took her place next to Lee. Everyone gathered around the camera to take a look at the photo once it had been taken. There was a knock, then a groan. Lee shrugged away from the crowd and opened the common room door.

"Ron." Lee gasped, everyone looked. Ron Weasley stood there, choking, holding a bunch of dripping flowers. He was drenched head to toe in vinegar. The Hufflepuff's laughed, Ron blushed. "Hello, Ron." Lee smiled kissing his cheek. "You taste like my favourite crisps." Rena awed, and Lee cast a silencing spell on her.

"I know understand. Defence." Ron muttered, shaking one arm.

"Here." Lee cleaned him up with a wave of her wand. He was dry and no longer smelling of vinegar. He threw the flowers aside.

"Thanks. You looked great." Ron smiled; he was wearing old styled dress robes. Lee smiled and blushed.

"Wait I need a picture of you two." Rena said. Lee signed; she stood next to Ron as Rena got her camera. "Closer. You two are dates, remember. Your likable family are getting these pictures, remember Lee." Lee Blushed as Ron held out his arm, Lee took it and smiled at Rene, who looked at them thoughtfully. "Orchideous." She muttered, a bunch of flowers bloomed from her wand. She silently handed them to Ron. "You're welcome." She smiled. Ron held the flowers to lee, to accepted them happily. They then smiled at the Camera as Rena took the picture. "Now, remember you kids have run tonight." Rena vanished into the common room, shutting the door. They headed down to the entrance hall.

"You look charming." Lee told Ron, as they reached the stairs.

Really?" Ron asked shocked "I hate this outfit."

"Well, back when that sort of outfit was popular, everyone was a gentleman." Lee told him

"Thanks Lee." Ron smiled and blushed light.

"Whoa! Lee?" Harry gasped, as Ron and Lee joined him and his date, Parvati Padma.

"Leonora Smith?" Parvati gasped.

"Yes?" Lee asked, Parvati couldn't reply, she just stared at the Hufflepuff. Lee still held Ron's arm, planning on staying at his side all night. Ron could see everyone staring at Lee and he could help but look boastful.

"Champions over her please." McGonagall called

"See you in a minute." Harry told his friends. Ron and Lee filled into the hall, it had been covered in glittering frost, with many garlands of mistletoe and Ivy. The house table had been moved and replaced with small lantern light tables. Lee and Ron sat at a table with the Wealsey twins, Rena, Iliana and Ritza with their dates.

"Wow, nice dress Lee." Ritza smiled

"You too." Lee nodded, they clapped as the champions entered.

The food was delicious, but Lee and Ron hardly noticed the taste. Lee showed him the pictures of her family and Ron told her a bit more about his. As everyone finished eating, Dumbledore rose and asked the students to do the same. He pushed the tables back, clearing the dance floor. The champions danced first, then others began to join in.

"May I have this dance?" Ron asked, Lee blushed.

"You may." Lee nodded, Ron took her hand and they joined in.

Ron and Lee danced three songs straight. Lee giggled as they went to get drinks. Hermione stared as Lee stood next to her.

"Leonora?" She asked, Lee looked at her.

"Hi Hermione. Hi Viktor, You did well in the first task." Lee smiled

"Oh, thank you." Viktor said

"I also saw the world cup. That Wronski feint you performed was impressive." Lee told him

"Yes, it took a long vhile to perfect." Viktor nodded.

"Hey Lee, what drink did you want? Or was it just Butter beer?" Ron asked, Lee looked at him.

"Yep, just Butter beer. Should I go and find a quiet table?" Lee suggested.

"Yep, I'll bring the drinks over." Ron nodded, Lee smiled and looked at Hermione and Krum.

"Nice speaking to you." Lee said and went to a quiet table at the back of the hall.

"Here you go." Ron smiled and sat next to her, handing Lee a glass of butter beer.

"Thank you. This has been so much fun. I wish all Christmases were like this." Lee said, Ron watched her as her dark green eyes gazed upon the dancers.

"Yeah, it's been fun." Ron agreed. "Lee, I want to ask you something."

"What is it?" Lee looked at him.

"I've liked you for a while. And, because of Harry, I was able to ask you to the ball." Ron told her. "Would you like to go out with me?" Lee blinked, blushed. Then she smiled softly.

"I would love too. But,. I'll tell Cedric." Lee smiled, Ron looked at her happily.

"Right, don't fancy being hexed." Ron muttered. The two of them laughed, finishing their drinks. Ron took her hand, and they re-joined the other dancers. Lee couldn't have been happier.

Ron dropped Lee back off at her common room, before heading up to his own. Lee found two identical piles of pictures on her bed with a note. 'One pile for you, one pile for your family. There's a secret present under your pillow from Cedric.' Lee reached under her pillow and pulled out a photo album. 'Everlasting Memories' was written across it with golden letters. Lee placed the photos for her family on her bedside table. They were moving, just like the paintings around school. She carefully placed the photos for her in the Photo album. The people waved at her. She stopped at the picture of her and Ron. The photo version of her was blushing, waving slowly. Lee smiled, closing the book and slid it back under her pillow. She changed from her gown into Pj's. She got into bed happily, the best day ever.