Notes: Let's Dance!
Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter or Yu-Gi-Oh franchises.
Harry Potter and the Tri-Academy Tournament
Ch. 10: The Yule Ball (finally)
The weekend seemed to creep up on Harry. He decided now was a good a time as any to find a date. Hermione was with Krum again, while Ron was sleeping in. Harry wasn't very comfortable asking women to the Ball out of nowhere. However, even with his "fame", there were several who refused. Most already had dates. Some didn't like him taking attention away from Cedric. Others just didn't like him personally.
"It's not my fault," Harry thought out loud to himself.
He was actually kind of relieved several people chose to ignore him. As per the rules, anyone was allowed to challenge a Tri-Academy champion, and while he was always ready for it, he wasn't in the mood. He was having trouble remembering which girls had dates and which didn't. It was all such a blur, especially since his thoughts kept wandering back to Ginny. In fact, she had come up to him not long after he had been announced a champion to give him advice.
*flashback*
"Apparently anyone can challenge you at any time, so a lot of people are going to try, I'm sure."
"They could duel me before. What's so special now?"
"Some people think you're stealing glory away from Cedric. Others think you're vying for more attention."
"You don't think that, do you?"
"Of course not, Harry, I'm not dim. I'm just saying that people have reasons, misguided they may be, to challenge you to a duel. So you had better be ready."
"I'm always ready."
"Yeah, but this is different. The rival schools will do anything to make sure their champion wins. So you need to switch up your strategy now and then."
"I've been doing that plenty."
"I mean more than just slight tweaks. You should try completely new cards."
"More than just decks revolving around Black Magician and Stardust Dragon you mean."
"Exactly! Catch these numpties off guard. Use something they've never seen you use before."
Harry smiled, "I already have some ideas I've been kicking around."
"Glad to hear it," Ginny said as she started to walk off.
"You know, Ginny, talking together alone like this can give the wrong impression."
"People talk all the time, Harry. Who cares?"
"I'm glad you don't. You're one of the few people I can talk to about these things when I get frustrated with Ron and Hermione. Neville thinks about everything too much, while Luna gets distracted."
"What about Fred and George?"
Neither said anything...and then they broke down laughing.
"Never go to those two for advice, Harry," Ginny said after she was done laughing.
"Yeah, I don't plan to. You're already perfect."
Ginny had a surprised look on her face, but she quickly changed it to a quiet smile. She walked up to Harry and gave him a tap on his chin with her fist.
"Go get 'em, tiger."
*end flashback*
Harry suddenly realized he was standing outside his dorm room, staring into space.
"What is the matter with me?"
"Talking to yourself, Harry?" asked a familiar voice.
Harry spun around to see Luna standing behind him.
"It's okay, I do it all the time. That way I always know what I'm talking about."
"Well let me tell you something, Luna. Dueling is easy, but finding a date is hard."
"I thought you were doing a rather good job. Although you were a tad forgetful."
"I'm a little distracted."
"I'm not worried about the Ball, although I would enjoy being able to show of my dance moves."
Harry couldn't begin to imagine her dance style.
"Since we're friends, I'll help you out."
"Really?"
"All my other closest friends have dates: Ginny has Dean, Neville has Hannah, Hermione has Viktor Krum, Ron has Lavender...so that just leaves you. If anyone knows what it's like to feel left out, it's me. Now let me think."
Harry smiled to himself. He was happy to have a friend like Luna.
"Oh, I know someone who doesn't have a date yet, and might actually say yes if you ask them. Padma and Parvati are both free."
"You want me to ask both of them? They're twins. I can't ask one and leave the other behind."
"That's true, but you won't have that problem if they refuse."
"If I know they're going to refuse, then why ask?"
"Because you'll never know until you try."
"And what if they say yes?"
"Then you simply have to promise that you'll find a date for the one you're not taking. I can help with that too. Although now that I think about it, one of them might already have a date. I just can't recall which."
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Okay then, let's do this."
Harry and Luna found Padma and Parvati talking in front of the Obelisk Blue dorm.
"Excuse me," Harry said.
The twins looked at him, and then each other, and then back at him, "Hi, Harry."
"I was wondering if one of you would like to go to the Yule Ball with me."
"Which one?" they asked.
"I actually hadn't got that far."
"If one of us says yes, do you have a date for the other?" Parvati asked.
"Well, not at the moment, but it should be easy to find one. I was told one of you already had a date."
"But you don't know which of us, so you're covering your bases."
"That's about right."
The twins whispered to each other.
"Okay, Harry," Padma said, "We'll consider it if you duel the both of us."
"Two against one hardly seems fair, but I like a challenge. You're on!"
HP: 8000
"We'll be fair and share our life points."
P&P: 8000
"You first, Padma."
"Thanks, sis. I play a Field Spell: Lemuria, the Forgotten City."
Padma's section of the field was now covered with water, and a huge, half-sunken temple rose from the waves.
"Now I play a Continuous Spell, Water Hazard. If I control no monsters, I can special summon one LV4 or lower Water monster from my hand. I special summon Mermail - Abysspike."
Mermail Abysspike
LV4
Water
Fish/Effect
1600/800
A merman with the tail of a pike leapt out of the water.
"When this card is summoned, I can discard one Water monster to the graveyard, and then add one LV3 Water monster from my deck to my hand. When this card is added from my deck or graveyard to my hand by a card effect, I can special summon it from my hand. Come out, Mermail - Abyssdine."
Mermail Abyssdine
LV3
Water
Fish/Effect
1000/200
A young mermaid with a sea angel tail jumped onto the field.
"The monster I discarded was Mermail - Abysshilde. If she's sent to the graveyard, I can special summon one Mermail monster from my hand except a copy of her. Come on out, Mermail – Abyssgunde."
Mermail Abyssgunde
LV3
Water
Aqua/Effect
1400/800
A mermaid with a clownfish tail climbed onto a pillar.
"Finally, I summon Mermail – Abysslinde."
Mermail Abysslinde
LV3
Water
Aqua/Effect
1500/1200
A lovely mermaid with long blue hair and a koi tail joined her teammates.
"I Overlay my three LV3 monsters to Xyz summon a new monster: Mermail – Abysstrite!"
Mermail Abysstrite
Rank 3
Water
Sea Serpent/Xyz/Effect
1600/2800
A purple-haired mermaid with a dolphin tail now rose from the water. She held a trident in her left hand.
"By the way, thanks to Lemuria, all my Water monsters gain 200 attack and defense."
M-Ap: 1600/800 - 1800/1000
M-At: 1600/2800 - 1800/3000
"You're up, Parvati."
"I set my Pendulum Scale. On one side I place Aesatellarknight Sephirathuban."
Satellarknight Zefrathuban
LV4
Pendulum Scale 1
Light
Warrior/Pendulum/Effect
0/2100
A tan man in shiny, scaly armor floated in the air next to Parvati. He had a pair of large wings on his back.
"On the other side, I place Astellarknight Sephirabuth."
Stellarknight Zefraxciton
LV4
Pendulum Scale 7
Light
Fiend/Pendulum/Effect
1900/0
This figure was similarly armored, but his covered his entire body. His helmet had an insectoid look to it.
"I Pendulum Summon three monsters. First, Satellarknight Deneb."
Satellarknight Deneb
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
1500/1000
A woman in shiny white and gold armor descended from the sky.
"When Deneb is summoned, I can add one Tellarknight monster from my deck to my hand. Second, Satellarknight Sham."
Satellarknight Alsahm
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
1400/1800
A small man in all-encompassing armor now joined the fight. He readied his bow and arrow.
"When Sham is summoned, you take 1000 damage."
The warrior shot an arrow at Harry.
HP: 7000
"Third, Satellarknight Unuk."
Satellarknight Unukalhai
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
1800/1000
This warrior also had white and gold armor, with snake-like extensions. However, parts of the armor were black.
"When Unuk is summoned, I can send one Tellarknight from my deck to the graveyard. Now I can summon the monster I added to my hand, Satellarknight Altair."
Satellarknight Altair
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
1700/1300
An armored warrior with eagle wings now took to the field.
"When Altair is summoned, I can special summon a Tellarknight monster from my graveyard in defense position. Here comes Satellarknight Rigel."
Satellarknight Rigel
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
1900/700
This armored warrior had long blonde hair.
"Now I'm going to Xyz Summon. I Overlay three of my Tellarknight monsters to Xyz Summon Stellarknight Deltatheros."
Stellarknight Delteros
Rank 4
Light
Warrior/Xyz/Effect
2500/2100
A new armored warrior now stood on the field. In one hand was a sword, while in the other was a triangular shield.
"I'll Overlay my other two monsters to Xyz Summon Tellarknight Batlamyus."
Darktellarknight Batlamyus
Rank 4
Dark
Warrior/Xyz/Effect
2600/550
A female purple and gold centaur with shiny armor galloped onto the field.
"I'll detach one Xyz material to activate her effect. I'll use her as material to Xyz Summon another Tellarknight monster. Meet my phantom dragon, Stellarknight Sacred Diamond!"
Stellarknight Constellar Diamond
Rank 5
Light
Wyrm/Xyz/Effect
2700/2000
A huge, bipedal, shiny white and gold dragon now loomed over the field. It spread its wings, colored like a star-covered night sky.
"That thing is going to be the most trouble," Harry thought to himself.
"I end my turn. Try and stop us now, Harry."
"I summon Tech Genus Cyber Magician."
T.G. Cyber Magician
LV1
Light
Spellcaster/Tuner/Effect
0/0
A small mage in blue armor appeared. He had large shoulder pads and a fancy cape.
"If I'm using this monster to Synchro Summon another Tech Genus monster, I can use Tech Genus monsters in my hand for the Synchro materials. I Tune Cyber Magician with the Rush Rhino in my hand. Come on, Tech Genus Wonder Magician!"
T.G. Wonder Magician
LV5
Light
Spellcaster/Synchro/Tuner/Effect
1900/0
This new mage wasn't much bigger than the last one, but her outfit was red and she had long pink hair.
"When she's Synchro Summoned, I can target one Spell/Trap on the field and destroy it. I'm using this effect on Lemuria."
The merfolk looked upset that the water disappeared.
"I play Dual Summon so I can bring out Tech Genus Catapult Dragon."
T.G. Catapult Dragon
LV2
Earth
Dragon/Effect
900/1300
A squat, grey, quadrupedal dragon with a big forehead appeared.
"I use its effect to special summon one LV3 or lower Tech Genus Tuner monster from my hand. Say hello to Tech Genus Jet Falcon."
T.G. Jet Falcon
LV3
Wind
Winged Beast/Tuner/Effect
1400/1200
A large brown falcon with a red head and a blue jetpack flew onto the field.
Ginny smiled to herself as she watched the duel. She was the one who gave Harry that Falcon card as a suggestion for branching into other archetypes.
"I Tune my Jet Falcon with my Catapult Dragon to Synchro Summon another monster. Come on, Tech Genus Hyper Librarian!"
T.G. Hyper Librarian
LV5
Dark
Spellcaster/Synchro/Effect
2400/1800
A tall man in white robes and cape appeared. He held a book in his left hand.
"I got him that card," Hermione said to Krum.
"Of course she did," a nearby Ron muttered to himself.
"When Jet Falcon is sent to the graveyard as Synchro material, you take 500 damage."
P&P: 7500
"Next I'll Tune my two magicians together to Synchro Summon another monster. Meet the new member of the family: Shooting Star Dragon Tech Genus - Expansion!"
Shooting Star Dragon T.G. EX
LV10
Wind
Dragon/Synchro/Effect
3300/2500
This monster looked like a mechanized version of Stardust Dragon. It had a large gun attached to its right arm. Harry looked over the field. That dragon was a problem for quite a few of his monsters. So although it would deal the least amount of damage, he had to eliminate it.
"I'll set a card, and now I'll attack your Sacred Diamond dragon."
The new Stardust fired its gun at the opposing dragon.
P&P: 6900
"I end my turn."
Padma looked nervous, "I set a monster and end my turn."
"I remove an Xyz material to activate the effect of my Stellarknight Deltatheros. I can target one card on the field and destroy it. I choose your dragon."
"In response to that, my dragon has a quick effect. I can banish one Tuner monster from my graveyard to negate your monster's effect and destroy it."
Deltatheros fired a beam of light at the dragon, but the dragon fired its own laser beam, dispersing the opposing beam and destroying the warrior.
Parvati looked annoyed, "When my Deltatheros is sent from the field to the graveyard, I can special summon one Tellarknight monster from my hand or deck. I summon Satellarknight Capella."
Satellarknight Capella
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
1100/2000
A warrior in gold and white screeched their chariot to a halt in front of Parvati.
"I end my turn."
"I play Pot of Greed, and then I summon Magic Swordfighter Neo."
Neo the Magic Swordsman
LV4
Light
Spellcaster
1700/1000
A tall man in armor with long blonde hair strode forward. In his right hand was a sword, while his left hand charged magical energy.
"I equip him with Sword of Tenacity. He gains 500 attack and defense."
MSN: 1700/1000 - 2200/1500
"My dragon will attack your Abysstrite."
The dragon fired its laser at the mermaid.
"When she's sent to the graveyard, I can special summon another Mermail monster from my graveyard. I choose Mermail - Abysshilde."
Mermail Abysshilde
LV3
Water
Aqua/Effect
1300/400
A young mermaid with an eel tail appeared. She had long, red, braided hair.
"Fine by me. I activate my trap, TG-SX1. If a Tech Genus monster I control destroys a monster by battle and sends it to the graveyard, I can special summon one Tech Genus Synchro Monster from my graveyard. Welcome back, Hyper Librarian."
The librarian reappeared with a flourish of his cape.
"Hyper Librarian, attack Capella."
A blast of magic shot out from his book to demolish the opposing monster.
"Finally, Neo will attack Abysspike."
Neo charged his sword with magic and struck the merman.
"I end my turn."
Padma and Parvati looked at each other, like they were looking for some kind of strategy.
"I end my turn," Padma said.
"I set a monster and end my turn."
"I summon Mystic Piper."
Mystic Piper
LV1
Light
Spellcaster/Effect
0/0
A man with long green hair leapt onto the field. He played a tune on his flute, and then suddenly vanished.
"I tribute Mystic Piper to draw and reveal one card. If it's a monster, I can draw another card. As you can see, it's the monster Effect Veiler, so I draw again. I play the Continuous Spell card TGX300. All my face-up monsters gain 300 attack for each Tech Genus monster I control. I have two, so each monster gets 600 attack."
MSN: 2200/1500 - 2800/1500
TGHL: 2400/1800 - 3000/1800
SSDTG-E: 3300/2500 - 3900/2500
"Neo, attack Padma's face-down monster."
Mermail Abyssmander
LV4
Water
Fish/Effect
100/2000
A merman with the lower half of a giant salamander was sent to the graveyard.
"Hyper Librarian, attack Parvati's face-down monster."
Satellarknight Betelgeuse
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
700/1900
An warrior with a mane of white hair was destroyed.
"Finally, my dragon will attack you directly!"
The dragon fired its laser at the twins.
P&P: 3000
"I end my turn."
The twins looked frustrated.
"I set a monster. That's all I can do."
"Likewise for me."
"Neo, attack Padma's monster."
Mermail Abysslung
LV4
Water
Fish/Effect
1200/1800
A beefy merman with the tail of a lungfish was sent to the graveyard.
"Hyper Librarian, attack Parvati's monster."
Satellarknight Procyon
LV4
Light
Warrior/Effect
1300/1200
A small warrior in armor of white and orange was sent to the graveyard.
"My dragon attacks you directly!"
P&P: 0
"And that's game."
A few people applauded.
"That was a great duel, Harry," Padma said.
"That was all we really wanted. Two against one and you still beat us."
"Yeah, we already have dates for the Yule Ball."
"What?"
"Yeah, sorry. Like we said, when one goes, we both go."
"As soon as one of us got a date, we didn't rest until the other did as well. See you at the Ball."
The twins walked off, leaving Harry standing there, not sure what to think.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Luna said.
"You don't need to apologize, Luna."
"I thought I was caught up on everyone, but I didn't know both twins had dates already."
"Well, I wouldn't say it was a waste of time. I never turn down a chance to duel, but the victory feels a tad hollow."
"I'm sure we can try something else."
"You know what? I'm going to do what I should've done before we started. Luna, since we're friends, how would you like to go to the Yule Ball with me?"
"Really?"
"Really really."
"I didn't think anyone would ask me."
"Anyone would be lucky to have you, Luna."
"Aw, thanks. The same goes for you. Well then, if I'm going to the Ball, I better find something nice to wear. I'm sure I made the perfect dress at some point. See you then."
Harry could only imagine, considering Luna's taste, what the dress would look like.
"One thing's for sure," Harry said to himself as he went to grab a snack, "If people thought that Hermione and Bill would get attention for being the dates of champions, they haven't seen anything yet once I bring Luna."
The Yule Ball was still a week away. Harry had to keep making trips between the Ra Yellow and Obelisk Blue dorms since Ron and Hermione were avoiding each other. He would sometimes pass by Draco getting dragged around by Pansy. Draco wanted to go, but had no idea who to ask. So as soon as Pansy declared he was her date, he went along with it, regardless of her grating personality. He also saw Ron getting pushed around by Lavender. She was constantly interrupting their conversations, using sickeningly sweet nicknames, and reminding anyone who walked by that Ron was her date. Ron just stood there without saying a word. In fact, he seemed to zone out.
One time, Harry walked into Neville's room without knocking, and he saw Neville practicing dancing by himself.
"Oh, um, sorry I didn't knock."
"Accidents happen, Harry, but thankfully it wasn't anything worse."
After classes were over, Harry would go visit Sirius to relax.
"Luna is that rather strange blonde girl, right?"
"Yeah, that's fairly accurate description."
"Well, at least you know she's honest. Ron and Hermione are still fighting?"
"They're always fighting. This is more like a Cold War."
"Let's change the subject. Your duel against Fleur was magnificent, but you should've seen the look on Karkaroff's face when Cedric defeated Krum."
Harry smirked, "Keep an eye out for that face again once I duel Krum."
The two laughed as they spent most of the day together.
The week flew by, and everyone was busy getting ready. Harry managed to find a nice outfit, but he wondered how crazy Luna would go with hers.
"Harry," Ron said, "Dare I say, we do look impressive. You should've seen my old outfit."
"I have seen your old outfit, and it emphasized old with all those frills. Anyway, I'm glad to hear you so confident, Ron. I guess you should enjoy it while you can, considering that Lavender will likely make you dance all night."
"Don't remind me. She's nice enough, but she can be really pushy. At least it's just for tonight."
"I hope she sees it that way."
"What do you mean?"
"She seems really into you, Ron. I'm not sure she realizes this is a one time thing."
"I'll just have to make things clear for her."
"Glad to hear you're doing so for someone."
Ron sighed, "I don't know what to do."
"Just talk to her. It's as simple as that. Oh, and don't forget the prezzy. Now shall we go?"
The duo jokingly bowed to each other and headed for the ballroom. Just as they reached the entrance, Lavender came out of nowhere and latched onto Ron's arm.
"Do you like my dress, Won-Won? I wanted to look nice for our date."
"Yeah, it's fine, but don't call me that, and it's not a date."
"Please go inside, Mr. Weasley," Prof. McGonagall said, "Mr. Potter must wait for his partner so that he and the other champions can be introduced."
"See you later, Harry."
"Your partner is coming, yes, Potter?"
"Yes, professor, I'm sure she'll be here...soon."
Luna was wearing a silver dress that was quite poofy and frilly. Not quite as crazy as he expected, but she certainly stood out. At least it didn't clash with his ordinary black tuxedo.
"Very good. Please stand in the back, Potter. Wait until you are all called."
McGonagall stepped inside and waved at Dumbledore. He stepped up to a podium and spoke into a microphone.
"Attention, students! Announcing the Tri-Academy champions! Cedric Diggory, and his date Cho Chang!"
Cedric and Cho walked in, waving at everyone. He was actually wearing a white tuxedo, while Cho was wearing an icy blue dress. All the UK Duel Academy students clapped.
"Fleur Delacour, and her date William Weasley!"
Fleur wore a sky blue dress, while Bill wore a matching tux. The Mediterranean Academy clapped.
"Viktor Krum, and his date Hermione Granger!"
Krum wore a brown and red suit, while Hermione wore a pink dress. Harry almost didn't recognize her with all the hair gel she used. The Scandinavian Academy clapped.
"She's so beautiful," Ron thought.
"And last, but not least, Harry Potter, and his date Luna Lovegood!"
Half of the UK Duel Academy clapped.
McGonagall took the mic, "Will the champions and their dates please lead us in the first dance?"
Harry was thankful for the ballroom dancing lessons. Other couples joined them on the floor. Hagrid was with Maxime. Ron was with Lavender, and he really looked like he didn't want to be there. Surprisingly, there was another person with such a look on their face; Draco looked like he didn't want to dance with Pansy. Soon they started playing faster and more upbeat music. Harry was starting to get tired.
"Let's sit down and get a drink, Harry."
"You read my mind, Luna."
After they grabbed drinks and sat down at the nearest table, Harry noticed Ron and Draco were already there.
"Now this is an odd combination."
"What?" Ron yelled.
"I was saying that this is an odd combination!"
"Pure coincidence, I assure you," Draco said, "I managed to pry Pansy off me."
"I got lucky and snuck away from Lavender."
Thankfully, the band started playing slightly less loud music.
"Now that I think about it," Harry said, "I didn't see Cedric, Fleur, or Krum anywhere."
"I can answer that," Ginny said, walking over with Dean, "Cedric and Cho are off snogging in some secluded part of the campus. Fleur and Bill are snogging in his car. Hermione and Krum are out by the lake talking. I think you all should take this opportunity to run for it while you still can."
"You don't have to tell me twice," Draco said, running to grab some food before he snuck out.
"WON-WON?!"
Ron's eyes widened, "Gotta go!"
Ron sprinted for the door.
"I see you, Won-Won! Get back here!"
Lavender was in hot pursuit.
"I think that the fastest I've ever seen him move. Anyway, I'll walk you to the dorm, Luna."
"Thank you, Harry."
Ginny leaned over to Harry, "You look very handsome, Harry. Thank you for taking Luna. She doesn't get to get out much."
"She's a good friend. Oh, and you're very beautiful."
"Thanks...now go on. Scram!"
Harry and Luna walked out, but on the way to the Blue Dorm...
"Harry, I know Ron can be ruse sometimes, but I don't like how he reacted to Lavender. I can tell he was very uncomfortable. Maybe we should talk to him."
"You've got a point. Maybe we can give him a hand with her."
As they got closer to the Yellow Dorm, they could hear Ron talking to Lavender.
"I finally caught you. You can't be tired already."
"Lavender, I'm just not in the mood."
"You're supposed to make time for me. I'm your girlfriend!"
"Excuse me? When did we establish that? I told you this was just a friendly date, and now you're basically claiming ownership of me?
"Oh come on, Ron! It's not like Granger even notices you. She has Krum now. She's out of your league."
"Well then what does that make you? What do you even know about me? Why did you even ask me to the dance in the first place?"
Lavender hesitated, "Well...I..."
"It was because I beat Krum in a duel, right? Everybody was so impressed, you thought that you could get in on it by dating me. That's a shallow thing to do. I can't say I'm not guilty of being shallow now and then, but you're being really pushy."
"This is about Granger, isn't it? What's so great about her? She's just a plain know-it-all."
"There's more to her than that. There's also more to me than just how I look and how I duel. I think you asking me to the Ball is the first time we've talked in years. Lavender, I don't think you're a bad person, but please respect my wishes and drop this."
"But we went on a date! We even kissed!"
"You kissed me when I asked you not to...several times actually."
"Saving yourself for Granger? Everyone knows she kissed Viktor Krum."
"This isn't about Hermione, this is about me. Respect my boundaries."
"I can't believe this! I'm offering myself to you, and you still insist on waiting for Granger! She's not your girlfriend!"
"No, but she is my friend, and I won't tolerate your trash talking. I made myself clear that this date was a one and done affair between us. I'm sorry if that doesn't fit in with your plans."
Lavender finally took the hint and stormed off screaming, "You're a total berk!"
Harry and Luna came out from around the corner.
"That was very mature of you, Ron."
"It's been known to happen now and then."
"I'm not surprised very often, but this is just so new," Luna said.
"I've never had to tell a girl to leave me alone, so it's new to me as well. Anyway, this was fun...sort of, but I'm off to bed. See you later, Harry."
Harry and Luna went back to the Blue Dorm.
"I'm so happy you invited me Harry. I got to show off my dance moves."
"So I noticed," he replied with a chuckle.
"I'm also glad it was just as friends. I don't know what Ginny would say if it was a real date."
"What do you mean?"
"You know, because Ginny likes you."
"Wait, really?"
"Oh, you didn't know? I thought it was obvious, but then she has gotten better at hiding it. When she first met you, she was so nervous. As she got to know you, she began to relax. Eventually she starting going out with other boys because she wanted to go out and have fun. Plus it might get your attention."
"I'll tell you a secret, Luna. I think it has. I seem to be thinking about her more often."
"And you haven't said anything because she's always with another boy...and also maybe because she's your best friend's sister."
"It's a little scary how accurate you can be."
"She still has feelings for you, Harry. Just be patient and things will work out. After all, relationships are different for everyone."
"I'm surprised you're not with someone, Luna."
"Oh, I'm sure I'll find the right person someday. I'm not too worried about it. After all, you never know just where you'll meet someone special."
"I'm really glad I picked you as my date, Luna. I better get back to the dorm. Good night."
"Good night, Harry. Thanks again."
When Harry reached his room, Ron was out like a light. After what he heard about Ginny, he was glad Ron couldn't read his mind.
NEXT WEEK
It was now Winter Break, and after a brief visit with his family, Harry was once again at the Weasley residence. All the Weasley children were there, although Percy kept looking at his phone. Fleur was sitting next to Bill. Harry and the others were playing different board games when there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Harry said.
It was a complete surprise who it turned out to be.
"Dudley?"
"Uh...hi."
"What are you doing here? They're not here, are they?"
"No, they don't know I'm here."
"Who is it, Harry?" Ron asked, "Oh, it's him."
"You're not here to snatch Harry away now, are you?" Ginny asked.
"Uh, no, I...I was wondering if I could...you know, join you."
Everyone looked shocked. No one was moving an inch.
Finally, Arthur went up to Dudley, "We'd be happy to have you join us. Isn't that right, dear?"
Molly snapped out of her stupor, "Oh, yes, of course. Have you eaten yet?"
"No actually."
"Then take a seat. We were just about to have a meal."
Harry couldn't help but stare at Dudley, "What made you want to come here?"
"Well, mum and dad weren't really doing anything, and you've been coming here for years now. I was kind of, you know, lonely."
Harry knew that feeling all too well.
"Plus you got me interested in wanting to play Duel Monsters after what you said happened last year. I wanted to try, but I knew mum and dad wouldn't approve."
"We can all chip in to make a starter deck for you."
"Harry," Fleur said, "Who is this quiet gentleman?"
"This is my cousin Dudley."
"He is quite handsome. A family trait, no doubt."
"Uh, thanks, but I...I was a bully to Harry when we first met. My parents always told me he wasn't really family because of his nutter parents. When he started going to school, I went to a private school with uniforms and such. I was made fun of for my weight, so I started to work out. That and the fact that Harry was always nice no matter how my parents treated him made me realize how stupid I was being. I'm sorry."
So it was really true. Christmas was a time for miracles.
"We're all kind of stupid when we're young, Dudley," Percy said.
"It takes some longer than others to realize it," Fred said, looking at Percy.
"Harry's family is our family," Molly said.
"That's what I should be saying," Dudley replied.
It went on like that for the rest of the break.