I would like to thank everyone who has been reviewing so far. A big thanks to all of you! I'm really glad you all like my story, although it's kind of long. I loved reading all of your reviews. Anyway, before I start babbling about these things, I would like to say that I don't own anything. This is chapter fourteen. Happy reading!

Chapter 14

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December arrived in Hogwarts very fast. Harry and the rest of the fifth years in Hogwarts had the tons and tons homework to do. That's because they were to take their O.W.Ls in less than six months. During a Transfiguration lesson on cool December afternoon, Professor Mcgonagall was about to tell them very unexpected news. They were all exhausted because they just finished doing some practice O.W.Ls to help them prepare to the real one. Harry felt that his mind was squeezed out like a sponge. I can't wait for the holidays, he thought.

"Class, please, I have something to tell you," said Professor Mcgonagall loudly. The class became silent. "Good, anyway, this year the headmaster felt that he should bring back a tradition that hasn't been around for all of you today. And that tradition is the Icicle Ball. This ball hasn't been around for years and is an excellent way to mingle around with your peers. The Ball will take place on seven o'clock at the last night of the term and is for students who are fourth years and higher."

There were murmurs and giggles that were mostly coming from the girls. The Professor Mcgonagall cleared her throat and the class fell silent once more,

"People who are choosing to go home to their families during the holidays have to sign up right here," she showed them the parchment paper.

Ron whispered to Harry and Hermione, "Hey, mum sent me an owl the other day. Did you guys want come over for the holidays?"

"Sure," said Harry quickly. He never had Christmas at the Burrow before. He usually stayed at Hogwarts and avoided coming back to the Dursleys.

"Great. We'll all sign up then," grinned Ron.

The bell rang and they headed out the classroom. At dinner that night, all Harry could think about was the Icicle Ball. He looked around the Hall and saw Cho. He could remember very well the time when he asked her to the Yule Ball but turned him down. She was surrounded by her usual Ravenclaw friends but wasn't her usual bright self.

"Hey, do you reckon I should ask Hermione to the Ball," asked Ron, interrupting his thoughts. Hermione wasn't there. She was at the library.

"Hmm…Er, if you want to. I mean I don't see anyone else for you to ask. Unless you want to ask Eloise Midgen," chuckled Harry.

"I don't think so," scowled Ron. "What about you? Who are you going to ask?"

Harry knew who he was going to ask, but his problem was if she was going to say yes to him. Ron, as if noticing something, said, "Look, I'm sure anyone will say yes to you. But, mind you, you should do it quickly because you don't want to end up with an ugly one."

For the next few days, the castle only had one thing to talk about and that was the ball. Here and there, people were asking to go to the ball with each other. Girls went everywhere in groups, which, Harry thought, was very annoying. He was trying to look for the right time when Cho to be alone. Meanwhile, Ron was trying to get enough courage to ask Hermione to the Ball.

"It shouldn't be too difficult," said Harry, when they were in the common room doing their homework. "I mean she our friend."

"I know, but she might say no to me," replied Ron nervously.

"Look, there she is. Why don't you ask her now?" said Harry. Hermione just climbed out of the portrait hole and is approaching them.

"Hello," greeted Hermione, "what are you two up to?"

"Er, er," stuttered Ron. Hermione gave him a puzzled look. "Er, Hermione, w-will y-you go the ball with me?"

Harry looked at Hermione, who was looking very surprised and blushed. Then he looked at Ron, who was pale.

"Er, sure, I'll go to the ball with you," answered Hermione.

Ron's face lightened to a grin. "Thanks."

Hermione grinned and said, "Well, I need to go get my homework." With that, she left to the girls' dormitories.

"Well, it's your turn to ask somebody," said Ron to Harry.

Harry felt that he should let at least a few days past. He also felt that he should ask for Sirius's advice, but decided not to. After those few days, he decided to go ask her. It's now or never, he thought. He looked for Cho everywhere and found her walking along the Charms corridor alone. Good, she's alone, he thought. He drew a long breath and walked up to her.

"Er, Cho?" he called to her. She turned around; her eyes seemed to be pink. She smiled at him. It was more of a strained smile.

"Hello, Harry, what can I do for you?" she asked.

"Er, I was wondering, will you go to the ball with me?" he asked. Cho looked at him, though she wasn't surprised. They looked at each other for a long time. Please, please, say yes, Harry thought. Finally, Cho smiled and said, "Sure, I'll meet you at the entrance hall at 6:45?"

"Er, sure, thanks. Well, see you at the ball," said Harry.

"Yeah, see you," said Cho. Cho smiled at him and walked away. Harry stared after her. He smiled to himself and began to walk back to the common room almost skipping. He couldn't wait for the Icicle Ball to come. I can't believe that I'm going with Cho! He thought. He gave the Fat Lady the password and climbed the Portrait Hole. He found Ron playing Chess with Seamus.

"Guess what?" said Harry. He couldn't stop himself.

"What?" said Ron, without looking at him. He was concentrating at the chess game.

"I asked someone to go to the ball with me and said yes!" exclaimed Harry.

"What? Who?" said Ron, finally looking up.

"Cho," said Harry quietly.

"Blimey! Really?" exclaimed Ron.

"Cho Chang? That Ravenclaw girl?" asked Seamus. Harry nodded. "Wow, she's really pretty."

"I knew you would get her, mate!" said Ron. "Now, we all have dates for the Ball!"

"Who are you going with, Seamus?" asked Harry.

"Lavender," beamed Seamus.

Okay, I read that the Yule Ball was part of the Triwizard Tournament, and so I didn't think it was appropriate to use that Ball because, well, there isn't any Triwizard Tournament anymore! I just wanted to clear that up because I don't want anyone to tell me I got my facts wrong. Thank you! Please read and review! (Bows and does a curtsy)