The partying didn't stop after that until at least 2 o'clock in the morning, and even Prof. McGonagall joined in the celebrations. Oliver Wood greeted them as well, who had watched the whole match.

" You have made me so proud" he said with a tear to his eye.

Eventually they all went to bed, and Harry, exhausted, fell asleep before his head touched the pillow.

 

 

                           ************************************

 

The beginning of the holidays was extremely enjoyable. Everyday Harry, Ron and Hermione would take walks by the lake, have rides on Harry's broom and visit Hagrid in his cabin.

" You lot 'enjoyin 'yer holidays then?" Hagrid asked them over a cold glass of pumpkin juice. They all nodded.

" I expect you'll all be 'lookin forward to the ball, no doubt." He continued.

" Yes we are. Are you coming Hagrid?" asked Ron.

" Yes, I 'erm invited Madame Maxime but she couldn't come so I invited Madame Rosemerta down at the three broomsticks" he blushed. " So have you lot asked anyone?"

" Well I'm going with Ginny Weasley," said Harry.

" And me and Hermione are going together." Said Ron

" Oh I see, and are you going 'tergether as friends, or well you know…."

" Yes Hagrid we are going as boyfriend and girlfriend. We have been for quite a few days now. Said Hermione.

" Well isn't that lovely. More pumpkin juice anyone?"

 

                                  **********************************

 

On the morning of the ball, Harry Ron, Neville, Dean and Seamus all got their dress robes out.

" Who are you all going with then?" asked Seamus.

" Ginny Weasley" said Harry.

" Hermione" said Ron.

" Parvati" said Dean.

" Nobody" said Neville.

" Don't worry Nev, we'll find you a date. C'mon guys, won't we?" said Seamus. " I'll go and ask Lavender!" he continued, and left the dorm with Dean.

" I don't want to go with anyone though!" said Neville.

" Why not?" asked Harry

" Because I'm not going!"

" Sure you are Nev " said Ron.

" No, I'm not, nobody would want to go with me!"

They went down to the common room. Seamus, Dean, Lavender, Parvati and Lavenders cousin, Celia Brown were sitting down chatting amongst themselves.

" Hey Neville come over here! " Shouted Lavender. They all went over.

" This is Celia, my cousin, would you like to go to the ball with her Neville?" asked Lavender.

Celia was a pretty girl, a year or so younger than Lavender. She had long, sandy blonde coloured hair, similar to Lavender's, tied back into two plaits.

" Yes I would very much!" said Neville, utterly gobsmacked.

" Right!" said Lavender " Let's leave you two, to get to know each other better then!". They all left them alone and went off to sort themselves out for the evening.