What to Say

The whole school is buzzing as everyone starts preparing costumes for the Halloween Ball.  The only people who don't seem to be working are the Slytherins.  When asked, they just smile mysteriously and say that they are already set for costumes.  None will elaborate but most assume that they're up to no good.

Hermione has checked out over ten books from the library on magically conceived costumes and disguises.  Ron and Harry have decided to start making their costumes by hand, an experience neither boy had ever had.  Ginny is making her costume as well, though she has learned a lot from her mother when it comes to using magic to make clothing.  Hermione watches her with fascination and then turns back to her books.

The Americans seem to have it together.  They all crowd around a catalog Denise has brought with her.  In it are tons of complex costumes that they're going to order rushed.  The only one not joining in the planning process is Johnny, who just watches everyone.

"You're going to the ball, aren't you?" Ginny asks one day, a few days before the ball.  The Americans costumes have arrived and they make a huge show of hiding them so that they're a surprise on the night.

Johnny shrugs and goes back to her homework.  Her essay on magical professions still has three inches to go and she's stuck.  "I hate things like that.  I'm just going to wait to hear all the details."

"You can't do that!" Hermione gasps.  She has already finished her essay and is peering over Johnny's shoulder to read what she's written so far.  Johnny hasn't minded the way Hermione's hand has been firmly planted on her shoulder.  "You have to go!  I'll help you make a costume if you need it.  I already finished mine."

"Well, if I have to, I suppose I have no choice," Johnny smiles.  She feels as though she's been invited by Hermione.  She finally sighs and writes in three inch letters "The End" on her paper.  "Done."

Hermione opens her mouth to explain that Dr. Zimmermann is not going to accept a paper like that but Johnny is already rolling up her parchment and putting it away.  "Well, let's go work on your costume!"  Hermione says eagerly.

The whole school is packed into the brilliantly decorated hall dressed in costumes ranging for extravagantly gorgeous to horridly frightening.  Harry and Ron are dressed as Superman and Batman, two Muggle superheroes.  Ginny feels silly standing next to him in her fairy princess gown.  She barely dances with him, which seems almost fine by him.  He has been staring at Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw Seeker, who is dressed as Oriental royalty.

Hermione and Colby are quite a sight, him dressed as a knight and her as a renaissance lady.  They dance together wonderfully and Ron is fuming about it.  All he can say to anyone is how ridiculous they look together and ask why would someone as smart as Hermione is want to be with anyone as numb as Colby is.

Surprisingly enough, there are no Slytherins at the ball.  No one misses them, however.  Ginny is sitting at a table by herself when she sees Neville walk in, dressed as a cowboy.  She sighs softly as he looks at her, pained, and then walks in the opposite direction.

Johnny is standing outside the Great Hall.  She looks at the tiny mirror Hermione had given her they had finished her costume.  Johnny's request had been simple enough:  she wants to be a prince.  Hermione had argued with her a bit, saying that a princess would be more appropriate but Johnny had refused to go unless she was comfortable in the costume.  So Hermione caved and helped make her a wonderful prince costume.

Johnny manages a weak smile.  She does make a handsome prince.  She only hopes it's enough to make Hermione realize it.  She enters the hall quietly, hoping not to get anyone's attention.

Everyone's having too good a time to notice Johnny's presence.  She looks around, hoping to be able to see Hermione through her costume.  Hermione hadn't wanted anyone to know what she was going as.

Johnny sees dark hair under a veil at the furthest table.  She sees the beautiful gown and grins.  That's why Hermione didn't want her to know what she was going as.  It matched her costume too neatly.  She crosses the hall quickly, not wanting to change her mind.

Ginny feels someone tap her shoulder.  She turns in time to feel Johnny wrap her arms around her.  She's pulled to her feet and held close.  Nothing has ever felt so sweet to Ginny.  She lays her head on Johnny's shoulder as Johnny sweeps her across the dance floor.

They dance for quite some time, ignoring some of the shocked expressions on people's faces.  When the song is over, Johnny pulls Ginny's veil back slightly to kiss her deeply.

Ginny throws her arms around Johnny's shoulders and enjoys the ardent kiss.  She trails her fingers down the back of Johnny's neck and presses as close as she can to her.

Johnny's heart is soaring.  She has never imagined that anything could feel as magical.  No wands, potions, or creatures could ever recreate this feeling of levity and perfection.

"Oy, what do you think you're doing?" Neville suddenly snaps.  Johnny pulls away and looks into Ginny Weasley's eyes.  Neville yanks them apart.  "There's no snogging out here!  You stop that immediately!" he looks angrily at Ginny.

Johnny doesn't know what to say.  She hadn't expected it to be Ginny.  She sees the tint of red hair sticking out of her veil.  She rushes from the hall, horrified.

Before anything else can happen, a whole crew of short Death-Eaters walk into the hall.  Dumbledore, dressed as a jester, stands angrily.  "What is the meaning of this?"

The students begin to panic and start running toward the door.  "Enough!  Stop this at once! Stay calm, all of you!"  Dumbledore is shouting.  The other teachers are running around, trying to calm the students.

One Death-Eater makes his way toward Hermione.  He draws his wand and points it at her.  "How are your books going to save you now, Granger?" the muffled voice says.

Zimmermann bursts through the door, covered in blood and mud.  He looks around the room, his eyes blazing.  He mutters a few spells and all the Death-Eaters disappear.  Then, he falls to the floor.

Snape gets to him first, followed by Pomfrey.  Zimmermann opens his eyes.  "Parker… zis… is ze vork of… Parker…" he falls back again, unconscious.