Cho's POV

The next day was a blur. The whole day was spent picking out dresses for the girls, suits for the boys, and a gown for Cho. Ginny was wearing a long orange, strapless dress that went with her long red hair. Hermione wore a dark blue one, with roses embroidered on the breast. Cho looked like, well, a princess. Her gown reached the floor, and was made of pink satin. It was strapless, with ruffles around the bottom. Her hair was done in a high bun, with curls hanging down the side of her triangular, tanned face. At last the moment arrived for the ball.

"Now," Cho started, "there's going to be a welcome, and that's going to be AGES, a dinner, then the dancing. Got that?"

"Yeah, yeah," sighed Ginny impatiently, "Now let's GO!"

Harry's POV

The speeches started. The gang sat at a mahogany table, drinking Hyang Lin's famous berry champagne.

"And now," started King Chang, "May I please welcome my daughter Chonesia, who is 18 today!"

Everyone clapped, though why Harry didn't know.

"And I must say Chonesia, you have grown into a fine young woman," he continued. Harry silently agreed. "…this is why I have picked out a fine young man for you!"

Cho went white. Harry spluttered on his champagne. Hermione looked at Ginny as if to say, "Oh no!"

"Please welcome Po Sin An, Chonesia's future husband." Harry looked. Po Sin was handsome, tall and looked very intelligent. He walked over to their table.

"My fiancée," he said. Cho shuddered. He laughed. "I'm not so keen on the idea myself. But my father says it is best, and I'm sure that your father says likewise. I suppose they're right… I'm going to take a walk," he said. He strode off. Harry couldn't help feeling a stab of sorrow for him. It was clear that he didn't want to marry Cho. "I'm going to get another drink," Ginny whispered. She walked off.

Ginny's POV

Ginny didn't really get a drink. She wanted to talk to Po Sin for Cho, to find out how he felt. If she was really honest, she just wanted to talk to him. She saw him, standing over by the strange flowers growing on the wall of the palace.

"Err… Po Sin…" he looked up.

"Ah, you are Chonesia's friend. Your name, please?"

"Ginny. Listen….do you want to marry Cho?"

"She is very beautiful and intelligent, and looks extremely friendly….but I don't love her. Do you know what I mean?"
"Yes." They stood silently for a moment, watching the flowers as they rustled, and sighed, as if turning in their sleep.

"Do you want to talk about this?" Ginny asked, breaking the silence.

"No." Po Sin answered simply.

"Just so you know," said Ginny, "I would have married you willingly."

She walked away, her long fiery hair shining in the moonlight. Po Sin looked at her. He knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't seem to resist her.

"May I have the first dance?" he called after her.

"You'll have to have it with Cho."

"Cho... so that's what you call her…the second dance then?"

"Yes, all right."

Ron's POV

Hermione looked so beautiful tonight. He'd never really seen her properly, not under all those robes and textbooks. The blue dress showed off her gorgeous figure, and she looked so grown up now, instead of just the curly-haired, weird swotty girl that he – he had had a crush on forever. Look at her, dancing with Po Sin. Po Sin danced with everyone though – even Ginny, for God's sake! It was clear that he was a flirt. He'd even danced with the waitress. He was slightly tipsy as well, after the berry champagne. Mind you, so was Ron. It was strong, and Ron's mother had never really been able to afford alcohol. After Bill's and Percy's 18th, he hadn't had a sip for ages. He sighed. It must be great being rich, he thought. You get everything you want – although, you don't get love. He – "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS! GUARDS!"

Ack!