Chapter Two- Gypsy Love

Tonight was the Welcome-Back-to-Hogwarts-the-Greatest-Time-You'll-Ever-Have Ball. It's been a very intimidating night for me. There was the whole problem of whom I was going to attend this glorious event with because my only friends at the moment are Hedwig, Mrs. Norris, and Crookshanks. I seriously considered going with one of them, but Filch and Hermione are so furious with me at the moment that I didn't dare step over that boundary line. And Hedwig despises social events.

So then I traveled the long journey to Grimmauld Place through Floo Powder so I could have my late uncle's spiritual presence help and inspire me through this decision. I was there hours on end contemplating every possibility; however my thoughts continued to get sidetracked by the impending thought of my love. He was back at the castle, all alone. He wasn't allowed to go to the party for he and the Fat Lady caused some very humongous mischief at the Welcome-Back-to-Hogwarts-the-Greatest-Time-You'll-Ever-Have Feast. I cried for an hour after that. The first ball of the year and I couldn't ask the one person that I truly wanted to be with.

Suddenly I heard a bang. I went to investigate and there I saw him, it was that mischievous character Kreacher taking a midnight bath, a ritual we both share. He was startled, shocked even. Then he began to bay at the moon. I joined him, the moonlight bathing over us with its wonderful glow. It felt like I was with Sir Cadogan again. Then it struck me, an idea! My scar started hurting I was so excited. Of course I asked Kreacher to attend the ball with me. He was hesitant at first; he had never gone to such a glamorous event before. I assured him that he would fit in right away.

So then we set off to find the perfect attire for him. Kreacher took me by the hand and said, "This way, Master." Of course I couldn't deny that boy like face. We hurried our way into Sirius's old bedchamber. This room touched me in a way I hadn't felt since I first learned of Sirius's death. I was unsure of myself and Kreacher being in here. But then Kreacher smiled at me and I knew that this is where I wanted to be.

Kreacher opened up Sirius's closet and I peeked in. Mostly I saw black suits and other masculine clothes. But then, peeking through the back of the closet was a pink and purple frilly dress. It was mystical, "Sirius liked to play dress up," Kreacher stated. This thought excited me even more. Then I had mixed emotions. How would this dress fit small, petite Kreacher? But Kreacher must have seen the questioned features on my face for he waved his hand and with a dramatic poof, the dress became his size. He tried it on and it fit perfectly. It clung to all the right places. He was beautiful. I began to cry again.

After this event I was very excited about the ball.

The past few days were a blissful blur. Quidditch practice with myself was going great and I couldn't wait for the ball. After the two letters I received from Kreacher I knew that he couldn't wait either.

The night of the ball was upon us, but I have to admit that I was feeling a tad guilty about Sir Cadogan. I had been a bit distant towards him lately. I only sent him twelve love notes as opposed to my usual fifty. And I think he was beginning to avoid me at all costs.

But this didn't bring me down. As Kreacher entered the Gryffindor common room in that magical dress I greeted him enthusiastically. We headed to the Great Hall to the party. As we entered everyone looked at us in a strange way. I think it was jealousy that I could see in their eyes. It didn't matter to me. I was so happy to be there with Kreacher.

Kreacher and I danced and sang and partied for hours. But then I had to make a quick trip to the powder room. When I returned I couldn't find Kreacher anywhere! He was like my disappearing princess. I looked everywhere until I finally spotted him. He was chatting lively with that Neville Longbottom! I couldn't believe it. I thought we had something special. As Kreacher reached out to touch Neville's hand my scar boiled with fury. I couldn't take this anymore.

I ran and I ran until I reached Filch's bedchamber. I knew Filch was at the ball with Mrs. Norris so I went right on in. I poured bubbles in his bathtub and sat down. I thought about the past week's occurrences.

I had been so stupid! I completely lost sight of who I was just for a pretty face like Kreacher's. I missed Sir Cadogan. I just wanted to hear him laugh, see him smile once more.

As I ran to Sir Cadogan's hallway a slow beautiful ballad began to play. When I reached him, he opened his mouth to say something. "Shh. Don't say a word," I told him. Then I grabbed his painting off the wall and began to glide with it. We were dancing all across the hall. I felt like I was floating on air. I had never felt so alive in my life. This is where I wanted to be. I closed my eyes and let my feelings take over. I listened to the song and felt the gold trim of his painting underneath my fingertips. My body tingled all over. I wanted to see his beautiful face once again. Slowly I opened my eyes reluctant to leave this haze of bliss.

But when I opened my eyes, he wasn't there. At first I was in denial, he was just playing a game. But then I realized he had gone. The cold reality hit me like a slap in the face. But then I remembered the warm feelings that were overtaking me just moments before. Then I skipped slowly back to the common room. It was the best night of my life.

And all I can think about is Sir Cadogan.