Chapter 28
When they returned to school for dinner there was a buzz going a Halloween Ball. Flyers had been posted in the Common Room while the students were enjoying one of the last warm days of the year. Lavender hinted loudly in front of Harry that she would love to go as Cinderella and prince Charming. Harry sighed, but agreed, of course. He made his way up to his dormitory hoping for the chance to talk to Sirius. He wanted to let him know he'd given up his crush on Ginny and moved on.
Ron and Hermione pulled Ginny and Draco into seats in the Common Room demanding details of everything they did while the other couple served their punishment. When they told of catching Harry and Lavender snogging, Ron squealed like a girl. Hermione slapped his arm and said, "Be a man, Ron. You sound worse than a first year Hufflepuff." He rolled his eyes when she looked away and responded, "But, that's not what you said last night when I made that noise!" Hermione slapped him again and Draco and Ginny took that as their cue to leave the happy couple alone. They bid each other goodnight and went to their respective dorms to dream about each other.
It was well past midnight when Neville and Parvati were sneaking back in through the portrait hole. They both looked a little rumpled but very happy. In fact, Neville hopped right over the back of the couch to sit in front of the fire. Unfortunately, he didn't look before he leaped and landed on Ron and Hermione's heads because they had fallen asleep in front of the fire wrapped in each other's arms. Hermione decided that meant it was time to go up to bed, much to Ron's dismay. Ron turned to Neville and asked, "So, why are you back so late and so gleeful?" Gleeful wasn't a word Ron would usually even think of using, but with the expression on Neville's face; it really was the only appropriate word to use.
"Well, Parvati and I sneaked into the kitchens and got some ice cream sundaes. Then we found an empty classroom and, let's just say, her name should be Parfait."
"Ew, forget I asked! That was way more detail than I ever want to have again, ok?" Ron shook his head as if it was an Etch-A-Sketch and he was erasing the image. It didn't work. "Ew! I think I need to go clean my brain out before I go to sleep now, Neville, thanks." Ron huffed up to the stairs and headed for the dorm. Neville, however, pulled another ice cream sundae out of his robes and began eating again.
The next morning at breakfast, Neville made the mistake of calling Parvati, Parfait, in front of the entire Gryffindor table. Draco and Ginny thought it was terribly funny and decided that they would call her nothing else from now on. "Parfait, what are you going to be for the Halloween ball?" Ginny asked. "Oh, Neville and I discussed that last night and we came up with the perfect costumes. How about you and Draco, Ginny?"
"We haven't talked about it yet, but I'm sure it will be something wonderful. Lavender, you've already decided what you're going to be, right?"
"Yes, Harry and I are going to be Cinderella and Prince Charming. It will be terribly romantic." She sighed as she gazed at Harry's back. "How about you, Hermione? Any ideas for your costume?"
" Oh yeah. Ron and I have already figured it out. But we aren't telling anyone. I want it to be a surprise." She giggled at the thought of it.
The rest of the week flew by as everyone got ready for the ball. There were lots of trips to Hogsmeade for forgotten costume parts and many owls dropping packages on people's meals. The majority of the Gryffindor's were being very secretive about their costumes, much to each other's dismay. But before Ginny realized it, Friday was here and the Halloween ball was going to take place the next evening. She and Draco met in the Common Room to discuss their arrangements. "Did you get the package from my mum alright?" "Yes, I can't believe she wants me to wear it. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. The material is so soft."
"It's going to be perfect. I can't wait to see you all dressed up. We are going to be the hit of the ball, you know?"
"I know, Draco. And, as much as I'd love to stay here and snog you senseless, I really should be getting my beauty rest." She stood up and started toward the stairs.
Draco quickly followed her and scooped her up in his arms. "Beauty rest is the last thing you need, my sweet!" He tossed her on the couch and then dove on top of her tickling her mercilessly. "Draco! Stop…I…can't…have…to…go…pee!" He immediately got up and held out a hand to help her to her feet. "Fooled you!" She screamed as she bolted for the stairs. He sat back down on the couch for a moment to regain his breath before he made his way to bed; full of expectations about the wonderful time they would have at the Ball.