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Hermione took her seat on the other side of Ron and Harry, as far away from Daniel as possible.
"Just ignore him, 'Mione," Ron told her quietly.
She had no chance to reply, because at that instant Professor Dumbledore had risen from his seat and was now standing in front of the staff table, facing the students. The hall immediately quieted down, except for a few Slytherins, who stopped after they noticed the hateful glares being thrown their way. They all turned to Dumbledore except one, who took the time to make a face at the rest of the students before he redirected his attention.
"Before I can allow you to eat your dinner, I have a quick announcement to make. This decision was made quite recently; otherwise I would have informed you about it at the Starting Feast." He announced, as always, with great energy.
"Your Head Boy and Girl and the prefects have brought it to my attention that the Yule Ball was quite popular, and suggested that we have something like it annually. So, after deliberating, we have come to the decision of having a Year-End Ball from now on. Once the end of the year comes closer, we will have an exact day for you. Thank you."
He took his seat and it took a moment for the students to react. It all happened at once, the girls turned and started giggling, shrieking and talking amongst their friends. The boys, however, groaned and seemed to sink lower in their seats.
Ron, on the other hand, was making no noise at all, for something had just happened and had occupied his full attention. At the other end of the Gryffindor table, he saw her turn towards him, her dark hair fanning out behind her. She looked straight at him, her lips started moving, the lip gloss on them making them reflect the light. He finally had the sense to try to figure out what she was saying.
'Are you going Friday night?' She mouthed. He stared at her with a confused expression on his face. He started to say something when he saw someone lean across the table a few people down. He could feel the heat rising to his ears as he finally understood.
'No, Parvati. I can't, remember?' Daniel said silently to his cousin.
Ron glanced down the table to see Parvati pouting and he heard Daniel relent by saying
'Fine. I'll just bring my date to the party.'
He saw Parvati smile widely, causing all the guys at the table to turn and gawk,
'Good. You better!' She said, tossing her hair once again. From there, she turned and starting talking and laughing with the people around her. Ron just sank lower in his seat.
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