…..

Chapter 10.

Who was going to ask me?

December.

On the 1st of December, the seventh year N.E.W.T.S students found themselves in Charms class, trying to cast a non-verbal Levicorpus spell. Almost everyone had been unsuccessful; Peregrine Derrick managed to do it for a couple of seconds with an apple, but Amanda turned out to be the best. After triumphantly holding a book in the air for a full thirty seconds, she moved onto heavier things—a chair, a table, Flitwick's desk. Then, declaring that these weren't 'challenging enough', she turned to Lara.

"No." Lara said instantly. "Absolutely not."

"Oh, come on," Amanda grinned widely. "Let me try."

"No—"

"You're stunting my emotional and spiritual growth."

"I don't care if I'm stunting your bloody growth. You're not touching me."

Stan easily reached out and pulled Lara to her feet. Squeaking like a scared guinea pig, Lara tried to jump out of the way—but a beam of light hit her in the stomach and she lifted at least two foot in the air. Her friends clapped and Amanda beamed proudly.

"Wonderful Miss Chambers, just wonderful," Flitwick squeaked, staring at Lara's hovering form as if she was merely a table. "Stunning bit of non-verbal magic!"

Amanda flushed radiantly under Flitwick's praise. Lara, once Flitwick had made his way back to his desk, gave her the finger.

"Now, I have something to announce, so if you could all take your seats—Newton, stop trying to levitate your quill up Chan's nose, it's not going to happen. Alas—Alas put the frog down—thank you." Flitwick looked utterly joyful as he stood on his desk, the seventh years staring up at him expectantly. "Right, now; no doubt you all know by now, but the Yule Ball is just around the corner."

Erin gasped excitedly and grabbed Lara's arm. Omar, who was trying to balance his wand on his upper lip, abruptly sprang into sitting position to give Flitwick his full attention. "Yes, yes, it's all very exciting. From what I've heard, the theme is a sort of Winter Wonderland—I wasn't supposed to say that. Anyway, the ball's only for fourth years and up, though you may invite the younger students if you so wish."

Stan's nose scrunched. "Please don't, though. It would be a bit weird."

"Yes, well." The Professor continued with an amused smile as the class giggled. "Moving on. Dress robes have to be worn—don't groan, dress robes are traditional, and there's a few funky ones you can get now. No trainers. I've been told to reign you all in and impress upon you that we expect high standards of behaviour from all of our students…however, I know which band is playing, and honestly I intend to have some fun myself, so I can't very well be a hypocrite, can I?"

"What band is it, Sir?" Amanda asked quickly.

"Ah, I can't say," he replied, though his face was alight with elation. "So I want you all to have fun—but don't go wild," he glared at Glenn Chan and his friends, who were whispering hurriedly to each other and sniggering.

The bell rang and the class stood, grabbing their bags and books. "I've been waiting for this!" Erin beamed as they headed out the classroom. "I felt like it wasn't official until it was announced—oh God, what are we going to wear?"

"I've already been looking through Witch Weekly catalogues," grinned Amanda. "Purple is the in colour at the minute, so I'm thinking something plum and sparkly—"

"Are you going to be talking about this for the next three weeks?" Omar groaned.

"We have to listen to your Quidditch talk all the time," Erin snapped heatedly, glaring over her shoulder. "You can survive three weeks of this, Shafiq."

Omar smirked at the use of his surname. "Alright, bossy."

"I'm going to ask Adela," Stan said eagerly. "Should I get her something while I ask?"

"A flower," said Amanda. "She'll love it."

"You lot are mad," Lara smirked, shaking her head. "Anyway, I'm going to the library—"

"Now?"

"Yes." Lara laughed at Erin's scandalised tone. "I have to finish an Alchemy essay for tomorrow. I'm only two paragraphs in."

The girls scoffed and the boys chuckled at their vexed expressions. Ignoring them, Lara headed towards the library. She really did have an essay to finish for tomorrow, but in all honesty she was happy to be alone with her thoughts. She'd known about The Yule Ball for months now, way before most of the other students. However, the actual reality of the ball was something else entirely, and (although she would never admit it) her first thought was;

Who was going to ask me?

She wasn't exactly disliked or ugly, but there were so many girls in Hogwarts, not to mention the girls from the foreign schools. Stan, who had been her back-up for Hogsmeade visits and party dates for the past seven years, was now head over heels for Beauxbatons Adela. Omar would ask Erin—Lara had no doubt about that—and Amanda would have no struggle to find a date; she was quite popular with the male population.

Lara's stomach twisted nervously; what if no one asked her? What if she had to go alone? A part of her said it wouldn't be a problem, Erin and Omar would probably let her tag along with them…but it felt sad and silly. She didn't want to be a third-wheel, she wanted to have her own fun.

Sighing wistfully, Lara walked over to an empty library table and set up her scrolls and books. She hoped to have most of the essay done by dinner time, then she could do the conclusion tonight in her dorm. So, pushing thoughts of the Yule Ball to the back of her mind, she focused on her homework. It was easier said than done; even as she wrote about the magical properties of water and air, she could feel her stomach churning with anxiety. Her mind went into overdrive, thinking of herself at the Yule Ball alone, sat in a pretty dress and watching everyone else have fun…

"Hey."

Lara jumped in shock, her embarrassment doubling when she saw David Brentford stood at the table looking down at her. "Hello," Lara gulped and forced a smile onto her blushing face. "What're you doing here?"

"I thought I'd get in an hour of studying before dinner," he answered quietly. "Can I sit?"

"Of course."

He took the seat opposite her, pulling out a few books and scrolls. Lara glanced at him as she went back to her essay; was he a bit jumpy, or was it Lara's imagination? No, he was definitely shaking a little, and his forehead was shiny with sweat—

"Do you like Fred Weasley?" he blurted out suddenly.

A few Ravenclaws sat at a nearby table glanced over. Lara saw Madam Pince look at David warningly from over the top of her glasses.

"Eh…no," Lara murmured, tucking away her hair. "No, I don't. He's just a friend."

"Are you sure?"

"Pretty positive."

"What about your date in Hogsmeade?"

"That wasn't a date," sighed Lara, mentally cursing Erin and her schemes. "We went as a group, but Alicia was having a sweet-related breakdown and Erin needed help getting butterbeer—Fred and I were the only sane ones, that day."

Except, you know, she ended up spraining her ankle, but that was neither here nor there.

"Oh, okay," he let out a relieved sigh. "So, eh…since you're single and, you know, don't like anyone…and, conveniently, I'm in the same boat…do you maybe…maybe want to go to the Yule Ball with me?"

Lara blinked, twice, and then said, "Really?"

"Yeah." David's face flushed bright red. "We—you know, we get along and…and…"

"Yes." Her face stretched into a wide grin. "Yeah, that sounds great."

"Really?"

Lara nodded eagerly.

"Oh, good," his tense shoulders relaxed and he threw her a sheepish smile. "I was absolutely crapping myself—well, I mean…"

"I felt nervous for you," she giggled (oh Merlin, is this what giddy felt like?). "You must've known I'd say yes!"

"How would I know that?"

"I mean, come on," Lara bit her lip under David's teasing grin. "It was obvious that I…you know, that I…"

David's smile widened. "It wasn't that obvious."

"I looked like I had sunburn whenever I was in your presence."

"I honestly didn't realise until this summer when my friend pointed it out," he leaned forward with a shrug. "I thought you just blushed a lot. Then I saw you at Thruston's party and, well, you had a very pretty dress on."

"A man's weakness."

"Obviously." He chuckled. "But I thought…well, I wondered if we'd be a good match, but then you snogged Fred Weasley and…I got jealous."

Lara had to bite back a smile. "Oh, really?"

"Yeah."

Inside, she was dancing with joy; Fred's plan had worked. Outwardly, however, she just nodded solemnly and said, "Well, I thought you were never going to like me back, so I just…"

"I'm glad you did," he replied. "Otherwise I probably would've convinced myself we shouldn't go out."

"Why?"

"Because you're way out of my league."

Lara flushed again; David grinned appreciatively.

"I am not," she said. "You're just trying to butter me up."

"Is it working?"

"A little."

"Then I'm going to continue—"

"If you two insist on continuing this conversation," Madam Pince snapped, marching over to the table and glaring down at the duo. "You will need to leave my library."

"I was leaving anyway," Lara murmured, standing. "I want to get rid of my things before dinner."

David nodded and sent an annoyed glance towards Madam Pince. "Okay, sure. I'll see you around—"

"QUIET." Madam Pince hissed, slapping the table repeatedly.

Cringing into her shoulder, Lara grabbed her things and rushed out of the library. She couldn't keep the massive smile off her face as she headed for the Gryffindor common room. A few people glanced over at her suspiciously; Lara didn't care.

To Lara's utter relief, Erin was sat around the fire with a group of other people. Barely paying them attention, Lara hurried over to her best friend and grabbed her arm, making Erin yelp in surprise.

"Guess what," Lara squealed happily.

"What?"

"Dave asked me to the Yule Ball!" Lara began to automatically jump up and down. "And I said yes!"

Erin's jaw dropped open. "He did not."

"He did, in the library just then, I can't believe it—"

"Oh my God!" Erin squealed excitedly and leapt to her feet, joining in with Lara's bouncing. "Oh my God. This is amazing! Amanda is going to faint—"

"The first one of us to get a date," Angelina grinned, playfully thudding Lara's waist.

"And with her actual crush, too! This only happens in the films, Lara—"

"Have you thought about your dress yet?" Alicia appeared at Lara's side, grabbing her shoulders.

"Not really—"

"Let's go shopping this Saturday!" Angelina beamed energetically. "In Hogsmeade, have a proper girly day—Katie, come with us—"

Katie Bell, who was sat at Angelina's side, nodded. "Okay, sure—"

"I'll get my catalogues!" Erin launched towards the dormitory stairs. "We can look through together—"

With Erin gone, Lara looked around the crowded common room for a familiar head of ginger hair. She spotted it near the windowsill, stood with a group of Gryffindor boys. Dumping her bag onto the floor, Lara bounded over. The boys were also talking about the Yule Ball, though not about outfits.

"What about Patricia Stimpson?" Lee said.

"She cried during O.W.L.S.," responded George. "I have a feeling our personalities won't match."

Trent Angel looked massively apprehensive. "What if—what if they all get asked—"

"It was only announced this-afternoon," Glenn Chan snapped. "Get a hold of yourself."

Lara gently nudged Fred's elbow, making him turn towards her. Sparing a glance at his friends, Fred rolled his eyes and stepped aside with Lara.

"Alright?" he grinned down at her. "Enjoy the library?"

Ignoring his accusatory tone, Lara beamed at him. "I really enjoyed the library, thanks. Dave joined me and asked me to the ball."

"Did he really?"

"Your plan worked!" Lara began to bounce again. "Sorry, sorry, it's a reflex…"

"You look happy."

"I am," she excitedly grabbed his arms and laughed. "Thanks, Fred. Dave said he realised he wanted to ask me out when he got jealous over me and you, so your plan was genius. I owe you."

"No, you don't," he shrugged with a small smile. "I had fun…Hogsmeade was absolutely hilarious…"

"When I sprained my ankle, you mean?"

"Well…"

"Sadist."

He let out a snort, then awkwardly dug his hands into his pockets. "So, eh…"

"Who are you thinking of asking?" Lara asked brightly.

"I—I haven't really thought about it yet…might shock everyone and take a Slytherin."

Lara tried to smile at the joke, but it wasn't delivered with his usual mirth. It sounded forced, awkward, and a slight frown came to her face. "I think you'd look great with a Slytherin," she said. "What about Fleur Delacour?"

Fred shrugged. "Yeah, eh…George is having a bit of a breakdown about finding a date, so I'm gunna help out…"

He went back to his friends, leaving Lara stood in the corner on her own. She stared after him for a moment, confused about his cold attitude, but then Erin appeared with her catalogues and magazines. Alicia grabbed Lara and pulled her over to look at them and staring at the dresses and jewellery and shoes, all Lara felt was excitement.

Three hours into the 'girly' Hogsmeade trip, Lara and Angelina were the only ones that had found their Yule Ball dresses. Angelina found hers in the first shop; a long velvet dress, sapphire blue in colour, with a small train and a plunging neckline. She looked like a princess in it and when Lara told her this, Angelina decided it was good enough for her and bought it.

In the next shop, Lara found her dress. It was ruby red in colour, with an A-line skirt and a fitted lace bodice. The lace had small glittering diamonds sewn into the fabric that bled into the top of the skirt like a sparkling red waterfall. The dress was twenty-four galleons but, having taken Walter's advice about saving up, Lara could afford it, though she'd have to wear old shoes and jewellery.

The girls ended up in Gladrags Wizardwear, which was always going to be their final shop as it was the most expensive. While Erin, Amanda, Alicia and Katie went to try on some dresses, Lara and Angelina sat in the waiting room together. Lara collapsed back onto the couch and groaned.

"I bloody hate shopping," grumbled Angelina, who was sat next to Lara's tired form, elbows on her knees and chin in her palms.

"I don't mind for an hour or two," Lara sighed. "But we're pushing three and a half now."

"That was painful to even hear."

Lara snorted and glanced over at Angelina. The sixth year was sat with a sullen expression, staring at the floor. Not for the first time today, Lara felt some apprehension for her friend; apart from when she found her dress, Angelina hadn't seemed herself. She was quiet and almost…sad.

"Are you okay, Ang?" Lara asked quietly. "You seem…down."

Angelina pushed herself upright and sighed. "I'm fine."

"You can tell me, you know. I won't judge."

"It's silly. I feel silly even thinking about it."

"I sprained my ankle giving Fred a piggy back," smiled Lara. "I can handle silly."

"I just…" Angelina paused and took a deep breath. "I just have someone in mind that I want to ask me to the ball, but…I don't think he's going to ask."

"Why not? You're hot."

Angelina laughed brightly. "Well, thanks…but I think he just sees me as a mate."

It was clear she didn't want to say who it was, though Lara had a sneaky suspicion it was Lee. They were always flirting and making jokes with each other, though it was all in good-humour. "I'm pretty sure that's not true," Lara said comfortingly. "You're great, Ang. Any guy would be lucky to have you as their date."

"Do you think I should just ask him?"

"Definitely." Lara said…then decided to bite the bullet and ask if it really was Lee—

Erin burst out of her changing room in a pretty yellow dress with floral detail at the top. "I think this is the one!" Erin beamed happily.

"You look amazing, Erin," grinned Angelina, sounding more like herself.

"Yeah, beautiful," Lara agreed, just as Amanda also popped out of her changing unit.

The remaining girls bought their dresses from Gladrags (they had to, given it was the last shop); Amanda bought a fitted purple number that was short at the front and long at the back, Erin the yellow one, Katie a charcoal grey with gold detailing and Alicia a knee-length pink one and matching shoes. Once they were all paid for, the girls decided to head for the Three Broomsticks for a well-deserved butterbeer, their dresses in magically altered bags.

Fred, George and Lee were already there, sat in a booth laughing and joking over a bowl of crisps. Fred leapt up and tried to peek in Katie's bag, Lee began to talk loudly about the robes he'd just bought, and George flew past Lara's shoulder. For a moment, Lara indulged Lee's babbling, nodding along as he talked about his golden waistcoat—

"Really?" Amanda's voice echoed through the pub. "Of course I will! Aw, George!"

Lara turned towards the cry of her friend, only to find her hugging George Weasley, who was smiling into her dark hair.

"He's asking her to the ball," Lee offered as explanation. "Said he looks enough like Charlie for her to put up with him."

Erin let out a laugh and Lara turned to try and find Angelina, to tell her to ask Lee before it was too late…but she and Alicia where nowhere to be seen. Fred and Katie were the only ones nearby, still bickering over Fred being allowed to see her dress. As Lara watched, Katie swung her bag and whacked Fred in the butt.

Lee pulled Lara into the booth, and she was so distracted by his talking, so tired from her dress shopping, that she just told herself Angelina and Alicia had headed back to the castle to relax after the long day, and after a few days, in which the students at Hogwarts got more and more rowdy, Lara forgot about Angelina and Alicia's sudden disappearance all together.

On the last Wednesday of term—exactly five days before the Yule Ball—Lara returned from a study session in the library to find a very happy and excitable Erin. The moment Lara stepped through the portrait hole, Erin bounded over, grasping her best friend by the arms with a crazed sort of smile.

"Omar asked me to the ball!" Erin beamed.

"I knew he would," replied Lara, awkwardly dropping her books into her bag to hug her friend. "That's great, Erin!"

"Angelina got a date, too."

"Oh yeah? Who?"

"Fred asked her earlier, apparently. Shouted across the common room—it didn't sound very romantic."

Lara expected to feel amusement or even happiness…but instead, something inside of her ached. "Oh, great!" she forced herself to chirp. "Where is she?"

Erin led her over to the couches, where a majority of the upper years had gathered. Angelina was in the corner of the couch with Fred on the arm next to her. They were grinning and laughing together, Fred's arms flailing around as he told some elaborate story. Deciding she would only be an intrusion, Lara sat on the floor beside Lee, who threw her a grin.

"I'm going with Katie," he said, glancing over at the dark-haired girl by the windowsill. "Asked her with a flower."

"You're a real gentleman, Lee," Lara smirked and patted his shoulder.

"I know. You'll be jealous you're not my date by Christmas."

She laughed politely, but something about what he said made her ache again.

Jealousy; that seemed to be a common theme this year.

With this in mind, she couldn't help but look over at Fred and Angelina. They were still wrapped up in each other, Angelina throwing her head back with laughter, Fred still telling his story.

Lara had to look away.

Annnnnd chapter 10 is done! I don't know why but I feel like this is a little milestone; double digits and all. And don't worry, we're nowhere near the end haha

thanks for the reviews, follows and favourites guys! I can't wait for you to read the rest, I've done a lot of outlining lately and there are so many chapters I'm excited to share. This story is probably going to end up being a full length novel by the time i'm finished, but I'm just gunna go with it. And sorry for the slightly longer wait, I got the flu last week (in spring, I know, how ridiculous) and it put me behind schedule a little bit.

Chapter 11 is the Yule Ball! A lot of dancing, fun and maybe even a kiss...