Hey everyone,
WOW! I did NOT make that hint even half as obvious as I thought I did. Apparently you guys think that I am planning way further ahead with this story than I actually was. When I was writing that hint, I really only had the Yule Ball in mind. The Second Task is something I have no ideas about just yet, but definitely not what Knight5946 mentioned.
NO! I am NOT going to stick Jillian to the bottom of the Lake for Krum to save. Like I said, the Second Task was the LAST THING on my mind when I wrote that hint down. The only thing on my mind for this story and that hint was the Yule Ball. No more, no less. So I want to, again, apologize to Knight5946 for giving him the wrong idea.
Sorry again,

Venquine1990

Chapter 24
The Party And The Ball

10th of December 1994
Entrance Hall, Hogwarts
Cedric's POV

"Hey Jillian, wait up!" I shout out to the young girl that has, luckily enough, been left alone by most of the other students after her announcement of what the actual requirements for an invitation were and the girl herself turns around, gently telling her friends that she will meet them at the table before she waits for me to catch up. I smile at her and say: "Hey, great speech the other day."
"Thanks. And thanks for not joining in on that craze. I heard from Susan that a lot of other Badgers were giving you a hard time over, and I quote, not winning me over before the others could get a chance." This utterly astounds me and I can only ask: "Is she talking about her fellow Badgers – or is my House mates hiding secret Snake qualities or something?"
The girl bursts out giggling at this and I smile, feeling a little proud of myself and when she calms down, does she: "So, what can I help you with?" I rub the back of my neck, feeling a little self-conscious and say: "Don't get angry about this, but – Fleur, Viktor and I have been talking and – you've been a constant topic." This does, unfortunately, seem to tick the girl off and I say: "I mean, in regards to what we think you would or would not like.
And we're talking about that, because of the Yule ball. Fleur thinks you are really going to enjoy that and – well – we would really like to help you enjoy it even more. You know, because you were almost forced to participate and all that." The girl looks at me intrigued and I say: "We – and this is just in case your party doesn't get you the goal you want – we'd like you to come with us; as a friendly date to the Yule Ball."

The girl looks at me confused and I say: "I mean say, you have the first dance with me, then have the dinner meal with say, Fleur and then share dances with each of us over the course of the dance." Yet at this the girl says: "Sorry Ced, no can do. I got caught dreaming by McGonagall earlier in class and she told me I could chose between detention tonight or joining you guys in opening the Yule Ball. And sorry, but I chose the detention.
I'm not saying that I don't plan to enjoy the Ball, to be honest, I was daydreaming about going to it with my upcoming date when McGonagall caught me, but I really do not want to open it." At this I shrug and say: "Alright then. Just thought we'd let you know. Fleur would have let everyone know at lunch if you had accepted, so that people wouldn't hound us in asking until after your Party. Yeah, it was Viktor's idea; he's getting a little sick of those fangirls of his."
At this the girl giggles and says: "Well, tell him I'm sorry that I can't help him, but I can only do so if I pick him as my partner after the Announcement party. Otherwise, I'd have to go back on my choice with McGonagall and I really do not feel like doing so.""Don't worry, none of us would want you to. Thanks for hearing me out, though. I'll make sure Fleur knows of this."

Yet then the girl smiles and says: "I do like this, though. The fact that you guys are friends like this and talking with each other, even though you're all in the Tournament." I sigh and mutter: "Then you're one of the rare few." Confusing the girl and I look away as I say: "Most of my year mates; they're hating me for it. Thinking that I'm fraternizing with the enemy."
The girl looks at me shocked and asks: "You're joking, right?" But I shake my head and say: "No. I've been getting a lecture from each of my dorm mates for two weeks now. Heck, if you had been a Champion, they would have done everything in their power to make me know they'd disagree.""Even with us just talking?" The girl asks and I growl: "Even with us just talking."

To which another voice suddenly speaks up and says: "Thank you for that one, Mr. Diggory. That is interesting information to know." And I suddenly spot Professor Black passing us, a look of annoyance on his face. My eyes widen and I ask: "I just ruined their chance to be invited, didn't I?" But Jillian shakes her head and says: "No, they did so themselves. Sirius would have found out about this one way or another, trust me on that one."
And this makes me feel a little better and then the girl starts to frown and ask: "Could you walk with me for a moment?" I nod at her and we actually head out of the castle, past the Entrance Courtyard and over to a secluded part of the grounds which is a bit of a cliff that looks out over the Black Lake. Here the girl keeps standing and after a few minutes of silence, do I ask: "So, what's on your mind?" And carefully the girl answers:
"As you probably know, until my speech, I was being given all kinds of gifts. But some of these gifts, they came from girls. And until last night, I had no idea that girls could be into other girls or that the whole thing with the threesome contract was a thing. And – and I know that – that Sirius meant well, but – that knowledge feels like a weight that is now on my shoulders."
This intrigues yet also confuses me, even as the girl's words remind me of the fact that she was raised by Muggles where this whole thing is only slowly becoming an accepted fact of society these days, and she mutters: "It – it's just – my friends are definitely going to be invited to the party and – and I feel like I should give them the same chance as I will give all the others that will be invited, but –." And instantly I get what could be troubling the girl.

I wrap a comforting arm around her shoulders and say: "But you're afraid that getting into a relationship with them, just when you are becoming fast friends, could hurt your friendship in the long run, especially if the relationship doesn't work out in the end." The girl shows off a small nod and whimpers: "E-e-e-especially be-because – I – I think they're right. The – the girls that are – are hoping that my preferences haven't changed along with my gender.
I – I just don't want to make a – a definite decision on that until the party, but – but I keep catching myself looking at Angelina and Alicia, especially after they helped me discover certain things that – that teen girls like I learn about ourselves at this age. Like how to play and whatnot." And while the girl whispers this last bit, do I get what she means and instantly I get why this would make her feel attracted to the two girls she mentioned.
"Those two are already considered hot just from how they look and how they dress. And I'd be gay if I didn't admit to myself that I sometimes imagine what they could look like undressed." And while I feel a small spark of jealousy at the fact that this girl actually got that chance, do I push down on that and smile at her as I say: "Well, I can't really help you, but I can say that I am glad that you're waiting like that. Makes me feel I haven't lost all of my chances yet."
The girl looks at me shocked, but then spots my playful smirk and she pushes me away as she says: "You prat." Yet she still giggles again and then we start walking back to the Great Hall, me deciding to just start talking about random topics and Jillian happily joining me in this. We promise to see each other soon again at the doors and then split up, heading for our respective House Tables.

17th of December
Great Hall, Hogwarts
Jillian's POV

The problem I've discussed with Cedric has actually gotten worse every day since and last night I felt I had no other choice. I called all of my friends together, especially the Chaser girls and met with them in Sirius' chambers. And there, once they were all present, I just blurted it out in one go: "I'm lesbian." Startling everyone into staring at me.
"You – are you sure, sweetie?" Sirius had asked and I had glared at him at which he said: "It's just the way you say it. It makes me worry, that's all. I don't disbelieve you, I just wonder why you'd say it like that." And I had let out a sigh of relief before I said: "Yes, I do feel sure. I – I think I've been sure for some time now. I – I just didn't know the whole thing existed until a few days ago, when we had our last talk here in these chambers."
"What makes you feel so sure?" Neville had asked and I had sighed and said: "To be honest, it's something that makes me both feel very, very sure – and makes me wonder if I'm not just reading all of these signs wrong. Though this stays between these four walls, understood?" And everyone had given me solemn nods, to prove that they would not let me down and blabber about this.
I had turned to the Chasers and said: "It's that one day in the Hospital Wing. The one in the bathroom there, where you girls had taught me how to wash and what it means for a girl like me to play with herself. I – I've caught myself dreaming and fantasizing about that more and more often – and constantly with one of you three."

The three had smiled at this and Angelina says: "And this makes you feel doubtful, because we are the only ones you have ever been sort of intimate with and you don't know if you will be able to do the same with anyone else, even if you fall for someone else tomorrow at the party." And the groan that escaped my throat had proven the girl right. Yet then Sirius had reassured me and said:
"Jillian, sweetie, listen to me. There will always be something special, something unique, about that first time you find out you can play with yourself, bring pleasure to yourself through your own body. And that is often made even more special if you can share it with someone or learn it from someone close, like a sister or a close friend.
But there is and always will be a difference between learning this and experiencing it with someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. Trust me, that experience might, if nothing else, prove that your preferences just haven't changed as much as the rest of you. And even if you do chose a girl for your mate, there is always the Threesome contract, remember? You being lesbian is nothing to worry about, it really is not a problem."

And then Neville had calmed the last of my nerves and said: "The Potters and the Longbottoms have been Allianced since 1250. I just know Gran would be proud beyond words if, on the acceptance of both you and any female partner you chose tomorrow, I would offer my Line's help to continue that of yours and your partner's. And to be honest, you'd be doing me a favor with that as well. I've been getting offers from – less than pleasant families as of late."
I had worried over this and Sirius had asked: "Families like which?" Neville had sighed and said: "Families in Alliance with House Malfoy. And I know it's on his orders, because it always happens when I spot him walking into the same corridor as I am or when I spot him coming to sit on a table close to mine at the library. It's all just one big joke to him, a need to see me humiliated. And most of them even know of – well – certain private information and use it against me."
This had really worried me and yet Sirius had scowled quite severely at this and growled: "Well trust me, Heir Longbottom, that time is over. Draco is perhaps Heir Malfoy, but he is also a Black by birth, so he answers to me, especially now that he is here at Hogwarts with me. I will make sure he knows exactly what I think of this and will meet with the parents of those families."
Neville had actually reverted back to the shy, scared young man who I had met on the train during my first train ride and had muttered: "I – I don't want to cause trouble." Yet Sirius had retorted: "You're not. Malfoy did. And it's a teacher's job to stop that." And Neville had accepted this, but still sent him a small grateful smile afterwards, the man smiling back reassuringly.

By now it's an hour into the Announcement Party and while I had made exactly the entrance that was expected of me, looking breathtaking enough that I had left everyone who saw me gaping in my wake as I descended the stairs leading down from the Grand Staircase and into the Entrance Hall, yet I now feel quite annoyed and ready for all of this to end.
The behavior that students had tried to show off before my speech has come back full force, yet then hidden within high society talk and conversations and because it would look unladylike for me to just outright insult them or directly point this out to them, do I feel forced to just continuously bare it, just keeping my calm by the constant thought of They're just wasting their chances.
Another few things that I feel very grateful for are the fact that Sirius constantly pulls the older, more boring adults away when they try to engage me in dull, political talk, telling them of my decision to have made Sirius my Regent, the fact that Ron is actually working his hardest and then some to be a good bodyguard and make the others keep to proper protocol – especially when it comes to time they can talk with me – and the fact that my friends take plenty of time to dance with me.
The way that it feels to be in the arms of either Angelina, Cedric, Viktor, Oliver, Padma or even the twins helps me calm down and regain my composure and the grins that they show at me at the start of every dance proves that they are very much aware of this. Yet I am constantly too glad to be away from the annoyances to be annoyed with them.

Then suddenly, while I am on the verge of groaning as Cormac McLaggen, who has actually been himself for most of the night, but has also been constantly boasting and trying to look down my dress, convinces some other poor soul to have him take the seat next to mine, sending me a grin that leaves nothing to the imagination as to how he sees me, does something happen.
Sirius stands up from where he has been busy conversing with Fudge, a man who is apparently in alliance with his family and someone whose family is in alliance with my own and taps his glass, causing for the choir that constantly sings softly in the background to quiet down and for all conversations around the room to stop quite abruptly.
"Thank you all for coming. I would like you to know that introduction hour has now ended. Would the following wizards and witches please leave the room. You have had your chance and your behavior has proven you an unfit match for my charge and goddaughter." And to my utter and sheer relief does the man actually call out every name of every idiot that has been bugging me this entire hour.

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS!" McLaggen jumps up shouting, causing for his father to glare at him in disgusted disappointment, but Sirius just stares the boy down and says: "You will find, Heir McLaggen, that I can. You were informed of this party weeks in advance and have had more than a fortnight to read up on how an Announcement Party is done. Introduction hour is a vital, traditional part of any and every AP and, usually, everyone who attends knows about this."
And while it is quite obvious that the man wants to go on, does he seem to hold back, yet then, just when the boy wants to turn to me, does the man have his wand aimed at the boy, only for his father to stop my godfather and say: "Lord Black, leave this to me. Cormac Isaac, we're leaving. Come." And the second name seems to cow the boy, making him follow his father.
I sigh in utter relief at this and smile widely as Lee comes to sit with me, taking the other boy's seat. I then notice that everyone else who Sirius mentioned has already left, yet Sirius keeps standing and mutters: "Lady magic, please let me be wrong." And he snaps his fingers. And to the shock of both myself as well as several others, can shouts be heard from the other side of the doors.

"House Elves. They are usually ordered to keep guests that are ordered to leave after the introduction hour from trying anything like sneaking back inside or making an attempt on any of the leaving guests. Though it really is considered disgraceful even among just the Noble Rank for any member of the family to be caught at such a thing." Lee whispers in disgusted awe.
I cringe and then notice Sirius gaze straight at me. Lee winces and whispers: "Right, another part of the tradition. After the introduction hour does the Heir or Heiress voice at least some of his or her preferences, so that the guests remaining behind can, if so necessary, adapt their own behavior, to make sure that they don't accidentally annoy or insult the Heir or Heiress."
I nod, remembering reading up on this myself after Angelina explained to me about the whole concept of the party and I stand up, everyone's attention now on me. And while I do have Harry's years of experience, do I still try to work down on the way that my cheeks want to light up at this and clear my throat before I simply state:

"Thank – thank you, Lord Black. I – I am very grateful to you for how well you have been doing your job tonight, not just as the host of this Announcement Party, but also as the Regent to my House. I also want to thank several Heirs and Heiresses who are here tonight and not just because I have grown close to them over the last few weeks to months.
Heiresses Angelina and Padma and Heirs Oliver, Viktor, Cedric, Fred and George and Ronald. I want to thank you for all you have done for me tonight. You have made sure that both the other guests kept to their respective times to interact with me and that I didn't lose my temper with those that were – that have just been requested by Lord Black to leave the party.
As for where my preferences lie, I – I cannot honestly say. I will not deny that my gender change hasn't fully affected my preferences as I definitely catch myself admiring several of the gorgeous Heiresses that are present here with us tonight, but it also feels as if my admiration for the good looks and fair character traits of people like Heir Cedric Diggory has increased after my change.
So, if I had to put it down to a single preference, it'd be this; accept that, if you wish to be with me, you'll have to agree to share me with one other. I would hereby like to make it known that, whatever contract I will write up after this night, will absolutely 100% be a Threesome contract. If you cannot accept this, then I apologize, but this is my decision. Thank you."

And with that do I sit down, hiding my clasped and trembling hands under the table and feeling Lee put a soft, comforting hand on top of mine. I twitch my lips up for a short minute to show him my gratitude for this and then suddenly a grown man stands up and says: "Lord Black, I must apologize. My Heir and I came here tonight with hopes in mind that, unfortunately, clash with Heiress Potter's desires. I do hope our Houses can continue striving together."
Sirius nods at this and sends me a short glance, that shows a great sense of pride, before he says: "Of course, Lord Dawlish. And please let it be known that this counts for all other Houses that have wishes that comply with those of House Dawlish. This Announcement Party is for the sake of finding my Heiress a worthy partner, not to decide whether or not to continue alliances."
Lord Dawlish nods at this and says: "Thank you, Lord Black. And may I, as a final word, be one of many to say that your Heiress looks as beautiful as the first clear night sky of Spring." And because I know that the Dawlish line is known as either Farmers, Astronomers or Aurors, do I smile at the huge compliment coming from the man before looking down on my dress.

A dark pink ball gown that has a sweetheart cut neckline to actually show off my cleavage, but with a transparent bodice laying over this that has a scoop neckline made of detailed embroidery and gorgeous beading. The same counts for the sleeves, the back has a small part that is open and that is above a corset that is tied around my waist. And finally the skirt is made of tulle and is incredibly full, but not so much that I feel like drowning in it when I sit down.

If you want to know what this gown looks like, Google the Vizcaya Quinceanera Long Sleeved Ball gown 89142 at Peaches Boutique

Lord Dawlish then bows to both Sirius and me and I make sure to nod back at him before he leaves the Great Hall. And to my slight disappointment do a few other Lords and Ladies follow his lead. Yet then suddenly Lord Spinnet says: "Alicia, come." But the girl stands up and says: "Father, I'm afraid I must disagree. You might not consent with a Threesome contract, but I have no problem with it." And this seems to actually startle the man.
Yet before this can turn into any sort of drama, does Sirius smile and say: "Well done, Lord Spinnet. You seem to care so much for your Heiress' future, you wish for her to be the whole world of whoever might be lucky enough to end up with her in their future. A true trait of a loving father, if I ever saw one." And many of those around the man nod in agreement. And while I silently sigh in relief, do I also breath in deeply to hide a sniffle.
This because, unlike the others who left, I could actually hear an undertone of disgust coming from Lord Spinnet when he spoke and this makes me wonder if it was aimed at either myself or his daughter. And while I decide to find out later this year, do I just enjoy the rest of the night; something that is much easier now.

Then suddenly another hour is over and suddenly all Heirs and Heiresses leave. This confuses and startles me, but then I remember and I happily move over to the seat that Sirius conjures to stand just a few inches in front of the steps that lead up to the Head Table. I also spot Ron standing at a distance that is both considered respectable and also close enough he can jump in would someone try something that is either untoward or considered a threat.
I smile at him, yet he only nods back at me, something he's been doing all night and that really hurts me every time it happens. Then I take my seat and suddenly Sirius whispers: "Ron took a draught before he came here tonight. He is suppressing all of his emotions, just to make sure that his illness won't act up and he does something he'll regret." And this both astounds and slightly horrifies me, but Sirius whispers: "Later." And I give a silent nod, which to me is also a solemn pledge.

Then a spotlight is shot at the door and my eyes widen in astonishment as, one Heir and Heiress at a time, every teen who has stayed behind after the Introduction hour was over and the others left, comes into the room, dressed to a t to impress and using his wand at an acceptable distance to show off his or her greatest skill before making a single statement.
And while some of them are nothing but cheesy, while I pick out two that aren't even heartfelt, but just practiced and rehearsed for hours, and even hear three that make me feel a slight sense of either annoyance, anger or disgust respectively, do I also smile at others as they sound heartfelt and like things I would definitely like for my future together with these Heirs and Heiresses.
All this takes another hour and a half and afterwards do all of the Heirs and Heiresses take a stand in front of me in several lines, the rows based on their height and making it so that the eldest and the tallest stand in the back and the shortest and the youngest – under which is actually a girl named Luna Lovegood who is in her Third in Ravenclaw – are in the front.
I take a deep breath, knowing that this is it; that this is what the whole Announcement Party is about and that this will be what it all comes down to. "Time to make my decision." I think to myself as I get out of my seat, yet then suddenly Ron moves and pushes me back in, his wand in hand and casting some kind of spell at my feet. And to my shock, does it turn out to be a cutting curse that cuts an invisible thread in two.

"DAMNIT WEASLEY!" One of the assholes, whose statement has utterly infuriated me, shouts, yet instantly he has several wands on him, both from my friends, from Sirius and from various adults that are situated around the room, forming the circle that is now around me and those that just had their performances. And to both my relief and horror is the boy's father one of the people actually aiming his wand at the lad.
"You unbelievable – ahem. Lord Black, may I ask you for an audience between yourself and I sometime after Christmas in return that I swear on my family that I will take my Heir home and that your Heiress will not hear from him until after the audience?" And yet Sirius strongly states: "I would have accepted, Lord Ewlish – if not for the nature of the curse that is on that line."
The man grimaces, but nods and Sirius says: "The audience, I'm truly sorry, will and can only take place in the DMLE office. Nowhere else, I will not risk it." And after another nod does the man storm over and hiss: "You've brought this on yourself." Before he drags his stunned Heir out of the room, leaving a horrified silence behind.

Yet then suddenly a thump is heard and I look down and gasp: "Ron!" Instantly crouching down at my former fallen friend. Sirius rushes over along with another man, who I suddenly recognize as Amos Diggory and the man says: "The Potion was wearing off. It looks like young Ronald had to fight and break the hold the draught had over him in order to react to the spelled wire as quickly as he did. Brave lad, really. You picked quite wisely when it comes to a bodyguard."
This reminds me of the time we had gone down the trapdoor on the Third Floor corridor and had reached the living chess set, where Ron had sacrificed his health to make sure that Hermione and I could go on and stop Voldemort from getting the Philosopher's Stone. Tears start to prickle in my eyes and I whisper: "Don't I know it. A Gryffindor through and through, regardless of his House symbol." And to my relief, do I notice Fred and George nodding at this.

"You can't let yourself be tardy any longer, sweetie. We got Ron, don't worry." Sirius then tells me and I nod, thanking Lord Diggory softly when he silently casts a spell to painlessly remove the tears from my eyes and I stand up, running a bit of a hand through my hair to make sure that the stylishly-messy bun on the back of my head is still in place.
I then take a deep breath and say: "I – I have made my choice. And I want to start by saying this. Professor McGonagall, I owe you an apology." The woman looks startled and then I turn to the group again and say: "It would appear that I will be part of opening the Yule ball in a week from now. My choice has fallen on two people; one Heir and one Heiress.
I would like to let everyone know that I base this decision on a total of three factors. For the Heir, I – I do admit – base this decision on his handsome looks, his skill in both magic and the air and the fact that he is both very popular and still very easy to hang out with. For the Heiress I, again, admit that the decision is based on her looks, all I have been allowed to see of her and all that I have come to learn about her over the years, especially the last few months.

My choices – are Heir Cedric Diggory and Heiress Angelina Johnson." And while Angelina actually looks at this shocked, do I again try to work down a blush as she has been making me feel a little jealous and possessive ever since she came out in a dress that is almost more gorgeous than mine – almost as that is against tradition – do I also send a quick look at Neville.
Yet my new best friend just keeps smiling at me and sends a quick look between me and Sirius and back and this makes me smile as I can easily get its meaning. Even though I may not have taken him up on the offer he made me the other night, he is going to do everything in his power to continue the alliance that is between House Potter and House Longbottom – just like Sirius will with the other Houses that have left with pride instead of arrogance.
And while I happily move over to accept a warm embrace from my two new partners in life, do I actually find myself looking forward to next week. And then, after I spot Angelina send Cedric an apologetic look, does the girl actually break with tradition. While Cedric gives me a traditional kiss on the forehead, does Angelina pull my lips towards hers.
And the feeling of my lips on hers, even if it is only ever so fleeting, fills me up with an incredible sense of warmth and love from within, as if with that one single touch of her lips on mine, Angelina transferred her heart into my form and its emotions are now filling me from the inside. And all I can do afterwards is smile at the girl before deciding to prove I will not leave either of them out. And Cedric happily accepts the fleeting kiss I give him as well.

Aawwww, how romantic!
And I am going to be honest with you all. My original plan was for Jillian to find herself a male partner, slowly but surely realize that she is only superficially attracted to their looks and then realize that she is in love with Angelina before asking the girl to be her girlfriend. The end of the last chapter just made me decide on a change of pace.
Now I know that the Yule Ball hasn't really played a role in this chapter and that it was only a topic of conversation, but now that I have Jillian "partnered up", so to say, do I have a clear sight of what I want for the Yule Ball. And I know that Cedric is a Champion, but I am keeping to what I said at the start of this chapter. JILLIAN WILL NOT END UP IN THE BLACK LAKE!
Period,

Venquine1990