Impossible Love

Chapter Twelve – Anticipation

Dear Lara,

So pleased to hear you managed to find a dress for the ball. It sounds like an absolute showstopper. I've already written to Mrs Burke to thank her for taking you – I would have sorted something out if you'd have told me you were struggling though. Anyway, I'm sure based on what you've told me about the dress that it'll be better than anything we'd have found in John Lewis!

I'd love to get a picture of you in it that I could show to both your Grandmas (not sure Grandad Ray would be that fussed). A stationary picture would be best though – don't want Grandma Mildred to think she's had a funny turn or too much sherry … whereas my mum probably wouldn't notice with the way her treatment's going. Hopefully any pictures can be de-magicked.

Speaking of Grandma Mildred, could you write her a quick letter back when you reply to this one? With your dad's birthday coming up, she's struggling a bit more than she's admitting at the minute. His birthday always seems to be worse for her than the anniversary of the accident. I know she'd love to have an update from her favourite girl.

The application for the internship is sounds promising. I'm sure the professor mentoring you will put in a good word too. Your dad would be so proud to see you now.

Love you lots,

Mum

xxx

Lara placed the letter into her bag as Hestia's class began to emerge. To allow for staff and students to get ready for the evening's festivities, McGonagall had cancelled the afternoon lessons and Lara was on her way to the Hufflepuff common room to get ready with her House. She'd missed the camaraderie of the common room, even if the privacy of her living quarters as Head Girl were much appreciated.

"Let's do this," enthused Hestia as she marched out of the door.

Lara linked arms with her and remarked, "Come on then, we both need all the time we can get."

Strutting down the corridor, the girls chatted about the night ahead. It was the most exciting event in their Hogwarts' memory. More than just a Halloween Ball, this evening heroes like Harry Potter and Hermione Granger were rumoured to be in attendance to help commemorate the end of the First Wizarding War.

"Can we talk about your plan of action for tonight with Professor Longbottom?" said Hestia with a sly smirk. "I'll be your wingwoman. That's what Muggles say, right?"

"Pretty sure I've never heard anyone call it that, but sure, why not."

Having long since stopped pretending that she didn't fancy the Herbology Professor, Lara didn't see the problem with letting Hestia think she was helping her cause. Hestia wasn't to know quite how close they'd been during the Quidditch match.

Lara felt a thrill inside her. The prospect of wearing the dress was part of it, but mostly she was anticipating the dark corners and loosened morality that the evening could perhaps, if she was lucky, bring.

Realistically, nothing like that will happen tonight. A dance. A chance to talk alone. Any of those would be enough, thought Lara.

"When he asks you to dance, I've got something up my proverbial sleeve that should help," she said, winking suggestively and skipping off down the corridor.

"Oh Merlin, I don't think I even want to know," said Lara, becoming momentarily caught in a reverie about a dance and a firm hand pressing lower down her back. "Actually, you'll be far too busy with your date."

With cheeks the colour of ripe strawberries, Hestia turned and smiled. She'd asked Akari to the ball and been delighted when she'd said yes. It had been the hot gossip for a few hours before the student body moved onto another piece of drama.

"Fingers crossed."

"Miss Hepworth," called a voice from the stairs they just passed.

Striding towards them were Lara's two favourite teachers. Professor Weasley was dressed in tight dark jeans, black boots and a grey shirt with his hair tied back, whilst Professor Longbottom looked like he'd come straight from the greenhouses in dirty brown boots, navy corduroys and a dark red shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

It was Weasley who had called her.

"Lara, Professor Longbottom has just been showing me your internship application. I'd say get it sent off after your meeting next week; it's looking great," he smiled reassuringly. "You'd be great with Corner. He'd be completely stupid if he didn't offer you a job now, never mind after the internship. It should be a shoo-in."

Neville was rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly as if caught out by Bill's words. He gave Lara a small smile which Hestia didn't miss.

"Thanks, Professor. I think it'll be a great fit for my first role out in the field. I'm hoping Glastonbury won't be as life or death as some of your Egyptian cases though."

Lara loved the theoretical side of Ancient Runes more so than the dangerous ancient curses. Perhaps self-preservation was an innate desire following her father's tragic accident on patrol, either way, she didn't fancy a thousand year old curse attacking her before she'd reached her twenties.

Laughing, Bill said, "Well usually the Ancient Britons weren't as vicious with their protection spells, but you never know. In fact, there was a rumour of an -"

"Bill, I think we should let the girls get on their way" – Neville looked pointedly at his watch – "and we need to welcome the guests."

" – Guests?" interrupted Hestia questioningly.

"Harry and Hermione," replied Bill. "Ron and Ginny drew the short wands and have to stay at home with the babies."

At the talk of babies, Lara snuck a quick look at Neville. He had smiled at the mention of his friends and their expanding families, and she was reminded once more of the age gap between them. However, if she'd thought that, there was a chance Neville might have done too, and Lara didn't want to give up the frisson quite that easily.

"See you later on the dance floor," she remarked innocently.

Pursing his lips together lightly, Neville nodded to her.

"You can count on us to show you youngsters how to party," enthused Bill.

The journey back to the common room was spent in companionable silence. Almost as if Hestia knew not to push anything with her friend this afternoon.

Tapping 'Helga Hufflepuff' onto the correct barrel, they made their way up the sloping passage to the cosy common room which was a hive of activity. Some students sat around chatting whilst tucking into a late lunch or afternoon snack stolen from the kitchens. Others were helping their friends do their hair or make up. Some boys were even casually napping in front of the fire.

Lara received a warm welcome from her housemates and made her way with Hestia to her old dormitory. The house elves had already brought her dress (hidden in a large garment bag) over from her room alongside everything she would need to get ready. Her bed was still there and had lain empty all year. It felt like coming home.

"Ahhh yay, you're here!" exclaimed Emily - her hands fiddling with bobby pins in an attempt to pin her curls securely in a way the wizarding products just couldn't match.

Once fixed, she bounded over and hugged both girls.

"Now tell me honestly, can I pull off this Poodle do?"

Lara laughed. Emily's hair was piled on top of her head in the manner of a poodle after an elaborate hair sculpt. Fortunately, it was also a hair style that evoked images of Hollywood glamour and black and white classics to Lara.

"Absolutely," she replied.

Turning back to the garment bag that was hanging on her old bed, Lara felt butterflies in her stomach as she lifted her arm and carefully unzipped, revealing the couture artistry beneath.

"Now that is a ball gown," stated Hestia in awe.