She had been so excited when her mother took her shopping for a dress robe, imagining what sort of fancy things wizards wore them to, but when the Yule Ball was announced she felt a little sick. It was like she was suddenly living Cinderella: there was going to be a magical ball, and princes, but she would likely be nothing more than an ugly step-sister.
She really hoped she was wrong...
But even if she didn't get a date, she wouldn't be too upset. She reminded herself that beauty is on the inside, and other soothing platitudes to her ego, and then went to the library for solace. Even without a date she had friends to hang out with, and it was probable that the ginger wouldn't get a date.
She grinned, and then she bumped into him.