Chapter 6

I was more than pleased when my brother also survived the first task and, as surprised as I was to find myself in the lead, I just couldn't help but thinking 'only two more to go.'

And so it was, on the last day of the first term back, that I found myself wondering around on my own. I arrived up at the astrology tower to find it empty. The cold winter wind blow on my face as I walked to the edge of the tower; I placed my hands on the chilly stone and looked out over the grounds.

My eyes first landed on the huge tree known as the 'Whomping willow' this tree seemed to be out to kill anyone that got to close. Last year we had been taught by a friend of my dad's for Defence Against the Dark Arts. It turned out that this guy was a werewolf and that the tree covered the entrance to a safe house, it didn't particularly matter to me that he was a werewolf, he was a really nice guy.

The lake seemed to be restless this evening. I could see the giant squid making ripples across the water. It was surprising to see a couple of men come down from the castle and speak to a group of mer-people that were clustered at the shore. Would this mean our next challenge would be down in the lake? I couldn't feel any unsettling feeling in my stomach so I supposed it must be - at least it wasn't anything malevolent.

As my eyes rested on the setting sun my thoughts drifted to the next few weeks. Christmas was in five days and, before today, I had thought that the five more days to get a date for the Yule ball would not be enough…

Why did I have to be picked as champion? It stopped me from going to the ball with anyone else who was. It is stopping me going to the ball with Krum. He told me at breakfast this morning he would have gone with me if he could, instead he's going with Hermione - one of my best friends!! I can't believe him. I hate that boy! Guys are so insensitive…

Montague asked me to the ball this morning. I was surprised. I haven't spoken to him in ages, but I said yes and now all I need to find is a dress. That should be fun. Maybe that means he likes me….

"Kirsty can I ask you something?" It was Harry.

I was sitting in the library. My eyes burning holes in the potions essay before me, "yes Harry?"

"Have you, you know," he asked, "got a date for the ball?"

I nodded, "Yes dear brother of mine. Have you?"

He looked shocked for a moment, "Really?"

"Harry please don't look so surprised. Have you?"

My little brother shook his head, "not yet, I'm working on it…."

"Who are you going to ask?"

"Promise you won't tell?"

I sighed, "Promise."

He smiled, "Cho Chang."

I sighed again, they would be a good match but he needed to get a move on, "Harry, I've heard a Hupplepuff named Cedric wants to ask her. Trust me, you need to do it today."

"Can you help me?"

Why did I agree? I was now stuck sitting at the Griffindor table for lunch. It was a nice change from the Slytherin table, but it meant I couldn't sit with my house and I could see Montague pleading with me to come over.

"Kirsty!" exclaimed Harry excitedly, "She's over there."

I nodded and rose from the table. The poor fellow forth year had just walked into the room, surrounded by her usual group of friends.

"Cho," I called, walking over to the group of Ravenclaws, "can I have a word?"

The girl muttered something to her friends before walking over to me, "Yes Kirsty?" she asked politely.

"My twin would like a word," I explained, "he wants to ask you something." I turned to the Griffindor table, "Harry get over here."

He looked like he was about to wet himself. I watched, hopeful, as the pair left the great hall. Then, smiling to my friends at his table, I wondered back to my house and sat myself beside Montague, where he put his arm around me.

By the look Harry gave me at dinner I knew he was successful. He was grinning and his face looked like it was about to spilt in half. Beside him sat Miss Ginny Weasley, she looked slightly pissed off. However, Cho Chang was sat with her group of friends at her house table. She also looked rather pleased.

A/N: I Promise the next chapters will be longer. Sorry, it's just these shorter chapters are good for moving the story along. Hope you're enjoying the tale so far…

TBC…..