LONG CHAPTER!! R&R!!
Chapter 6- The Yule Ball
Several days after the first tasks, each house was called down to an assembly held by Professor McGonagall. No one knew exactly what it was for, though until they arrived at the assembly hall. When entered the room, they found the old woman standing next to a very large antique looking record player. She instructed the boys to sit on one side of the room and the girls on the other. Cedric met up with his friends and sat down, while Willa found a place to sit with Lucy and two other girls she had grown friendly with, Marie and Iris. As Willa was seated, she looked across at Cedric who was down to her right. He smiled at her and rolled his eyes, anticipating another boring lecture. Willa giggled and did the same. She loved that Cedric was always there to share a laugh with. When everyone was settled in, Professor McGonagall began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please settled down…Thank you, now, the Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Tri-wizard Tournament since its inception. On Christmas Eve night, we and our guests gather in the great hall for well mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward, and I mean this literally because the Yule Ball is first and foremost... a dance."
Lucy shrieked when she heard the word "dance". Willa thought she had jumped five feet in there air and this caused all the students to laugh.
"Yes, Miss Doyle, the Yule Ball is quite an exciting event at Hogwarts and it is as extravagant as balls come. It will be held this coming Friday, and women are required to wear a gown of their choice. Men, you are to wear your dress robes. It is also a requirement that each and every one of you learn the proper way to waltz." Groups of boys groaned in detest.
"Which is why this afternoon, you will all learn. Now, let me see…" Professor McGonagall searched for a boy to pick on.
"Mr. O'Reilly, if you would be so kind," she said extending her hand to a nervous looking Hufflepuff boy. He shakily stood up and took her hand as she led him into the middle of the floor. After the two finished demonstrating, she allowed the boy to sit down and then turned to the rest of the students.
"Now I ask you to each find a partner of the opposite sex and learn this dance yourself. Up on your feet, all of you."
Filch started the music again and the girls and boys stood and began to mingle. Willa saw Lucy go directly to Ben and began to dance. She smiled and continued looking through for Cedric until she felt a tap on her shoulder. Willa turned around and instantly smiled. It was him.
"May I have this dance?" He asked her while steadily falling into a bow. She laughed.
"Why yes you may, kind sir," she said jokingly.
Cedric hesitated a moment and then took her waist from the back with one hand and pulled her in close until he felt her on his body. This wasn't joking anymore; it suddenly grew so much more serious. She took her hands and placed one on his shoulder and the other in his extended hand. When they found the appropriate beat, they began to move across the floor. Cedric was being overly cautious and Willa could tell he was trying too hard.
"Don't worry, its okay. You're doing fine," she said in a calming voice. He instantly stopped concentrating and that's when everything came alive. The room around them seemed to disappear and left just the two of them. It seemed as if time had stopped all together and they were the only two people in the world; just Willa and Cedric. It really was magic. Then the music gradually came to a stop and with it they stopped as well and stood staring into each others eyes. They didn't even realize that all the other students had been watching their every move the entire time. When Willa and Cedric came out of their trance and acknowledged everyone around them everyone clapped. The immediately let go of each other and smiled awkwardly. Professor McGonagall was also applauding and had been watching and seemed very impressed. It was clear to her that these two students had a very strong bond between them.
"Miss Hardcastle, Mr. Diggory, that waltz was positively exquisite. And may I add that it is good for you to know that dance so well because it is a tradition that the champions and their dates dance first by themselves. It seems like you two are already quite prepared."
And with that, she walked away and the assembly was over. Cedric had walked over to Ben but looked over at Willa and gave an awkward wave before he left. She did the same and the minute Lucy got a hold of Willa, she obsessed over their dancing. Willa stayed quiet and tried not to make a big deal out of it.
"Willa, do you think he'll ask you to the ball?"
Willa shrugged. "I dunno, I hope so," she said gathering her things.
"Oh you KNOW he's going to. Ah, you looked so beautiful and graceful together. I can see it now: the both of you walking into the Grand Hall, arm in arm. Then you two dance together, he lifting you in the air and you just being your usual graceful self. It would be pure magic, Willa."
Willa scoffed. "Everything here is magic, Lucy."
"Yeah but this would be different."
"Well don't get too excited." She stared. "Cho is still in the picture."
"Oh will you get off that?" Lucy cried as they made their way into the hallway. "There's no way he likes her anymore."
"Who knows," Willa replied as they walked to the portrait of their house. Suddenly, Lucy turned to Willa.
"Oh! You know what we need to do? We need to get our dresses! Hogsmeade visit sound good to you?"
"That sounds great Luce. Tomorrow is good for me. Tomorrow's Saturday, no classes."
"Good idea!" It was settled the girls would be getting their dresses tomorrow. Willa had never been to Hogsmeade before just like she had never been anywhere else.
Meanwhile, after the assembly Cedric had planned to go to the library. He was on his way there, so preoccupied by thinking about what had just happened in the assembly that he literally bumped into the boy he had seen Willa talking to in her Herbology class. Phil…something or other.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry about that," Cedric said picking up one of Phil's books that had fallen during the collision.
"Oh, it's fine. No problem at all," Phil said taking his book from Cedric. Cedric noticed that Phil looked extremely happy for some reason.
"Something good happen, man?" He felt like he needed to ask.
"I just asked a girl to the dance and she said yes," Phil said quietly but excitedly, like it was a secret.
It had occurred to Phil the moment it had been announced there was a dance; Willa would be going with Cedric no questions asked. Since Phil had liked Willa the moment he saw her, he knew he couldn't let that happen. If he wanted a night exclusively with Willa, he needed to be ruthless to get it.
"Oh that's great, Phil. Who did you ask?"
"Willa! Can you believe it?"
Cedric was speechless. His Willa? The Willa he had just danced on air with not more that thirty minutes earlier? She said yes to someone that quickly? She wasn't going to wait for him to ask her? The look on Phil's face was that of pure happiness, and Cedric, being the person that he was, couldn't act like a jerk to him. He blinked and cleared his throat.
"Well that's great, Phil. I hope you two have fun." He turned to walk away when Phil stopped him. Before turning back around Cedric rolled his eyes.
"Yes Phil?"
"Just don't mention it to her or anyone else. She wants it to be a surprise."
Cedric nodded. "Yeah, sure."
"Alright, thanks man. See you around."
Phil walked past Cedric into the hallway. Cedric, still in disbelief, walked into the library, but once he got there, knew he wasn't going to be able to concentrate on anything. He got up and left, deciding to go to the bridge and think. He liked the bridge. It had beautiful views of the school grounds and he liked being in the open air and feeling the wind in his face. He missed that feeling with no Quidditch being played this year. Once he got there, he thought about what his options were. The only one he could come up with was ask Cho. Since he was a champion he needed a date and he might as well ask her. Now that his romantic night where he was planning to tell Willa everything was not going to happen, he didn't even care about the dance anymore. Cedric sighed heavily and got up from leaning on the railing of the bridge and was off to find Cho. He might as well do it sooner than later and get it over with.
He found Cho in the courtyard, surrounded by her numerous friends. They were all giggling and joking around when Cedric approached. They instantly quieted down and stared at him. A couple of the girls whispered to Cho who then turned to face Cedric.
"May I have a word?" he asked.
"Absolutely," she replied, getting up and following Cedric father away. He stopped and then turned to her.
"I was just wondering if you'd like to go to the ball with me." Cedric knew he probably sounded terrible. He could tell his voice sounded disinterested and apathetic. Nevertheless, Cho accepted his invitation. She seemed surprised though, and wasn't as excited as Cedric thought she would be. The conversation lasted less that two minutes and then Cedric and Cho said goodbye and parted ways. He needed to be by himself for once and so he headed back to the common room. When he entered, he saw Willa lounging on the couch with a book in her hands. When she heard footsteps, she sat up and put the book down from her face. Cedric was coming towards her.
"Hey, Ced," she said greeting him.
"Hi."
"You okay? You look hurt."
"I feel fine." He was standing with his hands in his pocket a little ways from her.
"I mean your expression. You look upset."
He didn't answer her. Instead he walked closer to her and kneeled on the ground next to the couch.
"Did you…" He began but couldn't finish. He didn't want to hear it come from her mouth. Plus he had promised Phil. And Cedric was never one to go back on a promise.
Willa searched his face. She was concerned; he really didn't look well at all. What happened to him that caused him to look so hurt? He was fine earlier.
"Did I what?" she asked.
He looked into her eyes and shook his head before dropping it in embarrassment.
"Nothing. Never mind."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah."
"Okay. If you ever want to talk just let me know."
"I will." He got up and started to walk away. When he was almost halfway across the room Willa raised her voice to get his attention.
"Do you want to hang out for a bit?" she asked shyly.
"Uh, I'm actually kind of tired. I'm going to go lay down and read or something."
Willa nodded.
"Oh, okay then. See you later."
And then Cedric was gone, leaving Willa confused and alone in the common room. He had never acted like this before, at least to her anyway. A part of her wanted to know why he seemed so weird around her. Usually the two of them talk and study together all the time. They were always there for each other but tonight something was off with him. As much as Willa didn't want to ignore it, she felt she needed to. Maybe it was just a guy thing, who would know? She sighed and closed her book and then headed to her room. Lucy wasn't in yet so she had some time to herself. Just then, Willa happened to see Lore flying towards her window. She quickly opened it and let Lore fly in. She was carrying a letter no doubt from her parents. She thanked Lore and placed her on her perch. Will then hopped onto her bed and opened the letter.
Dearest Willa,
Your mother and I were so pleased to hear from you. We are so happy that you are enjoying your time at Hogwarts and that you haven't gotten into any trouble… yet. Ha-ha you know we are joking. We were informed by Albus that he did speak with you and that you handled it well and were very mature about all of that. You have been so good through all of that and we are so very proud of you.
Your friends sound very nice. I actually do know Amos Diggory, your friend Cedric's father. We actually went to Hogwarts together and were both in Hufflepuff. What a coincidence you two have become comrades. Isn't that exciting with him and the tournament? Wish him the best of luck for your mother and me. I understand that he did very well on the first task and will no doubt do fabulously on the next two.
Also, you will find enclosed some money for the Yule Ball. We know about the dance and how it is a very special night when it's a girl's first Ball. Buy yourself the most beautiful dress you can find. We wish we could see you at the ball, darling, but we will see you soon enough!
Sending lots of love,
Mum and Dad.
Willa felt the money fall out of the money and eyed it. It was just what she needed. She closed the letter and grinned. The Ball was going to be perfect.
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The following morning, Willa, Lucy, Marie and Iris got up very early and headed to Hogsmeade for a day of shopping. Willa thought it was nice to have a girls day out where they could just gossip and window shop and buy their dresses. Marie and Iris both got sleeveless ball gowns, one light green and the other soft pink. Lucy insisted that Willa help her pick her dress out and Willa happily obliged. After trying on numerous dresses, Lucy decided on a red chiffon spaghetti strap gown that went straight down do the floor and flowed when she walked. It looked beautiful against her skin color and with her deep brown hair. Despite Lucy's begging, Willa didn't want help picking out her dress. She wanted it to be a surprise. Grudgingly, Lucy, Marie and Iris let Willa to herself as they went off to get some butterbeer. Willa combed the shop, looking for a dress that Lucy hadn't tried on. Willa was in the back of the store when she found the dress. It was on a rack almost pushed back in a corner. She shoved away the other dresses to see it more clearly and there was no doubt in her mind this was the one. It was perfect.
After she made her purchase, Willa went to find the girls and they all headed back to Hogwarts. Along the way Willa was bombarded with questions about Cedric and she simply replied "I don't know to all of them." She really didn't know however, and knew she was going to have to wait for him to ask her.
She waited until Thursday. She hadn't spoken to Cedric much in that time frame either. He just seemed distant and like he was even mad at her. So, Willa spent most of her time with Lucy in class, meals and down time. Then she began to notice that Cedric was spending more and more time with Cho, something she hadn't noticed in a while. In a way, she was hurt. After that magnificent dance, it hurt her to think that he would ask someone else.
That Thursday, Willa headed to a study session she had with Phil. Once settled in and halfway through the hour, Phil turned to her.
"Did you hear that your pal Diggory is going to the ball with Cho Chang?" he asked her.
Willa's head shot up from her book. Why hadn't she heard of this earlier? It was the night before the dance! Willa surprised herself by not freaking out or feeling like she was going to throw up. Her dream of the perfect night was crushed. All the plans she had, the way she planned it in her head was no longer a reality. She stared at Phil. She wasn't crying yet but she knew she would sooner or later.
"Really," she asked apathetically.
"Are you two in a fight or something?"
Now Willa got defensive.
"No. We aren't in a fight. I have to go though. I'll see you tomorrow."
As she was packing up, Phil stopped her by grabbing her arm.
"Whoa, hold on a second. Can't we just talk for a second about this?"
"No." She got up to leave again and he pulled her down again.
"Willa, we are both dateless. Would it be so wrong to go together?"
She stared at him. His eyes were pleading. Hmm, she could make Cedric jealous. She remembered his reaction to Phil on the first day of classes. Willa knew that was immature but she felt betrayed almost by him and at this point didn't care.
"Sure whatever, Phil."
"Great! Okay so I'll meet you at…"
"No," she said cutting him off. " I'm going to meet you at the top of the grand staircase a little after the dance has started. I'll meet you there."
"Oh, oh okay. That's fine."
"Now I'm gonna go. I'll see you tomorrow at 7:04."
Phil watched her like she was crazy. He had never seen her act like this before; so moody and anxious.
Willa hurried to her room and flopped onto the bed and buried her face in the pillows and cried a good cry. She hadn't cried in a while and it felt good, oddly enough. As she was crying, Lucy poked her head into the room.
"Willa?" she asked. "Are you okay?"
"He's going with Cho," she said between sobs. Lucy came into the room and sat down on the bed and rubbed Willa's back.
"I know sweetie, I'm sorry. I tried to say something but he avoided the question. He's been acting weird Willa. Maybe it's a good thing."
Willa didn't respond. Lucy took that as her sign to leave and so she did.
The next day went by so slowly for both Cedric and Willa. They carefully avoided each other in all the classes they had together. It was weird, they hadn't fought but they were mad at each other. They both felt sick on the inside because each of them knew it was wrong to be mad, but they still couldn't help it.
After classes, Willa had insisted to Lucy to go out and pre-party with everyone. Willa wanted to get ready by herself. Willa did her make-up (which she never wore) and hair fairly quickly. She had to admit, her hair look amazing. It was smooth but with a bit of a gentle wave and it was as shiny as ever. Then she slipped on her dress and shoes. The dress really flattered her hourglass figure, emphasizing her relatively small waist. Its deep blue color complimented her copper penny red hair and pale, freckled skin. She thought she looked pretty damn good.
Cedric and Cho had been greeting people as they came into the dance and waiting for the cue to have the champions enter the dance. While waiting, Cedric felt horrible. He wished that Willa was with him and not Cho. He should have asked her the moment they finished dancing that day in the assembly hall and knew that all of this was his fault. Then, Professor McGonagall came in and told the champions that it was time to enter. Cedric took a breath and began walking in with Cho and the rest of them. Once inside, the music began and students as well as professors gathered around to watch them dance. The minute he and Cho began to move he knew he was trying too hard again, and just after putting Cho down after a lift, he saw her.
Willa was alone at the top of the staircase in a beautiful deep blue gown, staring down at the dance, when her sad eyes met Cedrics. She took his breath away. Never in his life had he seen anything more beautiful. Cedric continued dancing but his eyes never left her. By this time, other couples had joined the waltz including Ben and Lucy. When Lucy saw Willa her mouth dropped.
"She looks fantastic!" she said to Cedric as she danced passed him.
Phil arrived and Willa took his arm as he led her down the stairs and onto the dance floor. Cedric watched, and as this happened, felt a tang of jealousy hit him. When Willa and Phil reached the dance floor Phil began to dance with her. It wasn't the same as Cedric leading her. It wasn't magical. After dancing only a few dances, Willa stopped.
"What's wrong?" Phil asked her. Willa let go of Phil's hands.
"I can't do this anymore. I'm sorry Phil, you are an amazing friend but I should be here with someone else and since I never speak my mind, I never tried to make that happen when it should have, and I'm sorry but I have to go." The words just flowed out of her non-stop and all connected. Willa turned her back to Phil and hurried out of the Hall and up the staircase, leaving Phil standing alone in the middle of the dance floor feeling like an idiot. He caused all of this unhappiness for her and him as well.
Cedric had seen Willa leaving and as soon as the song ended, told Cho that he had to go and ran after Willa. However, she had left earlier and was much farther ahead of him. Willa entered the common room, kicked off her heels and flung herself on the couch. She felt like she needed to cry but was angrier at herself than upset. Cedric had gotten to the portrait outside of the house, had said the password, and entered in a hurry.
"Willa?" he called before finding her on the couch. When she heard that voice, she sat up to find Cedric, heavily breathing and concerned.
"What are you doing up here?" he asked.
Then Willa felt a new feeling and confidence inside of her. She had never spoken her mind before and now was going to be the first time she would do so. She was tired of being the sweet innocent girl who never complained. Willa got up off the couch and walked straight to Cedric.
"Why didn't you ask me to the ball?" she asked angrily. "I was waiting and waiting for you to say something! And nothing ever came! And to be completely honest, I had no doubt in my mind that you were going ask me. It hurt that after that incredible dance we had together you would go and ask someone else."
"What are you talking about?" Cedric said stopping her. "The very same day that we learned the waltz, your pal Phil told me he had asked you and that you accepted that very same day."
There was a silence as Willa tried to comprehend what Cedric had just told her.
"Phil said that?" Willa asked, still exasperated.
"Yes!"
"Cedric, I was date-less up until last night. Phil asked me last night in the library after telling me you were going with Cho."
The two were silent when they realized Phil had set it all up. Cedric slowly got closer to Willa and stared at her. He didn't look happy but he didn't look angry.
"Well, I think we have been tricked by your study buddy. Willa, believe me, I had every intention of asking you to the ball. Ever since I've met you I've wanted to be around you as much as possible because... well, I care about you, Willa. A lot. And... I think I'm in love with you."
Those were the words Willa had been longing to hear for a while now. She looked into his eyes, his gorgeous, mysterious eyes that she loved so much. She hesitated for a moment but then whispered,
"I think I'm in love with you too."
Cedric then slowly brought his hand up to her face and placed it on her cheek. He brought his head closer to hers and when they were close enough to feel the warmth of each others breath, he pulled her into a kiss that was slow and tender. It was Willa's first kiss, and it was far better than how she imagined her first kiss to be. They then broke apart and lingered a moment as he stroked her cheek sweetly with his thumb.
"Do you have any idea of how long I've waited for that?" Willa whispered as Cedric touched his forehead to hers.
"Do you have any idea of how long I've wanted to do that?" he asked her with a smile.
"Humor me," she said, still warm in his embrace.
"Since I laid eyes on you in that silly owl shop. You were the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen."
Willa broke away from him and scoffed then sighed.
"Cedric Diggory, I have never had any boy even remotely like me before in my entire life and now I have YOU telling me you love me. You could get any girl you wanted in the world. Why me?"
Cedric cupped her face in his hands.
"When you know want something, you shouldn't have to look for anything else."
Willa knew that's what she had said in the owl shop. And he was right.
"And I want you, Willa."
He kissed Willa again but this time it started off slowly and then grew more passionate and intense. After they were done, they could still hear the music coming from the Grand Hall. It wasn't a waltz but a band playing a slow song.
"Dance with me, Willa Hardcastle?"
"Of course." she replied with a smile. The two slowly rocked back and fourth, cheek to cheek and heart to heart.
When the song ended, Cedric nuzzled Willa and whispered,
"Stay with me tonight."
Willa let go in surprise and dropped her mouth which was curled up in a little grin.
"Mr. Diggory!" she said sarcastically, "I know that we are in love with each other, but I am not that type of girl."
Cedric laughed loudly.
"No! I didn't mean it that way, Willa. Just lay down with me. It's a Friday night," he coaxed her. "No classes tomorrow."
"Yes. I'll stay with you tonight," she whispered and then kissed him again.
Cedric took Willa by the hand and led her to his room. Since he was a prefect, he had his own quarters which made things a lot easier. The two laid down on the bed, Willa still in her dress and Cedric in his dress shirt and black dress pants. Cedric kept his arm around her and she placed her head against his chest. She could feel him breathing and hear the steady pace of his heartbeat. Strangely it comforted her in a way she didn't expect. She felt complete and part of something she had been longing to be a part of. He every so often kissed her forehead sweetly. Neither one spoke but no words were needed. The moment was bliss.
Finally, everything was the way it should be.