p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"uspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Chapter 12 – A Date for the Ball/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"uspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"span style="text-decoration: none;" /span/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"The Christmas holidays came and went in a flash and Phenix soon found himself heading down to Kings Cross with his father and sister to travel back up to Hogwarts for the new term. As soon as they had gotten to the barrier at Platform Nine and Three Quarters his sister had ditched him to go off with her friends, leaving Phenix alone on the busy platform to find his friend Jack after he had loaded their trunks onto the train. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Jack was just saying goodbye to his parents when Phenix found him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Hello Phenix. Nice to see you again. Did you have a good Christmas?" Mrs Lightfoot asked. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Yes it was great thanks. How was yours?" Phenix asked back. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Come on or we'll end up having to share a compartment with a bunch of first years," Jack said, dragging Phenix away from his parents before Mrs Lightfoot could answer his question./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Goodbye," Mrs Lightfoot called out over the crowd of people./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Yeah bye. Love you both," Jack shouted back before he was pushing Phenix up the steps onto the train./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""What's the big rush?" Phenix asked, nearly falling into the train as Jack gave him a big shove. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""No reason," Jack said but he was now hanging out of the train and seemed to be looking further down the platform. "Come on let's move down to the next carriage."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Jack sped off without another word leaving Phenix to chase after him as they had to manoeuvre past the hordes of students who were stood in the corridor by the windows waiting to wave their parents goodbye. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Wait up," Phenix shouted to Jack, barely able to keep up with his friend. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix finally caught up with Jack, who had stopped in the next carriage./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Oh look your sister has just gone into that compartment," Jack said, trying to sound casual as he pointed up ahead. "Maybe we should join them? We might not find an empty one further along."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Suddenly Phenix realised what the urgency had been. Jack clearly wanted to ride to Hogwarts with Phia, though he doubted that Phia would want him or Jack with them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I think we should keep walking. My sister probably just wants to catch up with her friends," Phenix said, hoping Jack would see sense as he really didn't fancy having to ask his sister if they could join them as she would no doubt say 'no'. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""But it might be fun travelling with them," Jack pleaded as he watched to see if anyone else was entering their compartment. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Fun? I've just spent two weeks with my sister and I can tell you she wasn't much fun," Phenix joked. Other than meal times and on Christmas morning when they had opened their presents Phenix had barely seen his sister over the holidays. She was always off hanging out with her friends that lived nearby. And when she was at home she acted like she was too cool to be playing boardgames or watching films with her dad and brother. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Come on help me out. Maybe once we get talking I can bring up the ball and then see if she wants to go with me. She hasn't got a date already has she?" Jack asked, his voice suddenly sounding a little sad at the prospect of him having already missed his chance. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Jack do you seriously think my sister will go to the ball with you?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I mean I've got a good a chance as any other guy right?" Jack said with complete seriousness and Phenix had to hand it to his friend, he was ever the optimist. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I just wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you. She probably has got someone to go with already," Phenix said, trying to be as diplomatic about the situation as possible. Jack was his best friend and he didn't want to hurt his feelings. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Well can you ask her now and find out?" Jack said and started pushing Phenix towards his sister's compartment./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Fine but if she's already got a date can we go and find somewhere else to sit?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Sure," Jack replied as they reached the compartment door./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Inside was Phenix's sister and her two friends Lana and Vanessa plus two boys from their year in Ravenclaw. The compartment was already pretty full and Phenix hoped Jack wasn't going to make them stay as Phenix begrudgingly slid the door open. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Er… what do you want?" Phia asked, looking annoyed as she stared at her brother who was standing in the doorway with Jack behind him, both looking a little uncomfortable./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I just wanted to ask if you've got anyone to go to the Millennial Ball with yet?" Phenix said nervously. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Not that it's any of your business but no not yet but I'm pretty sure someone is going to ask me soon," she said with a smile and both Lana and Vanessa started to giggle./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Do you want to go with me?" Jack blurted out over Phenix's shoulder after a surge of adrenaline suddenly overwhelmed him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""No," Phia said instantly with a look of disgust and the other people in their compartment started laughing./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Come on lets go," Phenix said, pushing Jack back and quickly closing the compartment door to muffle the laughter. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Did I just ask her out?" Jack said looking stunned and confused./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Come on I'll buy you a soda and some jelly wands when the trolley lady comes and you can drown your sorrows in sugar," Phenix joked, having to drag Jack away from the closed door, who still seemed in disbelief at what he had just done. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"The topic of the ball had dominated most of the train ride back to Hogwarts. Phenix and Jack had found some of their friends from Hufflepuff in a compartment further along and joined them. But both Phenix and Jack were glad to find most people hadn't found themselves a date yet, not that Phenix was holding his breath that he'd get one./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Well Zain asked Emily when he saw her over Christmas. She went to stay with his family for a day or two so it must be getting serious between them," Amelia said as they discussed the situation. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""And Scott is just trying to narrow his choices down to just one," Gus joked. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I can't help it if I have a lot of female attention," Scott quipped back. "Hey Phenix has your sister got a date yet?" he then said with a smirk./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Sort of. She's just waiting for him to ask her, whoever it is," Phenix replied and could see Jack, who was sat across from him, looking rather glum. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"By the time the train got to Hogsmeade Phenix was sick of hearing about the ball. It was meant to be a fun occasion for everyone but it just seemed to be stressing a lot of people out, including himself, and it was becoming more like a chore than an enjoyable event to look forward to. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;" align="center"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"~/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix's first lesson of the new term was Defence Against the Dark Arts./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Welcome back class. I hope you all had a good break and are ready to learn lots more," Professor Skymore said in an enthusiastic manner as he stood at the front of the class. "We're going to start off by talking about Demiguises. Unfortunately I don't have one here with me today to show you, not that you'd probably know if I did as they can turn themselves invisible. But I do have something else to show you that's very special."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Skymore walked behind his desk and picked up a brown leather briefcase that looked rather aged and placed it on his desk. He then opened it up and pulled out what looked like a large piece of material that was silvery grey and seemed to gleam as the light that shone through the window bounced off it. A few of the students instantly realised what the item was as Professor Skymore threw the fabric around himself and suddenly he turned invisible. The whole classed were astonished as Skymore pulled the fabric down off his face and now he was just a floating head, his body still hidden./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""This class is an invisibility cloak made from Demiguise hair," Skymore said as he enjoyed watching the students' faces as he walked around the class with just his head visible, seemingly floating around the room on its own. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"After teaching the class about Demiguises, how to find them and how their hair is used to make invisibility cloaks he eventually let each of the students have a turn wearing his own one. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Now an invisibility cloak's effectiveness will eventually wear off but luckily mine isn't too old so it's still in good condition," Skymore said as the cloak was passed to Phenix and it was his turn to try it on./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix threw the cloak over him, covering him from head to toe. Though nothing seemed to change for him except now he was looking through a translucent veil, he knew that no one could see him anymore. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"While other students had taken the opportunity when wearing the cloak to play pranks on their friends such as knocking stuff off their desks or trying to push them over. One student even tied their friend's shoelaces together so when they got up to have their turn with the cloak they fell flat on their face. Phenix however was enjoying the idea that no one could see him. He walked over to the window and thought how great it would be to own an invisibility cloak himself. He felt strangely peaceful under it even though there was still the clamour in the class room. Being able to walk around unnoticed with no one troubling you, being able to hide from the world whenever you wanted would be a great power to have he thought to himself./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Eventually though Phenix had to give the cloak back as the professor called out to him, unsure of where in the classroom he now was. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix headed back over to the teacher's desk and slipped the cloak off before handing it to the next student./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Wasn't that so cool?" Jack said as Phenix sat down, having already had his turn with the cloak earlier. "I wonder how much one of them would cost?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""More than you can afford Lightfoot," Kyle, who was perched on a desk nearby and had heard Jack's comment, called out and his friends started to laugh. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Shut up Kyle," Phenix shouted back, obviously feeling a bit braver against Kyle now after beating him to become the chess champion last term. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Kyle looked taken aback that Phenix had seemingly stood up to him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""You need to remember who you're talking to Moon," Kyle said, now standing and stepping towards Phenix in an aggressive manner. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix was about to stand up too to show Kyle he wasn't afraid of him even though inside he very much was. He was feeling different, as if the freedom and power of wearing the cloak was still lingering on him and right now he wasn't going to let Kyle or anyone else push him around./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Everything alright here guys?" Skymore asked as he stepped over to them, having noticed the tension between the pair. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix remained firmly in his chair as Kyle took a step back./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Everything is fine sir. Just me and Moon here having a little joke. Ain't that right Moon?" Kyle said, giving Phenix a long glare. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Yeah nothing to see here," Phenix reluctantly replied before Skymore gave them both a suspicious look and returned to the front of the class to pass the cloak on to the next student. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"When he could see Skymore was busy and not looking their way, Kyle leaned over to Phenix. "You'd better watch yourself Moon," he menacingly said into Phenix's ear and Phenix wished he was back under the invisibility cloak. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"At the end of the lesson Phenix made a quick exit to avoid another confrontation with Kyle but as soon as he got back to his common room he was faced with yet more conversations about the Millennial Ball. He knew by now more people would have started to find dates, having noticed there now seemed to be more students hanging out in pairs, looking rather loved up. He could see Gus and Tonks looking all cosy by the fire and Zain and Emily seemed practically inseparable these days as Emily sat in Zain's lap as they snuggled in an armchair. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"After quickly dumping his books Phenix retreated from the common room that seemed to be a lovefest and decided to see if there was any chance he could get himself a date./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"As well as the ball coming up there was also the duelling competition that Phenix had signed up for in a moment of madness. Over the Christmas holidays he had time to think about it and was regretting his decision. The only reason he has signed up was to try and impress Charlie Weasley. But the problem was he was not that good at duelling. Though Charlie had said that he was happy to repay the favour after he had helped him with his chess skills so maybe Charlie could train him in duelling? That would mean they could hang out some more and Phenix could find out if Charlie had a date yet and whether there was any chance he might consider going with him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"After looking for Charlie all around the school he was about to give up and just try and catch him later after dinner when he turned a corner and saw him standing there with Lana Wilde. Lana had her hand draped over Charlie's shoulder and was giggling as she played with her hair with her other hand. Phenix could see Charlie was busy so he turned and left, nearly bumping into his sister as he went. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Sorry sis," Phenix said stepping out of her way. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""They make a cute couple don't they?" Phia remarked as she looked down the corridor at Charlie and Lana. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""What?" Phenix said in surprise. "Are they actually going out?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""No not yet but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. They're going to the ball together."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Oh right," Phenix said disappointedly. "I didn't know that." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Yeah Lana's going with Charlie, Vanessa is going with Ben from our house and my date finally asked me so we've all got someone to go with now," Phia said, smiling broadly and was so wrapped up in her own world she didn't notice the downcast look on her brother's face./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Good for you," Phenix remarked sarcastically but the comment went over his sister's head./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Thanks," she replied, still smiling. "I just need to find a dress to wear now. Maybe a blue one like the Ravenclaw colours." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix wasn't exactly in the mood to stand chatting in the corridors about dates and dresses with his sister and he was about to leave but thought he'd ask just one question before he went. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""So who's your date then?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""It's Kyle Gray," replied Phia./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix thought his sister couldn't have found a worse date if she had tried. Kyle had to be the most obnoxious, rude and unpleasant person in their year and it wasn't like his sister was lacking in male attention. He bet she must have had other guys who had asked her to the ball as well but she had chosen to go with Kyle Gray. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Why are you going with him? He's a moron," fumed Phenix./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""No he's not. He's very handsome and loads of girls are jealous of me now," she said feeling pleased with herself./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Being good looking doesn't make up for him being an idiot," Phenix said, thinking his sister really did have terrible taste in men./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Well who I go with is none of your concern," Phia snapped back. "Have you got a date yet?" she asked but Phenix didn't reply and he just looked at the ground. "Maybe you should worry about that then and not who's taking me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix didn't say anymore and just left in a huff. He couldn't believe his sister was going with Kyle Gray, a guy who seemed to make it his mission in life to taunt and pick on him whenever he could. And to top it off Charlie was going with Lana. Phenix had to face it that he probably never realistically stood a chance with Charlie, he was just caught up in his own daydream. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"As he trudged back to his common room feeling downbeat, Phenix had resided himself to the fact he would be going to the ball alone./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"uspan style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"span style="text-decoration: none;" /span/span/u/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"The Christmas holidays came and went in a flash and Phenix soon found himself heading down to Kings Cross with his father and sister to travel back up to Hogwarts for the new term. As soon as they had gotten to the barrier at Platform Nine and Three Quarters his sister had ditched him to go off with her friends, leaving Phenix alone on the busy platform to find his friend Jack after he had loaded their trunks onto the train. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Jack was just saying goodbye to his parents when Phenix found him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Hello Phenix. Nice to see you again. Did you have a good Christmas?" Mrs Lightfoot asked. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Yes it was great thanks. How was yours?" Phenix asked back. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Come on or we'll end up having to share a compartment with a bunch of first years," Jack said, dragging Phenix away from his parents before Mrs Lightfoot could answer his question./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Goodbye," Mrs Lightfoot called out over the crowd of people./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Yeah bye. Love you both," Jack shouted back before he was pushing Phenix up the steps onto the train./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""What's the big rush?" Phenix asked, nearly falling into the train as Jack gave him a big shove. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""No reason," Jack said but he was now hanging out of the train and seemed to be looking further down the platform. "Come on let's move down to the next carriage."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Jack sped off without another word leaving Phenix to chase after him as they had to manoeuvre past the hordes of students who were stood in the corridor by the windows waiting to wave their parents goodbye. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Wait up," Phenix shouted to Jack, barely able to keep up with his friend. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix finally caught up with Jack, who had stopped in the next carriage./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Oh look your sister has just gone into that compartment," Jack said, trying to sound casual as he pointed up ahead. "Maybe we should join them? We might not find an empty one further along."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Suddenly Phenix realised what the urgency had been. Jack clearly wanted to ride to Hogwarts with Phia, though he doubted that Phia would want him or Jack with them./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I think we should keep walking. My sister probably just wants to catch up with her friends," Phenix said, hoping Jack would see sense as he really didn't fancy having to ask his sister if they could join them as she would no doubt say 'no'. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""But it might be fun travelling with them," Jack pleaded as he watched to see if anyone else was entering their compartment. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Fun? I've just spent two weeks with my sister and I can tell you she wasn't much fun," Phenix joked. Other than meal times and on Christmas morning when they had opened their presents Phenix had barely seen his sister over the holidays. She was always off hanging out with her friends that lived nearby. And when she was at home she acted like she was too cool to be playing boardgames or watching films with her dad and brother. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Come on help me out. Maybe once we get talking I can bring up the ball and then see if she wants to go with me. She hasn't got a date already has she?" Jack asked, his voice suddenly sounding a little sad at the prospect of him having already missed his chance. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Jack do you seriously think my sister will go to the ball with you?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I mean I've got a good a chance as any other guy right?" Jack said with complete seriousness and Phenix had to hand it to his friend, he was ever the optimist. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I just wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you. She probably has got someone to go with already," Phenix said, trying to be as diplomatic about the situation as possible. Jack was his best friend and he didn't want to hurt his feelings. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Well can you ask her now and find out?" Jack said and started pushing Phenix towards his sister's compartment./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Fine but if she's already got a date can we go and find somewhere else to sit?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Sure," Jack replied as they reached the compartment door./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Inside was Phenix's sister and her two friends Lana and Vanessa plus two boys from their year in Ravenclaw. The compartment was already pretty full and Phenix hoped Jack wasn't going to make them stay as Phenix begrudgingly slid the door open. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Er… what do you want?" Phia asked, looking annoyed as she stared at her brother who was standing in the doorway with Jack behind him, both looking a little uncomfortable./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I just wanted to ask if you've got anyone to go to the Millennial Ball with yet?" Phenix said nervously. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Not that it's any of your business but no not yet but I'm pretty sure someone is going to ask me soon," she said with a smile and both Lana and Vanessa started to giggle./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Do you want to go with me?" Jack blurted out over Phenix's shoulder after a surge of adrenaline suddenly overwhelmed him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""No," Phia said instantly with a look of disgust and the other people in their compartment started laughing./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Come on lets go," Phenix said, pushing Jack back and quickly closing the compartment door to muffle the laughter. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Did I just ask her out?" Jack said looking stunned and confused./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Come on I'll buy you a soda and some jelly wands when the trolley lady comes and you can drown your sorrows in sugar," Phenix joked, having to drag Jack away from the closed door, who still seemed in disbelief at what he had just done. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"The topic of the ball had dominated most of the train ride back to Hogwarts. Phenix and Jack had found some of their friends from Hufflepuff in a compartment further along and joined them. But both Phenix and Jack were glad to find most people hadn't found themselves a date yet, not that Phenix was holding his breath that he'd get one./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Well Zain asked Emily when he saw her over Christmas. She went to stay with his family for a day or two so it must be getting serious between them," Amelia said as they discussed the situation. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""And Scott is just trying to narrow his choices down to just one," Gus joked. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""I can't help it if I have a lot of female attention," Scott quipped back. "Hey Phenix has your sister got a date yet?" he then said with a smirk./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Sort of. She's just waiting for him to ask her, whoever it is," Phenix replied and could see Jack, who was sat across from him, looking rather glum. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"By the time the train got to Hogsmeade Phenix was sick of hearing about the ball. It was meant to be a fun occasion for everyone but it just seemed to be stressing a lot of people out, including himself, and it was becoming more like a chore than an enjoyable event to look forward to. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;" align="center"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"~/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix's first lesson of the new term was Defence Against the Dark Arts./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Welcome back class. I hope you all had a good break and are ready to learn lots more," Professor Skymore said in an enthusiastic manner as he stood at the front of the class. "We're going to start off by talking about Demiguises. Unfortunately I don't have one here with me today to show you, not that you'd probably know if I did as they can turn themselves invisible. But I do have something else to show you that's very special."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Skymore walked behind his desk and picked up a brown leather briefcase that looked rather aged and placed it on his desk. He then opened it up and pulled out what looked like a large piece of material that was silvery grey and seemed to gleam as the light that shone through the window bounced off it. A few of the students instantly realised what the item was as Professor Skymore threw the fabric around himself and suddenly he turned invisible. The whole classed were astonished as Skymore pulled the fabric down off his face and now he was just a floating head, his body still hidden./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""This class is an invisibility cloak made from Demiguise hair," Skymore said as he enjoyed watching the students' faces as he walked around the class with just his head visible, seemingly floating around the room on its own. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"After teaching the class about Demiguises, how to find them and how their hair is used to make invisibility cloaks he eventually let each of the students have a turn wearing his own one. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Now an invisibility cloak's effectiveness will eventually wear off but luckily mine isn't too old so it's still in good condition," Skymore said as the cloak was passed to Phenix and it was his turn to try it on./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix threw the cloak over him, covering him from head to toe. Though nothing seemed to change for him except now he was looking through a translucent veil, he knew that no one could see him anymore. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"While other students had taken the opportunity when wearing the cloak to play pranks on their friends such as knocking stuff off their desks or trying to push them over. One student even tied their friend's shoelaces together so when they got up to have their turn with the cloak they fell flat on their face. Phenix however was enjoying the idea that no one could see him. He walked over to the window and thought how great it would be to own an invisibility cloak himself. He felt strangely peaceful under it even though there was still the clamour in the class room. Being able to walk around unnoticed with no one troubling you, being able to hide from the world whenever you wanted would be a great power to have he thought to himself./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Eventually though Phenix had to give the cloak back as the professor called out to him, unsure of where in the classroom he now was. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix headed back over to the teacher's desk and slipped the cloak off before handing it to the next student./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Wasn't that so cool?" Jack said as Phenix sat down, having already had his turn with the cloak earlier. "I wonder how much one of them would cost?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""More than you can afford Lightfoot," Kyle, who was perched on a desk nearby and had heard Jack's comment, called out and his friends started to laugh. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Shut up Kyle," Phenix shouted back, obviously feeling a bit braver against Kyle now after beating him to become the chess champion last term. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Kyle looked taken aback that Phenix had seemingly stood up to him./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""You need to remember who you're talking to Moon," Kyle said, now standing and stepping towards Phenix in an aggressive manner. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix was about to stand up too to show Kyle he wasn't afraid of him even though inside he very much was. He was feeling different, as if the freedom and power of wearing the cloak was still lingering on him and right now he wasn't going to let Kyle or anyone else push him around./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Everything alright here guys?" Skymore asked as he stepped over to them, having noticed the tension between the pair. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix remained firmly in his chair as Kyle took a step back./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Everything is fine sir. Just me and Moon here having a little joke. Ain't that right Moon?" Kyle said, giving Phenix a long glare. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Yeah nothing to see here," Phenix reluctantly replied before Skymore gave them both a suspicious look and returned to the front of the class to pass the cloak on to the next student. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"When he could see Skymore was busy and not looking their way, Kyle leaned over to Phenix. "You'd better watch yourself Moon," he menacingly said into Phenix's ear and Phenix wished he was back under the invisibility cloak. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"At the end of the lesson Phenix made a quick exit to avoid another confrontation with Kyle but as soon as he got back to his common room he was faced with yet more conversations about the Millennial Ball. He knew by now more people would have started to find dates, having noticed there now seemed to be more students hanging out in pairs, looking rather loved up. He could see Gus and Tonks looking all cosy by the fire and Zain and Emily seemed practically inseparable these days as Emily sat in Zain's lap as they snuggled in an armchair. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"After quickly dumping his books Phenix retreated from the common room that seemed to be a lovefest and decided to see if there was any chance he could get himself a date./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"As well as the ball coming up there was also the duelling competition that Phenix had signed up for in a moment of madness. Over the Christmas holidays he had time to think about it and was regretting his decision. The only reason he has signed up was to try and impress Charlie Weasley. But the problem was he was not that good at duelling. Though Charlie had said that he was happy to repay the favour after he had helped him with his chess skills so maybe Charlie could train him in duelling? That would mean they could hang out some more and Phenix could find out if Charlie had a date yet and whether there was any chance he might consider going with him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"After looking for Charlie all around the school he was about to give up and just try and catch him later after dinner when he turned a corner and saw him standing there with Lana Wilde. Lana had her hand draped over Charlie's shoulder and was giggling as she played with her hair with her other hand. Phenix could see Charlie was busy so he turned and left, nearly bumping into his sister as he went. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Sorry sis," Phenix said stepping out of her way. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""They make a cute couple don't they?" Phia remarked as she looked down the corridor at Charlie and Lana. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""What?" Phenix said in surprise. "Are they actually going out?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""No not yet but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. They're going to the ball together."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Oh right," Phenix said disappointedly. "I didn't know that." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Yeah Lana's going with Charlie, Vanessa is going with Ben from our house and my date finally asked me so we've all got someone to go with now," Phia said, smiling broadly and was so wrapped up in her own world she didn't notice the downcast look on her brother's face./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Good for you," Phenix remarked sarcastically but the comment went over his sister's head./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Thanks," she replied, still smiling. "I just need to find a dress to wear now. Maybe a blue one like the Ravenclaw colours." /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix wasn't exactly in the mood to stand chatting in the corridors about dates and dresses with his sister and he was about to leave but thought he'd ask just one question before he went. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""So who's your date then?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""It's Kyle Gray," replied Phia./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix thought his sister couldn't have found a worse date if she had tried. Kyle had to be the most obnoxious, rude and unpleasant person in their year and it wasn't like his sister was lacking in male attention. He bet she must have had other guys who had asked her to the ball as well but she had chosen to go with Kyle Gray. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Why are you going with him? He's a moron," fumed Phenix./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""No he's not. He's very handsome and loads of girls are jealous of me now," she said feeling pleased with herself./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Being good looking doesn't make up for him being an idiot," Phenix said, thinking his sister really did have terrible taste in men./span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;""Well who I go with is none of your concern," Phia snapped back. "Have you got a date yet?" she asked but Phenix didn't reply and he just looked at the ground. "Maybe you should worry about that then and not who's taking me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"Phenix didn't say anymore and just left in a huff. He couldn't believe his sister was going with Kyle Gray, a guy who seemed to make it his mission in life to taunt and pick on him whenever he could. And to top it off Charlie was going with Lana. Phenix had to face it that he probably never realistically stood a chance with Charlie, he was just caught up in his own daydream. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-indent: 8.5pt; line-height: normal;"span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"As he trudged back to his common room feeling downbeat, Phenix had resided himself to the fact he would be going to the ball alone./span/p