Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter as it is the property of the fabulous JKR

Chapter 14

After ther confessions during the after-match party, James and Selena had gone back to the common room and acted as though they had merely made up and were friends again, being careful not to reveal to anyone - or rather, Sirius in particular, that they had gotten together.

The next morning there was a notice on the noticeboard of the Gryffindor's common room, which told them that all fourth years and above must come to McGonagall's classroom at 4pm - after the last class of the day.

Throughout the day there was much speculation on why they had to go there, until finally the hour came, and they were to find out.

Lena entered the room with James, Sirius, Remus and Peter - the five of them having just come from their Divination class. They went and stood with Molly, Alice, Frank and Arthur - Molly and Arthur now being a couple, whilst Alice and Frank were too shy to admit that they like each other, despite the fact that everyone knew they did.

When McGonagall entered the room, she told them all to take a seat on the benches set out - the classroom having been completely rearranged.

The benches were set out in two long lines, facing into the middle of the classroom. McGonagall told them to sit to that all of the boys were on one side, and all of the girls on the other.

' Now,' she said, clapping her hands togther with vigour,' no doubt you're all wondering why you have been gathered here today.'

There was a murmur of assent.,

McGonagall nodded and continued,' It has been decided that the school shall hold a ball on Christmas Eve. '

There was a collective groan from all of the boys, but gasps of excitement and delight from the majority of the girls.

On either side of Lena, Molly and Alice nudged her and giggled.

McGonagall waited a moment for the noise to die down and continued,' This ball is open to all fourth years and above, however, you may invite a younger student as your date if you wish. Of course, there is no neccessity for anyone to have a date, but it does make things a tad more fun for you all. There will also be some inter-house competition.'

There were more excitement - this time from the boys too, who relished in any chance to slaughter the Slytherin's at something.

' Like a quidditch match? ' someone asked.

McGonagall laughed,' No, no. We already have a fine team in charge of that front. This will be for dancing. Each couple will dance, and be eliminated by a designated judge by a form such as a tap on the shoulder. The couples will be elimimated until only one couple from each house is left in. The winning couple will win 100 house points for their house.'

' Does that mean we can't have a date from a different house? ' Sirius called out.

' No,' McGonagall answered,' but if a moxed house couple enters, the points will be split. For example, if you, Sirius, win with a Ravenclaw girl, there would be 50 points to us, and 50 points to Ravenclaw. As it is now the 10th of November, you all have 6 weeks to find dates, suitable clothing, and brush up on your dancing skills. '

' Can we leave now? ' asked a bored McLaggen,' I wanted to do a bit of quididitch practice? '

James caught Lena's eye, and rolled his eyes, causing her to grin. Their match had only been the night before, and McLaggen was already training. They both knew he was jealous of James' position as Captain, and was hoping that McGonagall would realise he (McLaggen) was so much more capable, and deserved the place more than James did.

' No,' replied the head of house,' I should like you all to stand up and join with a member of the opposite sex and listen as I talk you through some basic dance steps.'

It was remarkable how some people immediately coupled up, and others were very reluctant to do so.

Molly and Arthur paired up, of course, whilst Frank shyly shrugged at Alice, and they too paired off. Sirius ended up with Tiffany Vane - someone who he knew was part of his fan club, and was someone he had been out with and dumped. Lena got to dance with James.

She loved the feeling of being in his arms, and being led around the room by him - they were definitley one of the couples who looked good together, and had the confidence to not look like idiots.

An hour or so later, Lena sat with the Marauders around the sofas in the common room.

' Got any ideas for a date in mind? ' Sirius asked James.

Lena, who was sat on the ground, leaning against James' shins, tensed, and tried to keep a cool face.

James cleared his throat awkwardly and shrugged at his best mate,' I don't know, really,' he said,' I mean, you need to find someone who you really like, don't you.'

' Aww, don't be sot,' Sirius scoffed,' just pick one of the fit girls, throw her around the dance floor for a bi and snog her senseless afterwards. '

' Fine, then, who are you taking? ' demanded James of his interrogater.

Sirius grinned triumphantly,' Sophie Edgecombe.'

Lena grimaced,' Urgh. You know she's the most awful stuck up cow.'

Sirius scoffed,' Yeah, whilst Mark Chang, Bertram Aubrey, and the rest of your old flames are so much better. You'd better find someone for this Christmas ball who isn't a complete loser. '

' Thanks for the vote of confidence,' Lena sighed.

Sirius met her eyes,' I'm serious, I'm fed up of having to go around hexing the idiots who've done you wrong. I won't see you dancing in the arms of some tosspot all night. '

Lena switched the conversation by asking Remus,' Have you thought about who you're taking? '

Remus shrugged,' I don't know. There's no one I like, really, but I'll find someone, no doubt.'

' And you Peter? ' she asked.

Peter looked at her blankly,' Girls don't like to talk to me,' he said simply,' I'm not sure who'll have me.'

Lena sat still for a moment before announcing that she was going to go and find Molly and Alice to plan when they were going to buy dresses.

James decided to accompany her - so he could ask her about the Divination homework that they had been set. Of course this was just a cover to give him an excuse to leave the room with her.

Once they were away from the common room, and in a corridor which was deserted, James grabbed his new girlfriend's hand and stopped her from walking any futher.

He pulled her in to face him and cupped one of her cheeks with his strong hand.

' What do we do about this ball thing, then? ' she asked him, letting him caress her smooth skin.

' There's no one I'd rather be with than you,' he assured her,' and if I can't dance the night away with you, then I don't want to dance with any one.'

' Then we'll have to tell Sirius about us, won't we? ' she pointed out.

' When? ' asked her newly aquired boyfriend.

' Soon,' she promised,' but I need to go and find Molly and Alice. We need dresses.'

' It's Hogsmede weekend two weeks away, you can go thne,' he told her. 'There, that's saved you a trek to find them and since we have time to spare ... oh look, an empty broom closet. '

She giggled as he dragged her inside.