What is this, an update? Sorry guys, the holidays got a bit crazy, and I got a bit lazy :) Here is the third-last chapter!
Shoutouts go to werewolfatemyphoenix, mystrymoviebrunette x5 (your reviews totally made my day! Thanks so much!), purelywhite-nami, Atayla, Sparky Dorian, SilverLily1, ForbiddenLove7, yellow 14, Little Emily, Senorita Sassybuns (I'm glad it was to your standards ;)), whispered touches, Blondebunny55, original509, ctc, S0phfeist (Wow, hugest compliment right there! I'm so flattered!), 91698padfoot, allie's hope x2, maximumpotter101 x9, Phyllis811, xXMizLilyEvansXx and NinjaDinosaurGirl. Whoa, so many! That's totally epic, guys. By the way, we are nearly at 700 (hint, hint).
Some good news: I am planning on doing a sequel to this story. It will be a slightly different format, because it will be from a different challenge, but stay tuned and I'll let you know the details. Okay, onward!
48. Ball
Thursday"Harry, have you seen my gold earrings?"
Harry is sitting at the kitchen table, uncomfortable in his dress robes. "No," he calls to the bathroom, glancing at his watch; if Ginny takes much longer, they are going to be late, but he knows better than to mention this fact.
It has been a long day. First, the whole Weasley clan attended the dawn vigil, held in the grounds of Hogwarts. They placed flowers by the lake in memory of Fred, and all those who gave their lives during the war; afterwards, they all trooped back to the Burrow for Victoire's second birthday party.
It has been a day of mixed emotions. Out of respect for those who are mourning their dead, the second of May is always a subdued affair, but all over the country witches are wizards are celebrating victory. Victoire's party was full of light and laughter, and even George tried not to let his grief overshadow the occasion. It is a day of tears, but also of joy.
And now, they are preparing for the Commemoration Ball. It has been held every year since the first anniversary of Voldemort's downfall, and witches and wizards from all over the country attend. Being both a Ministry employee and the Chosen One, Harry cannot hope to escape it.
Ginny finally emerges from the bathroom. Her mauve gown swishes against the floor with each movement, and Harry has trouble dragging his eyes from its neckline.
"Come on, Harry, we're late!"
Oh, Ginny. It's okay, I totally do that too!