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Chapter 12
A Night to Remember
The palace was packed as ever over the holidays. The only ones that left were those not attending the ball, which were most of my friends. Only Cheyenne and Allegra stuck around, as they had duties with music as well.
We had homework, but no one really felt like doing anything so our days were mostly spent out doors, having a snowball fights and building forts. It was probably one of the best Christmas holidays I ever head.
Christmas Day came and I awoke with a stack of presents at the foot of my bed. I received new golden butterfly earrings from Alicon, a new jumper fro mIris, a new set of beater's gloved from Cheyenne as well as big boxes of sweets from Allegra and Cheryl.
The largest box, however was from Mum and Dad. I read the note on it.
'Merry Christmas Katerina! Best of luck tonight at the ball, and we hope that this will help make your experience unforgettable,"
Hmm, I thought. I opened the box to find a sparkling gold halter dress with a sparking gold skirt that made me think of flower petals.
"Oh my god, it's gorgeous!' Cheyenne exclaimed from her bed. She jumped up.
"You have got to wear it tonight!"
"That's the plan," I smiled.
The great hall was closed down all afternoon after lunch in preparation to the ball. Cheyenne and I, as members of the orchestra, were required to help, and we decorated the giant Christmas tree that Hagrid had somehow managed to get into the great hall. It was fun. I didn't think I would get to do it this year. It was tradition at home. I wondered how Vanna was in Italy, as we go almost every year of Christmas. It was strange not being in Rome. I found myself missing them.
'What's wrong?" Cheyenne asked.
"Oh nothing. It's just weird being here instead of at home on Christmas,"
"Yeah," she agreed, "but just think of tonight; Seamus will love you in that dress,"
I grimaced and hoped he would.
I slipped on my dress and matching gold heels. Cheyenne was a vision in scarlet, her red curls cascading naturally down her shoulders. Allegra went for a stylish look, donning a strapless floor length royal blue dress with silver flowers. I fastened my hair in a waterfall with my golden butterfly clip and earrings and peered at myself in the mirror. I looked totally different. Allegra's make up expertise were impeccable. My eyes were soft with browns and golds and I looked a lot older then my 12 years (my birthday was in September). My friends came up behind me and I had to admit that together, we made a pretty good looking trio.
"We need to remember this night," Allegra said, opening her trunk and pulling out a camera, "let's take some pictures in the common room,"
We headed downstairs where the room was packed. Girls gushed about each other's dresses and guys greeted their dates. People were posing for pictures by the fireplace and the three of us waited our turn.
"Excuse me," Allegra approached a boy with black hair, "could you please take a picture for us?"
He turned around and I recognized him as Michael Corner, who was standing with his friends Anthony Goldstein (Iris' date) and terry boot. The site of Allegra struck him, and although he recovered quickly, it was evident that he had taken a moment to realize how beautiful she was. I bet that he didn't even know she was a first year.
"Yeah, no problem," The three of us posed in front of the fireplace.
"Smile ladies," Michael clicked a few shot.
"Thank you," she replied, taking her camera from him. It wasn't hard to tell that he also had an effect on her.
"My pleasure," he smiled and then Allegra came back to us.
"Who is he?" she exclaimed, "I've never seen him before!"
"Michael Corner. Fourth year," I told her.
"Fourth? But he was looking at me…."
"You don't exactly look 11 tonight, Allegra," Cheyenne surveyed her red lipstick.
"Oh," Allegra blushed.
"But try talking to him later," I told her, "I think he'll be watching out for you too,"
"You really think?"
"Well he's still looking over here," Allegra looked over her shoulder and Michael turned away abruptly. She looked down at her watch with a smile.
"Come on. We have to meet Flitwick downstairs,"
We headed down to the Great Hall which was empty except for the other orchestra and choir members.
"There you are!" Professor Flitwick exclaimed, "Now we all know the drill. We will take out places as our guests come in, and be prepared for the opening medley as the champions arrive! We have only minutes to change our robes!"
The orchestra donned robes of dark blue over their formal evening wear while the choir donned robes of silver, keeping in tune with the winter wonderland theme. Allegra joined the rest of the choir in their scale warm up and I did the same with my flute, running through the songs quickly. I sat nervously in my flute chair. Cheyenne came to join me.
"You ready?" she asked.
"As I'll ever be," I was nervous. Not only would this be my first performance, but there would be so many students watching. However, that didn't bother me as much as the thought that Seamus would be looking out for me. I took a deep breath.
"You'll be fine," Cheyenne reassured me.
"Places everyone!" Professor Flitwick squealed, Cheyenne gave my shoulder a squeeze and headed back to her clarinet.
The doors of the hall opened and slowly people trickled in. Everyone was all dressed up. Millicent Bulstrode, for example, was stunning for a Slytherin, in a sequined dress of Slytherin green, accompanied by Zabini Blaise. Mandy Brockelhurst was on the arm of Terry Boot, her purple dress turning heads. Marietta Edgecombe sported fuchsia robes, her hair flowing down her back as Jeremy Streton came up behind her, taking her hand. I saw Alicon sharing a few words with Patricia. She definitely stunned in a white enchanted ball gown that had moving snowflakes in the skirt, her hair piled a top her head in a curly bun. She looked like a princess, and already one of the Durmstrang boys from Viktor Krum's clan was taking notice of her. Iris and Anthony walked by. She was wearing a light blue dress with a ruffled skirt. She gave me a wave and as Anthony followed the gesture, I noticed that he had coordinated his tie to match her dress.
In the sea of heads, the one person who I didn't spot was Seamus. I was Ron and Padma together and Neville Longbottom and Ginny Weasley but there was no sign of Seamus. The hall was just packed.
"This is our cue!" Professor Flitwick exclaimed gleefully. The doors opened again and the four champions and their partners entered. Fleur Delacour accompanied by Roger Davies, Viktor Krum with none other then Hermione Granger, Cedric Diggory and Choc Chang, and lastly Harry Potter being pulled along by Parvati Patil. Our orchestra finished the opening medley and I felt proud that we were off to a good start.
The feast past quickly. The orchestra and choir had a section of round tables for themselves. Allegra, Cheyenne and I shared with three Hufflepuff 5th years from the orchestra. Dinner was delicious and it was possible to order virtually anything so I ordered lasagna, being the true Italian that I am. Dessert was a wide variety of sweets. I had myself a piece of blueberry pie and chocolate cake. It was wonderful!
The guests moved off to the dance floor and I hurried back to my seat and scanned the crowd. Finally, I spotted him. He donned black dress robes, like most of the other boys looking divinely handsome as he chatted with Dean. Next to him was a curly haired witch in a silver gown, who I guessed was Lavender brown. She's pretty, I thought as she linked her arm through Seamus'. At that jealousy erupted inside me and I felt sick to my stomach. Why couldn't it be me?
Suddenly, he turned to face me and caught my eye. He grinned and I returned the smile.
"Good luck," he mouthed and immediately, butterflies erupted in my stomach. Why must he have the power to make me feel this way? I thought.
The champions processed to the dance floor and Professor Flitwick cued us. I raised my flute to my lips and started playing as the champions danced. I couldn't really watch them, but every once in the while I looked up and noticed just how badly Harry Potter's dancing was. You would think that he as the man would be leading. But no. Parvati was steering, attempting to look graceful but it wasn't working. We came to that note that I used to mess up on and got through it with no problem at all.
We went through all our songs, the choir joining us for the Christmas Carols, and finally we were done. The Weird Sisters were ready to take over. Seamus gave me thumbs up, which made more butterflies erupt.
"Well done, all of you!" Professor Dumbledore said a few words, and then bid us all a good rest of the evening. We changed from our orchestra and choir attire, revealing our dresses to everyone. I felt absolutely wonderful. Allegra joined Cheyenne and I.
"You guys did great!"
"Same to you!" I grinned, giving her a hug.
"So what are we waiting for? Let's party!" Cheyenne exclaimed. We headed into the mob on the dancefloor and the Weird Sisters kicked it off with their biggest hit, 'Do The Hippogriff'
'Can you dance the hipogriff?
Ma ma ma, ma ma ma, ma ma ma
Flyin' off from a cliff
Ma ma ma, ma ma ma, ma ma ma
Swooping down, to the ground
Ma ma ma, ma ma ma, ma ma ma
Wheel around and around and around and around
Ma ma ma, ma ma ma, ma ma ma'
The crowd went wild and Allegra, Cheyenne and I had the time of our lives on the dance floor.
"Want some drinks?" Cheyenne panted. We nodded, heading over to get some butter beer. We ordered our drinks and then sat down.
"This has been fun," Allegra said, "I wish we had dances more often,"
Cheyenne and I nodded in agreement. Allegra stood to refill our glasses for us. However, she didn't come back. Cheyenne and I glanced over to find her jabbering with Michael Corner.
"Best not to interrupt them," Cheyenne said. Within moments, a boy in blue dress robes approached Cheyenne.
"Care to dance?" he asked in a French accent. Beauxbatons, I thought. Cheyenne glanced at me and I willed her to go ahead.
I was alone now. I stood, taking a walk through the hall.
"Trina!"
I turned around to see Seamus up ahead.
"Hey!" I called, heading to him.
"You look great!" he complimented me.
"Thank you!"
"And you played beautifully by the way,"
"Thanks," I felt showered in his compliments, "I'm glad it went well. I didn't miss a note!"
"Told you you'd be alright,"
A familiar tune rang out. It was the Weird Sister's latest single, 'This is the night'
"Oh I love this song!" I said, over the blare of the bass of the guitar. I looked up at Seamus.
"Wanna dance?" he asked. I nodded speechlessly and we went out to the dance floor. As it turned out, Seamus had some moves. He definitely knew how to dance and he spun me around, not even trodding on my foot once. He reeled me in a dipped me back, like in my dreams. The only thing I wished was that we were dancing to a slower song. Otherwise the moment was perfect and it surpassed my wildest dreams.
The song came to an end all too soon and along with it went my perfect moment.
"Hey, thanks for the dance," Seamus said.
"My pleasure. It was fun. And you're really good, by the way,"
He shrugged, "You learn a thing or too from Gaelic parties,"
I grimaced, imagining his rowdy family.
"Anyways, I can't keep Lav waiting any longer so I'll see you later,"
Lav?
"Yeah, alright," He headed away from me and I was left pondering. Lav? I knew it was Lavender, but I thought they were only friends. But friends do have nicknames for one another, and he does call me Trina, and at this point we aren't anything more then just friends. I brushed it off. It didn't mean anything.
I found Alicon sharing drinks with the Durmstrang boy and he introduced himself. His name was Antonio and he was from Italy. He lived not too far from my grandparents apparently. They seemed to be getting on well and I left them to get to know each other. Allegra and Michael walked past, not noticing me. Cheyenne found me.
"He had a girlfriend," she shrugged.
"Oh, I'm sorry,"
She didn't look sad, "He was an asshole. His hand kept sinking way too low down my back when we were dancing,"
"What a perv,"
"Boys are stupid," Cheyenne decided.
"And oblivious,"
"Why do you say that?"
"Oh, take into example that guy you just danced with. He does stuff and then doesn't think he'll get caught. Or even Seamus. Does he really have no idea that I like him?"
"I think he knows," Cheyenne said.
"He ditched me for Lavender,"
"He did not!"
"Kinda. I mean, he and I had one dance and then he said he had to get back to her,"
"The asshole!"
"He's not really an ass. Lavender is his date.."
"But still,"
"He probably has no idea how he makes me feel," I told Cheyenne" he wouldn't even think it. I'm only 12,"
Cheyenne didn't say anything for a while.
"Be careful," she finally spoke, "you're a 1st year, and he's a 4th year. You don't want to get hurt,"
"Yeah I know," I sighed, "but still…no matter how hard I try I can't get him out of my head,"
"I know it won't be easy," Cheyenne said, "but try not too limit yourself to only him,"
"You have some pretty good advice for someone who's not into boys yet," I said, thinking of how she usually acted. She shrugged.
"Guess I've changed," she said, "but I'm glad I'm able to help you,"
"I just hope I'll be able to take your advice," I said. Cheyenne gave my hand a squeeze.
"It'll all be alright in the end," she smiled. I yawned suddenly.
"What time is it?" I asked Cheyenne. She looked at her golden watch.
"It's almost midnight," she observed. I glanced around. The music had slowed down a bit. The Weird Sisters' 'Magic Works' played softly.
'And dance your final dance
This is your final chance
To hold the one you love
You know you've waited long enough
So,
Believe that magic works
Don't be afraid
Of bein' hurt
Don't let this magic die
The answer's there
Oh, just look in her eyes'
Couples filled the dance floor. Alicon and Antonio danced, looking as if they had known each other their whole lives. Allegra and Michael seemed enchanted by one another. I spotted Iris and Anthony stop dancing only for a moment before he cupped her face in his hands and planted a kiss upon her lips.
"I wish I had that," I told Cheyenne with a sigh.
She nodded, "Iris and Anthony are perfect for each other,"
The site of all these couples were in all honesty making me sad and jealous at the same time. Why couldn't it be me? Why couldn't I have my perfect moment with a guy whom I felt for? I wished that I wasn't twelve. That I was older, more beautiful, and wiser. That I wouldn't appear to be so much of a child that no one wanted me. Even Allegra who is younger then me managed to attract the attention of Michael. Even Cheyenne and her red curls got a dance out of a cute boy who obviously didn't think twice to touch her. Not that I would want a perverted boy touching me, but that wasn't the point; he thought she was older. And then there's me in my shapeless body and short stubby legs. I didn't even own a real bra for god's sakes; I was still in training. What boy would really want me? Why would Seamus even like me?
"You okay?" Cheyenne asked.
"Yeah," I lied. I faked a yawn.
"You wanna turn in?" I asked. I could hardly bear it anymore.
"Yeah," she agreed and we headed to the other end of the hall, exiting through the giant doors.
The shock nearly killed me.
Under a patch of mistletoe by the staircase was a boy, and a witch in a silver dress. His lips moving against hers.
I couldn't speak. It was all I had ever wanted. The one thing, the one person who I cared for more then anything, who made me feel things I never thought I could feel. He wasn't mine. He was Lavenders. Seamus was Lavender's.
"Kat," Cheyenne said.
"Don't," I muttered, walking past.
"Are you alright?"
"Do I look alright?" I snapped at her, on the verge of tears. I was doing all in my power not to let them out, not to let him see just how much I was hurting.
"Oh Katerina,"
"I don't want to talk right now Cheyenne," I breathed. She nodded understandingly as we reached Ravenclaw tower.
"Let me know if you need anything,"
She stayed in the common room, waiting up for Allegra while I went up to my room, not bothering to even change, crashing onto my bed in a heap. I sobbed into the pillows until there was nothing left.