In the weeks that followed, the halls of Hogwarts buzzed with the results of the first task. The harassment I had endured from most of the Hogwarts students had at least lightened. Many of them were impressed I had thought to summon my broom, and that had somehow earned me a bit of respect in their eyes. Although things at Hogwarts had improved slightly, I was still looking forward to the impending Christmas break. It was just weeks before the Christmas holiday when the Slytherins and Gryffindors sat in Professor McGonagall's Transfigurations class. The lesson was nearly over as Hermione and I collected the birds we were meant to transform into guinea pigs. The bell was due to ring at any moment as Professor McGonagall called for the class' attention.
"I have something to say to you all. The Yule Ball is approaching - a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above - although you may invite a younger student if you wish. Dress robes will be worn, and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to - er - let our hair down, but that does not mean, that we will be relaxing the standards of behavior we expect from Hogwarts students. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way."
"Don't have to worry about me Professor; I'm going home for Christmas." Ron told her as he began packing away his notes.
"Same here," I nodded as I helped Hermione put the last of the birds in a big cadge on McGonagall's desk. "I wouldn't be caught dead at a dumb ball anyhow." The bell rang, and there was the usual scuffle of activity as everyone packed their bags and began to exit the classroom. Professor McGonagall called above the noise, "Miss Potter - a word, if you please."
"That's what you get for insulting years of tradition." Hermione stated matter-of-factly as she left the room with the rest of the class. I shrugged my shoulders knowing she was right. Sev and Remus were both always saying that I needed to be more careful about the things I said. I supposed it was about time my professors started to take notice as well.
"Miss Potter I'm not sure if Remus has made you aware, but the champions and their partners…"
"What partners?" I asked interrupting her.
"Your partners for the Yule Ball, Potter," she said coldly. "Your dance partners."
"I've got to learn to dance? Oh no. I don't dance." I blurted out.
"Oh yes, you do," said Professor McGonagall irritably. "That's what I'm telling you. Traditionally, the champions and their partners open the ball."
"I'm not dancing, and I'm not going to the Yule Ball. Like Ron said, I'm going home."
"It is traditional," said Professor McGonagall firmly. "You are a Hogwarts champion, and you will do what is expected of you as a representative of the school. So make sure you get yourself a partner."
"But Professor…"
"You heard me, Miss Potter. I'm sure Remus and your Head of House, Professor Snape would agree." I very nearly pointed out that neither of them seemed like the type to force me into dressing robes and a ball, but I decided to just leave the classroom altogether.
"And how many detentions did you just earn yourself?" Hermione asked when I joined her, Ron, Harry and Emily in the hall.
"None." I answered. "But apparently the Triwizard Tournament has found another way to ruin my life. Since I'm a Hogwarts Champion, I'm expected to not only stay at Hogwarts during the Christmas Holiday, but also dance at the opening of the ball with a dance partner."
"Like as a date?" Harry asked.
"I suppose so. Hadn't really thought about that, when McGonagall said 'dance partner', I just assumed…oh Merlin I have to find a date for this ridiculous ball?"
"And you're stuck here on Christmas." Ron pointed out.
"It's not so bad; I've spent most of my Christmases at Hogwarts, so I'll be here." Harry said.
"I was planning on staying for the Yule Ball, so naturally I've already written my parents to let them know." Hermione told us.
"'I suppose if everyone else is going to stay, I might as well too." Ron added.
"Who do you think you're going to go to the ball with?" Emily asked.
"Honestly I have no idea Em. Right now I just want to go grab something to eat. Let's head over to lunch, we'll talk about it later."