Chapter 63: The Yule Ball

Zoey carefully brushed her hair away from her shoulder as she looked in the mirror. She was previously watching all her dorm mates fussing over their hair, shoes, make up and dresses before she, herself, was dragged into the chaos. Zoey had lived all her Hogwarts life thinking that her existence was unknown to them until one of her dorm mates, Jane Younglove, had taken notice to Zoey who seemed to stand out from the rest for she was not running around looking for an eyelash curling spell and what not.

In all honesty, while everyone was either helping each other with their hair or zipping up the back of their dresses, Zoey was leisurely laying down on her bed, reading. Her dress was hung and her shoes were placed near her bed, her makeup was just a stick of lip gloss and it was just carelessly placed near her pillow. Jane, who was already dressed and ready to go, took a look around the room, checking for anything she might have missed when she caught sight of Zoey. She walked up to the girl with a questioning gaze.

"Aren't you going to get ready?" Jane had asked her, taking a seat on the bed. Zoey, bookmarking her page, placed her book near the discarded lip gloss and raised her brow at the girl. Jane had never spoken to her before.

"It's a little too early to get ready," Zoey said in a shy voice.

Jane's eyes widened in disbelief. "A little too early?" she asked, "Are you serious? If you don't get ready now, you'll be late!"

"I think that's a little too much," Zoey said, sitting up

"It would take a lot of time to put on your dress –"

"It's a tube, I'll just have to slip it on and zip it up at the back," Zoey jerked her head towards the dress Mrs. Weasley bought for her.

"What about your shoes?"

"It's not that hard to put on shoes…. uh," Zoey paused. She didn't know the name of this girl.

"It's Jane," she said with a smile, "What about makeup?"

Zoey held up the lip gloss. "Right here"

"Just a stick of lip gloss?" Jane asked, taking the stick and looking at Zoey, "Well, wow. You're really pretty. I guess that would do"

"T – Thanks. You're pretty too," Zoey blushed and scratched the back of her head, this was a first. She was not used to this, having a friend, or an acquaintance, in her own dorm. She liked it, Jane was a nice girl.

"You're welcome and thanks," Jane smiled, "What about your hair?"

Zoey ran a hand through her hair and looked at it. She had already taken a bath earlier and her hair was dry and fell into waves because she didn't brush it or tied it when she laid down on her pillow. "Isn't this okay?"

Jane shook her head and brought Zoey to her feet. "Come on, I'll help you"

And that's how Zoey had ended up sitting in front of the mirror, brushing her hair away. Jane had been a great help in the hair department while Zoey simply sat there and let the Hufflepuff do whatever to her hair and face. Zoey was in awe when she was finally allowed to look in the mirror. Her makeup was simple, Jane has stuck to her promise to just use the lip gloss and Zoey was shocked at what the tine stick of gloss could do. Her hair was untangled and fell into soft waves and her bangs were kept away from her face. Jane had removed Zoey's glasses and Zoey was shocked at how bright her gray eyes were.

"I should really look in the mirror more often," Zoey breathed out a laugh. Jane gave a giggle before helping Zoey into her dress and shoes. When all this was done, Jane held Zoey at an arm's length, studying her.

"That should be good," she said to her, "You're all ready for the Ball"

"Thanks for your help," Zoey smiled before looking at the clock hanging on the wall, "And would you look at that. We aren't even late"

After a small laugh, Jane waved good bye to Zoey and left the dorm, leaving Zoey alone. Zoey gave a small sigh before looking at the mirror once more. She picked up her glasses and placed them on. She tilted her head to the side and removed her glasses before placing them back on the table. She then took a good look at her dress.

It was simple yet elegant. Its colors were mainly of yellow except it had a black ribbon right under the breast. Black flowers were scattered all over her chest and ended somewhere near the end of the ribbon with only a stray flower exceeding it. Her shoes were three inches and were black as well. Zoey smiled. This dress was nice. She liked it.

Zoey looked back at the clock and gasp. She held up her dress a bit and dashed out of her dorm. She was going to be late in meeting up with Lee. Sure, some teachers had told their students that the boy should be picking the girl up but she and Lee had an agreement that they didn't really care about it. They were going to the Yule Ball as friends and just to have fun, no need for formalities.

Zoey gave a huff when she finally reached the Gryffindor Tower and waited for Lee, or a Gryffindor, to come out. She took out her wand, which her kept in a secret pocket of her dress, and waved it causing all her sweat and running odor to go away and to be replaced with her usual scent of coconut milk. She smiled at the result and kept her wand again just in time for the portrait of the Fat Lady, who was busy drinking and did not take notice of Zoey, to swing open.

"Oh, Hello Harry," Zoey greeted when she saw her god brother emerge from inside with his date beside him, "Hello, Parvati, you're looking lovely"

Parvati smiled in greeting and Zoey returned her attention back to Harry. "Someone's very dashing tonight," Zoey smiled before her eyes caught onto his bow tie. She gave a motherly sigh and fixed it, "Honestly, Harry, you should fix these sort of things before going out of the room. I mean, Parvati looks so beautiful tonight. You shouldn't looks shabby"

Harry gave small groan and pushed Zoey's hand away, fixing his own bow tie. Zoey gently swatted his hands and fixed it herself. "You should be happy, don't be such a grumpy puss," she paused and smoothed out the cloth on his shoulders, "There we go. Very handsome"

Harry then opened his mouth to say something to her but the door swung open again and Fred came out with Angelina on his arm. They were laughing. Zoey bit her lip and stepped aside along with Harry and Parvati to make room. She, Zoey, watched from the corner of her eye, Harry take Parvati's arm and led her to the direction of the Ball. Zoey looked back at Fred and Angelina; Angelina caught sight of her first.

"Wow, Zoey, you look beautiful," Angelina commented. Zoey smiled.

"You're looking very lovely yourself," she turned to Fred, "You clean up good"

Fred scoffed. "If I didn't know better, I would think that you were insulting me. Saying I looked like a boy in rags everyday"

"Not every day," Zoey rolled her eyes, "Every other day is more like it" She then let out a squeal as Fred reached over and threatened to mess up her hair.

"Hey, don't sabotage my date," Lee's voice came. Zoey looked over at him and saw him offering his hand, "Shall we, milady?" his asked in his best gentleman tone. Zoey saw Angelina stifle a laugh and Fred role his eyes with a grin.

"We shall," Zoey said with a small laugh in her voice before letting Lee lead her to the Ball.

When they finally reached the last step of the stairs Zoey saw the Triwizard Contestants standing at the door with their dates. Zoey raised a brow and saw that Viktor was the only one without a date. She looked back up the stairs and wondered where Hermione was. Suddenly, Zoey heard a bark and looked down in surprise.

There sat Shinji with his front paws on the last step of the stairs. His tongue lolling out and a tiny mint green hat falling to cover his eye every now and again, on his neck was a white bow tie.

"Hey there," Zoey said, picking up the pup and holding him in her hands, Angelina let go of Fred and petted Shinji. Lee gave a laugh and poked the hat so it went back to its proper place on Shinji's head. Zoey looked up at Fred and saw that he simply looked at the teacup poodle.

"You can pet him too, you know," Zoey smiled at him

Fred huffed. "No way, last time I checked, he was growling viscously at me"

"That's because of what you dead," Zoey pointed out, "I'm sure he's already forgiven you"

"Really…," Fred said suspiciously as he went to pat Shinji's head. Shinji's tail stopped wagging and barked at the Weasley. Fred instantly brought his hand back. "See!"

"He's just playing with you," Angelina cooed as Shinji faced her and licked her hand, "See? He's friendly!"

"Oi! Fred Weasley, What are you doing with my dog?" Bridgit's voice ran as she descended the stairs walking up to the group of four.

"I wasn't doing anything," Fred held his hands up, "That dog of yours just hates me!"

"Really now?" Bridgit said, petting her little teacup poodle, "Do you hate him?" Bridgit asked, pointing towards the only Weasley. Shinji let out a soft growl and Bridgit laughed. "Good boy!" she said, letting the teacup poodle lick her finger.

Lee and Angelina laughed.

"What in the world did you do to him?" Lee asked, patting Fred's shoulder.

"I wasn't the only one, George was in on it too," Fred grumbled before taking a look at Bridgit. She wore a mint green off shoulder dress and her hair was in a ponytail with some free strands framing his face. He looked back at the poodle before smirking at Bridgit. "What's this? Matching outfits? Don't tell me he's your date?"

"Fred!" Zoey scolded.

"Well, actually he is my date and I am sure he will be the cutest date in there," Bridgit answered, taking Shinji off of Zoey's hands, "Won't you Shinji?" she said, and Shinji barked in return.

Zoey gave a smile before McGonagall came into view ushering everyone, except for the four champions and their dates, into the Great Hall. Zoey stumbled a bit and looked behind her to see Hermione. Zoey's eyes widened.

"Whoa," she breathed out, getting the attention of Bridgit while Fred, Angelina and Lee entered the Hall, not knowing.

"She looks great doesn't she?" Bridgit said, as if expecting Hermione to look amazing, "And it looks as if Harry and Viktor's noticed it too," she added.

Zoey side glanced at the two champions and gave a small laugh. She then looked back at Bridgit. "Let's go in. The Champions are the first to dance aren't they?"

"Yes, and I find that rather unlucky for them," Bridgit said, entering the Great Hall with Zoey.

Zoey smiled and laughed once more before taking in the appearance of the Great Hall. It was magnificent, simply too grand for words and everywhere she looked, it was hard to describe each and everyone's dress robes and the like. She was simply in awe. It was Shinji's bark that brought her back to reality.

"Tell me, Bridgit, is Shinji really your date?" Zoey asked, petting the dog.

"Nope, I just said it to piss Fred off. I know he loves teasing me," Bridgit answered, petting the little dog as well.

"Speaking of Fred," Zoey began, stopping near Lee and the others, waiting for the champions to come out, "I took your advice… sort of"

"So you explained it to him?" Bridgit asked, looking at Zoey curiously.

Zoey opened her mouth to tell Bridgit what had taken place the day before but then the Great Hall's doors opened and out came the four champions, Fleur with Roger Davies, Viktor with Hermione, Cedric with Cho and Harry with Parvati. Zoey smiled seeing Harry being awkward while Parvati was simply beaming at the attention. The entrance music stopped when all the champions took their place in the middle of the hall and soon another song came out and they began to dance. Spinning, waltzing and lifting the girls in the air. All were simply graceful except.

"Harry looks like he's having a little trouble, don't you think?" Zoey asked Bridgit, seeing Harry constantly switch his hold on Parvati.

"Actually, I think it's because he's focusing on the girl on the other end of the dance floor," Bridgit answered, holding back a laugh. "Poor Parvati," she added.

Zoey shook her head and her eyes widened once more. Almost standing opposite of her was Echo, who was standing beside her date, Blaise Zabini. Echo's dress was of a light pink made out of layers of tulle and sequins at the bust. The neckline formed into a slight sweetheart, but it was strapless. The waistline was empire and the tulle flowed down to the floor. Her hair was put into a half-up do and curled with an addition of a small silver butterfly hairclip at the side. Echo's lengthy violet tresses cascaded halfway down her lower back.

"I think Ron looks ready to kill," Bridgit suddenly said, making Zoey look at Ron.

"What's got his wand in a knot?" she asked before blinking, "Did you see Echo? I mean, whoa. Her dress! I never thought… wow"

"I have an idea what…," Bridgit said, turning back to Zoey, "And yes, I saw Echo. I swear, I think she looks stunningly brilliant, but her dress color is something I will never like," Bridgit answered.

Zoey was going to say something back but then all the other students began to go to the dance floor to dance as well. Lee had approached the Emeraude and silently held out his hand, a grin on his face. Zoey gave Bridgit a 'see-you-later' look before accepting Lee's hand and followed him to the dance floor. When they reached their spot, that's when Lee began to look nervous.

"What's wrong?" Zoey asked.

"I've never, well, dance before," Lee said sheepishly, "Save for that one time when McGonagall oriented us."

"Really?" Zoey tilted her head and took Lee's hands in hers. She placed on of them on her waist and held the other in her hand, she placed her other hand on his shoulder. "It's easy," she reassured him, "Let's just do a simple waltz. No need for spinning or lifting"

Lee grinned. "How do you do that then?"

Zoey gave a laugh and began to sway, making Lee sway along with her.

"Oh," Lee said and just followed Zoey's lead. After a while, Zoey began to help him through other dances and even Lee successfully lifted Zoey in the air and brought her back to the ground safely. Zoey smiled at him and was going to tell him something except she was interrupted when the Great Hall's doors swung open and all eyes went to the person in the middle of the door frame. It was Mary Sue.

Mary Sue's dress had a princess-theme edge to it. It was strapless, like Zoey and Echo's dresses, and it was entirely pink, save for the little lines of silver at the scalloped design that consists of most of her dress, from bust till the small train of her dress. The waistline was natural, and a pink bow at the back was attached; the tails of it running until where her ankles were probably located. Mary Sue's hair was put into a half- up do like Echo's but there were no decorative additions. Her natural long wavy locks were curled slightly and grouped at the higher potion of the back of her head. It fell just above her bust.

Zoey watched as George walked up to her and held out his hand. Mary Sue smiled her sweet smile and accepted his hand.

"Way to make an entrance, huh?" Zoey blew a stray hair away from her face.

"Tell me about it," Lee said to her, spinning her out of view of Mary Sue.


After a few more dances with Lee, he brought Zoey to one of the tables and told her he was going to get them some drinks. Zoey gave him a wave and when he was out of view she turned and saw Echo sitting on the same table, Blaise chatting with Malfoy not too far away. Zoey raised a brow and slowly inched towards the Beaumont.

"Having fun so far?" Zoey asked, conversationally.

"I actually am," Echo said, "But not entirely"

"Saw Mary Sue?" Zoey asked sympathetically.

"That, and I was a completely brainless git towards George," she said

Zoey blinked. "Did you guys make up?"

"Didn't have a chance to," Echo looked down at her hands, which were placed on her lap.

"What? Why?" Zoey's eyes widened.

"Saw George in the Three Broomsticks," Echo started, "about to go at him when Mary Sue bounded and kissed him. I was disgusted."

Zoey's eyes widened and was meant to say something but she caught sight of George standing next to Mary Sue, a glum look on his face while Mary Sue chatted aimlessly, only stopping to give a seductive wave at any boy who passed by. Zoey squinted. Mary Sue didn't even like him.

"If it helps," Zoey began, "I bet George would have rather kissed you"

A blush instantly reddened Echo's cheeks, "Thanks," she muttered.

"You know, I think I'm going to make it happen," Zoey grinned, "The kiss I mean"

"What?" Echo looked up, shock evident on her face.

Zoey simply smiled. "I was asked to sing a couple of songs tonight, you know?" she merely said before standing back up and advancing towards George and Mary Sue, leaving Echo in the dark.

More and more students began to stop dancing and were walking around now. Zoey stopped several times and almost lost George, much to her panic. She was only a few feet away from him when realization struck her. How am I going to get rid of Mary Sue? She asked herself and just as the thought ended, Zoey caught sight of Bridgit standing next to a slightly creepy boy. Zoey bit her lip and made her way to the Ravenclaw.

"Bridgit," Zoey quickly said once she was near the girl, "I need your help"

"Huh? Oh, hey, Zoey, this is Michael by the way….," Bridgit said not trying to be rude, but her eyes showed relief.

"Hi," Michael said, as he waved at Zoey. Zoey politely greeted him back.

"So you need something?" Bridgit asked, hopeful that she could get away. "Help me! I hate dates… it's completely awkward," Bridgit added, whispering so only Zoey would hear.

"Great. I'll help you so you could help me in return," Zoey said and quickly turned her attention to Michael, not giving Bridgit anytime to respond. "Uhm… Is it alright if I can steal Bridgit away from you for a while? Ten minutes at most. I promise"

"Uhm, sure. I'll just go hang out with Terry then," Michael said, giving Bridgit a smile and walking away.

Zoey gave him an appreciative wave before grasping Bridgit's hand and walking slowly towards George and Mary Sue.

"Okay, now I owe you what do you need? Oh, and if you need help getting Echo and George together, I'm in… and no I am not using Legitimacy, I just noticed how Echo was glaring, " Bridgit now said, letting out a breath

"I need you to keep Mary Sue away from George at all times," Zoey told her, glad she didn't need to tell Bridgit what she needed her help in.

"How do I do that? I hate the girl to bits!" Bridgit asked.

"I don't know," Zoey said in a rush, "Just think of something!"

"Oh! I got an idea! Make sure to keep George away from the Garden!" Bridgit said, clasping both of Zoey's hands.

"Perfect. Now go!" Zoey pushed Bridgit towards Mary Sue and before the perfect princess and George could react, Zoey quickly took hold of George's hands and began to drag him away.

"Whoa, Zoey, what are you doing?" George stumbled a bit, still in shock.

"Go on and ask Echo to dance," Zoey pushed him to the Veela but George quickly dug his foot to the ground, not moving

"Are you mental?" he asked, "No!"

"Don't worry about it!" Zoey continued to push him, "Mary Sue will be fine, she just wanted to get a breath of fresh air"

"That's not the point. Echo hates me," George looked over his shoulder to look at Zoey.

Zoey whined. "No she doesn't. Just trust me and go – ask – her – to – dance!" she gave George one final shove causing him to stumble over to Echo. Zoey gave a triumphant smile before dashing to the stage.


Fred caught sight of Lee sitting on one of the tables with two glasses placed behind him. He didn't look disappointed with Zoey not around. In fact he just wore a smile on his face as he looked around.

"What's up mate?" Fred asked, taking a seat beside him, "Zoey finally ditch you?"

Lee gave him a dry laugh. "What about you? Angelina got tired of you now?"

"She's with Katie and Alicia," Fred laughed, "So, where's Zoey?"

"Not sure," Lee shrugged, "But, man, can that girl dance"

Fred didn't say anything but merely looked at everyone else who was dancing. He knew she danced well; he just wanted to be the one who danced with her. Lee looked over at his friends and patted his shoulder comfortingly. "You should ask her to dance," he told him.

"What?" Fred asked, surprised, "But she's your date"

"So? No rules that we can't dance with other people, is there?" Lee grinned, "Besides, if you dance with her then I could dance with Angelina," Lee wiggled his eyebrows.

Fred gave a laugh before thumping his friend on the arm. "Real suave of you," he told him, "Anyway, if I am going to ask her. I should know where she is first"

Lee furrowed his eyebrows. "Well –" he stopped. The music was cut and everyone stopped dancing and looked towards the stage. His and Fred's eyes widened to see Zoey standing on the stage with the microphone in front of her.


Zoey bit her lip as she held the microphone in her hand and looked around. Everyone was looking at her. She began to feel her legs shake. She has done it before, when she was in Diagon Ally but at that time she didn't know who was looking at her and Bridgit was with her too. Now, she was alone. She took in a deep breath and saw Echo and George. It seemed like they were about to have an argument but she could sense that something different was going to happen. She took a breath.

"Err – Good Evening, everyone," she began awkwardly, "I don't know if you know me – well, I've been asked to do a few songs so… yeah" Zoey then looked at the band and gave them a smile. Music began to play and Zoey was glad that it filled the awkward silence of the Great Hall. She began to sway to the beat, looking towards George and Echo.

George looked at Zoey with disbelief before looking back at Echo. She was not looking at him, her arms were crossed and was just watching Zoey. George began to feel nervous and looked at Zoey as well. Zoey caught his look and widened her eyes at him almost as if trying to send him a message through her mind, a message saying 'Go dance with her!' George looked away and gulped, staying where he was until Zoey began to sing.

"There you see her

Sitting her across the way"

George shook his head slightly and turned his attention towards Echo. His eyes widened in awe. Why didn't he notice it before? She simply looked amazing tonight; even a blind git could see that. George mentally kicked himself. Who was he kidding? She looked amazing even in sweats.

"She don't got a lot to say

But there's something about her."

George sucked up his pride and held his hand to her. Echo looked at him with wide eyes. She didn't expect him to do this, she felt her cheeks flush.

"And you don't know why

But you're dying to try

You wanna kiss the girl."

George offered a smile and Echo returned it, cheeks still red.

"May I have this dance?" he asked, and Echo merely nodded not trusting her voice at the moment.

"Yes, you want her.

Look at her you know you do."

George led Echo to the center of the dance floor and it seemed like they were going to be the first couple who was going to dance, seeing as the others were too busy looking at Zoey and wondering what she was singing. The Weasley siblings; however, were looking at George and smirking in the inside, even Ron who was in a bad mood until then

"It's possible she wants you too

There's one way to ask her"

George placed his hands on Echo's waist while Echo placed hers on his shoulder. They started to sway to the song, and Zoey smiled as she saw the pair and felt her nervousness fade away. Her plan had worked and she couldn't wait to see the end result. She took another breath and continued to sing.

"It don't take a word, not a single word

Go on and Kiss the girl, kiss the girl"

"You really do look amazing tonight Echo." George leaned down a bit and whispered, making Echo smile.

"You don't look too bad yourself gidiot." Echo answered, making George smile.

"I'll take that as a compliment" George said as they continued to sway to the music

"Shalalalala

My oh my

Looks like the boy's too shy

Ain't gonna kiss the girl"

Zoey saw George look over at her and she couldn't help but give him a wink. She watched as his face turned a shade of red and she bit back a laugh. He looked back at Echo.

"Are you okay George? You seem a bit red." Echo asked, knowing well what Zoey was trying to do.

"Shalalalala

Ain't that sad

It's such a shame, too bad"

"I'm fine; it's just a bit hot in here," George answered, ignoring his beating heart, making Echo let out a soft laugh.

"Okay then..." She said, looking straight into George's eyes.

"You're gonna miss the girl

Go on and Kiss the girl, kiss the girl."

Zoey took another breath and watched as other couples began to move to the dance floor and sway to the music as well. She scanned the Hall and saw Neville and Ginny in the crowd, she also saw Parvati and Padma. Zoey's eyes widened and looked for Harry and Ron. When she spotted them, she found Fred as well. She felt her face heat up when she saw he was looking at her. She offered him a smile, though thinking he wouldn't see her sending it to him, before looking back at the pair, Echo and George, she held in another laugh seeing Lee and Angelina dancing not too far from them.

From where Zoey was standing she could almost make out a small conversation being exchanged from the Ravenclaw and the Gryffindor, wanting to lighten up the mood, Zoey slowly brought out her wand and gave it a small wave.

"Now's your moment

Floating in a blue lagoon"

The lights in the room dimmed a bit and the color of the lights changed to that of a light pink to set a romantic image. She, Zoey, looked over at the teachers and saw that they didn't mind so much. She gave a sigh of relief before turning her attention back at the pair and saw that they were both blushing, that or the pink lights were playing tricks on her eyes.

"Boy, you better do it soon

The time will be better"

George then moved his hands from Echo's waist and took hold of her hand, spinning her. When she spun right back into his arms he breathed in a familiar scent of raspberries and mint. He remembered growing up with that smell. George had to admit, he missed his childhood friend.

"She don't say a word

And she won't say a word

Until you kiss the girl, kiss the girl"

George gazed deeply into Echo's golden orbs and he felt himself being drawn in by her stare. His heart was beating faster and he simply couldn't ignore it anymore. Without his knowledge, Echo was feeling the same way staring into his eyes.

"Shalalalala

My oh my

Looks like the boy's too shy

Ain't gonna kiss the girl"

"Why did we fight again?" George asked, after a moment's silence. It simply wasn't like him to be silent during a dance. He was George Weasley for crying out loud! There has to be a conversation going on.

"Something about your stupidity..." Echo answered, making George laugh. He wasn't George if he stayed quiet for more than five minutes and it wasn't Echo if she didn't insult his intelligence every once in a while, or eating but that was for the both of them.

"Of course, because you can never act stupid can you?" George raised a brow

"It's against me to be stupid" Echo playfully scoffed.

"Shalalalala

Ain't that sad

It's such a shame too bad

You're gonna miss the girl"

With their witty words, jokes and laughter in their dance, they paid no mind to everyone around them. This was their dance and theirs alone. No one could bother them and they simply didn't care if they bother others. Frankly, everyone else was lost in their own partners loving gaze to pay any mind to Echo and George.

Everyone was having a nice time with their own schools romance to mind anyone else. That is, except for the remaining Weasley brothers.

"I'm betting you that they snog somewhere near or at the end of the song," Fred said, facing Ron. He didn't have anyone to dance with and even though he was happy for his twin, he was also bored. If he couldn't dance or joke around, might as well rob his younger brother.

Ron's eyes widened. "No way, like George would ever do that," he dug into the his ancient dress robes' pockets, "You're on"

"It's a bet then," Fred smirked, shaking Ron's hand.

"Shalalalala

Don't be scared

You better be prepared

Go on and kiss the girl"

Though Zoey continued to watch the happy pair, and was glad that they weren't fighting she was also beginning to get annoyed from the lack of reaction from the both of them. The song and the atmosphere were screaming for something yet the two just didn't seem to hear the message. Zoey gave her wand another wave and a spot light, that was tinted pink, shone right on the lovely couple, or yet to be couple.

The spot light was a different shade of pink and seemed to stand out from Zoey's point of view but it wasn't the eye-catching to throw a commotion. Zoey was beginning to wonder if she was playing cupid. It seemed oddly unlike her.

"Shalalalala

Don't stop now

Don't try to hide it

How you wanna kiss the girl

Go on and kiss the girl, kiss the girl"

George and Echo blushed as the spotlight hit on them. They looked around and saw that they were the only ones receiving it. It was either someone was behind all this or something was off with the lighting. They went for the latter.

"Oh kiss the girl, kiss the girl

Lalalala, Lalalala

Go on and kiss the girl

Lalalala, Lalalala"

George returned his attention back to Echo and couldn't help looking at her lips, her soft pink lips. Without his knowledge, he began to lean in.

"Lalalala, Lalalala

Go on and kiss the girl"

Echo, seeing George leaning in, began to lean in as well. She didn't intend to but it just felt right to do so. Her mind wasn't taking control now, her heart was.

"Shalalalala

My oh my"

Closer and closer they went until she felt his breath on her face, that's when her eye fluttered close. It didn't seem like a single second past when she felt a pair of soft lips on top of her own. A jolt ran through her body and she instantly wrapped her arms around George's neck while he pulled her closer by her waist.

"Looks like the boy's too shy

Ain't gonna kiss the girl"

The lyrics now held no message for George to hear. She no longer needed to urge him to do just as the song was saying. George had done it and Echo had returned it. Everything was right. Zoey felt herself smirking as she tore her gaze away from the two and caught sight of Ron giving Fred some money. She raised a brow at them

"Shalalalala

Ain't that sad

It's such a shame

Too bad, you're gonna miss the girl"

George felt like he was on top of the world. He forgot about Mary Sue, and he forgot they were in a public place. He forgot about everything and every bother. All that mattered was that he and Echo were alright. They were finally friends and judging by the kiss, something more.

"Lalalala, Lalalala

Go on and kiss the girl

Go on and kiss the girl"

When the two finally broke apart, George offered Echo a smile, and Echo returned it. They embraced each other lovingly and the feeling of contentment ran through their body as they continued to sway to the music.

"Lalalala, Lalalala

Go on and kiss the girl

Go on and kiss the girl"

George and Echo were now happy, no fight and no confusion. It was just them. Zoey felt herself smile seeing her friends finally together, that is if they were going to make it official. She felt her eyes role. Of course they were going to be official!

"Kiss the girl

Kiss the girl

Go on and kiss the girl"

Zoey ended the song and pulled the mike away from her mouth, giving a tired smile. She felt no need to speak to the crowd and instead thanked the band before descending down the stage. She wasn't able to catch George and Echo leaning in for another kiss but she was able to hear a hair standing shriek. Actually, everyone could hear the shriek.

Each and every person in the Hall turned to the door and saw Mary Sue burst right in except she didn't look as radiant as before. Her dress was muddy at the bottom and her dress was a mess. Her makeup looked like it belonged to a witch and frankly she no longer looked picture perfect.

"What the –" George began as both he and Echo were trying to stop their laughter.

Soon after Mary Sue trudged away from the door, Bridgit came in and stuffed her wand in the boots that she was apparently wearing.

She gave Zoey a thumbs-up and Zoey mouthed a 'thank you' towards her before advancing towards the new couple, together with Fred.

"This doesn't look good," Zoey whispered, seeing Mary Sue trudged towards them

"Georgie baby," Mary Sue said in a fake teary voice, "Look at what that witch," she pointed at Bridgit, "Did to me!"

"It looks like an improvement to me," George said with a shrug while Fred snickered.

Mary Sue gaped at him before looking over at Echo. "Hey, get your hands off of him!"

"Like you could tell me what to do," Echo snarled

"Of course I can. I'm his girlfriend," Mary Sue huffed, "Tell her to get off, Georgie - poo"

Zoey made a face. "What kind of nickname is that?" she wrinkled her nose, "You're calling him crap"

"Nice," Fred snickered

"Girlfriend?" Echo scoffed, "More like Girl-fiend"

"Hmm… Girlfriend? Was that ever established?" George feigned a thought

"Come one, Georgie – poo, tell her the truth," Fred batted his eyelashes at his twin

"What truth?" Mary Sue glared

"Well," George picked a leaf out of Mary Sue's hair, "To tell you the truth, I don't even know why I asked you. You aren't really my type"

"What?" Mary Sue asked in rage, "How can I not be your type? I'm everyone's type!"

"Really? Fred, was she ever your type?" Zoey faced Fred.

Fred wrinkled his nose. "I'm not one for a mossy shampoo type. Are you Georgie?"

"Nah," George brought Echo closer to him and kissed the type of her head, "The truth is, Mary Sue, we were never together, never will be and –"

"You should get lost," Zoey ended for him with a sweet smile.

"In. Your. Putrid. Face" Echo smirked.

Mary Sue looked amongst all of them with her eyes wide in disbelief before letting out a loud shriek, shaking as she did so, before storming off. Everyone's eyes followed her to the door and flinched when the door made a loud slam. No one spoke after her departure until Dumbledore clapped his hands.

"Shall we continue?" he asked with a smile.

The students cheered and music began to play once more.

The group of friends walked away from the dance floor and settled down on one of the free tables. Zoey smiled at the couple before her eyes widened in realization.

"You should thank Bridgit," Zoey whispered to Echo, "She kept Mary Sue away"

"Where is she anyway?" Echo queried.

"Over there," Zoey pointed, "Near – err – What's his name? Mikey? He's in your house. Slightly creepy boy"

"Never knew about him," Echo muttered before leaving George's side and quietly approached Bridgit.

"Where's she off to?" George asked Zoey

Zoey smiled and shrugged before looking back at the dancing students.


"Hey, Michael, thanks for taking care of Shinji for awhile," Bridgit said, offering him a smile. Michael handed her the small teacup poodle and Bridgit gave her dog a smile.

"Bridgit?" a voice called from behind her.

"Hmm?" Bridgit hummed turning around and felt herself grow nervous at the sight of Echo, "Oh… Hey, Echo…," said awkwardly.

"Thank you, you know, for distracting Mary Sue and doing all those stuff I would have dreamed to have done to her," Echo gave an apologetic smile before continuing, "Sorry I was insensible git for no understanding you back then:

"It's alright," Bridgit said, offering her a smile, "and you would have loved to have seen what I did to her…," Bridgit added, grinning like a maniac.

"Friends?" Echo's smile grew wider

"Friends," Bridgit answered, smiling back

Out of nowhere, from an unknown impulse, Echo stepped closer to Bridgit and hugged her. Bridgit was shocked by the sudden action, but hugged her friend back. All was right again


Zoey smiled, watching her friends hug from afar and sighed in relief. All was right again in the world. Everything but, she looked at Fred, her own little problems. She shook her head. She couldn't worry about that now. She was here to have a great time. She scanned the crowd and saw Lee and Angelina dancing once more, she gave a small laugh. Maybe, just maybe, there would be another couple made tonight. Zoey stood up and smiled at the twins before silently jerking her head towards Harry, who was sitting not too far from them with a sulking Ron and an angered looking Hermione.

"It seems like something's going to happen there," she told them, "I'll have to go check"

The twins looked over to the Golden Trio and smirked.

"Good luck with that," Fred told her

"They fight like an old married couple," George added

"Don't jinx it," Zoey warned, "You and Echo might turn out like them. After all you both are older"

Before George could reply Zoey turned around and walked towards the Gryffindor fourth years. If she stayed a little longer she could have probably heard George telling Fred to ask her to dance while there was still time, sadly Zoey was far from earshot by then.

By the time Zoey reached the trio Hermione was storming away from Ron while Ron followed her, seeming to want to continue their fight. Harry just sat there, looking away from his friends.

"A little drama on your side of the friendship wheel?" Zoey asked, sitting beside her god brother.

"What?" Harry asked

Zoey shook her head. "Just me and my euphemisms," she told him before looking at the dancing crowd, "Parvati leave you?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, with some Beauxbatons bloke," he told her gloomily, except the gloom didn't seem to come from the fact that his date left him.

"That's too bad," Zoey whistled a bit before getting an idea. She quickly stood back up and took Harry's hands in hers. Harry looked at her with wide eyes when she brought him to his full height.

"What are you –"

"Let's dance," Zoey told him with a smile, and without waiting for an answer, dragged him to the dance floor and guided his hands to her waist as she placed hers on his shoulders. She then led him to a sway.

"Zoey," Harry sighed, "I don't want to dance. I'm not in the mood"

"Aww," Zoey pouted, "It's just one dance," she then caught sight of Cedric and Cho dancing not too far away. She looked back at Harry and saw him looking at Cho. She gave a sympathetic smile.

"You're not in the mood because you aren't dancing with the person you want to dance with," Zoey told him, slowing down their already slow sway.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry looked away from Cho and to the ground.

"No need to hide things," Zoey said, "You like Cho and you want to dance with her but the thing is she's already with Cedric"

Harry grumbled. "So what?"

Zoey leaned down and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't be such a grumpy wumpy. You'll get wrinkles faster. Just enjoy the night and see what's in front of you"

"You mean you?" Harry let out a smile, "I'm sorry, Zoey, you aren't really my type"

"What's up with types these days?" Zoey rolled her eyes, "And no, not me"

"Then, Fred?"

"What?"

"Hullo, Harry!" Fred's voice came from behind Zoey and she gasped in surprise, "Don't mind if I take Zoey away from her do you?"

Harry shook his head and placed his hands at his side. "She's all yours," he told him with a smirk and stepped away. Zoey gave him a questioning look before feeling Fred's hand wrap around hers. She looked up at him with a blush already on her cheeks.

"Care to have the last dance of the night with me?" Fred smiled at her.

"That would be nice," she returned his smile and followed him as he led her to another place in the dance floor. She placed her hands on his shoulders while he placed his on her waist. They began to sway. The song had no lyrics yet the tune spoke to them. Zoey began to hum along and placed her head on his chest.

"I'm so happy for Echo and George," she told him in a quiet voice, listening to his heart beat and blocking out the song.

Fred hummed in response. "First couple among the friends," he said to her, "Lee is going to be next."

Zoey nodded and looked up at him. "It could have been us," she told him, "Do you regret it? You know liking me? Cause… I have so many problems and those problems keep us away from each other and I was being selfish telling you to wait for me and all and I don't want you to do that – Well, I do but it isn't fair and I'm so helpless and pathetic causing drama here and there and –" and began to go on and on her words spewing out faster and faster and it seemed like she was beginning to get dizzy from her own words.

"Zoe… Zoey… Zoey!"

"What?" Zoey's head swirled a bit, Fred laughed.

"You're rambling… or maybe babbling. Either way. Stop, you're going to hurt yourself," he grinned.

"Sorry," Zoey blushed.

Fred laughed again and twirled her before bringing her back to him.

"And no, I don't regret any of this," he whispered to her, "I know there are things that stop us from being you know together, I don't care. It's not your fault and I still believe that we can overcome them"

"But –"

"Let's not do this right now," Fred said, "I think we've had enough drama as it is"

Zoey laughed, "I suppose you're right," she then leaned her head back on his chest and listened to his heartbeat mixing with the music.


OH. MY. GOD

LONGEST

CHAPTER

EVER!

First and before most. I want to thank HAYLEYPARADOX and ZOOMSAKTER14 for helping me out and ZOOMSKATER14 for the awesome idea for the GECHO moment

Also, I want to dedicate part of this chapter to OddSakura for requesting a Harry - Zoey moment. Hope you liked it

I hope you ALL liked this chapter.

To be honest, I thought this would be shorter than most but turns out it is now the LONGEST chapter I have.

O_O

Also, there is an error in the dress links so I want to tell you guys that those are unavailable and I have to delete them so... yeah... Sorry

ISolemnlySwearIAmUpToNoGood = Thank you for the offer. I'll message you whenever I need help :) It's very kind of you

Well, there's nothing more to say I guess seeing as this is long enough as it is.

Now for my final words:

I hope you enjoyed the chapter

Please excuse the typos and the like

Please DO tell me what you think

Don't forget to review and the like

Stay tuned for the next chapter

and

I only own what I own