Chapter 5: Advice on Girls

Another year or so passed. Soon, Harry was beginning his fourth year and Angelina her sixth. Over the previous summer, Harry had really grown; Angelina couldn't help but notice his lanky height, or how playing Quidditch had really developed his muscles….

The new term was quickly thrown into whack when Harry was chosen as an unprecedented fourth champion in the Triwizard Tournament, which Hogwarts was hosting. He got through the First Task all right, but he soon had a much bigger problem. He would have to ask someone to the Yule Ball, especially as it was tradition for the Champions to start the first dance.

And, to Angelina, it was clear who Harry wanted to ask.

She had watched him eyeing the Cho Chang girl in Ravenclaw for weeks. Personally, Angelina was put off, if nothing else, because Cho was the Ravenclaw Seeker. However, she tried to put her opinions aside when Harry came up to her in the Common Room one day.

"I want to ask Cho Chang to the Ball, but I don't know how to go about it. Would you help me?"

Angelina put down her book and stood from the couch. "The key is to make it seem as casual as possible. You do not want to make her feel uncomfortable, or pressure her into saying yes. Here. Pretend I'm Cho."

And for the next few hours, they role-played, Harry asking Angelina (as Cho) if she would fancy going to the Yule Ball with him. Angelina nodded when she was convinced he had it down.

"You're ready. Now go get her!"

A few hours later, Harry met up with Angelina in the Great Hall for dinner. One look at his face, and the Gryffindor Chaser could tell the conversation had not succeeded.

"I'm sorry," she offered up, taking his hand as he sat down.

"It's not your fault," Harry mumbled. "She's going with Cedric Diggory."

Already taken by another Champion? That's gotta hurt even worse, Angelina thought, turning back to her place. She glanced up to see Harry's brow creased in thought. She put down her fork.

"What?" she asked, both curious and amused.

"Angelina….. we're best mates. Would you be fine with going to the Ball with me?"

Angelina smirked. "Turning my teachings back on me, Potter? Clever."

Harry grinned sheepishly. Angelina chuckled. "Yes, all right, then. Pick me up at seven on Christmas Eve." She got up and patted his shoulder. "See you back in the Common Room."