A/N: This is the shortest chapter out of all of those for the 4th year — the Yule Ball was simply too long for a single chapter and the best dividing point left this chapter a bit short.
Recommendation: This chapter's recommended fic is "Inspected by No 13" by Clell65619. The "power he knows not" is... bureaucracy! Clell has written some hilarious fics and this is one of the more amusing.
Chapter 13 - Get Ready: Yule Ball, Part 1
Friday, December 25, 1994, Christmas Evening.
Neville Longbottom stood in the Gryffindor common room waiting for his Yule Ball date, Jasmine Potter. The two of them had chosen this as his waiting spot instead of down in the Great Hall because once Jasmine joined him, they would then watch for the entrance of Hermione Granger — the person Jasmine actually wanted to go to the ball with but couldn't because of magical society's bias against same-sex couples.
This would allow the three of them to walk to the Great Hall together, thus giving the two witches the chance to pretend that they were walking to the ball as a couple rather than merely as friends. It was a poor substitute for being able to enjoy an actual date, but the intense bigotry of magical Britain didn't provide them with many options.
Half an hour before the official start of the ball, Jasmine descended the steps from the girls' dorm wearing her blue dress. It fit her well, but she was sure that everyone could tell she wasn't entirely comfortable in it. When she had first put it on she kept tugging at it because of how it pinched in unexpected places. She probably never would have bothered getting a dress if Mrs. Weasley hadn't dragged her to Diagon Alley just before school started, though in retrospect it was probably for the best because she hadn't seen anything in Hogsmeade that she liked any better.
Jasmine's discomfort with wearing a dress was hardly surprising, since it was the first time she'd ever worn a real dress like this: the Dursleys had certainly never bought her anything like it and never would have taken her to a nice event regardless. She was at least lucky that as a girl, she hadn't been forced to wear nothing but Dudley's oversized cast-offs while growing up.
Feeling a bit self-conscious as she walked up to Neville and trying to be far more graceful and feminine than she usually managed, Jasmine smiled and said, "Hey. You're looking good — quite dapper, in fact."
After finally closing his mouth, Neville managed to regain the power of speech. "Wow, Jasmine, you look absolutely stunning. I don't think I've ever seen you look so good. You're certainly better than any of the other girls who have come down so far."
Unused to such compliments, Jasmine stared down at her feet and shyly mumbled, "Thanks."
Reaching down to the table next to him, he picked up one of the wrist corsages the girls had purchased from Magical Blooms in Hogsmeade. He had already ensured that Viktor had the second for Hermione. After he placed it on Jasmine's wrist, they both watched it for a few moments as it shifted to match the color scheme of Jasmine's dress. When he had first been shown the lilies, Neville was so fascinated that he became determined to figure out how it was done — and to eventually improve upon it. Given his flair for herbology and magical plants, his friends were looking forward to seeing the results.
"So, how are you feeling?" Neville asked. "Ready for the ball?"
Jasmine gave him a withering glare. "How do I feel? Plucked, that's how I feel."
Neville simply raised one eyebrow at that, and Jasmine continued, "And no, I don't mean that in a good way. I feel... plucked up. Plucked off."
"You're not going to let that go, are you?" Neville asked warily.
"Oh, hell no. I'm milking it for all it's worth. I figure I got until Sunday until it's completely worn out. I swear, Hermione is a menace with those tweezers! And then Lavender taught her this special witch's plucking spell! You should see how red my..."
"No!" Neville suddenly said in a panic, eyes going wide. "I don't want to know. I believe you, really I do!"
Grinning, Jasmine retorted, "Wuss. I went through a lot of pain and suffering to become your date. The least you could do is share some of it vicariously."
Narrowing his eyes, Neville held her gaze for a moment before saying, "Yeah? Well...pluck you."
"Ha!" Jasmine barked in laughter before clapping him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit!"
Ron jogged by while Jasmine was still laughing, and Neville called out to him, "Where are you going in such a hurry?"
Calling back over his shoulder while trying to smooth out his still-wet hair, Ron answered, "Gotta pick up my date at the entrance to Ravenclaw dorms." Just as quickly as he had appeared, he was gone.
"Do you know who he's taking as his date?" Jasmine asked.
"Nope, I only know that Ginny arranged it," Neville answered. "After you stormed out the other evening, she grabbed her brother and gave him a lesson on how to treat girls — with the lesson delivered at wand point, if I'm not mistaken. I think she might have left a couple of scars, too. He must have passed his lesson, because that was the requirement before she would set him up with a friend of hers. Apparently it's a Ravenclaw friend, but I have no idea what her name is."
"I guess we'll see her when we're down at the Ball, then," Jasmine responded. "Do you think he ever learned to dance?"
Neville grimaced. "You weren't around, but Professor McGonagall offered some basic dancing lessons to any Gryffindors who needed them. I didn't go, obviously, but I heard the stories from Dean and Seamus. She talked about young wizards being lordly lions waiting to pounce or something, and that made everyone nervous. Then she picked Ron to be her partner while showing everyone else what to do."
Jasmine's eyes grew wide at this, and she struggled to hold in her laughter. "Ron?" she asked. "What possessed her to do that?"
"I have no idea," Neville said, shaking his head. "Dean said that Ron went white as a sheet, and when he finally did join her on the dance floor, she had to physically move his hand to put it on her waist — he refused to do it himself!"
Jasmine couldn't hold back her snort at that bit of news, but Neville wasn't done. "Then, once he was in position, he barely moved! It was like he was frozen in place, looking at her like she was the lion waiting to eat him!" Jasmine had one hand over her mouth and the other clutched tight to her stomach, holding in her laughs, when Neville suddenly poked her in her arm and then pointed up to the top of the steps that led to the girls' dorms.
When Jasmine looked, her breath left her in a gasp as she saw Hermione, who had clearly waited until Jasmine noticed her. The brunette witch stood there for a few seconds before slowly descending the stone steps. Although she had only ever attended formal functions with her parents a few times in her life, her mother had trained her well in how to move in a dress and heels, so Hermione's descent was done with far more grace and elegance than most girls of her age — and certainly more than Jasmine knew herself to be capable of.
The cascading ruffles created an enchanting effect as Hermione walked, and the jewelry which Jasmine had given her earlier in the day sparkled amazingly in the candle and firelight. Jasmine sucked in her breath and felt as though her heart must have stopped. For that short time while Hermione came down into the common room and approached her, nothing else existed in the universe — there was just her and the vision approaching her.
Merlin, Jasmine thought, what's happening to me? I already knew what her dress looked like. I helped her squeeze into it! I was there when she tamed her hair and put on her makeup. I gave her the jewelry. Why do I feel like this is the first time I've ever seen her, even though I left her not a couple of minutes ago?
Finally reaching her two friends, Hermione demurely said, "Hello." Neville returned her greeting while Jasmine simply gaped at her. Reaching out, Hermione placed a single finger underneath Jasmine's chin and closed her mouth with an audible clack. "Flies, luv."
Neville rolled his eyes and began to pull Jasmine towards the common room exit. "Let's go," he said softly, "before Jasmine makes a scene here in public by jumping you." Hermione laughed at Jasmine's ensuing pout, and once they were all outside in the corridor, Jasmine took her place in between the other two. This allowed her to hook arms with both — her official date on one side and her secret girlfriend on the other.
The three Gryffindors took as much time as they reasonably could to walk down to the entrance to the Great Hall where Viktor was waiting to be Hermione's escort. They knew that once they stepped into that public spotlight, Jasmine and Hermione would have to separate and stay separated unless they could find a place that provided absolute privacy. They weren't sure if that was even going to be possible, so they made a point of savoring what little time they had.
Friday, December 25, 1994, Yule Ball.
Standing in the Hogwarts Entry Hall, Viktor Krum waited patiently for the arrival of his date to the Yule Ball. In the past there had usually been a lot of pressure on him during these sorts of events, both because he was a Quidditch star and because he wanted to make a good impression on whoever his date was.
This time that wasn't as much of an issue, though. He was still a public figure as both a Quidditch star and now the Triwizard Champion for Durmstrang, yet he didn't have the additional pressure of needing to impress the girl accompanying him. They were only going together as friends, and since he had gotten to know Hermione Granger fairly well, he was already comfortable with her.
He had been worried about being pressed by fangirls who wanted to date him...and then would want something more. In the past he occasionally indulged in such attention, but ever since getting engaged to his long-time girlfriend Yulia, he had worked hard to avoid temptation. Finding out about Hermione, the muggleborn witch who cared more about books than socializing and not at all about Quidditch, had been a stroke of luck.
Overall he had to count himself fortunate. Not only did it look like he'd be forming a decent friendship with her, but he seemed to be doing the same with her friends — including fellow Triwizard Champion Jasmine Potter. Speak of the devil, Viktor thought to himself as his gaze moved to the steps leading into the castle's upper floors, there the three of them come now. Interesting that they all have their arms hooked together — and that Jasmine is in the middle instead of Neville.
Viktor thought that Jasmine was quite the conundrum. She was famous as The Girl Who Lived yet seemed to shun attention. At first he had assumed like most everyone else that she must have cheated to get her name in the cup, but he soon changed his mind when he observed how much she disliked being a champion. He also grew to become outraged over how the school, both students and staff, had treated her — she didn't deserve that sort of harassment. He had considered saying something, but he hadn't thought it was his place. If nothing else, this tournament was giving him a low opinion of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore, and Britain.
"Good evening, Miss Granger," he said as he bowed to his date, hiding his shocked expression at the incredibly beautiful and expensive jewelry she was wearing. I never got the impression that her family was that wealthy, he thought. Then, when he got a closer look at the necklace, he amended his conclusion, No, that's all magical in origin — and from an old, wealthy family, too, I suspect. Where could it have come from?
Viktor presented her with her own corsage and attached it to her wrist before offering his arm for her to take, noting the lingering look she seemed to give Jasmine, who remained at her own date's side. He'd been wondering about their relationship. He'd heard from conversations around the castle that the two were close friends who had been on some vaguely-described adventures over the past three years. Sometimes, they seem to be closer than any other two simple friends I've ever known. Another mystery about Jasmine Potter, I suppose.
"Attention, everyone," came Professor McGonagall's brusque voice over the din of chattering students. "If you're a champion or a champion's date, come wait over here at the side with me. Everyone else, please make your way into the Great Hall and find a seat at a table." The volume of the chattering went down a little, but not much else happened.
"We cannot get started until all of you are inside and seated," McGonagall added more loudly, "so get moving!" That got people's attention, and the crowd started flowing out of the Entrance Hall and into the Great Hall. Soon the area was clear, with just the champions, their dates, and a few adults left behind.
"Champions," McGonagall stated as she approached their group, "once the others are seated it will be time for you to enter. Let's see... Miss Delacour, you will enter first with Mr. Davies, followed by Mr. Krum and Miss Granger, followed then by Mr. Diggory with Miss Chang, and finally Miss Potter with Mr. Longbottom. When you are announced to the guests, you are to enter the hall and make your way up to the table reserved for champions, tournament officials, and VIPs. After dinner is finished, the eight of you will go to the dance floor, where you will open the ball with a waltz."
Professor McGonagall looked at each of the students in front of her to ensure that they all understood her instructions so far. "Once that opening waltz is completed, the evening is your own. You'll have no more official duties — aside, of course, from upholding the honor of your schools by maintaining proper standards of behavior and decorum. Am I understood?"
All the champions and their dates voiced their agreement before the transfiguration professor finished up by saying, "Very well, I'll go into the Great Hall now to make sure that everyone is settled there. Listen so you don't miss me calling your names." McGonagall then turned and went through the doors into the hall, leaving the students alone for a few minutes.
Jasmine was pleased to note that even the older students looked a bit nervous — except for Roger Davies, who seemed a bit too... focused on Fleur to be thinking of anything else. Jasmine wondered if he was starting to feel the effects of Fleur's allure. Now that she knew about it, she was sure she could detect the allure in the air when Fleur was close, but she hadn't had any problems with being influenced by it. I wonder if my being able to perceive her allure is due to my preference for girls, Jasmine asked herself, or if it's normal for girls to be able to sense it?
At any rate, their obvious apprehension made her feel a bit less immature for being nervous herself. Guessing that everyone was probably too on edge to speak, Jasmine decided it was up to her to break the ice and chose a topic she hoped they could all relate to — and one that would make them all feel like they were on the same side. "Does anyone else find it odd that they didn't bother to announce this event until two weeks before it was to be held — and that they decided to hold it on Christmas Day, of all dates? How many students had intended to spend the holidays with family? They couldn't have done a better job if they were trying to be deliberately inconsiderate and rude."
The others were shocked at the bluntness coming from the youngest champion, and even Fleur Delacour gave an unladylike snort. Only Neville and Hermione were unfazed, the latter even rolling her eyes, because they were getting used to Jasmine's refusal to put a filter on her mouth when she was annoyed. She had never been good at expressing emotions, but ever since she and Hermione had started dating, she had become bolder at expressing her opinions — usually when she was feeling stronger emotions like anger.
This time her bluntness worked out because everyone there was in agreement. Viktor and Fleur hadn't made plans because of the inconvenience of travel, but both said that they would usually have important family gatherings on this day and would have been quite upset if they had had to cancel their plans at the last minute. Cedric Diggory, Cho Chang, and Roger Davies did originally have plans to go home, but fortunately their plans had been easy to change.
All, though, knew of other students who hadn't had it so easy. Some chose to deal with the hardship and stay because they figured the Yule Ball was a unique opportunity. Others gave up the chance to attend, choosing instead to honor family commitments. None of them expected any complaints they might make to be taken seriously.
Before the conversation could proceed any further, they heard Professor McGonagall announce the first couple, "Beauxbatons Champion Fleur Delacour, who is escorted by Hogwarts student Roger Davies."
As the two departed, Jasmine found herself looking around at the remaining couples and at Cho Chang in particular. She wore striking silver dress robes with an unusual Asian design, and Jasmine had to admit that they suited her. As she admired the dress, she didn't notice that Hermione's eyes had narrowed at how long Jasmine spent looking at Cedric's date. Suddenly they heard, "Durmstrang Champion Viktor Krum, who is escorting Hogwarts student Hermione Granger," and when Jasmine looked over at her girlfriend, all she saw was the bright smile that appeared on Hermione's face.
A few moments after they left came the next announcement, "Hogwarts Champion Cedric Diggory, who is escorting Hogwarts student Cho Chang." Jasmine felt bad that Cedric had to share the spotlight as Hogwarts Champion with her. As much as she was suffering from this, he was being harmed as well. Hufflepuff rarely enough gets this kind of positive attention — they don't deserve to have it diverted to me, she thought, and not for the first time.
After a few more moments, and lots of nervous fidgeting from Jasmine, she heard the announcement for her: "Hogwarts' second Champion Jasmine Potter, who is escorted by Hogwarts student Neville Longbottom."
Looking at Neville, who seemed even more nervous than her, she said, "Chin up, Nev. Here we go!"
Walking into the Great Hall was like nothing Jasmine had ever experienced. One moment she was outside the doors, the next moment she had passed through them and into a veritable wall of sound, lights, smells, and other sensations. There was so much going on that she felt like she was going into sensory overload. It was only by sheer willpower that she was able to keep her feet moving forward. Neville, whose arm she was holding ever more tightly, didn't seem to be handling the experience any better.
By the end she was starting to feel a little dizzy from all the sensations, but finally they made it to the champions' table. Being the last couple there, they didn't have any choice about where to sit, which meant that Jasmine would be forced to endure the presence of Ludo Bagman on her right while Neville was stuck with Barty Crouch on his left. Neither Jasmine nor Neville expected scintillating dinner conversation from these two and would be trying to forget that part of the night as soon as possible.
Hopefully the rest of the ball would be a little more exciting...