The empty classroom was eerily quiet save for the faint scratching of a quill against parchment. Cassie hesitated in the doorway, her eyes falling on Hermione, who sat at one of the desks near the front, writing something in her meticulous script.

"Morning," Cassie said as she stepped inside, her voice cutting through the silence.

Hermione glanced up, her face brightening slightly. "Good morning Cassiopeia! Harry's not here yet. He's...well, let's just say punctuality isn't his strongest trait."

Cassie chuckled and slid into the seat next to her. "Figures. I'll wait."

Hermione nodded and went back to her writing, though the quill's movements slowed. Cassie watched her for a moment before breaking the silence. "You know, I meant to say this the other day, but you don't have to call me 'Cassiopeia.' Just 'Cassie' is fine."

Hermione paused, glancing over at her. "Oh, are you sure?"

"Of course." Cassie grinned. "It's what everyone else calls me."

Hermione hesitated, her brows furrowing. "It's not that I don't like it — I'm just not great with nicknames."

"Well, whatever you're comfortable with," Cassie said easily, leaning back in her chair.

Hermione offered a small smile and went back to her parchment, though Cassie could see her quill hovering uncertainly above the page. "So," Cassie said after a moment, "do you have a date for the Yule Ball yet?"

Hermione's cheeks immediately flushed pink, and she set down her quill, carefully aligning it with the edge of her parchment. "I do," she admitted, her voice quieter than usual.

Cassie's brows shot up. "Oh, really? Who is it? Ron?"

Hermione looked startled, her blush deepening. "What? No!"

"Okay, okay." Cassie held up her hands, trying to stifle a laugh. "It's a secret, then?"

Hermione nodded firmly. "Yes, and I'd like to keep it that way."

Cassie smirked but didn't press further. "Fair enough. But we're all going to find out eventually. You know that, right?"

Hermione gave her a pointed look. "Eventually."

Cassie laughed softly, then tilted her head.

"What about you? Or your friends? Has anyone asked you yet?"

"Not me," Cassie said with a shrug. "But I'm not upset about it or anything. I'm not really in a rush." She hesitated before continuing, her tone more thoughtful. "Serena doesn't plan to go with anyone. She said she might swing by for the food and music, but that's it. Padma..." Cassie trailed off, frowning slightly. "I don't think she's been asked yet. She's trying to act like it doesn't bother her, but I can tell it does. She's always been good at hiding things, but I know when something's on her mind."

Hermione nodded, listening closely as Cassie went on.

"And Lorelei..." Cassie let out a short laugh. "She's been asked plenty of times. I think I counted three just last week. She turned them all down, though. I get the feeling she's waiting for someone specific to ask her, but who knows with her?"

"Well," Hermione said after a pause, her voice warm and reassuring, "I'm sure you'll all have a great time, no matter what."

Cassie gave a small smile. "Yeah, maybe."

Just then, the door burst open, slamming loudly against the stone wall. Harry stumbled in, his robes slightly askew and his hair even messier than usual.

"Sorry I'm late!" he said, panting slightly. "Got held up — Malfoy being a git as usual."

Hermione sighed, crossing her arms. "Harry, you really need to work on being on time."

"And I'll do better next time, promise," Harry interrupted, still catching his breath.

"It's alright, Harry," Cassie said, glancing at the clock on the wall. "But we really should get started — we're already pressed for time."

Harry adjusted his glasses, looking sheepish. "I know. I'm sorry again for springing this on you last minute. Thanks for helping, though. Where should we start?"

Cassie straightened and gestured to the broom she had placed across the room. "Let's see where you're at first. Try the Summoning Charm a few times, and I'll watch to see what's tripping you up."

Harry nodded, raising his wand with a look of fierce concentration. "Accio!"

The broom remained still.

He tried again, his voice more forceful this time. "Accio!"

The broom quivered faintly, then stilled again. Harry let out a frustrated sigh, lowering his wand.

"Alright, hold on a second," Cassie said, stepping closer. She surveyed the broom's position and then looked back at Harry. "You're not doing anything wrong, per se, but let me show you something."

She moved to stand beside him and drew her own wand, pointing it toward the broom across the room. With a smooth motion, she said, "Accio!"

The broom shot through the air, landing neatly in her outstretched hand. Cassie caught it effortlessly and set it back in its place.

Harry blinked, amazed. "That looks so easy when you do it. What's your secret?"

Cassie smiled. "No secret, really. It's all about technique. Did you notice anything different about how I cast it compared to you?"

Harry hesitated, his brow furrowing. "Not really. You said the incantation and flicked your wand — just like I did."

Hermione, who had been quietly observing, suddenly spoke up. "It's your wand grip, isn't it?"

Cassie turned to her, impressed. "Exactly! Hermione, you're spot on."

Hermione looked pleased but slightly flustered. "You're holding your wand differently than Harry. It's firmer, but your pointer finger isn't wrapped around the base. It's more…guiding."

Cassie nodded. "Right. When you're casting a spell that requires more precision or concentration, it helps to hold your wand like this." She adjusted her grip, holding her pointer finger straight along the length of the wand, parallel to it. "It's a small change, but it helps you focus your energy better."

Harry adjusted his own grip, mimicking hers. "Like this?"

"Perfect." Cassie gestured to the broom again. "Alright, give it another go."

Harry inhaled deeply and raised his wand. "Accio!"

The broom trembled, then slid a few inches toward him.

Cassie's face lit up. "There we go! That's a step in the right direction. Now it's just about refining your concentration. With a little more practice, you'll have it down in no time."

Harry glanced at the broom and then back at her. "It still feels…I don't know. A bit impossible."

Cassie gave him a reassuring smile. "Trust me, I've been there. Spells like this seem tricky at first, but once you get the hang of it, it'll feel like second nature. By the time the first task rolls around, you won't even have to think about it."

Harry gave a small nod, looking slightly more confident. He practiced a few more times, his grip steady as he summoned the broom. It only moved a few inches each time, but the progress was undeniable.

When the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch, Hermione began gathering her things. "We should head to class."

Cassie slung her bag over her shoulder and gave Harry a quick nod. "Same time and place tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Harry said, sounding grateful. "Thanks, Cassie. Really."

"Anytime," she replied, giving them a small wave as she headed for the door. "See you both tomorrow!"

The next day passed quickly, filled with classes, a brief but productive practice session with Harry, and a mountain of reading for Potions. Before Cassie knew it, the afternoon sun was painting the castle courtyard in golden light. The rare warmth of the winter sun had drawn her and her friends outdoors, and they found themselves sprawled on a stone bench, books and scarves scattered around as they chatted about the upcoming holidays.

Cassie tucked her hair behind her ear, leaning back against the bench as she listened to the chatter of her friends. The courtyard buzzed with students, but the four of them had claimed a quiet corner to relax after a long day of classes.

"So, what's everyone doing over the holidays?" Padma asked, flipping through the pages of a history textbook without much interest.

"I'm staying here," Lorelei said with a dramatic sigh. "I'd planned on going to Paris with my parents, but Mother says it's 'too distracting' with exams coming up."

"Paris?" Serena said, her voice filled with mock horror. "Lorelei, how will you survive without pastries and haute couture?"

Lorelei smirked, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "I'll manage. But only because we've got the Yule Ball to look forward to."

Cassie laughed softly. "The Yule Ball and my birthday, don't forget."

"Oh, of course!" Lorelei said, sitting up straight. "December 29th. It's practically a holiday in itself."

Padma raised an eyebrow. "Wait, you're not planning to leave right after the ball, are you?"

Cassie shook her head. "No, I'll be here through New Year's."

"Perfect," Lorelei said, her eyes lighting up. "Then we have to throw you a party."

Cassie immediately held up her hands. "Oh, I don't need all that. Why not just keep it small — just the four of us?"

Lorelei gasped, clutching at her chest as if Cassie had mortally offended her. "Small? Just the four of us? Cassie, there's no way my best friend isn't getting a proper party!"

"I'm with Lorelei on this," Padma said, her expression turning thoughtful. "We could do something fun. Maybe a theme? Decorations?"

"A theme?" Cassie said, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, like a masquerade!" Lorelei said, clasping her hands together. "Or a black-and-white ball. Oh! We could charm the Great Hall to look like a winter wonderland!"

"Let's not get carried away," Serena interjected with a laugh. "Though sneaking in some butterbeer sounds like a solid plan."

Cassie gave Serena a grateful look. "See? Serena gets it. I'd be happy just sitting by the fire with you lot and a bottle of butterbeer."

"Oh, hush," Lorelei said, waving her hand dismissively. "We'll keep it reasonable, but you're getting a party. End of story."

Padma was already scribbling ideas in the corner of her notebook. "What about snacks? We could charm some cupcakes to explode with confetti when you bite into them. Or have enchanted candles that sing 'Happy Birthday.'"

Serena leaned closer to Cassie, her voice low and amused. "They're planning a whole event. Think you can talk them out of it?"

Cassie grinned. "Not a chance."

The four of them dissolved into laughter, their plans growing more and more elaborate as the sun dipped lower in the sky. By the time they finally gathered their books and scarves to head back inside, the details of Cassie's birthday party were well on their way to becoming Hogwarts legend — whether she wanted them to be or not.

The next day dawned cold and bright, the castle bustling with chatter about holiday plans and Yule Ball excitement. After a long day of lessons and a Charms practical that left them all thoroughly drained, Cassie and her friends gathered in the Great Hall for dinner, eager to unwind and share some laughs over steaming bowls of stew and fresh-baked bread.

The Great Hall buzzed with its usual dinner energy. Golden light glowed off the enchanted ceiling, which mimicked the fading blues and purples of dusk. The air was filled with clinking silverware and snippets of conversation, much of it centered on the Yule Ball. Every now and then, bursts of laughter or excited chatter rose above the din.

Serena reached for a roll from the basket in the center of the table, tearing it open and letting the steam warm her fingers. "I swear," she said, half-laughing, "if I hear one more person arguing about their dress robes, I might hex someone."

"Oh, don't tempt me," Lorelei said, smirking. "Three different people cornered me today to ask whether navy or emerald was more in this season. Like I'm Madam Malkin's assistant or something."

Cassie waved a hand, feigning exhaustion. "Honestly, I'm getting secondhand stress just listening to people panic about dates."

Across the room, a sudden shriek cut through the noise, drawing everyone's attention. A girl at the Hufflepuff table had leapt to her feet, clutching a bouquet of brightly colored flowers. Beside her stood a red-faced boy, holding up a sign that read in big, glittering letters: Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?

The Hall erupted into cheers and applause, some students whistling as the girl threw her arms around him.

Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's…something."

"Something embarrassing," Serena muttered, though the corner of her mouth twitched in amusement.

"I think it's sweet," Lorelei said with a shrug. "A little cheesy, sure, but he'll probably remember this forever. Assuming she said yes."

Cassie's laugh died on her lips as her gaze shifted to Padma. She was sitting quietly, her fork idly pushing vegetables around her plate as she watched the Hufflepuff commotion with a wistful expression.

Serena noticed too, and she gave Lorelei a subtle nudge. The three of them exchanged a look before Cassie leaned over. "Padma? You okay?"

Padma hesitated, her fingers brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's nothing," she said, but the faint sigh in her voice betrayed her. "I just…I guess I'm feeling a bit disappointed I haven't been asked yet."

"Oh, please," Lorelei said, scoffing in mock outrage. "That's not on you. You're so stunning, no boy feels worthy of you."

Padma let out a half-hearted laugh. "Oh, stop." She glanced down at her plate, her expression growing more serious. "Honestly, I think some people still see my family as just 'the immigrants.' Like we're out of place here."

Cassie frowned, leaning in. "That's ridiculous."

Padma gave a small shrug. "You'd think. But one of Malfoy's crew started a rumor that I'm already promised to someone in an arranged marriage. Half the boys in our year believe it."

Lorelei's eyes narrowed. "You're joking."

"I wish I were," Padma replied. "A few of them even asked me about it last week. One of them had the nerve to call me 'exotic' like it was a compliment. And that's just when they think they're being nice."

Cassie frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

Padma didn't look up. Her voice dropped as she said, "Believe me, 'Mudblood' isn't the only slur I've heard some of those boys use."

The table fell silent. The cheerful hum of the Hall seemed distant, the weight of Padma's words sinking between them.

After a moment, Serena straightened, breaking the tension with a dramatic sweep of her arm. "Well, if it comes down to it, I'll march into the courtyard with a sign and flowers and give you the flashiest ball proposal Hogwarts has ever seen."

Padma blinked, startled, before a smile tugged at her lips. "You're ridiculous."

"And you love me for it," Serena shot back, grinning.

Lorelei leaned in, eyes sparkling. "Honestly, I'd pay good money to see that. Padma, we could coordinate it to your favorite colors. Maybe throw in some enchanted fireworks? A full production."

Cassie snorted, grateful to see Padma smiling again. "You've got options, clearly. Serena's proposal services, Lorelei's production planning…"

"I'll take a raincheck," Padma said, but the smile in her voice was more genuine now.

The group lapsed into a round of laughter, throwing out increasingly absurd ideas for hypothetical ball proposals. By the time they left the Great Hall, their earlier tension had softened into something lighter. As they walked back to their dorms, the warmth of their friendship wrapped around them like the flickering torchlight of the castle corridors.

The chatter and laughter of the Great Hall stayed with Cassie as the evening passed, but by the next morning, the lively buzz had been replaced with a charged anticipation. The day of the First Task had arrived, and with it, a wave of excitement that rippled through the castle like wildfire.

Cassie found herself walking to the stands with Lorelei, Padma, and Serena, the crisp November air biting at her cheeks as they joined the throng of students heading to the arena.

The stands surrounding the arena were packed, a sea of students decked out in scarves, hats, and school pride. Above, the sky was pale and cloudless, the chill in the air offset by the buzz of excitement radiating from the crowd.

Cassie settled into her seat between Lorelei and Serena, trying to ignore the uneasy knot twisting in her stomach.

"This is mad," Lorelei said, leaning forward to scan the arena below. "I mean, dragons? I get that it's supposed to be dangerous, but isn't this taking it a bit far?"

"Apparently, the Ministry approved it," Padma replied, her tone skeptical. "Though that's not exactly reassuring."

Serena snorted. "The Ministry wouldn't know a good idea if it danced in front of them singing the Hogwarts anthem."

Cassie let out a soft laugh at that, though her focus was elsewhere. Her gaze swept the arena, taking in the massive golden eggs glinting in the sun, the stone barriers, and the towering gates where the dragons would be released.

Harry could do this. He could.

She'd watched him practice tirelessly over the last few days, his confidence growing with each attempt. By yesterday, he'd been summoning objects twice the size of the broom with ease. But summoning a broom in the middle of an arena, with a dragon staring him down and thousands of eyes watching…that was an entirely different challenge.

"What's got you so quiet?" Serena asked, nudging her elbow. "Don't tell me you're scared of the dragons, too."

"She's probably just imagining how terrifying it'll be," Lorelei said, grinning. "I'd be a wreck if I had to face one of those things."

Cassie forced a smile, grateful they didn't know the real reason for her nerves. As far as her friends were concerned, she'd been spending her lunches tutoring a struggling second-year. They had no idea she'd been sneaking off to help Harry.

"It's just…a lot," Cassie said, her voice barely audible above the rising chatter of the crowd. She gripped the edge of her seat, her fingers cold despite her gloves.

"Oh, please," Padma teased. "You're one of the most level-headed people I know. You've got nothing to worry about. Just enjoy the show."

Cassie nodded, though her stomach churned.

The murmur of the crowd suddenly shifted, a wave of cheers and applause sweeping through the stands as Ludo Bagman's voice boomed across the arena.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the First Task of the Triwizard Tournament!"

Cassie's heart raced as Bagman's voice echoed around her, his enthusiastic commentary drowning out the voices of her friends.

"And now, let us welcome our first champion…Cedric Diggory!"

The cheers erupted, a deafening roar of excitement as Cedric stepped into the arena.

Cassie barely heard the shouts around her. Her focus was locked on the gates as they began to creak open, her breath catching in her throat as a dragon's roar split the air.

~~~~AUTHOR'S NOTE~~~~

Hey guys! I just wanted to come on here real quick and say a few things! First, I really appreciate any of the support I've received. This is my first time really writing a major story and definitely my first time posting anything, so I was a little worried people would hate my characters or view my characterizations as way too out of character. I didn't really have too much of an idea on what I was doing when I first started writing it, but I've got a much clearer focus of everything now.

A lot of my writing is pulled from a blend of the books, movies, and personal creative liberties. For one, I completely forgot up until like the 3rd chapter that it was 5 people to a dorm, but at that point it felt a little odd to try and add another girl into their group, so I left it at 4. Second, a lot of Padma's characterization is from the book or just myself, because honestly I think there's a lot they could've done in the movie but just didn't. And honestly. Shame on JK for writing several POC characters in the most stereotypical way and then refusing to give them any characterization or depth beyond those stereotypes. Also, I know in the story Fred is the one to take Angelina to the Yule Ball and George's partner is never explicitly named, but for this story, George is the one to take Angelina.

Again, I'm really grateful for all the people that have read up to this point and interacted with the story! It really gives me motivation to continue, especially knowing that people aren't secretly in their homes booing me (ง-.-)ง

Also, this story is cross-posted to AO3, just in case something ever happens to the website or my account! I recently graduated college and wouldn't you know it I happen to have a LOT of free time, so you can expect pretty frequent posts. Hope you all enjoy!