Christmas morning in the Ravenclaw Tower was nothing short of magical. The dormitory itself was a picture of festive charm. Snowflakes, enchanted by some spirited Ravenclaw, floated gently through the air, catching the light from a warm, crackling fire below. The faint scent of pine mixed with the aroma of freshly baked pastries wafting from the Great Hall.
For a moment, Cassie lay cocooned in her blankets, savoring the tranquil beauty of the scene. That peace was shattered when Lorelei burst out of bed with an excited shriek.
"It's Christmas!" she announced, her voice cutting through the stillness as she bounded across the room with the enthusiasm of a child on their first trip to Honeydukes.
A loud thud followed as she landed squarely on Padma's mattress, causing Padma to groan and shove her away with a halfhearted wave.
"Lorelei," Padma muttered, her voice muffled by her pillow. "It's barely morning. Go back to sleep."
"It's Christmas!" Lorelei repeated, as if that excused everything. She threw open the curtains, flooding the room with soft, wintry light.
Cassie sat up with a yawn, rubbing her eyes as Lorelei darted to the foot of her bed. "Come on, Cass! Presents! Move it, people!"
"Merlin's beard," Serena muttered from her bed, though a small smirk betrayed her amusement. "You'd think we were first-years."
"Lorelei's been up for hours waiting for this," Cassie joked as she swung her legs out of bed.
The girls gathered in a circle, the soft rustling of wrapping paper mingling with their excited chatter. Lorelei, as expected, was the first to dive in.
Her first gift was a colorful assortment of pumpkin pasties and Fizzing Whizzbees from Padma. "Perfect! I'll have enough energy to make it through all of today," Lorelei said, popping a pasty into her mouth and offering the box to the others.
Cassie shook her head with a laugh. "Pretty sure you don't need any help with energy."
Lorelei's second gift revealed a fluffy white fur hat from Cassie. She squealed, immediately placing it on her head and striking an exaggerated pose. "How do I look? Am I glamorous yet?"
"You look like you belong in a fashion spread," Padma teased.
Lorelei batted her lashes. "As I should!"
But it was Serena's gift that truly stunned her: a signed copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Lorelei's mouth fell open as she held the pristine book in her hands, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"No way. This — this is signed by—"
"By Newt Scamander himself," Serena finished casually, inspecting her nails.
"How did you even…? Serena, this is amazing!"
Serena shrugged as if it were no big deal. "Rolf owed me a favor. I asked him to see if his grandfather could do it."
"Rolf Scamander? You casually ask Rolf Scamander for favors?" Lorelei looked like she might faint.
"It wasn't that hard," Serena said, her smirk growing. "You're welcome."
"Thank you!" Lorelei hugged the book tightly to her chest. "You're officially my favorite person."
The gifts continued, with Padma opening her own haul next. Serena had gifted her a set of intricately decorated quills that shimmered under the light. Lorelei's lipstick set came in a range of bold, vibrant colors that Padma immediately started testing on the back of her hand.
Cassie handed over her final gift — a hand-bound leather journal, charmed to only open for Padma.
Padma's jaw dropped as she ran her fingers over the intricate cover. "Cassie…did you make this?"
Cassie nodded. "It's all yours. No one can open it but you, so feel free to write all your secrets in there."
"It's beautiful," Padma said softly. "Thank you so much."
Serena's presents followed: a pair of sparkling sapphire earrings from Lorelei and a thick tome on advanced arithmancy from Cassie. Padma presented her with a quilt she'd sewn herself, the shimmering blue fabric reflecting the light like the surface of a frozen lake.
"Padma, did you—" Serena started, holding up the quilt.
Padma grinned. "Yes. It took weeks. But I knew it'd be perfect for you."
Serena smiled, a genuine softness in her expression. "It is. Thank you, Padma."
Finally, it was Cassie's turn. She opened a sleek magical camera from Serena, earning a teasing comment about now being able to "capture all their chaotic memories". Padma's gift was a collection of novels Cassie had been dying to read but hadn't gotten around to yet. But it was Lorelei's gift that made her pause — a pair of black velvet opera gloves, perfectly tailored and elegant.
"I saw them when you were buying your dress," Lorelei explained, grinning. "I figured they'd be the perfect accessory."
"They're amazing," Cassie said, slipping them on and admiring the snug fit. The fabric felt luxurious against her skin. "You've got an eye for fashion, Lorelei."
"Don't I know it," Lorelei replied with a wink.
The girls spent the next hour chatting and teasing each other about their gifts. The room was filled with laughter and warmth, the kind of effortless camaraderie that made Cassie's chest feel lighter.
Eventually, Lorelei, Serena, and Padma excused themselves to visit their siblings.
"Don't get into too much trouble while we're gone!" Lorelei called as she left, her voice echoing down the staircase.
Cassie lingered in the common room, pulling her gloves back on as she curled up by the fire. She stretched her fingers, enjoying the smooth fit, and let her mind wander to the evening ahead.
Excitement bubbled up in her chest as she thought about the ball, the elegant dress waiting in her wardrobe, and the festivities that were only hours away. For now, though, she let herself savor the calm, the warmth of the moment wrapping around her like a cozy blanket.
Serena, Padma, and Lorelei had returned from visiting their siblings shortly after lunch, their chatter filling the dormitory as they snuck Hermione in with them. Now, hours later, the mood had shifted, anticipation bubbling in the air as the group began preparing for the Yule Ball.
The dormitory was alive with a new kind of energy. The festive atmosphere had shifted to one of preparation, anticipation crackling in the air as her friends flitted around. Hermione, sitting cross-legged on one of the beds, greeted her with a warm smile.
"Thanks for letting me join you," Hermione said sincerely. "It's nice…having friends to get ready with."
"Of course," Padma said, brushing a hand through her glossy hair. "No way we'd let you do this alone."
"And," Serena added with a sly smile, "we have a surprise for you."
Serena handed Hermione a small velvet box. Her eyes widened as she opened it to reveal a delicate gold necklace with a garnet pendant.
"It's beautiful," Hermione whispered, her voice touched with awe.
"It's a Christmas gift," Padma said with a grin. "And you're wearing it tonight."
Hermione hesitated, clearly moved. "Thank you," she said softly as Padma leaned over to clasp the necklace around her neck.
"Now," Lorelei said, standing and clapping her hands, "let's get ready!"
The dormitory soon erupted into lively chaos. Lorelei fretted over her hair, carefully adjusting one of the half-up pigtails she had styled from her usual braids. "Why does this side never look as good as the other?" she muttered, her brow furrowed.
Cassie appeared behind her with a wand in hand, her expression calm and confident. "Relax, I've got you," she said, gently guiding Lorelei's hands away. With a quick charm, the pigtail smoothed into place, perfectly symmetrical with the other.
"See?" Cassie said, stepping back with a satisfied smile. "Flawless."
Lorelei glanced at her reflection, her face softening into a smile. "You're a lifesaver."
Meanwhile, Padma sat cross-legged on the floor, holding up a hand mirror while Serena adjusted the drape of her lehenga.
"You're like a dress whisperer," Padma joked as Serena stepped back to admire her handiwork.
"Years of dealing with Lorelei," Serena quipped, dodging the pillow Lorelei hurled at her.
Each girl's gown seemed to carry its own story, weaving a thread of elegance into the evening. Lorelei's strapless dress glimmered like the embers of a fire, its deep orange hue catching the warm glow of the enchanted snowflakes still drifting lazily in the air, while Serena's dark purple gown hugged her figure with understated grace, its flared hem sweeping softly with every movement. Padma's teal lehenga was a vibrant blend of tradition and flair, the pink and white accents adding a playful yet refined touch and Cassie's dusty blue dress flowed like water, its black floral accents creating a striking contrast that echoed her natural poise.
"Photo time!" Cassie declared, grabbing her camera once their final touches were complete.
The girls crowded together in front of the glowing hearth, laughter spilling from them as Cassie waved her wand to activate the floating camera. The flash caught their glowing smiles and twinkling gowns, freezing the moment in a perfect frame.
As they admired the photo, Hermione glanced at the clock and gasped. "I have to go! My date's waiting."
The teasing was immediate.
"Do we know this mysterious date?" Padma asked, grinning.
"Maybe someone boring like Cormac McLaggen?" Lorelei teased, earning a round of laughter.
"You'll find out later," Hermione said, trying to suppress a smile as she slipped out the door.
The girls lingered for a moment before Padma checked the time.
"Alright, we're officially late," she announced, though her tone carried no urgency.
The group descended the staircase toward the Ravenclaw common room door. Outside, their dates waited in the crisp evening air, the faint glow of torches casting long shadows. Aleksandr was the first to spot them, his expression breaking into a warm smile.
"You all look stunning," he said sincerely, his gaze moving across the group with admiration.
"Even me?" Lorelei asked, feigning surprise as she adjusted her shawl.
Lee grinned, nudging her lightly. "Sure. But don't let it go to your head. And for Merlin's sake, don't trip on the stairs."
"You're the worst," Lorelei muttered, though her playful smile betrayed her.
Neville stood to the side, clearly nervous as he shifted his weight from foot to foot. He managed to stammer, "You - um, you l-look great," to Serena, his face bright red. Then, glancing at his watch, he added, "Didn't you say five?"
"I did," Serena replied coolly, raising an eyebrow. "Got a problem with that? You're welcome to leave if punctuality's that important to you."
"No," Neville squeaked, his face flushing bright red.
Ron stood a little apart from the group, his hands shoved into his pockets. His expression was unreadable, though his ears were tinged red as he glanced at Padma. Still, he managed to look more awkward and out of place with every passing second.
"Alright," Aleksandr said, stepping forward and offering his arm to Cassie. "Shall we?"
The group set off, their laughter and chatter echoing through the corridors as they headed for the evening they'd been anticipating for weeks.
The Great Hall was unrecognizable. Snowflakes drifted softly from the enchanted ceiling, melting just before they touched the ground. Icicles adorned the walls, sparkling in the soft light of floating orbs. Round tables with silver tablecloths surrounded a spacious dance floor, and a live orchestra played a soft waltz from a stage at the far end of the room.
The group stood in awe for a moment, taking in the magical transformation. "It's beautiful," Padma said breathlessly, her gaze fixed on the glittering decorations.
"Alright, enough gawking," Lorelei quipped, tugging Lee by the arm. "Let's find a table before someone nabs all the good ones."
The group found a spot near the edge of the dance floor, offering a perfect view of the evening's festivities. Lorelei and Lee quickly fell into their usual playful banter, their laughter blending with the soft hum of conversation. Serena leaned toward Padma, their whispered discussion punctuated with smiles and the occasional nod. Neville sat beside them, nervously tugging at the cuffs of his formal robes, while Ron slouched in his seat, looking thoroughly miserable. Across the table, Aleksandr and Cassie chatted as they eyed the buffet.
"They never have any proper Russian food," Aleksandr lamented, gesturing toward the distant table. "One day, maybe, they'll surprise me with pelmeni."
Cassie smirked. "I wouldn't hold your breath. I'm keeping it light anyway — saving room for dancing."
Aleksandr raised an eyebrow. "You? Dancing? Now, that I have to see. I didn't take you for the type."
Cassie grinned. "What can I say? I really do love it."
Before Aleksandr could respond, the enchanted music shifted to a softer, more regal tune. A hush fell over the hall as Dumbledore rose to his feet and announced the champions. Heads turned as the champions and their partners made their entrance. Cedric Diggory and Cho Chang appeared first, followed by Fleur Delacour and Roger Davies, then Viktor Krum — arm in arm with Hermione Granger.
"No way," Padma whispered, her eyes wide.
"Is she—" Lorelei started, but Serena cut her off.
"With Viktor Krum," Serena finished, shaking her head in disbelief.
As the champions made their way to the center of the hall, the girls exchanged quiet cheers for Hermione, their excitement bubbling over. Even Padma, always composed, clapped softly. The boys, meanwhile, had mixed reactions. Aleksandr watched with mild interest, Neville seemed more nervous than before, and Ron sat frozen, staring at Hermione with a mixture of disbelief and irritation.
The champions began their opening dance, their movements graceful and fluid as the music swelled around them. The Great Hall seemed to hold its breath, enchanted by the display. Hermione and Viktor glided across the floor effortlessly, drawing gasps and whispers from the crowd.
"They look amazing," Lorelei murmured.
Cassie nodded in agreement, her attention momentarily fixed on the pair's confident strides.
When the dance ended, Viktor escorted Hermione to their table, with Harry and Parvati trailing close behind. As soon as they sat down, Lorelei leaned forward, her grin mischievous.
"You've been holding out on us, Hermione," she teased. "How long have you been cozying up to Viktor Krum?"
"I didn't know you were into international Quidditch stars," Serena added, her tone light.
Hermione laughed, though her cheeks turned pink. "It's not like that! Honestly, I was just as surprised as you were when he asked me to the ball."
As the girls teased Hermione, Viktor turned to Cassie and gave her a polite nod. "Miss Valencourt. Good to see you again."
"Likewise," Cassie said warmly, before glancing at the others.
Lorelei and Serena looked positively stunned.
"Wait — you know him too?" Lorelei demanded.
Cassie chuckled. "Aleksandr introduced us in the library last week. We had a brief chat."
"Unbelievable," Serena muttered, shaking her head.
Ron looked like he might explode. He muttered something under his breath, but no one paid him much attention.
The group began eating, the table lively with conversation. Aleksandr and Viktor talked about Quidditch while Lorelei and Lee debated the best ways to charm a professor into giving less homework. Cassie occasionally chimed in but seemed distracted, her eyes flicking toward the dance floor.
Eventually, Lee stood and extended a hand to Lorelei. "Care to show everyone how it's done?"
"Try to keep up," Lorelei shot back, taking his hand.
When the music shifted to a faster tune, Neville flushed scarlet but, after a moment's hesitation, turned to Serena. "Would you, er, like to dance?"
Serena gave him a long, appraising look before standing. "Let's see what you've got, Longbottom," she said with a smirk.
Cassie smiled and turned to Aleksandr. "Want to join them?"
He groaned theatrically but stood. "I suppose. But if you're this excited to be on the dance floor, I'm not sure I'll survive."
Cassie laughed. "You'll be fine."
They joined the others on the floor, the music shifting to an upbeat tempo. Cassie moved with surprising enthusiasm, her usual calm demeanor giving way to a lighter, more carefree side. Aleksandr stumbled once, caught off guard by her energy, and laughed as he adjusted.
At the table, Padma sighed dramatically. "I can't believe this. Ron won't dance, and Harry's useless. What was the point of asking us to the ball?"
Parvati nodded in agreement. "At least we got good seats. But I'm not sitting here all night."
Several songs later, two Beauxbatons boys approached, their handsome faces lighting up with charming smiles. With a shared glance, Padma and Parvati stood and followed them to the dance floor, leaving Ron and Harry to sulk alone.
Cassie and Aleksandr continued on, spinning through one lively tune into the next. After a while, Aleksandr threw up his hands in surrender. "I'm done," he said, panting slightly. "You've worn me out."
"Already?" Cassie teased.
As they returned to the table, Fred Weasley appeared, his usual mischievous grin firmly in place. "What's wrong, Soapy? Not much of a dancer?"
Cassie chuckled. "Actually, I could keep going."
"She's not lying," Aleksandr interjected with a laugh. "I'm the one who needed the break. She's been running me ragged."
Fred's grin widened as he extended a hand to Cassie with exaggerated flair. "Well, in that case, may I have this dance?"
Cassie glanced at Aleksandr, who waved her off with a grin. "Go on. Maybe he can keep up."
Cassie hesitated for a split second before accepting his hand. "Why not?"
Fred led her onto the dance floor, spinning her into the rhythm of the music. The song was fast and lively, and Fred matched her step for step, his natural confidence keeping the pace lighthearted.
Cassie couldn't help but smile, a fluttery warmth spreading in her chest as Fred twirled her around effortlessly. She could feel her cheeks flush, but she didn't care. There was something about the way he moved — relaxed, yet entirely focused on her — that made her feel weightless.
"You're pretty good at this," Fred said, his voice light but edged with admiration.
"You're not so bad yourself," Cassie replied, her breath catching as he spun her into a dip.
Fred grinned, pulling her back up. "Careful, Valencourt. You're setting a high standard for the rest of us."
Back at the table, Ron groaned. "Does he have to make such a spectacle?"
"You're just jealous because you look like a walking tea cozy," Fred quipped as he passed by, drawing further groans from the boy.
Cassie laughed, though her heart was pounding. The room seemed to blur around them, and for a moment, it felt like they were the only ones on the dance floor.
After a few more spins, Cassie finally called for a break. "Alright, Fred, I'm officially out of breath."
"Fair enough. Thanks for the dance, Soapy," he said, smirking as he escorted her back to the table.
Cassie grabbed her drink and turned to Aleksandr. "I'm stepping outside for some air."
He stood immediately, brushing invisible lint from his sleeve. "I'll come with you."
They slipped out of the hall, leaving the music and laughter behind as they stepped into the night.
The cool night air wrapped around Cassie and Aleksandr as they stepped onto the stone steps outside the Great Hall. The muffled hum of music and laughter followed them, but the stillness of the night felt like a breath of fresh air after the crowded, bustling dance floor.
Cassie leaned against the railing, tilting her face toward the moonlight. Aleksandr sat on the top step, his legs sprawled out in front of him. He tugged at the collar of his dress robes dramatically.
"Finally, freedom," he said with mock relief. "I thought I might suffocate in there."
Cassie laughed. "It's not that bad."
"Not that bad?" Aleksandr raised an eyebrow, gesturing vaguely toward the glass doors. "Did you see Lorelei and Lee? That's not a dance — it's a public hazard."
Cassie followed his gaze and immediately spotted Lorelei spinning Lee around in a way that had him clutching at his robes for dear life. She snorted. "You have to give them credit for enthusiasm."
"Enthusiasm doesn't mean coordination," Aleksandr quipped. "Someone's going to lose an eye."
They both laughed, and Cassie perched on the railing beside him, her dress brushing the cold stone. Their banter shifted to the other couples: Neville nervously dancing with Serena as if he were afraid of accidentally stepping on her toes — and earning a hex for his trouble. Ron slumped at the edge of the dance floor, his misery radiating so strongly that even the punch bowl seemed to lean away from him.
"At least some of us are having fun," Cassie replied with a laugh. "Unlike Ron, who looks like he's enduring the worst punishment imaginable."
Aleksandr snorted. "He's doing a great job of letting everyone know it, too. Poor Padma."
"She deserves better," Cassie agreed, taking a sip from her drink.
"Honestly, if he's going to sulk the whole night, he should've just stayed in the dormitory," Aleksandr said.
Cassie smirked. "So...who's going to be the one to tell him that?"
"Not it," Aleksandr said immediately, holding up his hands.
Their laughter ebbed into a comfortable silence, and for a moment, they simply sat there, enjoying the crisp air and the soft glow of the castle's lanterns. Cassie toyed with the glove on her arm, her thoughts circling back to Lorelei's teasing from earlier in the week.
She glanced at Aleksandr, debating whether or not to ask, but finally, she took a deep breath. "Can I ask you something?"
Aleksandr turned to her, curious. "Of course. What's up?"
Cassie hesitated, but the words spilled out before she could second-guess herself. "Lorelei seems to think you like me…you know, as more than a friend. Is that true?"
Aleksandr's eyebrows shot up, and his face split into a mischievous grin. "Oh? And what do you think?"
"I thought we were just friends," Cassie said, her cheeks warming. "But Lorelei wouldn't let it go, and now I'm second-guessing myself."
"You've got better intuition than you give yourself credit for," Aleksandr said with a reassuring smile.
Relief flooded through her, and she let out a laugh. "Thank Merlin. I didn't want things to be weird."
Aleksandr chuckled, but his tone shifted slightly as he added, "That said...there is someone in your group I like."
Cassie blinked, caught completely off guard. "Wait — what? Who?"
He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. "Padma."
"Padma?" Cassie's surprise quickly morphed into delight. "Really? Why didn't you ask her to the ball?"
Aleksandr sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I was going to, but I kept putting it off. Then Ron swooped in. If I'd known he was going to be so miserable, I would've asked her right away."
Cassie's shock melted into a grin. "Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped set you two up!"
"I didn't want to make a big deal of it," he admitted. "And honestly, it's my own fault. But I'm thinking about asking her to lunch during the next Hogsmeade weekend."
"You should," Cassie said firmly. "But you should ask her in private, not when we're all together. You don't want her to feel put on the spot."
Aleksandr smiled, his usual confidence returning. "Good advice. I'll keep that in mind. And hey, I'll definitely need you to back me up if I panic."
Cassie laughed. "Consider me your personal dating coach."
Their laughter rang through the quiet night, and Aleksandr pushed himself to his feet, brushing off his robes. "Alright, coach. Shall we head back in? We've probably missed another round of Lorelei's infamous 'spin and fling' routine."
Cassie took his offered hand, standing up with a grin. "You should ask Padma to dance later. I don't mind sitting one out."
Aleksandr raised an eyebrow. "Really? You sure?"
"Positive," she said, brushing her hair back. "I've got my eye on the punch bowl anyway. It's calling my name."
With a laugh, they headed back inside. The warmth of the Great Hall enveloped them, the music and chatter louder than ever. Cassie scanned the room instinctively, her eyes landing on Fred.
He was standing near the far wall, one hand resting on a nearby table as he talked to George. But his gaze wasn't on his twin — it was on her.
Their eyes met across the room, and for a moment, everything else faded. Fred's expression was unreadable, but his gaze lingered just long enough to make Cassie's heart flutter.
She quickly turned back to Aleksandr, forcing herself to focus. "Alright," she said brightly, her voice a little too loud. "Let's dance before the night's over."
"Lead the way," Aleksandr said, oblivious to her sudden shift in mood.
But as they moved toward the dance floor, Cassie couldn't shake the feeling of Fred's eyes on her, or the swirl of emotions that came with it.
~~~Author's Note~~~
Hey everyone, I hope you're enjoying the story so far! I took a week off from any sort of writing or planning, but here's chapter 13. This one is a bit longer, but there's a good bit that goes on.
I know the thing with Aleksandr liking Padma kinda seems like it comes out of nowhere, but I really wanted him to be a reoccurring character that isn't stuck in some awful love triangle. I figured a close friendship with Cassie would be a great path towards a budding romance for him and Padma.
Also, if you're interested in seeing the dresses I had in mind for each of the girls when writing this chapter, the links are below! I tried to choose something that would fit their individual styles and personalities. Thanks again for reading and for any engagement 3! Serena: https/cdn/shop/files/YM2029Z_ ?v=1708583385 Lorelei: https/media-photos./b1/12759409/1767527799_ Padma: https/assets2. Cassie: https/i.