T H I R T Y - F O U R

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A few weeks after the first task, Professor Flitwick had gathered nearly all of the Ravenclaws in the Great Hall one morning, announcing that there was to be a house meeting for fourth years and up. No one had any idea what it was about, but many assumed it had something to do with the Triwizard Tournament.

"The Yule Ball had been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since it's creation centuries ago," Professor Flitwick informed the hall of students. He was standing on a large step-stool next to what appeared to be a large record player that was occasionally letting out small scratchy noises as Filch fiddled with it. "On Christmas night, all of us will gather in the Great Hall for a wonderful evening of well-mannered fun. Since we are representatives of our wonderful school Hogwarts, I'm expecting you all to be on your best behavior and put your best foot forward, quite literally, as the Yule Ball will be a dance."

While many of the boys seemed neutral over the whole event and borderline annoyed, the girls all began to giggle excitedly over the prospect of dancing the night away with their best friends and potentially a cute date too.

Estelle and Adeline shared an enthusiastic grin, both clearly just as eager as most people in the room for Christmas night to arrive. When she was younger and had to go to all the fancy events, one of the only parts Adeline enjoyed was choosing the gorgeous dress and doing her hair all fancy. Adeline hadn't been to an event like that in years, so learning about the Yule Ball made her incredibly excited.

Despite her best efforts to think otherwise, Adeline couldn't help but hope that a certain redhead would ask her to the dance.

"No wonder they put dress robes on the list this year," Estelle whispered in her ear. "My mum went nuts this summer when she saw it on the list. I was dragged to so many different robes shops, but the dress I found made all the hours so worth it."

Adeline was now hoping that the muggle dress she had bought from a shop in her hometown would be good enough for the grand ball. The gorgeous blue dress she had gotten could pass for wizard dress robes, but Adeline now found herself anxious that with all the focus that would likely be on her that evening, all the students and likely Rita Skeeter would find many faults in her gown choice.

Professor Flitwick gestured for Filch to start up the music, and a slow and steady waltz piece began to ring throughout the room. When no one moved from their spots, Professor Flitwick clapped his hands and shouted, "Everyone find a partner! I will take away house points if you don't!"

Adeline found herself partnering up with Patrick, and the pair tried replicating the large figurines in the front of the room Professor Flitwick had charmed to act as a waltzing demonstration. Even though males were supposed to traditionally take the lead, Patrick was struggling so much with the steps, Adeline ended up leading the pair.

Patrick cursed when he stepped on Adeline's feet again and winced, despite Adeline's assurances that she didn't care. "I can apparate across Hogsmeade and can transfigure people into sea urchins, yet I can't do a simple 1-2-3 step," He muttered as he stumbled once more.

"Don't worry about it too much," Adeline reassured. "Most teenagers can't waltz at all, so you'll be perfectly okay at the Ball."

"You can!"

"I've had practice!"

Professor Flitwick, who happened to be walking past, beamed when he saw the pair. "Wonderful, Ms. Reyes! And nice improvement as well, Mr. Byrne."

Adeline was surprised when she heard the compliment. She had trained in ballet and even took a few waltzing lessons years ago, when her parents expected her to be dancing at all these fancy functions in the future. But after the Hogwarts letter came, all those lessons and expectations ceased to exist, and Adeline expected that all her dancing knowledge would have gone with it.

But there was already a natural grace to Adeline that was noticeable to everyone who knew her, even when she was just walking down the corridor. Elegant dances like waltzing came naturally to Adeline, even with her partner Patrick occasionally stumbling and stepping on her feet.

"I'm glad you're already good at this," Professor Flitwick added. "Considering you and the other Triwizard Champions, along with your date, will be opening up the festivities with a waltz."

Adeline faltered, shocked at the sudden revelation, and without Adeline guiding him along, Patrick tripped over and fell to the floor. As Adeline helped him up, her mind began to race as she realized that now she would definitely have to find a date for the festivities.

Very few of the Ravenclaws noticed this, but Professor McGonagall stepped into the Great Hall. Originally, she had just planned to come to ask Professor Flitwick a quick question about the upcoming Yule Ball. But, as she was walking out of the Great Hall, Professor McGonagall happened to notice one of the students waltzing incredibly well, especially when their partner was struggling.

Professor McGonagall tapped Adeline on the shoulder and gestured for the sixth-year girl to follow her to the side of the room.

"Ms. Reyes," She began as Adeline stared up at her confused, wondering why the professor wanted to talk to her individually. "Do you mind coming in to assist me in teaching the Gryffindor house how to waltz? I can normally handle the Gryffindors perfectly fine on my own, but I have the feeling that more than a few of them are going to be difficult to handle after they learn they're going to have to waltz in a few weeks time."

"I'd be more than happy to help out," Adeline grinned. "When do you want me to stop by?"

"This afternoon," Professor McGonagall answered. "I'd prepare myself if I were you. I think most of the boys and even some of the girls aren't going to enjoy learning to waltz too much."

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Professor McGonagall – like usual – was correct in her assumption that a few members of the house were less than pleased when they learnt about the dancing they'd have to be doing at the Yule Ball. The boys in particular seemed especially reluctant to attend the dance upon hearing the news, minus a few exceptions.

As Ron awkwardly danced Professor McGonagall – earning hysterical laughter out of his best friend and twin brothers – the professor spotted someone at the entrance of the Great Hall over his shoulder and gestured for Filch to turn off the music, earning a noticeable sigh of relief from Ron. "Ah, Ms. Reyes!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed as she motioned for her to step forward.

George, who had spent the past few minute cracking jokes about Ron with Fred and Lee, went quiet when he saw Adeline walk into the Great Hall. At first, he had been making fun of the whole event, but the moment he saw her, George realized that there was only one person he wanted to dance with that night.

"No need to wonder who Georgie's asking to be his date," Lee teased before slapping hands with Fred.

George shot the snickering pair a glare. "Do you two ever shut up? I'm asking her to the Ball, alright? Just give me a little time. The dance just got announced, for Merlin's sake."

When Professor McGonagall called everyone to the dance floor and told them to find a dance partner, George was fully prepared to make a beeline towards Adeline. Just as George turned his head away from his two best friends, however, he spotted Adeline taking a clearly nervous yet grinning Neville by the hand and beginning to teach him how to waltz.

Fred and Lee were quick to notice what George was staring at and burst into laughter so loud that Professor McGonagall shushed them.

"Mate," Fred began after a few moments as he wiped the tears of laughter off his cheeks. "Out of all the things I thought would ruin your chances with Adeline, never did I think it would be Neville Longbottom."

"They've been friends for over a year now," Ophelia interrupted the group's conversation, raising an eyebrow when she saw how George was still sneaking jealous glances over at the pair. Rolling her eyes, Ophelia grabbed George's hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. "Stop moping and being ridiculously jealous. We're going to practice together so I can make sure that you're good enough to dance with Adeline when you inevitably take her to the ball."

George placed a careful hand on her waist and the pair began trying their bests to mimic the steps that Professor McGonagall and Ron had shown them before. "How are you so sure Adeline would say yes?"

"Because I'm one of her best friends, you knucklehead," Ophelia scoffed. "I know her, and I'm only doing this now because I know Adeline's too terrified to do it herself."

"Terrified to do what?"

"Admit she fancies you."

George stumbled so hard that he nearly fell on top of Ophelia. Professor McGonagall noticed this and began to chastise the pair, but George cared even less than usual because there was something much more pressing on his mind.

He waited until Professor McGonagall's attention ha turned away towards Fred and Angelina, who were spinning and waltzing around so much that they were practically mowing down several students. "Addie fancies me?"

"I'm not saying anything else."

"You've barely said anything!"

"I've said enough!" Ophelia shot back. "Adeline's the kindest person I've ever met, but if she found out I've told you even that, she'd hex me to oblivion or start sobbing. I have no idea what's more terrifying."

"You're not messing with me though right?" George asked Ophelia in disbelief, still not sure if she had truly said those words before or that it was George's ears playing tricks on him. "She likes me? Addie actually likes me?"

"How many times do I have to say it?" Ophelia complained, giving him a small kick in the shin out of annoyance. "Adeline fancies you. Now you've got to figure out what you're going to do about it."

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