Not Losing Hope (Against Time Sequel)

Chapter 20- The Second Task

Chapter 20- The Second Task

"Now that Potter and Weasley have been kind enough to act their age," McGonagall, with an angry look at the pair of them who where having a ‘sword fight’ with Fred and George’s funny wands. "I have something to say to you all.

"The Yule Ball is approaching - a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to fourth years and above - although you may invite a younger student if you wish -"

Lavender Brown let out a shrill giggle. Parvati Patil nudged her hard in the ribs, her face working furiously as she too fought not to giggle. Sigh, tey’ll always be the same I guess.

"Dress robes will be worn," Professor McGonagall continued, "and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight in the Great Hall. Now then -"

Professor McGonagall stared deliberately around the class.

"The Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to - er - let our hair down," she said, in a disapproving voice. "But that does NOT mean," Professor McGonagall went on, "that we will be relaxing the standards of behavior we expect from Hogwarts students. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way."

The bell rang, so I quickly picked my things and caught up with Harry, Hermione and Ron.

Professor McGonagall called above the noise, "Potter - a word, if you please."

After shrugging to our questioning looks, Harry proceeded gloomily to the teacher's desk.

“A ball,” Hermione said smiling. “That’s what the dresses where for!”

“I really see no reason to be excited or nervous about a ball,” I said smiling at Hermione. 

“Well, of course you don’t,” she rolled her eyes frowning, “You’ve got nothing to worry! You already know who you’re going with! But some of us are really nervous about who might ask us, or if they will at all!”

“Relax ‘Mione,” I said giggling at her actions. “I sure you will go with the perfect date!”

“Girls,” Ron muttered shaking his head. “It’s just a damn dance!”

“Sorry Ron,” I said teasing. “But you do realize you’ll have to ask someone?”

Ron kept quiet, and Hermione and I silently laughed.

“Well, gotta go search for Ced!” I said as I walked faster. “See ya!”

“Bye Ash!” Hermione answered.

Days passed, and swill Cedric had yet to ask me to the dance. Maybe he assumed we were going together? I don’t know, but there’s still time, so I’m not worrying. He wouldn’t invite anyone else.

Some of the teachers, like little Professor Flitwick,  had given up trying to teach us much when our minds were so clearly elsewhere; he even allowed us to play games in his lesson on Wednesday. Other teachers were not so generous. Professor Binns, for example, kept plowing on through his notes on goblin rebellions – but then again, Binns hadn't even let his own death stand in the way of continuing to teach. Professors McGonagall and Moody kept us working until the very last second of our classes too, and don’t even get me started on Snivellus.