Headstrong

Chapter 50

"The Yule Ball is approaching - a traditional part of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our guests."

The Gryffindors has gathered in Minerva's Transfiguration classroom as she explained to them what was going to happen with the Yule Ball. The boys had been separated to the other side of the hall, but it didn't stop Amanda sneaking over to stand with Fred and George.

"Now, the Ball will be open only to fourth-years and above - although you may invite a younger student if you wish -"

Amanda winked at Ginny, who looked thoroughly bored. Ginny looked up and quickly snuck over to where Amanda and the twins were standing as well.

"Dress robes will be worn," Minerva continued, "and the ball will start at eight o'clock on Christmas Day, finishing at midnight, in the Great Hall. Now then, the Yule Ball is of course a chance for us all to - er - let our hair down," she said in a disapproving voice.

Ginny and Amanda giggled quietly.

"But that does NOT mean that we will be relaxing the standards of behaviour we expect from Hogwarts students. I will be most seriously displeased if a Gryffindor student embarrasses the school in any way."

Minerva looked at Amanda and the twins pointedly, and the entire room chuckled. "There will be no need to be displeased, Professor." Amanda, Fred and George said in unison, bringing Minerva to sigh.

"Now, I have to demonstrate to you the type of dance you will be doing on the night. Mr. Weasley, if you please." Both Fred and George looked up, but Minerva was looking at Ron.

Ron stood up slowly. "Put your hand on my waist." Minerva told him.

"What?" Ron asked incredulously.

"On my waist." Minerva repeated, and Ron did as he was told.

Harry chuckled and turned to the four of them standing behind him. "Never let him forget this."

"Already on it." Amanda muttered, pulling a camera out of her bag, surprising the four of them.

"How did you-" Harry started, but Amanda interrupted with a wink.

"I'm a witch, Harry." She said, "I can do anything."

Once she had slipped the camera back into her bag, she grabbed Harry's hand and led him onto the dance floor.

"Why did you bring me out here?" Harry hissed quietly.

"Didn't you hear?" Amanda whispered. "As Champions, we have to lead the first dance."

Harry sighed. "Oh dear."

"What?"

"I can't dance."

"That's why I'm teaching you now."

"How do you know what to do?"

"Practice."

...

Amanda was sitting in the library with Hermione and Ginny.

"It's been a while since we've studied together. Us girls. This is pretty nice."

Ginny nodded and lowered her head onto a book, closing her eyes. "Yes it's cool. But study is boring." She muttered. Amanda chuckled as Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Honestly, am I the only one who likes to finish their homework?" Hermione said.

"Yes." Ginny and Amanda replied.

"I would have thought you would be studying hard, Amanda. You have got N.E.W.Ts next year." Hermione stated. Amanda shook her head. "Don't need to. I remember everything I need anyway."