Valerie
"I really think we should include the Trip Jinx in the last part of the guide," Justin insisted. While the rest of her friends were getting ready for the Yule ball, Valerie was stuck doing a last minute project for defense against the dark arts. The whole group, including Valerie, forgot about it. And because the new professor was such an old hag, of course it was due the day after the ball. "Lets include it" Justin insisted again. He was like a broken record, throwing out the same unreasonable suggestion each time they went over the project.
Normally, Valerie was a pacifist. She didn't believe in using violence to solve problems, she thought organized fighting was barbaric, and the idea of war made her queasy.
Yet she was thisclose to punching Justin Bradfield in the face.
"That would take too much time" She said, her tone was firm, but it was impossible to hide her annoyance.
Justin ran a frustrated hand through his wavy dark hair and turned to Stacy, who was fidgeting awkwardly with the tasks papers. "You know I'm right Stacy," he pleaded at her, "We would get more points if we included the trip jinx"
"No, it's better if we end it with the impediment jinx, it's almost the same thing," Valerie argued. She was ready to rip her hair out. She knew exactly what Justin was trying to do. She knew that he had mastered the Trip Jinx, which not many people at Hogwarts could do. He wanted to stand out of the group so he could get a better grade no matter the cost. It's what he had been doing since first year. "Stacy?" Justin prompted.
"Um..I.. Uhh" Stacy stuttered.
Valerie could see the nerdy blond melting under his magnetic stare. Justin had that effect on women. He was infuriatingly handsome, and he happened to be really smart too. Unfortunately, he was fully aware of both these assets and had no qualms using them to his advantage. If Valerie had known what a primadonna Justin was, she would've said hell no to being in his group, but the jackass decided to show his true colors after she said yes, and now it was too late to back out and do the project by herself.
"Maybe Justin is right, '' Stacy murmured, avoiding Valerie's eyes as she betrayed her,"Why don't we start including it? Let's just try it and see if it's really that complicated."
Valerie wanted to curse the girl out, but she bit her tongue. "Fine," she grumbled, "Lets try it"
Triumph lighted Justin's eyes, but it didn't stay there long, because after they started reviewing what they needed to put the jinx in, it became clear that his suggestion sucked. They needed over twenty magic elements and four boiling cauldrons, which were impossible to get in less than twenty four hours.
"I think we should just stick to the impediment jinx," Stacy looked at Justin and bit her lip, as if she was afraid of his reaction.
But although the guy was arrogant, he wasn't stupid. "Fine," he snapped. "We'll do it your way, Valerie"
Valerie nodded her head and muttered under her breath, "Finally"
Fortunately, with Justin's suggestions out of the way, they managed to do the project as fast as possible. Stacy was the first to get out of her seat and run out of the room, claiming there was no way she would be on time for the Yule ball. Truth was, as much as Valerie said she hated dances, she still felt a tinge of fear in missing out on it. Still, even if she changed her mind, she still couldn't go, because she didn't have a date. And the only thing that's worse than going to the Yule ball, is going to the ball alone. She didn't know why no one asked her, but she tried not to think about it so much, though hearing her friends excitedly talking about their plans with their dates, she couldn't shake the feeling of being left out.
Justin arched his brow, "Why aren't you running off like a little girl too?"
"I'm not going" She said she packed her stuff up.
His face sparked with curiosity, "What? Why not?"
She shrugged, "I don't want to"
As soon as she said that, Justin broke into laughter. Valerie eyed him, "What's so funny?"
With a grin on his face, he answered. "That is such bullshit...I bet no one asked you" he chuckled.
Valerie felt like she was sinking, she could still deny it and save her dignity, but she was afraid her face already gave it away. Justin's face lit up when he realized he was right, "Ouch. That must suck" he smiled, "If it makes you feel better, I bet no one asked you because of the whole thing..." He ended abruptly.
"What thing?" she demanded.
He didn't answer.
"What thing?" she repeated. Still no answer. She insisted, "Finish the sentence"
Justin looked away, "Id rather not"
"I'd rather you did." Her suspicion snapped into overdrive.
Justin groaned, "The whole thing with Percy Jackson"
Valerie's eyes shot up in surprise, "What?" Was all that she managed to say.
"I mean we all figured he would ask you. That's probably why no one did" he snorted.
She shook her head in confusion, "What? Why?"
"Uh because you guys kissed..." he said like it was obvious. Valerie was about to deny that but then she remembered how she basically assaulted him in the middle of the hallway a couple months ago and her whole body cringed in embarrassment. "That's... dumb. That was like at the beginning of the year. And it wasn't even like that"
Justin stared at her, "Still, it was risk not worth taking" he chuckled again, "Look at what he did to Ron Weasley, for fucks sake!"
"What does that have to do with anything?" she asked blankly.
Justin grumbled, "You don't know?"
"Know what?"
He smiled again, like he was happy to be the one delivering the information to her. "Percy Jackson asked Hermione Granger to the dance, she said no because she was with Ron. Next day Weasley ends up half dead on the floor by Percy. You think that's a coincidence?"
Valerie's thoughts wandered off, he asked Hermione to the dance? She gulped and wiped that thought away, "But Ron was the one who hit him first"
Justin snickered, "Do you honestly believe that? No one hits someone for no reason. That's probably why no one asked you. No one wants to be Percy Jackson's next victim" He smirked and then stormed out of the room without another word, leaving Valerie more confused and slightly infuriated.
The only thing she learned from that conversation with Justin was that every guy at Hogwarts was a coward. No, coward is too nice. Fucking idiots. She couldn't believe the only reason she was missing the stupid dance was because of Percy Jackson. It angered her that everyone at Hogwarts thought that, when in reality Percy and her were barely friends. Friends was a stretch, she thought. They were barely anything. Before she could stop herself, Valerie stormed off to Audrey's dorm room.
Percy
The question still hung in the air as it repeated in his mind "Are we going to the Yule ball together?"
Percy's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He smiled and blinked a few times, trying to process what he just heard. He figured by the way August was staring at him, she was dead serious.
As a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth, Percy couldn't help but chuckle, "What?"
"Well I'm not going with anyone, and you are also not going with anyone. Why not go together?" she asked genuinely.
A chuckle escaped from Percy's lips as he tried to make sense of it all, "Because I barely know you" he replied, amusement evident in his voice. He tilted his head, "Are you insane?"
"No, no," she laughed, shaking her head, "Well maybe" she stopped laughing. I just thought it would be fun to go with someone new, you know? Like if you think about it, it's interesting" She rambled on, "I don't know anything about you, it's like talking to a surprise box, you just don't know what you're going to get. Plus you seem like you're a very unpredictable person"
Percy tilted his head, "Unpredictable?"
August nodded, "Yeah. It makes things more interesting. So what do you say?"
His skepticism began to soften, and a genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He appreciated that she was one of the few people in the school to actually treat him as a person. While he had planned to attend the dance and sulk in a corner alone, there was something intriguing about the situation. Plus, he really had nothing to lose.
"Fine," he conceded.
August smiled, "Fine?"
"Sure" he nodded, "I'll go with you"
"Yay!" she boasted as she smacked him in the arm.
Percy winced, "Did you have to hit me?"
"Don't be such a baby, it barely hurt. Now let's get going because we're already an hour late and if I get there and there are no more golden cupcakes left I will kill myself" she said as she opened the door.
"Right because that's what drives a person over the edge" he said as he followed her.
"Yeah exactly. Okay so we'll meet back here in exactly twenty minutes. Do not be late," she said as she left, the last part sounding a lot like a threat.
As August disappeared down the hallway, Percy went the other way and turned around the corner. He collided with Professor McGonagall, who came strolling down.
"Mr. Jackson!" Professor McGonagall's voice resonated with a mix of concern and reproach. She glanced at her pocket watch, then back at him. "You're running quite late for the Yule Ball.You have a quite important task there. I trust you did make it to detention?"
Percy managed to gather his thoughts, "Yeah I was, I was just about to get ready"
Professor McGonagall's stern expression softened slightly. She contemplated for a moment, then let out a small sigh. "Very well. I trust you have appropriate formal attire for the ball?"
Percy tilted his head, "If by formal attire you mean a black hoodie and jeans then sure"
McGonagall arched an eyebrow, "While your sense of humor is appreciated...I must insist on appropriate attire for the Yule Ball."
"I don't have any. I wasn't really planning on going" he admitted.
For a second McGonagall expression seemed to be lost in thought but then she smiled. "I know just the thing. Go to your common room, and you shall find a package waiting for you. It contains a suitable outfit for the occasion."
"What? How?" he sputtered.
McGonagall's eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement as she contemplated the situation, "I have my ways... now get going, you do not want to be more late than you already are" she said as she left the hallway as quickly as she appeared.
When Percy got to the Slytherin common room there was indeed a box in the middle of the room. He didn't know how it got there, but there it was. Inside, there was a standard black suit. Nothing special but it worked. Once Percy put it on he headed back over to the spot August said to meet him. To his surprise, she was already there.
"You're like twelve minutes late, if there are no more golden cupcakes I will kill you" She stated as she walked.
Percy followed, "What's so special about these cupcakes anyway?"
August gasped like it was the most surprising thing she ever heard of in her life. "You haven't tried the golden cupcakes?" she whispered loudly.
Percy shrugged, "No if you hadn't noticed I'm new here."
Her eyes lit up with joy, "Oh my god you have to try them it will literally change your life. You haven't lived until you try them" She rambled on again, "You know I had a friend who was depressed because her parents divorced and I told her to try a cupcake, she ate it, and she wasn't depressed anymore."
Percy laughed, "You sure she wasn't just really hungry?"
August rolled her eyes and started walking towards the great hall, where the Yule ball was held. Percy followed right behind her.
When they got the ball, the great hall looked totally different. The room was decorated with an abundance of magical ice sculptures, shimmering with a glow. Tall, elegant ice pillars line the sides of the hall, intertwined with sparkling white fairy lights. The ceiling was bewitched to resemble a starry winter night sky, complete with twinkling stars and floating snowflakes that gently fell to the ground. Massive chandeliers, seemingly made of ice, hung from above, casting a warm, soft light. On the dance floor, stood a sea of people, all dressed in elegant robes and gowns. Percy couldn't help but cringe inwardly at the atmosphere that surrounded him, and the dread of attending another ball dawned on him. What is it with british people and balls? He asked himself.
August smiled, "Wow, this is so amazing! C'mon let's go see if they have cupcakes left!" She grabbed Percy's arm as they walked through the crowds towards the snack table. When they got there, there was only one cupcake left and August snatched it up so quickly it was gone in the blink of an eye. "Yes! I'm so lucky I got the last one!" she boasted.
A heavy groan echoed behind them. Both of them turned around to see Neville Longbottom, his face painted with disappointment. "Oh no, I wanted that last cupcake! Hey I saw it first..." Neville opened his mouth like he wanted to say something else, but his eyes darted to August and then to Percy and his face lightened in horror. He ran away from there faster than he appeared.
August smiled and shrugged, "Perks of being next to a serial killer I guess."
Percy shot his head towards her and looked at her in annoyance, "What?"
She stammered, "Not that I'm saying you're a serial killer, it's sarcasm. I mean.. Unless you are, which in that case let me know so we can do a death note type of situation" She smiled, but it quickly faded away when she saw his expression. "I'm kidding. I know you're not. Piece of Cupcake?" She offered.
He looked away "All yours"
Between bites August spoke up, "What I meant was that it's good you scare people and it has its perks." August gulped down her cupcake, "Do you dance?"
Percy looked at her, "No"
"Yeah I figured you didn't. It would look kind of silly too wouldn't it? Like oh yeah there goes little Voldemort dancing his butt away... sounds silly to me..." August continued talking but Percy tuned her off quite quickly when he saw Malfoy and Audrey holding hands on the dance floor. Malfoy was smirking and she was laughing. He definitely missed a few chapters there. August continued "...And it wasn't like I didn't want to but like at some point you just learn to never ask, don't you think?"
Percy nodded, though he had no idea what she was talking about, "Sure"
The sound of laughter and music enveloped the hall, mingling with the tinkling of glasses and the rustle of people. August's words hung in the air, the mention of "Little Voldemort" dancing his butt away was almost enough to make Percy leave. He had long been accustomed to his intimidating reputation, but August's bluntness had taken him by surprise. He wasn't sure if he should be offended or amused.
August noticed Percy's distant expression, "What are you thinking about?" she asked.
He answered honestly as he grabbed a drink from the punch bowl behind them, "You."
She tilted her head, "So vague.." Her eyes darted of to the drink, "I wouldn't drink that if I were you, it's probably spiked, the Slytherins do it every year"
Percy took a sip, "I know"
Suddenly, Ron came rolling down the dance floor on his wheelchair. From the part of his face that wasn't casted, Percy could see his expression was full of anger..
August followed his eyes and shot him a look, "You have to stop doing that"
"Doing what?" he answered, not taking his eyes off Ron.
"Smiling like that when you see him. It's like you're enjoying a prize you won, "she explained. Percy didn't realize he was smiling, but as soon as she said that he took his eyes off Ron.
He took a sip of his drink, "Maybe not a prize, but I do enjoy it," he admitted. His eyes landed on Hermione, who was standing alone near one of the ice pillars.
He downed his drink and excused himself from August. He made his way down the crowd, which was crowded to say the least, and walked towards Hermione. She smiled when she saw him which took Percy by surprise.
He stood right next to her, "So why are you standing in a dark corner all by yourself?"
She chuckled, "Ironic coming from you"
He shrugged, "But way out of character for you"
Hermione nodded, "l I can't find my friends and well...my date definitely can't dance"
The mention of Ron made Percy uneasy. "He hit me first you know" he said, ready to explain his version of the story.
She nodded again, "I know"
Percy paused, "You do?"
"It's stupid...He somehow got the idea that you asked me to the ball and before I could tell him it wasn't like that, he just ran off madly" She explained, "I guess that's why he punched you. He thought you were asking me out."
"Well that explains things" he chuckled.
She laughed humorlessly, "Yeah I'm really sorry"
He turned his head towards her, "Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything"
"Well I'm apologizing on behalf of him too I guess"
Percy glared at her, "Don't do that"
She hesitated, "Okay... but he is kind of right. It's my fault in a way"
He rolled his eyes, "Is that what he's saying to you? That it's your fault?"
Before Hermione could answer she was interrupted by Harry Potter's presence, who walked up to both of them. As Harry approached them, his brow furrowed suspiciously. "Hey, what's going on?" He asked Hermione, his eyes glanced between her and Percy.
Hermione shook her head and smiled, "Nothing. Lets go" she grabbed Harry's arm and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Percy in the dark corner all by himself.
Thirty minutes and three drinks later, Percy was ready to leave. And he might've done it if it wasn't for Snape eyeing him every second he made a move. The dance music was like an annoying alarm in his ears, and the room was so crowded he felt like he was getting sucked in, despite still being in his corner. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Jackson! We've been looking for you mate, where were you?" Malfoy said, his hand still on his shoulder and his other holding Audrey's waist.
Percy looked at his shoulder, startled "Don't touch me."
Malfoy removed his hand, raising an eyebrow at Percy's response. Audrey shot Percy a disapproving glance, and Malfoy chuckled.
"Easy there Jackson, we were just wondering where you disappeared to" Malfoy smirked.
Percy took a step back, distancing himself from Malfoy's lingering presence, "I think I'd rather enjoy my own company right now."
Malfoy raised an eyebrow and laughed, "Yeah? That's all you do"
Percy shot him a sharp look, irritation evident in his eyes, "And apparently you have a problem with that?"
Audrey chimed in, "You could at least pretend to be sociable. It's a ball, not a funeral."
Percy huffed, scanning the room for an escape route. Snape's gaze still lingered, making him uneasy.
Malfoy grinned, "You've been hiding in this corner the whole night. Come on, Jackson, have some fun."
Audrey turned her attention to Percy, "Yes, fun. You remember what that is, right?"
Percy scowled at her, running a hand through his disheveled hair. He had no idea what had gotten into her, but he figured it had everything to do with Malfoy being there.
"You're such a ray of sunshine tonight, Jackson," Malfoy said mockingly. "You know what we should do? We should try to find the watcher. I bet it's Longbottom this year."
Percy stayed quiet but rolled his eyes at Malfoy's suggestion, his irritation growing. Malfoy continued, "Last year he snitched to Dumbledore that we spiked the punch. Whole house got suspended."
"And I should care why?" Percy asked disinterested.
Audrey sighed, "Percy, lighten up. We're all here to enjoy ourselves. It's not every day we get to attend the Yule ball"
Malfoy's arm wrapped around her, "You know my girl's right, I'm sure even your grandfather Voldemort had his fun" he laughed.
Percy's annoyance reached new heights, "Oh yeah he had lots of fun...killing people"
His words hung in the air, a heavy silence falling over them. Malfoy's smirk faltered, and Audrey's eyes widened in shock. The gravity of Percy's statement settled in, his words lingering.
Malfoy chuckled nervously, "Alright, Jackson, no need to take it that far. It was just a joke."
"Percy, come on. That's not something to joke about, especially from you" Audrey said.
He glared at her, slightly wondering if her mind was suddenly sucked in by Malfoy, "Who said I was joking?" Percy said darkly.
"Alright, mate. We get it. Let's not talk about that. It's the Yule Ball, after all" Malfoy stammered.
Percy, seemingly satisfied with the discomfort he'd caused, took a step back, his gaze piercing through the awkward silence. He let out a bitter laugh. "You know what? You're right Malfoy. I'm gonna go have some... fun" he briskly walked away, leaving Malfoy and Audrey behind. As he walked he became fully aware of what he implied and regret filled him in. As he looked around, Snape's glaring eyes were still following his every move; like he was expecting him to do something.
The music continued its relentless assault on his ears, and the pulsating lights seemed to mock his attempts at finding solitary. Percy wandered through the crowds, trying to find a quieter spot. He glanced around and spotted an open courtyard adjacent to the great hall. As he stepped into the cool night air, he felt a sense of relief. The courtyard was adorned with magical ice sculptures, casting a serene ambiance over the scene. Percy took a deep breath, attempting to shake off the tension that had built up during the evening. This was going to be a long night.
Valerie (hours before)
When Valerie stormed into Audrey's room that evening, she already knew she was going to regret it. Audrey was busy fussing over her hair and makeup for the Yule ball when Valerie barged in. The room was a chaotic blend of scattered dresses, makeup palettes, and the frenetic energy that preceded.
"What's got you all worked up?" Audrey asked, turning away from the mirror to look at Valerie's agitated expression. Valerie huffed and plopped down on Audrey's bed. "It's the dumbest thing ever. Apparently, no one asked me to the ball because they think I'm some sort of ticking time bomb thanks to Percy Jackson."
Audrey's eyes widened, and she abandoned her makeup brush. "Wait, what?"
Valerie rolled her eyes. "Justin just informed me that the entire male population at Hogwarts is terrified of asking me out because they're afraid of becoming Percy's next victim. Can you believe that nonsense?"
Audrey chuckled, "Well, you did kind of launch yourself at him in the hallway, remember? People love to gossip."
Valerie groaned, burying her face in her hands. "But it was just a stupid kiss to make Aaron jealous! Not some grand love affair. And now I'm stuck missing the ball because of it."
Audrey sat down next to Valerie, putting an arm around her shoulders. "Listen, forget about what others think, who cares?! If you want to go to the Yule ball, go. If you don't, then don't. But don't let some silly rumor dictate your choices"
Valerie sighed, looking at Audrey "Maybe I'll just show up fashionably late and enjoy the night."
"Better late than never! Now, let's get you ready. We've got a ball to attend and I still haven't finished my eyeliner" Audrey said as she went back to her mirror.
"Do you still have that backup dress in your closet?" She asked.
"Obviously, I knew you were going to change your mind about going" As Audrey rummaged through her closet, she pulled out a beautiful black dress that matched Valerie's style perfectly.
With Audrey's help, Valerie slipped into the dress, and Audrey expertly adjusted a few loose threads. "You look amazing," Audrey exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement,"Im literally genius"
Valerie nodded, "You really are"
As the two friends finished getting ready, Audrey pulled out a small box from her dresser. "I almost forgot!" she exclaimed, revealing a delicate necklace with a pendant.
As Audrey went back to working on her eyeliner, she glanced at Valerie through the mirror. "Hey, do you think Draco will like this dress? Or is it too much pink?"
Valerie scoffed, "Since when do you care what Draco Malfoy thinks?"
"Since he asked me to be his girlfriend again yesterday," Audrey grinned.
Valerie sneered, "Oh. So you're really doing this then?"
Audrey looked back at Valerie with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Why not? Draco's been surprisingly sweet lately. Plus, I've always had a soft spot for bad boys, you know that."
Valerie raised an eyebrow, "Soft spot or not, I can't believe you're giving him a second chance after everything."
She shrugged, "People change, Val. And besides, he did apologize. In his own Malfoy way, but still."
Valerie sighed, realizing she wouldn't be able to talk Audrey out of it. "Just be careful, alright? I don't want to see you get hurt."
Audrey grinned, "You're such a worrywart. But thanks, Mom."
"But what about Oliver?" she asked
Audrey shrugged, "What about him?"
"Oh nothing, just the fact that you were totally in love with him three weeks ago"
"That was before I saw him sticking his tongue down Ellie Green's throat. Plus he would never like me Val, it was pointless and dumb"
Valerie studied Audrey's face, trying to gauge the sincerity in her words. "Are you sure this isn't just a rebound, Audrey? You were head over heels for Oliver, and now Draco? It seems a bit... impulsive."
Audrey chuckled, "Draco and I just happened, and it feels right. Sometimes, you've got to go with what feels right in the moment."
"You deserve someone who sees your worth, not just another guy to fill the space" She said.
Audrey gave her a reassuring smile, "I appreciate the concern, Val, I really do. But I'm a big girl. I can handle myself."
Valerie shook her head, unconvinced, but she didn't press the matter further.
As they finished getting ready, Audrey continued talking about how Malfoy changed and how great he was, which was enough to make Valerie want to shoot herself. She was thankful when Audrey sprayed her last spray of perfume on herself and was ready to go.
"Okay so Draco, Elyse, Caleb, Maddison and Xavier are gonna meet up with us at the entrance"
Valerie tilted her head, "Does this mean I'm a seventh wheel?"
"No. And it's too late to back out now! So stop thinking about it" Audrey said as she headed out the door, Valerie following right behind her. This definitely was going to be a long night.