Harry folded up the letter and made his way to the owlery. He found Hedwig sleeping next to a large barn owl. He stroked her head softly and she hooted as she woke up. Harry hadn’t used her to send a letter in so long that she was glad to take the job. He tied the letter to her leg and held her on his arm as he walked out to the window. She flew out of the window and off into the distance. Harry checked his watch to see he had twenty minutes to get into the entrance hall to go. He ran all the way to the Gryffindor common room and into his dorm. Ron was sitting on the side of the bed waiting for him
“Where have you been?” Ron asked as Harry burst through the door.
“Sending a letter to the Dursleys.” Harry replied grabbing his cloak. “Are you coming?”
“Yeah sure I am.” Ron answered grabbing his own cloak and following Harry out of the door and back down to the entrance hall.
Most of the third years and above were standing in the Entrance hall waiting to go to Hogsmead. Michele was standing talking quietly to Malfoy. She didn’t seem happy about talking to him but she was listening and nodding. Harry found Hermione talking to Neville and walked over.
“Hey Hermione, hey Neville.” Harry said.
“Hey Harry.” Neville replied Hermione only smiled a hello.
“Hey.” Ron said walking up behind them.
“Hi.”
“Wonder what Michele is talking to Malfoy about?” Ron asked noticing Michele nodding to something Malfoy had said.
“Don’t know.” Harry answered.
“Ok is everyone ready?” Professor McGonagall called over the students.
A chorus of yes’ and yeah let’s go’ came back and McGonagall opened the doors and let the students stream through.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville walked slowly down to the village among the students. They reached Hogsmead and wondered what to do first.
“Zonko’s?” Ron asked.
“No. Let’s go the Three Broomsticks. Get a drink.” Hermione suggested.
“Yeah that’s a good idea. I second that.” Michele said walking up behind them.
“Hey.” Harry answered.
“Hi. So are we going? I’m freezing.” Michele asked.
“Yeah sure.” Ron answered and the five of them set off towards the little pub. Once inside Michele offered to get the drinks while the others found a table. Harry found a free table in the corner of the pub and the rest settled down around it. Michele came back with a tray of butterbeers.
Everyone grabbed a tankard of butterbeer and they started talking about what they wanted to do that day.
“Well I wanted to go to the Shrieking Shack. We promised we’d say hi.” Michele said looking at Harry.
“No need for that. Hi.” Sirius said from behind Harry. Harry turned his head and smiled at Sirius.
“Grab a chair.” Hermione smiled as Sirius pulled a chair from the next table and sat in between Ron and Harry.
“Where’s Remus?” Harry asked.
“Getting drinks. It’s his turn.” Sirius told them, sure enough Lupin was at the bar talking to Madam Rosmerta.
“So what are you kids doing today?” Sirius asked after a minute.
“Don’t know yet.” Ron answered. Harry looked over to see Neville was staring, petrified at Sirius.
“Neville.” Harry said. Neville snapped his head towards Harry. “Sirius is innocent. He was cleared a few weeks ago.” Neville nodded nervously.
“How come you’re here?” Neville asked.
“Making sure my godson is ok.” Sirius replied grabbing Harry’s shoulder.
“Sirius is my godfather.” Harry explained to Neville. Neville nodded back slowly.
“What did I miss?” Lupin asked giving Sirius his drink.
“Just us telling Neville I’m not a mass murderer.” Sirius smiled.
“Oh so nothing out of the usual.” Lupin joked pulling a chair up between Michele and Neville. “Hey Neville how are you?”
“I’m fine.” Neville squeaked.
“Good.”
“You realise you are ruining our reputations as cool people by sitting with us. I mean who sits with their dad?” Michele said sarcastically.
“The same people who sit with convicted mass murderers?” Sirius asked.
“Ok then. I get your point. Actually I think the sitting with a werewolf is kind of cool.” Michele answered smiling.
“Watch it.” Lupin growled.
Michele smiled and went back to drinking her butterbeer. Ron struck up a conversation with Sirius about what he was going to do now he was a free man. Hermione sat and listened while drinking her butterbeer and Neville, Michele, Harry and Lupin started talking about how Sirius, James, Peter and Lupin used to make fun of Snape in school.
“He was so mad when I got the Defence against the Dark Arts job.” Lupin told them. “I think the high point of my year was seeing him after you dressed him in your grandmothers clothes.” Lupin laughed.
“Was he mad?” Neville asked quietly.
“Yes he was. I think he was madder at me because I was the one who told you to dress him like that. Honestly he was yelling, threatening to tell the students I was a werewolf. Empty threats really.”
A few hours later they had all been to Zonko’s, Honeyduke’s, The Post Office and the Shrieking Shack, though it had lost most of it’s appeal, as they knew Sirius and Lupin were living there. After saying goodbye to Sirius and Lupin the five of them set off back to Hogwarts. Michele had brought some sweets from Honeyduke’s and some tricks from Zonko’s, as she had heard so much about them. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville had all brought sweets from Honeydukes but had not brought anything from Zonko’s as they had had too much experience of their tricks. Walking into the Entrance hall Harry could smell the pumpkins from the Great Hall. The five of them walked to the Gryffindor common room and collapsed in front of the fire.
At seven they all made their way to the Great Hall with the other Gryffindors. The feast was delicious and Harry found the ghosts flying formation very funny. The ghosts had also found some skeletons and were making a skit showing how each one died. By the end of the entertainment it was getting rather late. Dumbledore stood up and ended the feast. Michele told the others she would catch up and she went to talk to Dumbledore. Harry made his way back to his dorm with Ron and Neville. Neville fell onto his bed and was asleep before his head hit the pillow. Ron and harry sat up for a while playing wizarding chess. Then went to bed when the rest came into the dorm.
Harry lay in bed for a long time thinking. He was thinking about what the Dursleys would say in the letter he hoped they would send back. What living with Sirius and Remus would be like? Would they even be there most of the time? Maybe they would be off, fighting Voldemort. Harry didn’t know. Also where would Remus go on the full moon, surely he wouldn’t stay at the house Sirius and Remus had planned to buy. He was just wondering what his room would look like when he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Seventeen.

Exciting News.

November hit the castle like a snowstorm. Everyone had gotten over the excitement of Halloween and were now waiting with anticipation for Christmas. Harry had found that however much he wanted the clocks to speed up until the holidays came the more they seemed to slow down. In the first week of November the attitude in the air was light and excitable. Everyone was sitting down to breakfast on the Monday morning when Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement. The hall went quiet, though Harry could still hear excited whispers running through the Great Hall.
“Due to the success of last years Yule Ball we have decided to carry on the tradition and have another this year.” The hall erupted into excited cheers and yells. Dumbledore fought to be heard over everyone. “The ball will be held on Christmas day from seven thirty till midnight and all years are permitted to attend.” The first, second and third years who were all still half subdued burst into cheers and screams of excitement. Unable to be heard against the cheers Dumbledore sat down and was instantly engaged in conversation by Professor McGonagall.
“Well this seems like fun.” Michele said turning to Harry, Ron and Hermione. “Any ideas about who you three are going to ask?”
Hermione muttered something about not knowing after blushing a violent shade of crimson. Ron turned to the colour of his hair then muttered so quietly nobody heard what he said. Harry just sat staring at his porridge. He knew who he would like to ask but wanting to ask and asking were two completely different concepts.
The news of the Christmas Ball sent a wave of excitement through the school. Once again the girls started moving in packs and went into fits of giggles anytime a boy approached them. Harry thought about whom he could ask, there were two obvious choices, Michele and Hermione. But then there was the slight chance that Cho Chang would want to go with him. After much debating with himself, Harry decided he was going to ask Cho to the ball.
Harry was walking to Divination when he saw Cho next. She was talking to a friend as she walked down the stairs.
“Cho can I have a word?” Harry asked nervously as he approached her.
“Sure.” Cho turned to her friend. “I’ll catch up ok.”
Harry started going red and he could feel his palms starting to sweat.
“I was wondering…” Harry began, “If you would want to go to the, err.” He stumbled. Cho seemed to get the idea though.
“I would love to go to the ball with you.” Cho smiled.
“You would?” Harry asked, his insides melting.
“Yeah, But I have to go now. I have potions next with Snape.”
“Yeah ok, I’ll see you later then.” Harry said, still a little bewildered.
Harry watched Cho run to catch up with her friend until she was out of sight before hurrying up the stairs to Divination. When Harry got up to the Divination room he saw most people were seated underneath the trapdoor, which was still shut. Ron was sitting talking to Michele but as soon as he saw Harry he shut up.
“Not talking about me I hope.” Harry joked as he sat down but seeing the guilty look on Ron’s face he assumed they probably were talking about him. There was an awkward silence until the trapdoor fell open and the stepladder moved slowly down. Harry climbed up the ladder and into the circular room. He found a free table and sat down. Ron, Michele, Dean, Seamus and Neville soon joined him.
“Good morning children.” Professor Trelawney said as she once again made an over dramatised entrance. “We are going to move onto Tarot cards today as the fates have told me that we will have a prediction if we do.” Professor Trelawney eyed Michele very carefully as she said this and Michele turned to Harry and made a stupid face.
“The fates have informed me.” She said in a high-pitched voice that sounded surprisingly like Professor Trelawney.
“Now one person from each table go and get enough Tarot cards for each person on your table. In the end Dean went to get the Tarot cards while the others talked about the Yule Ball.
“So who are you taking Ron?” Seamus asked. Ron suddenly went very quiet and said he wasn’t sure.
“What about you Seamus?” Michele asked.
“Parvati Patil.” Seamus said proudly.
“Well done you.” Michele said.
“Neville?” Michele asked.
“Nobody yet.” Neville answered.
“Don’t worry, any girl would be lucky to go with you.” Michele answered. Neville blushed the colour of Ron’s hair and smiled from ear to ear.
“Here you go.” Dean said as he set the six packs of Tarot cards in the middle of the table. Dean took the first pack then sat down and pulled them onto the table.
“So how are we meant to do this?” Dean asked looking dumbly at the cards.
“Well you shuffle them.” Michele said shuffling her cards.
“Ok.” Dean said starting shuffling his cards. Everyone else copied, it seemed only Michele knew what she was doing.
“Then split the cards in half. Then pick up the top cards from the split and set them out in this pattern.” Michele started placing the cards on the table in a set pattern. Everyone copied Michele keeping one eye on what she was doing so they didn’t miss anything. When everyone had predicted their future Neville talked to Michele.
“How do you know how to do that?” He asked. Michele smiled devilishly.
“I have the book open on my lap.” Michele said holding up the book. Everyone laughed including Michele, who smiled devilishly again.

Chapter 23.

End of a friendship

Harry, Ron and Hermione were sitting in the common room that evening when Michele walked in joking with Fred.
“No way, I am not going to eat one of those things.” Michele was laughing.
“Oh come on I bet yellow is really your colour.” Fred said smiling. Michele laughed.
“I said no.” She said then spotting Harry, Ron and Hermione she suggested. “Why don’t you try it one of them?”
“Because they are smart enough not to except food from me.” Fred smiled holding out a canary cream.
“And I’m not smart enough?” Michele asked with mock annoyance.
“You know I didn’t mean that.” Fred said.
“Well you’re just lucky you have such a sweet face. I can’t get annoyed with you.” Michele flirted.
“Hmm, is that a come on?” Fred asked hopefully.
“No.” Michele laughed then walked over to Harry, Ron and Hermione. “Hey guys.” Michele said as she sat down on the arm of Ron’s chair.
“Hey, what was that about?” Hermione asked nodding towards Fred who was now talking to Lee Jordan over on the other side of the room.
“Oh he wanted me to be the guinea pig for those new and improved canary creams him and George have made.” Michele answered.
“Looks like he wanted you to be more than his guinea pig.” Harry said trying to hide his jealousy.
“Nah. Fred is a laugh. I always joke around with him like that.” Michele said brushing off the comment.
“Hermione, have you asked that certain someone to the ball yet?” Michele asked slyly.
“I didn’t need to.” Hermione answered going a dark shade or scarlet.
“He asked you?” Michele said looking impressed.
“Yes I asked Hermione to the ball. Can we drop it now?” Ron said quickly.
“Well I think you make a cute couple.” Michele said ruffling Ron’s hair.
There was a slight silence while Ron fixed his hair before Harry got up the courage to ask Michele whom she was going with.
“Michele, who are you going with?” Harry asked quietly.
“Um, I’m going with Draco.” Michele answered so quietly Harry thought he hadn’t heard her. Then the bombshell hit Harry like a ton of bricks from a very high place.
“You’re going with Malfoy?” Harry asked dumbfounded.
“Yeah.” Michele answered like she didn’t see the problem Harry saw.
“Why are you going with Malfoy?” Ron asked disgusted.
“Because he asked me. And nobody else had asked me.” Michele said disbelieving they were having this discussion.
“But you can’t go with him?” Harry said before he had time to think.
“And why not?” Michele asked.
“Because, uh, because uh?” Harry tried to find the words but he couldn’t.
“Harry I can go with whoever I want. It isn’t up to you. If you wanted to go with me you should of asked. But you didn’t so I decided to go with the guy who did. It has nothing to do with you.” Michele yelled and stormed out of the common room.
That night Harry couldn’t sleep. He had gone to bed early but whatever he did, however much he tossed and turned he couldn’t seem to drift off. Harry felt like he had a lead ball in his stomach. Michele was going to the ball with Malfoy. Harry wasn’t even sure why he cared about this as much as he did. He was going with the girl he wanted to go with. He was going with Cho, but why couldn’t he get this horrible feeling out of his stomach? Harry hadn’t talked to Michele since their fight but Hermione had told him that he wanted to make it up he had to apologize. Harry had refused by saying ‘Why should I apologize?’ Hermione had had no answer for this but Harry knew she was right.

Chapter 24.

Making his move.

Harry and Michele hadn’t talked since that Saturday in the middle of November when they had had their fight and Harry missed talking to her like mad. Hermione and Ron had tried endless times to get them talking but both were so sure they were in the right that they had refused each and every time. Michele now sat with the Slytherins in the mixed classes and sat with Fred and George at dinner. Snape had also gone back to giving Harry detentions whenever he could, as Michele no longer hung around with him. Harry never saw Michele on weekends and evenings and she left the common room whenever Harry entered it.
The first week of the Christmas holiday showed how many people were going to the Ball. This year the ball was open to everybody so practically everyone was staying for Christmas.
Harry had come into the common room that evening to find Michele sitting with Fred talking quietly. Harry decided to forget his pride and go over to talk to her.
“Michele can I have a, a word please.” Harry asked his insides churning like they were in a washing machine.
Michele looked up, her smile faded from her face when she saw Harry.
“I suppose.” Michele answered. “I’ll find you in a bit Fred ok.” Michele said turning to Fred. Fred nodded and walked off. Michele stayed sitting until Harry spoke.
“Could we go somewhere else?” He asked nervously.
“Ok.” Michele said standing up. They walked out of the common room and down the hall in silence. Harry looked in the first classroom to find Peeves bouncing around. They walked a little further until they found an empty classroom.
“So.” Michele said sitting on the desk nearest the front.
“Yeah.” Harry answered.
“Harry, I...” Michele started but Harry cut her off.
“I’m sorry about what I said. You were right, it is none of my business who you go to the ball with.” Harry explained.
“Harry this doesn’t make things alright between us.” Michele said looking at the floor.
“Why not?” Harry asked, he had apologized, what more did she want?
“Harry I took you four weeks to admit you were wrong, and I know you are not ok with me going to the ball with Draco. The only reason you are saying this is because you want to be friends with me again. It doesn’t work that way. Look come and talk to me when you get over yourself.” Michele said sadly.
“What more do you want from me?” Harry said as Michele walked towards the door. Michele turned and looked at Harry with a longing Harry had never seen before. Then just before she walked out she said quietly.
“Take a wild guess.”
The door shut softly as she left. Harry stayed in the classroom thinking for a while afterwards when suddenly Dumbledore walked in.
“Oh. Harry what are you doing in here?” He asked.
“Making an idiot of myself. Harry said quietly, still lost in thought.
“Well I am not sure what you mean.” Dumbledore said sitting on the desk.
“I had an argument with a friend and I don’t know how to make it up to her.” Harry explained.
“Ah yes I heard about that.” Dumbledore said conjuring a pot of tea and two cups from nowhere. “Tea?”
“No thanks I am fine.” Harry answered.
“Oh ok.” Dumbledore said making the pot and cups disappear.
“How did you know about the argument?” Harry asked Dumbledore.
“Mr. Potter you don’t realise how strong a bond I have with my granddaughter.” Dumbledore said, his blue eyes twinkling.
“Oh.” Harry answered, not sure what to ask.
“Mr. Potter, my advice would be to be honest. If you are truly sorry about what happened then Michele will see it.” Dumbledore explained.
“I said I was sorry. I told her that she was right and it was none of my business who she went to the ball with.” Harry explained. Dumbledore shook his head.
“That’s where you were wrong. Harry, Michele wants it to be your business. That’s why she was so upset.”
“I don’t understand.” Harry said.
“Neither do I Harry. Neither do I.” Dumbledore answered standing up and walking to the door. “Just be honest Harry. I will see you later.” Dumbledore smiled and left Harry alone again.
Harry felt like he was sleepwalking his way back to the common room. He left the classroom lost in thought and the next thing he knew he was in the common room sitting by the fire. He couldn’t get what Michele and Dumbledore had said to him. ‘Michele wants it to be your business.’ Why did this all have to be so confusing. Harry went up to his dorm and lay on his bed thinking. What had Michele meant when she said ‘take a wild guess’? Harry thought but he couldn’t find a way out of the mess he was in.

Chapter 25.

The Christmas Ball.

Harry spent the next few days doing all the homework he had been set over the holidays. Much to the protesting of Ron who had said…
“Harry we have the whole holiday. Why are you doing it now?” Harry had explained to Ron that he wanted to get it out of the way now so he had the rest of the holiday free.
Harry had finished all of the homework within a few days, which Hermione had praised him endlessly for. On Christmas morning Harry woke up being shaked by Ron.
“What? Harry asked sleepily.
“Come on Harry it’s Christmas.” Ron said enthusiastically.
Harry still felt groggy until he saw the pile of presents at the end of his bed, which was a lot bigger than usual. Harry scrambled to the bottom of his bed and picked up the first present. It was a weird shape that confused Harry.
“Look Harry I got another jumper, maroon. What a surprise” Ron said sarcastically.
Harry tore off the paper of the weird shaped object to find a bag of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. There was a note attached saying

Harry
We really owe you for giving us your prize money last Year. So here is a selection of our inventions.
Fred & George.

Harry looked at the package. There was a canary cream, a tonne Tongue toffee (Harry decided he wouldn’t try that any time soon.) a fake wand, a small cauldron, a small yellow ball that Harry hadn’t seen before and a few other weird objects.
“Wow, cool Harry. They gave you a supply of Wizard Wheezes? I wonder if I’ve got any?” Ron said starting to search frantically through his pile of presents. Harry had received a blue jumper with a small snitch on the front and a box of Mince pies from Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, a box of home made toffee from Hagrid, a selection of Honeydukes sweets from Hermione and set of miniature dragons that moved from Ron. (“Wow Ron where did you get these?”)
Only one package remained and Harry saw from the writing that it was from Sirius. The package was about the same size as the watch Sirius had given him for his birthday. Harry pulled off the card and opened it.

Harry,
Merry Christmas, I hope everything is ok there. The present is something I have had for a while. I took them when I got to the house just after the attack. I knew they would of wanted you to keep them.
Sirius.

Harry opened the package to find two gold rings on a silver chain and a locket. Harry opened the locket. The picture seemed to jump out at him and enlarge itself. His mother and father smiled back at him. His mother was cradling a baby, him. Harry looked at the rings. He saw that one had a single diamond stone in it and the other was a plane gold band. Harry noticed an inscription on the inside of the ring saying.

With Love Always.

Harry checked the other ring and saw that it bore the same inscription. Harry slipped the chain around his neck and hid the locket under his pillow. Harry looked to the end of his bed and saw a small flat package lying on the cover. Harry opened it to see an old piece of parchment. Harry unfolded the parchment to see that it was blank. It looks like the mauderer's map Harry thought to himself but he couldn’t be sure so he put the tip of his wand on the piece of parchment and whispered the words
“I solemnly swear I am up to no good.” Suddenly the parchment had lines moving outwards all over it until a map of Hogwarts was across the parchment. Harry put hiss wand tip to the map again and whispered “mischief managed.” The map went suddenly blank. Harry rolled it up and hid it in his trunk thinking to himself, who gave it back to me?
Harry made his way down to the Great Hall with Ron, Fred and George. Hermione was sitting near the end of the Gryffindor table eating quietly. Harry sat next to her and smiled.
“Merry Christmas. Hermione.” Harry said cheerfully, trying to block the map out of his mind.
“You too.” Hermione smiled.
“Good presents Hermione?” Ron asked.
“Great, thank you.” Hermione answered smiling at Ron. “Well I don’t think I will eat the ton tongue toffee any time soon.” Harry joked. Harry continued to joke with the twins about their inventions when Harry noticed Michele walking towards them. Her hair wasn’t in its normal ponytail but it was hanging around her face. With a wreath of tinsel crowning her head.
“Nice crown your highness.” Fred said standing up and pulling out Michele’s chair with a mock bow.
“Shut it you.” Michele laughed. “Can’t I be festive like everyone else?”
“No. You have to be normal and not enjoy the holidays at all.” Fred said sternly.
“Oh well you’ll have to wear this for me then.” Michele said taking off the tinsel and putting it on Fred’s head. George burst out laughing and teased Fred all through breakfast but Fred refused to take it off.
“What is that on your head weasel?” Malfoy drawled just as they were all leaving the Great Hall.
“A present Dracula.” Fred sneered back. Harry sniggered as Malfoy went bright pink. It was obvious that he hadn’t expected Fred to have a come back ready.
That afternoon Harry went onto the grounds with Ron to find Fred, George, Lee Jordan, Michele, Hermione and Ginny all having a snowball fight. Harry yelled to them asking if he could join in, but a snowball hitting him in the side of the head gave Harry his answer. The seven of them attacked each other with snowballs for a long time before Michele, Ginny and Hermione left to get ready. The rest of them carried on and only stopped because it was getting to dark for them to hit each other.
When Harry and Ron got up to the circular room Seamus, Dean and Neville were already in their dress robes. Neville’s were deep blue with black trimming and a round collar. Seamus’ were purple and Deans were black with gold trimming.
Harry pulled on his dress robes. He did up the collar and looked to the others for opinions. Everyone said they looked ok. Ron’s dress robes were a lot better than the ones he had the year before. They were dark blue with a high collar like Harry’s and they made Ron look shorter, which Harry was sure was a good thing.
They all left the room at about quarter to eight. Ron met Hermione in the common room. Hermione had once again sleeked her hair and tied it back but this year she had twisted it into a swirly bun.
Hermione was wearing deep red robes with a gold trimming that really suited her. Harry looked at Ron who couldn’t stop staring at Hermione, Harry could tell why. At ten to eight the three of them left the common room and walked down to the Entrance Hall where Harry had agreed to meet Cho. While they were waiting Harry watched the people enter the Great Hall. Neville was going with Ginny who looked very pretty in her sky blue dress. Crabb and Goyle both entered the Hall dateless. Malfoy however waited for Michele in the Entrance Hall. Harry looked around to see Cho walking towards him wearing light cream robes with long flowing arms. Harry had never seen Cho look so pretty. Her hair was down and draping softly over her shoulders.
“Hey.” Harry said as he met her.
“Hey.” She replied. Harry wasn’t sure what is was but something made him look up the marble stairs. There were people streaming down them but then he saw her.
Michele was walking down the stairs. Her lilac dress fitting her body to the waist before flowing out. The top of the dress was a strap going around her neck leaving her arms bare. Michele had used two small plaits starting at the side of her head meeting at the back to hold her hair away from her face though some strands were falling softly around her face framing it. Harry couldn’t take her eyes off her. He only snapped back into reality when Malfoy walked up to Michele and took her hand leading her into the Great Hall.
Harry turned back to Cho who was smiling warmly at the people around her, when she saw Michele however she looked slightly confused.
“I thought you were friends with her?” Cho asked Harry, who was pointedly looking in the other direction. Harry turned and followed Cho’s gaze.
“Oh, well we were.” Harry explained.
“Oh, ok then,” Cho replied taking the hint that Harry didn’t want to talk about it.
Harry took Cho’s hand and walked with her into the hall. The Hall was decorated with banners of red, green and gold, each with Christmas decorations on them. The usual twelve Christmas trees were placed around the side of the hall. Every Christmas tree had a different decoration on it. One had icicles, another fairies, and another red baubles. The lay out of the tables was very much the same as the year before. Small round tables that seated twelve were scattered around the hall. Every place setting has a small menu on the sparkling golden plate. Harry saw Ron and Hermione sitting at a table with Neville and Ginny.
“Do you mind if we sit with my friends?” Harry asked turning back to Cho.
“Of course not. But will there be space for Helen and Craig?” Cho asked.
“Sure.” Harry answered smiling and leading Cho over to the table where Ron, Hermione, Neville and Ginny sat talking. The feast was lovely. And Harry couldn’t believe he was with one of the most beautiful girls in the school. After a few minutes, Fred, Alicia, George and Angelina had joined them at the table. Harry enjoyed talking with all of them while they ate their meal. It turned out Helen and Cho were best friends and Craig was a beater on the Ravenclaw team.
When everyone had finished eating everything vanished from the tables. Then a candle chandelier appeared in the middle of the room softly lighting it. Dumbledore stood up and motioned for everyone to do the same. He then swept the tables back and conjured a record desk in one corner.
“This year we do not have live music but we have acquired a large set of muggle popular tunes which will be set up by mister Kent here.” Dumbledore explained as a tall dark man with dreadlocks walked in behind the record desk.
The man put on a slow tune and everyone made their way onto the dance floor. Harry lead Cho forward and started dancing with her. They revolved slowly on the spot. Harry found it a lot nicer than when he had danced with Parvati, he wasn’t sure why but this made him feel peaceful. When the dance finished Harry and Cho walked to the side and sat down. After that song another boy who Cho obviously knew came and asked her to dance. She gave Harry a look, asking him if it was ok, he nodded approvingly though he didn’t really want her to go.
Harry sat staring at Michele dance with Malfoy as Cho went to dance with her friend. Michele looked very happy dancing with Malfoy. He slumped back and turned to look at Ron and Hermione who were dancing near the side of the dance floor. When the song finished Cho stayed talking to her friend. Harry listened and heard a song he had heard before. He was sure it was a muggle song as he had heard it in the Dursley’s car. He remembered it as soon as the singing started, it was Livin’ la Vida Loca. Harry looked over at Michele who was now dancing with Fred. Listening to the song Harry thought that this song reminded him of Michele. He wasn’t sure why but he was certain that Michele would do that to some people. Fred was smiling and saying something quietly to Michele as they danced. Harry looked over at Malfoy who was glaring menacingly at Fred.
Michele thanked Fred at the end of the song and went back over to join Malfoy. Just then Cho came over and asked Harry if he felt like dancing. Harry nodded and took Cho’s hand. a slow song started and Cho hand clasped Harry’s and put her other on his shoulder. Harry put his hand on Cho’s waist and started revolving slowly. Half way through the dance Cho put her head on Harry’s shoulder. She seemed to be having a good time. When the song ended Harry walked with Cho to the table. He turned to see Michele lip locked with Malfoy on the dance floor. Harry felt a sear of hatred run through him and suddenly need to get out of the room.
“Do you want to go for a walk?” He asked Cho quickly.
“Yeah. Ok.” Cho answered.
The two of them walked out into the gardens. They found a nice spot and sat down on the bench.
“Harry, do you err, do you like me?” Cho asked suddenly, breaking the peaceful quiet that surrounded them.
“Well, Yeah.” He answered, his face turning to the shade of a beetroot.
“Good, because I like you too.” Cho said quietly. Harry leaned in and taking a leap of courage kissed Cho softly. The two of them looked at each other and smiled. Cho leant her head on Harry’s shoulder as the sat on the bench in the gardens. They stayed outside talking for a long time. It was only when Harry looked at his watch and realised it was eleven thirty that they decided to go back inside. Everyone was quietening down now. Some people were still dancing slowly on the dance floor but most were sitting at the tables talking quietly. Harry led Cho towards the table where Ron, Hermione and the others were sitting and sat next to Fred. Fred was looking towards the other side of the room though his eyes were out of focus. Cho, Harry and the others sat talking until Dumbledore declared the ball over. Everyone started shuffling towards the entrance hall.
“Well goodnight.” Harry said to Cho when they reached the Entrance Hall.
“Goodnight.” Cho replied before kissing Harry on the cheek. Harry blushed scarlet and smiled as Cho walked towards her common room and out of sight.
“Are you ready to go upstairs?” Ron asked. “Yeah sure.” Harry replied following Ron and Hermione up the marble staircase towards the Gyffindor common room. Harry couldn’t help but notice that Ron and Hermione’s hands were clasped together.
When the climbed through the portrait hole Ron stopped dead. He was staring to the middle of the room where Michele was sitting on the arm of a chair. Hermione stopped and stared. Michele looked up. She looked at Harry and at that point he knew he needed to talk to her.
“Guys, could you leave us alone for a sec?” Harry asked quietly.
“Sure Harry.” Hermione answered pushing Ron towards the dormitories.
Harry walked over to Michele and sat in the chair facing her. There were still people walking through the common room so they sat in silence for a while. When the common room was finally deserted Michele looked up.
“Harry, I’m sorry.” Michele said quietly.
“What?” harry replied. He wasn’t sure what she was talking about.
“I went to see Sirius and Remus yesterday. They told me how stupid I’d been.” Michele returned to looking at the floor. Harry leant forward.
“Michele, you don’t have to explain. I was a jerk. I assumed I could tell you who you went out with.” Harry explained.
“Yeah, you were a jerk for that.” Michele laughed softly.
“Thanks.” Harry smiled.
“I should have forgiven you when you apologised. But my pride stood in the way. I couldn’t admit to myself I was going to the ball with Draco for the wrong reasons. Harry I’m sorry.” Michele explained. She brushed her hair away from her face and looked up slowly. Harry smiled back.
“You don’t have to apologise. It was never my business who you went to the ball with. And I should be happy for you whoever you went with. Malfoy may not be my friend, but he is yours.” Michele smiled.
“So what else did Sirius say?” Harry asked. Before Michele could answer the portrait swung open and Fred climbed through. He was staggering towards them, nearly falling over his feet.
“Fred?” Michele asked as Fred slumped into a chair.
“Who?” Fred asked looking in the opposite direction.
“Oh my god I don’t believe it. He’s drunk.” Michele laughed, her hand over her mouth.
“I’ll get Ron and George.” Harry said walking towards the boy’s dorm.
“Why Ron?” Michele asked. “Ron would kill me if I didn’t show him this.” Harry replied running up the stairs.
“Ron, Ron. Come downstairs.” Harry whispered opening the door to his dorm.
“Why?” Ron whispered back.
“You’ll see.” Harry said, his sides splitting from trying not to laugh.
Ron followed Harry down the stairs and the opened the seventh year dorm door. Harry walked over to George’s bed and quietly shook George awake.
“What?” George asked sleepily.
“Come to the common room.” Harry whispered.
George pulled himself out of bed and down the stairs. It was only when he saw Fred, lying on the floor in fits of Hysterics that he fully woke up.
“What in the name of?” George asked as he walked over to his twin.
“He’s drunk.” Harry replied watching Fred try to stand up. George burst out laughing, as did Ron.
“Where did he get it from?” Michele asked through laughs.
“The kitchens.” George answered. “We asked the elves to get us some alcohol for Christmas. We didn’t think they’d get it.”
“What are we going to do with him?” Ron asked.
“Get him to bed. Come on, though i really want to make him do it on his own. Oh well.” George answered putting his arm around Fred’s waist and pulling him to his feet. “Harry, Ron, help me get him to the dorm.”
“What shall I do?” Michele asked.
“Nothing. We’ll deal with him.” George said pulling Fred towards the dorm with Harry and Ron’s help.
“Night guys.” Michele answered before disappearing up the stairs to the girl’s dorm.
Harry, Ron and George helped Fred into his bed and put a cover over him. They couldn’t be bothered to change his clothes so they just let him fall asleep. Harry and Ron said goodnight to George and went up to their room.
“I will never forget that.” Ron said as he climbed into bed.
“Me neither.” Harry replied, lying on his own four poster bed. Harry was about to tell Ron what Michele had said when he fell asleep.

back to chapter 20
Chapter 22