☤ Pseudonym ☤

~Chapter Twelve~

Hermione and I got ready together, along with Fay and Ginny, who was going with Neville. Yesterday McGonagall had given Hermione and I special permission to go to Hogsmeade to buy dresses. She was angry that we hadn't bought them already but cared more about the presentation of the school than disciplining us.

Hermione had taken a long time to pick her dress yet had settled on a floaty, periwinkle-blue dress. I wasn't particularly fond of dresses and yet I had found one which better than most. It was a cool grey with a tight, sleeveless bodice. It then flowed out at the waist to the floor. I decided on no makeup as usual, yet I twisted my hair into a bun on my head.

'Nervous?' I asked Hermione as she redid her hair for the hundredth time.

'A bit.' she sighed and decided on a loose bun. 'What are Ron and Harry going to say when I show up with Viktor?'

I place my hands on her shoulders, 'Who cares what they say? They are silly boys who will get over by tomorrow. Now we are going to go out there and have the best night.'

She gave me a big smile and we linked arms with Fay and Ginny, and headed down to the ball.

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Soft music played in the great hall. Most people were already there, chatting amongst themselves. I swear I saw Fred and George pouring something into the punchbowl. 

The walls of the great hall had been covered in sparkling, white frost, with thousands of garlands of mistletoe and ivy crossing the starry black ceiling. The house tables had disappeared; replace with about a hundred smaller, lantern-lit ones, each seating about a dozen people

Looking into the crowd I saw a bored Ron standing next to Padma Patil from Ravenclaw, who was looking just as bored as Ron. And next to him there was Harry with... Cho? She laughed at something he said and I felt a burn in my chest. Weird. 

Hermione was lifting her head, trying to spot Krum. I couldn't wait to see Ron's face when he found out who she was going him.

'Wow.' a deep voice said from behind me. I turned with a big grin on my face to find Cedric.

'Don't you look dashing.' and he did. His black suit and bow tie really suited him. 

'You look...' he struggled to find his words, 'incredible.' he breathed. 

'Thanks Ced. You remember Hermione, don't you?' I gestured towards my anxious friend.

'Of course, Hermione Granger. Nice to meet you, I've heard a lot about you.' he kissed her hand delicately. Hermione blushed intensely. Then her eyes caught sight of someone behind him and her eyes sparkled.

''ermione.' a strongly-accented voice boomed out. Krum clicked his heels and bowed in front of her. He took her hand from Cedrics, eyeing him with hostility.

'I'll see you later Renn.' Hermione called out as he whisked her away. I waved and smiled to myself, hoping she has a good time with him. 

Cedric asked me all about my day. He was so sweet, I am so lucky. Suddenly McGonagall interrupted us, looking flustered.

'Now I need you all to line up in the procession, please.' she called out.

'Why are we doing this?' I whispered to Cedric.

'It's traditional for the champions to lead the dance. Sorry I should've told you. Forgive me?' I smiled at him and pecked him on the lips to show he was forgiven. But inside I was freaking out. Barty will be here tonight. He will see that I am with a boy. Will he tell the Dark Lord? Maybe he will just think it's a silly date for the night and not a relationship.

The fanfare made me forget about Barty and forced me to focus on the task at hand. Dancing. I had never learnt and I only hoped that Cedric could lead me.

Cedric and I lead the procession through an aisle of students, it seemed that more people than ever had signed up to stay over the holidays.

Ron's face as Hermione walked through was pure gold and I giggled at his shock. Cedric nudged me and smiled brightly down at me.

Professor Flitwick tapped his baton and the orchestra began to play a waltz. Cedric took my waist and my hand. He was a beautiful dancer, he moved with grace and elegance. I stumbled around trying to match his footsteps. 

After a few bars Dumbledore led McGonagall into the dancers. Slowly more couples joined the waltz. As we danced pass Ron I saw him watching Hermione with narrowed eyes. Padma was looking sulky. I don't blame her really.

I eyed the Headteacher's table also and noticed that there was a vacant fifth seat. Where was Mr Crouch? 

After dancing for a while Dumbledore called for us to be seated. I sat with the other champions and their dates. We looked down at the menus, unsure how we were to order. Then Dumbledore bellowed 'Pork chops.' and they appeared on his plate. We all followed suit. 

During the meal I kept glancing at Harry and Cho who seemed to be getting along like a house on fire. Hermione also seemed to be enjoying herself as she was deep in conversation with Krum about Durmstrang.

When all the food was gone, the Weird Sisters were called to the stage. I squeezed Cedric's hand excitedly and we followed the hoards of students onto the dancefloor.

We danced for at least ten songs until I was tired. Cedric and I collapsed back into our seats. Harry and Ron were there having both lost their dates. Cedric kissed me on the cheek and went off to find us some drinks. 

Harry and Ron looked exhausted and Ron rolled his eyes when Hermione joined us. Immediately her and Ron began bickering. 

'Do they ever get tired of it?' I asked Harry.

'Tired of what?'

'Pretending they don't like each other.' Harry looked surprised by this. 'Seriously you don't see it?' 

'Blimey.' Harry let out a deep breath. 'It all makes sense now.' 

Hermione started screaming at Ron and people were starting to stare at them. Suddenly Hermione jumped to her feet and stormed off across the dance floor, disappearing into the crowd. Ron watched her go with a mixture of anger and satisfaction on his face.

I sighed and said 'Honestly Ronald, you are the most hopeless boy I've ever met.'

Cedric came back with two glasses of punch. 'I think I might head to bed, Ced. I'm a bit tired.'

His smiled flickered but remained bright, 'Alright Renn I'll see you tomorrow.' We had agreed to spend the evening together and exchange gifts. I stood up and gave him a lingering kiss, until Ron coughed awkwardly behind us. I laughed and broke away.

'Night Ced.' he disappeared into the crowd, pulled away by some Hufflepuffs. 

'Night Ced.' Ron mimicked in a high-pitched voice. 

'Oh shut up.' I whacked him on the back of his head.