Dance Partners

The next task was scheduled for February of the following year, giving the Champions plenty of time to prepare.

"What a beautiful sight."

Several Beauxbatons girls walked past, leaving Ron Weasley looking utterly lovestruck.

"Your eyes are practically glued to their backsides," Draco Malfoy said, giving Ron Weasley a look of pure disgust.

"How crude!" Ron Weasley bumped Draco Malfoy with his shoulder. "I call it appreciation."

Draco Malfoy scoffed.

"Haven't you heard?"

"Heard what?"

"There's going to be a ball this Christmas. Weasley, do you even know what a ball is?"

"Don't look down on me."

"I'm just reminding you to ask someone soon. Turning up without a dance partner would be pretty awkward."

At that, Ron Weasley and Harry both looked troubled.

"Do I have to find a partner?" Harry thought that sounded difficult. He had hardly ever dealt with girls. Hermione Granger? She didn't count.

"You're one of the Champions. Plenty of people will be watching you. Do you want to be the only Champion who can't find a partner?"

"You're awfully relaxed. Have you found one?" Ron Weasley regretted the question as soon as he asked it.

He knew Draco Malfoy was popular, after a fashion. His reputation might not be good or particularly widespread, but as a wealthy young master, he never lacked people who wanted to be his friend.

"Astoria asked him yesterday, and he agreed without a second thought," Eli said, grinning wickedly at Draco Malfoy.

Draco Malfoy's face promptly reddened.

"She was the one who asked me..."

Eli tilted his head and glanced at Hermione Granger beside him.

She had been busy lately, mostly with her S.P.E.W. She had poured her heart into freeing the House-elves.

A group of House-elves handled the school's meals and cleaning.

So Hermione Granger had decided to