Ever since the Yule Ball had been announced, talk of it had threatened to eclipse even the Triwizard Tournament. Wherever anyone went—the corridors, the Entrance Hall, or the Great Hall—they could hear people discussing partners and what they would wear that evening.
In previous years, only a handful of students had chosen to stay at school for Christmas, but this year was entirely different. Almost everyone in fourth year and above seemed to have decided to stay for the ball.
"Look at them. Why do they always have to stay in groups?" Harry asked Ron and Neville, his gaze following a group of girls passing by. They kept casting curious glances their way, mingled with shy smiles. "I think... I'll wait until one of them is on her own before I ask!"
"Maybe we could try a lasso and catch one first." Ron sighed. "Harry, Neville, have you got anyone in mind?"
Neville had no idea how to answer. He could hardly say, I asked your sister!
Harry said nothing. He already had someone in mind, too, but knowing whom he wanted to ask and having the courage to do it were two entirely different things. He wanted to invite Cho Chang, a Ravenclaw a year above him, but...
"I don't get it. Why do boys have to ask girls?"
"Obviously. Have you ever seen a socket go looking for a plug?"
"Harry, I don't think finding a partner should be that hard for you and Jerry. You're both Champions in the Triwizard Tournament!" Ron sighed, sounding a little bitter.
"Not necessarily. Jerry looks like he's having a pretty hard time right now."
Only his problem seems a bit different from ours!
Harry gestured for Ron and Neville to look toward a corner of the Great Hall. Jerry was shuttling