Hundred-Twenty-Two: Masquerade Ball Part One

For One Night

It was such a beautiful day outside. The autumn leaves were scattered around the grounds of Hogwarts creating a beautiful rainbow of oranges, reds, browns, and greens. I forgot how mesmerizing the season was (even if it was getting colder.) I shoveled the leaves around with my feet as I walked back to my dorm. I couldn’t wait to rest. The last day of the tournament was over and Luna won. It was a challenge of perseverance. She seemed very distracted during the task as if a piece of her soul was missing, but she still managed to complete the task before Hermione or I. Of course, that meant that a tie was at hand since we all three won a challenge. Dumbledore said that we all three had a lot of heart and that he would create a special challenge to complete at a later time in the school year. That was fine with me because I wasn’t interested in the tournament anyhow.

“You did a great job out there, Tawnie!” Colin said hugging me. “Jazmine and I were cheering for you.” Colin was so happy. He and Jazmine were holding hands. As much as I didn’t like her, maybe she would be good for him. He deserved to be happy.

“Thanks guys,” I smiled. “Support is always needed. I appreciate yours especially bestie. Well I am going to take a nap. I’m so tired. Bye!” I continued to walk back to the school to only be stopped again. Harry was sitting on a concrete bench infront of the school. He seemed down.

“Hey!” I scooted beside of him. “I was just walking to my dorm and saw you sitting here. Are you okay?” I quietly asked. Things were a little awkward.

“I’m fine. I’m just waiting on Hermione to walk by. We have plans. I think that karma is coming back on me. Do you think she and Piastol have something going on? I mean I wouldn’t blame her. I haven’t really been here for her most of the time. I was tangled in you, you know?” He questioned. “I guess I haven’t been the person I usually am.”

I placed my hand on his shoulder. “That makes two of us. I don’t think they do though, Harry. Piastol is madly in love with that crazy girl…so I don’t think you have nothing to worry about. Maybe to clear your conscience, you should take her somewhere nice.” I suggested.

“Yeah I guess you’re right.” Harry continued to talk. Sleep was getting the best of me. Without even realizing it, I was drifting away. My eyes were becoming heavy. My head felt like it weighed a ton and navigated onto Harry’s shoulder.

Told From Zeke’s POV

It felt really assuring to see Tanya interested in the activities of the school. She did so well out there and I couldn’t wait to congratulate her. I walked off the Quidditch field and walked back to the dorms. That is where we said we would meet. However, I saw her asleep on Harry’s shoulder as I got closer to the school.

“Hey Potter…um…why is she…” I scratched my head.

“Sorry, Shadows. She was talking to me and I guess she is exhausted from the tournament. You can wake her up or do what you will. I just didn’t want to disturb her. She’s snoring and seems to be in a deep sleep.” Harry replied with a monotone voice. I wasn’t worried about the two of them. I know that he is one of her best-friends.

“I guess I’ll just carry her back. Thanks man.” I retorted as I put her over my shoulder. “By the way, you did good at the male tournament. Tanya, Kaden, and I were rooting for you from the Ravenclaw stands.”

“Thanks mate. I could’ve done better but I have so much on my mind.” Harry stared off into the distance.

“I would say so. I’d hate to be the boy-who-lived. I gotta go though. I have a veela to take care of.” I said as I took Tanya back to the dorms. I wish Harry had more support in his life. The only people I’ve seen him hangout with is Tanya, Hermione, and Ron. He seems to be struggling and the stress of his responsibilities is catching up to him. I could try being his friend. I am not sure.

When I got back to the dorms, I laid Tanya on the couch in the Commonroom. I didn’t have access into the girls dorms without her. I then went into the male dorms to study my Potions test. Tonight would be the Fall Festival. I wanted to get some homework done before it was time to have fun.

Told From Ordinary POV

I woke up from my nap on the couch. I have no idea how I got here but my guess was Zeke. I walked into the female dormitory.

“Hey Luna, are you getting ready for the Masquerade Ball?” I asked making small talk. It seems like everyone around here is so down.

“I don’t know if I’m going or not.” She vaguely replied. I shrugged my shoulders and stood in front of my big mirror. Tonight we could dress up as anyone we wanted to be. I would be going as Little Bo Peep at first but had a surprise for later. I have been brewing Polyjuice Potion for a while and tonight would be the first time to use it, if I have the opportunity. Zeke would be dressing up as a zombie. He thought it was ironic since zombies and vampires had a rival since forever.

Hours Later

I had my costume all ready to make my grand appearance. I heard a knock on the door. “Coming!” I replied as I made my way to the door. Zeke stood in front of me with his costume and held out his arm.

“You ready my lady?” He formally asked.

“Of course. Bye Luna!” I waved as we walked into the Great Hall. When we walked in, everyone whipped their head around at us. The boys were staring at me. My veela instincts came in handy sometimes. I couldn’t recognize anyone but I wasn’t interested. I just wanted to dance with Zeke. Through the speakers, the music was blaring.

Now do

n’t you even act like you don’t wanna get up
You better get out on the dance floor show me what you got
‘Cause I don’t even want too much just for y’all to understand
A party ain’t a party if I’m not in the party
So I need to see some hands.

Zeke and I began to dance as did the rest of the students. The students and teachers seemed to be having a good time.

All I really need to know
Is that you came to the party to enjoy yourself
You left your stress and your worries
Back at home on the shelf
And let’s get freaky hey oh freaky hey oh hey
Freaky hey oh hey freaky hey oh hey freaky freaky.

“I’ll be your sheep any day!” Someone said from behind me. I turned my head around to see a pirate. Eventually, I made out some facial expressions to realize it was Kaden. Everyone burst out laughing.

“Thanks Kaden!” I squealed as I took his hands and began to dance. Zeke laughed at us and we all three did the disco. “So we have two vampires; one dressed as a zombie, one a pirate.”

“And a veela as a sheep herder.” Zeke pointed out. “Oh well if only for one night. I’m going to go and get us some drinks.” He walked away and left Kaden and I to talk.

“So…who did you bring?” I asked as the music played.

“I haven’t been here long enough to know anyone so I am just here by myself. I told you once though and I’ll tell you again. …”

Suddenly, I had a flashback.

Expert from entry Seventy-Two: Ignore Me

“My name is Kaden.” He suddenly blurted out. “But don’t think we can be friends. I have no friends. I walk alone, think alone, eat alone, live alone.” He then nodded.

“Oh…” I said, replying swiftly. I now was focused on my task.

The moon began to make its appearance. Kaden began to pace around….

Suddenly, we both burst out laughing. “Poor you; trying to be the tough guy back then.”

“Hey. It got your attention didn’t it?” He winked.

“Yeah….yeah.” I teased.

The music continued to play as I switched from Zeke to Kaden. I was having a blast.

“I’ll be right back.” I said as I made my way back to the dorms. It was now time for my plan.