"Shit." Harry muttered.
"What's up?" Ron asked, looking up from his breakfast.
Dumbledore stood from his place at the head table.
"A reminder." The old wizard spoke loudly. "The Yule Ball will be open to fourth year and above. Third year students may attend as a date. It will take place on the evening of December Twenty-Fifth, Christmas Day."
"I forgot about that." Harry grumbled.
"What's so bad about a ball?" Ron asked.
"Who am I supposed to ask?" Harry countered.
"Uh…" Ron scanned the table around them.
"Exactly." Harry sighed. "Are you going to go?"
Ron froze. He thought for a long moment before shrugging.
"Not like I can ask who I want." Ron said quietly.
"Why not?" Harry asked.
Ron gave him a flat look.
"Oh, right." Harry winced. "Ask someone as a friend?"
"Like whom?" Ron grumbled.
"Uh…" Harry scanned the table around them.
"Exactly." Ron sighed.
"What about a witches witch?" Harry dropped his voice to a whisper. "That way you don't give a girl false hope, but you can both still have a good time."
"Do you know any?" Ron replied.
"Give me a moment." Harry spoke quickly.
Harry saw Parvati and Lavender whispering together. The duo would break into a fit of giggles before getting back to their conversation. Harry slipped next to Lavender.
"Ladies." Harry greeted them with a nod. "I need to discreetly request some information."
"Ooo." Parvati's eyes flashed. "I like discreet requests."
"This stays between us." He said seriously.
They nodded.
"Do you know any witches who prefer the company of witches?" Harry asked. "Perhaps one that would like to attend the upcoming Yule Ball but can't with the one they'd like."
The duo studied him for a moment. Lavender sighed. She slipped Parvati a sickle.
"A pleasure." Parvati giggled.
Harry tilted his head to the side.
"Honestly." Parvati sighed. "You aren't asking for yourself and your friend of yours is acting differently now that a certain red-haired tyrant has been dethroned."
"You're good." Harry smiled at her. "I can trust you to keep it quiet?"
"Of course." Parvati looked insulted. "I'm a gossip and information is a resource. Still, that is not my secret to tell."
Lavender nodded sagely in agreement.
"I've underestimated you two." Harry said quietly.
"That's the point." Lavender smiled smugly at him. "We'll get back to you at lunch."
"Thank you." Harry tipped an imaginary hat at them.
He slipped back to Ron. The ginger stared at him for a long moment.
"What just happened?" Ron asked.
"I'm using the best resources available to ensure the quality of your options." Harry replied.
Ron sighed. "I think this is the first time I've ever been excited to go to class."
Harry nodded in agreement.
The morning classed passed slowly. He paid the minimum attention to get through until lunch. The question of who he would take was annoying him. Harry was quite aware than taking someone to the Yule Ball would most likely put them at the bottom of the lake in the next task. Unless they went with Ron again. At least this time he'd want to rescue him.
He wondered who they would pick for Krum this time. Harry hadn't been keeping track of Hermione since the train and he doubted the two would cross paths thig time. There was a month before the Yule Ball. Luckily, he knew how to dance. Years of compulsory gathering from the Ministry had required he learn.
Harry idly wondered if Fleur would go with him. She had offered to share her egg. It was a friendly gesture. Fleur still called him Monsieur Potter, though. That didn't sound like she was interested in anything other than a fair competition.
Then again, he owed Parvati a good night. He had been a horrid date last time. Harry nodded. He would ask Parvati first. Hopefully she would say yes
Harry managed to get through morning classes. He waited at the table for Parvati and Lavender arrive. The duo hurried over to him once they made it to the Great Hall. They sat down beside him, one on each side.
"Any suggestions?" Harry asked.
"My sister, for one." Parvati stated.
"I didn't realize she preferred witches." Harry mumbled
"She's not interested in witches or wizards, but still would like to go and have a nice time." Parvati answered. "It would take some pressure off if she went with someone who wasn't trying to grope her all night."
"Any others?" Harry asked.
The two looked offended.
"In case she says no." Harry sighed.
"She won't." Parvati countered. "I've already talked to her about it."
"I'll talk to my friend then." Harry smiled at her. "Thank you."
"No problem." She replied.
"Would you like to go with me to the ball?" Harry gave her his best roguish smile.
"Yes, I would." Parvati replied primly. "My dress with be red, please dress to match."
"Black goes with everything." Harry winked at her.
The girls managed to keep composure until Harry moved to join Ron. Once he had his back turned they broke into a fit of giggles. Ron looked up once he got close. The ginger waited expectantly as Harry sat.
Harry couldn't help it. He took his time getting settled in his spot. Then he carefully adjusted his plate before examining the food available.
"Oh, come off it." Ron grumbled.
Harry cackled.
"They suggest asking Padma." He said finally. "She wants to have a nice evening without getting groped all night."
Ron turned around so he could see the Ravenclaw table. He looked over the gathered students until he found the girl he was searching for. Ron stood once he found her. Gathering his courage, he strode over to the Ravenclaw table.
Harry watched intently. He couldn't hear from this distance, but they were both smiling. Ron hurried back over. He shot Parvati and Lavender a thumbs-up.
"I've got a date." Ron smiled at him. "Thank you."
"No problem." Harry returned the smile. "Now we just need to get you something to wear."
"Shit." Ron grumbled.
"Don't worry." Harry patted him on the shoulder. "I can ask Sirius to bring a tailor to get you fitted."
"Mate." Ron shook his head. "I can't ask you to do that."
"It's a good thing you didn't ask then." Harry shrugged. "I couldn't call myself your friend if I didn't make sure your looked good."
"Thanks." Ron mumbled.
"No problem." Harry patted him on the shoulder. "Ready for Divination?"
"Very much so." Ron smiled wickedly at him. "I've predicted your death three separate times already. Each one gets me extra points."
"Glad I could be of service." Harry deadpanned.