After the First Task, Analeigh and Cedric were moved to the Hospital Wing. The other champions got away with only cuts and gashes and were healed instantly. Even Cedric was allowed to to leave after one last check-up where Madame Pomfrey simply reapplied the paste on the burn on his face before shooing him away. Analeigh had asked if she could leave as well and was scolded by Madame Pomfrey — so, she was forced to stay in the Hospital Wing overnight. She felt like a kid throwing a tantrum as she sat in her bed, frowning with her arms folded over her chest, but she did not want to be stuck in there any longer. Besides, she could just rest in her dorm in the Gryffindor Tower and let her burn heal by tomorrow, but Madame Pomfrey was completely against the idea. Luckily, her friends were nice enough to drop by right after the task to congratulate her and Harry, who had also come to visit her.

"Blimey, you guys were awesome!" said Neville, looking at Analeigh and Harry.

"Thanks," Analeigh smiled. "But it was Harry who was amazing. He was alone and got first place!"

Harry looked away, mumbling something incoherent. It was obvious he was embarrassed, not wanting to receive so much praise as he as probably tired of being under the spotlight all the time.

"Oh, Harry, don't be so modest. You were great," Hermione backed her up.

"Yeah, mate," said Ron. "It looked like you flew even better than Krum back there."

"And that's saying something since you're so madly in love with the guy," Seamus joked. Dean snickered and gave his best friend a low high five. Ron turned red and muttered an irritated, "Shut up, Seamus."

"By the way, I heard your brothers want to throw a party in the common room tonight," Dean said to Ron.

"They are?"

"Yeah, in celebration of two Gryffindor champions snatching first and second place in the First Task."

"Where will they get the food, anyway?"

"From the house elves, of course," Hermione interrupted. Oh, here we go, Analeigh thought. S.P.E.W. time. "In the kitchens — which is incredibly unfair because they're already doing so much work for us that we don't see and give them credit for."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Hermione, we've talked about this. House elves like doing work. It's what they're good at."

"It's what they've been told to do. They deserve equal rights, too."

Analeigh saw all the boys exchange looks while Hermione had turned away to face her. She felt bad that nobody really stood by Hermione when it came to S.P.E.W., but Analeigh had to admit that although she respected the idea, she was still on the boys' side on this topic. From what she knew, house elves enjoyed doing work.

"Well, we've got loads of homework to do," Dean said after a few minutes into their visit.

"There's that Potions essay Snape gave us..." Neville added worriedly.

Seamus stood up. "We'll see you soon, eh? Tonight, if there is a party."

"Do your homework first before thinking about the party, Seamus," Analeigh told the boy, causing him to chuckle.

"What can I say? The Irish love their drinks."

The three boys ended their quick visit with a friendly wave and short goodbye's, then they left the Hospital Wing to head back to the Gryffindor Tower.

"So, Leigh," Ron said once the other boys had gone. "You're gonna help me write my Potions essay, right?" Analeigh replied with a smack on his arm. "Oi! What was that for?"

"We're friends again for a few hours and you already want me to do your homework?" the blonde said, tutting. "You're overstepping your boundaries, Ron."

"So you won't help me?" She simply stared at him. "What? Hermione said no when I asked her, too!"

"Because it's about time you do your work instead of slacking off," Hermione said with a glare. "I've already tried making schedules for you boys and it didn't work. Doing your homework for you won't benefit you in any way either."

"Aw, come on guys, help me out here," Ron pleaded.

"Will you help me with my essay?" Harry cut in.

"Sure," the girls said in unison.

Ron gaped at them. "What was that? Why are you only helping him?"

"I was just kidding, Ron," Analeigh grinned. "Sure, Hermione and I will help you. Mostly her, of course."

Hermione nodded. "But we'll only be giving comments on it — and before you say anything, that's a big thing already."

"Thanks, you guys are the best," Harry smiled.

"Do you think dinner's ready?" Ron said.

Hermione scoffed. "Do you ever stop thinking about food, Ronald?"

"When do we not think about food? I mean, there's breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks in between meals. If you think about it, we eat the entire day."

"I think it's just you who eats the entire day," Harry said bluntly, causing the girls to laugh at Ron's face.

"But to answer your question, yes, dinner is probably ready by now," said Hermione, looking at the clock across the room. It was already past 6 in the evening.

"You should go down now. I bet there's gonna be a huge feast since the First Task is over," Analeigh told them.

"But —"

"Great!" Ron jumped up from his seat while Hermione glared at him for interrupting her. "I'm starving."

"But Leigh, are you sure you'll be okay here on your own?" Hermione asked.

Analeigh shrugged. "I'll be alright. Besides, I'm sure Madame Pomfrey will manage to get some good food for me to eat here."

"We'll be back soon, okay?" Harry said.

"No, you guys should go to the party," Analeigh insisted. "You can't miss it."

"But you're missing it."

"Well, no shit, Harry. I'm just saying you guys should really go. I'm not much of a party person anyway, and admit it, you need to let loose for one night. With everybody hating you since your name flew out of the goblet —" The green-eyed boy sent her a pointed look, but she ignored him. "— I think you need an excuse to... unwind."

Eventually, Analeigh was able to convince the three to go down to the Great Hall for the feast and attend the possible party that the Weasley twins were throwing tonight. There was no doubt that Analeigh wanted to join in on the celebration, but there was nothing she could do. On the bright side, she'd be able to sleep peacefully tonight.

"Why don't you open the golden egg in front of everyone tonight, mate?" Ron suggested to Harry as they were walking out of the Hospital Wing.

"I didn't think of that. Sounds like a good idea," Harry replied.

"Wait," Analeigh called out. "Don't do it!"

"Why not?" Harry said, looking over his shoulder. "There's nothing in the rules that says you can't show the clue to other people."

"Have you even read the rules?" Hermione questioned him. When she was met with silence, she rolled her eyes. "But, he's right. Nothing states that you can't do exactly that."

"Don't be such a party pooper, Leigh," Ron said. "Bye!"

"But —" But they had already turned the corner, leaving Analeigh in the quiet Hospital Wing. She sighed in disappointment, leaning back into her bed. Oh well, she thought. I guess they're in for a surprise tonight when they open the golden egg.

★ ★ ★

Analeigh was bored. Extremely bored. The clock had struck 8 pm and Madame Pomfrey had only given her a tray of what was probably ten percent of what was being served in the Great Hall. She should be thankful that she got the chance to at least taste some of Hogwarts' special food served during feasts, but she couldn't help but want to be down in the hall, celebrating, eating, talking happily with her friends. Now, the sunlight outside the castle had left the grounds, the lamps inside the Hospital Wing were switched on, and Analeigh still had nothing to do in the dark and gloomy atmosphere of the Hospital Wing.

She tried to read some of the material in her History of Magic book to study in advance (mostly so that she could doze off in class and still not miss anything), but it was such a tedious job to do. The History of Magic wasn't all that interesting, especially in the era she was reading up on. So she couldn't be more grateful when she heard footsteps from down the hall — she didn't care whether it was someone she knew or not. As long as she had some other thing to do or observe aside from reading something for a class as boring as Professor Binns', then she was okay.

It was Cedric Diggory who walked into the Hospital Wing, the burn on his face slightly less visible now. Of course, it would take a whole day for it to heal, but it didn't look as bad as it did earlier. It looked as if they were scars in the process of healing, but Analeigh knew they would be gone as if they never been there in the first place by tomorrow. Cedric scanned the row of beds before his eyes landed on the bedridden girl.

"There you are," he greeted, walking towards her.

"Hi, Cedric."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling terrific, so I'm still miffed at Madame Pomfrey for not letting me leave," she huffed. "What are you doing here?"

"I was told to come here after dinner to reapply that awful paste again," Cedric explained, pointing to the side of his face.

"Well, you still look good," Analeigh blurted out. Her eyes widened when she realized how it sounded. "I just meant —"

"I know I look good," Cedric smirked. "Don't have to tell me twice."

Analeigh gave up on trying to weasel her way out of her slip up, instead choosing to just say, "I don't want to."

Cedric chuckled. "By the way, I was thinking that you wouldn't get to taste the food from the feast today, so I brought you something."

Grateful that he had changed the subject so smoothly, Analeigh grinned. "If you take out an entire tray of food from that bag of yours, I'm gonna be impressed."

"Sorry to disappoint, but it's not a tray of food," he laughed. He opened his bag, which Analeigh realized was charmed with an Undetectable Extension Charm, and fished out a nicely wrapped package. "It's just cake."

Analeigh felt her stomach erupt in butterflies — or, it could just be her craving for dessert talking, but either way, she greatly appreciated Cedric's effort.

"And when did you have the time to pack it this nicely?"

"I stopped by the kitchens for the cake. The house-elves offered to pack it because the slices are pretty big."

"Thank you," the fourth year girl smiled gratefully, taking it. "What is it?"

"Strawberry shortcake and a triple chocolate cake."

Analeigh frowned. "I'm not really fond of those."

Cedric's face dropped instantly. "Oh, you don't like them?"

"I'm just kidding. I love them — especially the strawberry."

Cedric groaned, relief filling his face. "You scared me there. I thought I went through all that just to have you say you don't like those cakes."

"I was just messing with you," she laughed. "But really, I do appreciate it. Thanks again, Cedric."

The Hufflepuff smiled, and before he could say anything else, Madame Pomfrey walked out from her office located at the far end of the Hospital Wing.

"Mr. Diggory? Is that you?" she asked.

"Yes, Madame Pomfrey."

"I thought I heard other voices. Anyway, come, let's put that paste on you once more for tonight then you're free to leave."

"Can I leave, too?" Analeigh smiled up innocently at Madame Pomfrey.

"No."

"Please?"

"No means no, Miss Heart."

★ ★ ★

Analeigh was finally allowed to leave the Hospital Wing the next morning. The burn on her right leg healed considerably well. It was barely noticeable, but Madame Pomfrey still reassured her that in a few hours, it would be completely gone with no scarring. Analeigh, despite being a pure-blooded witch and growing up in the magical community, couldn't help but be amazed at the wonders magic could do.

A little past eight in the morning, after she had showered in her dorm in the Gryffindor Tower and changed into fresh clothes, Analeigh walked down with Neville Longbottom for breakfast. After the expected discussion of the First Task as the hype was still very much there, the two of them talked about some of the classes they shared and the load of homework they were given to prepare for their O.W.L.s next year. When they reached the Great Hall, he went over to sit with Seamus and Dean while Hermione called her over urgently.

"What is it?" Analeigh asked, sliding into the bench across her and beside Harry.

"Look at this!" Hermione exclaimed. She shoved the Daily Prophet at Harry's and Analeigh's faces. "She's done it again!"

While the green-eyed boy just stared at it in disinterest, Analeigh curiously asked, "Done what again?"

Before she could take the newspaper from her hands, Hermione took the Daily Prophet back, adjusted the paper, and read: "Miss Granger, a plain but ambitious girl, seems to be developing a taste for famous wizards. Her latest prey, sources report, is none other than the Bulgarian bon-bon, Viktor Krum. No word yet on how Harry Potter's taking this latest emotional blow."

Harry and Ron simply looked at her plainly before going back to their meals, causing the bushy-haired girl to roll her eyes.

"Bon-bon?" Analeigh didn't even try to hide her giggles.

Hermione glared at her. "That's the only thing you got out of the article?"

Analeigh shrugged because it was true. The word "bon-bon" was so laughable that it was the only word from the text that really caught her attention. As she began pouring some maple syrup on her pancakes, a young boy with sandy blonde hair walked up to the four of them, holding a rather large package.

"Parcel for you, Mr. Weasley," he said.

Ron looked up and gave him a nod of familiarity. "Thank you, Nigel." He took the box and placed it on the space on the table next to him, ready to continue eating, but Nigel didn't move. He stood firm in his place, staring at Harry. Analeigh raised her eyebrows, her eyes flitting back and forth at the three boys before exchanging curious looks with Hermione.

"Not now, Nigel. Later," Ron muttered, realizing he hadn't left. "Go on." Eventually, Nigel scurried away to the other end of the Gryffindor table. With him gone, the three stared at Ron expectantly, waiting for him to explain the strange interaction. When he met their eyes, he sighed and gave in.

"I told him I'd get Harry's autograph." As if it was the most normal thing in the world, they all went back to their breakfasts while Ron unwrapped the parcel. "Oh, look, mum's sent me something."

Expecting to see something else, anything except for what the package really held, Ron's eyes widened in horror as he lifted up the horrendous piece of traditional clothing that Analeigh was sure she should only ever see in history books.

"Mum's sent me a dress?"

Analeigh, Hermione, and Harry's jaws all dropped.

"Oh, Merlin," said Analeigh, covering her mouth before she could explode in laughter.

"Well, it does match your eyes," Harry teased, grabbing the box. "Is there a bonnet? Aha!" He took out what looked to be a collar, but the overload of lace and frills it contained did not make it very appealing.

Ignoring Harry's comments, Ron brought the parcel and walked over to his younger sister a few feet away.

"Ginny, these must be for you," he said.

The youngest Weasley glanced at the dress robes in disgust. "I'm not wearing that. It's ghastly." By now, other students had begun to look and snicker at the article of clothing Ron was holding.

"I don't think Mrs. Weasley would send that to her only daughter," Analeigh said. What kind of mother would send her youngest child and only daughter such an unflattering dress? She and Hermione couldn't take it anymore and burst out laughing.

"What are you on about?" Ron frowned, noticing how everyone was already laughing at him while he had no clue what was going on.

"They're not for Ginny. They're for you!" Hermione explained in between giggles. "Dress robes!"

"Dress robes? For what?"

★ ★ ★

A few days after Ron had received the package from Mrs. Weasley, Professor McGonagall called some of the Gryffindors to gather in a large, empty classroom. Apparently, as heard from students from the other houses, each Head of House would not only be giving a brief background of the Yule Ball, which was to be held on the 24th of December, but they were also required to teach their students how to waltz in preparation of the aforementioned ball. This was very timely seeing as Ron had gotten his dress robes from his mother just recently.

"The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception," said McGonagall. "On Christmas Eve night, we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for well-mannered frivolity. As representatives of the host school, I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward— and I mean this literally because the Yule Ball is first and foremost... a dance."

The boys, who were seated at the left side of the classroom, groaned. As for the girls, who were seated on the right side of the room, most of them were much more eager, clearly looking forward to this fancy event. Analeigh saw some of them sit up straighter in their seats while the others even squealed in excitement. She had to admit that she was excited for the ball, too.

"Silence!" McGonagall raised her voice. "The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizarding world for nearly ten centuries. I will not have you, in the course of a single evening, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons!" If it was even possible, the room went even more silent at her scolding. "Now, to dance is to let the body breathe. Inside every girl: a secret swan slumbers, longing to burst forth and take flight. Inside every boy: a lordly lion prepared to prance. Mr. Weasley, will you join me."

Begrudgingly, Ron stood up from his seat and made his way to Professor McGonagall.

"Now, place your right hand on my waist."

"Where?" Ron asked in shock, earning a few sniggers from the students.

"My waist." The redhead reluctantly obeyed his professor. Someone from the crowd, probably either Fred or George, wolf whistled. This caused Ron to turn an even deeper shade of red.

"Now, bend your arm. Mr. Filch..." Filch, who stood at the corner of the room with Mrs. Norris in his arms, nodded knowingly. There was a music player nearby on which he placed a CD on and fumbled with for a few moments. Then, a slow, smooth music began to play.

"One two three, one two three, one two three," McGonagall chanted, swaying to the beat and forcing Ron to mimic her movements. "Everybody, come together!"

Later that day, after learning how to waltz with McGonagall (which wasn't very pleasant seeing as most of the boys she danced with would step on her feet), Hermione and Analeigh stayed in the library to complete their homework together. While doing their work, Analeigh caught sight of Viktor Krum strolling around the library. She then remembered the article Hermione had read out loud about her relationships with Viktor Krum and Harry.

"Hey, Hermione," Analeigh started.

"Hmm?"

"The other day, at breakfast, you read an article from the Daily Prophet, right? By Rita Skeeter?" She nodded, not even looking up from her papers. "It said something about you and Krum having a thing. Does that mean you've actually been spending time with him?"

Analeigh was met with silence, but she didn't really need an explicit answer for she could see Hermione's cheeks turn slightly pink.

"Well..." Hermione said quietly. "A bit, actually."

"How did I not know this?" Although Analeigh didn't spend all of her time with the girl, she did spend a really great amount with her, not to mention the fact that they shared almost all of their classes. It genuinely surprised Analeigh to hear that Hermione did spend time with the famous Bulgarian Seeker when she or Harry and Ron weren't around.

"He's usually here when I'm in the library. He sits with me when I'm alone," she said, instinctively looking behind her to check if he was there. "I don't think he's here now, though."

"Wrong. Just saw him pass by earlier."

Hermione blushed again. "Really?"

"Yes. I suspect he's just not approaching you now because I'm here."

"That's not true."

Analeigh laughed. "It is. Anyway, what do you two even talk about?"

"We don't really talk." Analeigh raised her eyebrows questioningly. Hermione sighed and explained, "Mostly, he watches me study. It can get annoying sometimes, although it is quite sweet."

"It may sound strange to others, but I find it cute. A guy who's willing to stay with you as you study for countless hours? He's a keeper."

"Actually, he's a Seeker."

Analeigh couldn't help but laugh. "Did Hermione Granger just make a joke?"

"Shhh," Hermione said, giggling. "Madame Pince will murder you if you're too loud. Now, can we talk about your love life instead?"

"What love life?"

"Oh, please. I know a lot of boys had a crush on you when you first transferred to Hogwarts last year."

"Those were just crushes. People have crushes all the time. It's not like anyone actually approached me and asked me out on a date."

"Speaking of dates, do you have any idea who you want to take to the Yule Ball?" Hermione asked.

A date to the Yule Ball. Analeigh had never been much of a procrastinator, but she was hoping she could cram just this one thing: finding a date. Although, once Hermione had uttered her question, Cedric Diggory's face popped into her mind. She frowned, knowing there was no way she could ask him. He was much too popular and two years older, having many friends and acquaintances who he would rather take or would probably ask him anyway. And, there was that little problem that went by the name Cho Chang. Analeigh still had no idea what her relationship was with Hogwarts' Golden Boy.

"I was thinking of just taking any friend," she replied nonchalantly.

"Really?" Hermione said. "I haven't known you for long, but I thought you'd take this ball more seriously. Godric, I'm not even into dressing up fancily and putting on make-up but I'm actually excited to do it for the Yule Ball."

"I don't know, it's not like I know many guys here just yet," Analeigh admitted.

"How about your old school mates from Beauxbatons? Or were you ever acquainted with Durmstrang students?"

Analeigh sighed in defeat and leaned back in her seat. "I was twelve when I last saw those boys. I'm not close enough to any of them to ask someone."

"There are a lot of boys in our year who —"

"I literally only know the boys from Gryffindor. Any other guy from another house is most probably just an acquaintance to me."

"I thought Cedric would be more than a good friend to you by now."

Analeigh paused. "I'm sure he'll ask someone closer to him," she said, trying not to sound disappointed. "If not, a lot of girls are probably lining up for the chance to be his date."

Hermione bit her lip. "The latter does sound very true... but you never know who he might want to ask."

"Um, Cho Chang? I don't know if you've heard the gossip, but they've been rumored to be a thing for some time now."

"Rumored, Leigh. And yes, actually, I have heard the gossip," Hermione said defensively. "And I think you're the one who's outdated. I heard some girls talking in the bathroom earlier that he's single now — not that he was actually taken to begin with, though."

Analeigh couldn't help but be interested. She straightened up, cleared her throat, and said, "Is that so?"

Hermione smirked a little at her reaction. "So I've heard. According to my sources —"

"'Sources' meaning gossip-loving girls."

"My sources said," Hermione said louder to emphasize her point, "that they haven't even spent much time with each other recently."

"What do you mean by 'recently'? I mean, Cho spoke with Cedric right after the First Task."

"I don't really know. But if they did speak after the task, I'm guessing they stopped whatever they had on that day."

Analeigh frowned, not wanting to assume anything. She had thought Cedric and Cho stepped out of the tent after the task to talk or do something that couples would do, but according to Hermione, they may have cleared things up that they were done or that they weren't dating at all from the start.

"Hmm," Analeigh said thoughtfully. "Well, that doesn't mean I'm asking him out."

"But it means he could ask you."

"You're thinking way outside the box now, Hermione."

"It's not a far-fetched idea, Leigh. He sees you as a good friend, too. Maybe even more in the future."

"Okay, I think you've had too many hot cocoas this morning. Maybe someone even spiked those with some firewhiskey because you sound really crazy right now."

Hermione scoffed. "Fine, I'll drop the topic. Just think about what I've said. It doesn't seem like a bad idea to ask him to the ball. You both need dates anyway since you're both champions."

As if the universe had a knack for perfect timing, Analeigh spotted Viktor Krum. He passed by the aisle that Analeigh's and Hermione's table was by the window, this time risking a peek at bushy-haired. The dirty blonde haired girl grinned, looked down at her near-finished homework, then began fixing her things.

"What are you doing?" Hermione asked, watching as Analeigh packed her things up.

"I think I'm going to finish this essay in my dorm," she said.

"But I'm not done with my Arithmancy homework yet. I thought you said you'd stay with me then we'd head to the Great Hall together for dinner?"

"Change of plans," Analeigh said causally. "Besides, I think someone wants his turn."

"His turn? What —?"

Instead of answering, Analeigh smiled mischievously, stood up from her chair, and swung her bag on her shoulder. She bid her friend goodbye and walked down the aisle, watching Krum from her peripherals as he lurked on the other side of the shelf. When she passed by him, they gave each other nods of acknowledgement before she left the library, and Krum was finally able to take his seat from across Hermione as she studied.

A/N: Surprise, surprise, I finally updated ☻ I hope this chapter lived up to your expectations considering I torture each and every one of you by updating every ten years.  Also, this chapter is dedicated to @stydiastyle — thank you so much for sticking by this book. Your simple but sweet messages always motivate me to keep on writing!

'Til the next update (hopefully sooner than you think)! Your votes and comments are appreciated hihi. Much love ♡