The entire castle was abuzz with excitement for the big ball that would kick off the holidays. Classes had been shortened tremendously, and the Great Hall was off limits while preparations were made. Students and staff were scrambling all over the place. Lunch had come and gone, and Raven was back in her dorm to put away all her books and supplies from the few classes she had earlier.

"Hope you have a lovely evening, Raven." The pure-blood turned her head toward Imelda. "I, for one, won't be attending the ball."

Raven raised a brow upon seeing her frown. "Not your thing, I presume?"

"Not just that. I don't want the headmaster thinking this little event will make up for an entire season of Quidditch canceled. I'll pack up for the school break instead."

"Well in case I don't see you later, have a Merry Christmas, Imelda."

"You too."

Raven left, stepping aside for several enthusiastic fourth-years rushing out of their room. Other than a few sour apples, everyone was overjoyed. The rest of the Slytherin students were hurrying out as well, but in the common room, Raven spotted her sweetheart amidst the crowd.

"Ominis!" she called.

The blind boy immediately stopped, a smile making its way to his face while housemates passed him by. "Raven. Got everything ready for this evening?"

"I'm working on it. I'm meeting Natty and Poppy to pick up our dresses now. And you? Have you and Sebastian gotten your suits?"

"We have. However, we have one last thing to finish preparations on." He could somehow sense the inquisitive look she was giving him. "No use dwelling on it, darling. It's a surprise."

A giggle escaped the girl. "Very well. I can hardly wait to find out. Also..." She glanced around to be sure the other students were gone before continuing. "I know you're going to look dashing in a suit." She placed a hand against the side of his face. "Not that you aren't handsome the rest of the time."

Ominis gave a light laugh. "Someone's going all out on the compliments today." He turned his head enough to kiss her palm. "I suppose I'm not one to talk when-"

Raven abruptly leaned forward to peck his lips. It took him completely by surprise, making him lose his train of thought. He knew he was most certainly blushing. To his displeasure, the girl had already stepped back away from him. She gripped her hands tight with slight nervousness, but had a giddy smile on her face while gazing at him affectionately.

Dazed, Ominis gingerly touched his lips, still imagining hers against them. "Raven...darling...d-did you just...?"

"Consider it a little motivation to make this a night to remember." She moved past him, gliding her hand across his arm as she went. "See you this evening, my dear Ominis."

She left him standing there in stunned silence. Upon leaving the common room, Raven gave herself a pat on the back. There was no way of knowing what Ominis was planning, but she made it quite clear to him that she wanted that night to be special. Considering they had yet to share their first kiss, Raven was hoping for just that. It would be the perfect setting, as long as they could find somewhere private where faculty wouldn't see them. There was no doubt the professors would be acting as chaperones to keep things civilized.

Soon enough, Raven was at Gladrags with Natty and Poppy, picking up the gowns they ordered. Poppy's dress was a pale pink with a floral pattern. Natty's was red with gold trim at the hem, sleeves and collar. And Raven's, well, hers was definitely the most expensive of the bunch.

"They're all beautiful!" Raven exclaimed.

"It is exactly the way I wanted," Natty said, looking hers over with satisfaction.

"I adore the patterns on mine!" Poppy added.

After paying Mr. Hill, the trio left with their new formal wear. Raven wanted to hurry back and clean up so she could wear this lovely new addition to her wardrobe.

"By the way, I've been curious to know how Ominis asked you to the ball, Raven." Poppy looked up at the taller girl. "Was he bashful?"

"Not really. He just kind of asked me. What about you two? Who are you going with?"

"Amit invited me," Poppy explained. "It was adorable actually. He made this little beast related puzzle, and once I solved it, the question was written inside."

Natty placed her hand over her chest. "As for me, I took pity on Garreth. He scared away every girl he asked by trying to feed them some new brew of his. We decided to go as friends."

"That's way different from Ominis. To be fair though, he already knew I'd agree to go with him." She gave a delighted hum. "Now I'm positively thrilled for the ball."

"Raven, isn't the dress a bit much, though? Since Ominis..." Poppy was quick to shake her head. "Nevermind. I don't wish to sound rude."

"You think I shouldn't dress up too much because he's blind?"

Natty gasped. "Poppy! That is not an appropriate thing to bring up!"

"No, it's all right," Raven interrupted. "I'm dressing up for myself as much as Ominis. I want to put a lot of effort into my appearance because I know he'd do the same if the roles were reversed. And for the record, I don't care if he can't see me. I know his feelings are true. That's all that matters."

"Now that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard," Poppy replied. "Let's hurry up and get ready. You don't want to keep your sweetheart waiting."

~~~~~

Ominis straightened out his bowtie one last time, taking a deep breath once he was certain he was finished. "How do I look?"

Sebastian turned his attention to his friend, looking him over. "Like a daring prince on a quest to charm all the ladies."

"There's only one lady I'm interested in charming," he replied with a dreamy sigh. "I can only imagine how lovely she's going to be tonight."

"You won't have to imagine if everything goes as planned." The brunet straightened out his sleeves, getting his tailcoat in order. "You nervous about the big surprise?"

"A bit. I'm more elated than anything."

"You have the potion, then?"

Ominis slid the vial from his pocket to show him. The liquid inside was a dark green hue, noticeably different from Wiggenweld. "Right here." He tucked it away again. "And really, thank you for all your help in brewing it. I mean it when I say I couldn't have done it without you. You know how horrendous my concoctions turn out."

"Don't mention it. I'm just glad I could help. Now if you're done, let's get going."

The boys made their way out of their dorm, passing fellow students on their way to the Great Hall. Everyone was dressed up in nice suits and gowns. Ominis remained alert, keeping an ear out for his date to be sure he didn't miss her. There were magical orbs of light floating in and around the Great Hall, glowing softly to give a relaxed atmosphere. A night sky covered in twinkling stars covered the ceiling. The usual tables had been removed to allow space to dance. There was a buffet table off to the side, and enchanted instruments playing at the far end where the headmaster's lectern normally was. People were flooding in, creating more and more chatter.

"I don't see Raven anywhere," Sebastian informed his friend. "Must not have finished as early as us."

"How about a drink while we wait?"

"Sounds perfect. This suit is awfully stuffy for my tastes."

Ominis chuckled. "You're simply not accustomed to dressing formally."

Garreth was currently at the buffet table, receiving a stern warning from Sharp about not adding any of his own mixtures to the drinks. Sebastian couldn't help from snickering. Avoiding the pair, the Slytherins grabbed some punch. It helped to calm Ominis, for his anticipation was utter agony.

"So," Sebastian began, taking a sip of his punch, "try not to get too jealous when a bunch of boys start fawning over Raven."

The blond quirked a brow. "What do you mean? I was led to believe Prewett was the only admirer she had."

"He was the only one we knew about. But come on, a pretty girl at a fancy ball - people will jump at the chance to mingle and dance with her. Need I remind you that your relationship isn't widely known."

Ominis hummed in a somewhat irritated way. "Well they can look all they like, but Raven is mine."

His friend started laughing. "Watching you get all riled up over it is the best part." Sudden gasps and murmurs caught their attention, and Sebastian looked to see the doors being pushed open. "Looks like someone's getting lots of attention. Let's go see, shall we?"

The blond gave a silent nod, gulping down the rest of his punch to follow his friend. They moved through the crowd until Sebastian could see clearly. Poppy and Natty had arrived, and they were earning quite a bit of attention with their elegant gowns.

"It's Natty and Poppy. I've never seen them look so incredible." Even Sebastian sounded amazed, but nothing could've prepared him for Raven's arrival. "And...Merlin... Raven is... She looks like a princess right out of a storybook."

"Describe her for me."

He tore his eyes away from the girl to give his friend a slightly confused look. "What? But you-"

"Describe her," Ominis demanded. "Please, Sebastian. And don't leave out a single detail."

Sebastian had to wonder what the point was, but he complied. "Her gown is a light purple color with silver embroidery along the bottom of each layer. It's snug around her torso with flared sleeves that reach her elbows. The top is also embroidered, with a square neckline that...reveals a bit more than it should."

Ominis frowned a little at the fact that he was looking at her like that, but he knew it couldn't be helped. "And what of her hair? I'm certain she has it up."

"She does. It's in an elegant bun. Her bangs still frame her face, though."

"She sounds divine," Ominis breathed out.

"Ominis!" Raven lightly called, smiling when she spotted him. She split off from her friends and approached the boys, ignoring the obvious stares of her peers. "Good evening, gentlemen. I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

The blond shook his head. "Not at all. And now that you're here, would you care to dance?" He held out his hand to her, wasting no time in showing everyone that she was taken.

"I'd love to."

She took his outstretched hand, giving a small, friendly wave to Sebastian before leading her sweetheart out to the dance floor. He put away his wand in order to place his free hand on her waist, feeling hers take its position on his shoulder. He gave her the lead since he couldn't safely navigate without bumping into another couple. Their chests were lightly touching as they began to waltz.

"By the way, it seems I was correct," Raven said, gazing into his unseeing eyes. "You do look dashing this evening. The suit makes you look quite distinguished."

"Thank you. But I'm certain you're the most radiant one here. In fact, judging by the reactions you received upon arriving, I'd wager I'm right."

"Ominis, stop. You're going to make me blush." She was giggling bashfully.

"I bet you look even prettier when you blush." He followed her subtle cue and gave her a spin before bringing her in closer. "You still dance as beautifully as I remember."

"Oh, that's right, we used to practice when we were children. This is almost just like it used to be."

"Except we've matured considerably. We're no longer the naive children we once were. But one thing has remained the same - my feelings for you, dove."

Raven was definitely blushing at that point. "You're being exceptionally sweet."

"You said you wanted this to be a night to remember. I'm simply obliging."

The first dance ended, and they were well into their second dance when an explosion sounded from the buffet table. Everyone paused to see that Garreth had, despite warnings, made one of the drinks that had just exploded and made a mess of the food and the people surrounding it. One girl ran out of the Great Hall in tears that her drink had ruined her dress. Several of the chaperones went to investigate, clean up, and reprimand the perpetrator. The timing was perfect, as the distraction gave them an opportunity to slip away unnoticed.

"Come with me," Ominis whispered in her ear.

Taking his wand, he felt the girl wrap her arm around his. They discreetly made their way through the crowd. Off to the left of the entrance was a corridor and stairs that, when climbed, led to a small storage area just above the Great Hall. It was empty and secluded there, so they knew they wouldn't be disturbed. They could still hear the faint music from the Great Hall below, creating a slightly more romantic atmosphere.

"Plenty of privacy here," Raven commented. She turned toward the boy and placed her hands on his shoulders expectantly. "I didn't really expect a dusty old place like this, but I suppose it'll serve its purpose."

Ominis smiled. "It will indeed. I have a surprise for you."

Raven cocked her head to the side. "A surprise?"

He reached into his pocket and slid out a potion of some kind. At just a glance, Raven mistook it for Wiggenweld at first, but the color was off. She squinted to try and figure it out.

"Do you know what this is?" he asked.

"Can't say I do."

"Then allow me to show you. Is there a mirror anywhere in here?"

"Um..." Raven scanned the area in confusion. "There's an old vanity mirror behind that folding screen over there. What's it for?"

"Just to be certain this brew works properly. Give me just a moment, darling."

She stepped away to give him privacy, waiting patiently. There were a couple of uncomfortable grunts from the other side of the screen, which started to worry Raven. Ominis had downed the brew, which tasted disgusting, and to his great astonishment, the world around him came into view. He touched his now freckled face. He found a pair of brown eyes staring back at him, and his hair was now curly and brown.

"Ominis, you all right?" Raven called.

"Yes... Yes, I'm fine." The voice that left him was that of his best friend. "I just...had no idea this is what Sebastian looked like." Raven's brows shot up at the sound of the brunet's voice. "My, there's so much more color to everything than I imagined." When he came out from behind the screen, it was Sebastian in his place, or at least, he looked like Sebastian. They gasped simultaneously when their eyes met. "Oh... Oh my... Raven..."

She didn't even care that his gaze was roaming all over her, because she was in complete shock at the realization. "Ominis...you brewed Polyjuice Potion? How? When?"

His eyes never left her as he answered, "I had Sebastian's help, and his permission, of course. It took almost two months, and with our poor experience, it'll probably only last thirty minutes, if even that. But by Merlin, it was worth it." He slowly moved closer, his arms outstretched with a need to hold her.

"But...why?" She was starting to tear up. The question was pointless, but she wanted confirmation. She needed to hear him say it.

"Because I wanted to see you at least once in my life." When he reached her, his arms wound around her frame and he smiled down at her. "You're my world, Raven. I wanted to have your face in mind whenever I think of you. But I underestimated just how beautiful you'd be." Her tears of joy started to escape her eyes, but his fingers were there to swiftly catch them. "You're like a radiant angel standing before me. I know you so well, and yet, I'm only just now seeing you for myself."

Raven was forcing back the urge to cry from just how touching it was. "Oh, Ominis..." She was speechless. The only odd part was his appearance being that of Sebastian. But his sincere and eloquent way of speaking let her know it was still him underneath.

"Merlin, look at you," he mumbled more to himself than her. "You have the loveliest face. And I adore your eyes. And look." His thumb swiped over the little mark under her left eye. "You have the prettiest beauty mark right here." He leaned in to plant a delicate kiss on it. His fingers then found their way into her hair. "I hope you don't mind. I wish to see how you look with your hair down." He gently tugged loose the silver ribbon keeping her hair up, allowing it to fall free for his hands to get lost in. "As soft as I remember. And gorgeous to look at."

Raven finally took hold of his hands, a happy, beautiful smile adorning her face for him. "Ominis, it took me forever to get my hair in that perfect bun."

"Forgive me, I couldn't help myself. I want to properly memorize every aspect of you."

He got lost in her emerald eyes and subconsciously started leaning in. Raven pressed a finger to his lips to stop him when she noticed how close he was getting. "I'm sorry, I can't. Not while you look like Sebastian. It wouldn't feel right."

Ominis gave a gruff sigh. "I suppose you have a point. Then I will simply have to enjoy looking at you until time is up."

"Look all you like. We can have another dance in the meantime."

The boy wasted no time in taking his position, but since they were alone and he could see, he led their dance. So many times he was mesmerized by the way her hair flowed when she moved, or the way her gown swayed with each of her steps. And despite his manners, he more often than not was blatantly staring down at her cleavage. It almost made the girl laugh knowing that he was still a teenage boy like any other in that regard. After a little dancing, Raven began to notice his freckles fading away.

"I think the potion is wearing off."

Ominis halted their dance to immediately feel his hair. The curls were beginning to smooth out, and the color was lightening up. "It appears so." With one hand on her waist, he pulled her closer until their chests were flush against each other. "Then please, let your eyes be the last thing I see."

Raven gently slid her hand to the back of his neck, pulling him down a little. She got up on her toes in order to press her forehead to his. With that pretty smile of hers, she stared straight into those brown eyes. Ominis enjoyed both the contact and the chance to see all the admiration and love in her gaze, and it filled his heart with joy to know it was directed at him. He watched her slowly fade from his vision until he could see nothing once more. But he relished in the fact that her beauty was now etched in his mind.

Raven found herself gazing into those moonstone eyes she was so fond of. "There's my Ominis." He was back to being himself again.

"It was nice while it lasted. But I'm content that my wish has been fulfilled. All I've ever wanted was to gaze upon your beauty, and at last, I got to do just that." His other hand went up to the side of her face, gliding slowly until he was delicately holding her chin. "My gaze hasn't drifted, has it? Am I still looking at you?"

She nodded, finding his crystal orbs looking through her. "You are."

"Good. I want you to know that I love you, Raven. I love you more than anything else. You're my everything."

His confession had her heart pounding. "I love you too, Ominis. I love you so very much."

She kept one hand behind his neck while the other rested against his chest. When he leaned in, she instinctively closed her eyes. The moment his lips were on hers, it felt like sparks were flying. He was so gentle in his kiss and it captivated her. It almost felt like the world around them had disappeared, leaving them completely alone. Even once they parted, it was only for a second before they went in for another kiss. Raven's lips were so soft against his slightly rougher ones. It was heavenly. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of their lips locked together, Raven broke away to breathe. But Ominis, he didn't seem too keen on parting yet. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close so he could dive down to nose at her neck.

"Breathtaking. You're simply wonderful, darling. And you smell delectable tonight. Like vanilla."

Of course he noticed the subtle scent of her perfume. It was when his lips met her skin that got Raven really flustered, though. Such intimate contact was different, but in a good way. She grasped his upper arms and tilted her head to the side, allowing him to do as he pleased.

"O-Ominis..."

Her voice was soft when she muttered his name. It encouraged him to plant another kiss lower on her neck, then another at the edge of her shoulder. The boy just couldn't help himself. His thoughts were muddled and his feelings overflowing. He just wanted to shower her in affection. But he needed to show some restraint. It wouldn't be right to let his desires motivate him. And it certainly wasn't the time or place for such things. He picked his head up to find her lips one last time, feeling her respond in kind. It was such a special moment, and one only they shared. So it was rather startling when footsteps met their ears.

"Oh, uh, looks like my timing was off."

The couple parted and Raven looked toward Sebastian at the top of the steps. He was subtly smirking at her noticeably rosy cheeks and soft panting. "S-Sebastian, what are you doing here?" She was far too flustered to even be angry at his intrusion.

"He was keeping watch for us," Ominis explained. "To be certain we weren't interrupted. I would've hated for anyone else to seek out this spot to escape prying eyes."

Sebastian nodded. "Especially since we couldn't have anyone knowing about our Polyjuice Potion. Its use isn't exactly allowed in the school." He cleared his throat. "So? How'd it work?"

"It didn't last long. Around twenty minutes or so. But it worked." The blond took hold of Raven's face, cupping her cheeks. "And now I have Raven's beautiful face imprinted in my mind. Thank you, Sebastian. I couldn't have done any of this without your help."

The brunet waved a hand dismissively. "I'm sure you would've figured something out. When it comes to Raven, your feelings give you more determination than I ever thought possible." The two simply smiled at the truth in that, savoring the moment in each other's arms for a little longer. Sebastian didn't even have the urge to tease them because the sight was too heartwarming for him to ruin. He did, however, fake a cough to get their attention. "We should return to the ball before someone comes searching for us."

"I suppose it can't be helped." Ominis pecked the girl's cheek. "We can all grab something from the buffet before Garreth makes a disaster of anything else."

Raven giggled, suddenly remembering that her hair was still down. "Oh, hold on. I need to fix my hair." She fetched the ribbon that had been dropped on the floor.

"Please, allow me. I'm the one who took it out of the lovely updo you had it in."

Raven gathered her long hair, pulling it up into a tight bun. Her sweetheart moved behind her, finding where her hands held her hair and putting his deft fingers to work. He tied the ribbon elegantly to hold her hair.

"Thank you." Raven then locked her arm with his. "Now, let's go. I could definitely go for something to eat."

The trio headed back down to the Great Hall, being discreet and making sure no one spotted them. If a young couple were found alone together, it could create quite scandalous rumors. Rejoining the party, they went to the buffet table, which had fortunately been cleaned up. Poppy and Amit were there discussing their interests. Poor Natty was shaking her head at Garreth, who was still in the scrutinizing gaze of his aunt. With so much going on, no one seemed to pay their absence any mind. The remainder of the ball was lively, and those that attended had a great time. But the fun had to come to an end.

It was late in the evening when Raven was on her way out and found Ominis and Sebastian in the Clocktower Courtyard near the southern exit. "Are you two getting ready to head home?"

Sebastian nodded, a suitcase in his hand. "We are. We're taking the Floo Network since it's pretty far south of Hogwarts."

"Are you absolutely certain you wouldn't like to join us in Feldcroft?" Ominis asked. "I'd love nothing more than to spend the entire break with you."

"I would, but..." The girl looked away sadly. "I really want to get home. I need to be with my grandfather for a while. Just to be certain everything's fine."

Sebastian raised a brow. "Why wouldn't things be fine?"

Ominis set down his suitcase to take her shoulders. "Is this about the other day when we took the Kneazle kitten? Has anything come about that Dark wizard you thought you saw?"

"Fortunately, no. I'm starting to believe it really was a figment of my imagination brought on by paranoia. There's been no trace of him. But I still can't help but worry. I never want to risk anything happening to my grandfather. He's the only family I have left."

Ominis smiled sadly. "I understand. If I didn't help the Sallow's prepare for Christmas every year, I'd go with you. But I also have my own preparations to make as well. Alas, we'll have to wait for Christmas Eve, dove."

"It's all right, Ominis. We'll see each other soon." She hugged him, earning a cozy embrace in return. "And absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"That's what they say, anyway. In any case, I'll see you in Feldcroft soon enough. Until then." He found her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the top of it.

"See you both at Christmas."

Raven parted from her sweetheart and transformed, taking off. But before she even left the courtyard, she stopped midair and turned back. She flew down to land on Ominis's shoulder, pressing the top of her head affectionately against his cheek. He couldn't help but chuckle and mumble 'I'll miss you' to her. She took off again, this time disappearing into the night sky and not looking back.