December 24th Snow

This Christmas, Hogwarts was transformed into a winter wonderland by Hagrid and the house-elves. The towering Christmas tree in the Great Hall nearly touched the ceiling, adorned with twinkling lights, shimmering snowflakes, and countless colorful ornaments. The air was filled with the scent of pine and the sound of laughter as students eagerly prepared for the Yule Ball.

Ron, however, was less enthusiastic. He stood in the boys' dormitory, staring at his lace-trimmed dress robes in horror. "Do I really have to wear this? I look ridiculous!"

Harry, already dressed and impatient, checked his watch. "Ron, it's fine! It's vintage. Now hurry up—Ginny's waiting!"

"Vintage?!" Ron groaned, tearing at the lace with his wand. "And don't think I haven't noticed you sneaking glances at my sister!"

Just then, Fred and George burst into the room, their new dress robes immaculate. "Merlin's beard, Ron! Did you borrow that from an old lady's wardrobe?" Fred teased.

Ron glared at them. "Why do you two get new robes?"

"Because we bought them with our own money," George said, tossing a black box to Ron. "Here. You're welcome."

Ron opened the box to find a much more stylish set of robes. "Thanks," he muttered, quickly changing.

---

Meanwhile, Joey was in the girls' dormitory, arguing with Angelina over her outfit. "I don't want to wear high heels!" Joey protested, wobbling unsteadily.

"You'll look stunning," Angelina insisted, adjusting Joey's light gold halter-neck dress. The tulle fabric clung to her figure, and the open back revealed delicate butterfly bones. Her hair was styled in a loose bun with braids and a crystal butterfly hairpin, and a few curls framed her face.

Fred, waiting impatiently at the entrance to the girls' dormitory, called up, "Joey, if you don't want to wear heels, don't! I'll carry you if I have to!"

The older girls passing by giggled. "Fred, you're such a sweetheart!" one of them said.

Finally, Angelina pushed Joey out of the dormitory. Fred's jaw dropped as he took in her appearance. "Wow," he breathed, his eyes lingering on her dress. "You look… amazing."

Joey blushed, clutching his arm for balance. "These heels are going to kill me," she muttered.

Fred grinned. "I'll carry you if I have to."

---

In the Great Hall, the Yule Ball was in full swing. The four champions—Harry, Cedric, Fleur, and Viktor Krum—opened the dance with their partners. Ginny, in a stunning red off-the-shoulder dress, twirled in Harry's arms, her laughter lighting up the room.

Ron, now in his new robes, watched Hermione dance with Krum, his expression sour. "How did she end up with Krum?" he grumbled.

Joey, leaning on Fred's arm, smirked. "Who could say no to Krum?"

Fred tightened his grip on her waist, his tone teasing but possessive. "You'd better not be thinking about it."

Joey laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Of course not. I'm only your dance partner, darling."

As the music slowed, Fred pulled Joey close, their bodies swaying together. Her bun had loosened slightly, and her cheeks were flushed from the heat of the dance floor. Fred couldn't resist kissing her, his lips brushing hers as they moved to the music.

When the dance ended, Flami and George approached, handing Joey a glass of fruit wine. She drank it eagerly, unaware that it was spiked with something stronger.

"How's the evening going?" George asked Fred with a knowing grin.

Fred glared at Flami. "Did you spike her drink?"

Flami shrugged innocently. "Just a little help."

George clapped Fred on the shoulder. "Good luck tonight, brother."

As the night wore on, a Durmstrang boy approached Joey, extending his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Joey, slightly tipsy, giggled. "I have a boyfriend, you know. He might punch you."

The boy smiled. "I know, but I had to try."

Fred stepped between them, his expression firm. "She's not interested."

Joey wrapped her arms around Fred from behind, peeking over his shoulder. "He's right. I'm not interested."

The boy retreated, and Fred turned to Joey, his eyes soft. "Ready for our date?"

Joey's eyes sparkled. "You have a plan?"

"The perfect plan," Fred said, taking her hand. "Let's go."

As they left the Great Hall, the snow outside glistened under the moonlight, and the magic of the night was just beginning.